AGP Executive Report

EKAA HRIM Quarry Probe: EKAA Earth Resources Management is denying forced labour, trafficking, passport confiscation and wage theft claims, saying Indian worker Shekhar Chetri died of a mild heart attack and that it has paid funeral and repatriation costs—while the Labour Ministry push for individual meetings continues amid accusations workers didn’t enter. Transport Crisis: Minibus operators staged a strike over fare increases being refused, leaving commuters stranded and prompting calls for urgent talks with government after Route 32 and other routes said costs have surged since 2018. Parliament & Diplomacy: Minister Gail Teixeira says the National Assembly will sit June 5, and criticises diplomats for commenting without first engaging the government. Oil & Mining: Hess is billed US$34M for Stabroek exploration and dry wells, while GGMC warns gold operators to submit production/sales records by June 30 or face licence suspensions. Business & Culture: Banks DIH celebrates Monde Selection Gold awards; Guyana also moves ahead with an industrial hemp plan for Regions Six and Ten.

Oil & Gas Costs: Hess has billed Guyana US$34M for its Stabroek Block oil hunt, including “dry well” charges, renewing the debate over who carries exploration risk under the Production Sharing Agreement. Licensing Reset: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says no extension was granted for Canje and Orinduik, so companies must apply for fresh licences under the new PSA terms. Transport Unrest: Minibus operators have widened a strike after government refused to approve fare increases, with Route 32 drivers demanding urgent talks. Parliament Timing: Government says the National Assembly will return on June 5 after a long sitting gap, sparking a diplomatic spat. Gold Compliance: GGMC warns gold operators that missing production and sales record deadlines by June 30 could mean licence suspension. Power Disruption: A second excavator strike in four days hit GPL’s Region Two network at Hampton Court, causing outages until repowering by 11:06. Labour Probe: EKAA HRIM and related quarry allegations continue to roil politics as investigations and worker demands for pay and return travel on. Aviation Push: Guyana will host a major ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum in September and is positioning for an ICAO council seat.

Courtroom Twist: The alleged mastermind behind the October 26, 2025 Mobil gas station bombing has reversed course and now refuses to plead guilty after prosecutors rejected demands to release co-accused, setting up capital trials for the whole group. Fuel-Fare Pressure: President Irfaan Ali publicly urged fuel importers and public transport operators to cut profit margins as global shocks keep costs rising, while opposition says the government is finally admitting a crisis it previously denied. Contract Crackdown: Permanent Secretaries have been told to enforce public contract deadlines and penalize late contractors. Quarry Probe: Guyana has launched an investigation into alleged abuse and labour violations involving 38 Indian workers in Region Seven, including claims of passport confiscation and wage cuts, with the company given 24 hours to respond. Parliament Standoff: The Forward Guyana Movement escalated its push to reconvene the 13th Parliament, petitioning the Clerk as the shutdown nears 100 days. Sports: Trinidad & Tobago’s Red Force ended a 20-year wait, crushing Guyana Harpy Eagles by 141 runs to win the West Indies four-day title.

Cricket Shock: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force seized control of the West Indies Four-Day final in Antigua, with Evin Lewis going unbeaten on 122 as T&T closed day three on 265/8, leading Guyana Harpy Eagles by 278 overall. Fuel-Fare Fight: President Irfaan Ali told transport operators and fuel beneficiaries to cut profit margins, insisting government has already absorbed billions via excise tax removal and subsidies—while Public Works Minister Edghill says no fare increase was approved. Labour Probe Escalates: Ekaa HRIM quarry allegations of forced labour and abuse are still under investigation after the company denied claims and workers’ passports were reportedly returned following a multi-agency task force. Court Moves: The DPP is pushing terrorism charges forward in the Mobil gas station bombing case despite claims by the alleged mastermind that he acted alone. Power Outage Fallout: GPL says an excavator hit a transmission line, triggering a major blackout, and is moving to recover damages from the contractor. Independence Glow: NCN lit up its Homestretch Avenue headquarters as Guyana marks 60 years of independence.

Transport Fare Pressure: President Irfaan Ali is telling fuel importers and public transport operators to cut profit margins, after government says it already absorbed over $100B in fuel costs by removing excise tax on imported refined products—yet fares haven’t fallen. Public Transport Crackdown: The government also says no fare increases are approved for minibuses, hire cars, speedboats or airport taxis, warning operators against price gouging and forcing passengers off vehicles. Health Warning: Doctors at GPHC’s Cardiac Symposium say heart disease is increasingly showing up in younger people, with 2,000+ deaths annually and over half linked to coronary artery disease. Regional Politics: Attorney General Anil Nandlall argues the removal of Regional Executive Officers was not a dismissal from a protected post, pushing back on opposition claims. Power Disruption: GPL is seeking $8.06M in damages after an excavator hit a transmission line, causing outages. Sports: In the West Indies 4-day final, Trinidad’s Red Force closed day three on 268/8, with Evin Lewis unbeaten on 122, as Guyana trails by 278 runs.

Oil & Industry: Vallourec says it has won two more ExxonMobil Guyana line-pipe orders for the Hammerhead and Longtail projects in the Stabroek Block—over 145 km of pipe, with 90 km insulated using ExxonMobil’s Proxxima™ resin systems and GDLX™ subsea insulation, plus an upgrade planned for its Brazil coating plant. Flood Relief: Guyana has loaned Suriname two high-capacity drainage pumps (31,000 gallons per minute each) to help tackle severe flooding after talks between President Ali and Suriname’s President Geerlings-Simons. Fuel Prices: President Ali urged fuel importers and transport operators to cut profit margins and avoid fare hikes as global fuel costs bite, while the government also insists no fare increase has been approved. Parliament Watch: FGM has petitioned the National Assembly over a 94-day shutdown and calls for regular sittings and committees. Housing: Jagdeo says eligible applicants in Region Two should receive house lots within 18 months. Sports & Business: CPL and UWI relaunch the 2026 sports marketing internship; tickets for several group games go on sale May 22.

West Indies Cricket Final: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force steadied the chase after Day 2, reaching 240/9 before being bowled out for 260; Jayden Seales made 70 and then took four wickets as Guyana Harpy Eagles were all out for 245, trailing by 15 runs heading into the next day. Digital Payments Push: Government says real-time transfers go live June 2 with FASTA, and Guyana is moving to connect with India’s UPI, with new international banks now licensed. Transport Fare Warning: Public transport operators are told no fare increase was approved, and passengers should not be forced to pay more. Labour Abuse Probe: A probe is underway into alleged passport confiscation, wage cuts and unsafe conditions at an India-owned quarry in Region 7, with a 24-hour ultimatum issued to respond. Environment Diplomacy: UN has signed a Declaration of Intent to join Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance, boosting cooperation on biodiversity and climate resilience. Power Disruption: GPL reports an excavator damaged a key transmission line, causing outages across parts of Demerara and Berbice.

Power Disruption: An excavator damaged GPL’s L1 transmission line at Grove, East Bank Demerara, knocking out Garden of Eden and Grove substations and leaving thousands without electricity across parts of Demerara and Berbice; service was fully restored by 11:37 hrs, and GPL says it will investigate and pursue compensation. Labour Rights: The Ministry of Labour launched an investigation into alleged forced labour, trafficking and unsafe conditions at EKAA HRIM in Region Seven, after workers raised complaints including passport confiscation; the company was given 24 hours to respond. Politics at Home: Forward Guyana Movement escalated its protest over a 90-day parliamentary shutdown by writing CARICOM, the Commonwealth, IPU, OAS and human-rights bodies, calling it democratic erosion. Regional Tensions: Venezuela demanded compensation from Trinidad and Tobago over an oil spill it says could affect 1,625 sq km and harm fishermen. Sports & Culture: Youth football’s U13 league kicked off nationwide; Independence softball titles were won by 4R Lioness, Regal and Parika Legends; and Guyana’s Grand Prix ticket pre-sales opened for July 11-12.

Labour Probe & Quarry Death: Guyana’s Labour Ministry has launched an investigation into alleged labour and safety violations at the India-owned EKAA HRIM quarry in Batavia, Region 7, after Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and workers’ families raised claims of passport retention, delayed wages, poor living conditions and unsafe practices—while the company says the worker died of a heart attack. Money Moves Fast: President Ali says Guyana’s banking era is changing fast, with FAST PAY (real-time payments) set for June 2 and integration into India’s UPI, plus new international banks licensed to operate locally. Energy & Clean Power: The Cheddi Jagan International Airport solar project is expected to cut electricity costs by about US$800,000 a year. Women’s Football Boost: The GFF and DOF Subsea are launching a five-year DOF–FIFA Arena Girls Football Academy to build an elite pathway for young female players. Sports—Final Day Drama: In the West Indies Championship final, pitch problems delayed play early, but Jayden Seales’ unbeaten 63 helped T&T reach 240/9 as Guyana’s Nial Smith took 3 wickets. Regional Politics: CARICOM’s 51st Heads meeting is set for July 5–8 in Saint Lucia.

Cricket Showdown: Jayden Seales rescued Trinidad & Tobago Red Force on day one of the West Indies Championship final, making an unbeaten 63 and sharing a last-wicket stand as T&T closed on 240/9—though the match was disrupted by a pitch problem that cost over two and a half hours. Education Push: The Ministry of Education launched a National Mathematics Taskforce, with Minister Sonia Parag saying the focus is on teacher training, better classroom delivery, and helping students understand math—not just memorise for exams. Payments Upgrade: President Ali announced Fast Pay will go live June 2, enabling real-time transfers across participating banks, plus Guyana’s move toward India’s UPI system. Food & Farming: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said authorities are working with farmers to expand organic production and reduce harmful chemicals. Culture & Independence: The Guyana Festival kicked off for the 60th anniversary, with a major “One Guyana” concert set for tonight.

Banking Upgrade: President Ali says Guyana’s financial sector is entering a new era, with two big payment moves—FASTA, a real-time system set for launch on June 2, 2026, and integration into India’s UPI—aimed at cutting cash use and speeding everyday transfers. Rice Support: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reassures rice farmers that the cash grant won’t leave out people without bank accounts; cheques will be distributed directly after registration and verification. Health Push: The Commonwealth Secretariat launched a cervical cancer elimination compendium, highlighting vaccination, screening and treatment approaches from 12 member countries. Independence Spirit: Thousands of Joint Services personnel marched in Georgetown for the 60th Independence Anniversary Route March under the theme “One Route. One Purpose. One Nation.” Crime Update: A special constable is in custody after a stabbing at Onderneeming Sand Pit left a 34-year-old porter in stable condition. Sports: Harpy Eagles and Red Force set for the West Indies Championship final today, with Guyana chasing a fourth straight title.

Independence Spotlight: President Irfaan Ali opened the Guyana Festival at the National Stadium, urging youth to reject division and back “One Guyana,” while also declaring at the Joint Services Route March that Guyana’s sovereignty is “not for sale.” Oil Spill Fallout (T&T): Trinidad and Tobago says it has received just over $61M in compensation from the IOPC for the Gulfstream disaster, far below the original offer. Democracy & Elections: The Carter Center’s final report flags gaps in political finance rules and warns about bank account closures affecting WIN candidates, alongside concerns over voter turnout. Legal Rights: “Baby Skello” (Daniel Wharton) had a blasphemy charge dismissed by a magistrate as “bad in law.” Energy Savings: Guyana’s airport solar project is set to cut electricity costs by about US$800,000 a year once completed. Sports: CPL draft fallout continues—Gudakesh Motie heads to Barbados Tridents as the 2026 season gears up.

CARICOM Diplomacy Push: CARICOM says it’s diversifying external relations through South-South ties, highlighting deeper links with the African Union and more membership applications, while keeping Haiti stability and Latin America trade/energy corridors front and centre. CPL Draft Shockwaves: The CPL 2026 draft is already reshaping squads—Trinbago Knight Riders keep their championship core, while Gudakesh Motie leaves Guyana Amazon Warriors for Barbados Tridents and Andre Russell joins the new Jamaica Kingsmen. Guyana-Suriname Talks: Presidents Irfaan Ali and Jennifer Geerlings-Simons discussed the Corentyne River Bridge, fisheries, energy, and trade, with a three-month plan to finalise key items. Customs Oversight Upgrade: Frontline customs officers at airports, wharves and transit sheds must now wear body cameras. Education Water Boost: Project FLOW commissioned 15 school water purification systems in Region Three. Sports Final Set: Guyana Harpy Eagles and T&T Red Force lock in the West Indies Championship final after playoff wins.

CPL Draft Shock: Barbados Tridents used right-to-match to snatch Gudakesh Motie from Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Trinbago Knight Riders kept their West Indies core (Narine, Pooran, Pollard, Hosein) to defend the 2025 title. Oil Contract Debate: A T&T energy strategist says Guyana’s lopsided ExxonMobil deal could be renegotiated, but only with real political will. Border & Sovereignty: Venezuela’s acting president again rejected Trump’s “51st state” talk and doubled down on its Essequibo position as the ICJ fight continues. Regional Diplomacy: Presidents Ali and Suriname’s Geerlings-Simons advanced talks on the Corentyne River Bridge, trade, fisheries and energy, with a three-month push to finalise issues. Clean Water Push: 15 school water purification systems were commissioned in Region 3 under Project FLOW. Governance Tension: Defectors to PPP/C “were not core APNU members,” Mahipaul says, while police top brass trade claims over a SOCU traffic-stop probe. US Eyes Bauxite: The US says it’s turning attention to Guyana’s bauxite and resources for business opportunities.

Caribbean Tourism Watch: Curaçao is being singled out as the region’s most stable tourism market, with a year-round demand profile that beats peers like Aruba, Guyana, and even winter-heavy Barbados. Health Alert: The U.S. CDC has issued a Level 2 travel warning for Mauritius over chikungunya, urging extra precautions against mosquito bites. Guyana–DR Energy Push: Presidents Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Luis Abinader signed a deal to explore and potentially develop oil and gas in the Berbice Block, with the Dominican state getting a 10% stake via its refinery company. Border Tensions: Guyana has formally protested Venezuela after armed attacks on GDF patrols along the Cuyuni River. Democracy Under Scrutiny: The Carter Center’s final election report praises efficient vote monitoring but warns Guyana’s electoral design and GECOM’s politicisation still undermine public trust. Oil Sector Update: ExxonMobil has resumed drilling outside Stabroek, with the Goby-1 wildcat underway in the Canje area. Digital ID Debate: The Data Protection Commissioner defended the e-ID rollout while addressing growing privacy concerns. Sports & Culture: Guyana Festival returns for Independence celebrations starting May 15, while cricket and regional finals keep the spotlight on Guyana’s Harpy Eagles.

Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil is back drilling outside Stabroek—MARAD says the supermajor has resumed work on the Canje block with the ultra-deepwater Goby-1 wildcat, using the Stena Carron drillship, targeting completion in late July. Border Tensions: Guyana has demanded Venezuela investigate two shootings on the Cuyuni River that it says targeted Guyanese troops, including one that wounded a soldier. Politics & Governance: The Carter Center says Guyana’s 2025 election was technically well run, but warns the “winner-takes-all” system and GECOM’s structure keep the country unstable; separately, Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul slams President Ali’s anti-corruption rhetoric amid lingering procurement scandals. Energy Diplomacy: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an agreement to jointly explore the onshore Berbice block. Public Data: Government says it’s actively moving to formally establish a Data Protection Office. Sports & Culture: The Guyana Festival returns May 15–17, while cricket fallout continues as West Indies playoff preparations intensify.