AGP Executive Report

Electricity Crisis in Guyana: GPL says soaring peak demand (about 221MW to 257MW) and overloaded feeders/transformers are driving recent outages, urging customers to notify it before increasing loads and to set AC around 25°C to cut strain. Power Theft Crackdown: GPL reports losing over GY$3B yearly to electricity theft and asks police to arrest and charge suspects, after illegal connections were removed but no charges have yet been reported. Tech Leadership: TouchStar appoints Jamal Cobham as Managing Director, pointing to AI-native software, civic/government tech, robotics, and a growing international push including an operational presence in Guyana. Energy Skills for Youth: The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber will expand its energy education and training to 60+ secondary schools, targeting 1,500+ students with petroleum value-chain and clean energy modules. Health Tech Upgrade: French biomedical experts visited under the EU HealthNext project to strengthen medical equipment maintenance and training across hospitals. Public Health Supply Boost: Government commissioned a $218.6M regional medical distribution centre in Region 10 to improve storage and timely delivery of supplies. Migration Oversight Debate: Opposition MPs and GHRA demand full disclosure on a US-Guyana migration pact tied to third-country deportees, questioning vetting and public-safety impacts. Road Safety Concern: A Chinese contractor’s East Coast Demerara corridor works reportedly left utility poles inside the new roadway lane, raising safety and oversight questions.

Energy Education & Skills: GOGEC is restarting its nationwide energy training for over 1,500 secondary students across 60+ schools, covering the petroleum value chain, clean energy, logistics, environmental compliance, and HSE. Healthcare Tech & Standards: EU-funded HealthNext brought French biomedical experts to Guyana to train hospital equipment maintenance teams, while Region Ten commissioned a $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre to strengthen the medical supply chain. Grid Stress & Smart-Grid Push: GPL says recent outages and voltage issues are tied to soaring peak demand (7–9pm) and overloaded distribution, urging customers to notify load increases and set AC around 25°C to cut strain. Local Lab Certification: Leonora Cottage Hospital’s lab earned GNBS certification for key diagnostic areas, boosting reliability of testing in Region Three. Oil Refining Debate: Energy expert Marta Jara warns using Trinidad’s idle refinery may not be ideal and cautions Guyana against going too small on refinery capacity. Youth Entrepreneurship & Tech: GCCI launched a Youth Entrepreneur Conference (ages 10–17) with workshops spanning AI-augmented entrepreneurship, digital media, tourism, and agro-processing. Oil & Gas Workforce: ExxonMobil is seeking local suppliers for Guyana’s first oil and gas training facility in Port Mourant, including lab and simulator support. Governance & Accountability: VP Bharrat Jagdeo urged ministers and agencies to tighten accountability and transparency, especially around procurement, payments, and public information. Migration Oversight: Opposition MPs and GHRA demand full disclosure on a US-Guyana migration framework that will bring vetted deportees via IOM.

Power & Grid Strain: GPL says recent outages are tied to rising peak demand (7–9pm) and overloaded distribution equipment, urging customers to avoid boosting fuse amperage and to set AC around 25°C. Mobile Data Costs: A Broadband Genie study ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband cost per 1GB, highlighting how pricing varies widely by market. Migration Pact Scrutiny: Opposition MPs and GHRA want full disclosure on Guyana’s US migration cooperation framework that will bring up to 144 vetted deportees, raising concerns for health, electricity, security, and election impacts. Healthcare Supply Chain: Guyana commissioned a $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre in Region 10 to improve storage and timely delivery of pharmaceuticals and supplies. Lab Quality Boost: Leonora Cottage Hospital’s lab earned GNBS certification for key diagnostic areas, strengthening testing reliability in Region Three. Gold Testing Tech: GNBS promotes non-destructive XRF gold testing to verify purity and support consumer confidence. STEM Workforce Push: ExxonMobil launched a US$100M, 10-year STEM teacher training programme (STELLAR) to upgrade science and math teaching nationwide. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI announced its Youth Entrepreneur Conference (ages 10–17) with workshops including AI-augmented entrepreneurship and digital media. Oil Refinery Debate: An energy expert warns Guyana against a 30,000 bpd refinery and suggests larger capacity options to better meet fuel needs. US Deportees Arrive: Guyana received six US deportees (Cuba and Afghanistan) under a one-year IOM-managed arrangement, with no criminal backgrounds reported. Safety Reminder: A Brooklyn teen died after an e-bike lithium-ion battery exploded while charging—another reminder about battery safety.

Migration & Diplomacy: The U.S. and Guyana have started a one-year migration cooperation framework under IOM Assisted Voluntary Return, with an initial group of six non-criminal deportees (4 from Cuba, 2 from Afghanistan) arriving in Guyana; the U.S. covers costs and cases determine return or relocation. Health Tech & Standards: Leonora Cottage Hospital’s lab earned GNBS certification covering biochemistry, serology, haematology and urology—another step toward more reliable diagnostics in Region Three. Oil & Energy Infrastructure: Lindsayca Guyana Inc. is reportedly running out of funds for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project and has requested about US$170M more from government, raising concerns about delivery timelines. STEM & Workforce Development: ExxonMobil’s US$100M, 10-year STEM push begins with a teacher-training programme (STELLAR) training pre-service educators in advanced maths/science and evidence-based teaching. Regional Tech for Public Services: A new $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre was commissioned in Region Ten to strengthen storage and distribution of essential supplies. Local Tech Ecosystem Building: GCCI launched its Youth Entrepreneur Conference (ages 10–17) with workshops including AI-augmented entrepreneurship and digital innovation. Quality in Gold: GNBS promotes consumer confidence with an XRF-based gold testing service that verifies purity without damaging jewellery.

Oil & Energy Oversight: Lindsayca is reportedly running out of money to finish Phase One of the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, with documents showing a request for about US$170M more from the Government of Guyana—raising fresh questions about whether electricity delivery by year-end is still realistic. Refining Debate: Energy expert Marta Jara warns Guyana’s refinery plan should scale up to 300,000–500,000 bpd (not 30,000 bpd) to better cut fuel import dependence and manage supply-price shocks. STEM for Workforce: ExxonMobil’s US$100M, 10-year STEM push begins with a teacher-training programme (STELLAR) for pre-service educators, plus plans for future STEM centres. Health Tech & Quality: Leonora Cottage Hospital’s lab earns GNBS certification across key diagnostic areas, while a new $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre in Region 10 aims to strengthen the medical supply chain. Standards in Gold: GNBS rolls out non-destructive XRF gold testing to help verify purity and boost consumer confidence. Education & Skills: CDB targets a Caribbean math proficiency boost with its IMPACT programme, and GCCI launches a Youth Entrepreneur Conference focused on AI-augmented entrepreneurship. Governance & Tech Risks: Government says it’s improving how citizens engage democratic institutions, warning that misinformation online can deepen divisions. Regional Tech/Science Links: Iwokrama and BritCham sign a biodiversity conservation pact, and Guyana hosts Chinese health cooperation via GPHC exchanges.

Health Standards: Leonora Cottage Hospital’s lab in Region Three earned GNBS certification, covering biochemistry, serology, haematology and urology—bringing Guyana’s certified public and private labs to 42. Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil is seeking local suppliers for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility, aimed at accredited technician training for electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process operations. STEM Education: ExxonMobil also launched its US$100m, 10-year STELLAR teacher-training push, starting with 60 pre-service secondary educators and planning more cohorts plus STEM centres from 2029. Public Health Supply Chain: Region Ten received a new $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre to improve storage and timely delivery of pharmaceuticals and supplies. Land & Survey Services: GLSC plans new sub-offices in Mahdia (Region Eight) and Springlands (Region Six) after tender bids were published. Youth & Tech Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, with hands-on tracks including AI-augmented entrepreneurship. Quality in Gold: GNBS promoted its XRF gold testing service to verify purity without damaging jewellery. Energy Debate: An energy expert cautioned Guyana against a 30,000 bpd refinery, arguing for larger 300,000–500,000 bpd options. Governance & Tech: A call to “Speak Louder” targets classroom and STEM participation, challenging the idea that girls should be quiet. Immigration Update: Guyana received six deportees from the US—Cuban and Afghan nationals—with no criminal backgrounds reported.

Oil & Gas Skills: ExxonMobil Guyana is asking local suppliers for services for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility, aimed at accredited technician training in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process operations. STEM Education: ExxonMobil also kicked off its US$100m, 10-year STEM teacher-training push (STELLAR), starting with 60 pre-service secondary educators at Cyril Potter College of Education, with more cohorts and planned student STEM centres. Healthcare Logistics: The Health Ministry commissioned a $218.6m Regional Medical Distribution Centre in Region 10 to strengthen storage and timely distribution of pharmaceuticals and supplies. Youth & Tech Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17 (Sept 12, ACCC), with hands-on workshops spanning the orange economy, tourism, agro-processing, and AI-augmented entrepreneurship. Biodiversity Partnership: Iwokrama and BritCham signed a biodiversity conservation pact, including three years of annual funding and joint research, education and sustainable forest work. Infrastructure Security: Police are investigating the theft of 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, knocking out LED lighting. Regional Connectivity Risk: A Canawaima ferry crisis update argues Guyana and Suriname need a long-term crossing plan, not just short-term repairs. Digital Governance: Cuba is upgrading its Soberanía digital government platform with UNDP and China support, expanding online services and digital identity access. Immigration & Tech Policy Angle: Guyana received six deportees from the US under third-country deportations, with no criminal backgrounds reported.

Oil & Gas Skills: ExxonMobil Guyana is asking local suppliers to support the new Oil and Gas Training Facility in Port Mourant, Berbice, with hands-on labs and simulators for electrical, mechanical, instrumentation/controls and process operations. Healthcare Supply Chain: Minister Dr. Frank Anthony commissioned a $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre in Region 10 to strengthen storage and timely delivery of pharmaceuticals and essential supplies. Youth + Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference (ages 10–17) for Sept 12 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, pushing early innovation and business skills. Infrastructure Quality Control: Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill says oversight has been tightened with engineering supervision and in-house material testing as the infrastructure programme expands. STEM Teacher Training: ExxonMobil’s $100M STEM push begins with the STELLAR programme training 60 pre-service secondary educators over two years, with more cohorts and future STEM centres planned. Public Works + Security: Police are investigating the theft of 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, knocking out LED lighting. Regional Transport Risk: Letters and coverage keep spotlighting the Canawaima ferry crisis and the need for a long-term, reliable crossing plan between Guyana and Suriname. Maritime Safety Inquiry: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry is moving toward public hearings later this month and is inviting submissions from anyone with relevant information.

STEM Education Boost: ExxonMobil Guyana kicked off its US$100m, 10-year STELLAR teacher-training push, starting with 60 pre-service secondary educators at Cyril Potter College, with more cohorts and planned STEM centres by 2029. Infrastructure Quality Control: Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill says the government is tightening oversight with engineering supervision, continuous material testing via its own lab, and stronger audit checks as projects scale up. Digital Democracy & AI: Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon urged better citizen engagement with democratic institutions, warning that misinformation online can deepen divisions and calling for youth to use legislatures to debate policy in the age of AI. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, aiming to spark innovation and business skills early. Health Cooperation: GPHC hosted a Chinese National Health Commission delegation to strengthen medical exchanges and supervision of foreign-aid teams, including work at specialised clinics. Transport Safety & Accountability: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry is inviting public submissions and preparing public hearings later this month after a site survey. Local Tech & Security: Police are investigating the theft of 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, knocking out LED lighting. Regional Tech Tourism: CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown will spotlight smart, sustainable tourism, including a Future Leaders Forum focused on AI, climate, and workforce development.

STEM Education Boost: ExxonMobil launched its US$100m, 10-year Guyana STEM push with the STELLAR teacher-training programme, starting with 60 pre-service secondary educators at Cyril Potter College of Education and planning more cohorts plus future STEM centres. Tourism Tech & Innovation: Guyana President Irfaan Ali will keynote the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Georgetown, with a Future Leaders Forum set to spotlight AI, climate resilience, biodiversity and workforce development. Health Cooperation: GPHC welcomed a China National Health Commission delegation to strengthen medical exchanges, including visits to the Hepatobiliary Laboratory, Eye Clinic and Acupuncture Clinic. Digital Divide Pressure: Ali urged telecom providers to invest more in hinterland connectivity, citing gaps even along major routes like the Linden–Soesdyke Highway. Infrastructure Security: Police are investigating copper cable thefts that knocked out LED bridge lighting, including 90 feet of cable valued at about GY$1.62m. Elderly Care Funding: Government received 32 bids for an Enmore elderly assisted living facility, with contractor prices ranging from about $1.2b to $3.1b. Private-Sector Innovation Finance: Pas Cargo became the first Guyanese private firm to secure IDB Lab financing, after signing a loan agreement with the Ministry of Finance.

Health Tech & China–Guyana Ties: GPHC welcomed a five-member delegation from China’s National Health Commission to strengthen health cooperation, with tours of the Hepatobiliary Laboratory, Eye Clinic and Acupuncture Clinic. Digital Governance: Cuba launched an AI-and-infrastructure push for its Soberanía digital government platform, expanding online services and issuing verified digital identities. Local Connectivity Push: President Ali urged telecom providers to invest more in hinterland service quality, citing gaps even along major routes. Elder Care Funding: Guyana’s Human Services Ministry received 32 bids for an Enmore elderly assisted living facility, with contractor offers ranging from $1.2B to $3.1B. Private-Sector Innovation Finance: Pas Cargo became the first Guyanese private firm to secure an IDB Lab loan, signing at the Ministry of Finance. Infrastructure Security: Police are investigating copper cable theft from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, knocking out LED lighting. Maritime Accountability: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry invited public submissions and said it’s preparing for public hearings later this month. Regional Tech & Tourism: CTO will launch a Future Leaders Forum in Guyana, focusing on AI, climate, entrepreneurship and workforce development.

Maritime Disruption: Panama Canal cuts daily vessel limits to 34 (dropping to 32 on Sept 15) as El Niño lowers rainfall and water levels, adding pressure to global shipping routes. Guyana Infrastructure & Safety: Police are investigating the theft of about 90 feet of 4/350 KCMIL copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, leaving LED lights powerless; CCTV is being reviewed. Ferry Probe Moves Ahead: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry has visited the sinking site and is preparing for public hearings at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, while inviting the public to submit information. Digital Divide Push: President Ali urges telecom providers to invest more in hinterland connectivity, citing poor service even along major roads. Elderly Care Funding: Government received 32 bids for a $1.5B elderly assisted living facility at Enmore, with bids ranging from $1.2B to $3.1B. Private-Sector Tech Finance: Pas Cargo Guyana signs the first IDB Lab loan to a Guyanese private company, boosting access to innovation financing. Health Watch: Hawaii wastewater tested positive for dengue virus, with officials noting travel-linked cases and mosquito transmission risks.

Bridge Security: Police are investigating the theft of about 90 feet of heavy-duty copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, which powered LED lighting used for colour displays—only the northern side worked after an engineer tried to light the bridge for Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence Anniversary; CCTV is being reviewed and the cable is valued at about GY$1.62M. Maritime Accountability: The MV Barima ferry Commission of Inquiry has visited the sinking site and is preparing for public hearings later this month at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, while inviting the public and organisations to submit information and recommendations. Digital Divide Push: President Ali urged telecom providers to invest more in hinterland connectivity, pointing to government ICT spending of about US$19.6M benefiting over 140,000 people. Private-Sector Tech Finance: Pas Cargo Guyana signed its first IDB Lab loan, a milestone for local private financing aimed at expanding non-oil business capacity. Health Milestone: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital marked its 81st anniversary, highlighting decades of multi-specialty care.

IDB Lab Financing: Pas Cargo Guyana became the first Guyanese private company to secure an IDB Lab loan, with Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh overseeing the signing—another push to grow non-oil investment. Elderly Care Infrastructure: The Human Services Ministry received 32 bids for a $1.5B elderly assisted living facility in Enmore, with contractor bids ranging from $1.2B to $3.1B, alongside plans for telemedicine and mobile health support. Carifta 2027 Prep: Guyana has started preparations to host the 2027 Carifta Games, with a NACAC delegation inspecting the Leonora National Track and Field Centre and discussing upgrades, security, and readiness. Tourism Youth Leadership: The Caribbean Tourism Organization launched its Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, plus regional youth tourism speech finalists—training the next generation for climate-smart, AI-aware, sustainable tourism. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Farmers are being urged to prepare for El Niño-linked dry conditions, as reduced rainfall and water stress could hit production and food prices. Health Tech & Access: A new AI-enabled cancer collaboration “in the cloud” is set to launch at Harvard/MIT, aiming to expand CARE across borders. Mining & Exploration: Liberty Metals begins maiden exploration at newly acquired Oko gold projects in Region Seven, starting with mapping and a large soil sampling program.

Public Health: A new PLoS Medicine modeling study suggests the global snakebite burden is far higher than past estimates, with 2.1 million envenomings and 274,000 deaths annually—hitting hardest in lower-income, rural communities. Guyana Hosting & Youth Tech/Skills: Guyana has kicked off preparations for the 2027 Carifta Games, with NACAC officials inspecting the Leonora National Track and Field Centre and discussing upgrades, security, and readiness. Finance & Innovation: Pas Cargo Guyana became the first local private company to secure financing from IDB-Lab, with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh overseeing the loan signing—another push for private-sector growth. Health & AI in the Region: The Global Health Catalyst Summit at Harvard/MIT will launch an AI-enabled “cancer center in the cloud” model aimed at expanding access to cancer care across countries. Agriculture Resilience: With El Niño expected to linger into early 2027, Guyana’s agriculture ministry urged farmers to prepare for reduced rainfall and water stress. Tourism & Community: Five Guyana tourism businesses were added to Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Map, boosting visibility for community-led conservation and sustainable travel. Education & STEM: UG will host the 6th Annual Caribbean Sociological Association conference, while Guyana also continues school inspections ahead of the new academic year.

Agro-Tech Push in Kuru Kuru: President Ali visited the Soesdyke-Linden Highway community, urging farmers to form producer clusters and shift from open-field farming to shade houses, high-value crops, stingless bee apiculture, and commercial livestock—backed by low-cost finance under the Guyana Development Bank Act. AI in Cancer Care: The Global Health Catalyst Summit (Harvard/MIT) will launch an AI-enabled “cancer center in the cloud” to connect research, education, clinical care, and mentorship across countries. Petroleum Transparency Debate: Economist Prof. Kenrick Hunte argues Guyana needs real-time monitoring and auditing of oil costs and profitability—not just ring-fencing—as the country nears 1 million barrels/day. Climate Risk for Farmers: With El Niño likely to continue into early next year, the Agriculture Ministry urged farmers to prepare for reduced rainfall and water stress. Guyana Mining Spotlight (G-MEX): The annual Guyana Mining & Exploration Conference and Exhibition was launched to link mineral development with technology, investment, and responsible management. STEM & Skills for Youth: BIT graduated 107 trainees in drone operations, digital marketing, video production, and other market-ready skills tied to Guyana’s “orange economy.” Education Readiness: Education Minister Sonia Parag continued school inspections ahead of the new academic year, including drainage works to keep access safe.