AGP Executive Report

Eagle Mountain Gold Deal: Canada’s Mako Mining signed a mineral agreement with Guyana for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project, setting a stability framework as construction is expected to start in Q3 2027 and gold production targeted for end-2028. Oil & Costs Watch: Brent crude pushed above US$100 as Middle East supply risks mount, a move that could lift transport and production costs for the region. Trade & Logistics Pressure: CARICOM’s private sector group warns El Niño is cutting Panama Canal transits, raising landed costs and thinning inventories for 2026 Q4 and 2027. Local Water Conservation: GWI issued an El Niño advisory urging households to save water immediately. Guyana–Japan Ties: Finance Minister Ashni Singh met Japan’s delegation to deepen trade and attract more Japanese companies to Guyana. UK Export Finance Push: Guyanese businesses were urged to tap a £3B UKEF facility to fund equipment and expansion. Extradition Court Drama: In the Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed extradition case, the Special Branch head testified he shredded and burned records tied to a US Marshal’s post-arrest conversation. Business Disruption: A major fire destroyed the Regent Household Electronics Store on Regent Street, Georgetown. Sports (Business Angle): Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched top CPL playoff seeding after beating St Lucia Kings.

Oil & Energy Markets: Brent crude pushed back above US$100 as Middle East tensions and US-Iran strikes raised fears of supply disruption, keeping energy costs and investment sentiment in focus. Local Power & Infrastructure: GPL says it will add 5MW to the national grid, but questions linger on whether it can tame chronic blackouts while the Wales gas-to-energy project remains delayed. Mining Investment: Mako Mining signed a mineral agreement with the Government for the Eagle Mountain gold project, with construction targeted for Q3 2027 and first production expected by end-2028. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says the sector has “massively transformed” since 2020, citing big budget growth and higher output in rice and priority commodities. Water Conservation: GWI issued an El Niño dry-weather advisory urging households to cut water use immediately. Trade & Finance: Guyanese businesses were urged to tap a £3B UK Export Finance facility to fund equipment and expansion. International Partnerships: President Ali says Guyana-Qatar ties are deepening into a strategic partnership across energy, investment, food security and human capital. Governance & Courts: Extradition proceedings for Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed resume, with the prosecutor citing “compelling evidence.” Business & Safety: Police seized suspected smuggled goods at Port Kaituma, arresting a businesswoman. Sports (Business-leaning): Guyana Amazon Warriors secured top CPL playoff seed after a win over St Lucia Kings, powered by Imran Tahir’s record-setting 5/17.

UK–Guyana Trade & Financing: UK Export Finance says it can back Guyanese private-sector imports of non-oil goods, with up to £3B available, as UK–Guyana trade hits over £2.2B for Q1 2026. Energy Costs & Oil Prices: Brent surged above $100 a barrel again on Middle East escalation, raising fears of higher transport and business costs. Digital Trade Warning: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report says Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade rules and infrastructure, urging stronger commitments and integration. Migration Deal Under Fire: Guyana’s first arrivals of “skilled, non-criminal” third-country deportees from the US (via IOM) are drawing calls for the full agreement to be published. Oil Profit-Sharing Debate: Former EPA head Dr Vincent Adams urges ring-fencing to protect Stabroek Block profit share from sliding. Local Business Disruption: Regent Household Electronics on Regent Street was gutted by a major fire, with nearby businesses also scorched. Maritime Salvage Bids: Three firms submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima after its July sinking. CPL Spotlight: Imran Tahir made history with a record-oldest T20 five-wicket haul as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Saint Lucia Kings.

Oil & Inflation Watch: Brent crude jumped back above US$100 a barrel for the first time since July 24, climbing about 2% as US-Iran tensions and Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi energy facilities stoked fresh fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Local Energy Politics: Opposition figures renewed pressure on GPL over blackouts, while former EPA head Vincent Adams urged President Ali to ring-fence future Stabroek Block projects to protect Guyana’s profit share. Gas-to-Energy Update: PM Mark Phillips visited the Wales gas-to-energy site, saying major components are installed and the first gas turbine could come online by end-2026. Water Infrastructure: Government will use part of a US$76M CDB loan to install transmission mains for water supply in Regions 2, 3, 5 and 6. Maritime Recovery: Three firms submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima after it sank in July; NPTAB will evaluate bids before negotiations. Digital Trade Push: World Bank/IDB/WTO warned Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade frameworks and integration. Business & Industry: ANSA McAL named Padma De Lima as managing director of Guyana Breweries effective Oct 1, 2026. Sports (CPL): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win at Providence.

Oil & Energy Markets: Brent crude surged back above $100 a barrel on Wednesday, driven by intensifying US-Iran tensions and attacks on Middle East oil infrastructure, raising fresh supply-disruption fears and adding to global energy-cost pressure that could spill into inflation and borrowing costs. Guyana–Qatar Diplomacy: President Irfaan Ali used Guyana’s 60th Independence celebrations in Doha to frame ties with Qatar as a “partnership of purpose,” with talks also covering expanded cooperation in investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and carbon credits. Power Reliability Watch: GPL says rising peak electricity demand is overloading feeders and transformers, contributing to outages; it plans to add 5MW by Wednesday and is pushing generation and grid upgrades while warning the public about dangerous work near power lines. Wales Gas-to-Energy Progress: The Wales gas-to-energy plant is targeting “first-fire” around Dec. 4 as efforts continue to feed more megawatts into the national grid. Business Support: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce wrapped up its Community Business Clinic programme, expanding access to registration, tax, standards, financing and tourism guidance for entrepreneurs. Remittances Expansion: WapiPay entered Jamaica via a partnership with JN Money, enabling payouts through JN Money locations or direct bank deposits. Sports (Local Interest): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended Guyana Amazon Warriors’ CPL unbeaten run with a 65-run win.

Electricity Crunch & Grid Pressure: GPL says soaring peak demand (about 257MW) is overloading feeders and transformers, driving voltage fluctuations and outages; it plans to add 5MW by Wednesday and urges customers to avoid overloading the failing distribution grid. Energy Projects Progress: PM Mark Phillips and utilities officials visited the Wales Gas-to-Energy site as GPL reports steady work toward 600MW total capacity across phases, aiming to cut reliance on heavy fuel imports. Political Heat on Power Sector: Former Infrastructure Minister David Patterson blasts the Government’s electricity management as “clueless and incompetent,” while GPL points to demand and reserve-power limits. US Deportees Framework: Guyana begins accepting vetted, non-criminal third-country deportees from the US under a temporary one-year arrangement; officials stress sovereign veto power and no permanent resettlement. Community Business Support: Tourism, Industry and Commerce concluded its Community Business Clinic programme in Pakuri, expanding one-stop support for registration, taxes, standards, financing and tourism opportunities. Local Governance Clash: Linden Town Council faces a legal fight over municipal tolls on the Kara Kara Public Road after a ministerial cease-and-desist order. Mining Sector Social Impact: GGDMA rolls out 1,000 back-to-school packages worth over G$6M for children in mining communities. Aviation & Trade Links: Guyana’s appointment to ICAO’s Air Transport Regulation Panel and President Ali’s Qatar meetings highlight growing regional and global economic engagement. Housing Enforcement: CH&PA moves against unauthorised container storage at Herstelling, ordering removal within a week. Tech Leadership: TouchStar appoints Jamal Cobham as Managing Director as it pushes AI-native and civic/government tech expansion.

Electricity & Grid Stress: GPL says blackouts are driven by rising peak demand (7pm–9pm) and customers overloading breakers/AC settings; it urges users to notify upgrades and avoid increasing fuse amperage without permission. US–Guyana Migration Framework: Guyana has begun temporarily accepting vetted, skilled, non-criminal third-country nationals from the US (initially six arrivals); opposition MPs demand full disclosure and parliamentary scrutiny. Extradition Court Battle: Special Branch head Prem Narine told the extradition hearing that Azruddin Mohamed is a threat to society and national security, while defence argues the process is politically motivated. Oil Markets Watch: Brent stayed below $100 despite US–Iran escalation, with alternative routes and other producers offsetting supply disruptions; physical market signals tighter conditions. Energy Diplomacy: President Ali’s Qatar state visit highlights investment and energy cooperation, including talks between QIA and Guyana entities. Housing Push: CH&PA invited expressions of interest to build 400 sq ft one-bedroom units under the Social Housing Programme, and also plans townhouses at Ogle and Silica City. Tourism Uptick: Guyana recorded 48,582 visitors in August, up 5.6% year-on-year. Sports (CPL): Amazon Warriors remain unbeaten and moved to the top after replacing Nabi/Gurbaz for Afghanistan duty and winning key matches.

Power & Grid Stress: GPL admits the national grid is struggling, with distribution weaknesses exposed by outages and the biggest crunch between 7pm–9pm despite 253.6MW available generation. Housing Push: CH&PA invites contractors to build 400sqft one-bedroom homes under the Social Housing Programme (EOIs due Sept 21), while Govt also plans townhouses at Ogle and Silica City for young professionals. Tourism Uptick: Guyana recorded 48,582 visitors in August 2026, up 5.6% year-on-year, with leisure travel leading. Oil Governance Debate: Chartered accountant Christopher Ram urges ring-fencing every new Stabroek Block development to protect Guyana’s profit share from Exxon cost recovery. US Deportee Framework: Opposition MPs demand transparency after Guyana began receiving limited, vetted third-country deportees from the US (initial cohort of six). Extradition Court Drama: Special Branch head Prem Narine tells court Azruddin Mohamed is a threat to society and national security as extradition proceedings continue. Sports & Economy Mood: Amazon Warriors stay unbeaten in CPL as cricket tourism and local spending chatter grows.

Energy & Trade Routes: Oil importers are shifting away from traditional Middle East corridors as Iran-linked disruptions push longer, more dispersed supply lines—costlier, slower, but meant to cut geopolitical risk. Oil & Refining Debate: Energy experts warn Guyana’s refinery plans shouldn’t be limited to a 30,000 bpd target; they argue for larger capacity to better serve local fuel needs and reduce import dependence. Gas-to-Energy Project Risk: Lindsayca Guyana Inc. says it’s running out of funds for the Wales Gas-to-Energy Phase One, reportedly seeking an additional US$170M, raising doubts about meeting end-of-year grid delivery promises. Migration & Governance: Guyana finalized a temporary US migration cooperation framework via IOM for a limited, vetted group of non-criminal skilled deportees; officials say the US funds relocation while Guyana retains case-by-case discretion, drawing criticism over institutional capacity. Public Services & Standards: Leonora Hospital lab earns GNBS certification to boost diagnostic quality in Region Three. Local Infrastructure: GLSC plans new sub-offices in Mahdia and Springlands. Power Reliability: Linden reports 10 outages in two days despite added generation capacity. Business & Youth: GCCI launches a Youth Entrepreneur Conference to train ages 10–17 for modern sectors like tourism, agro-processing, and AI. Sports (Economy Angle): Republic Bank CPL continues with Warriors’ unbeaten run and Next Gen cricket clinics in Barbados.

Duty-Free for Racing Boats: President Irfaan Ali told Lake Mainstay Regatta boat racers the government will explore a special import category with duty concessions for competitive racing boats, with strict eligibility to prevent recreational abuse. Amerindian Youth Financing: Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek urged Amerindian youth to prepare now for Guyana Development Bank financing, including loans up to $3M for business and development projects. US Deportee Deal Sparks Pushback: Guyana finalized a temporary framework to receive a limited, vetted group of skilled, non-criminal third-country deportees via IOM, with the US funding relocation; APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul warned Guyana must not become “last” in its own country. Gas-to-Energy Funding Strain: Lindsayca Guyana Inc. is reportedly running out of money on the Wales Gas-to-Energy project and has requested about US$170M more, raising delivery concerns. Oil Refinery Debate: Energy expert Marta Jara cautioned against Ali’s 30,000 bpd refinery plan, arguing Guyana should consider larger 300,000–500,000 bpd options to better meet fuel needs. GNBS Quality Boost: Leonora Cottage Hospital Lab earned GNBS certification for key diagnostic testing areas, adding to certified labs nationwide. Power Reliability Woes in Linden: Despite added generation capacity, Linden saw 10 outages in two days, according to MP Sharma Solomon. Land & Survey Expansion: GLSC plans new sub-offices in Mahdia and Springlands to improve regional service coverage. Infrastructure for Extractive Areas: Puruni River Bridge and access roads are advancing to replace a pontoon crossing with a permanent modular steel bridge and supporting community facilities. Road Safety Pressure: GPHC reports 1,500+ accident-related emergency visits up to end of August, with 180–200 per month. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched a Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, training young people in high-growth sectors like tourism, agro-processing, AI and marketing. Sports with Economic Angle: Republic Bank CPL Next Gen clinics in Barbados and Guyana’s archery event sponsorships highlight sports tourism and grassroots development.

US–Guyana Migration Framework: Guyana says it has finalised an agreement with the United States to temporarily receive a limited, vetted number of skilled, non-criminal third-country nationals via IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, with Guyana able to review and reject individuals case-by-case and the US covering relocation costs. Copper Crackdown: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns it will shut down illegal copper and scrap-metal operations, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution for dealers found handling stolen copper. Oil & Trade Routes: Commentary highlights uncertainty around the post-2028 US–Venezuela oil deal and how geopolitical shocks are pushing major oil importers toward longer, more dispersed shipping routes. Local Business & Skills: ExxonMobil is seeking local suppliers for its Port Mourant oil-and-gas training facility, aiming to build accredited technician capacity for Stabroek Block operations. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launches its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, focused on early business and tech skills. Road Safety Pressure: GPHC reports 180–200 motor-vehicle collision emergency visits per month in 2026, with over 1,500 accident-related visits recorded by end of August. CPL Sport: Guyana Amazon Warriors extend their unbeaten run with an eight-wicket win over Jamaica Kingsmen, while CPL action also features Knight Riders’ win over Tridents.

US–Venezuela Oil Deal Uncertainty: A new U.S.-Venezuela oil deal raises a big question for investors: what happens after the 2028 U.S. election, when leadership changes could bring policy and risk shifts. Energy Trade Routes: Iran-related disruptions are pushing major oil importers to use longer, more dispersed shipping routes, increasing costs but improving resilience. Oil & Local Capacity: ExxonMobil is seeking Guyanese suppliers for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility, aiming to build accredited local technician skills. Migration Framework: Guyana and the U.S. have finalized a temporary migration cooperation deal under IOM, with Guyana receiving a limited, vetted number of skilled, non-criminal third-country nationals at U.S. cost. Anti-Illegal Copper Crackdown: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns scrap-metal dealers and signals licence cancellations and prosecutions over illegal copper trade. City Hall Finance Fight: AG Anil Nandlall demands a probe after claims that PNC-linked Maikwak Limited’s tax debt was cut from about $6B to $20–$25M. Road Safety Pressure: GPHC reports 180–200 motor crash emergency visits per month, with over 1,500 accident-related visits recorded up to end of August. Legal Education Milestone: Guyana breaks ground for its first law school at Turkeyen, easing long-standing regional placement limits. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launches a Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, with hands-on tracks in the orange economy, tourism, agro-processing and AI-enabled business.

CPL Spotlight: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets at Providence, chasing 160 with Gurbaz and Dindyal sealing the win in the PowerPlay. Local Sports & Youth: Courts Optical Pee Wee U11 Football Tournament (13th edition) launches Sept 19 with 35 primary school teams; also, Warriors host Kingsmen tonight in Providence’s home leg. Power & Town Governance: APNU MP Sharma Solomon rejects GPL’s plan to integrate Linden into the national grid by 2029, warning of cost and reliability risks. Extradition Court Drama: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman refuses to revoke Azruddin Mohamed’s bail; hearings continue as police tender extradition documents and Special Branch records are challenged. Housing & Fraud Probe: Police investigate allegations a British businessman defrauded Guyanese of about $145M over promised homes; Modular Build Guyana says the CEO-fleeing claims are false and it remains operational. Business & Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN’s local payout infrastructure. Mining & Exploration: Omai Gold says its Omai resource estimate rose 86% in 16 months; Altair Minerals ramps drilling at its Region Seven gold targets with multiple rigs. Regional Energy/Policy: Brazil’s Ibama clears Petrobras for three new deep wells in Foz do Amazonas, reigniting the environment vs reserves debate.

Linden Power & Local Control: APNU MP Sharma Solomon says GPL’s plan to fully integrate Linden into the national grid by 2029 could raise costs and hurt reliability, while Linden’s residents have long benefited from bauxite-linked arrangements. Extradition Court Battle: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman refused to revoke Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s bail in the US extradition case tied to alleged drone activity near President Irfaan Ali’s private home; the hearing continues as police witnesses face document-handling contradictions. Police Evidence Scrutiny: Special Branch head Prem Narine was ordered to produce operational records tied to the extradition documents, after defence challenged gaps and “typographical” inconsistencies. Mining & Exploration Push: Omai says its Omai Gold Project mineral resources jumped 86% in 16 months, while Australian Altair ramps drilling at its Region Seven gold targets with multiple rigs. Entrepreneurship & Skills: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, and ExxonMobil rolled out a US$100m, 10-year STEM teacher-training programme in Guyana. Energy & Trade Context: A report maps the biggest buyers of US oil, with the Netherlands and Mexico leading in 2025. Sports (CPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors host Jamaica Kingsmen at Providence as Warriors chase another win and playoff momentum.

Tourism & Regional Policy: President Irfaan Ali will keynote the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Georgetown on Oct. 5–9, focusing on smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism and how tech and climate pressures reshape jobs and community benefits. Oil & Fiscal Strategy: Economist Richard Rambarran says Guyana’s oil windfall must balance saving for the future with investing now, noting non-oil growth has also stayed strong and fiscal choices should stay sustainable. Agriculture Push for Region 10: Ali outlined major Linden/Region 10 investments via the Guyana Development Bank and Agriculture Ministry, including an agro-investment park and large-scale swine production to expand livelihoods for youth and women. Extradition Case Update: Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed’s U.S. extradition committal continues as the court keeps proceedings moving despite defence objections and document-tender disputes. Local Governance & Finance: Government met Linden Town Council over toll costs and operational efficiency, citing backlog issues in audited accounts and reviewing the council’s proposed 50% toll reduction. Infrastructure & Power: Plans include extending road works in Coomacka Mines and addressing water supply challenges, while GPL and partners move ahead on power substation and grid upgrades. Energy Logistics Pressure: Oil importers are shifting to longer trade routes as geopolitical risks disrupt traditional corridors, raising costs and travel times. Safety & Courts: State filed its defence in the Mahdia dorm fire civil case, denying negligence and pointing to alleged arson; separate labour probes continue after a fatal Houston construction accident.

Extradition Courtroom Twist: Guyana’s Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman deferred a ruling on treaty-related objections in the U.S. extradition case of opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed, while ordering the extradition proceedings to continue under Court of Appeal directions. Education & Inclusion: Project ANAIM, funded via the Greater Guyana Initiative and implemented by Food For The Poor, was launched to expand literacy and numeracy for 90 Indigenous women across Regions 1, 8 and 9. Local Government Accountability: Ministers met Linden Town Council over tolls and operational efficiency after reports of a backlog in audited statements; the council proposed a 50% toll reduction and government said it will review the numbers. Legal Fight Over Mahdia Fire: The State filed its defence in the Mahdia Secondary School dorm fire civil case, denying negligence and blaming a third-party arson act. Crime & Infrastructure Security: Police arrested a scrap metal dealer after a copper cable theft from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge; investigators say the stolen cable was sold for GY$15,000. Energy/Trade Context: Reports highlight how global oil importers are adapting to longer, safer trade routes as disruptions in key chokepoints reshape supply lines. Regional Business & Development: President Ali outlined further infrastructure and agro-investment plans for Linden and Region 10 during Cabinet outreach. Maritime Safety Watch: The M/V Barima Commission of Inquiry formally opened to the public for submissions ahead of later-month hearings, while salvage updates remain a question.