AGP Executive Report

Public Health: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will restrict imports of recreational vaping products, allowing exceptions only for uses approved by health authorities, amid concerns about young people’s access and health risks. Economic Outlook: The OECD has upgraded Guyana’s country risk rating from 5 to 4. The change could lower insurance premiums on some export-backed loans, but does not mean cheaper borrowing across the economy. MV Barima Inquiry: The vessel’s distress beacon was not listed in the international database used to identify its owner, GCAA’s air navigation director said, complicating the response to the July sinking. Workplace Safety: A China Railway subcontractor died after contacting GPL’s live network while doing pipe-laying work in Sophia; the incident also caused brief power outages. Small Business Finance: Region Six loggers and miners are eyeing zero-interest, no-collateral Guyana Development Bank loans of up to $3 million, with the government urging loggers to invest in value-added production. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says expanding local corn and soya production could generate about US$40 million a year as Guyana works to reduce imports.

Energy: Phoenix Park Gas Processors has been selected as preferred operator and maintenance provider for Guyana’s natural gas liquids facility. Sport: Tishawn Easton won silver in the men’s 400 metres at the South American U23 Games, Guyana’s first medal at the event. Crime: Police arrested a suspect after a masked gunman stole several million dollars from a worker preparing to pay construction crews on the Essequibo Coast; the cash has not been recovered. Economy: Guyana’s OECD country-risk rating rose from Category Five to Four, potentially lowering insurance costs on some export-credit financing, but not borrowing costs across the economy. Agriculture: At World Food Day celebrations, officials highlighted investment in food production; Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha also announced drainage, road and machinery support for Big Biaboo farmers. Justice: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two co-accused were granted bail on firearm, ammunition and obstruction charges linked to a shooting near a senior police officer’s home; the allegations are contested. MV Barima Inquiry: Divers said debris and rough conditions blocked access to the wreck, while testimony raised questions about delays verifying the distress signal and locating the vessel. UN Race: Former Senegalese President Macky Sall withdrew from the secretary-general contest. Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains among the candidates but received opposing votes from two permanent Security Council members.

UN Leadership Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains among the leading contenders to succeed António Guterres, but Friday’s sixth Security Council poll showed no candidate had won the backing of all five veto-wielding powers. She received eight encouraging votes and six discouraging votes, including two from permanent members; Rebeca Grynspan led with nine encouraging votes. Mohamed Case: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two employees were granted $750,000 bail each on firearm, ammunition and justice-perversion charges linked to a shooting near a senior police officer’s home. The AFC is seeking video and forensic results, while Forward Guyana’s Amanza Walton-Desir has called for an independent probe of police conduct. MV Barima Inquiry: GDF officers told the commission that the only serviceable helicopter during the response was a single-engine aircraft barred from offshore searches. The inquiry is also examining delays in locating the ferry and coordinating the rescue; opposition groups are urging the commission to allow public broadcasts. Food Security: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana is building an integrated agri-food economy, while Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted plans to expand production and processing to cut food imports. Tourism: Guyana-hosted SOTIC included a regional youth congress backed by Carnival Corporation, with Anguilla’s Amarni Webster named the winner.

Mohamed Case: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two co-accused were granted $750,000 bail each on firearm, ammunition and justice-perversion charges. Mohamed alleges he was shot at and evidence was fabricated; police and government accounts differ, and the allegations remain unproven. MV Barima Inquiry: Coast Guard officer Rahul Ramsarup testified that his team left 15–20 minutes after receiving distress coordinates. The inquiry is also examining delays in locating the ferry and limits on the GDF’s available helicopter. Food Security: Guyana is pressing to boost local production and processing, with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha citing plans to cut imports of corn, soya and onions. A new $1.6 billion Essequibo paddy facility is intended to reduce losses and give farmers more flexibility to sell. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan leads the latest Security Council poll, but no candidate has cleared the way to a recommendation. Guyana’s ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains among the contenders. Regional Energy: Prime Minister Mark Phillips urged Caribbean nations to diversify energy sources and attract more US investment, pointing to Guyana’s oil and gas sector as an example.

Police and Justice: The DPP has recommended firearm and ammunition possession charges against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two employees, along with a charge of attempting to obstruct justice. Mohamed disputes the police account and alleges the gun was planted. MV Barima Inquiry: Testimony continues to expose gaps in the ferry disaster response, including an unregistered distress beacon, delays confirming the vessel’s identity and limits on search crews’ training and equipment. Oil and Environment: Indigenous groups are opposing a planned December oil auction in the Amazon, while Guyana received US$1.89 billion in oil revenue for the third quarter. Officials have also warned of a rise in fires threatening forests and wildlife. Health: A GRPA programme funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative delivered about 2,000 cancer screenings in 200 communities, including hinterland and Indigenous areas. Sport: At 74, powerlifter Frank Tucker set three South American records at the World Masters Championships and won three silver and one bronze medal.

MV Barima Inquiry: Coast Guard officers told the commission that changing coordinates and faulty GPS hampered the initial search, while an unregistered emergency beacon complicated identification. Witnesses also described delays before an aircraft located the sinking site, where 10 survivors were rescued. Opposition Leader’s Detention: Azruddin Mohamed remains in custody with two others after a shooting outside a senior police officer’s home. Police allege a firearm was found in their vehicle; Mohamed’s lawyer says it was planted. The government has briefed the US Justice Department, while Mohamed’s office is seeking international scrutiny. Oil Revenue: Guyana received US$1.89 billion in oil revenues for the third quarter, with 22 profit-oil payments—double the previous quarter’s count. Political Legacy: At Robert Corbin’s funeral, President Irfaan Ali urged national unity, while Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo warned that entrenched racial politics could threaten the major parties’ future. Golden Jaguars: Guyana climbed eight places to 142nd in FIFA’s rankings after a nine-match winning streak, leading their Nations League group with a perfect 12 points.

Political Tensions: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two others remain in custody after gunfire outside a senior police officer’s home. Mohamed denies wrongdoing and alleges police planted a gun; supporters protested, while the Court of Appeal has reserved its ruling in his extradition challenge. MV Barima Inquiry: The inquiry heard the vessel’s emergency beacon was unregistered and the GCAA air navigation director learned of the distress alert more than two hours after it reached the control tower. One trained officer and a trainee were handling the tower shift. Oil Revenues: Guyana received US$1.886 billion in petroleum revenue in the third quarter, up from about US$1.23 billion in the previous quarter, with profit-oil payments more than doubling. Tourism and Trade: Guyana will host the USTOA sustainability summit in March 2027, bringing North American tour operators and local tourism businesses together. President Irfaan Ali and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also discussed closer trade and investment ties. Georgetown Fire: Eight people were left homeless after a fire damaged four buildings at Cummings Street and North Road.

MV Barima Inquiry: The inquiry into the deadly ferry disaster heard that the first distress alert arrived at 10:43 p.m. and the Coast Guard was notified eight minutes later. Beacon records did not identify the vessel or its owner, and the air navigation director learned of the emergency around 1 a.m. The Coast Guard later reported rescuing 26 people. Political and Legal Tensions: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two others remain in custody after reported gunfire near the home of a senior police officer who is a witness in Mohamed’s extradition case. Police and Mohamed’s camp dispute what happened; WIN also alleges detainees were denied medical care, a claim not independently verified. The Court of Appeal has reserved its ruling on the extradition challenge. Tourism: Guyana will host the U.S. Tour Operators Association’s sustainability summit on March 7–10, 2027, bringing influential travel businesses and potential opportunities for local operators. Care and Jobs: Government plans to invest $1.2 billion over two years in childcare and elderly-care services, with training and support for care businesses. Agriculture: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soya to Barbados, as the sector expands production and trains a new cohort of 102 agricultural graduates.

Shooting and Extradition: The government says the US Justice Department is being updated after Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two others were arrested following gunfire near the home of Prem Narine, a key witness in the Mohameds’ extradition case. Officials say shots came from the men’s car and a firearm was found; Mohamed disputes the account and alleges police planted the weapon. The Court of Appeal has reserved its ruling on the Mohameds’ challenge to the extradition law. Oil and Gas: Guyana is weighing a smaller LNG export project—or no exports—as ExxonMobil says it needs more gas to sustain oil production. The country could exceed one million barrels a day in oil exports in December, according to a Bloomberg report. Investment: US Ambassador Nicole Theriot says foreign investors face difficulties finding local suppliers able to deliver at scale, alongside hurdles involving logistics, taxes, land and skilled workers. Food Security: President Irfaan Ali is backing expanded storage and long-term supply agreements to stabilise prices and strengthen regional food security. China Ties: A senior Chinese political adviser visited Guyana and met President Irfaan Ali, Speaker Manzoor Nadir and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, with both sides expressing interest in deeper cooperation and investment.

Political Tensions: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed remains in police custody after a shooting outside the home of Special Branch head Prem Narine. Police and Mohamed’s camp give conflicting accounts; protesters gathered outside Kitty Police Station demanding accountability. Extradition Case: The Court of Appeal has reserved its ruling on the Mohameds’ challenge to extradition proceedings. Attorney General Anil Nandlall told the court the US had provided written assurances they would not be sent to a third country. Food Security: Guyana could end chicken imports within a month as local supply recovers, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says. President Irfaan Ali is also calling for long-term farm purchase agreements and expanded storage to steady prices and guard against shortages. Oil Revenue: Guyana exported US$15 billion in crude in the first half of 2026, but received US$1.9 billion, according to figures cited from the Bank of Guyana report. Workers’ Savings: Sugar workers are protesting over deductions GuySuCo has not transferred to their credit union, which says the delay is causing hardship. National Legacy: Eusi Kwayana, the anti-colonial activist and WPA co-founder, has died at 101.

Police Probe: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed alleges police fired at his vehicle and planted a handgun after a search in Kitty. Police had earlier said his vehicle was clamped as part of a dangerous-driving investigation; they had not commented on his latest allegations. Public Finances: Guyana’s first-half deficit nearly tripled to $105.6 billion, while credit to agriculture, manufacturing and mining fell, according to the Bank of Guyana. Agriculture: President Irfaan Ali says Republic Bank will set aside funds for farm loans, with preferential rates still under negotiation, as government seeks to expand production and farmland access. Trafficking: Guyana retained Tier 1 status for a tenth year, but the US report recorded fewer investigations and a sharp drop in victims referred for care. National Legacy: Eusi Kwayana, independence activist and WPA co-founder, has died at 101, prompting tributes across Guyana.

Education: The Education Ministry launched EdPal Plus, giving students free access to lessons, audiobooks and seven live channels, alongside a mentorship programme in media production. Agriculture: At Guyana’s first Farmers’ Conference, President Irfaan Ali announced negotiations for preferential bank loans, new food-storage facilities and a poultry plant expected to triple processing capacity. He said agriculture has grown by an average 10% annually since 2022; an Essequibo rice-storage hub is also planned to help farmers hold paddy for better prices. Tourism: Guyana and Jamaica signed a cooperation agreement covering investment, training and connectivity, as Guyana expands its visitor industry. Public Safety: The Fire Service plans to install about 2,000 hydrants by 2027, while officials say new stations and equipment are helping speed emergency responses. Healthcare: The new West Demerara Hospital is expected to open in late 2027 with advanced diagnostic and cardiac services. National Legacy: Guyana is mourning Eusi Kwayana, the veteran politician, historian and WPA co-founder, who died at 101.

Tourism and Travel: President Irfaan Ali is calling for faster digital visa processing across the Caribbean, while Guyana and Jamaica have signed a tourism cooperation agreement. Guyana expects to approach 6,000 hotel rooms by year-end. Police Accountability: Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, accused of rape and threatening behaviour, is challenging the police commissioner’s authority to place him on leave and has threatened legal action. Cross-Border Trade: Suriname has begun unloading a seized shipment of 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice under police guard; the importer is seeking its return. Surinamese police also allege 850 kilograms of copper seized at a checkpoint were smuggled from Guyana. National Loss: Eusi Kwayana, veteran political activist and Working People’s Alliance co-founder, has died at 101. Energy: Prime Minister Mark Phillips says installed renewable capacity could nearly double to 77.14 megawatts by 2031, from 38.72 MW this year. Sport: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons handed the Guyana Amazon Warriors their first defeat of the CPL season, winning by 65 runs at Providence. Guyana’s Briton John also took silver in the Caribbean Elite Men’s road race.

Police Dispute: Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh is challenging the authority to place him on leave while rape and threatening-behaviour allegations are investigated. His lawyer says he will take legal action if the order is enforced. Oil and Economy: Guyana received US$768 million in profit oil in September, while the IMF urged tighter oversight of oil spending, resolution of outstanding audits and better-targeted subsidies. The Fund projects 22.3% economic growth this year. National Loss: Eusi Kwayana, independence activist, educator and WPA co-founder known as the “Sage of Buxton,” has died at 101. Crime: A 28-year-old man was killed during an altercation in Amelia’s Ward, Linden. In East Canje, masked armed robbers stole more than $10 million from a businessman; police are reviewing CCTV footage. Tourism: Guyana and Jamaica signed an agreement to explore cooperation in investment, air links, training and sustainable tourism.

Bird-Flu Alert: Guyana has tightened farm checks and border monitoring after H5N1 was confirmed in neighbouring Suriname, with officials saying poultry farms are being held to hygiene standards. National Loss: Eusi Kwayana, WPA co-founder and independence-era activist, has died at 101. Tributes from political groups recognise his decades of work in Guyana’s public life. Police Probe: SOCU chief Fazil Karimbaksh has been sent on leave amid rape and threat allegations; the claims remain under investigation. Tourism: Guyana’s room capacity is expected to approach 6,000 by year-end as conference travel grows, but litter and waste management remain persistent challenges. MV Barima Inquiry: Commissioners are reviewing records and inspecting maritime sites; whether ministers will be called to testify has not yet been decided. Pension Rights: Christopher Ram, pensioners and three unions have asked the High Court to order NIS to pay the statutory minimum pension and arrears.

National Loss: Eusi Kwayana, WPA co-founder and independence-era political figure, has died in the United States at 101. Tributes from the WPA and PNCR/APNU recognised his decades of work on Guyana’s political history and social justice. Police Accountability: Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh has been sent on leave pending a probe into rape and threatening-behaviour allegations. MV Barima Inquiry: Commissioners are inspecting maritime facilities and records ahead of public hearings, while leaving open whether ministers will be called to testify. Oil Wealth and the Economy: The IMF projects strong growth but has also raised concerns about governance, public spending and whether Guyana’s oil boom is reaching citizens; opposition figures are questioning the cost and delays of the Gas-to-Energy project. Tourism and Infrastructure: Guyana’s accommodation capacity is expected to near 6,000 rooms by year-end as conference tourism expands, but litter and waste remain persistent problems. Pension Rights: Christopher Ram, pensioners and three unions have gone to court seeking higher statutory minimum NIS pensions and arrears they say have been unpaid since 2021. Trafficking: Guyana retained Tier 1 status in the US report, though coverage also points to declines in investigations and victim support.