AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy: The US told the UN that “there is no reason” a woman can’t become the next Secretary-General, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is seeking Pakistan’s backing for the top job. Regional Aid: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez thanked CARICOM countries—coordinated by Guyana—for sending 88 containers of earthquake relief. Justice & Governance: PM Mark Phillips reaffirmed judicial independence as new magistrates and commissioners of title were sworn in, and the “Convenient Court of Justice” debate resurfaced around CARICOM’s handling of Dr Carla Barnett’s reappointment. Security & Crime: CANU head James Singh said about 90% of cocaine seizures in Guyana originated from Venezuela, and Guyana is pushing stronger regional asset recovery frameworks through ARIN-CARIB. Energy & Economy: Refidomsa was given up to six months to start work in the Berbice Block, while Minister Daryl Vaz said Petrojam losses from global oil price spikes are expected to be recouped over time. Local Development: GPL says river-crossing “bore” excavation should start within two weeks, and Buxton Market construction ($388M) has begun. Sports & Culture: West Indies coach Darren Sammy stressed the need to win when batting first ahead of the final ODI at Providence; Andre Boyce won the national 8-ball title, and the Guyana Cup adds a first-ever VIP brunch experience.

Criminal Justice: Police launched a murder probe after 38-year-old Shawn Edwards died from a close-range gunshot wound in South Vigilance, with a manhunt underway for a “well-known” suspect. Cattle Import Row: Opposition APNU is questioning whether the first batch of 300 pregnant Brazilian heifers was truly destined for Ebini, after trucks reportedly sat stranded at Tacama/Ebini Landing for about 72 hours, while the GLDA and other officials dispute the claims with their own footage. UN Diplomacy: CARICOM threw its full support behind Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as the region’s candidate for UN Secretary-General. Youth & Innovation: STEMGuyana is seeking funding for Guyanese students to compete in the FIRST Global Challenge in Korea, saying government support has been inconsistent. Local Governance: Minister Priya Manickchand turned the sod for the new Buxton Market, promising modern facilities for vendors and residents. Housing & Roads: Housing Minister Collin Croal visited Cummings Lodge and announced upgrades to connect the scheme to the Aubrey Barker Highway. Sports: West Indies’ Daren Sammy says the team must improve when batting first ahead of the crucial third ODI vs New Zealand; meanwhile, Jayden Lennox’s five-for helped NZ level the series after WI were bowled out for 138. Aviation: Air Services Limited shut down helicopter operations, citing “insurmountable hurdles” in securing regulatory approvals. Economy & Food: Govt says it paid over GY$2.76B to 5,106 rice farmers under First Crop 2026 support.

Oil & Governance: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says the government must explain why Guyana is not repaying ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block “cost bank” as expected, after Exxon said billions remained unrecovered by end-2025. Aviation: Air Services Limited has shut its helicopter (rotor wing) operations after a years-long certification fight with the civil aviation regulator, warning hinterland communities will feel the loss. Crime: The “Paper Shorts” murder probe saw three men released on $1M station bail each, while police issued a wanted bulletin for Satrohan Rajkumar (“Depo”) and continue the hunt. Courts & Appointments: Judy Latchman was appointed Chief Magistrate, and the JSC named new magistrates plus Zanna Frank as Registrar of Deeds and new Land Court commissioners. Energy & Environment: Canada-based U92 is ramping up nuclear education posts as scrutiny grows around the Kurupung uranium project. Education: The Guyana Digital School expands to give Grades 1–11 full curriculum access online from September. Infrastructure: Works on the Corentyne Highway expansion are progressing ahead of schedule, and the Public Works Ministry seeks contractors for bridges across Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary. Sports: Guyana’s youth teams shone at CASA Juniors, Carifta Chess, and Guyana named 3×3 squads for major games.

Education Digital Push: Guyana will expand the Guyana Digital School so students in Grades 1–11 get free access to the full primary and secondary curriculum, with classroom support starting in September. Oil & Money Watch: A new breakdown of the 2025 Guyana oil consortium figures claims Guyana’s “take home” share is far smaller than the headline 50/50 narrative, renewing debate over revenue distribution. Politics & Justice: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed alleges the police are being used to target him as a reopened “Paper Shorts” murder probe continues; prosecutors also move ahead with the financial misconduct trial of former ACP Calvin Brutus, involving 221 payment vouchers tied to businesses linked to his wife. Cattle Import Row: GLDA says animal welfare was “taken care of” during the Brazil heifer transport, while Mohamed and VPAC dispute the numbers and question planning, clearance, and veterinary care at Ebini/ibini. Energy Expansion: Government says it’s accelerating new oil exploration beyond Stabroek, including seismic work and new block activity. Tech & Services: Google meets Housing Ministry officials on AI and cloud support for digital transformation, and RideGY launches a homegrown ride-hailing app with upfront fares and GPS tracking. Sports: Guyana’s CPL team news includes Warriors’ overseas roster; cricket also features Jayden Lennox’s five-for as New Zealand levels the ODI series vs West Indies.

ODI Series Update: New Zealand levelled the five-match ODI series 1-1 in Guyana after Jayden Lennox’s maiden 5-19 triggered a collapse that left West Indies all out for 138, with Tom Latham (37*) and Mark Bracewell steering the chase to 141/5. Team News: Shimron Hetmyer replaces injured Justin Greaves in the WI ODI squad for the next matches, while West Indies also made a bowling/selection tweak for the second ODI. Oil Revenue Watch: Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund grew by about US$1.2B in Q2 2026, with profit oil and royalty receipts taking total earnings for the quarter to roughly US$1.235B. Border Security: CARICOM voiced concern that Venezuelan territory is being used to launch attacks on GDF patrols along the Cuyuni River, while backing the ICJ process. Livestock Import Scrutiny: GLDA rejected social media claims of neglect over imported Brazilian cattle, saying animals were quarantined and inspected under veterinary supervision. Utilities Pressure: The PUC says GWI remains financially unsustainable, citing $13.4B lost through water leaks and a net loss in 2025. Sports (Women’s Basketball): Guyana’s women were beaten 93-50 by Puerto Rico and now face a must-win against US Virgin Islands to stay alive in the Centrobasket qualifiers.

Cricket (ODI, Providence): West Indies beat New Zealand by 7 wickets in the 1st ODI in Guyana, chasing 268 with Shai Hope 87* and Keacy Carty 95; Vitel Lawes impressed on debut with 3-54 as NZ were bowled out for 267. Integrity & governance: APNU MP Dr Terrence Campbell proposes amendments to the Integrity Commission Act to require release of summary declarations, calling the current setup “toothless.” Oil & gas: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says Ghanaian Cybele Energy has until end of July to pay a US$17M S7 signing bonus, after default interest pushed the amount above US$20M. Economy & jobs: Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez reports youth unemployment fell from 31.9% (Q3 2021) to 12.1% (Q4 2024). Education: Education Minister Sonia Parag says the full primary and secondary curriculum will be made available online via the Guyana Digital School from September. Livestock: GLDA rejects social media claims about welfare of pregnant heifers imported from Brazil, saying strict veterinary supervision and quarantine protocols were followed. Housing: Housing Minister Collin Croal says backlog clearing is on track in all regions except Region Four, where 50,000+ applicants remain with no firm timeline. Regional diplomacy: CARICOM leaders back Guyana’s UN Secretary-General nominee, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Sports (motorsport): British driver Will Redford won Guyana’s first-ever GT3 race at the Guyana Grand Prix.

CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission heads to the UK (July 13–16) to build support for reparatory justice, with meetings across government, academia and civil society, plus a UK Parliament presentation. Regional Culture & Sports: Antigua and Barbuda will host CARIFESTA 2029, while Guyana is set for CARIFESTA 2027; locally, Guyana’s AmeriCup qualifying run ended after an overtime loss to El Salvador and a final-day defeat to Antigua & Barbuda/Turks & Caicos results. Demographics Milestone: Guyana’s population has surpassed one million, reaching 1,025,334 by end-2025, with officials stressing the need for reliable data to plan for a young country. Politics & Transparency Row: Opposition and government trade fresh blows over alleged border corruption and cattle shipments, while Ralph Ramkarran renews calls for stronger integrity and transparency laws amid the “farm” controversy. Agriculture & Food Security: The first shipment of 1,000 pregnant heifers from Brazil arrives to expand cattle production, with health checks completed. Humanitarian Aid: Guyana and CARICOM send 88 containers of earthquake relief to Venezuela, including medicines, food and construction equipment. Cricket & Community: West Indies beat New Zealand in the 1st ODI at Providence; Guyana also collected seven medals at the CASA Juniors in Tortola. Public Safety: Police report multiple incidents including a life sentence for a Cuban convicted of murdering a mother and her 11-year-old daughter, plus arrests over firearms and fatal road crashes.

Humanitarian Aid: CARICOM’s ship carrying 88 containers of relief supplies has arrived in Venezuela, with Guyana’s ambassador saying more aid is being coordinated as the country moves into reconstruction. Tourism & Growth: New figures show Guyana welcomed 107,286 stayover visitors in Q1 2026, up 12% year-on-year, as the destination leans into rainforest, rivers and wildlife alongside its Caribbean ties. Crime & Justice: A Cuban man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the hammer-and-knife murder of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter in Georgetown in 2020. Road Safety: A motorcyclist died and another was injured in a Georgetown crash, while another pedestrian was killed on the De Kinderen Public Road after being struck by a reversing vehicle. Sports (ODI): Keacy Carty (95) and Shai Hope (87*) powered West Indies to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI at Providence, with Vitel Lawes taking three wickets on debut. Energy & Industry: GPL trained staff in renewable energy and battery storage technologies as Guyana’s power sector expands. Demographics: Guyana’s population has surpassed one million, reaching 1,025,334 by end-2025. Politics & Governance: APNU is pushing for the PAC to examine audited accounts of constitutional agencies, and a habeas corpus application challenges the detention of Mark Richmond beyond 72 hours. Regional Basketball: Guyana edged Bermuda 59-56 in FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean pre-qualifiers.

Constitutional Accountability: APNU is pushing the Public Accounts Committee to finally examine audited accounts of constitutional agencies and statutory bodies, saying the PAC has never done so. Rights in Focus: A habeas corpus application has been filed in the High Court against Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken over Mark Richmond’s detention beyond the 72-hour limit. Ethnic Relations: The Ethnic Relations Commission publicly denounced “Guyanese Critic” Mikhail Rodrigues for racially stereotypical remarks, though it says the comments didn’t meet the criminal threshold for racial incitement. Public Services & Infrastructure: The National Cultural Centre’s worsening conditions have forced postponement of “Til Ah Find Ah Place 3,” while the Ministry of Public Works starts remedial works on the Rupert Craig Highway between Ogle and UG Road on Monday. Energy & Jobs: GPL trained staff in renewable energy and battery storage technologies, and the government plans to spend $241M on a daycare centre for children of Prison Service officers. Politics & Land: APNU says foreigners are getting leased lands for business while Guyanese still wait for house lots. Sports: West Indies beat New Zealand by 7 wickets in the opening ODI at Providence, with Keacy Carty and Shai Hope leading the chase.

Georgetown Development Boom: US developer Coastal Rim Properties is pushing two major projects—TAJ Dream Ogle (1,000 units) and TAJ Diamond (218 homes)—into vertical construction, with major site works and drainage already underway. Agriculture & Skills: A GCCI-led “Market Actor and Donor Project” closed out with farmers—especially women and youth—getting modern agriculture business training and networking support. Public Health Alert: Hawai‘i health officials reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging residents to cut mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water. CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission heads to the UK next week for meetings and a Parliament presentation to build support for reparatory justice. National Unity Event: Thousands packed the National Stadium for the One Guyana Worship Experience, themed “one nation, one voice,” during Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Cricket (Guyana at the Centre): West Indies host New Zealand in the 1st ODI at Providence, with Shai Hope and a New Zealand bowling unit led by Jacob Duffy; Vitel Lawes is included in the ODI squad. Local Crime: Police say a missing 21-year-old woman, Kerryann Standford, was found dead in a shallow grave in Mahaica and a suspect was arrested. Healthcare Upgrade: Charlestown’s newly commissioned G$201.8M health centre is set to serve about 2,000 residents with modern primary care. Education Milestone: Guyana’s NGSA results saw a record 20 pupils tie for the top spot with perfect scores. Energy & Power Modernisation: GPL held a technical workshop on renewable integration, battery storage, and digitalisation of the power system.

Education: Guyana hit a historic NGSA milestone as 20 pupils tied for the top spot with perfect standardised scores (484.52), while overall pass rates improved across English, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics, with CXC reporting stronger results and more full marks. Politics & governance: APNU renewed calls for President Irfaan Ali to resign and face an independent forensic audit into his Long Creek farm, arguing land access and inequality remain major public frustrations. Public health: Charlestown Health Centre reopened after upgrades, adding services like maternal and child health, men’s and adolescent health, ECGs, ultrasound, dental care and women’s screening; the ministry also flagged a separate travel-related dengue case in Oʻahu. Sports—cricket & basketball: West Indies begin a key ODI series vs New Zealand at Providence with Shai Hope leaning on local familiarity, while Guyana’s Rising Stars U-19 campaign gets underway in Antigua; in basketball, Guyana beat Dominica 68-53 in FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers and faces Bermuda tonight. Sports—youth & local: Guyana started strong on day one of the Junior CASA squash championships in Tortola, and 30 schools gear up for the Samaroo Investment Secondary Schools Tapeball trophy at the NCC. Community & safety: ERC issued 34 hate-speech warnings in June, and the Ministry of Public Works begins repairs on a deteriorating stretch of the Rupert Craig Highway from Monday.

Land & Oil Tensions: APNU MP Sherod Duncan says the Long Creek farm controversy has sparked wider public anger over land access and how Guyana’s oil wealth is shared, pointing to allegations of 150 acres and a reported $22m investment while many struggle to secure even small house lots. Pipeline Watch: After Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed raised claims of a rupture, EPA and MARAD now say there’s “no factual basis” for a leak but confirm a “slight anomaly” was found and investigated, with details still not released. Crime & Courts: A 27-year-old security guard, Ormyous Vieira, was charged with the murder of gold miner Ceton Courtman after a fatal shooting at Sands Backdam; he was remanded to prison and the case is set for Aug. 17. National Football: The GFF appointed Marco Bonofiglio as Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars and Junior Golden Jaguars, tasked with leading the senior and U20 programmes for upcoming competitions. Education: NGSA results for 2026 are being released to schools, with candidates able to check online via the MOE exams portal. Road Safety: A head-on collision on the Coverden Public Road killed a 49-year-old woman and left two others in critical condition. Regional Sports: Guyana beat Antigua and Barbuda 75-73 in overtime in the FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, with Umar Rashid and Kevon Wiggins starring.

Crime & Justice: Two men were fatally shot at Vigilance South, E.C.D., after a motorcycle-riding attack; police say investigations are ongoing with no arrests yet. Public Safety: A Soesdyke woman died and two others were critically injured in a head-on collision on the Coverden Public Road, E.B.D. Energy & Accountability: EPA and MARAD say the gas-to-energy pipeline was not ruptured, but admit a “slight anomaly” after video surfaced. Court Update: Ex-cop Yogendra Sukhdeo got life imprisonment for the $8M robbery-murder of businessman Amit Singh. Politics & Transparency: President Ali again faced calls for full disclosure over his Long Creek farm and alleged blackmail messages, with opposition pushing for independent scrutiny. Regional & Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders agreed to seek a CCJ advisory opinion on the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, while Guyana and CARICOM partners sent 88 containers of relief to earthquake-hit Venezuela. Sports: Guyana beat Antigua and Barbuda in overtime at the FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers, and the UG vice-chancellor search narrowed to five candidates.

Humanitarian Response: Guyana helped lead a regional push for earthquake-hit Venezuela as a shipment of 88 containers of relief supplies left Georgetown, including water tanks, pharmaceuticals, food (including Guyanese rice), cleaning materials and earth-moving equipment, backed by seven CARICOM member states and the local private sector. Public Services for Diaspora: President Irfaan Ali announced mobile government service centres for overseas Guyanese, plus plans for mobile biometric passport services, to cut travel and improve access to documents and NIS-related services. Security & Policing: At the UN Chiefs of Police summit, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond urged stronger international support for policing tech transfer and specialised training, pointing to Guyana’s digital and data-driven police plan. Energy & Safety: EPA and MARAD rejected claims that the Gas-to-Energy pipeline at Wales, West Coast Demerara ruptured, saying the line is not active and inspections are ongoing after a minor anomaly. Crime Update: Police reported two men shot dead at Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, and also found rusty ammo, firearm parts and a teargas canister at Lusignan. Trade & Business: The TT Chamber and the Georgetown Chamber signed an MoU to tackle trade barriers and boost investment links between the two countries. Politics: Attorney General Anil Nandlall defended the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill 2026 as a fix to restore equal treatment.

Humanitarian Relief for Venezuela and Cuba: CARICOM leaders say the region is stepping up after the Venezuela quake, with Guyana-coordinated ferry logistics and 88 containers of supplies, while ANSA McAL donates heavy equipment to help recovery; CARICOM’s Cuba aid finally clears sanctions-related banking hurdles after multiple failed attempts, with Barbados PM Mia Mottley stressing humanitarian needs. CARICOM Integration Push: Outgoing chair Dr. Terrance Drew calls for stronger, better-implemented regional integration for future generations as CARICOM meets in Saint Lucia. Rice Support in Region Three: Government begins cash grants for Region Three rice farmers, paying $201.7M to 560 farmers across 15,636 acres. Cash Grant Access: Finance minister Ashni Singh launches the third phase of the $100k cash grant for people without bank accounts, using cheque delivery. Oil Wealth Debate: Glenn Lall argues Guyana’s public focus on President Ali’s farm misses bigger questions about oil and mineral wealth management. Local Accountability Pressure: GTUC demands an independent COI into Ali’s 150-acre ranch and calls for withdrawal of the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill. Sports Roundup: Guyana opens FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers with a 68-55 loss to Turks and Caicos; junior squash team departs to defend CASA title in Tortola; Malachi Austin gets NSC support ahead of U20 Worlds.

Local Governance: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says RDCs and NDCs must act fast against squatting and illegal encumbrances—serve notices, take cases to court, demolish where needed, and get legal help early so illegal buildings don’t “grow into” bigger problems. Business & Trade: The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU with the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber to boost bilateral trade and tackle non-tariff barriers. Labour Market: A labour crunch is hitting construction, transportation, mining and agriculture as oil-driven expansion outpaces the available workforce. Rice Support: Region Three rice farmers received over $201M in cash grants, while Region Five farmers got more than $1.18B—part of the government’s emergency relief push. Politics & Accountability: Opposition leaders renewed calls for President Ali’s resignation over allegations tied to a multi-billion-dollar highway farm and the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill 2026; Ali denies wrongdoing and says assets were declared and financed lawfully. Regional Integration: CARICOM SG Dr. Carla Barnett urged leaders to prioritize implementation of regional integration in health, education and culture. Venezuela Aid: Guyana and CARICOM partners shipped 88 containers of relief to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including medical supplies and heavy equipment. Public Services for Diaspora: President Ali says mobile government service units will travel to countries with large Guyanese communities for passports, NIS and birth certificates. Justice: Henry boys’ killers were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry. Fire & Safety: A suspected electrical fire left six homeless in Alness Village, Corentyne.