AGP Executive Report

Economic Outlook: The IMF says Guyana’s rapid growth is being driven by oil and broad-based non-oil activity, praising prudent policies and investment while urging diversification and inclusive growth. Police Probe: Deputy Police Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh has been sent on leave pending an investigation into rape and threatening-behaviour allegations; the complainant has been transferred from SOCU. Food Safety: Agriculture officials reject claims that contaminated chicken is being sold locally, saying imported poultry undergoes inspections and must meet safety requirements as Guyana steps up monitoring for bird flu. MV Barima Inquiry: Commissioners have visited key maritime facilities as they prepare to investigate the sinking and examine vessel safety and oversight. Regional Tourism: President Irfaan Ali called for faster digital visa processing and better transport links to make Caribbean travel and tourism easier. Community Enterprise: A project in Smith Creek is helping Warao women earn income growing peppers and other produce, while capturing rainwater to address local water shortages.

Police Probe: Deputy Police Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh, who heads SOCU, has been sent on leave while police investigate rape and threatening-behaviour allegations. The complainant, a police inspector, has been transferred to another division. Community Safety: Meadowbrook Gardens residents want work on transmission lines near their homes stopped, saying installation resumed despite assurances and they still lack answers about the route and safety concerns. MV Barima Inquiry: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed questioned why the sunken vessel was not raised sooner and challenged the inquiry’s credibility after families were told BK International may handle the salvage. Tourism Push: At a regional conference in Georgetown, President Irfaan Ali called for faster digital visa processing and stronger Caribbean connectivity, while Indigenous Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek said Indigenous communities must lead decisions about tourism in their territories. Women’s Livelihoods: A project in Smith Creek is helping Warao women earn income growing peppers, shallots and celery in rainwater-harvesting shade houses.

Tourism Push: Opening the regional tourism conference in Georgetown, President Irfaan Ali urged Caribbean governments and investors to scale up infrastructure and visitor experiences, warning the region cannot rely on natural beauty alone. MV Barima Inquiry: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed rejected the commission’s impartiality and called for Ministers Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar to step aside if they testify. The commission says it will investigate independently and follow the facts. Weather Warning: Hydromet cautions that El Niño heat could disrupt schools, while falling river levels may complicate hinterland travel and supply deliveries. Energy: ExxonMobil plans pipeline maintenance near Crane from October 14 to December 1, ahead of the Gas-to-Energy project’s startup; the line is not yet operational. Roadworks: The Palmyra–Moleson Creek highway expansion is about 27% complete, with work on two of its three lots lagging. Crime: A 19-year-old was shot in the foot and robbed of two chains valued at $1.6 million in Kitty; police are reviewing CCTV footage. Youth Grants: ANSA McAL Foundation awarded $20 million to three organisations for youth programmes in Georgetown, Bartica and the South Rupununi.

Tourism: President Irfaan Ali urged Caribbean destinations to invest in new experiences and infrastructure as Guyana reported 360,623 visitor arrivals in the first nine months of 2026. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Guyana’s economy will grow 23.7% this year, far ahead of the regional forecast, while stressing the need to ensure oil wealth benefits everyone. Oil Oversight: A US$214 million dispute over ExxonMobil’s audited costs is now before the International Chamber of Commerce after Guyana and the company failed to agree on an expert. Maritime Safety: Public hearings have opened into the deadly MV Barima sinking; the inquiry chair says findings will follow the law and tested evidence, not outside influence. Police Accountability: Calls are mounting for an independent probe into rape and threat allegations against senior officer Fazil Karimbaksh, who remains on duty as a police investigation proceeds. Trade: Suriname ordered the return of 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice after the importer failed to obtain required approval. Crime: A 76-year-old man has been remanded on a murder charge in the killing of six-year-old Zi Feng Cao.

World Bank Outlook: The World Bank projects modest 2.2% growth for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026, but says Guyana’s oil boom is driving exceptionally rapid, sustained expansion and expects growth of 23.7% this year—while warning the country must ensure oil wealth becomes broad-based and inclusive. Oil & Exploration Tech: Chevron CEO Mike Wirth says AI could open a new frontier for exploration, pointing to Guyana as a benchmark for what’s still left to discover. Jobs & Retrenchment: TIWU says Massy Cat faces retrenchment of about 187 workers as the Caterpillar business transitions, with Massy saying at least 25% of affected staff may be retained. MV Barima Inquiry: Guyana’s MV Barima Commission of Inquiry will begin public hearings Oct. 14 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, with 100+ witnesses expected. Regional Integration: CARICOM marks the first anniversary of free movement under Enhanced Cooperation, with hundreds granted indefinite stay in participating states. Tourism Resilience: Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett proposes a permanent Caribbean Tourism Resilience Fund to finance disaster preparedness and recovery. Health & Safety: MOH warns extreme heat is increasing heat-stress cases, especially for people on certain medications. Education & Skills: “Weekend Welders” starts for 60 Freeburg Secondary students to build welding qualifications and safety skills. Agriculture: NAREI receives about G$60M in vehicles to strengthen extension services and Carambola Fruit Fly surveillance.

Guyana Development Bank Launch: The Guyana Development Bank has officially begun operations, offering up to G$3 million in zero-interest, zero-collateral financing to help entrepreneurs and SMEs start or expand businesses, with an initial G$20B capital injection and a seven-member board led by Abu Zaman. Education & Exams: The Education Ministry issued an urgent circular telling secondary schools that 2027 CSEC Grade 11 students must complete all School-Based Assessment (SBA) components—and that Paper 03/2 is not allowed as a substitute for enrolled students. Agriculture & Food Security: NAREI received about G$60M in vehicles—5 pickups, 6 ATVs, and 12 motorcycles—to strengthen extension services and surveillance against the Carambola Fruit Fly. Inclusive Education: Region One opened its first SEND school in Mabaruma, with capacity for 30 learners. Public Safety & Justice: Special Prosecutor Anastasia Amin qualified as an attorney-at-law; meanwhile, a Chinese businessman was remanded for the murder of a 6-year-old in Parika. Regional & Global Links: Guyana will chair the CASSOS aviation safety body for 2026–2028, and a Western Hemisphere statement jointly condemned Iranian “terrorist actions.” Sports & Culture: Essequibo’s Kemol Savory urged fans to pack Anna Regina for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball finals; and Team Guyana Robotics heads to FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea.

Police Accountability: Transparency International Guyana (TIGI) and other voices renewed calls for Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh of SOCU to be sent on administrative leave pending an independent rape probe, questioning whether an internal team can be truly impartial and urging protection for the complainant. Home Affairs Response: Minister Oneidge Walrond rejected claims she ordered a “confrontation,” saying Red Thread’s account is false and that she did not direct day-to-day investigative procedures. Healthcare Workforce: Medvarsity and GOAL graduated 115 healthcare professionals from the first cohort in Georgetown, expanding specialised training in areas like critical care, cardiology, oncology and diabetes care. Development Finance: The Guyana Development Bank moved into operation with an online portal, offering interest-free SME loans up to $3 million, with quick loans under $300,000 and support for digital and in-person applications. Entrepreneurship & Tourism: Officials framed the bank as a catalyst for new business growth, while Guyana Tourism Authority urged regional tourism diversification without diluting cultural authenticity. Sports: Golden Jaguars crushed Dominica 8-1 to complete a perfect Nations League window and stay top of the group. Regional Security: The US and nine allies, including Guyana, condemned Iran’s “terrorist actions” and malign influence operations across the Americas. Crime: Police seized 7.370kg of cannabis in New Amsterdam and arrested a miner after finding a 9mm pistol and live rounds.

Guyana Development Bank Launch: The Guyana Development Bank is now operational, offering zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to $3 million for SMEs across all 10 regions, with “Quick Loans” under $300,000 and applications via gdb.gov.gy. Police Accountability & Promotions: Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says digitisation will track how often police calls go unanswered, while disciplinary records will weigh more heavily in police promotions. Karimbaksh Probe Pressure: Transparency International Guyana says President Irfaan Ali “cannot remain a spectator” over rape and threatening-behaviour allegations against SOCU head Fazil Karimbaksh, calling for him to be placed on administrative leave. Women’s Rights Watch: The Women and Gender Equality Commission criticises the Police Force’s “deafening silence” as the allegations remain under investigation. Domestic Violence Fear: A Corentyne mother says her estranged husband allegedly set their home on fire after years of abuse, despite a court order. Sports: Golden Jaguars closed the Concacaf Nations League window with an 8-1 rout of Dominica, while SVC/AJM booked the T10 national finals after an 87-run zonal win. Royal Visit: King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit Guyana Oct. 29–30 ahead of CHOGM.

Guyana Development Bank: Government has named the inaugural Board for the new Guyana Development Bank, with Abu Zaman as Chairman and Kathy Smith as Deputy Chair, alongside James Bond, Sukrishnalall Pasha, Dion Inniss, Nalinie Singh and Praem Rambharak; the bank is set to expand financing for micro, small and medium enterprises, including zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to $3 million, plus mentorship and support, with an initial $20 billion capital injection in Budget 2026. Democracy anniversary: President Irfaan Ali marked October 5, 1992, saying the restored ballot “must never be diminished,” framing it as a struggle for both democracy and justice. Crime tech: Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says the Safe Country initiative has installed about 800 CCTV cameras over five years, with facial recognition used to track persons of interest. Travel access: Guyanese passport holders can now get Saudi visas on arrival or via e-visa without needing a prior US, UK or Schengen visa. Sports & youth: GFF handed equipment to regional associations for the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy pilot for ages 6–12. Politics: Tributes poured in after former PNCR/APNU leader Robert Corbin died at 78, with Jagdeo and others recalling his coalition-building role. Food recall: GraceKennedy Foods is recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L as a quality precaution.

National Politics: President Irfaan Ali, VP Bharrat Jagdeo, and PNCR/APNU leaders mourn the death of former PNCR leader Robert Corbin, 78, calling it an “irreplaceable loss” and recalling his long public service and coalition-building role. Crime & Public Safety: Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says the Safe Country push has installed about 800 CCTV cameras over five years, with footage and facial recognition helping police move investigations forward. Travel & Diplomacy: Guyanese can now enter Saudi Arabia with visa on arrival or an e-visa without needing a prior US, UK or Schengen visa, and without agents or embassy visits. Education: University of Guyana will hold its 60th Convocation in November, graduating 3,700+ students across multiple campuses. Sports & Youth: GFF hands equipment to regional associations for a Concacaf grassroots pilot for boys and girls aged 6–12. Business/Consumer: GraceKennedy Foods recalls specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L as a quality precaution. Infrastructure: Truck parking and auto zones are being built at Golden Grove and Enmore to reduce heavy-vehicle disruption in residential areas.

Commonwealth Diplomacy: King Charles and Queen Camilla kick off a major Caribbean tour Oct 27–Nov 4, ending at CHOGM 2026 in Antigua, with a State Visit to Guyana on the route. Saudi Travel Ease: Guyanese passport holders can now enter Saudi Arabia with an e-visa or visa on arrival without needing a prior US/UK/Schengen visa. Energy & Oversight: Parliament’s Natural Resources committee plans to scrutinise small-scale mining workers’ welfare, oil and ExxonMobil operations. Public Finance Scrutiny: Calls grow for stronger accountability, including an independent Commissioner for Public Investment and Contract Accountability, as critics say audit value is being buried in delays. Local Business & Exports: UMAMI’s first commercial shipment to Qatar is under way, while GraceKennedy Foods recalls specific fruit punch batches across several Caribbean markets. Economy Pressure: US dollar shortages continue to hit Western Union limits, with parallel-market rates staying high. Health: Breast cancer services expand with mammography and oncology upgrades in regional hospitals. Crime & Safety: A Guyana-born man was stabbed to death in New York; locally, GDF and Brazil discuss tackling illegal mining and trafficking. Sports & Youth: Navin and Sons Construction backs the GT/ECD One Guyana T10 Tapeball with a $500K first prize; YBG Under-15s head to St. Maarten after last-minute travel document help.

Aviation & Connectivity: Trans Guyana Airways is preparing for direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights after Guyana and France signed a modernised air services deal, replacing the 1976 framework and cutting travel time to about 1hr 15mins. Sports & Youth: ExxonMobil U-18 Schools Football kicks off with 118 teams, while Guyana’s Under-15 basketball squad heads to St. Maarten after last-minute travel document help. Local Business & Trade: Berbice Expo and Trade Fair opens with 180 booths, and UMAMI ships its first commercial container to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket. Health & Rights: UNFPA highlights women’s reproductive rights and calls for better media coverage on gender-based violence and child marriage; Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts with free screenings and tree-wrapping in Georgetown. Public Safety & Justice: Police investigate rape and threatening-behaviour allegations against SOCU Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, with Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond urging administrative leave. Regional/Politics: Venezuela reiterates rejection of the 1899 Paris Arbitration Award and points to the 1966 Geneva Agreement on Essequibo. Travel Update: Saudi Arabia eases visa access for Guyanese passport holders via e-visa or visa on arrival.

Cricket Development: The Demerara Cricket Board’s Under-13 tournament kicks off Wednesday at the LBI Cricket Ground, with 40 young players from the Hawks, Falcons and Crows competing for spots on the Demerara squad. Aviation Deals: Guyana and Panama signed a new Air Services Agreement to expand passenger and cargo connectivity, while Guyana also signed an aviation MoU with Uganda to boost technical cooperation and safety oversight. Royal Spotlight: Buckingham Palace says King Charles will not formally apologise for Britain’s transatlantic slave trade, though his Caribbean tour—including a Guyana state visit Oct 29-30—will address the “darkest days of our past.” Police & Justice: The Police Force has launched a probe into rape and threatening behaviour allegations against SOCU head Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, after Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond broke silence and called for him to go on administrative leave pending investigation. Sports: Golden Jaguars stayed perfect in the CONCACAF Nations League with a 5-1 win over Dominica. Health & Regional Cooperation: Guyana chaired Amazon health talks on malaria elimination, Indigenous health and disease surveillance, with countries agreeing on priority areas for measurable action.

SOCU Probe: Police say they’re investigating allegations of rape and threatening behaviour against a senior officer, with Commissioner Clifton Hicken setting up a team; Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond also says Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh should be placed on administrative leave while the probe runs. Court & Crime: A 58-year-old security guard was charged with attempted murder after allegedly setting his wife on fire at Hampton Court; he was remanded to prison. Wanted Men Surrender: Two men wanted for the May 2026 murder of Cuban national Dainier Vegas Infante surrendered to police, with a third still wanted. Labour Rights: Berbice employers and workers attended a seminar on minimum wage, severance, leave, NIS and workplace safety. Health & Regional Cooperation: Guyana led Amazon health talks on malaria elimination and Indigenous health, with PAHO and ACTO partners discussing disease surveillance and hepatitis. Business & Services: GBTI installed a new ATM at the AC Marriott Hotel to expand cash access in Ogle. Royal & Reparations: Buckingham Palace says King Charles’s Caribbean tour will not shy away from Britain’s “darkest days of our past” on slavery, but no formal apology or reparations are expected. Sports: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars notched a third straight Nations League win, beating Dominica 5-1.

Police & courts: U.S.-sanctioned businessman Mark “Demon” Cromwell denied any role in the disappearance of two Surinamese men, accusing police of corruption and trying to frame his family, as his brother Jimol Murphy was charged and granted $1m bail after defence argued police failed to show evidence of abduction. Women’s rights & policing: Tamùkke Feminists is demanding an independent probe into rape and death-threat allegations against SOCU head Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, calling for his administrative leave and protection for the complainant amid continued official silence. Agriculture & food security: President Irfaan Ali said Guyana now has a “regional responsibility” to help feed the Caribbean, pointing to innovation, agro-processing hubs and stronger farm-to-market links during Agriculture Month. Infrastructure: Load testing is underway on the New Mackenzie–Wismar bridge ahead of opening, with heavy trucks testing the new four-lane crossing to ease bottlenecks. Sports: ExxonMobil’s U-18 Schools Football Tournament launches with 118 teams, while Golden Jaguars beat Dominica 5-1 in Concacaf Nations League. Aviation: Guyana signed/renewed air services agreements with France and Panama and is seeking a partner to build an Aviation Centre of Excellence.

Crisis on the East Coast: Burning debris and roadblocks returned to Vigilance as police warned motorists to avoid the area amid unrest linked to the disappearance of two Surinamese men, with reports of an attempted supermarket fire and gunfire during earlier disturbances. Child death in Parika: A six-year-old Chinese national, Ifeng Cao, died after a fatal chop wound to the neck; police arrested a male suspect and investigations continue. Justice and politics: Attorney General Anil Nandlall questioned retired Justice Courtney Abel’s reasoning over a judge’s reported US visa issues, saying chronology alone can’t prove causation. Courts and elections: A handwriting expert told court that signatures tied to Volda Lawrence and a disputed Region Four declaration were written by the same person, as the case over the 2020 election documents continues. Aviation and growth: Guyana signed a sustainable aviation and decarbonization pact with the Dominican Republic and an air services agreement with Greece, while President Ali highlighted rapid sector expansion and called for stronger aviation safety oversight. Economy and business: ExxonMobil expects Guyana to cross one million barrels per day by year-end, and Massy sold its Caterpillar business to Guyanese firm MACORP. Agriculture push: Agriculture Month 2026 kicked off with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and boosting women and youth in farming and agro-processing. Water and inclusion: GWI and the UN launched a programme to strengthen water and sanitation planning, and GCOPD’s STEM clubs will train 320 children with disabilities. International spotlight: UN Security Council informal polls again put Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan near the top in the race for next UN chief.