AGP Executive Report

Digital Government: Guyana’s Immigration Support Services Department is rolling out an online passport application and appointment system on June 15, letting people apply from home, choose a processing office, and book a time slot—part of wider reforms that cut processing to three working days (or 24 hours for expedited cases). STEM & Skills: GOAL is expanding STEM offerings, including electric vehicle maintenance, and is using virtual reality and case studies for a new medicine postgrad track—plus more practical technical courses for hinterland learners. Health Tech in the Community: Dr Niven Narain’s US$35,000 Anthony N. Sabga Science & Technology prize is seeding the Rukhminia Latchman Foundation for Women’s Health, starting with mobile “Women’s Health on Wheels” testing for working mothers. Regional EV Standards: CARICOM is pushing harmonised EV charging rules, focusing on safety, installation requirements, and inspection steps to improve interoperability across member states. Water & Infrastructure: GWI will spend about $251M to drill new wells at Garden of Eden and Houston, boosting potable water access. Education Upgrade: St George’s School of Sciences became the first public school cohort to sit CCSLC exams, including Digital Literacy on June 15. Offshore Local Industry: A Guyanese workforce completed a high-pressure pipe fabrication scope for the FPSO Liza Unity under international standards, with zero weld defects and zero repairs.

Digital Government: Guyana’s Immigration Support Services Department will launch an online passport application and appointment system on June 15, letting citizens apply from home and choose a processing office and visit time, with processing reportedly cut to three working days (and faster for expedited cases). Health Tech & Biotech: Guyana-born biotech innovator Dr Niven Narain received a US$35,000 Anthony N. Sabga Science and Technology prize and pledged to fund the Rukhminia Latchman Foundation for Women’s Health, starting with “Women’s Health on Wheels” mobile services in Georgetown and Miami. Smart Transport & AI: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill visited Huawei’s HQ in Shenzhen to explore telecom, digital infrastructure, smart transport, AI and smart-city solutions for Guyana’s infrastructure and digital transformation. Regional EV Standards: CARICOM is pushing to harmonise EV charging infrastructure across member states, focusing on safety, installation requirements and inspection steps to improve interoperability. Water & Infrastructure: Guyana Water Inc. plans about $251M in new well drilling at Garden of Eden and Houston, supporting the 2026 water-sector expansion. Science & Education: St George’s School of Sciences became the first public school to sit CCSLC exams, including Digital Literacy on June 15. Agriculture Awards: Nominations are open for CARICOM’s Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards, with a tech-focused two-minute video required. Offshore Industry Skills: A Guyanese workforce completed a high-pressure process pipe fabrication scope for the FPSO Liza Unity under international offshore standards, marking a local content milestone.

Digital Government: Guyana’s Immigration Support Services will launch an online passport application and appointment system on June 15, letting citizens apply from home, choose a processing office, and book a time slot—part of a push that has already cut passport processing to three working days (and faster for expedited cases). Health Tech & Philanthropy: Science and Technology laureate Dr Niven Narain will use his US$35,000 prize to set up the Rukhminia Latchman Foundation for Women’s Health in Georgetown and Miami, with a first project called “Women’s Health on Wheels” delivering care via mobile units. Education & Skills: St George’s School of Sciences becomes the first public school to sit the CCSLC exams, with Digital Literacy scheduled for June 15 as the programme strengthens foundational secondary learning. Regional Standards: CARICOM moves to harmonise EV charging standards, focusing on safety measures, charger installation requirements, and inspection procedures to improve interoperability across member states. Water Infrastructure: GWI plans to spend about $251M to drill new wells at Houston and Garden of Eden to expand potable water access. Local Tech in Offshore Work: Guyanese workers complete a major offshore fabrication scope for an FPSO project, marking a high-pressure process pipe fabrication milestone with zero weld defects.

Digital Government: Guyana’s online passport application and appointment system is set to launch June 15, letting citizens apply from home and book processing visits, with passport turnaround cut to three working days (24 hours for expedited cases). Regional Trade Policy: CARICOM’s COTED meeting opened in Georgetown, with Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett warning that energy and supply-chain shocks are pushing up fuel, food and fertiliser costs and threatening food security. Education & Skills: St George’s School of Sciences becomes the first public school to sit CCSLC exams, with Digital Literacy scheduled for June 15 as the programme strengthens Grades 7–9 foundational learning. Water Infrastructure: GWI will spend about $251M to drill new wells at Garden of Eden and Houston, expanding potable water access under the 2026 water-sector budget. Tech & Standards: GNBS marks World Accreditation Day, highlighting accreditation’s role in quality, safety and competence, and its support for labs pursuing ISO standards. EV Readiness: CARICOM discusses harmonising EV charging standards across the region, focusing on safety, charger requirements and inspection for interoperability. Local Industry: Friedlander Guyana completes a major water injection pipe fabrication scope for the FPSO Liza Unity, citing zero weld defects and local execution under offshore standards. Security & Tech: Police and CANU seized 23 AK-47 rifles and 500+ rounds of ammunition, with forensic examination by the CID Crime Laboratory.

Defamation Ruling: Guyana’s High Court ordered VP Bharrat Jagdeo to pay engineer Charles Ceres about $17M total in damages and costs, while dismissing libel claims against Kaieteur News and Guyana Times under qualified privilege. Water Infrastructure: Guyana Water Inc. will spend about $251M to drill new wells at Garden of Eden and Houston, expanding potable supply under the 2026 water budget. Regional Security Buildout: 41 contractors bid for Region Three’s new Police Divisional HQ at Leonora, with bids ranging roughly $283M–$591M. EV Standards (CARICOM): CARICOM is pushing harmonised EV charging rules, focusing on safety, installation, inspections, and interoperability—while warning countries can’t just copy-paste standards. Offshore Local Content: Friedlander Guyana completed a major water injection riser depressurization pipe fabrication scope for Liza Unity, with claims of zero weld defects and zero repairs. Agriculture + Fertiliser: Brazil signalled interest in Guyana’s fertiliser plant plans, pitching deeper trade links that pair grains/produce with fertiliser. Public Health Capacity: CARPHA trained regional staff on safe transport of infectious specimens, supported by IATA and a pandemic preparedness fund. US-Guyana Business Tech: A US business delegation led by Sarah-Ann Lynch met Guyana officials on AI, infrastructure, logistics, finance, and advanced technology investment opportunities. Justice Sector Training: UNDP and the EU-backed PACE Justice Project is training Guyana investigators and prosecutors to improve case quality and reduce court backlogs.

EV Standards for the Region: CARICOM is pushing harmonised electric vehicle charging rules, focusing on safety, charger installation requirements, and inspection steps so systems work across borders; Guyana’s experience highlighted the need for local standards that don’t “cut and paste” from elsewhere. Offshore Tech for Oil: Shearwater GeoServices won an ExxonMobil Guyana DAS seismic contract in the Stabroek Block, using the SW Empress for a two-month source-only program to support reservoir surveillance in the Yellowtail area. Energy & Infrastructure Links: MDL helped Saipem with flex-lay prep for Guyana operations, including tensioner and umbilical relocation work tied to the Uaru deepwater development. Digital Governance for Children: Guyana is retaining a UK law firm to design enforceable social media rules for child protection, aiming for a framework that fits Guyana’s legal reality. Tech for Clean Cities: Huawei and Guyana’s Local Government ministry discussed technology-driven solutions to tackle illegal dumping via surveillance, monitoring, and data-led enforcement. Regional Trade Talks: CARICOM trade ministers opened the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown, with ministers pointing to energy and supply-chain shocks as pressure on inflation and food security. Crime & Security: Police and CANU seized 23 AK-47 rifles and 500+ rounds in West Bank Demerara, arresting one suspect; investigators and prosecutors also began training to improve investigations and court-ready case files. US-Venezuela Strike: Trump announced a US-Venezuela operation that killed Tren de Aragua leader Héctor Guerrero Flores, with Venezuela citing “technological support” and intelligence sharing.

EV Standards for the Region: CARICOM is pushing harmonised EV charging rules, focusing on safety, charger installation, and inspection so systems work across borders—Guyana’s experience highlighted interoperability as a real challenge. Inclusive Education: First Lady Arya Ali says Guyana will open its first specialised autism school later this year at Cyril Potter College of Education, building on the 2025 hearing-impaired school. Energy & Tech in the Region: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 states to safely transport infectious lab samples, strengthening regional lab readiness and faster public health response. Local Power Modernisation: The PUC says GPL won’t be penalised for missing 2024 targets, citing infrastructure damage, software updates, and electricity theft—while it continues modernising with new substations and tech upgrades. Crime & Security: Police and CANU seized 23 AK-47 rifles and 500+ rounds in West Bank Demerara, arresting one suspect. Digital Governance: Guyana is hiring a UK law firm to craft enforceable social media rules for child protection, tailored for local realities. Oilfield Tech Offshore: Shearwater won an ExxonMobil DAS seismic contract in the Stabroek Block to support reservoir surveillance at Yellowtail. Business & Connectivity: ONE Communications commissioned an upgraded Giftland Mall location with a more tech-forward customer experience.

EV Standards in CARICOM: CARICOM is pushing to harmonise electric vehicle charging rules across the region, with a webinar highlighting safety checks, charger installation requirements, and inspection steps—plus the warning that countries can’t just copy-paste standards. Energy Resilience: A global energy forum discussion tied geopolitical shocks to tech and market stability, asking how long today’s resilience can last as disruptions keep testing energy systems. CARICOM Trade Talks in Georgetown: The 62nd COTED meeting opened with CARICOM leaders stressing that energy and supply-chain disruptions are driving inflation and threatening food security, so trade decisions need to stay coordinated. U.S. Business Mission: Former U.S. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch led a multi-sector U.S. delegation scouting investment in AI, infrastructure, logistics, finance, transport, and advanced tech, with talks across Guyana’s public and private sectors. Cyber Rules for Children: Guyana is hiring a UK law firm to design practical, enforceable social media regulations for child protection, tailored to local realities. Public Utilities Tech & Reliability: The PUC said GPL won’t face penalties for missing 2024 targets, citing infrastructure damage, software updates, and electricity theft—while pointing to modernisation plans. Health Tech & Inclusion: First Lady Arya Ali announced Guyana’s first specialised autism school later this year, alongside expanded disability funding. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM is ramping up clean energy support for fisheries under the STAR-Fish project, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades. Justice Sector Training: Investigators and prosecutors are training to improve case files and reduce backlogs, aiming for stronger investigations and better court outcomes. Illegal Dumping Tech: Huawei Guyana met with the Local Government ministry to explore tech-enabled surveillance and data-driven enforcement to curb illegal dumping. Offshore Seismic Work: Shearwater won an ExxonMobil DAS seismic survey contract offshore Guyana to support reservoir surveillance at Yellowtail. Infrastructure Delivery Updates: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill met Chinese contractors in China to discuss challenges and progress on major bridge and hospital projects. Autism School Announcement: Guyana’s autism school is set for construction at Cyril Potter College of Education in Turkeyen, building on the 2025 hearing-focused school.

CARICOM Trade & Policy: CARICOM trade ministers opened the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown, with CARICOM SG Carla Barnett warning that energy-market shocks and supply-chain disruptions are pushing up prices and threatening food security across the region. Power & Utilities Tech: Guyana’s GPL won’t face penalties for missing 2024 targets, after the Public Utilities Commission cited infrastructure damage, software updates, and electricity theft—while urging continued modernization and reliability upgrades. Biosecurity & Food Imports: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says no poultry import exemptions or licences have been granted since the 2023 bird flu ban, though controlled imports may be recommended to support domestic supply. Digital Payments Reality Check: A new column highlights how Guyana’s economy is still largely cash-based, with many businesses and even some supermarkets and petrol stations not consistently offering electronic payments. EV Standards Across CARICOM: CARICOM is pushing to harmonise EV charging standards, stressing interoperability and warning countries not to copy-paste rules that don’t fit local capacity and market maturity. Public Works & Infrastructure Delivery: Minister Juan Edghill met Chinese contractors in Macau, discussing delivery challenges for bridges and hospitals, including progress on the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge. Public Safety Training: Police investigators and prosecutors are undergoing EU-funded Justice Project training to reduce criminal justice backlogs and improve case handling. Public Health Lab Logistics: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 states on safely transporting infectious substances, strengthening regional lab systems and pandemic readiness. Cyber Protection for Children: Guyana has retained a UK law firm to design enforceable social media rules for child protection, with a consultation process before policy moves ahead. Offshore Oil Tech: Shearwater won an ExxonMobil Stabroek Block contract for a two-month distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) seismic program supporting reservoir surveillance at Yellowtail. Cancer Treatment Supply: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers, aiming to support local oncology care. Disability Education: First Lady Arya Ali says Guyana’s first autism school will be established this year. Climate Signals: NOAA reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years.

Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 CARICOM states on safe air transport of infectious specimens through an IATA train-the-trainer workshop in Trinidad, strengthening regional lab readiness. EV Standards: CARICOM is pushing harmonised EV charging rules, focusing on charger requirements and inspection steps, while noting interoperability challenges for smaller workforces and limited budgets—Guyana’s experience highlighted the need for locally tailored standards. Digital Governance for Kids: Guyana’s Attorney General says a UK law firm will help design practical, enforceable social media regulations for child protection, using international models but avoiding copy-paste laws. Waste Tech Partnership: Guyana’s Local Government ministry met Huawei to explore tech for surveillance and data-driven enforcement against illegal dumping. Offshore Energy Tech: Shearwater won ExxonMobil’s two-month DAS seismic survey contract in the Stabroek Block, using the SW Empress for Yellowtail reservoir surveillance support. Agritech Push: Guyana launched a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI hub with Brazil and IICA to scale tropical agri-tech, climate-smart farming, and research capacity. Education & Skills: UG’s SEBI earned ACCA accreditation for its Bachelor of Accountancy programme (2026–2030). Cancer Treatment Supply: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers via its radiopharmaceutical oncology centre.

Offshore Energy Tech: Shearwater Geoservices won ExxonMobil’s distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) seismic work in the Stabroek Block, supporting baseline reservoir surveillance for Yellowtail—another sign of tech-heavy oilfield monitoring in Guyana. Agri-innovation & Research: Guyana and Brazil launched a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI hub in Guyana, aiming to scale tropical agri-tech, climate-smart farming, and applied research across the region. Cancer Care Supply Chain: Martinique says it’s ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs (radiopharmaceutical isotopes) for certain cancers, boosting access to specialized treatment. Digital Child Safety Policy: Guyana is drafting a framework for regulating social media for children, studying models like the UK Online Safety Act and age-based rules used elsewhere. Education & Standards: The University of Guyana’s SEBI earned ACCA accreditation for its Bachelor of Accountancy programme, strengthening international recognition of local training. Local Security: Two people were arrested after an armed robbery of an engineer at Parika, with cash and a phone recovered.

Digital Child Safety: Guyana is drafting a new online child-safety and ethics framework, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall saying a UK law firm will benchmark international models and that the goal is protection, not censorship. Agritech Innovation: Guyana and Brazil have launched a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture Science, Technology and Innovation hub, aiming to scale tropical agri-tech, boost climate-smart farming, and cut food-import dependence. Health & Nuclear Medicine: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers, with health minister Dr Frank Anthony highlighting plans to send isotopes to local doctors. Education & Accounting Skills: The University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation earned ACCA accreditation for its Bachelor of Accountancy programme, valid 2026–2030. Aviation & Connectivity: Xen Aviation expanded with a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to grow domestic and regional air service options. Remote Surgery Breakthrough: An Indian surgeon reportedly performed a robot-assisted cardiac procedure in Guyana from nearly 20,000 km away, using an India-developed system and a fibre-optic link. Energy & Climate Watch: NOAA reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, reinforcing the urgency of climate-smart planning.

Caribbean Agri-Tech Push: Guyana and Brazil have signed on to create a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture Science, Technology and Innovation hub, led by EMBRAPA and IICA, aiming to speed up tropical agri-tech, climate-smart farming, and regional food security. Public Safety Infrastructure: The Dora Police Academy project is set to get about $229M more for an electrical control room, with bids opened for the contract as the academy expands toward a “world-class” training facility. Business Education Upgrade: The University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation secured ACCA accreditation for its Bachelor of Accountancy programme (valid 2026–2030), boosting international recognition for graduates. Digital Child Safety Rules: Government is moving toward an online safety and ethical tech framework for children, including a proposed minimum social media age of 16 and limited parental consent for ages 13–15, drawing on models like the UK’s Online Safety Act. Healthcare Tech & Access: Guyana is advancing organ donation and transplantation with a EU-funded initiative to build an internationally aligned system, plus Martinique’s offer to supply radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers. Aviation Connectivity: Xen Aviation expanded domestic capacity by adding a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft to improve service options across Guyana.

Healthcare & Nuclear Medicine: Guyana’s Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Martinique is ready to supply radioactive nuclear drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) for certain cancers, with isotopes to be used by local doctors and oncology services. Remote Surgery Breakthrough: An Indian surgeon reportedly performed the world’s longest-distance robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery, linking Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in Guyana with IRCAD India in Indore over nearly 20,000 km using the SSI Mantra system. Digital Safety for Kids: Minister Gail Teixeira says Guyana is drafting an online child-safety and ethical tech framework, including a proposed minimum social media age of 16 and restricted access for ages 13–15 with parental consent. Renewables Skills Boost: 22 people completed training in Electric Vehicle Systems and Solar PV charging infrastructure through BIT, GEA, IOM and the UN, building local capacity for the renewable energy transition. Aviation Expansion: Xen Aviation acquired its first Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to expand domestic and regional connectivity. Energy & Economy Watch: ExxonMobil Guyana reported $982.4B after-tax profit for 2025, with higher expenditure cited as a drag. Crime Update: Police say a 23-year-old farmer confessed to the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Mohamed and the stabbing of his 72-year-old great-aunt after being confronted with CCTV and forensic findings. Tech & Media Literacy: The U.S. Embassy and Guyana Press Association ran a workshop on “AI and Democracy,” training journalists to handle AI-driven media risks.

Women’s Cricket: The WCPL is re-engineered for 2026 with a four-team, standalone “festival” in Barbados at Kensington Oval (Sep 5–17). New franchise Jamaica Empress joins Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders, with an expanded schedule and a “She’s In” push to spotlight Caribbean women in sport. Digital Child Safety: Guyana is drafting an online safety and ethical tech framework, looking at models like the UK Online Safety Act, with a proposed minimum social media age of 16 and limited parental consent for ages 13–15. Healthcare Tech: Martinique says it can supply radioactive nuclear drugs (isotopes) for certain cancers, while Guyana also launches a 31-month EU-funded push to build an internationally aligned organ donation and transplant system. Aviation Tech: IATA warns sustainable aviation fuel remains under 1% of jet demand, threatening 2030 green targets as jet fuel costs and SAF shortages deepen. Regional Business: TTMA leads a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (Jun 8–14) with 38 companies seeking new market opportunities. Renewables Skills: Guyana adds 22 trained renewable energy technicians via EV systems and solar PV charging infrastructure training.

AI & Democracy in Guyana: The U.S. Embassy and the Guyana Press Association ran a two-day “AI and Democracy” workshop for journalists, focusing on ethical tech governance and media literacy, with examples including AI used on Guyana offshore seismic data. Remote Surgery Breakthrough: Georgetown Public Hospital connected with IRCAD India for the world’s longest-distance robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery—nearly 20,000 km—using the Made-in-India SSI Mantra system. Healthcare Systems Upgrade: Guyana launched a 31-month, EU-funded initiative to build an internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation framework, aiming to improve access and reduce risky overseas treatment. Renewables Skills Push: BIT, GEA, IOM and the UN trained 22 people in Electric Vehicle Systems and Solar PV charging infrastructure to support Guyana’s renewable transition. Energy Relief for Seniors: GPL will start a $30,000 monthly electricity subsidy for eligible pensioners in the June 2026 billing cycle. Aviation Expansion: Xen Aviation acquired its first Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to expand domestic and regional connectivity. Public Safety Update: A 23-year-old suspect confessed to the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Mohamed and the attempted murder of a 72-year-old woman after police confronted him with CCTV-linked details.