AGP Executive Report

Education Readiness: Minister of Education Sonia Parag keeps inspecting schools ahead of the new term, including Woolford Avenue works, to ensure access and safe reopening. Higher Ed Watch: Ghana’s GTEC published a list of 100 unrecognised universities (as of Aug 28, 2026), warning the public to do due diligence on certificates. Sports Tech & Youth Engagement: In Region Three, a police-led sports push is keeping youths engaged, with West Side Alliance FC and progress in cricket competitions. Stadium Build-Up: The GFF opened public tender for Phase 1 of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium after FIFA/CONCACAF technical alignment. Mining & Innovation: Guyana launched G-MEX, an annual mining investment platform built around conference, exhibition, investor forum, geological showcase and awards—aimed at bringing in technology and responsible investment. Airport Systems Upgrade: CJIA’s new baggage handling system is set to be fully operational by end of September, with remote screening and upgraded scanners. AI for Access: UNESCO and BCJ partner on AI4IA, pushing AI-enabled workflows for search, synthesis and provenance tracking. Energy Demand Pressure: GPL is reviewing major electricity project delivery with contractors as demand grows. Water for Schools: Monkey Mountain Secondary School in Region Eight gets a $25M potable water system using a photovoltaic pumping setup.

Royal Diplomacy: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will do an eight-day Caribbean tour (Oct 27–Nov 4, 2026), including a state visit to Guyana marking 60 years of UK-Guyana ties and ending with attendance at CHOGM 2026 in Antigua. Mining & Tech for Industry: Guyana launched G-MEX, an annual mining investment platform built around five pillars (conference, exhibition, investor forum, geological showcase, awards) to boost visibility, responsible investment, and local supplier opportunities. AI & Media Access: UNESCO and the BCJ (with regional partners) are backing an AI4IA push to improve information accessibility, including a trans-regional frontier research and training pilot for AI-enabled workflows. Transport Infrastructure: CJIA’s new baggage handling system is set to be fully operational by end of September, aiming to cut check-in congestion and improve screening and CCTV coverage. Skills & Jobs: BIT says 107 graduates completed training for Guyana’s “orange economy” roles, including drone operations, digital marketing, video production, and culinary arts. Agriculture & Resilience: CARICOM and partners will host a climate-resilient agriculture webinar on Sept 3, focusing on adaptation, mitigation, and innovation. Education & Water: Region Eight’s new Monkey Mountain Secondary School is getting a $25M potable water system with a photovoltaic pumping setup. Local Energy Demand: GPL is urging tighter coordination among contractors as electricity demand grows and grid upgrades continue.

Mining & Tech in Focus: Guyana launched G-MEX, an annual international mining investment platform built around five pillars (conference, exhibition, investor forum, geological showcase, awards) to boost visibility, responsible development, and tech/skills transfer for the sector. Energy & Grid Readiness: GPL says electricity demand is rising fast, so it’s pushing tighter coordination with major contractors to keep infrastructure projects on schedule and strengthen the national grid. STEM for the Next Wave: ExxonMobil Guyana rolled out STELLAR, training 60 pre-service secondary STEM educators over two years to improve classroom teaching and leadership. AI & Media Trust: At the CBU AGM in Guyana, officials urged Caribbean broadcasters to lead on AI adoption with authenticity, human verification, and stronger safeguards against synthetic misinformation. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: CARICOM and partners will host a climate-resilient agriculture webinar on adaptation, mitigation, and innovation, while farmers in St Vincent and the Grenadines received soil-health kits to support climate-smart practices. Transport Upgrade: CJIA’s new baggage handling system is expected to be fully operational by end of September, aiming to cut check-in congestion and improve screening integrity. Local Skills Pipeline: BIT graduated 107 trainees in drone operations, digital marketing, video production, and other job-ready skills tied to Guyana’s growing creative and tourism economy.

Mining & Tech in Guyana: The Government launched G-MEX, an annual Guyana Mining & Exploration Conference and Expo, built around five pillars (conference, exhibition, investor forum, geological showcase, awards) to spotlight responsible mineral development and attract new tech and investment. Oil-driven growth: Guyana’s projected 16.2% GDP growth in 2026 is tied to rising oil output and revenues, with major projects expected to expand the sector’s wider economic impact. AI for information access: UNESCO and Jamaica’s BCJ are partnering on AI4IA, aiming to build AI-enabled workflows for search, synthesis, provenance tracking and knowledge products. Airport upgrade: CJIA’s new baggage handling system is set to be fully operational by end-September, with remote screening and added scanners and cameras. Electricity demand pressure: GPL says it’s tightening coordination with contractors to keep grid expansion on schedule as demand grows. Water & STEM for communities: A $25M water supply system is set for Monkey Mountain Secondary School, and ExxonMobil launched STELLAR to train 60 pre-service STEM educators over two years. Food safety & farming resilience: GTA and GNBS trained hospitality vendors on food safety prerequisites, while IICA supported climate-resilient soil practices via agricultural kits in St Vincent and the Grenadines. CARIFTA preparations: Guyana has started preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games in Leonora, with NACAC officials inspecting the main venue.

Oil & Growth: Guyana’s 2026 GDP surge is being pinned on oil—projected 16.2% growth, driven by higher production and rising oil revenues, with new field developments expected to lift output and local spillovers into engineering, logistics, and services. Mining Tech & Investment: The government launched G-MEX, an annual mining investment platform built around a conference, exhibition, investor forum, geological showcase, and awards—aimed at pulling in responsible capital and new exploration tech. AI for Media Trust: At the CARICOM/CBU media push, Guyana’s leaders urged Caribbean broadcasters to adopt AI while keeping journalism human-centred, accountable, and focused on authenticity as deepfakes rise. Airport Systems Upgrade: CJIA’s new baggage handling setup is expected to be fully operational by end-September, promising smoother check-in and stronger camera coverage. STEM & Education: ExxonMobil rolled out the STELLAR teacher training programme to strengthen secondary STEM teaching, while CARIFTA preparations continue with a NACAC venue assessment for 2027. Climate-Resilient Farming: CARICOM and partners announced a climate-resilient agriculture webinar, and regional soil-health support kits are being handed to farmers to improve resilience and productivity. Biodiversity Record: A rare cottontail rabbit was scientifically recorded in Guyana for the first time, highlighting Indigenous knowledge plus modern research.

UN Leadership Race: Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett is a front-runner for UN Secretary-General after a secret Security Council straw vote, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi also in the top tier. STEM & Education: ExxonMobil Guyana launched the STELLAR programme to train 60 pre-service secondary STEM educators over two years, while Finance Minister Ashni Singh stressed that investing in young people is Guyana’s most important investment. Electricity Grid Readiness: GPL is pushing tighter coordination with major contractors as electricity demand rises, aiming to keep infrastructure works on schedule and strengthen grid reliability. Space for Girls: Mission ShakthiSAT is bringing an all-female space tech pathway to 12,000 girls worldwide, with satellite design and lunar-orbit plans. CARIFTA Games Prep: Guyana has officially started preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games in Leonora, with NACAC officials inspecting the National Track and Field Centre and discussing upgrades and logistics. AI & Media Trust: Guyana’s Kwame McCoy urged Caribbean broadcasters to lead on AI development while keeping journalism human-centred and authenticity-focused. Food Safety & Local Supply: GTA and GNBS trained tourism vendors on food safety prerequisites, as hospitality stakeholders push for stronger direct links to local farmers—while warning that safety, quality, and traceability must improve.

Space & STEM for girls: Mission ShakthiSAT is bringing 12,000 girls (14–18) into space tech training, with selected participants heading to India to build and test satellites for lunar orbit. Oil & offshore engineering: MODEC’s Errea Wittu FPSO has arrived in Guyana ahead of commissioning for ExxonMobil’s Stabroek block, with AI-enabled systems aimed at safer, lower-emissions operations. Agriculture tech & resilience: Region Five and Six farmers signed a public-private agricultural partnership with Darby McClellan Consulting, featuring solar cold storage, agro-processing, and digital market access; ADOPT Caribbean also delivered soil-health kits to farmers. Food safety for tourism: GTA and GNBS trained 27 vendors on food safety prerequisites, supporting safer hospitality supply chains. AI and media trust: Guyana’s President and Caribbean broadcasters pushed for AI use that strengthens journalism without replacing human-centred reporting, while Jamaica’s commission urged authenticity and verification in the deepfake era. Biodiversity science: Guyana recorded the cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus parentum for the first time, combining Indigenous knowledge with peer-reviewed research. Energy reliability: Government is still deciding whether to penalize the gas-to-energy contractor for delays, as electricity delivery targets slip. Community & environment: A “Gender on the Frontlines” conference at UoG highlighted women and community protectors as early warners for environmental health risks.

Offshore Energy & AI: Modec’s Errea Wittu FPSO has arrived in Guyana ahead of ExxonMobil’s Stabroek block deployment, with commissioning and first-oil timing now in focus; the vessel is designed for high-capacity processing and includes AI-enabled systems to predict failures and cut emissions. STEM & Education: ExxonMobil Guyana launched the STELLAR teacher training programme, sending 60 pre-service secondary educators into a two-year STEM upskilling track at Cyril Potter College of Education. Space for Girls: Guyana is set to join Mission ShakthiSAT, an all-female global space tech initiative training 14–18-year-olds and building two satellites for lunar-orbit launch. Climate-Resilient Farming: ADOPT Caribbean soil-health kits were handed to farmers, including tools like rain gauges, tensiometers, pH meters, and compost/organic mulch support. Disaster-Ready Comms: Caribbean broadcasters were urged to keep satellite emergency kits ready in strategic locations to respond faster when storms hit. Local Tech & Policy: President Ali urged Caribbean media to use AI as a tool while keeping journalism human-centred and accountable.

AI & Media in the Caribbean: President Ali urged Caribbean broadcasters to use AI to support journalism—like transcription, data work, and translation—while keeping human-centred reporting, accountability, and cultural identity at the core. STEM for Teachers: ExxonMobil Guyana launched STELLAR, a US$100M, 10-year push to train 60 pre-service secondary STEM educators over two years at CPCE, aiming to lift classroom quality and leadership. Space Tech for Girls: Mission ShakthiSAT is bringing 12,000 all-female students (ages 14–18) into satellite design and coding, with two satellites planned for lunar orbit. Disaster-Ready Comms: Eutelsat Solutions urged the region to pre-position emergency satellite kits and resilient infrastructure so broadcasters can respond fast when disasters hit. Climate-Resilient Farming Kits: ADOPT Caribbean handed out soil-health and farm equipment (including sensors and irrigation tools) to farmers in Guyana, Jamaica, and SVG to strengthen resilience. Oil Tech Update: MODEC’s FPSO Errea Wittu arrived for ExxonMobil’s Stabroek expansion, with commissioning and first oil timing moving toward September/Q4 2026. Guyana Labour & Work Culture: GAWU warned of labour shortages and inconsistent work attendance, calling for more flexible attitudes as sectors shift to longer, rotating schedules.

Offshore Energy Tech: MODEC says its FPSO Errea Wittu has arrived in Guyanese waters for ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block work, with commissioning and first oil timing now pointing to September 2026 start-up and Q4 2026 first oil for the Uaru field. AI in Agriculture: Berbice Expo and Trade Fair is set for Oct 2–5 under “Harnessing AI to Transform the Future,” while the ministry highlights tools like the Farmers Connect app for plant disease ID and farm updates. Health Training Upgrade: Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) commissioned a new $140.8M simulation centre to train nurses and other healthcare workers with hands-on skills. Digital Safety: President Ali urged people facing defamation or harassment online to use the courts, with a review of the Cybercrime Act to curb abuse. Labour & Automation: A Caribbean-relevant labour warning points to a Hyundai strike over plans to deploy humanoid robots, underscoring the need for protections before automation reshapes jobs. Conservation & Science: A Guyana-led wildlife movement grew from documenting the rare red siskin, using community research across 16 villages to protect species and ecosystems.

Oil & Offshore Tech: MODEC says FPSO Errea Wittu has arrived in Guyanese waters for ExxonMobil’s Stabroek block project, with commissioning and first-oil timing now pointing to September 2026 start-up and Q4 2026 first oil for Uaru. Indigenous Land & Mining: Chinese Landing residents in Tassawini are blocking heavy machinery for days, accusing the state of ignoring IACHR directives as road “repairs” are seen as mining pushback. Public Finance: The IDB reports Guyana’s debt remains “highly sustainable,” noting a 2025 deficit improvement tied to higher revenues and oil profit withdrawals, alongside slower capital spending growth. Healthcare Training: Region Eight commissioned a new $140.8M simulation centre to expand hands-on nursing and other clinical skills training locally. Agritech & AI: Agriculture Minister Mustapha launches Berbice Expo under an AI theme and highlights tools like the Farmers Connect app; citrus planting materials (5,000 plants) also delivered to East Bank Berbice farmers. Workforce & Automation: GAWU calls for mechanisation and a shift in work attitudes amid labour shortages, while a wider Caribbean labor warning points to automation risks ahead. Wildlife Conservation: A rare bird in Guyana helped spark a grassroots conservation network across 16 villages, blending local research with monitoring and community protection. Governance & Trust: CCJ internal conflict over alleged panel fixing and leaked emails is drawing calls to restore public confidence in the court. Digital Rights: President Ali urges people facing online defamation to use the courts and signals legislative review of the Cybercrime Act to curb abuse.

Oil & Offshore Tech: MODEC’s FPSO Errea Wittu has arrived in Guyanese waters for ExxonMobil’s Stabroek block work, with commissioning and first-oil timing now pointing to September 2026 start-up and Q4 2026 first oil for Uaru, plus AI-enabled systems aimed at safer, lower-emissions operations. Youth & Innovation: Public Affairs Minister Kwame McKoy urged young Guyanese to actively grab innovation opportunities, learn fast, and build businesses and jobs as Guyana’s economy transforms. Healthcare Training: Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) commissioned a $140.8M Simulation Centre to expand hands-on nursing and broader clinical training locally. Agritech & Food Security: Agriculture pushes AI-enabled farming via the Farmers Connect app, while East Bank Berbice farmers received 5,000 citrus plants and CARICOM/CAHFSA/COLEAD set a climate-resilient agriculture webinar for Sept 3. Digital Safety: President Ali says people facing online defamation or harassment should use the courts, with the government reviewing the Cybercrime Act to curb abuse. Regional Trade Tech: APEC customs talks in China put smart customs and AI-backed trade facilitation front and centre, with Guyana’s UN envoy highlighted in the next secretary-general straw poll.

Digital Health & Training: Guyana’s Digital Health Training Institute graduated its first cohort of 15, with support from Mount Sinai, to staff the national Electronic Health Record and other digital health systems. Healthcare Capacity: Region Eight commissioned a new $140.8M simulation centre to boost hands-on nursing and clinical training. AI in Agriculture: Berbice Expo and Trade Fair (Oct 2–5) spotlights “Harnessing AI” for farming, building on the Farmers Connect app’s disease ID and updates. Food Security Support: East Bank Berbice farmers received 5,000 citrus plants to expand production. Climate-Resilient Farming: CARICOM, CAHFSA and COLEAD host a Sept 3 webinar on adaptation, mitigation and innovation for climate-resilient agriculture. Water Infrastructure: Bath, West Coast Berbice’s new treatment plant (18M litres/day) is on track for Dec 31 completion, with liquidated damages threatened for delays. Online Abuse Law: President Ali urged people to use courts to fight defamation and push for tighter rules around cyber abuse, including review of the Cybercrime Act. Education Spotlight: A Corentyne teen with visual impairment earned seven Grade Ones at CSEC, credited to adapted teaching and strong family support. Trade & Tech: World Trade Centre Georgetown will host an International Trade and Investment Conference Oct 19–23, with sessions on tech, innovation and doing business across the region. Gold & Exploration: Gold Fields lifted its stake in Suriname’s Founders Metals to just under 20% to fund exploration tied to the Antino project.

AI in Agriculture: The government is pushing AI-driven farming in Region Six as it eyes its next growth phase, with Farmers Connect already using smartphone photo-based plant disease ID. Agri Supply Boost: East Bank Berbice farmers received 5,000 citrus plants to expand production. Climate-Smart Farming: CARICOM, CAHFSA and COLEAD will host a Sept 3 webinar on climate-resilient agriculture and innovation. Digital Health Skills: Guyana’s Digital Health Training Institute graduates (15) are set to support the national Electronic Health Record and other digital health systems. Online Abuse Law: President Ali says people facing defamation or harassment on social media should seek court redress, with the Cybercrime Act under review. Water Infrastructure: Bath, WCB’s new 18-million-litres-per-day treatment plant is on track for a Dec 31 completion deadline, with liquidated damages enforced. Public Investment Protection: Government moves to recover about €30M in performance bonds after hospital contract terminations, with disputes heading to arbitration. Mining Tech & Deals: Gold Fields is lifting its stake in Suriname-focused Founders Metals to just under 20% to fund exploration tied to the Antino project. Radiation Safety Training: A regional cohort is being trained to safeguard countries from radiation-related risks, building local capacity.

AI in Agriculture: The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair (Oct 2–5, Region Six) is themed “Harnessing AI to Transform the Future,” with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha pointing to Farmers Connect—now 4,389 subscribers—using smartphone photo ID for plant disease support. Local Farm Inputs: East Bank Berbice citrus growers received 5,000 planting materials after earlier calls for better access to the right stock. Climate-Smart Farming: CARICOM, CAHFSA and COLEAD will host a Sept 3 webinar on climate-resilient agriculture, adaptation, mitigation and innovation. Digital Health Workforce: Guyana’s Digital Health Training Institute graduates (15) are set to join the Ministry of Health as Digital Health Specialists to support the national Electronic Health Record and related digital systems. Water Infrastructure: Bath, West Coast Berbice’s new 18 million litres/day treatment plant is on track for a Dec 31 completion date, with contractors warned of liquidated damages for delays. AI & Digitisation Policy: The Private Sector Commission met the Public Service Ministry to discuss the Guyana Development Bank, AI legislation input, digital ID, digital payments, data centres and cybersecurity capacity. Online Abuse Law: President Ali urged people facing defamation or harassment on social media to seek court redress, with the government reviewing the Cybercrime Act. Hospital Contract Recovery: Government moved to recover about €30M in performance bonds after terminating two hospital contracts, with disputes heading to ICC arbitration. Exploration Tech: Greenheart Gold has started a 2,000m diamond drill program at Tosso Creek, Suriname, using prior mapping and drone magnetics to target Walaba and Swalanga.

Climate & Food Security: CARICOM and partners are set to host a Sept 3 webinar on climate-resilient agriculture, focusing on adaptation, mitigation and innovation to help cut the region’s food import bill. Digital Governance: President Ali says online defamation and harassment should be challenged through the courts, with the government reviewing laws like the Cybercrime Act to curb abuse. AI for Regional Markets: A Caribbean Stock Market AI game is being developed to help people across the region learn investing basics via simulated trading ahead of deeper capital-market integration. Digital Health Skills: Guyana’s Digital Health Training Institute graduates (15) are set to support the national Electronic Health Record and other digital health systems. Water Infrastructure: Bath, West Coast Berbice’s new treatment plant is on track for Dec 31 completion, with contractors warned of liquidated damages for delays. Health Projects & Legal Action: Government moves to recover about €30M in performance bonds after terminating two hospital contracts, with disputes heading to ICC arbitration. Gold Exploration: Greenheart Gold starts a 2,000m diamond drill program at Tosso Creek in Suriname, targeting depth continuity and structural controls. Education & Learning Continuity: Region Four in Jamaica expanded a six-day-a-week online learning push after Hurricane Melissa, using exam data to target weak subjects. Media & Tech in the Caribbean: The CBU’s “Caribbean Media & AI” showcase highlights AI integration in newsrooms and broadcast tech across the region.