AGP Executive Report

Digital Trade & Policy: A new IDB/World Bank/WTO report warns Guyana could fall behind in the fast-growing digital economy, citing gaps in trade commitments, digital infrastructure, logistics, and rules for digitally delivered services. Public Services Online: Guyana’s National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is moving fully online for registration and contributions by Oct. 15, with more compliance and benefits services expected by end-2026. Agriculture Tech & Growth: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says the sector has “massively transformed” since 2020, with big gains in rice, corn, livestock, and agro-processing, plus more technology use. Offshore Engineering for Guyana: Vallourec broke ground in Brazil on a new production line for thermal insulation coating tech tied to ExxonMobil’s Longtail deepwater project in Guyana. Food Security Partnerships: Qatar and Guyana signed an MoU to boost cooperation in agriculture and technology, including modern farming tools, training, and food security supply chains. Funding for Businesses: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged Guyanese firms to tap a UK Export Finance facility expanded to £3B, saying most of it remains unused. Seismic Data Push: Shearwater Geoservices and SLB launched a 3D seismic survey in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin near the Morpho discovery, using high-density broadband tech. Regional Crime Prevention: CARICOM formed a Youth Advisory Committee on the Prevention of Crime and Violence to put young people at the centre of regional safety efforts.

Guyana–Japan Trade Talks: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh met Japan’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii to explore deeper commercial and trade ties, including more Japanese companies in Guyana, with Japan’s tech and industrial strength flagged as a key learning area. Qatar Partnership Push: President Irfaan Ali says relations with Qatar are evolving into a “partnership of purpose,” spanning energy, investment, food security, climate and human capital, as a new MoU targets cooperation in agriculture and technology. Agriculture Tech & Capacity: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reported major sector growth since 2020, plus commissioning $230M in equipment for Region One to boost agri output and waterway works. Digital Services Upgrade: Guyana’s NIS registration and contributions are set to go fully online by Oct 15, with remote access via phones and computers. Offshore Tech for Guyana: Vallourec broke ground in Brazil on a production line for ExxonMobil-licensed subsea insulation tech, already selected for Exxon’s Longtail deepwater project in Guyana. Food Security Dialogue: Local and international experts met to discuss food security and sovereignty, focusing on resilient food systems. WTO Fish Subsidies: WTO talks on ending harmful fish subsidies face fresh resistance as the U.S., India and Indonesia oppose parts of the draft text. Local Tech Business: PBS Group completed full ownership of Trinidad Systems Limited, expanding regional ICT reach across the Caribbean. Sports (Tech Culture): Imran Tahir set a new CPL T20 record with a 5/17 haul for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Qatar–Guyana Tech & Food MoUs: President Irfaan Ali says ties are becoming a “partnership of purpose” as Doha and Georgetown sign agreements to boost agriculture and technology cooperation, including crops, livestock, fisheries, training, and modern farm tech. Digital Services Push: Guyana’s National Insurance Scheme is moving fully online, with registration and contributions services due by Oct. 15, and compliance/benefits later in 2026—aimed at cutting in-person visits. Power Reliability & Demand: GPL links recent outages to overloaded feeders and transformers during peak evening demand, driven by heavy AC/fan use; it also says electricity theft is costing billions annually. Social Housing Rollout: Government invites contractors to build 400 sq ft one-bedroom units for vulnerable groups under the Social Housing Programme. Infrastructure Quality Watch: A letter urges strict engineering checks for the Puruni Bridge, after on-site concerns about rusted or distorted materials. Regional Tech Growth: PBS Group takes full control of Trinidad Systems Limited, strengthening regional ICT offerings across the Caribbean. HealthNext Biomedical Training: EU-funded experts visit Guyana to improve biomedical equipment maintenance and training across hospitals. Space Tech Inspiration: Senegal’s nanosatellite push highlights growing African capacity to build and launch climate/environment satellites.

Digital Services Push: Guyana’s National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is moving online fast, with registration and contribution services fully available by October 15, and compliance/benefits services expected to be fully digitalised by end-2026. Power Grid Strain: GPL says recent blackouts and voltage issues are tied to peak-hour overloads (7–9 pm), driven by El Niño heat and heavy AC/fan use, with feeders and transformers under stress. Agriculture Tech Partnerships: Qatar and Guyana signed an MoU to boost cooperation in agriculture and technology, covering crops, livestock, fisheries, training, and modern agri tech for food security. Regional Tech Business: PBS Group completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, taking full control while keeping TSL’s brand and support arrangements intact. Space & Innovation Inspiration: Senegal is advancing its own nanosatellite program, building climate/environment satellites locally as African space agencies race for tech independence. Digital Trade Warning: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report warns Guyana could lag in the digital trade race due to gaps in trade commitments, infrastructure, logistics, and integration into global rules. Health Tech Training: EU-funded HealthNext Guyana brought French biomedical experts to strengthen medical equipment maintenance and training across hospitals. Energy Skills for Youth: GOGEC plans to expand energy education for 1,500+ secondary students nationwide, covering the petroleum value chain and clean energy pathways.

Energy & Grid Stress: GPL says rising electricity demand—especially 7pm–9pm AC-heavy peaks—has pushed the distribution network near its limits, driving voltage fluctuations and outages, while it urges customers to notify it before increasing loads and to set AC around 25°C. Power Theft Crackdown: GPL reports losses of over GY$3B a year from illegal connections and asks police to arrest suspects as it steps up enforcement. Digital Trade Gap: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report warns Guyana could fall behind in the digital economy because it sits outside key digital-trade frameworks and has gaps in trade commitments and infrastructure. Oil Project Economics: Former EPA head Vincent Adams urges President Ali to ring-fence future Stabroek Block projects, warning profit share could slide again if Exxon mixes costs across projects. Health Tech & Supply Chains: EU-funded HealthNext Guyana brings French biomedical experts to train maintenance teams and improve hospital equipment upkeep; meanwhile a $218.7M regional medical distribution centre is commissioned in Region 10. Tech & Skills Pipeline: GOGEC plans to expand energy and petroleum value-chain training to 60+ secondary schools, reaching 1,500+ students. Regional Tech Governance: CARICOM launches a Youth Advisory Committee to help curb crime and violence through youth-led inputs. Bilateral Tech Cooperation: Guyana and Qatar sign an MoU to boost agriculture and technology cooperation, including modern farming tools and training. Business Tech Deal: PBS Group completes its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, expanding regional tech reach. Space Industry Inspiration: Senegal highlights progress on homegrown nanosatellites for environmental and climate data. International Resource Politics: Reuters reports the US is seeking greater access to Venezuela’s minerals, including gold, via possible critical-minerals steps.

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.