AGP Executive Report

Biodiversity Finance: Guyana will host the Global Biodiversity Alliance summit in Georgetown on October 30–31, bringing together more than 140 partners to develop a shared approach to valuing and financing nature conservation. Cybersecurity: Authorities recorded about 1.1 million cyber-threat events targeting Guyana in the first half of 2026, but stressed that the figure does not represent successful hacks or individual victims. Data and AI: President Irfaan Ali and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discussed possible support for a regional data-centre hub and AI opportunities, but announced no deals or funding commitments. Plastic Pollution Research: The University of Guyana has completed its phase of the PROMAR project, combining waste monitoring, research and circular-economy initiatives to reduce plastic entering rivers and the Caribbean Sea. Digital Land Records: From November 1, housing officials will use geo-referencing technology to record house-lot coordinates, aiming to reduce identification errors and land disputes.

Biodiversity Finance: Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance, now backed by more than 140 partners, will meet in Georgetown on October 30–31 to seek a shared framework for valuing and financing conservation. Amaila Studies: The US ambassador says the long-delayed hydropower project may need updated environmental and feasibility studies before financing can proceed; its environmental assessment dates back more than a decade. Cybersecurity: Authorities reported 1.1 million cyber-threat events targeting Guyana in the first half of 2026, warning that the country’s fast-growing economy is drawing hackers. The figure does not mean that attacks succeeded. Marine Research: The University of Guyana has completed its local phase of the PROMAR project, which used monitoring, research and community partnerships to tackle plastic waste reaching rivers and the Caribbean Sea. Digital Economy: President Ali and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discussed possible support for a regional data-centre hub and AI opportunities, but announced no funding or agreements.

Digital Investment: President Irfaan Ali and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discussed possible support for making Guyana a regional data-centre hub and advancing AI opportunities. No investors, funding or agreements were announced. Cybersecurity: Authorities reported 1.1 million cyber-attack attempts and threat events detected in the first half of 2026, warning that Guyana’s growing economy is attracting hackers. The figure does not mean systems were successfully breached. Marine Science: The University of Guyana has completed its local work on the PROMAR project, using waste monitoring, research and community partnerships to tackle plastic pollution flowing into rivers and the Caribbean Sea. Digital Services: From November 1, housing officials will use geo-referencing technology and tablets to record house-lot coordinates, creating digital records aimed at preventing allocation and boundary disputes.

Cybersecurity: Guyana recorded 1.1 million cyber-threat events in the first half of 2026—not confirmed breaches—as police warn the country’s growing economy is attracting hackers. AI for Small Business: This weekend’s Women in Business Expo will offer entrepreneurs training to make their digital content easier for AI-powered search tools to find. Digital Land Records: From November 1, CH&PA surveyors will use geo-referencing and tablets to record house-lot coordinates, aiming to prevent allocation and construction disputes. Data and AI Investment: President Irfaan Ali and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discussed developing Guyana as a regional data-centre hub and advancing AI and technology. Circular Economy Research: The University of Guyana has completed its local PROMAR project, which explored ways to reduce plastic waste and support reuse through research, community engagement and circular-economy initiatives. Biodiversity Science: Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance has grown to more than 140 partners and will pursue a shared framework for valuing and protecting biodiversity at its October 30–31 summit.

Digital Economy: President Irfaan Ali says talks with the US covered investment in data centres, artificial intelligence and technology, with the aim of making Guyana a regional digital hub. Cybersecurity: Police recorded 50 cybercrime cases and 15 convictions in 2025; Commissioner Clifton Hicken called for more training in digital forensics and AI investigations. Circular Economy: The University of Guyana’s PROMAR project has concluded its local phase, using research, waste monitoring and community partnerships to reduce plastic pollution and promote reuse. Smart Fisheries: Fisheries officials are testing AI-enabled cameras on artisanal boats and devices to deter dolphins from fishing gear, strengthening monitoring and helping protect seafood exports. Emergency Communications: MARAD plans to commission a satellite-based system to receive distress signals directly, alongside high-frequency radios, after the MV Barima inquiry highlighted communication gaps. Healthcare AI: Guyana plans to introduce OpenEvidence, a clinical support platform that draws on medical literature to help health workers assess treatment options; doctors will make the final decisions.

Digital Health: Guyana plans to introduce OpenEvidence, an AI tool that draws on medical research and guidelines to support clinical decisions. Doctors will make the final calls. Maritime Safety: MARAD expects to commission a satellite-linked rescue communications system next week, allowing distress signals to reach its centre directly. Smart Fisheries: The department is testing AI cameras to record catches on 10 artisanal boats and devices to deter dolphins from fishing gear, helping protect marine life and seafood exports. Climate Research: A Commonwealth report puts sea-level rise along Guyana’s Georgetown coast at 4.7 to 10.2 millimetres a year, underscoring the need for locally tailored coastal defences. Circular Innovation: Fisheries officials are urging businesses to turn discarded nets into products such as bags, or potentially use recovered plastic for 3D printing.

AI in Healthcare: Guyana plans to introduce OpenEvidence, an AI clinical-support platform that gives doctors and nurses answers drawn from medical research and guidelines. Clinicians will make all treatment decisions. Fisheries Technology: The Fisheries Department is testing AI-enabled cameras on 10 artisanal vessels to identify catches, while expanding vessel tracking to support marine conservation and fisheries research. Climate Science: A Commonwealth report found sea levels along Guyana’s Georgetown coast rising by 4.7 to 10.2 millimetres a year—faster than the global average—and urged adaptation plans based on local projections. STEM Skills: The SPARRK Lab launched to build science, technology, engineering and digital skills in Region Seven. Seismic Research: Viridien has launched a 3D seismic reimaging project in Guyana to improve analysis of legacy exploration data.

Health AI: Guyana plans to introduce OpenEvidence, an AI clinical support platform that draws on medical research to help doctors assess treatment options; clinicians will make the final decisions. Fisheries Technology: The Fisheries Department is testing cameras with AI species identification on 10 artisanal vessels and devices to discourage dolphins from entering fishing gear, helping protect marine life and seafood exports. Climate Research: A Commonwealth report found sea levels along Guyana’s Georgetown coast rising by 4.7 to 10.2 millimetres annually, underscoring the need to plan for local conditions. Wildlife Protection: Conservation groups and community fire brigades are creating firebreaks in the Rupununi to protect habitat for two endangered bird species whose populations have fallen by about half since 2021. Offshore Data: Viridien has begun reprocessing more than 10,000 square kilometres of legacy seismic surveys offshore Guyana, with early results expected in 2027.

Technology Partnerships: Guyana and India are exploring cooperation in technology, defence and agro-processing as their diplomatic ties deepen. Digital Commerce: A local e-commerce platform showcased at GCCI’s Small Business Expo lets vendors set up virtual storefronts, display stock and prices, and accept payments online. Agricultural Innovation: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says traceability systems are needed to track food from farm to consumer, support food safety and connect local producers with the tourism sector. Energy Exploration: Viridien has begun reimaging more than 10,000 square kilometres of legacy 3D seismic data offshore Guyana, aiming to sharpen subsurface maps and help explorers assess new opportunities; early results are expected in 2027. Skills and Healthcare: The SPARRK Lab initiative aims to build STEM and digital skills in Region Seven, while 19 newly trained Medex are expected to strengthen care in hinterland communities, with telemedicine available at 130 sites to connect them with specialists.

Biodiversity Finance: Guyana will host more than 140 delegates at the Global Biodiversity Alliance summit on October 30–31, focused on ways to fund nature protection while supporting development. Offshore Data: Viridien has launched a project to reimage more than 10,000 km² of seismic data across four Guyana survey areas, with early results expected in early 2027. Digital Commerce: Small businesses will be able to explore 3D online storefronts, QR-code browsing and mobile payments at GCCI’s expo this weekend. Technical Skills: Ninety-six teachers have earned vocational qualifications through Cyril Potter College, strengthening practical skills training. Regional Health Research: Guyana is among 17 countries in a PAHO study of healthcare workers’ mental health and working conditions. Amazon Monitoring: Brazil reports record-low deforestation, but fire counts have tripled since early October; researchers warn satellites can miss fires burning beneath the forest canopy.

Digital Health: More than 60 Guyanese health workers are taking part in a China-backed medical training programme in Georgetown, focused on strengthening local skills as healthcare becomes more digital. Research: A review found surgical and anaesthesia publications about Guyana rose from 11 before 2015 to 30 afterward, but Guyanese researchers held fewer lead-author roles. PAHO is also surveying health workers in Guyana and 16 other countries on mental health and working conditions; the survey closes October 30. Biotech and STEM: The EU is supporting Guyana’s BioPark to advance medical research and biotechnology, while the SPARRK Lab initiative aims to build STEM and digital skills in Region Seven. Technical Skills: Ninety-six teachers earned vocational qualifications through CPCE, and OMAI is working with Linden Technical Institute to develop skills for its future mine workforce.

Research & Biotech: A review found surgical and anaesthesia research on Guyana rose from 11 publications before 2015 to 30 afterward, but Guyanese researchers held fewer first- and senior-author roles. The EU is also backing Guyana’s BioPark to support medical research and biotechnology. Skills & STEM: Ninety-six teachers earned Caribbean Vocational Qualifications through CPCE, strengthening practical instruction. A new SPARRK Lab initiative in Region Seven aims to build STEM and digital skills. Offshore Technology: CGG’s 3D seismic survey in Guyana’s Block S4 brought a GYD$20.8 million signing bonus into the Natural Resource Fund. Conservation: Firefighters and South Rupununi communities worked together to contain fires and protect habitats for two threatened bird species.

Research Leadership: Guyanese surgical and anaesthesia publications rose from 11 before 2015 to 30 afterward, but a review found fewer Guyanese researchers in first- and senior-author roles. Wildfire Management: The Guyana Fire Service supported a six-day South Rupununi effort, helping contain fires and protect habitats for two threatened bird species. Mining Skills: Avalon Gold Exploration is discussing training with Linden Technical Institute to prepare workers for possible jobs at the proposed Omai mine redevelopment. STEM & Digital Skills: The Greater Guyana Initiative and Project New Nation launched the SPARRK Lab to build STEM and digital skills in Region Seven. Agricultural Training: A new $21.8 million facility at the Guyana School of Agriculture will support hands-on training in livestock production, animal health and veterinary public health. Biotechnology: The EU is supporting Guyana’s BioPark to advance medical research and biotechnology.

Tourism Research: Caribbean researchers Dalano DaSouza and Dennis Mc Call Jr. won the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Intelligence Award at Guyana’s SOTIC conference. Their study surveyed 1,103 people across 23 jurisdictions to examine why residents choose international trips over regional travel. Fire Management: The Guyana Fire Service joined village representatives, University of Guyana researchers and conservationists in a six-day South Rupununi initiative to contain fires and protect habitats for endangered birds. STEM and Biotech: A new SPARRK Lab in Region Seven aims to build STEM and digital skills, while EU support for Guyana’s BioPark is set to boost medical research and biotechnology.

Public Health: Guyana plans to restrict vape imports, with exceptions for approved medicinal and therapeutic uses, amid concerns about children’s access and vaping in schools. Agricultural Technology: A new $1.6 billion paddy facility in Onderneeming will process up to 1,000 tonnes daily, using controlled storage and a SCADA system to monitor operations. Science & Skills: EU support for Guyana’s BioPark aims to advance medical research and biotechnology, while the SPARRK Lab will build STEM and digital skills in Region Seven. Digital Health: Georgetown Public Hospital is moving to streamline care through electronic records. Amazon Monitoring: NASA satellite observations show fires spreading across the drought-hit Amazon, with smoke affecting Manaus.

Amazon Monitoring: NASA satellite imagery captured major fires spreading across Brazil’s Amazon as El Niño-driven drought worsens, with smoke pushing air pollution in Manaus to dangerous levels. Biotechnology: The EU is supporting Guyana’s BioPark to advance medical research and biotechnology. Agricultural Technology: A new G$21.8 million training centre at the Guyana School of Agriculture will strengthen hands-on livestock and animal-health training. A G$1.6 billion paddy facility in Onderneeming will use automated equipment and remote monitoring to dry and store rice, helping farmers reduce losses and wait for better prices. Skills and Connectivity: Avalon is discussing technical training with Linden Technical Institute for a potential Omai mine redevelopment, while the SPARRK Lab aims to build STEM and digital skills in Region Seven. A US-backed regional connectivity package also includes US$175.8 million for Caribbean submarine cables.