AGP Executive Report

Uranium & the environment: 40 citizens and 4 organisations have appealed the EPA’s decision to exempt U92 Energy’s Kurupung uranium exploration from an EIA, raising fears over radioactive contamination, weak Indigenous consultation, and waste concerns. Oil governance: Government is still reviewing ExxonMobil’s 8th Stabroek project, with Longtail expected to be the first gas-focused Stabroek development if approved. Gas policy debate: A new energy governance column argues Guyana must decide what its gas should do for the country—not just how big the pipeline is—while Longtail review moves forward. Aviation & connectivity: Trans Guyana Airways is preparing direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights after a modernised Guyana–France air deal, aiming to cut travel time and boost tourism and trade. Regional aviation safety: Aviation operators back stronger Caribbean oversight, pointing to momentum behind CASSOS after regional safety meetings in Guyana. Agriculture & food systems: FAO urges Guyanese to support local farmers and fishers as Agriculture Month spotlights innovation and climate-smart practices; President Ali also frames agriculture as a CARICOM food-security duty. Trade & value-added exports: UMAMI shipped its first commercial container to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket, a push for sustained Gulf market access. Workplace rights: A legal explainer outlines protections for sexual harassment in Guyana’s workplace and how workers can complain. Urban environment: President Ali inspected works on the Thomas Street “Healthy Streets” project, stressing coordinated drainage and greener, safer public space. Sports & youth: GFF handed grassroots equipment to launch a 10-week Concacaf Bigger Game Academy pilot for ages 6–12 across four regions.

Aviation Safety: Guyana’s aviation spotlight is back on the runway after reports of aircraft overruns and animal incursions, with calls to treat near-misses as system warnings, not just “luck.” Parliament Oversight: The Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources is set to return with a focus on small-scale mining workers’ welfare and security, plus oversight of oil and ExxonMobil operations and earnings. Healthy Streets (Urban Environment): President Ali inspected Georgetown’s Thomas Street works under the Healthy Streets Initiative, stressing coordinated drainage and greener, safer public space design. Food Security & Agriculture: President Ali framed Agriculture Month as both a national growth push and a regional duty to help CARICOM cut extra-regional food imports, while COTED reporting shows Guyana leading output among member states. Trade & Value-Added Farming: UMAMI shipped its first commercial container to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket, aiming to turn Guyana’s farm output into higher-value exports. Regional Connectivity: Trans Guyana Airways began preparations for direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights under a modernised Guyana–France air services agreement. Biodiversity & Conservation Spotlight: The King and Queen’s Commonwealth tour messaging highlights environmental conservation and biodiversity, including a Guyana stop tied to CHOGM 2026.

Aviation Safety & Connectivity: Guyana hosted major ICAO–EASA and CARICOM aviation safety talks, with operators urging stronger regional oversight and support for CASSOS, while Trans Guyana Airways moves toward direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights under a modernised Guyana–France air services deal. Healthy Streets (Urban Environment): President Ali inspected the Thomas Street Healthy Streets project, stressing coordinated drainage and greener, safer public space design for Georgetown. Regional Food Security: As Agriculture Month begins, Ali framed Guyana’s farm expansion as a CARICOM duty to cut extra-regional food imports, alongside updates on regional production and a weekly Sophia farmers’ market to reduce middlemen. Wildfire & STEM: Team Guyana Robotics heads to South Korea for FIRST Global Challenge 2026 focused on wildfire prevention, backed by ENet. Local Trade & Exports: UMAMI shipped its first commercial container to LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar, boosting Guyana-made food exports. Governance & Finance Watch: Critics warn Guyana’s borrowing is accelerating and could pledge away oil wealth, while King Charles’ upcoming Guyana visit is set amid slavery reparations debate.

Royal Visit & Reparations: King Charles is set to visit Guyana Oct 29–30, but the UK position remains that he will not offer an official apology or financial reparations for slavery—though the tour will “not shy away” from the past. Aviation Safety: Guyana hosted major ICAO–EASA safety talks and a CARICOM aviation symposium, pushing stronger regional oversight and support for CASSOS. Food Security Push: Guyana reported producing 792,012 tonnes of agriculture in Jan–Jun 2026, leading CARICOM output, while the government also launched a weekly Sophia farmers’ market to cut middlemen and ease grocery prices. Indigenous Rights & Mining: Indigenous communities staged protests demanding action on ancestral land titling, mining impacts, and transparency over the MV Barima disaster. Oil & Economy: Exxon says Guyana’s reserves have fallen to under 11 billion barrels, as debate continues over how oil wealth is managed. Local Services & Urban Work: GBTI added an ATM at the AC Marriott, and contractors were urged to finish Le Repentir Cemetery cleaning to standard and on time. Youth & Tech: Team Guyana Robotics heads to South Korea for FIRST Global Challenge 2026, with ENet support.

Agriculture & Food Prices: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s agriculture push is now a regional responsibility for Caribbean food security, while the Ministry of Agriculture launches a weekly Sophia farmers’ market every Wednesday to cut middlemen and lower grocery costs. Indigenous Rights & Mining: Indigenous communities in Regions 1 and 7 staged coordinated protests demanding action on ancestral land titling, FPIC, transparency over the MV Barima disaster, and tougher responses to mining impacts. Aviation Safety: CARICOM, ICAO and partners convened a forum in Georgetown calling for stronger regional aviation safety oversight, harmonised rules, and sustainable technical capacity, with Guyana urging an AI safety strategy that protects equity. Energy & Oil Watch: Exxon says Guyana’s Stabroek reserves have fallen to under 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels, even as production continues across multiple FPSOs. Clean-Up & Public Health: Priya Manickchand met contractors to speed up cleaning of Le Repentir Cemetery, stressing timely completion, no burning of debris, and better access for visitors. Clean Energy Support: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led clean energy businesses across the region, including Guyana. Regional Connectivity: Guyana and France renewed an air services agreement to expand aviation links, and Guyana chairs CASSOS for 2026–2028.

Regional Food Security Push: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana now has a “regional responsibility” to help feed the Caribbean, pointing to agro-processing hubs, better farm-to-market links, and more tech and data to modernise production. Climate Reality Check: Prime Minister Philip Davis told the UN there’s “no uncertainty” in the climate crisis, warning sea-level rise is already a boundary moving toward small island states. Aviation Safety & Cooperation: CARICOM and ICAO opened a regional aviation safety symposium in Georgetown, with Guyana’s Deodat Indar calling for harmonised rules and stronger oversight capacity; Guyana also renewed its air services agreement with France. Healthy Streets, Greener Georgetown: Priya Manickchand inspected Thomas Street Avenue works under the Healthy Streets Initiative, designed for greener, safer urban public spaces. Food Prices & Access: A weekly Sophia farmers’ market starts every Wednesday, aiming for cheaper produce and better returns for farmers. Water & Sanitation Planning: GWI and the UN launched a programme to accelerate SDG 6 progress, including work focused on remote communities. Illegal Mining Finance Questioned: MP Sharma Solomon urged investigations into who finances illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning linking cocaine profits to illegal gold.

Illegal mining finance probe: Opposition MP Sharma Solomon is urging the government to investigate who finances illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning that cocaine profits are being moved into illegal gold mining, saying enforcement can’t stop at seizing dredges. Water & sanitation push: Guyana Water Incorporated and the UN launched a programme to strengthen SDG 6 planning, improve access in remote communities, and support community engagement on “What Water Means to Me.” Sustainable aviation ties: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an MoU to cooperate on sustainable, lower-carbon civil aviation under ICAO’s CORSIA, including SAF and emission-reduction coordination. Oil milestone spotlight: ExxonMobil projects Guyana could cross one million barrels per day by year-end, with major local supply-chain spending highlighted. Agriculture Month 2026: The ministry launched “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” stressing climate-smart tech, women and youth in farming, weekly farmers’ markets to cut middlemen markups, and more pregnant heifers for livestock breeding. Coastal climate law: The UN adopted its first sea-level rise declaration, calling for stronger coastal protection and support while preserving statehood and maritime rights. Aviation safety forum in Guyana: A global aviation safety forum opened in Georgetown/Liliendaal, focusing on regional coordination, oversight capacity, and sustainable financing. Housing relocation: Authorities relocated 89 illegal households from the Cummings Park reserve to planned East Coast Demerara housing schemes. EcoHub at Skeldon Line Path: SHOUT 2026 winner Randy Mangal launched a solar-powered, upcycled materials EcoHub project at his school.

Aviation & Climate Cooperation: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an MoU to push sustainable, lower-carbon civil aviation, including SAF use and CORSIA-aligned emissions work. Aviation Safety: Guyana hosted the Global Regional Safety Forum for Aviation, with CARICOM ministers set to meet in Georgetown to adopt a regional aviation safety roadmap. Climate Risk & Coastal Protection: The UN adopted its first sea-level rise declaration, urging stronger coastal protection and support for vulnerable states; PM Philip Davis told the UN there’s “no uncertainty” in the climate crisis. Water & Sanitation: GWI and the UN launched a programme to strengthen SDG 6 progress, including community communications and planning support for remote areas. Agriculture Month 2026: The ministry launched “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” highlighting tech in farming, weekly farmers’ markets to cut food prices, and plans to bring about 1,000 pregnant heifers. Illegal Mining Watch: Three miners were detained after alleged illegal dredging on the Siparuni riverbank, with damage assessed and reclamation costs to be covered. Tourism Sustainability: Guyana’s Good Travel Seal baseline found 60% compliance across sustainability criteria, with more businesses moving into certification. Oil & Environment Oversight: Yellowtail output is reported around 270,000 bpd, while local content spending and a push toward higher production continue to draw attention.

Aviation Safety in Focus: Guyana is hosting the ICAO/EASA Global Forum for Aviation Safety at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, with nearly 60 countries attending to strengthen regional coordination on oversight and accident/incident investigation. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Three miners were detained after GGMC enforcement found machinery and a river dredge on the Siparuni riverbank, damaging the riverbank; equipment was seized and the case is now with police, with reclamation costs to be covered. Eco-Tourism Push: Ten tourism businesses received the “Good Travel Seal” as Guyana Tourism Authority scales sustainable tourism certification, aiming to grow community- and nature-linked experiences. School EcoHub Project: SHOUT4Change winner Randy Mangal launched the Skeldon Line Path Secondary EcoHub with solar power, recycled-material outdoor furniture, and a hanging garden. UN Leadership Race: In a fourth secret Security Council straw poll, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan leads, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains close behind. Amerindian Heritage Month Lens: Coverage highlights Indigenous communities’ land footprint and asks whether oil wealth is reaching First Peoples.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Three miners, including two non-nationals, were detained after enforcement officers found machinery and a river dredge operating along the Siparuni riverbank, damaging the riverbank; the dredge and equipment were seized and the matter handed to police, with the operator expected to account for gold mined and pay reclamation costs. Sustainable Tourism Push: Guyana’s Tourism Authority says 10 businesses have earned the “Good Travel Seal” after documentation and on-site checks, with the programme aimed at scaling eco- and community-linked tourism beyond lodges and resorts. World Tourism Day / Certification Expansion: The GTA says an Expression of Interest is underway to widen certification, highlighting nature- and community-connected experiences across hinterland and riverine areas. Agriculture Under Fire: The Agriculture Ministry rejects claims that Abary Creek drainage works will harm rice and cattle farmers, saying the project modernises D&I, improves water management, and is expected to expand production and benefit thousands of acres. Aviation Safety Forum: Nearly 60 countries will meet in Georgetown for an ICAO/EASA forum on regional aviation safety oversight and accident investigation, with Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority hosting and President Ali set to deliver the keynote. Amerindian Heritage Month Lens: As Guyana marks Amerindian Heritage Month, coverage spotlights First Peoples’ land, population and the bigger question of whether oil wealth is translating into fair investment for Indigenous communities. Exxon Tax Dispute: Exxon says it paid US$1.1B in taxes to the GRA in 2025, but reports note the company argues it does not pay taxes to the state under its production sharing agreement terms. UN Secretary-General Race: Antigua and Barbuda backs Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa for UN chief, while regional support continues for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

UN diplomacy & climate justice: St. Kitts and Nevis Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN that small island states can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis intensifies, calling adaptation “no excuse for inaction elsewhere.” Multilateralism under strain: UNGA debate heard warnings that selective enforcement of international law is eroding trust in institutions meant to prevent war. Guyana’s UN push: Belize backed Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Secretary-General, praising her record and urging small states be centered. Aviation safety in Guyana: Nearly 60 countries will meet in Georgetown for an ICAO/EASA forum on aviation safety oversight and accident investigation, with President Ali set to keynote. Local environment & waste management: Georgetown’s garbage collection rules are set to tighten as the Ministry of Local Government moves to remove a 48-hour grace period for missed pickups and plans more enforcement against illegal dumping. Agriculture & water resilience: The Ministry of Agriculture rejected claims about the Abary Creek Drainage and Irrigation project, saying it will expand productive capacity and climate resilience for rice and cattle farmers. Wildlife & conservation science: A new report on the Bolivian tilcayo highlights how genetics may reveal more distinct wild cat species—important for conservation planning and trade rules.

Aviation Safety in Focus: An ASL aircraft ran off the runway at Mahdia Airstrip with five passengers and a pilot; no injuries were reported, but the incident renews calls for stronger aerodrome safety after recent runway and wildlife-related concerns. Georgetown Waste Management: The Ministry of Local Government says it’s tightening garbage collection rules, including removing a 48-hour grace period for contractors and adding measures to curb illegal dumping. Agriculture & Water Control: The Ministry of Agriculture rejects claims about the Abary Creek Drainage and Irrigation project, saying it will expand access to improved infrastructure for rice and cattle farmers and boost production. Conservation & Wildlife: Guyana’s birding and sustainable tourism push gets a boost as plans move to designate millions of acres of forest as protected area, strengthening habitat for wildlife. Climate Finance & Natural Capital: Guyana urges climate-vulnerable countries’ protected natural resources be counted in debt and financing assessments, backing biodiversity credits and debt-for-nature swaps. Regional Aviation/UN Spotlight: Georgetown hosts an ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum, while UN debate coverage keeps climate justice, multilateral reform, and the next UN secretary-general in the headlines. Tourism Leadership: CTO’s SOTIC 2026 is set for Georgetown, with Melissa Noel to host discussions on smart, sustainable, inclusive tourism. Human Rights Watch: A US migration externalization scheme is flagged by UN-linked human rights experts for alleged rights violations across multiple countries. NIS Scrutiny: Despite positive cash flow, concerns persist over NIS sustainability, administration, and whether contributors will receive promised benefits.

Georgetown Waste Overhaul: Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand says changes are coming to garbage collection, including removing the 48-hour grace period for contractors and shifting collection work to City Hall when pickups are missed, plus renewed carpet-waste pickups and tighter anti-litter enforcement. Runway Safety Alert: An ASL aircraft ran off the Mahdia runway with six aboard unhurt; the incident follows recent concerns about animals and hazards at hinterland airstrips, with aviation operators urging stronger aerodrome safety standards. Climate Finance for Nature: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged UN climate talks to treat natural capital as part of debt sustainability and climate financing, backing debt-for-nature swaps and biodiversity credits with transparent measurement and community benefit-sharing. Forest Protection for Tourism: Guyana is set to designate about 3.7 million acres of forest in the Acarai-Rupununi corridor as a permanent conservation area, boosting birding and sustainable tourism while supporting the 30x30 goal. Skills for a Post-Oil Future: President Ali says Guyana is moving toward a specialised STEM school with Exxon, arguing that oil wealth must translate into skilled people for long-term development. UN Law Consistency Debate: UNGA leaders warned that selective enforcement of international law is eroding trust in institutions meant to prevent war and hold states accountable.

Women in Trades: Training shows more Guyanese women moving into electrical, welding and heavy-equipment roles, but the big question remains whether oil-fuelled growth will bring equal pay, advancement and opportunity. Natural Capital for Climate Finance: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urges UN-backed climate funding to count the value of protected nature in debt sustainability, pushing for debt-for-nature swaps and better biodiversity credits. Forest Protection for Tourism: Guyana plans to designate about 3.7 million acres of forest in the Acarai-Rupununi corridor as permanent conservation, boosting birding and sustainable tourism. Tourism Goes Digital (With People First): World Tourism Day messages stress AI and digital tools for smarter, more inclusive tourism—without losing the human warmth and community role. Birding Skills Boost: Nineteen tourism professionals earn bird guide accreditation, strengthening specialised nature experiences tied to conservation. Oil Wealth, Power and Fairness: Commentaries highlight Guyana’s need for reliable electricity and warn that oil profits and project financing arrangements can shape what ordinary people actually gain. Aviation Safety: GCAA warns against animals on runways after incidents, citing serious offences and penalties. Skills for a Changing Economy: ILO warns technology and environmental shifts can leave workers behind unless skills systems keep pace.

Aviation Safety & Wildlife: The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued a fresh warning after animals increasingly cross runways, stressing that releasing animals onto aerodromes is a criminal offence under the Civil Aviation Act 2018 and will be met with prosecution. Conservation & Tourism Skills: Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, with the Guyana Tourism Authority and South Rupununi Conservation Society, accredited 19 bird guides—12 coastal guides and 7 Rupununi-based guides—aiming to keep birding tourism specialised and conservation-led. Forest Finance Push: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged faster investment in forests at UN talks on the Forest Finance Roadmap, linking standing forests to climate stability, biodiversity, water and livelihoods. Biodiversity Diplomacy: President Irfaan Ali told the UN that the Global Biodiversity Alliance has surged from 17 to 138 members in just over a year, expanding conservation financing cooperation. Oil & Governance Scrutiny: The Audit Office says it’s trying again to build oil-and-gas oversight capacity after earlier funding efforts were blocked, with a new specialised unit planned. EV Workforce: The Guyana Energy Agency graduated 25 more EV/hybrid maintenance technicians, bringing the programme total to 102 as electric vehicle imports rise. UN Law & Order Debate: UNGA speakers warned that selective enforcement of international law is eroding trust in institutions meant to prevent war and hold states accountable. Maritime Disaster Response: MARAD is seeking marine salvage firms to recover the wreck of the MV Barima, with poor visibility and strong currents complicating operations.

UN Leadership Race & Global Risk: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned the world is edging toward “World War III,” as António Guterres nears his Dec 31 exit and the race for his successor intensifies, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett among the leading contenders. Birding Tourism & Conservation Jobs: Guyana accredited 19 tourism professionals through its Bird Guide Accreditation Programme, including 12 coastal bird guides and 7 Rupununi guides, aiming to keep conservation at the heart of higher-value wildlife tourism. EV Skills for a Low-Carbon Shift: The Guyana Energy Agency graduated 25 more EV/hybrid maintenance technicians, bringing the total trained to 102, alongside rising EV imports and plans to expand charging support. Data “Colonisation” Warning: UNGA speakers warned AI and data control could deepen inequality, urging developing countries to have a stronger voice in AI rules and access. Oil Governance Scrutiny: The Audit Office said it’s pushing to build oil-and-gas oversight capacity after earlier funding attempts were blocked, as the sector’s scale grows. Illegal Mining & Wildlife Link: INTERPOL warned criminal networks are moving drug profits into illegal gold mining, with operations like Guyana Shield tracing money and mercury supplies.