AGP Executive Report

Smart Security Push: President Dr Irfaan Ali says Guyana is moving toward 24/7 AI-powered smart police stations, online reporting, and full CCTV coverage by 2030—plus kiosks to cut the 2–3 hour wait for clearances. Power Disruption: In Region Two, an excavator hit GPL infrastructure at Hampton Court, causing a regional outage; power was restored by 11:06 hrs and the contractor is being investigated and will face prosecution. Oil Supply Chain: ExxonMobil Guyana awarded Vallourec two more offshore line-pipe orders for Hammerhead and Longtail, including 90 km insulated with ExxonMobil Proxxima resin systems using GDLX subsea tech. Energy Pressure Still On: Reports say the fuel crisis isn’t over yet, with more strain expected. Agri Diversification: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says industrial hemp is advancing, with Regions Six and Ten earmarked once processing capacity is secured. Payments Upgrade: FASTA real-time payments and UPI integration are set for June 2, aiming to speed up transactions nationwide.

Power Disruption: A second excavator strike in four days hit the GPL network in Region Two, this time at Hampton Court Village, knocking out electricity to many customers after the machine tangled with a transmission line; GPL says power was restored by 11:06 and a formal investigation is underway with police notified. Regional Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is pushing bold intra-Caribbean food security and trade plans as Jamaica prepares to host the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (Sept 27–Oct 2), with the launch set for today in Kingston. Health & Education Recognition: UG-ECCE director Dr. Lidon Lashley won an international award in Finland for research review and analysis focused on inclusive education, while a Guyana-linked physician-scientist was selected for a U.S. National Academy of Medicine emerging leaders forum. Skills & Tech: Guyana’s education push continues with an AutoCAD lab commissioned at Bygeval Secondary, and the financial sector gears up for real-time payments with FASTA and UPI integration.

Coast Guard Spotlight: Trump praised the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Class of 2026, warning new officers they may be sent to “volatile places” as they begin first postings. Iran Oil Shock: Iran’s crude exports fell sharply after the U.S. blockade started April 13, with exports dropping to about 200,000 bpd in the period after the crackdown. Guyana Payments Upgrade: Guyana is moving fast on digital finance—FASTA is set for a June 2, 2026 launch, with integration into India’s UPI network. Power Disruption Probe: GPL is investigating a contractor after an excavator hit a transmission line, triggering a major blackout. Energy & Industry Moves: ExxonMobil expanded Stabroek supply-chain orders with Vallourec for new insulated line pipe, while UG engineering students toured the controversial Wales Gas-to-Energy project. Infrastructure Planning: Govt is seeking bids to relocate a section of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge toward Sandhills–Timehri. Regional Agriculture: Jamaica will host the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, launching today in Kingston.

Rupununi Massacre: A new report revisits the 1960s-era “Rupununi Rebellion” crackdown—Wapishana, Iokono and Makushi communities were met with flamethrowers and mass killings, a tragedy long “almost unnoticed.” Infrastructure Moves: The Ministry of Public Works is seeking bids to relocate a section of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge toward the Sandhills–Timehri crossing, with tenders opening June 24. Skills for Aviation: Fifteen students graduated from the first BIT Aircraft Maintenance Foundation Skills programme at Ogle, a push to grow local aviation maintenance talent. Oil Supply Chain: ExxonMobil expanded Stabroek line-pipe orders with Vallourec—145+ km of coated pipe for Hammerhead and Longtail, including Proxxima insulation. Energy Project Scrutiny: UG engineering students toured the controversial Wales Gas-to-Energy site led by Winston Brassington, as critics renew calls over costs and transparency. Digital Finance: Guyana’s real-time payments push continues—FASTA is set for June 2 and links to India’s UPI are in motion.

Real-Time Payments Leap: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s new FASTA system will go live June 2, 2026, with instant transfers via mobile and online banking—paired with direct integration into India’s UPI network to speed up everyday money movement. Power Disruption: A contractor’s excavator hit a key transmission line, triggering a major grid shutdown and leaving tens of thousands without electricity while GPL investigates and seeks recovery of damages. Oil & Subsea Tech: Vallourec lands additional ExxonMobil Guyana line pipe orders for Hammerhead and Longtail, including insulated sections using Proxxima resin systems with GDLX subsea insulation. Noise Control Upgrade: Ali also flagged countrywide noise monitoring and public warning systems after an EPA pilot at the Kitty seawall. Education Tech Push: AutoCAD labs are being rolled out to boost digital skills in schools, while a national maths taskforce targets long-term improvements. Culture & Science: Ali challenged Iwokrama to expand biodiversity research, open its data, and grow eco-tourism.

Energy & Industry: Vallourec just secured two more ExxonMobil Guyana line pipe orders for the Stabroek Block—over 145 km of coated pipe, with 90 km insulated using Exxon’s Proxxima™ resin systems with GDLX™ subsea insulation—backed by a Brazil plant upgrade. Digital Finance: President Ali says Guyana’s banking overhaul is moving fast: FAST PAY (real-time payments) is set for June 2, 2026, and Guyana will also integrate with India’s UPI to speed transfers and cut costs. Education Tech: Minister Sonia Parag commissioned an AutoCAD lab at Bygeval Secondary, part of a $65M push to equip six schools with specialised tech labs. Science & Conservation: Ali challenged Iwokrama to expand biodiversity research, open its data, and grow eco-tourism. Public Safety Tech: EPA pilot noise monitoring is set to expand nationwide with smart alerts and public warning systems. Sports & Culture: Team Japarts is entering the GT3 Challenge with a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for the Guyana Grand Prix, while the Guyana Festival kicked off at the National Stadium.

Education Tech Upgrade: Minister Sonia Parag commissioned a new AutoCAD Lab at Bygeval Secondary in Region Five, part of a $65M push to equip six schools with specialised computer-based technical training—after the first lab went live in Region Two. Biodiversity Push: President Ali challenged Iwokrama to become Guyana’s biodiversity science hub by launching a national research programme, opening a biodiversity data platform, and expanding low-impact eco-tourism. Digital Payments Leap: Guyana is set to go live with FAST PAY on June 2, 2026 for real-time transfers, and also move toward India’s UPI to deepen the country’s cash-light, instant payments future. Noise Control Plan: The EPA is piloting smart noise monitoring at Kitty Seawall, with real-time public warning systems planned nationwide. Global Context: A new map shows AI use is highest in smaller economies like the UAE and Singapore, while the U.S. lags in everyday adoption.

Education Boost: The Ministry of Education is tapping an Inter-American Development Bank loan for geotechnical and topographical surveys tied to six new primary schools across Regions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10—part of the US$90M “Support for Education Recovery and Transformation” push. Digital Payments: President Ali says Guyana’s real-time payments overhaul is moving fast: FAST PAY is set for June 2, and Guyana is also integrating with India’s UPI to speed up transfers and cut cash dependence. Quality of Life Tech: The PPP/C government is rolling out noise monitoring and public warning systems nationwide, starting with an EPA smart-tech pilot at the Kitty seawall. Energy Savings: A 3MW solar plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport is expected to save about US$800,000 a year once it’s completed in June 2027. Culture & Skills: The National Music School is being rebuilt, and a 20-member national maths taskforce is now working on teacher training and classroom delivery.

Noise Control Rollout: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will soon install noise monitoring and public warning systems nationwide, starting with an EPA smart-tech pilot at the Kitty Seawall that uses real-time alerts to curb excessive noise without killing celebrations. Digital Payments Upgrade: The financial sector is getting a fast-track makeover: FAST PAY (real-time transfers) is set for June 2, 2026, and Guyana is also moving to integrate with India’s UPI to speed up secure payments and cut cash dependence. Energy Savings at the Airport: A 3MW solar plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport is expected to save about US$800,000 a year, with work already underway and completion targeted for June 2027. Education Push: The Ministry of Education has launched a national Mathematics Taskforce to improve teaching and student understanding, with teacher training and classroom delivery at the center. Regional & Global Watch: Brazil’s military spending jumped 13% in 2025, while the U.S. is increasingly looking at Guyana’s bauxite and resources for business opportunities.

Financial Tech Leap: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s banking is entering a new era, with FASTA (real-time payments) set to go live June 2, and integration into India’s UPI already in motion—aimed at faster transfers, lower costs, and less cash reliance. Banking Expansion: Three international banks have been newly licensed as the sector scales up. Jobs Beyond Oil: APNU warns oil jobs will slow as the sector becomes more automated, accusing government of not preparing workers and businesses for a long-term shift. Education Push: A 20-member National Mathematics Taskforce has been launched to tackle low performance, with a focus on teacher training and helping students understand—not just memorize. Culture & Talent: The National Music School is being rebuilt, alongside recording studios, to boost local artistes. Regional Spotlight: The U.S. is turning attention to Guyana’s bauxite and resources during Trump’s broader Latin America push. Governance Tension: Opposition is blasting the stalled $285M Kato Secondary School dormitory contract, citing Auditor General concerns. Health & Safety: Guyana is among countries reporting chikungunya cases as travel advisories spread in the region. China Link: Sinopharm says it’s accelerating vaccine exports and overseas production deals, including plans tied to Belt and Road markets.

Banking Upgrade: President Ali says Guyana’s financial sector is entering a new era: FASTA, the real-time payments system, is set for June 2, 2026, letting customers move money instantly via mobile and internet banking, while Guyana also integrates with India’s UPI for secure transfers. Regional Security & Spending: SIPRI reports Brazil remains South America’s top military spender, and Uruguay’s defence budget jumped sharply—another sign of a region modernising amid global tensions. Education Push: A 20-member National Mathematics Taskforce is now working to fix maths performance, with a clear focus on teacher training and how teachers learn to teach. Health Watch: A new report highlights Commonwealth progress toward cervical cancer elimination, while CDC travel advisories flag chikungunya risks in multiple countries including Guyana. Accountability Clash: Opposition MP Juretha Fernandes attacks the stalled $285M Kato Secondary School dormitory contract, pointing to Auditor General concerns and fresh bids to finish the work. Energy & Industry: Guyana’s airport solar project aims to cut electricity costs by about US$800,000 a year, and the U.S. is again spotlighting Guyana’s bauxite as Latin America’s resource race heats up.

Health: The Commonwealth Secretariat launched a new compendium on cervical cancer elimination at the 2026 Health Coordination Forum in Geneva, spotlighting how countries are using vaccination, screening, treatment and care to cut deaths. Local Education & Accountability: Opposition MP Juretha Fernandes is blasting the PPP/C over the stalled $285M Kato Secondary School dormitory, pointing to an Auditor General report and a fresh bid estimate that could add about $120.7M to finish the job. Energy & Infrastructure: Guyana’s airport solar plan is set to install a 3MW grid-tied system at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, projected to save about US$800,000 a year from June 2027. Standards & Trust: GNBS will join other measuring institutions for World Metrology Day on May 20, pushing the message that accurate measurement builds trust in policy. Community & Culture: The Guyana Festival kicked off at the National Stadium under “Song, Soul, and Taste,” while the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre opened “Guyana at 60” at Red House. Sports: Archery Guyana opened its 2026 Indoor National Championships with a record-sized field of 56 athletes.

School Water Upgrade: The Ministry of Education, with Recover Guyana and the Greater Guyana Initiative, commissioned 15 water purification systems at secondary schools in Region Three—over 9,000 students and teachers now get safer drinking water under Project FLOW. Honey Lab Push: Government is moving ahead with a $180.9M Honey Laboratory for the GLDA at Mon Repos, funded through the CARICOM Development Fund, with bids already in. US Eyes Bauxite: The U.S. is turning up the heat on Guyana’s bauxite—Under Secretary Jacob Helberg met President Ali and flagged new investment, plus infrastructure and even “autonomous trucking” ideas to boost exports. Digital ID Privacy Debate: The Data Protection Commissioner defended the Digital ID rollout, saying the Data Protection Act is already law and a Data Protection Office is being formally set up. CARICOM Diplomacy: CARICOM says it’s diversifying external relations for South-South cooperation, while keeping Haiti stability and regional security front and centre. CPL Draft Buzz: The CPL draft already reshuffled the board, with Gudakesh Motie leaving Warriors for Barbados and Narine anchoring TKR.

School Water Security: The Ministry of Education, with the Greater Guyana Initiative and Recover Guyana, commissioned 15 water purification systems at secondary schools in Region Three under Project FLOW—now giving over 9,000 students and teachers safer drinking water. US–Bauxite Push: The U.S. is turning more attention to Guyana’s bauxite, with Under Secretary Jacob Helberg meeting President Ali and signaling talks on investment, infrastructure, and even autonomous trucking to boost exports. Digital ID Privacy Debate: The Data Protection Commissioner defended Guyana’s digital ID rollout, pointing to the Data Protection Act and ongoing steps to formally establish a Data Protection Office. Public Health Tech: CARPHA says rapid PCR testing platforms are now deployed across 10 Caribbean countries, including Guyana, to speed outbreak detection. Oilfield AI Momentum: Halliburton is gearing up for wider adoption of AI-driven automation as the industry warms to “closed-loop” operations.

Digital ID Privacy Pushback: Guyana’s Data Protection Commissioner Aneal Giddings defended the digital identification rollout in response to public concerns, saying the Data Protection Act is already law and that a Data Protection Office is being formally established to enforce it. Flood Response: Heavy rains are stressing drainage across Guyana, with President Ali pointing to maintenance gaps and noting 200+ pumps running and 11 more due Friday. Health Tech Upgrade: CARPHA says Molbio rapid PCR platforms are now deployed across 10 countries, cutting testing turnaround to under two hours and strengthening outbreak detection. Oil & Industry Signals: The U.S. is eyeing Guyana’s bauxite and even surveying for other minerals, while SBM Offshore ordered two more FPSO hulls, including one linked to Exxon’s Longtail work. Education Under Strain: Christianburg Wismar Secondary School was broken into again—projectors, computers and printers stolen despite added fencing, guards and cameras. Regional Integration Debate: A trade researcher argues CARICOM leadership should prioritize regional integration over the Carla Barnett re-appointment dispute.

Data Protection Push: Guyana’s Data Protection Commissioner says the Data Protection Office is being formally established now—meant to enforce the existing Data Protection Act, educate the public, and hold agencies and companies accountable. Flood Response: President Ali toured flooded Georgetown areas as drainage systems strained under heavy rain; officials say 200+ pumps are running and more are on the way. Aviation for Regional Growth: Britten-Norman delivered its first BN2T-4S Islander to Xen Aviation, setting up Guyana commuter operations. Standards for Investment: GNBS metrology leaders stressed that stronger measurement and quality systems are key to attracting trade and investment. Regional Tech & Health: CARPHA rolled out Molbio rapid PCR testing across 10 countries, including Guyana, cutting turnaround to under two hours. Global Watch: The U.S. says it removed excess highly enriched uranium from Venezuela, with IAEA support.