AGP Executive Report

UN Watch: The UN Security Council is set for a second informal straw poll on Friday to gauge support for eight contenders to replace António Guterres, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett among the names and Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan reported as the early front-runner; the process remains secretive and could still be shaped by veto-wielding permanent members. Guyana Oil Revenue: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s share of profit oil from the Stabroek Block has jumped from 12.5% to about 39.8%, driven by a sharp drop in cost-recovery oil after ExxonMobil-led contractors recovered about US$55B earlier than expected. Local Energy & Services: Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. received its rotorcraft Air Operator’s Certificate from the GCAA, clearing the way for search-and-rescue and medical evacuation operations. Caribbean Economy: ECLAC cut its 2026 growth forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2.2%, while noting Guyana’s oil expansion is lifting regional performance. Heat Safety: The Ministry of Health urged Guyanese to beat the heat as El Niño conditions could bring up to 80 hot spell days. CPL Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings by seven wickets, keeping pressure on the top of the CPL table.

CCJ Watch: The Caribbean Court of Justice says all judges will now sit on all panels unless formally excused, a major shift amid ongoing controversy over alleged “panel fixing” and misconduct claims involving President Justice Winston Anderson. MV Barima Update: One month after the MV Barima capsized, the government says search operations are ended, but salvage bids have not produced a named contractor despite an August 14 deadline—leaving families and MPs pressing for transparency. Cost of Living: President Irfaan Ali pushed back on cash-grant-only fixes, saying grants cushion households but won’t cool inflation without structured action on prices. Public Investment Protection: Government moved to recover about €30M in performance bonds after terminating hospital contracts, with arbitration underway. Energy Crunch: GPL projects peak demand rising sharply toward 2030, while officials announce emergency upgrades to stabilise the grid amid El Niño strain. Oil Milestone: Guyana is expected to export over a million barrels daily soon as the next offshore field comes online. Sports—CPL: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings by seven wickets to move to the top of the table. Business/Mining: Greenheart Gold starts a 2,000m diamond drill program at its Tosso Creek project in Suriname.

Caribbean Media & AI: President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali urged regional broadcasters to protect Caribbean identity and use AI to strengthen the narrative. UN Reform & Leadership: Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu warned the UN is “at grave risk” without fundamental reform as the race for UN Secretary-General continues, with a new Ecuador candidate entering the contest. Cruise Tourism Push: Guyana’s SOTIC 2026 will feature a Cruise Master Class in Georgetown led by Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association CEO Michele Paige, aimed at boosting destination readiness and shore-experience planning. Public Services & Governance: Government says it will fully digitise public procurement by end-2026 to improve transparency and oversight. Cost of Living: President Ali said grants won’t fix food prices and called for a structured, multi-dimensional approach. Education Gains: Guyana reports improved CXC results, expanded vocational certification, and a record CSEC performance in Region Six. Courts Under Scrutiny: Lawyers for Azruddin Mohamed’s family demand CCJ President Winston Anderson step aside and seek full disclosure tied to extradition and leaked judge emails. Health Contracts: Government has initiated international arbitration after terminating VAMED hospital contracts over delays and breaches. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings by seven wickets in CPL; CWI also named Guyana players for a High-Performance Under-19 Women’s camp.

Bourda Burial Ground Restoration: Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand visited ongoing clean-up and rehabilitation at the historic Bourda Burial Ground, including clearing overgrowth, restoring fencing, improving pathways and protecting graves. Cost-of-Living Push: President Irfaan Ali says cash grants won’t fix the crisis and backs a permanent farmers market programme to cut middlemen mark-ups and help producers sell directly to consumers. Gold Sector Jobs: Avalon Gold’s Omai Gold project preliminary economic assessment points to about GY$300B investment potential, with construction jobs and long-term employment if the project advances. CCJ Recusal Fight: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s lawyers demand CCJ President Winston Anderson recuse himself and seek disclosure of internal court communications tied to Mohamed’s extradition appeal. Education Results: Guyana reports a 67% CSEC pass rate and improved CAPE performance, with mathematics gains including major school turnarounds. MV Barima Response: Government says a Commission of Inquiry is expected to begin in early September, while the EMBRACE online therapy platform expands mental health support for survivors and families. Electricity Pressure: Officials warn of strained power transmission, including a Demerara River cable operating above safe capacity, with work underway to install a second line. Procurement/Contracts Row: Opposition alleges Sigma Engineers and links to President Ali’s brother over rapid contract awards; Sigma denies wrongdoing and signals legal action. Tourism & Cruise: Guyana will host a Cruise Master Class in October to boost cruise tourism and local business opportunities from ship calls. Sports: CPL schedule updates affect Guyana Amazon Warriors fixtures on Sept. 6, and Guyana’s youth football playoffs saw multiple goalless draws.

Oil Revenue Shift: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s entitlement to crude from the ExxonMobil-led Stabroek project has jumped to 39.8%, after the consortium recovered costs—meaning more barrels and higher income as production heads toward 1 million bpd with the next FPSO. FPSO Expansion: The largest FPSO is set to enter Guyana’s waters this week, designed to add about 250,000 bpd and further lift output. MV Barima Support: Ali says the government is working closely with families of the MV Barima tragedy victims, including missing persons, through a long-term HEART Initiative and legal support mechanisms. Mental Health Access: The Human Services ministry says its free online therapy platform “Embrace” launches Aug 21, meant to complement in-person counselling for Barima-affected families and others. Education Results: Guyana’s CSEC Mathematics pass rate rose to 34.5% (from 32% in 2025), with CAPE also improving, as schools report major gains. Healthcare Delivery: New regional hospitals have logged 145,000+ outpatient visits, 3,700+ surgeries, and 1 million+ lab tests since commissioning. Constitutional Appointments: Ali says consultations with Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed are underway for key commissions, while Mohamed confirms names submitted for the Local Government Commission. CCJ Dispute: Lawyers for the Mohameds demand CCJ President Winston Anderson step aside and call for fuller disclosure amid allegations of bias and leaked emails. Noise Nuisance Plan: Ali says entertainment businesses may access GDB financing for noise-proofing, while open-air venues may face monitoring and self-regulation measures.

UN Leadership Race: Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki is nominated for the next UN secretary-general race, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett also among the contenders. Oil Expansion: President Ali says Guyana’s largest FPSO is set to enter this week, aiming to push output above 1 million barrels per day and raise Guyana’s profit-oil share. Mental Health Access: The Human Services Ministry’s “Embrace” online therapy platform launches with free, confidential support, meant to complement—not replace—face-to-face counselling for MV Barima families. Judicial Crisis at CCJ: Attorneys for Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed demand CCJ President Winston Anderson step aside and call for full disclosure of communications tied to their extradition case. Procurement Overhaul: Government moves toward a fully integrated e-procurement system by year-end, digitising tendering and contractor compliance tracking. Electricity Strain: Officials warn blackouts are linked to demand growth and grid limits, with Linden’s outages blamed on planning and neglect. Public Health Concern: New HIV data shows one in four new cases involves youth aged 15–24, prompting calls for stronger testing and education. Local Crime: Two men charged with armed robbery at Issano Landing were remanded after an alleged wallet theft from a miner.

CCJ Under Fire: CCJ President Winston Anderson issued a 10-page statement rejecting claims of judicial “panel fixing” and interference, saying the allegations are unfounded and that judges will now automatically sit on every panel unless excused. Defamation War in Politics: Sigma Engineers says it has engaged legal counsel after Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s claims about its contracts and links to President Irfaan Ali’s brother; Sigma says it was operating in Bangladesh since 2003, registered in Guyana in 2022, and won its first Guyana contract in 2026 via competitive bidding. Legal Threats Escalate: Mohamed Aqtar Ali’s lawyer also threatened defamation action against Mohamed, who says he will not withdraw his statements. MV Barima Support Push: Government says it’s intensifying help for MV Barima survivors and families, including deploying counsellors and launching an “Embrace” national counselling platform. Drug Trafficking Alert: CANU says it’s worried about increased efforts to use Guyana as a transshipment route, after major drug destruction and operations. Road Safety Move: Police training is underway for installation of speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks as Guyana prepares to roll out thousands of devices. Youth Swimming: “Teach Them Young” swim programme drew 4,815 youths across multiple regions. Regional Education: CARICOM education ministers agreed a strategy to improve mathematics and expand vocational pathways, with Guyana’s Minister Sonia Parag chairing. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets in CPL; Bahamas U14s opened their CFU Challenge Series with wins and next play Guyana.

CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors handed Jamaica Kingsmen their third straight CPL defeat, winning by six wickets at Sabina Park as Shai Hope made 56* and Mohammad Nabi took 4/22. Youth & Sports: Guyana kicked off the CFU U-14 Challenge Series in style with an 8–1 win over Montserrat, and the Aloysius “Loloy” Daniel Youth Classic tips off Monday with teams from Guyana, Antigua & Barbuda, the UK and more. Electricity & Power Demand: Peak power demand hit a record 242.64MW amid heat and El Niño, with government and GPL pushing for more generation and tighter peak-hour measures. Maritime Safety & MV Barima: New reporting says the MV Barima was operating with serious defects despite complaints, while government says psychosocial support is underway for families affected. Police & Corruption Claims: Sigma Engineers rejects Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s allegations and says it will pursue legal action; meanwhile a police sergeant is under close arrest over alleged driver’s licence fraud and weekly bribe claims. Local Governance: Linden residents are calling for answers after load shedding and grid strain sparked talk of protests, with a town hall planned. Business & Tourism: Hyatt entered Guyana via Atlantic Suites Hotel, with plans to convert it to Hyatt Regency Georgetown.

Electricity Crisis in Linden: Linden residents say blackouts and unstable supply are worsening, and the Linden Electricity Company (LECI) blames a critical generation shortfall as peak demand tops 15MW while available capacity sits around 14.5MW, driven by El Niño heat and rising housing and business growth. Government Response to Power Woes: Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar say demand hit a record 242.64MW and could reach about 266MW in coming months, with plans to boost generation and reserves alongside GPL. CCJ Fallout and Legal Pushback: Guyanese lawyer Ralph Ramkarran says the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has no power to “review” allegations involving Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President Winston Anderson, arguing the matter rests with the CCJ itself after leaked email controversy. Local Services in Lethem: A new Government Service Centre in Lethem now offers passports, birth/death certificates, marriage licences, e-ID and police clearances under one roof. Oil and Power Expansion Signals: Exxon CEO Darren Woods says four more Stabroek Block discoveries may be possible, while GPL’s 2026-2030 plan projects up to 307MW added by major developments, data centres and a fertiliser plant. Road Safety Tragedies: A minibus driver died after crashing into a utility pole on the Essequibo Coast, and a chef was killed in a three-vehicle collision on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

CCJ Confidence Push: Retired Appeal Court judge Timothy Hamel-Smith says a judicial enquiry into the Caribbean Court of Justice’s processes is needed to protect public confidence, warning politicians to stay out of the “fray” as Justice Winston Anderson rejects “panel fixing” and influence claims. Oil & Power Demand: Exxon CEO Darren Woods says four more Stabroek Block discoveries could be “above and beyond” expectations, while GPL projects rapid growth could add up to 307MW daily by 2030 and El Niño-driven demand hit a record peak. Local Services in Lethem: Government Service Centre launched in Lethem to bring passports, birth/death certificates, marriage licences, e-ID and police clearances closer to residents. Safety & Accidents: A minibus driver died after crashing into a utility pole on the Essequibo Coast, and a Linden chef died in a three-vehicle collision on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Diplomacy: Panama appointed Ernesto Méndez Chiari as ambassador to Guyana as it moves toward opening a physical embassy. Sports & Community: Guyana Cup set for Aug 23 with more than 10 new horses debuting, and Essequibo U-13 inter-academy cricket launched for 56 young players.

Maritime Recovery: Government says bids for salvage of the MV Barima will be evaluated before a contractor is selected, moving the long-running disaster response to the next stage. Power Supply Pressure: With El Niño driving record electricity demand, GPL and the Public Utilities Ministry say the grid is under strain and blackouts may continue until lines and substations are fixed, while a gas-to-energy update also clarifies that promised bill relief won’t kick in until higher output is reached. Anti-Drug Enforcement: CANU destroyed about 1,243 kg of narcotics worth roughly G$429.8M after court processes. Judicial Integrity Row: CCJ President Winston Anderson issued a public response denying “panel fixing” and rejecting claims of influencing judgments amid leaked internal correspondence controversy. Local Governance & Services: Land regularisation efforts are advancing in multiple regions with a roadmap and investigations expected to end by late August; dialysis services have started at Lima Regional Hospital for Essequibo Coast patients. Sports (Regional): Trinidad and Tobago won the CWI Rising Stars U19 Women’s title; Guyana finished fifth after beating the Windwards. Business & Tourism: Atlantic Suites Hotel in Georgetown is set to become a Hyatt Regency in 2028 after a $50M expansion.

Hague Back Road: Public Works Minister Madanlall Ramraj has ordered an immediate review of the stalled Hague Back Road Project after residents complained of long delays; the contractor is only about 52% complete despite deadlines slipping past, and the ministry wants full documentation plus a clear plan to finish. Land Regularisation: Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Labour Minister Keoma Griffith met to push land regularisation in Regions 2, 4 and 5, with investigations expected to wrap by end of August 2026 so eligible occupants can get transports or certificates of title. Electricity Strain: With El Niño driving record demand, GPL says blackouts may continue until power lines and substations are fixed; meanwhile, the Wales Gas-to-Energy project is set to deliver 57MW by year-end, but the promised 50% light-bill reduction won’t start until at least 228MW is online. Drugs Destroyed: CANU destroyed over G$429M in narcotics, including 81kg of cocaine and 1,161kg of cannabis, after court cases concluded. Healthcare Access: Dialysis services have started at Lima Regional Hospital for Essequibo Coast patients, cutting the need to travel for treatment. CCJ Fallout: CCJ President Winston Anderson denies “panel fixing” and influence claims, while acknowledging some decisions could have been handled differently amid the court’s internal email controversy. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets in CPL action, while Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell says his side must win against Knight Riders to turn their season around.

CCJ Crisis: Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Winston Anderson has rejected claims of “panel fixing” and judicial interference, saying the allegations are “wholly untrue” while condemning the leak and publication of confidential internal correspondence. Judicial Appointments: Anderson also admitted he held direct talks with President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton over Guyana’s top judicial posts, but said he now believes he should have handled it differently. Electricity Strain: With El Niño driving unusually high demand, Government announced power conservation steps for public buildings and major users, while adding generation capacity to protect supply. Power & Oil Local Spend: ExxonMobil’s president says US$3.6B has been spent with local companies since 2019, and more value-chain opportunities are the goal. MV Barima Salvage: PM Mark Phillips says Expressions of Interest for salvaging MV Barima will be processed and evaluated before contracts are awarded. Corruption Probe: SOCU placed a Springlands licensing sergeant under close arrest over alleged driver’s licence fraud, with claims senior officers may be implicated. Hospitality Upgrade: Atlantic Suites Hotel in Guyana is set to convert to a Hyatt Regency by 2028. Entrepreneur Push: Small Business Bureau urges young Guyanese to turn skills into businesses, backed by new financing opportunities.

CCJ Fallout: Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Winston Anderson has broken his silence, condemning the leak of internal correspondence and denying claims of “panel fixing” and judicial interference, while also admitting he held separate talks with President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton over Guyana’s top judicial appointments. MV Barima Accountability: APNU says accountability for the MV Barima tragedy must go beyond three workers charged with murder, arguing ministers and senior officials should also face scrutiny as families continue to demand answers. Ferry Safety Update: MV Canawaima has been cleared to continue sailing after an August 13 reinspection, though operators say further technical follow-up is still required. Fire Service Facilities: The Fire Chief responded to opposition criticism over conditions at the Fire Service headquarters, saying repairs are underway after longstanding structural and plumbing defects. TVET on Display: Practical TVET outcomes were showcased at COHSOD, highlighting skills training tied to real marketable products. CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets at Sabina Park, with Shai Hope leading the chase. Aviation Disruptions: Caribbean Airlines flights into Guyana faced cancellations due to technical issues, with authorities saying passenger safety came first. Oil & Investment: ExxonMobil says it has produced one billion barrels in under seven years and reports major local spending, while an Australian firm secured funding for new gold exploration in Guyana.

CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors thrashed Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets at Sabina Park, with Mohammad Nabi starring (4-22) and Shai Hope finishing unbeaten on 56 as Kingsmen were bowled out for 117. CARICOM Education: Guyana’s Minister Sonia Parag took the chair of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development on Education, as ministers push reforms on mathematics, micro-credentials, teacher support and skills pathways. Healthcare Push: Guyana is modernising neurological care, including an Acute Stroke Unit at Georgetown Public Hospital and plans for a neuro-rehabilitation centre, as the region faces rising stroke and dementia burdens. Public Works & Accountability: Amerindian Peoples Association supporters picketed the Office of the President demanding removal of ministers linked to the MV Barima tragedy and calling for the full vessel to be floated. Security & Justice: The U.S. extradition case involving Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar “Shell” Mohamed is set to resume in September after the CCJ ruling. Local Crime: Police are investigating an armed robbery at Issano Landing where a gold miner was seriously injured and robbed of about GY$130,000. Housing: Over 1,600 house lots were allocated in Wismar Phase One, with residents guided to mark their plots to prevent encroachment. Business & Tourism: Hyatt says Atlantic Suites Hotel has joined its portfolio as the first Hyatt affiliated hotel in Guyana, with a Hyatt Regency expansion planned. Regional Relief: CDC handed 300 sanitation hampers to Region 3 after a koker breach to support immediate cleanup and hygiene.

CARICOM Education Talks: Guyana is hosting the 52nd CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development-Education meeting, chaired by Minister Sonia Parag, with ministers focused on boosting Mathematics performance, strengthening teacher support, and rolling out regional plans for micro-credentials and apprenticeships. Disability Education Win: A pilot transition programme for children with disabilities has wrapped up, with 41 learners graduating and three successfully passing the National Grade Six Assessment to move into secondary schools. MV Barima Pressure for Answers: The Amerindian Peoples Association renewed picketing outside the Office of the President, demanding accountability and urgent action after the MV Barima tragedy, including calls to float the wreck. Bottled Water Cost Push: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private approach to cut costs and strengthen local production, after concerns about government plans to enter the bottled-water business. Public Health Cleanup: Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council launched a major sanitation drive around Bourda Market, temporarily halting street vending on Robb Street while drainage and sewer issues are addressed. Local Relief After Koker Breach: CDC handed 300 sanitation hampers to Region 3 residents affected by a koker breach, supporting immediate cleanup and hygiene. Investment Snapshot: GO-Invest says Guyana facilitated about G$1.06 trillion in private investment over six years, with foreign investors driving most of it. Regional Security/Geopolitics: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said American firms are expected to compete for Guyana infrastructure opportunities, including ports, roads and housing. Sports: Guyana’s junior badminton team heads to Jamaica for CAREBACO individual championships.