AGP Executive Report

Regional Media Spotlight: Guyana will host the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s 57th General Assembly and Media Awards (Aug 17–19), with delegates arriving from Aug 16 for talks and networking—an important moment for the local media scene. Fire Service Facilities: Fire Chief Gregory Wickham pushed back on claims about poor conditions at the Fire Service Headquarters, saying long-standing structural and plumbing defects forced repairs over the years and that staff welfare is being addressed. Ferry Safety Update: The MV Canawaima has been cleared to resume sailing between Guyana and Suriname after an Aug 13 reinspection, though technical follow-up will continue. Fisheries Training: CRFM ran a workshop in Georgetown to strengthen groundfish stock assessment skills for data-limited fisheries across the North Brazil Shelf ecosystem, supporting better management decisions. Sustainable Timber Boost: A new EU-funded portable sawmill was commissioned for the Upper Berbice Multipurpose Cooperative, aiming to add value to timber while building reduced-impact logging and business capacity. Oil Sector Milestones: ExxonMobil says it has produced one billion barrels from Guyana’s Stabroek Block in under seven years, as production ramps toward new projects. Water & Public Health: City Hall and GWI launched a major Bourda Market sanitation push, temporarily halting vending along Robb Street while drainage and sewage issues are cleared. Bottled Water Cost Push: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private plan to reduce bottled water costs, focusing on production and distribution margins. Climate & Resilience: A multi-agency response is underway after strong winds damaged 15 homes in Arau, Region Seven, with emergency shelter being set up. Education for a Changing World: CARICOM education ministers met in Georgetown under “Educating for life, purpose and Caribbean progress,” focusing on micro-credentials, assessments, maths, and stronger teacher support. Oil Exploration Tech: ExxonMobil says it’s using AI to identify new exploration opportunities in the Stabroek Block, alongside an expanded drilling programme. Regional Security Signal: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau told President Ali that Guyana has “huge strategic importance” for US-Caribbean cooperation on investment, infrastructure, crime, and security.

CARICOM Education Leadership: Guyana’s Minister Sonia Parag chaired the opening of the 52nd CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development on Education in Georgetown, with ministers focusing on “Educating for life, purpose and Caribbean progress,” including micro-credentials, regional assessments, math upgrades, and stronger support for teachers. TVET Push: Saint Lucia’s education delegation backed the regional skills drive, arguing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is key for jobs in a fast-changing economy. Bourda Market Sanitation: Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council temporarily halted street vending along Robb Street near Bourda Market while crews cleared waste, desilted drains, and worked with GWI on sewer repairs to tackle public health hazards. Bottled Water Cost Talks: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private plan to lower bottled water prices, focusing on production costs and distribution margins. Water Infrastructure Planning: GWI received two bids for design review and supervision of a new water treatment plant at Great Diamond, financed via an IDB/JICA climate-resilient water project. Strong Winds Damage: In Region Seven’s Arau, 15 homes had roof damage after strong winds, with CDC coordinating emergency support. Oil Tech Update: ExxonMobil says AI helped identify four new exploration opportunities in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, as drilling and a larger 2028–2033 campaign ramp up. Education + Climate Resilience: UNICEF training efforts highlighted how climate hazards are hitting children directly, pushing for climate-resilient planning in education, health, and water systems. Amerindian Justice Call: The Amerindian Peoples Association renewed calls for accountability over the MV Barima tragedy, urging urgent action including lifting the wreck.

CARICOM Education Ministers in Guyana: Ministers opened a two-day meeting in Georgetown under “Educating for life, purpose and Caribbean progress,” with Guyana’s Sonia Parag stressing education must build critical thinking and adaptability—not just exam success. Bourda Market clean-up: Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council halted street vending along Robb Street while crews and GWI tackled clogged drains and sewage problems around the market, dismantling makeshift stalls to cut public health risks. Bottled water price push: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private plan to lower bottled water costs, focusing on production costs and distribution margins. Wind damage in Region Seven: Strong winds damaged 15 homes in Arau; the CDC is coordinating emergency shelter and assessments with GDF, police, and regional authorities. Water infrastructure upgrade: GWI received two bids for design review and supervision for a new water treatment plant at Great Diamond (Block 3), tied to climate-resilient financing from IDB and JICA. Oil sector tech: ExxonMobil says AI helped identify four new exploration opportunities in the Stabroek Block as Guyana nears major production targets. Fresh farming opportunity: FAO-backed dragon fruit pilot projects are showing early success, with farmers reporting blossoms and expanding orchards. Justice and accountability after MV Barima: The Amerindian Peoples Association renewed calls for accountability over the MV Barima tragedy, including urgent steps to lift the vessel.

Severe Weather Response: Strong winds damaged 15 homes in Arau, Region Seven, with the Civil Defence Commission leading a multi-agency assessment and emergency shelter setup, as teams from the GDF, Police, RDC and village leadership move to quantify roof and other residential impacts. Oil & Environment Tech: ExxonMobil says it’s using AI and advanced seismic imaging to spot four new exploration opportunities in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, as it ramps drilling and seeks approvals for additional developments—raising the stakes for how digital growth aligns with environmental safeguards. Climate & Water Security: A global snapshot ranks Guyana among the top countries for freshwater per person, while also reminding readers that access to safe drinking water depends on infrastructure and water management, not just rainfall and rivers. Community Resilience Planning: President Ali’s Model Village push for Suddie (Region Two) puts “green, safe, clean” living and mental wellness at the centre, with residents shaping parks, waterfront upgrades, traffic and safety measures. Energy Infrastructure: GPL plans a US$4.8B five-year grid expansion and upgrade to cut losses and improve reliability, linking power upgrades to the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. Tourism Research Link: The CTO will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum during SOTIC 2026 in Guyana to connect research with policy and destination decisions. Domestic Airfare Debate: Aviation operators defend hinterland ticket prices as driven by high operating and insurance costs in remote conditions, while government pressure continues. Uranium Watch: U92 Energy moves ahead with funding plans for the Kurupung Uranium Project, expecting EPA approval for drilling this month. CCJ Integrity Tension: Regional judiciary leaders back the CCJ’s independence amid fallout from leaked emails alleging internal divisions and leadership concerns.

Tourism & Research: The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum during SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, aiming to link research with tourism policy and destination strategy. Model Villages (Suddie): President Ali visited Suddie, pitching a people-centred “model village” plan focused on safe, clean, green spaces and mental wellness, with residents shaping the final design. Airfares Debate: Guyana’s aviation operators say hinterland ticket prices reflect real operating costs—especially aircraft financing and insurance premiums—after President Ali raised affordability concerns. Poultry Supply: Government will temporarily import about 330,000 lbs of chicken weekly to stabilise supply and prices while local production ramps up. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, underscoring the urgency of climate resilience. Energy & Power: GPL outlined a five-year US$4.8B grid expansion and upgrade plan to boost reliability and cut system losses. Oil Milestone: Guyana has crossed the one-billion-barrel production milestone, with a new FPSO expected to push output beyond one million bpd by end-2026.

Oil & Energy Milestone: Guyana has crossed the one-billion-barrel production milestone, with output nearing 900,000 bpd and a new FPSO expected to push beyond 1 million bpd by end-2026. Climate Resilience, Community First: The LCDS 2030 resilience push is shifting toward implementation that improves daily life—coastal/river protection, drainage, water security, resilient roads, and livelihoods—so communities feel the benefits. Model Villages Roll Out: President Ali unveiled the Model Village plan for Suddie, with residents shaping designs for safer, cleaner, greener spaces and mental wellness, plus upgrades like parks, waterfront areas, traffic management, and services. Power Grid Upgrade: GPL plans a massive US$4.8B five-year transmission and distribution expansion to modernize the grid, cut losses, and meet rising demand. Airfare Cost Fight: Aviation operators say domestic hinterland fares reflect real costs—aircraft repayments, high insurance, and maintenance on laterite/gravel strips—while remaining open to review and support schemes. Poultry Supply Stability: Government will temporarily import about 330,000 lbs of chicken weekly to steady supplies and prices while local production strengthens. Tourism Research Push: CTO will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana to link research with practical policy and destination planning. Urban Environment Cleanup: Georgetown City Council temporarily shut vending along Robb Street, Bourda, for a major clean-up targeting clogged drains and sewage risks. Global Heat Record: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as Earth’s hottest July on record, underscoring the urgency of climate action.

Urban Waste & Drainage: Georgetown’s City Council paused vending on Robb Street, Bourda during a major clean-up to tackle clogged drains and a failing sewage setup, with GWI support. Model Villages, Region 2: Essequibo Coast communities in Region Two are set for “living community” upgrades—drains, roads, lighting, tree planting, and safer public spaces—after consultations with President Ali. Model Villages, Region 6: New Amsterdam’s municipal market and vendors’ hub, plus drains, utility pole works, and fire hydrant coverage, are planned under the same initiative. Energy & Grid: GPL unveiled a five-year US$4.8B transmission and distribution expansion to cut losses and modernise the grid. Climate Heat: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as Earth’s hottest July on record, underscoring intensifying global warming. Uranium Watch: Region Seven leaders are urging “hands off the Kurupung” as U92 prepares drilling after EPA approval. Tourism Push: CTO opened registration for SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct 5–9) with a new research forum and interCaribbean flight discounts. Airfare Debate: AOAG defended domestic hinterland fares as reflecting real operating costs and higher local insurance/maintenance. Food Security & Dairy: Amaya Milk Company says it will soon start producing mozzarella in Region Five, expanding value-added dairy for local farmers. LPG Safety: Guyana made LPG cylinder and low-pressure regulator standards compulsory after explosion and leak concerns.

Model Villages Roll Out: President Irfaan Ali says Region Two and Region Six communities will get “living community” upgrades under the Model Village initiative, including cleaner drains, safer roads, tree planting, better public spaces, and vending hubs—plus Region Six plans for a modern Skeldon Market with walkways, cross drains, street lamps, utility pole replacements, and green spaces. Waterfront Market Cleanup: Georgetown’s City Council paused vending along Robb Street (Bourda) during a massive clean-up to tackle clogged drains and sewage issues with GWI. Safety Standards for LPG: Guyana approved compulsory national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators after complaints about explosions and leaks, with GNBS revising GYS 264 and GYS 523 and tightening markings and compliance requirements. Entrepreneur Financing Push: The Guyana Development Bank is set to launch in Region Five soon, with financing and mentorship aimed at young people and women, including cluster-based ventures like swine and hydroponics. Climate & Conservation Link: A UG geography student’s Iwokrama internship highlighted how scientific research and Indigenous knowledge can strengthen Guyana’s climate resilience and conservation approach. Uranium Drilling Debate: Region Seven Vice-Chair Alden Marslowe urged “hands off the Kurupung” uranium project as U92 Energy prepares phase-one drilling after EPA approval. Regional Tourism Boost: CTO opened registration for SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct 5–9) and named interCaribbean Airways as official airline partner with a 25% flight discount.

U.S.-Guyana Critical Minerals: The Pentagon signed $2.03B in battery and critical-mineral deals, including an $85.5M equity investment tied to Strategic Bauxite USA to expand Guyana’s First Bauxite mine and add calcination capacity—linking the mineral supply chain to U.S. defense needs. Tourism & Connectivity: Registration is open for CTO’s SOTIC 2026 (Oct 5–9, Georgetown) under “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” with interCaribbean Airways named official airline partner and offering a 25% flight discount for delegates. Region 5 Jobs Push: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will launch in Region Five in about two weeks, with financing and mentoring aimed at young people and women, using the Model Village Initiative and cluster-based ventures like swine and hydroponics. Food Security via Farming Innovation: GRDB and FAO are piloting climate-smart rice-duck integration to cut herbicide, insecticide and synthetic fertiliser use while boosting income for rice farmers. Safety Standards for LPG: Guyana approved compulsory national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators after explosion and leak concerns, tightening requirements for markings and safety devices. Kurupung Uranium Alarm: Region Seven Vice-Chair Alden Marslowe urges the government and EPA to halt further approvals for U92 Energy’s Kurupung Uranium project, warning Guyana not to “gamble with the future” of the Middle Mazaruni. Model Village Market Upgrades: New Amsterdam’s market and vendors’ hub are set for modernisation under the Model Village Initiative, alongside drainage, waste removal, and utility relocation.

Uranium & Indigenous Rights: Region 7 Vice-Chair Alden Marslowe says “Hands off the Kurupung” and urges the EPA to stop further approvals for U92 Energy’s planned drilling at the Kurupung Uranium Project in the Middle Mazaruni. Public Safety: Guyana approved compulsory national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators after complaints of explosions and leaks, with GNBS revising key rules and requiring compliance markings. Model Village Push: President Ali rolled out the Model Village Initiative for New Amsterdam and Skeldon, promising cleaner, safer markets, upgraded drains and utilities, and more green spaces—plus a “system of living” approach. Health Infrastructure: The Ministry of Health plans to use part of a US$22M World Bank One Health loan for design and supervision of a new National Public Health Reference Laboratory. Climate & Conservation: UG geography student Rahul Changa’s Iwokrama internship highlights blending scientific research with Indigenous knowledge for climate resilience. Governance Shockwaves: Leaked emails have reignited concerns about Caribbean Court of Justice independence, with CCJ leadership reaffirming judicial independence. Oil & Environment Watch: A report notes ExxonMobil’s Alaska lease wins are still tied up in litigation involving Indigenous residents and environmental groups.

Model Village Markets & Town Upgrades (Region Six): President Irfaan Ali says New Amsterdam’s modernised municipal market will come with a vendors’ hub, upgraded drains, replacement/reinforcement of utility poles, and cleaner, safer public spaces—part of a wider “system of living” approach. Model Village Market Upgrade (Skeldon, Region Six): The Skeldon Market is set for major improvements including walkways, cross drains, culvert rehabilitation/replacement, street lamps, utility pole replacements, tree planting, and new green spaces. Public Safety Standards (LPG): Government approved compulsory national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators after public complaints about explosions and leaks, with GNBS revising GYS 264 and GYS 523 and requiring compliance markings. Health Infrastructure (One Health): The Ministry of Health plans to use part of a US$22M World Bank loan for design and supervision of a new National Public Health Reference Laboratory. Climate & Conservation (Iwokrama internship): A UG geography student says the internship strengthened the case for combining scientific research with Indigenous knowledge for climate resilience and conservation. Food & Farming (Rice-duck integration): GRDB and FAO pilot a climate-smart rice-duck system that can cut herbicides and fertiliser use while improving farm income. Democracy Watch (CCJ leadership): Reports allege deep internal divide at the CCJ, with accusations of authoritarian leadership and “panel fixing.” Indigenous Rights (CARICOM): CARICOM calls for stronger protections and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, linking traditional knowledge to environmental stewardship. Local Services (Region Five): Fort Wellington’s service centre has processed 15,000+ transactions in under three months, with plans to add on-site banking.

LPG Safety Upgrade: Guyana has approved compulsory national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators after explosion and leak complaints, with GNBS revising GYS 264 and GYS 523 and requiring compliance stamps and permanent cylinder markings. Emergency Works: $14.69M is earmarked for emergency rehabilitation of the Leonora Police Living Quarters, with bids coming in below the engineer’s estimate. Water, Waste, and Policy Debate: A new push to expand bottled water production locally is drawing criticism over plastic waste and the logic of shifting consumers from tap water. Climate Research from the Coast: UG geography student Rahul Changa is studying community perceptions of climate change and adaptation in Anna Regina, arguing mid-sized coastal communities need more attention in planning. One Health Lab Planning: The Ministry of Health will use part of a US$22M World Bank loan to design and supervise a new National Public Health Reference Laboratory under the One Health project. Agriculture, Lower Inputs: The GRDB and FAO are piloting a rice-duck integrated system to cut herbicide, insecticide and fertiliser use while boosting farmers’ income. Regional Development Push: President Ali’s Model Village Initiative is rolling out deeper than roads, with Region Five consultations and plans to link community projects to the new Guyana Development Bank. Bauxite for Security: The U.S. is investing US$85.5M (plus private funds) to expand Guyana bauxite supply for American defence supply chains. Oil Revenue Milestone: ExxonMobil says it has fully recovered its US$55B Stabroek investment, shifting the conversation to Guyana’s 50/50 profit split.

Health Security Boost: Guyana signed a US$1.79M Pandemic Fund agreement to strengthen the One Health approach, improving the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and environmental health. Public Health Lab Plan: The Ministry of Health is also moving ahead with a US$22M World Bank-backed project to design and supervise a new National Public Health Reference Laboratory, with bids set to open Aug. 31 and work expected to start Feb. 2027. Safer LPG Standards: Government approved compulsory national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators after cylinder explosions and leaks raised safety concerns, with GNBS revisions informed by a 60-day public consultation. Model Villages, Region 5 Focus: President Ali says Region Five communities will see sweeping upgrades under the Model Village Initiative, and the Guyana Development Bank is set to launch there in two weeks to fund youth and women-led ventures. Climate-Smart Farming: The rice-duck integrated system is being piloted to cut herbicide, insecticide, and fertiliser use while adding income for farmers. Food Supply Watch: GPPA has requested temporary chicken import licences to cover a shortfall over the next four weeks as local production lags demand. Oil Sector Update: Exxon says it has recovered its US$55B Guyana investment and costs, setting up a 50/50 production split going forward.

Climate-smart farming: Guyana’s rice sector is piloting a rice-duck integrated system that cuts reliance on herbicides, insecticides and synthetic fertiliser, with ducks acting as weed and pest control and their droppings feeding the soil—GRDB says farmers could reduce fertiliser use by 50% or more. Health security & One Health: The Ministry of Health has signed a US$1.79M Pandemic Fund agreement to strengthen Guyana’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and environmental health. Oil & gas economics: ExxonMobil says it has fully recovered its US$55B Guyana investment and operating costs, after which remaining production is shared 50/50 with the government. Uranium push: U92 Energy says it expects Guyana’s EPA to approve its environmental management plan this month so drilling can begin at the Kurupung Uranium project in Region Seven. Food supply pressure: The Guyana Poultry Producers Association is seeking temporary permission to import chicken to cover a likely four-week local shortfall and stabilise prices. Democracy watch: The Carter Center warns GECOM’s deadlock over commission composition could threaten the timing of Local Government Elections. Education progress: Hosororo Secondary School in Region One is nearing completion, with dorms planned for about 350 students and facilities for science, TVET and IT.

Heat & water stress: Hydromet warns Guyana could face up to 80 extreme heat days as El Niño strengthens, with risks of dehydration and water shortages during prolonged dry spells. Food & farming sustainability: GRDB and FAO are piloting a climate-smart rice-duck system to cut herbicides, insecticides and synthetic fertiliser use while boosting farmers’ income. Drinking water policy fight: GMSA and APNU question a state-owned GWI bottled-water push, while President Ali says GWI is not competing and that local firms should explain why imports are displacing them. One Health push: Guyana signed a US$1.79M Pandemic Fund-backed One Health project to strengthen prevention and response to public health threats, including zoonotic diseases and environmental health risks. Oil governance & environment: Exxon says it has recovered its US$55B Guyana investment, shifting Stabroek production sharing to a 50/50 split; meanwhile Dr. Vincent Adams criticises offshore oversight capacity and calls for stronger auditing. Uranium development: Canada’s U92 Energy expects EPA approval for phase-one drilling at the Kurupung Uranium Project in Region Seven. Local development with greener aims: President Ali’s Model Village consultations include drainage, safer streets, green spaces and biodiversity-focused planning for communities like Kaneville, Enmore and Non Pareil/Melanie. Maritime safety & ecology: The Maritime Administration seeks a salvage contractor to recover the MV Barima while preserving forensic evidence for the Commission of Inquiry.

Offshore Oversight Under Fire: Former EPA head Dr. Vincent Adams says Guyana’s oil regulators were weakened after 2020, arguing the state lost key World Bank-backed 24/7 monitoring capacity and now struggles to audit ExxonMobil effectively. Barima Salvage Scandal: Italian police arrested Dutch salvage owner Paul Koole, linked to the secret Guyana invitation tied to the MV Barima disaster, as critics also push for faster, safer salvage and stronger accountability. IMF Pressure on Cost-Oil Audits: Adams dismisses the IMF’s call to resolve ExxonMobil cost-oil audit disputes quickly, saying years of stalling and poor transparency have already eroded trust. Climate-Smart Farming: The GRDB and FAO are piloting a rice-duck integrated system to cut herbicides and synthetic fertiliser use while boosting farmers’ income. Heat and Water Warnings: Hydromet warns Guyana to brace for extreme hot spells and possible water shortages as El Niño strengthens. Model Communities Rollout: President Ali continues consultations for “model community” upgrades in East Bank villages, with drainage, green spaces, security and safer public areas in focus. Peace Corps Sworn In: 28 new volunteers (plus 5 response volunteers) begin two-year service supporting health, education and environmental work across Guyana.