AGP Executive Report

Former Presidents Benefits Clash: APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul calls the government’s plan to repeal the 2015 Former Presidents’ Benefits Act “unconscionable,” as Attorney General Anil Nandlall says unlimited benefits will be restored and a bill is set for first reading. Power Supply & Contract Pressure: Government says it’s negotiating with Turkish-associated Karpowership to renew expired power-ship contracts, rejecting claims blackouts are from the ships and pointing instead to grid maintenance and contractor interruptions. Child Online Safety Push: A national consultation begins to draft rules aimed at shielding children from harmful social media content, with the AG saying the focus is protection, not censorship. Cash Grant Delivery: After complaints about the $100,000 cash grant, Finance Minister Ashni Singh says targeted field teams are helping nearly 400,000 people, especially in hinterland regions. Crime & Courts: Only 25 of 138 matters were disposed of in the April Demerara Criminal Assizes, while police report a murder charge against a man accused of killing his mother. Energy & Oil Updates: ExxonMobil’s request to increase production on the One Guyana FPSO is under review, and Guyana is set to join the LAC4 cybersecurity centre to boost cyber resilience. Social Services: GPL says pensioners’ $30,000 electricity subsidy will appear on June bills.

Unity Beach Tragedy: Police recovered the bodies of Lyodisa “Loyda” Waldron, 20, and her fiancé, special constable Andri Francis, 33, after the couple—reportedly swept away by strong currents while swimming—went missing on Sunday; investigations continue. Telesurgery Milestone: SS Innovations says its CEO remotely performed a heart procedure between Georgetown, Guyana and Indore, India—about 12,500 miles—claiming the world’s longest-distance robotic telesurgery. Local Politics: WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed denies PNCR leader Aubrey Norton’s claim that he entered politics to avoid extradition, while Norton says opposition cooperation should not become a personal legal fight. Former Presidents Benefits: APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul objects to a move to repeal the 2015 caps and restore unlimited former presidents’ benefits, warning of taxpayer abuse. CARICOM/Immigration Debate: A lawyer warns full CARICOM membership could affect Bermuda’s immigration rules via treaty commitments on free movement. Oil & Trade: Reuters reports Guyana is helping drive South America’s growing role as a crude supply swing region as Middle East disruptions tighten markets. Agriculture Cooperation: Guyana expands agricultural cooperation with the Dominican Republic, focusing on technical support, technology transfer and productivity. Sports & Youth: GBA hands boxing equipment to a prison boxing programme ahead of national novices; and cricket continues with youth initiatives and regional tours.

Forced Labour Tariffs: The US Trade Representative has proposed Section 301 duties on imports from 60 economies, listing Guyana among countries failing to enforce forced-labour import bans—raising fresh trade pressure as the US moves to end a court fight over tariff tools. Local Content Push: At Guyana’s Local Content Summit, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said the country is on track to exceed one million barrels of oil per day by year-end, while leaders stressed local opportunities must be measured by lives transformed, not just contracts. Former President Benefits Bill: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says the Former President’s Benefits Bill will be read in the National Assembly to restore unlimited benefits by repealing earlier APNU+AFC caps. Unity Beach Tragedy: Search efforts ended with the recovery of a pregnant woman and her fiancé after they were swept away by strong currents. Police Station Rebuild: Government plans to rebuild the Grove Police Station with a contract estimated at about $215M. Court Case: A 24-year-old mason, Greedesh Ramkissoon, was charged and remanded for the murder of his mother, with the matter adjourned to August 7. Sports & Community: GBA handed boxing equipment to the Republican Boxing Gym in prison ahead of the National Novices Championships; karting’s “Need for Speed” meet-and-greet is set for West Central Mall.

Unity Beach Tragedy: The bodies of a pregnant Victoria Village woman and her fiancé, Special Constable Andri “Bobby” Francis, were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean after a multi-day search following a Sunday undertow at Unity Foreshore; families say state search efforts stalled until Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed funded and deployed private fishermen. Water Street Fire: Investigators now say the Water Street blaze was deliberately set, after forensic teams reportedly used CCTV footage to trace an arson attack on a cargo truck inside the Demerara Shipping compound. Police Force Critique: Retired Deputy Commissioner Dr. Paul Williams warns the GPF’s problems are rooted in leadership and competency failures, not just new laws. Former President Benefits: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says government will move to restore full benefits for former presidents under the 2010 legislation. Social Media & Children: Government launched national consultations on regulating harmful social media impacts on children, with Nandlall urging safeguards. Cricket West Indies: CWI released the 2026 home schedule, with matches across the region including Guyana, running June 3 to August 6. US Trade Pressure: The US proposes additional tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement gaps, with hearings set for July 7.

Power Crisis: Government officials went silent on Karpowership’s demand for an extra US$3.4M per day to keep supplying electricity, as blackouts reportedly rise. Oil & Gas Deals: Sispro, a women-led Guyanese consortium, says it has partnered with Nigeria’s Bono Energy and is ready to sign a PSA with Guyana within days; meanwhile Ghana-based Cybele Energy risks losing its offshore block after failing to pay a US$17M signing bonus. Child Online Safety: A national consultation has been launched to draft stronger protections for children from harmful social media impacts, including cyberbullying and exploitation. Unity Beach Tragedy: Bodies of a pregnant woman and her fiancé, a special constable, swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach, were recovered Tuesday. Aviation & Infrastructure: Three firms bid to build CJIA’s air traffic control tower; Domestic Airways CEO denied flying the Cessna that crashed near Aricheng, as GCAA investigates. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Six illegal mining operations were shut down in Region Seven; 38 people arrested and equipment seized. Banking: Citi received approval to open a representative office in Guyana.

Coast Guard Search: A joint GPF/GDF Coast Guard operation is underway after a pregnant woman and her fiancé, a Special Constable, were swept out to sea at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara, during a rescue attempt. Floods & Value for Money: Opposition and civil voices are pushing for an audit of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority after years of major drainage spending, as Region 4 continues to flood. Region 7 “Photo Ops” Row: The Opposition Leader says the Cabinet’s outreach to Cuyuni-Mazaruni must deliver structural relief, not taxpayer-funded optics, while the Health Minister is accused of handing over a refurbished boat as a “water ambulance” without proper equipment. Oil & Gas Update: ExxonMobil has filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana using a super-sized FPSO, its ninth major Stabroek project. Aviation Safety: The GCAA is investigating a crash of a US-registered Cessna 182P at Aricheng Airstrip; no fatalities were reported. Sports & Culture: GTTA crowned Shemar Britton and Samara Sukhai national singles champions; and Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee parade in Brooklyn names Yvette Clarke and top CSEC student Jayden Adrian as grand marshals.

Aviation Safety: Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation after a US-registered CESSNA 182P crashed at the Aricheng Airstrip in the interior on Sunday; preliminary reports say there were no fatalities and the pilot was slightly injured. Tragedy at Unity Beach: Search and recovery continues for a pregnant woman and her fiancé, both swept away by strong currents while swimming at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara. Power Supply & Accountability: GPL says electricity was disrupted after an excavator damaged its L4 transmission line along the East Bank Demerara corridor, and it will pursue legal action to recover repair costs. Sports Development: Avinash Contracting recommitted support for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast (Aug 8 start in Berbice), while the inaugural Champion of Champions Female Softball Cup is set for July 5 in Region Three. Education Access: GOAL reports strong demand for its 2026 intake, with 14,000+ scholarships already granted and more applications coming in. Environment: PM Mark Phillips urged shared responsibility for environmental stewardship during the EPA’s Green Walk ahead of World Environment Day. Regional Connectivity: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket.

Aviation Safety: Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation after a US-registered Cessna 182 crashed at Aricheng Airstrip in Region Seven, with the pilot reporting minor injuries. Airstrip Risk Warning: The Aviation Operators Association of Guyana is urging hinterland residents to stop treating runways like public roads, after reports of vehicles, debris and even stones left on airstrips. Power Repairs: GPL says it will pursue legal action to recover costs after an excavator damaged key transmission infrastructure on the East Bank Demerara corridor, following another recent incident that hit distribution lines. Flooding Pressure: Opposition parties are again blaming drainage failures for flooding in Regions 4, 5 and 6, while APNU’s Sherod Duncan warns Rupununi Road sections are being submerged. Unity Beach Search: Police and residents continue searching for two Victoria Village residents swept away by strong currents while swimming at Unity Beach. Education Watch: GTEC has warned the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, urging due diligence before accepting certificates. Mining Oversight: EPA is reviewing the EIA for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain Gold Project in Region Eight. Local Economy Support: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will soon bring soft loans and business support to hinterland communities. Sports: Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym topped the GBA Development Tournament, with Lennox Lawrence named Best Boxer.

Aviation Safety & Oversight: The GCAA has launched an investigation after a Cessna 182P (N9347G) crashed during takeoff at Aricheng Airstrip in Region Seven; the pilot escaped with minor injuries, but the incident has renewed calls for clarity over Domestic Airways’ safety and regulatory status. Search & Rescue: Police and residents are searching for a 20-year-old woman and a 31-year-old Special Constable swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara. Public Safety & Accountability: Two probation officers caught on camera dragging a schoolgirl through the streets have been dismissed. Disaster Response: Opposition leaders say flooding in Regions 4, 5 and 6 shows government neglect of drainage and drainage planning. Government Services in Hinterland: President Ali announced new government service centres for Bartica and Kamarang within four weeks, plus upgrades to the Parika-Bartica ferry route. Mining & Environment: EPA is reviewing the EIA for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain Gold Project after its 2024 takeover, while Alphonso family JV deals have enabled foreign firms to control over 600 sq km of gold lands. Crime & Violence: A Linden labourer was stabbed to death during a confrontation with a man seen defecating in his yard.

Hinterland Aviation Safety: The Aviation Operators Association of Guyana is urging people to stop dangerous behaviour around hinterland airstrips after reports of rocks, debris and vehicles crossing runways, warning that these hazards can turn small mistakes into serious crashes. Region 7 Crash: A Cessna 182P Skylane crashed near the Aricheng Airstrip in Cuyuni-Mazaruni around 7:50am; the lone pilot suffered minor injuries and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority is expected to investigate. Flood Response: With heavy rain driving flooding across several communities, President Irfaan Ali and Cabinet met Regional leaders to coordinate drainage and emergency support, with teams assessing damage and mobilising pumps. Energy Pressure: ExxonMobil has started a three-month inspection of the Gas-to-Energy subsea pipeline, while separate reporting claims powership operators are demanding higher rates as contracts near expiry. Regional Trade: Guyana-Brazil trade has hit US$1B in 2026, up from about US$58M in 2020, as energy, mining and construction demand grows. Legal Leadership: Arudranauth Gossai was elected President of the Guyana Bar Association, with the Bar Council leadership set for 2026-2027. Education Abuse Probe: The Ministry of Education is intensifying its investigation into alleged mistreatment of special needs learners at David Rose Special School, with a governing board being installed to strengthen oversight. Sports & Culture: GDF and Running Brave won the Diamond Jubilee 10K Road Relay; ExxonMobil GSL launched its “Super We” campaign celebrating cricket’s cultural role; and Chateau Margot advanced in Future Warriors Tapeball after knocking out Grove.

INTERPOL Operation ORCA XI: Police across 20 countries seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs in an INTERPOL-led crackdown, with 8,701 arrests and seizures including nearly 200,000 rounds of ammunition and US$256,025 in cash. Essequibo Health Works: Governor Neil Villamizar inspected rehabilitation work at the Dr. José Gregorio Hernández Hospital, prioritising roof recovery and waterproofing to protect patients, staff and equipment. Border Violence (Guyana-Venezuela): A Guyanese soldier was wounded in a gunfight after a patrol on the Cuyuni River came under fire from Venezuela; tensions remain high as the ICJ dispute continues. Ian Roberts Sentenced: Guyana-born former Des Moines schools chief Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in federal prison over a citizenship claim and firearm charges, with deportation expected after his term. Tourism & Business Push: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged Guyanese firms to expand beyond the domestic market, while Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues stressed customer service as restaurants like “The Spice Route” open. Cricket Talent Pipeline: President Ali launched “Cricket in the Streets” to identify grassroots talent and feed players into a planned cricket academy. Public Safety: Police destroyed about three acres of cannabis at Kimbia, Berbice, uprooting 5,000 plants valued at G$847,000.

Immigration & Justice: Guyana-born former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced in Iowa to two years in federal prison for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms, with deportation to Guyana expected after he serves his term. Border Security: A Guyana Defence Force rank was injured in an exchange of gunfire along the Cuyuni River in Region Seven during a border security operation, with civilians escorted to safety and the GDF saying it remains committed to protecting personnel and territorial integrity. EKAA HRIM Workers: The Opposition Leader says stranded Indian workers were repatriated after intervention, while he accuses both the state and employer of regulatory and humanitarian failures amid wage and employment disputes. Sports & Youth Development: ExxonMobil Guyana launched the 4th Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament, and the Beharry U19 School’s Cricket tournament was also unveiled; UNICEF, GFF and the Rights of the Child Commission ran child safeguarding training for football officials. Education & Safety Culture: A column argues brutality is not discipline, calling out humiliation and violence as harmful to children. Tourism Plans: Fort Island is set for upgrades to boost tourism and private investment after Diamond Jubilee celebrations drew large crowds.

Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil has started drilling the Goby-1 wildcat in the Stabroek block, using the Stena Carron drillship, as it pushes further exploration in Guyana’s prolific offshore play. Education Accountability: Outrage in Georgetown after CCTV footage allegedly shows teachers at the David Rose Special Education Needs School hitting special needs students; both teachers were placed on administrative leave while a full investigation is launched. Regional Security Finance: Guyana has signed and operationalised a CFATF multilateral MOU to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing on targeted financial sanctions tied to terrorism and proliferation financing. Roads & Spending Questions: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan says the Kwakwani Trail in Region 10 is in poor condition despite billions budgeted for roads, raising concerns ahead of the rainy season. CARICOM Integration: Minister Alexa Lightbourne says public consultation on Bermuda’s transition from Associate to full CARICOM membership closes May 31. Tech & Identity: MotionAnalytics is pitching motion-based biometric identification, while SecureAuth launches an AI agent identity control platform. Travel Ease: Barbados and Guyana will accept national ID cards for cross-border travel from July 1. Health & Safety: France reports 92 imported mosquito-borne disease cases in May, urging vigilance. Sports & Culture: Guyana’s 60th Independence celebrations continue to feature local sport and events, including a Chess960 tournament win by FM Anthony Drayton.

Oil & Insurance: As more Exxon FPSOs come on stream, Guyana’s oil spill protection still hinges on a US$600M insurance cap, after court battles left the limited cover in place alongside a US$2B affiliate guarantee. Governance & Transparency: Guyana risks an EITI suspension if it can’t show “substantial progress” on 21 corrective actions during a full Validation review. Security & Justice: A taxi driver tied to a Berbice AK-47 cache was remanded after being charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition; police also issued wanted bulletins for three other suspects. Healthcare Innovation: President Ali announced a landmark robotic cardiac surgery to be performed from Guyana by an India-based specialist. Money Laundering Fight: AG Anil Nandlall pushed for stronger judicial training and higher conviction rates, while Guyana signed a CFATF MOU to enable faster information-sharing on targeted financial sanctions. Regional Politics: Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago reserved their positions as CARICOM condemned intensified US measures against Cuba. Independence & Culture: Diamond Jubilee celebrations continued with flag-raising events and community culture, alongside sports and youth tournaments.

Independence Politics Under Strain: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed used Guyana’s 60th Diamond Jubilee address to warn that corruption and inequality are threatening the nation’s future, while President Irfaan Ali called for political unity and urged citizens to reject divisive politics. Parliament Pressure: Government announced the 13th Parliament will reconvene on June 5 after opposition pressure, with FGM leader Amanza Walton-Desir saying the executive only moved once international attention was applied. Democracy Watch: Mohamed also warned that democracy cannot survive if people fear speaking up, pushing concerns about civic space and institutional independence. Essequibo Tensions: Venezuela hit back hard at Ali’s Essequibo remarks, calling them “provocative and delusional,” and reiterating its stance against ICJ involvement. Regional Moves: Guyana and Barbados launched passport-free travel using national e-ID cards from July 1, with airlines given time to adjust. Cricket Spotlight: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, with New Zealand ODIs shared between Guyana and Barbados due to logistics. Oil & Climate: Ali urged oil companies to invest more in carbon capture to cut the environmental footprint of production.

CARICOM–Cuba Tensions: Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have reserved their positions on a CARICOM foreign ministers’ statement condemning intensified US measures against Cuba, while the wider bloc voiced “profound concern” over worsening hardships for Cubans and CARICOM nationals studying there. Digital Travel Push: Guyana and Barbados launched a shared digital ID travel system, with eligible citizens set to travel passport-free from July 1 using national e-ID cards and facial recognition. Border/Essequibo Clash: Venezuela rejected Guyanese President Irfaan Ali’s Independence claims, insisting the 1966 Geneva Agreement remains the only valid legal path and reiterating its Esequibo position. Crime in Lethem: A bandit was found dead after an armed robbery at Lethem; police say another suspect was arrested and a third remains at large. Health Milestone: A landmark robotic cardiac tele-surgery was performed in Guyana, with the surgeon operating remotely from India. Cricket & Community: CWI unveiled the 2026 home schedule, adding Barbados for New Zealand ODIs; locally, CPL and GSL launched a limited-time ticket bundle promotion. Sports Weekend: Premier Eagles and Classic Ball Blasters won the Independence volleyball weekend.