AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Trade & Economic Policy: CARICOM’s COTED opened in Georgetown with Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett warning that energy, supply-chain shocks and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs are squeezing growth and food security across the region. Housing & Enforcement: Guyana’s Housing Ministry says it has engaged INTERPOL and the FBI to locate contractor Omar Malik (DreamVu Homes) after Young Professional Homes were left incomplete and advance payments vanished. Oil & Fiscal Pressure: A report claims ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC left Guyana with about US$2.4B in unpaid 2025 taxes, raising questions as the state also moves to borrow US$2.6B for the 2026 budget. Court & Accountability: The High Court ordered VP Bharrat Jagdeo to pay Charles Ceres about $17M in damages and costs in a defamation case. Water Infrastructure: GWI will spend about $251M to drill new wells at Garden of Eden and Houston. Agriculture & Fertiliser: Brazil signalled interest in Guyana’s fertiliser plant plans, pointing to deeper agri-trade links. Public Safety Works: 41 contractors bid to build Region 3’s new Police Divisional HQ at Leonora. Tourism Demand: Guyana recorded 40,149 visitor arrivals in May, up 20.6% year-on-year. Local Industry: SBM Offshore and ExxonMobil marked a local-content milestone with Guyanese fabrication for an FPSO water injection project. Global Spotlight: President Ali announced Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as Guyana’s nominee for UN Secretary-General.

Oil & Taxes: Stabroek Block partners ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC allegedly left Guyana with about US$2.4B in unpaid 2025 taxes, a figure that rivals the country’s oil earnings for the year—raising fresh questions about how petroleum wealth is captured. Budget & Gender Equity: A feminist budget analysis says the GY$1.588T 2026 national budget is largely gender-neutral and doesn’t tackle structural inequality fast enough as oil-driven spending ramps up. Court Ruling: The High Court ordered VP Bharrat Jagdeo to pay about $17M in damages and costs in the Charles Ceres defamation case. Water Infrastructure: GWI will spend about $251M to drill new wells at Houston and Garden of Eden. Housing Enforcement: The Housing Ministry says it has engaged INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS to pursue contractor Omar Malik/DreamVu Homes over unfinished Young Professional Homes. Agriculture & Trade: Brazil is showing interest in Guyana’s fertiliser plant plans, pointing to deeper agri-trade links. Local Industry/Offshore: SBM Offshore and ExxonMobil-backed work marks a local content milestone with Guyanese fabrication for an FPSO WIRD project. Tourism: Guyana recorded 40,149 visitor arrivals in May, up 20.6% year-on-year. EV Standards (CARICOM): CARICOM moves to harmonise EV charging standards, focusing on interoperability and safety requirements. Finance Crime: SOCU secured convictions in a Ponzi scheme case, sentencing the operators to jail and fines.

Ponzi Crackdown: SOCU secured convictions of Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael for running an unlicensed ACFI-style Ponzi that defrauded thousands of investors, sentencing both to 1 year jail and G$1M fines, with Dominguez also getting extra time for operating without Securities Council registration. Firearms Seizures: Police and CANU netted 23 AK-47 rifles and 529 rounds in West Bank Demerara, arresting one Venezuelan-linked suspect while two escaped. Justice System Upgrade: A PACE-funded workshop brought investigators and prosecutors together to speed cases, cut backlogs, and improve the link between scene work and courtroom prosecution. Housing Contractor Pursuit: The Housing Ministry says it has engaged INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS to locate Omar Malik and hold DreamVu Homes accountable for the Young Professional Homes failures. Sex Offences Bill Pushback: Minister Gail Teixeira insists the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill followed a year of consultations and defends the proposed National Sex Offender Database amid public criticism. Oil & Markets: Oil prices slid as hopes of a US-Iran peace deal eased supply fears; Goldman also cut its 2027 Brent forecast to $80. Tourism Boost: Guyana logged 40,149 visitor arrivals in May, up 20.6%, with the US as the top source market. Sports & Youth Investment: GBTI injected G$3.5M into Beharry’s U-19 cricket tournament, while Youth Basketball Guyana launched the 19th National School Basketball Festival with expanded regional participation.

Guyana Development Bank Bill Debate: APNU calls the Guyana Development Bank Bill “a recipe for disaster,” warning the framework concentrates control and should go to a Special Select Committee, while critics say the law’s wording doesn’t clearly lock in the promised zero-interest, no-collateral model. Security & Crime: CANU arrested a Venezuelan after finding 23 AK-47 rifles and ammunition in a vehicle on the West Bank of Demerara; two escaped. Housing Accountability: Housing officials say they’ve escalated the Omar Malik/DreamVu Homes contractor dispute internationally, engaging INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS to pursue homeowners’ claims. Oil & Power: ExxonMobil admits Guyana’s oil is already being used to repay the dormant gas pipeline to Wales for the future gas-to-energy push. Financial Crime Court Moves: SOCU secured committal of former MOH Drug Bond attendant Terrence Williams for High Court trial over alleged money laundering tied to missing drugs and COVID-19 testing kits. UN Diplomacy: President Ali announced Guyana will nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Secretary-General. Regional Trade Policy: CARICOM trade ministers met in Georgetown for COTED, focusing on energy-market shocks, higher fuel/food/fertiliser costs, and trade resilience. Business & Growth: Republic Bank CPL 2026 gets Flow as official telecom partner; ExxonMobil GSL also lands a Cricket West Indies promotional tie-up. Agriculture & Inclusion: Brazil signals interest in sourcing fertiliser from Guyana; First Lady Ali says Guyana will open its first autism-specialised school later this year.

CARICOM Trade Talks: The 62nd COTED opened in Georgetown with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett warning that energy-market and supply-chain shocks are pushing up costs and threatening food security across the region. Guyana Development Bank Bill: Critics are calling for Guyana Development Bank legislation to go to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee, arguing the bill’s wording leaves key lending terms unclear. U.S. Business Push: Former U.S. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch led a U.S. business delegation to Guyana to explore investment in AI, infrastructure, logistics, finance, aviation and maritime. Fertiliser Dealmaking: Brazil is looking to Guyana as a fertiliser source, with Guyana aiming for an operational plant by 2028 producing about 300,000 tonnes annually. Energy Project Updates: The Wales Gas-to-Energy timeline remains under scrutiny as government says one turbine should be completed by end-2026, with full commissioning into 2027. Oil Cleanup Fund: New reporting says Exxon and co-venturers have deducted close to US$1B for decommissioning/sea-floor cleanup, while government has pushed for joint control. Digital Payments Reality: A feature notes Guyana’s economy is still largely cash-based, with many businesses not accepting electronic payments. Justice System Training: A DPP–Police workshop supported by the EU-funded PACE Justice Project is underway to improve investigations and reduce court backlogs. Sports & Business: ExxonMobil GSL secured a major promotional partnership with CWI, while S&K Imports GY signed on as a corporate partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast. Crime & Courts: Police identified a suspect killed in a Mandela Avenue supermarket robbery and reported another Venezuelan national arrested for gun possession; separate court updates include Ponzi scheme convictions and a money-laundering committal to High Court.

CARICOM Trade Talks: CARICOM trade ministers opened the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown, with Secretary-General Carla Barnett warning that energy-market shocks and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs are set to worsen inflation and food security across the region. EV Standards Push: The same CARICOM forum highlighted work to harmonise electric vehicle charging standards, focusing on safety rules, charger installation requirements and inspection procedures—while noting Guyana’s experience shows standards can’t be copied “cut and paste.” Guyana Development Bank Rollout: President Irfaan Ali says the Guyana Development Bank is meant to build generational wealth through interest- and collateral-free loans up to $3M for SMEs, paired with mentorship and training, with the first phase expected to reach thousands. Oil Cleanup Fund Control: A new report says government still has no say in the US$1B oil clean-up/decommissioning fund, which is currently held and controlled by ExxonMobil and co-venturers. Wales Gas-to-Energy Delays: The Wales Gas-to-Energy project timeline shifts again, with one turbine targeted for completion by end-2026 and full commissioning later—raising fresh questions for power delivery. Power Utility Accountability: The PUC says GPL will not face penalties for missing 2024 targets due to infrastructure damage, software updates and electricity theft, while still demanding improved compliance. Trade & Logistics: Cargojet Airways will start weekly non-scheduled cargo flights to Guyana for DHL Express, reflecting surging air cargo demand tied to oil and broader trade. Fraud & Justice: SOCU secured convictions and sentencing for Ponzi scheme operators Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael, and Terrence Williams is committed to stand trial for money laundering tied to the Ministry of Health drug bond. Digital Payments Gap: A commentary notes Guyana’s economy remains largely cash-based, with many businesses still not set up for electronic payments. Sports Sponsorship: S&K Imports GY signs on as a corporate partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, boosting grassroots cricket’s commercial momentum.

EV Standards Push: CARICOM outlines safety, charger installation and inspection steps to harmonise EV charging across the region, warning countries can’t just copy-paste standards. Air Cargo Growth: Canada’s Cargojet Airways will start weekly non-scheduled cargo flights to Guyana for DHL Express from June 12, as air cargo volumes nearly double since 2020. Development Bank Debate: Former ambassador Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte warns Guyana Development Bank Act 2026 could turn the bank into a “welfare agency” if it allows lending without collateral or interest. Public Works Spending: NPTAB awards $329M for new fire stations in Regions 5 and 6. Labour & Pay Pressure: Bus drivers at the Wales Gas-to-Energy project protest unpaid wages, leaving workers stranded. Oil Governance: Government and ExxonMobil continue talks to appoint a neutral sole expert to resolve a US$214M cost-recovery dispute. Tech for Waste Control: Huawei meets Guyana’s Local Government ministry on tech-driven solutions to curb illegal dumping. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Former US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch leads a US business delegation meeting Guyana on aviation, energy, water, maritime and agriculture investment. Crime Case Update: Zeelugt child murder suspect “Max” faces additional charges expected as the mother demands answers.

Development Finance Debate: Former ambassador Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte warns the proposed Guyana Development Bank Act could turn the bank into a “welfare agency,” pointing to provisions allowing SME loans “with or without collateral” and “with or without charging interest.” Labour Unrest: Wales Gas-to-Energy bus drivers protest “three months, no pay,” saying they face threats of termination; the Labour Minister is under fresh pressure to protect workers. Public Safety Spending: NPTAB awards $329.5M for new fire stations in Regions 5 (Rosignol) and 6 (Cumberland), with detailed facilities planned under the Home Affairs Ministry. Trade & Connectivity: Cargojet Airways launches weekly non-scheduled cargo services for DHL Express on the Miami–Caracas–Georgetown–Medellin–Miami route, as air cargo demand rises. Oil & Governance: Government and ExxonMobil move toward appointing a mutually agreed sole expert to resolve a US$214M cost-recovery dispute; meanwhile, Exxon defends its push to increase Stabroek production. Health & Regional Support: Martinique says it can supply radioactive drugs for certain cancers, while President Ali warns health officials to follow the new centralized medical supply system or face dismissal. Agriculture Cooperation: Guyana and the Dominican Republic plan large-scale mango and avocado production, with Dominican experts to support local farmers. Diplomacy & Business: Citibank opens a Guyana representative office, saying it wants to back development goals in infrastructure and export financing.

Public Health & Governance: President Irfaan Ali warned regional health officers and hospital administrators they will be terminated if they bypass Guyana’s new centralized medical supply system, replacing independent purchasing with a stricter multi-tier approval chain. Sugar Industry Finance: Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan blasted a fresh $3B GuySuCo bailout as another costly attempt with “no realistic path to recovery,” as a wider $54.8B supplementary budget awaits approval. Oil & Gas Accountability: ExxonMobil says talks with the Guyana government on a shared decommissioning fund are “productive,” while the company is still fighting Guyana over US$214M in disputed expenses and the selection of a sole expert. Power Infrastructure: A US$9M Guyana National Control Centre for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project is on track for August 2026 operations, with SCADA acceptance testing underway. Agriculture & Trade: Guyana launched a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI Hub with Brazil and IICA to scale tropical agri-tech and boost food security, while IDB Invest and CDB signed a US$25M trade finance guarantee facility for Caribbean markets. Education & Business Skills: UG’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation earned ACCA accreditation for its Bachelor of Accountancy programme (2026–2030). Crime & Human Impact: A 23-year-old man (“Max”) was charged and remanded for the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Mohamed at Zeelugt, with police saying he confessed after investigators confronted him with recovered footage and forensic links.

Oil & Accountability: ExxonMobil says it’s still working with Guyana to agree a “sole expert” to settle an audit dispute over US$214M in questioned expenses, while the company reported 2025 profit before tax of about US$1.214T on revenue of US$1.7T—far outpacing Guyana’s reported US$2.5B oil revenue share. Power & Grid Reliability: A US$9M Guyana National Control Centre for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project is on track for August 2026 operations, with SCADA equipment undergoing acceptance testing to strengthen real-time electricity management. Transparency Watch: GYEITI validation begins today with a closed-door civil society meeting, as international evaluators review claims of limited transparency and civic space in extractives. Mining & Environment: GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison warns that fluctuating gold prices let operators keep sites “active” and delay reclamation, leaving restoration sluggish. Public Procurement Oversight: Auditor General findings flag nearly US$210M in procurement irregularities, including contract awards without required evaluation committee steps and alleged contract splitting at Region Five and the Guyana Police Force. Agri-Tech Push: Guyana and Brazil, with EMBRAPA and IICA, launched a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI Hub to scale tropical agri-technology for food security and climate-smart farming. Education for Business: UG’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation earns ACCA accreditation for its Bachelor of Accountancy programme (2026–2030). Regional Trade: TTMA leads a Guyana–Suriname trade mission with 38 companies seeking new customers and investment links. Human Stories at the Border: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border and arrested five alleged smugglers, citing exploitative “coyote” routes. Security & Justice: A 23-year-old farmer accused in the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Mohamed and attempted murder of his great-aunt was arraigned after a confession.

Oil & Investment: ExxonMobil Guyana reported $982.4B after-tax profit for 2025, with higher spending dragging earnings, while the company is also seeking approval to ramp output at the One Guyana FPSO to about 945,000 bpd. Public Finance: Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan says the government’s $54.8B supplementary budget is “out of control,” arguing weak planning and poor parliamentary scrutiny. Governance & Procurement: The Auditor General flagged nearly $210M in procurement irregularities, including contracts awarded without required evaluation committee input and alleged contract splitting at the Region Five administration and the Guyana Police Force. Development Finance Debate: The proposed Guyana Development Bank is under fire for lack of oversight and concentrated control, with critics warning taxpayers’ funds could be exposed. Trade & Business Links: TTMA leads a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) to find partners and market opportunities. Regional Policy Watch: CARICOM trade ministers face calls to proceed carefully on a proposed 15% tariff on glass bottle imports, warning of cost impacts for manufacturers. Energy Policy: President Ali warned health officials against bypassing Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system—an operational reform with direct cost and service implications.

Oil & Gas Oversight: Government is reviewing ExxonMobil’s request to ramp up production at its Yellowtail development, targeting an additional 30,000 bpd and lifting Stabroek output toward 945,000 bpd, with safety checks and an FPSO visit planned. Public Finance Scrutiny: Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan says the government’s fresh $54.8B supplementary funding request so soon after the $1.558T budget signals weak planning and poor parliamentary oversight. Health Supply Reform: President Ali warned regional health officials they’ll be sent home if they bypass Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system from July 1, tightening emergency drug purchasing and approvals. Media & Democracy: Anand Persaud, ex-Stabroek News EIC, will lead the new free online daily “Kiskadee Watch” launching June 14, aiming to fill the credibility gap left by Stabroek’s closure. Trade & Business Links: WTC Georgetown hosts a June 17 luncheon on growing business with the United States, featuring U.S. trade expert Arun Venkataraman. Regional Health Cooperation: Martinique says it can supply radioactive drugs for certain cancer treatments, while Guyana’s Lotus Cancer Initiative honours survivors. Security Update: Two more men were remanded over an AK-47 rifles probe, as police continue charges linked to the Berbice firearm investigation.

Caribbean Trade & Business: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) kicks off a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming for new partnerships and market insights. US Trade Policy: USTR proposes new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour import findings, with additional duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% across 60 economies (comments due July 6; hearing July 7). Energy & Transport: Guyana plans to expand public EV charging to 24 stations by year-end (adding 13), while the US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete with drainage and electrical works progressing. Mining & Aviation: Aris Mining starts Puruni River bridge works for the Toroparu Gold Project; Xen Aviation adds a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to boost domestic connectivity. Local Economy & Jobs: LCDS support helps St Cuthbert’s Mission near completion of a $10M cassava mill to create jobs and add value for farmers. Health & Tech: Guyana’s organ donation and transplant system gets a new EU-funded initiative, and an Indian surgeon completes a world-record robotic cardiac telesurgery between Guyana and India. Crime: A 23-year-old farmer confesses to the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Mohamed and the attempted murder of a 72-year-old woman in Zeelugt.

Mining Policy: Guyana’s gold sector critics say foreign firms pay “ridiculously low” annual rental of just US$5 per acre for large-scale mining licences, while locals pay US$3—a debate over how the country prices access to mineral-rich land. Aviation & Connectivity: Xen Aviation expands with a new Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to boost domestic and regional service capacity. Roads & Infrastructure: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Clean Transport: Guyana is set to double public EV charging to 24 stations by year-end (7 already operating; 13 more planned, plus UNDP additions). Energy Projects: Ongoing power negotiations remain in focus as the powership Karpowership contract dispute continues. Finance & Business: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will help citizens pool resources via collateral-free loans up to US$3M and mentorship, as the bank’s bill moves through Parliament. Health & Development: A new EU-funded initiative aims to build a national organ donation and transplant system. Crime & Public Safety: Police report a confession in the murder of a 7-year-old during a home invasion at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo.

ICJ Tension: Venezuela says it has “well-founded doubts” about the ICJ process over the Essequibo dispute after Guyana’s statements, reiterating it won’t recognize any ICJ ruling. Power Negotiations: Guyana remains in talks with Karpowership after the June 1 deadline, with government pushing for a lower renewal rate that could otherwise cost taxpayers an extra US$5.8m annually. Energy Relief: GPL will start the monthly $30,000 electricity subsidy for eligible pensioners in the June 2026 billing cycle, with credits handled for both post-paid and pre-paid customers. Local Democracy Row: APNU accuses the government of undermining elected local authorities by creating and funding parallel Community Development Councils. Development Bank Scrutiny: A proposed Guyana Development Bank law is tabled, but critics flag governance and discretion concerns in how funds may be allocated. EV Rollout: Guyana targets 24 public EV charging stations by year-end, adding 13 via government and 4 via UNDP. Infrastructure Progress: The $161m Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works advancing. Crime: Police arrested a suspect in the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed during a Zeelugt home invasion; his great-grandmother was also badly injured. Business & Governance: Transparency International’s CPI debate continues in Parliament as Minister Gail Teixeira pushes back on using perception-based rankings to judge anti-corruption performance. Health System Upgrade: Guyana launches a 31-month, EU-funded organ donation and transplantation initiative to build an internationally aligned system.

Energy & Governance: Government finally broke silence on Karpowership contract renewal talks, saying negotiations are ongoing to secure the “best possible rate,” as APNU demands full transparency and warns of blackout risk if no deal is reached. Public Utilities Relief: GPL begins the monthly $30,000 electricity subsidy for pensioners in the June 2026 billing cycle, with credits handled for both post-paid and pre-paid customers. Parliament & Accountability: Minister Gail Teixeira pushed back in the National Assembly against using Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, arguing it’s perception-based and not proof of corruption. Budget Pressure: Finance Minister Ashni Singh tabled a supplementary request of about $54.889B, including an extra $19B for the stalled Gas-to-Energy project. Environment Standards: GNBS urged businesses to adopt environmental management practices and implement ISO 14001:2026 as Guyana marks World Environment Day. Trade Risk: The U.S. is considering 12.5% tariffs under Section 301, with The Bahamas and Guyana flagged over forced-labour enforcement gaps. Security & Crime: Police arrested a suspected killer in the Zeelugt home invasion that left a 7-year-old boy dead and his elderly great-aunt seriously injured.