AGP Executive Report

MV Barima Inquiry: The commission says its probe into the deadly ferry sinking will be independent, while Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed rejects its neutrality and wants two ministers to step aside. Extreme Heat: Hydromet warns El Niño conditions could disrupt school attendance and hinterland travel as temperatures rise and river levels fall. Energy: ExxonMobil plans pipeline maintenance near Crane from October 14 to December 1, ahead of the Gas-to-Energy project’s startup; the line is not yet operational. Tourism: At a regional conference in Georgetown, President Irfaan Ali urged Caribbean governments and investors to scale up tourism infrastructure and experiences to stay competitive. Youth Support: Three Guyanese organisations will share $20 million in grants for programmes supporting young people, including Indigenous Wapichan women in the South Rupununi.

MV Barima Inquiry: Public hearings have opened into Guyana’s deadliest marine disaster. Chair Justice Godfrey Smith says the inquiry will follow the law and tested testimony, not government influence. Police Accountability: Civil society groups are demanding an independent probe into rape and threat allegations against senior officer Fazil Karimbaksh, who remains under investigation. Crime: A 76-year-old cook has been charged with murdering six-year-old Zi Feng Cao and remanded to prison. Oil and Infrastructure: An US$214 million ExxonMobil audit dispute is now before the ICC. Exxon also plans pipeline maintenance off Crane from October 14 to December 1, ahead of Gas-to-Energy startup. Progress on the Palmyra–Moleson Creek highway is uneven, with two of three lots behind schedule. Economy and Trade: The World Bank projects 23.7% growth for Guyana this year, while warning that oil wealth must benefit more people. Suriname has ordered the return of 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice imported without required approval. Tourism: Guyana recorded more than 360,000 visitor arrivals in the first nine months of 2026. President Irfaan Ali urged the region to invest in new experiences and infrastructure to stay competitive.

World Bank Outlook: The World Bank projects modest 2.2% growth for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026, while warning Guyana must ensure its oil wealth becomes broad-based and inclusive development. Oil & Jobs Pressure: As Guyana’s oil-driven expansion lifts growth, TIWU says Massy’s Caterpillar transition could lead to about 140 retrenchments, with consultations ongoing. MV Barima Inquiry: Guyana’s MV Barima Commission of Inquiry will begin public hearings Oct. 14 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, with 100+ witnesses expected and meetings with affected families starting first. Local Governance & Services: The Ministry of Agriculture and agencies held a Good Intent engagement to move community concerns into action, while NAREI received about G$60M in vehicles to strengthen extension and Carambola Fruit Fly surveillance. Finance for Entrepreneurs: The Guyana Development Bank is moving to an online application platform and regional offices to help small and first-time entrepreneurs access interest-free loans. Regional Integration & Tourism: CARICOM marks progress on free movement under Enhanced Cooperation, and Jamaica’s Bartlett proposes a permanent Caribbean Tourism Resilience Fund. Health & Safety: The Ministry of Health warns of rising risks from extreme heat, especially for people on certain medications.

Guyana Development Bank Launch: The Guyana Development Bank has officially begun operations, offering up to G$3 million in zero-interest, zero-collateral financing to help entrepreneurs and SMEs start or expand businesses, with the government describing it as a full “support ecosystem” to build credit and unlock livelihoods. Education Policy: The Ministry of Education issued an urgent circular telling secondary schools that Grade 11 students must complete all 2027 CSEC School-Based Assessment (SBA) components—and that Paper 03/2 is not allowed as an SBA substitute for enrolled students. Agriculture & Food Security: NAREI received about G$60M in vehicles—5 pickups, 6 ATVs and 12 motorcycles—to strengthen extension services and surveillance against the Carambola Fruit Fly. Inclusive Education: Region One opened its first Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Mabaruma to support learners locally. Public Safety & Justice: Special Prosecutor Anastasia Amin qualified as an attorney-at-law, while police reported live ammunition found in a concrete block at Pouderoyen and a teen shot during an armed robbery at Kitty. Regional & International: Guyana will chair the CASSOS aviation safety body for 2026–2028, and the Caribbean Tourism Organization elected Charles “Max” Fernandez as chairman. Sports & Youth: Essequibo’s Kemol Savory urged fans to pack Anna Regina for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball finals, and Team Guyana Robotics heads to South Korea for the FIRST Global Challenge.

Police Accountability: Transparency International Guyana (TIGI) and other voices are again pushing for Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, head of SOCU, to be placed on administrative leave while rape and threatening-behaviour allegations are investigated independently, with TIGI warning internal probes can’t be trusted while he remains in operational control. Local Governance & Justice: Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond denies ordering any “confrontation” of the complainant, saying Red Thread’s claims are false and that she only relayed information on the investigative process. Development Finance: The Guyana Development Bank officially moves into operation with an online portal now live, offering collateral-free, interest-free SME loans up to $3 million, with “quick loans” under $300,000 using a simpler application process. Healthcare Workforce: Medvarsity and GOAL graduate 115 healthcare professionals from the first cohort in Georgetown, expanding specialised training across areas like oncology, cardiology, critical care nursing and mental health. Sports: The Golden Jaguars keep rolling, crushing Dominica 8-1 to complete a perfect Nations League window and stay top in League B, Group A. Regional Security: The US and nine allies, including Guyana, condemn Iran’s “terrorist actions” and malign influence operations across the Americas. Public Safety: Police report 7.37kg of cannabis found at New Amsterdam and arrest a miner after a 9mm pistol and live rounds are discovered.

Police Accountability & Safety: The Women and Gender Equality Commission says the Guyana Police Force’s “deafening silence” is unacceptable after sexual assault allegations against SOCU head Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, while Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says police digitisation will track how often calls go unanswered and strengthen local forensic capacity. Anti-Sexual Misconduct Pressure: TIGI urges President Irfaan Ali to act, calling for Karimbaksh to be removed from operational duties while allegations are investigated, as Walrond also outlines a merit-based promotion push tied to documented conduct. Justice Update: High Court denies Daniel Seeram’s bid for judicial review and keeps him remanded pending sentencing for assaulting his ex-wife. Development Finance: Guyana Development Bank officially comes into operation, offering zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to $3M for SMEs via an online platform, with a seven-member board appointed to steer operations. Tourism & Culture: GTA Director Kamrul Baksh urges Caribbean destinations to diversify tourism without diluting authenticity, and Earth & Ink joins the Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance. Sports: Golden Jaguars extend their Nations League run with an 8-1 win over Dominica, while Kevin Sinclair says he’s ready to return to cricket after addressing disciplinary issues. Business & Mobility: Berbice Expo spotlights electric and hybrid vehicles as motorists look for fuel-saving options.

Guyana Development Bank: Government has announced the inaugural Board for the new Guyana Development Bank, naming Abu Zaman as Chairman and Kathy Smith as Deputy Chair, with James Bond, Sukrishnalall Pasha, Dion Inniss, Nalinie Singh and entrepreneur Praem Rambharak completing the team; the bank is set to expand financing for micro, small and medium enterprises, including zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to $3 million, plus mentorship and support, with Budget 2026 providing an initial $20 billion injection. Democracy anniversary: President Irfaan Ali marked October 5, 1992’s elections as the restoration of Guyana’s democratic voice after decades of struggle. Regional politics: Tributes poured in after former PNCR/APNU leader Robert Corbin died at 78, with Bharrat Jagdeo and the WPA praising his coalition-building and political courage. Crime-fighting tech: Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says the Safe Country initiative has installed about 800 CCTV cameras over five years, helping police investigations and reducing reliance on eyewitness accounts. Travel access: Guyana says passport holders can now enter Saudi Arabia with visa on arrival or an e-visa without needing a prior US, UK or Schengen visa. Health & food: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L as a quality precaution, and UG is preparing to graduate more than 3,700 students at its 60th Convocation. Football grassroots: GFF handed equipment to four regions for the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy pilot for boys and girls aged 6–12.

Robert Corbin Tributes: President Irfaan Ali, VP Bharrat Jagdeo, and PNCR/APNU leaders mourn the death of former Opposition leader Robert Corbin, calling it an “irreplaceable loss” and recalling his long public service and coalition-building role. Saudi Travel Easing: Guyanese can now enter Saudi Arabia with visa on arrival or an e-visa without needing a prior US, UK or Schengen visa, with applications handled directly using a Guyanese passport. Crime & Safety: Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says the “Safe Country” CCTV push has installed about 800 cameras and is already helping police move investigations forward. Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods is recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L as a quality precaution. Education Milestone: University of Guyana will hold its 60th graduation with more than 3,700 graduands across Turkeyen and Berbice campuses. Transport & Connectivity: Trans Guyana Airways prepares direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights after a new Guyana–France air services agreement. Sports Grassroots: GFF hands equipment to regional associations for the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy pilot for kids aged 6–12. Oil & Gas Watch: Government is still reviewing Exxon’s Longtail development application, described as the first gas-focused Stabroek project.

Royal & Commonwealth: King Charles and Queen Camilla kick off a major Caribbean tour Oct 27–Nov 4, ending at CHOGM in Antigua, with a State Visit to Guyana and a focus on youth, biodiversity and community resilience. Oil & Economy Oversight: Parliament’s Natural Resources committee is set to scrutinise small-scale mining workers’ welfare and security, plus ExxonMobil operations and earnings, while commentary and letters question transparency around the Mid-Year Report and public borrowing. Mining & Labour: WIN MP Dr Ryan Richards pushes for better PPE, food and working conditions for miners, warning that worker welfare must be a priority as migrant labour grows. Public Accountability: Calls are renewed for an independent Commissioner for Public Investment and Contract Accountability, alongside criticism that Auditor General reports are being delayed. Foreign Travel: Guyanese can now enter Saudi Arabia with an e-visa or visa on arrival without needing a US/UK/Schengen visa. Health: Breast cancer services expand with mammography and oncology clinics in regions, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins with screenings and community outreach. Crime & Safety: A Guyana-born man was stabbed to death in New York; locally, CANU arrested three after finding uncustomed alcohol at Winsor Estates. Business & Trade: UMAMI’s first commercial shipment sails to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket, and a $610.6m fertilizer contract dispute heads to the PPC. Sports & Youth: Navin and Sons Construction sponsors the GT/ECD One Guyana T10 Tapeball $500,000 first prize; Guyana U-15s head to St. Maarten after last-minute travel document help.

Police & SOCU Probe: The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into rape and threatening-behaviour allegations against Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh, but he remains on duty while a team probes the claims; Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says he should be placed on administrative leave and plans to meet Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken. Visa Update: Guyanese passport holders can now apply for a Saudi e-visa or get a visa on arrival without needing a US, UK or Schengen visa, following intensified Guyana–Saudi talks. Essequibo Row: Venezuela reaffirmed its rejection of the “fraudulent” 1899 Paris Arbitration Award and again pointed to the 1966 Geneva Agreement, urging direct dialogue with Guyana. Regional Sport & Youth: GT/ECD’s One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast gets a $500,000 first-prize sponsor from Navin and Sons Construction; meanwhile, 118 teams begin the ExxonMobil U-18 Schools Football tournament. Health & Rights: UNFPA is urging Guyanese media to focus more on women and girls’ reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and child marriage. Business & Trade: UMAMI shipped its first commercial container to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket; Berbice Expo opened with 180 booths and local producers pushing new products. Aviation: Trans Guyana Airways is preparing direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights under a modernised Guyana–France air services deal.

Cricket Development: The Demerara Cricket Board’s 2026 Under-13 tournament kicks off Wednesday at the LBI Cricket Ground, with 40 young players from the DCB Hawks, Falcons and Crows battling for spots on the Demerara squad ahead of the GCB Inter-County Under-13 event. Aviation Deals: Guyana and Panama signed an Air Services Agreement to expand passenger and cargo connectivity, while Guyana’s aviation regulator also signed an MoU with Uganda to boost safety, training and technical cooperation. Police & Justice: The Guyana Police Force says it is probing rape and threatening-behaviour allegations against SOCU head Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, as Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond calls for him to be placed on administrative leave pending investigation. Sports: The Golden Jaguars stayed perfect with a 5-1 Nations League win over Dominica, and the GCB is rolling out psychologist Wil Campbell’s support programme for players’ mental wellbeing. International Spotlight: Buckingham Palace says King Charles will not formally apologise for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade during his Caribbean tour, though the visit will address the “darkest days of our past.” Health & Regional Cooperation: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony chaired Amazon countries talks on malaria elimination, Indigenous health and disease surveillance.

SOCU Sexual Assault Probe: Police say they’re investigating allegations of rape and threatening behaviour involving a senior officer, while Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh should be placed on administrative leave pending the probe. Violence in Essequibo: A 58-year-old security guard was charged with attempted murder after allegedly setting his 59-year-old wife on fire at Hampton Court; she’s stable and the case is adjourned to November 17. Wanted Murder Suspects Surrender: Nicholas Daby and Makhail Mario Joseph surrendered over the May 2026 murder of Cuban national Dainier Vegas Infante; a third man remains wanted. Health & Safety: GPHC recorded 107 new breast cancer cases in the first eight months of 2026, as early detection efforts improve. Labour Rights: A Berbice seminar briefed employers and workers on minimum wage, severance, leave, NIS benefits and workplace safety. Regional Cooperation: Guyana led Amazon health talks on malaria elimination and Indigenous health with PAHO and ACTO partners. Sports: Guyana beat Dominica 5-1 for a third straight CONCACAF Nations League win, staying top of Group A. Cricket Support: GCB hired psychologist Dr. Wil A. Campbell to strengthen players’ mental wellbeing alongside training. Banking Convenience: GBTI added a new ATM at the AC Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. Royal/Caribbean Politics: Buckingham Palace says King Charles’s Caribbean tour will address Britain’s “darkest days of our past” on slavery, but no formal apology or reparations is expected.

Police & Justice: Tamùkke Feminists is demanding an independent probe into rape and death-threat allegations against SOCU head Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, calling for his administrative leave and protection for the complainant amid continued silence from the police and Home Affairs. Missing Surinamese Men: U.S.-sanctioned businessman Mark “Demon” Cromwell denies any role in the disappearance of two Surinamese men, while his brother Jimol Murphy faces kidnapping charges and was granted $1m bail after defence challenged the detention and the lack of evidence presented in court. Agriculture & Food Security: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana now has a “regional responsibility” to help feed the Caribbean, pushing innovation, agro-processing hubs, and stronger farm-to-market links as Agriculture Month 2026 continues. Infrastructure: Load testing is underway on the New Mackenzie-Wismar bridge ahead of opening, with heavy trucks testing the structure as it replaces the old single-lane crossing. Sports: ExxonMobil’s new 118-team U18 Schools Football Tournament launches nationwide, while Golden Jaguars keep their Concacaf Nations League momentum with a 5-1 win over Dominica. Aviation: Guyana and France sign a renewed air services agreement, and the Caribbean holds a high-level aviation safety symposium in Georgetown calling for stronger regional cooperation and oversight.

Crisis on the East Coast: Vigilance unrest flared again as burning debris blocked parts of the ECD corridor, with police urging motorists to avoid the area while ranks worked to keep traffic moving. Child death in Parika: A six-year-old Chinese national, Ifeng Cao, died after a fatal chop wound to the neck; police say a male suspect was arrested and remains in custody. Crime and money laundering case: Guyanese-Canadian insurance executive Ingrid Rosemary Innes was sentenced to time served and fined in a Barbados bribery-linked money laundering case. Illegal mining pressure: APNU MP Sharma Solomon renewed calls for investigations into who finances illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning about cocaine profits being moved through gold mining. Water and sanitation push: GWI and the UN launched a programme to strengthen SDG 6 planning, including better access in remote communities. Aviation and oil momentum: Guyana signed an air services agreement with Greece and a sustainability pact with the Dominican Republic, while ExxonMobil projected Guyana could cross one million barrels per day by year-end. Education and skills: Ministries met Niagara College on curricula for the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute, and six secondary schools received AutoCAD CAD labs to boost TVET. Local business: Starbucks opened its third outlet at Giftland Mall. UN diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan led another UN Security Council informal poll for the next secretary-general.

Aviation & Connectivity: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an MoU to push sustainable, lower-carbon civil aviation, including SAF and CORSIA-aligned cooperation, while Guyana also signed an Air Services Agreement with Greece to boost future airline access and trade links. Oil & Local Content: ExxonMobil says Guyana is on track to cross the one-million-barrel-a-day mark by year-end, with local content spending topping US$3.6B and thousands of local suppliers involved. Agriculture Month 2026: Agriculture Month was launched under “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” with a push for women and youth in farming and agro-processing, plus weekly farmers’ markets aimed at easing food prices by cutting middlemen markups; the livestock programme also expects about 1,000 pregnant heifers. Security & Crime: U.S. support will help strengthen Guyana’s counter-narcotics and air-domain awareness; meanwhile, police charged a man after 36lbs of cocaine was found concealed in frozen fish, and investigations continue after Vigilance-Buxton unrest involving roadblocks and a truck fire. Governance & Justice: The AG says courts should expect more freezing and forfeiture applications as authorities target criminal assets, and an MP calls for deeper scrutiny of the financial networks behind illegal mining. International: UN Security Council straw polling continues in the race for the next secretary-general, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett still in the mix.

Aviation Push: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana is seeking a major airline partner to turn CJIA’s new Terminal 2 into a global hub, with negotiations set to begin as the terminal is built out for growing passenger traffic. Regional Safety: Ali also called for uniform aviation security and safety standards across the Caribbean so travellers don’t face different procedures at different airports. UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll keeps Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan in the lead to replace António Guterres, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains close behind but still without a clear consensus. Oil Milestone: ExxonMobil marked one billion barrels produced from Guyana projects, as public debate continues over revenue and the 2016 PSA terms. Power & Service Delivery: GPL met contractors again over electricity project deadlines after repeated outages, as customers grow frustrated. Barima Inquiry: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry is inviting survivors and relatives to apply for standing, with public hearings expected to start in early October. Crime & Tension: Vigilance protests erupted as police tried to search a home linked to missing Surinamese men tied to US-sanctioned Mark “Demon” Cromwell; a truck was torched. Human Interest: A Capoey student, Kaysheena Bindiya Singh, earned 12 CSEC Grade Ones and says she wants to become a Guyana ambassador. Sports: Guyana’s road cycling team is set for the Caribbean Elite and Under-23 Championships in the Dominican Republic, and the End Game beach volleyball tournament crowned Guyana men’s champions and Suriname women’s winners.