AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy & Leadership: The US says there’s “no reason” a woman can’t become the next UN Secretary-General, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett seeks Pakistan’s backing for the top UN post. Regional Aid: CARICOM leaders, coordinated by Guyana, sent 88 containers of earthquake relief to Venezuela; Acting President Delcy Rodríguez publicly thanked Trinidad and Tobago and other CARICOM states. Judiciary Independence: PM Mark Phillips told new magistrates and commissioners of title that the executive “does not control the judiciary,” reaffirming separation of powers. Anti-Crime & Asset Recovery: Guyana is pushing stronger anti-money laundering and asset recovery, with AG Nandlall highlighting regional cooperation through ARIN-CARIB. Drugs & Security: CANU head James Singh says about 90% of cocaine seizures in Guyana originated from Venezuela, as investigations continue into threats against him. Oil & Energy: Refidomsa has been given up to six months to start exploration in the Berbice Block; meanwhile, Minister Daryl Vaz says Petrojam losses from higher global oil prices are expected to be recouped over time. Visa Policy: Spain grants visa-free travel to nine CARICOM countries, but Guyana is not on the list. Local Development: Govt will link Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme to the Aubrey Barker Highway, and Buxton Market construction ($388M) has started. Sports: West Indies coach Darren Sammy says the team must improve when batting first as the ODI series heads to a decisive game at Providence.

Cattle Import Row: Opposition APNU is questioning whether the first batch of 300 pregnant Brazilian heifers was truly headed for Ebini, after claims that trucks were left stranded at the Tacama/Ebini landing for up to 72 hours, sparking a fresh political fight over animal welfare and planning. Murder Probe: Police launched a homicide investigation after 38-year-old Shawn Edwards died from a close-range gunshot wound in South Vigilance, with a manhunt underway for a suspect described as well-known to law enforcement. UN Leadership Push: CARICOM threw its full support behind Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as the region’s candidate for UN Secretary-General. Local Governance: Housing Minister Collin Croal visited Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme and says two main roads will be upgraded to connect the community directly to the Aubrey Barker Highway. Youth & Tech: STEMGuyana is seeking funding for Guyana’s team to compete in the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in Korea, saying government support has been inconsistent. Justice System: The Judicial Service Commission confirmed Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman as Chief Magistrate, with the appointment effective from January 7, 2025. Sports: West Indies’ Daren Sammy says the team must improve when batting first ahead of the crucial third ODI versus New Zealand, after the series leveled 1-1.

Oil Accountability: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says the government must explain whether Guyana has repaid ExxonMobil’s initial Stabroek Block investments, after Exxon said billions remain in the “cost bank,” a move that could affect Guyana’s profit share. Aviation: Air Services Limited has shut its rotor wing (helicopter) operations after a years-long fight for regulatory approvals, warning hinterland communities will lose vital air links. Justice Update (“Paper Shorts”): Three men tied to the 2021 “Paper Shorts” execution-style murder were released on $1M station bail each, while police issued a wanted bulletin for another suspect, Satrohan Rajkumar (“Depo”). Courts & Appointments: JSC named Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman as Chief Magistrate and announced new magistrates, plus appointments at the Deeds Registry and Land Court. Procurement & Energy: GTE project contractors face possible debarment over alleged bid omissions and hidden details, as scrutiny grows around Guyana’s gas-to-energy push. Education: Government will roll out a fully online Guyana Digital School curriculum for Grades 1–11 starting September. Sports: Guyana’s juniors continue to shine in CASA, chess and squash, while West Indies’ Jayden Lennox’s 5-19 helped New Zealand level the ODI series 1-1.

Education Upgrade: Guyana will expand the Guyana Digital School platform from September, giving free online access to the full primary and secondary curriculum for Grades 1–11, meant to reinforce classroom teaching. Oil & Money Watch: A new breakdown of 2025 Guyana oil consortium figures claims Guyana’s “take home” share is far smaller than the headline 50/50 narrative, reigniting debate over profit splits and deductions. Police & Politics: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed accuses the government of using the police to target him as the “Paper Shorts” murder probe is reopened; he says the outcome is predetermined. Courtroom Corruption Case: Prosecutors begin the financial misconduct trial of former ACP Calvin Brutus, alleging 221 payment vouchers linked to businesses owned by his wife. Livestock Import Fallout: GLDA says animal welfare was handled during the Brazil heifer transport, but Mohamed and WIN allege pregnant cattle died or were stranded without proper care at Ibini. Energy Expansion: Government says it’s accelerating new oil exploration beyond Stabroek, with seismic work already underway and new block agreements moving forward. Tech & Transport: RideGY launches nationwide as a Guyana-built ride-hailing app with upfront fares and GPS tracking. Youth Cricket: CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Championship continues with Guyana set to face Barbados, plus other key regional fixtures.

Oil Revenue Watch: Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund grew by US$1.2B in Q2 2026, with US$1.127B in profit oil and US$107.5M in royalties, bringing total earnings for the quarter to US$1.235B. Border Tensions: CARICOM leaders voiced concern that Venezuelan territory is being used to launch attacks on GDF patrols along the Cuyuni River, while reaffirming support for the ICJ process. Cattle Import Row: GLDA rejected social media claims of neglect over pregnant Brazilian heifers, saying animals received quarantine, veterinary checks, and continuous supervision; Opposition MPs also raised questions after delays at the Tacama/Ebini crossing. Legal Update: A High Court judge upheld a 72-hour detention extension for murder suspect Mark Richmond, after a habeas corpus challenge. Oil Block Deadline: Minister Vickram Bharrat gave Cybele Energy a final end-of-July deadline to pay a US$17M signing bonus or risk losing the S7 block. Cricket (Local Spotlight): New Zealand levelled the ODI series 1-1 after Jayden Lennox’s 5/19 helped bowl out West Indies for 138, then chase 141/5; Shimron Hetmyer replaced injured Justin Greaves for the next ODIs. Sports (Women’s Basketball): Guyana lost again at the AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers and now faces a must-win vs US Virgin Islands.

ODI Cricket in Guyana: West Indies beat New Zealand by 7 wickets in the 1st ODI at Providence, chasing 268 with Shai Hope 87* and Keacy Carty 95; Vitel Lawes took 3-54 on debut as NZ collapsed late. Team News: For the next ODIs, Shimron Hetmyer returns to the West Indies squad, replacing injured Justin Greaves. Integrity Commission Push: Opposition MP Dr Terrence Campbell proposes amendments to the Integrity Commission Act to require public release of summary asset declarations for specified office holders. Cattle Import Row: The GLDA rejects social media claims about the welfare of pregnant heifers imported from Brazil, saying strict quarantine and veterinary supervision were followed. Education Upgrade: The Ministry of Education will put the full primary and secondary curriculum online via the Guyana Digital School from September. Housing Backlog: Housing Minister Collin Croal says Guyana is on track to clear most house-lot backlog within two years, except Region Four where 50,000+ applicants remain without a firm timeline. Gold Sector Update: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says gold declarations hit the half-year target for the first time in about nine years. Oil Block Deadline: Cybele Energy faces a final end-of-July cut-off to pay a US$17M signing bonus for the S7 offshore block, after default interest pushed the amount above US$20M. Youth Jobs Data: Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez says youth unemployment fell from 31.9% (Q3 2021) to 12.1% (Q4 2024). Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders endorsed Guyana’s UN Secretary-General nominee, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission heads to the UK (July 13–16) to build support for reparatory justice, with meetings in London and a presentation at the UK Parliament. Regional Arts & Sports: Antigua and Barbuda won the right to host CARIFESTA 2029, while Guyana is set to stage CARIFTA Games in 2027; locally, Guyana’s AmeriCup qualifying hopes ended after a late tournament setback in the FIBA Women’s Centrobasket qualifiers, including an overtime loss to El Salvador. Demographics: 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 young people. Oil & Transparency Row: Opposition figures renewed calls for stronger transparency laws after renewed farm-related allegations involving President Irfaan Ali. Mining & Livestock: Gold declarations rose by about 25,000 ounces in the first half of 2026, and Guyana received 1,000 pregnant heifers from Brazil to expand cattle production. Border Security Concern: A Kanashen toshao raised alarm over unauthorised foreign flights over an indigenous protected area near the Guyana-Brazil border. Humanitarian Aid: Guyana and CARICOM shipped 88 containers of earthquake relief to Venezuela, including medicines, food, and construction equipment. Road Safety & Crime: Police reported multiple serious 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.

CARICOM Humanitarian Aid: A CARICOM vessel arrived in Venezuela with 88 containers of relief supplies, including medicines, food, and construction materials, as Guyana’s ambassador said the effort is coordinated and will continue. Tourism Growth: New figures show Guyana welcomed 107,286 stayover visitors in Q1 2026, up 12% year-on-year, as the country’s rainforest-and-wildlife tourism push gains momentum. Crime & Justice: A Cuban man, Yoel Rodríguez Barrientos, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the hammer-and-knife murder of his partner and her 11-year-old daughter in Georgetown. Road Safety: A motorcyclist died and another was injured in a Georgetown crash; another pedestrian was killed on the De Kinderen Public Road after being struck by a reversing vehicle. Sports: West Indies beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the first ODI at Providence, with Keacy Carty (95) and Shai Hope (87*) leading the chase; Vitel Lawes took three wickets on debut. AmeriCup Qualifier: Official rosters are set for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifier in Nicaragua, with Guyana in Group B. Energy & Skills: GPL trained staff in renewable energy and battery storage technologies at a technical workshop. Population Milestone: Guyana’s population surpassed one million, reaching 1,025,334 by end-2025. Politics & Oversight: APNU is pushing for the PAC to examine audited accounts of constitutional agencies, while a habeas corpus application challenges the detention of Mark Richmond beyond 72 hours.

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 and is expected to meet again behind closed doors. Rights in Focus: A habeas corpus application was filed against Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken over Mark Richmond’s detention beyond the 72-hour limit, with the court asked to order his immediate production. Ethnic Relations: The Ethnic Relations Commission publicly denounced “Guyanese Critic” Mikhail Rodrigues for racially stereotypical remarks, while saying the comments didn’t meet the criminal threshold for racial incitement. Energy & Infrastructure: GPL trained staff in renewable energy and battery storage technologies, while Public Works begins Monday repairs on deteriorating sections of the Rupert Craig Highway between Ogle and UG Road. Housing & Social Services: Home Affairs plans a $241M daycare centre for children of Prison Service officers, and the government is expanding community-based childcare access. Politics & Land: APNU says it’s unfair that foreigners get leased lands for business while Guyanese still wait for house lots, as debate over land allocation and housing continues. Sports: West Indies beat New Zealand by 7 wickets in the first 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 road and drainage works well advanced. Agriculture & Training: The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry wrapped a Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean programme, helping farmers—especially women and youth—modernise operations through training and market links. Public Health Alert: Hawai‘i health officials reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging residents to cut mosquito breeding sites. CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission heads to the UK next week for meetings and a UK Parliament presentation to build support for reparatory justice. One Guyana Gospel Night: Thousands filled the National Stadium for the One Guyana Worship Experience, themed “one nation, one voice,” during Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Local Crime: Police say a 21-year-old woman’s body was found in a shallow grave in Mahaica and a suspect was arrested. Health Infrastructure: Charlestown’s new G$201.8M health centre was commissioned to expand primary care access. Sports (Guyana): West Indies begin the ODI series vs New Zealand at Providence today, with Guyana’s Vitel Lawes making his ODI debut.

Education Wins: Guyana marks a historic NGSA milestone as 20 pupils tie for the top spot with perfect standardised scores of 484.52, while pass rates improve across English, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics. Sports—Cricket: West Indies begin a crucial ODI series against New Zealand at Providence, with coach Daren Sammy stressing World Cup qualification points and Shai Hope leaning on local experience; meanwhile, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy is backed to lead the pace attack. Sports—Basketball: Guyana stays in the FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers race after beating Dominica 68-53, setting up a key final group match vs Bermuda. Sports—Youth: Guyana’s junior squash and CASA Junior champs kick off strongly in Tortola, while the Rising Stars U-19 50-over tournament gets underway in Antigua with Guyana set to face Trinidad and Tobago. Health & Community: Charlestown Health Centre reopens with expanded services, and the ERC reports 34 hate-speech warnings in June. Politics & Accountability: APNU renews calls for President Ali to resign and face an independent forensic audit over his Long Creek farm claims. Roads: Repairs begin Monday on a deteriorating stretch of the Rupert Craig Highway (Ogle to UG Road).

Land, oil wealth and access to plots: APNU MP Sherod Duncan says the Long Creek farm controversy has tapped into wider public anger over land access, inequality and how Guyana’s oil wealth is being shared, arguing many people still can’t secure even small house lots. Pipeline probe: Demerara Waves reports EPA and MARAD now admit a “slight anomaly” on the US$1 billion natural gas pipeline after earlier denials, with government and ExxonMobil refusing further details. Murder charge: A 27-year-old security guard, Ormyous Vieira, was charged with the murder of gold miner Ceton Courtman and remanded to prison after the fatal shooting at Sands Backdam, Cuyuni River. Football leadership: The Guyana Football Federation appointed Marco Bonofiglio as Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars and Junior Golden Jaguars U20. Education results: NGSA 2026 results are being released to schools, with 15,706 candidates tested in Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies. Sports—AmeriCup: Guyana beat Antigua and Barbuda 75-73 in overtime in the FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, with Umar Rashid and Kevon Wiggins leading the comeback. Transport safety: A 20-tonne vehicle weight limit is now in effect for the Parika/Supenaam ferry service due to rehabilitation works. Crime and courts: Yogendra Sukhdeo was sentenced to life imprisonment for the $8 million robbery-murder of businessman Amit Singh.

Porous Borders & Crime: A new look at French Guiana highlights how EU “strict” rules sit next to far more permissive crossings, helping traffickers turn illegal activity into money flows. Violence in ECD: Two men were shot dead at Vigilance South, East Coast Demerara; police say suspects arrived by motorcycle and no arrests were made. Gas-to-Energy Pipeline Dispute: EPA and MARAD deny a ruptured pipeline but admit a “slight anomaly” after video surfaced, reversing earlier denials. Courtroom Justice: Ex-cop Yogendra Sukhdeo was sentenced to life for the 2023 robbery-murder of businessman Amit Singh. Uranium Deal: Gibraltar firm ROPA secured rights to buy up to half of initial Kurupung uranium output under U92-linked agreements. Road Deaths: A Soesdyke woman died in a head-on crash on the E.B.D public road; two others are in critical condition. Farm Transparency Fight: President Ali again faced calls for full disclosure over his Long Creek farm and alleged blackmail, with opposition pushing for independent scrutiny. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders agreed to seek a CCJ advisory opinion on the Secretary-General reappointment dispute, keeping the current status quo while the court rules. Sports & Community: Guyana beat Antigua in overtime to stay alive in the FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers; UG vice-chancellor search narrows to five candidates.

Humanitarian Relief: A shipment of 88 containers of emergency supplies left Georgetown for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Guyana coordinating and seven CARICOM states backing the effort, including water tanks, medicines, food and earth-moving equipment. Public Services for Diaspora: President Irfaan Ali says mobile government service centres will be set up in countries with large Guyanese communities, with plans for mobile biometric passport services to reduce travel home for documents. Security & Crime: Police found live ammunition, firearm parts and a teargas canister at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, with no arrests; and two men were shot dead at a shop in Vigilance South, East Coast Demerara, as investigations continue. Energy & Safety Claims: The EPA and MARAD rejected media reports of a ruptured Gas-to-Energy pipeline at Wales, saying the line is not active and that inspections are ongoing after a minor anomaly. Regional Trade: The TT Chamber and the Georgetown Chamber signed an MoU to strengthen bilateral trade and tackle non-tariff barriers. Politics & Governance: The AG defended Guyana’s Former Presidents Benefits Bill 2026 as restoring equality after a 2015 repeal, while opposition criticism continues.

CARICOM Humanitarian Response: CARICOM cleared its long-delayed humanitarian aid for Cuba after sanctions-related banking hurdles, with Barbados PM Mia Mottley saying the region is acting because “humanitarian relief comes above everything else.” Venezuela Earthquake Aid: A CARICOM relief ship left Port Georgetown with nearly 90 containers of supplies plus water tanks and excavators as the UN warned Venezuela still needs an extra US$296 million for recovery. Local Relief & Grants: Region Three rice farmers began receiving over $201M in cash grants, while the government launched the third phase of the $100,000 cash grant for people without bank accounts via cheque options. Politics & Accountability: The GTUC renewed calls for an independent COI into President Irfaan Ali’s 150-acre ranch and urged withdrawal of the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill; meanwhile, opposition figures again demanded answers over the President’s wealth and land holdings. Economy & Labour: Officials and business voices flagged a growing labour crunch as oil-driven expansion outpaces the local workforce. Trade & Diplomacy: The Georgetown and T&T chambers signed an MoU to tackle non-tariff barriers affecting Guyana’s exports. Sports: Guyana opened its FIBA AmeriCup 2029 U-qualifiers campaign with a 68-55 loss to Turks and Caicos; junior squash and athletics teams also departed for regional and world events.

Local Justice & Land Use: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says RDCs and NDCs must act fast against squatting and illegal encumbrances, using notices, court action and demolitions to “nip it in the bud.” Business & Trade: The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU with the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber to tackle non-tariff barriers and boost bilateral trade. Labour Market Pressure: A labour crunch is now hitting construction, transportation, mining and agriculture as oil-driven expansion outpaces the available workforce. Rice Support: Region Three rice farmers received over $201.6M in cash grants, while Region Five got more than $1.18B for 1,387 farmers. Politics & Accountability: Opposition leaders renewed calls for President Irfaan Ali’s resignation over alleged wealth and the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill, as the dispute over the Soesdyke-Linden Highway farm deepened. Regional Integration: CARICOM SG Dr Carla Barnett urged leaders to prioritize health, education and culture integration, while CARICOM continues pushing for CCJ advice on the Secretary-General reappointment. Venezuela Relief: Guyana and CARICOM shipped 88 containers of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including tanks and heavy equipment. Public Safety: A suspected electrical fire at Alness Village left six homeless, and two men convicted of the Henry cousins’ murders were sentenced to life imprisonment. Diaspora Services: President Ali says mobile government service units could bring passports, NIS and birth certificates to Guyanese overseas.