AGP Executive Report

Fashion & Tourism: ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival kicks off July 3-5 at the Railway Courtyard, themed “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years,” spotlighting 30 designers, Indigenous craftsmanship, and sustainability, with runway nights and awards. Regional Integration: CARICOM marks its 53rd anniversary with calls for stronger cooperation and renewal, while Barbados and Guyana begin passport-free travel using e-ID cards. Sports & Community: Anna Regina Stadium opens July 3 with a star-studded T20 featuring Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, plus entertainment and local pride. Youth Development: Demerara Cricket Club’s Youth Cricket Summer Camp runs Aug 17-28, and DCC youth camp details include life-skills alongside coaching. Education & Safety: Two teachers dismissed from David Rose Special Education Needs School after an abuse probe; Mt. Olivet Baptist Church’s VBS “violent skit” also sparks hard questions about children’s safety. Health & Youth Risks: Region Six officials move to tackle rising student vaping with tougher enforcement and school/parent action. Culture & Identity: CARICOM plans a meeting to address issues faced by Rastafarians, citing ongoing discrimination. Humanitarian Aid: Guyana continues packing and shipping earthquake relief for Venezuela.

Venezuela Relief Logistics: Government-organised aid for earthquake-hit Venezuela is being packed for departure, with containers prepared at the John Fernandes terminal and private supplies expected soon; Shell has pledged a US$5M disaster relief fund as officials face criticism over slow confirmation of tangible deliveries. Education & Youth: First Lady Arya Ali turned the sod for a $421M World Bank-funded annex at St. Joseph’s High School, adding classrooms, labs, counselling and accessibility features; meanwhile, the “Because We Care” cash grant distribution begins with strict guidance to spend on school needs only. Energy Efficiency: The Prime Minister received Guyana’s Demand Side Management Action Plan targeting a 20% cut in electricity demand by 2030, aiming for 516 GWh in savings. Sports & Culture: DCC’s Youth Summer Cricket Camp returns Aug 17-28; Anna Regina Stadium’s grand opening on July 3 features a Lara XI vs Chanderpaul XI T20; Origins Fashion Festival opens Friday with 30 designers across three nights. Community Safety & Inclusion: Police, educators and leaders in Region Six move to curb youth vaping under the Tobacco Control Act; CARICOM governments plan a regional meeting to address Rastafarian marginalisation; ERC continues bridge-building through diversity and language guidance.

Youth & Tourism: Barbados Tourism Youth Congress got underway with Senator Shane Archer urging young Guyanese to lead the tourism transformation—“youth is energy… imagination… possibilities”—and pushing early decision-making through the Junior Minister of Tourism programme. Youth Health & Safety: Region Six officials met to tackle rising student vaping, with police and educators promising tougher enforcement under the Tobacco Control Act and stronger school and parent interventions. Indigenous Rights & Mining: The Amerindian People’s Association called for the Kurupung uranium project to be halted, citing missing consultations and lack of Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Humanitarian Relief: PM Mark Phillips oversaw packing of containers of relief supplies for earthquake-hit Venezuela, including rice, as Guyana ramps up its response. Sports & Community: Anna Regina’s new stadium opens July 3 with a star-studded T20 featuring Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, plus local talent and entertainment. Culture & Inclusion: The Ethnic Relations Commission continues its unity push with training in schools and a “do not use” glossary to guide racially harmonious language. Constitution Watch: The Constitutional Reform Commission is set to invite written public submissions for proposed constitutional amendments, with identification required and consultations running through the year. Education Boost: World Bank-backed sod-turning at St Joseph’s High School will add a $421.2M block to expand learning space for 250 more students. Police Milestone: Guyana Police Force kicks off its 187th anniversary celebrations with a drum head church service and official remarks on service and unity. Regional Integration: Guyana and Barbados begin passport-free travel using digital ID cards on Caribbean Airlines, marking a push for faster CARICOM movement.

Youth & Health: Region Six officials met to tackle a surge in student vaping, with police and educators promising tougher enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act and stronger school-and-parent interventions. Indigenous Rights: The Amerindian People’s Association is calling for the Kurupung uranium project to be halted, saying there’s no proper consultation and no Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Disaster Relief: PM Mark Phillips visited the container terminal as Guyana packs humanitarian supplies for earthquake-hit Venezuela, aiming for fast, easy distribution on arrival. Sports & Community: Anna Regina’s new stadium opens July 3 with a star-studded cricket night featuring Brian Lara XI vs Chanderpaul XI, plus entertainment and celebration. Education & Youth Support: The World Bank-backed sod-turning for a $421.2M St Joseph’s High School block will add classrooms and labs for 250 more students. Culture & Sports Development: The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport announced a July 30–31 seminar series with Deakin University to build capacity across Guyana’s sports ecosystem. Public Life & Unity: The Ethnic Relations Commission is pushing bridge-building through school training and a planned glossary of racially harmonious language. Police Milestone: The Guyana Police Force kicked off its 187th anniversary celebrations with a drum head church service and official remarks.

Ethnic Relations & Unity: Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley told the ERC’s “Guyana at 60” symposium that progress on race relations isn’t the same as success, urging better data on exclusion, discrimination, access to opportunity, and trust. Digital Discipline: ERC chair Shaikh Moeenul Hack warned that a single viral post can build or burn national unity, calling for more responsible online narratives. Local Connectivity: The Local Government Ministry commissioned a new pedestrian bridge reconnecting La Grange and Bagotville, ending months of disruption for commuters and schoolchildren. Youth & Cash Support: “Because We Care” educational cash grants begin nationwide, with $60,000 per child, plus uniform assistance vouchers. Workforce Boost: Community Enhancement and National Pathway Workers get a $10,000 monthly increase, lifting stipends to $50,000. Pride & Rights: SASOD’s Joel Simpson said Pride remains a protest in Guyana because laws and protections for LGBTQ people still lag behind social acceptance. Culture & Fashion: ExxonMobil Guyana joins ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 as a strategic partner, backing workshops and market access. Sports Development: Government pushes dedicated tapeball grounds in every region as the T10 Tape Ball Blast grows. Aviation Growth: Ogle Airport elects a new board and plans $204M in infrastructure after record domestic passenger gains.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Guyana’s regional attention is on the twin 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, with a planned Trinidad and Tobago energy delegation to Venezuela expected to be delayed as officials monitor the aftermath and offer condolences. Unity, Diversity & Social Cohesion: At the Ethnic Relations Commission’s “Guyana at 60” symposium, leaders warned that social media can either build or burn national unity, as ERC data shows online spaces now drive most ethnic-related complaints. Youth & Education Support: The “Because We Care” cash grant distribution begins ahead of the August break, while GPL waived $1.6M for electricity to a Yarrowkabra youth facility. Sports & Culture: Ogle Airport elected a new board and plans a G$204M expansion after record domestic passenger growth; Youth Basketball Guyana’s National Schools Basketball Festival tips off, and the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme launches its 6th cohort. LGBTQ Pride: Pride remains a protest, with SASOD’s Joel Simpson saying legal protections still lag behind social acceptance. Local Governance & Development: Govt advances planning for Stabroek Market and Georgetown revitalisation, and Region Nine schools are set for rehabilitation using part of an IDB loan.

Grassroots Sports: Culture Minister Charles Ramson Jr. says the government will push for dedicated tapeball grounds in every region, so young players can train anytime and communities can rally around healthier sport. LGBTQ Rights & Brain Drain: SASOD founder Joel Simpson warns that many LGBTQ Guyanese still feel forced to leave because laws criminalising same-sex intimacy and weak protections leave them unsafe. Unity in the Digital Age: Ethnic Relations Commission chair Shaikh Moeenul Hack cautions that social media can either build or burn bridges, calling for active work to sustain unity at 60. Arts & Culture: Frank Bowling opens up his practice in London, showing how drawing lives inside his paintings. UN Secretary-General Bid: Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett tells EU member states her focus is delivery, accountability, and tackling inequality—while critics question impartiality. Youth & Health: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony reports alarming substance use among secondary students after 6,039 were screened. Child Protection: Rights of the Child Commission, UNICEF and the DPP launch “SEE. SAY. SAFE” to boost early reporting of abuse. Education Support: “Because We Care” cash grants begin today, with each child receiving $85,000 including a new transportation subsidy. Regional Development: GNBS launches its first-ever hinterland internship programme to train youth in technical and admin work. Community Infrastructure: A new pedestrian bridge links La Grange and Bagotville, improving safe access for daily commuters. Sports Business: Guyana Amazon Warriors and GSL merchandise is now on sale at the Box Office ahead of the 2026 season. Road Safety: A suspected hit-and-run in Clonbrook East Coast Demerara killed two men on bikes, with residents seeking help to identify the driver.

Road Safety & Community Response: Two men died in a suspected Clonbrook hit-and-run along the Railway Embankment. Relatives say police response was slow and have launched a reward campaign for information. Youth Health: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screening of 6,039 secondary students found 43% drank alcohol, 32% vaped, and 5% used cannabis—calling it “alarming” and urging stronger school-based prevention. Education Support: “Because We Care” cash grants begin today for public and private school children, rising to $85,000 total with a new $20,000 transportation subsidy. Child Protection Campaign: UNICEF, the Rights of the Child Commission and the DPP launched “SEE. SAY. SAFE” to help communities recognize abuse and report early. Indigenous Languages: UG marked the first Wapichan language course graduates, boosting indigenous language preservation through higher education. Culture & Pride: SASOD founder Joel Simpson says Pride in Guyana is “not just a celebration” but a protest—because laws still fail to protect LGBTQIA people. Sports & Youth Development: Republic Bank renews sponsorship for RHTYSC’s Grade 6 Summer Camp for an 18th straight year, while BCB’s life development seminar supports Berbice youth cricketers. Humanitarian Relief: Guyana’s relief effort for Venezuela’s earthquake victims is intensifying, with a first shipment expected to leave soon.

Youth & Health: Over 6,000 secondary students were screened as authorities confront youth substance use, with alarming figures reported by Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony: 43% consumed alcohol, 32% vaped, and 5% used cannabis—prompting calls for stronger school-based prevention and coordinated action, including addiction medicine training with Mount Sinai. Indigenous Culture & Education: UG marked a milestone in language preservation with the graduation of the first Wapichan Language Course cohort, celebrating Indigenous languages through higher education. Child Protection: UNICEF and partners launched the “SEE. SAY. SAFE” campaign to help children feel safe to report abuse and to train adults to recognise signs and act early. Regional Partnerships: Guyana and Jamaica signed multiple MoUs covering agriculture, finance, defence and security, housing, technology and climate resilience. Humanitarian Response: Guyana is mobilising support for earthquake-hit Venezuela, including a planned shipment of 8,000 tonnes of relief supplies and possible GDF deployment. Sports & Community: Let’s Bet (GLC) unveiled as title sponsor for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, while Camptown FC received government support with a new lawnmower for its grounds.

Women in Diplomacy: Guyana used International Day of Women in Diplomacy to spotlight women’s leadership and push Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s bid for UN Secretary-General, with culture and storytelling at the centre of the message. Education Support: The “Because We Care” cash grant starts today for schoolchildren, with total support rising to $85,000 per child including a new $20,000 transportation subsidy. Child Safety: UNICEF, the Rights of the Child Commission and the DPP launched the “SEE. SAY. SAFE” campaign to help families recognise abuse and report early. Primary Healthcare & Faith: President Ali says the state will partner with ISKCON to bring health screening and preventative care to devotees and communities. Sports & Community: Let’s Bet is unveiled as title sponsor for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, while Camptown FC gets a government lawnmower to boost grassroots football. Culture & Entertainment: KFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17 returns July 4–5, and dancehall artiste “Lil’ Saint” Emmanuel James is mourned after a long illness. Regional Relief: Guyana ramps up humanitarian aid for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with a major shipment planned and GDF support on standby.

International Day of Deafblindness: Guyana-linked commentary marks June 27’s theme, “Connected by Touch,” calling out how deafblindness is often missing from data and services, even though it affects millions worldwide. AI & Education Leadership: President Irfaan Ali urged Caribbean accountants to embrace AI and shift toward policy and data-driven work, while a Guyana education leadership piece highlights how training like NELA is strengthening school decision-making with inclusion and mental health support. Community Development: Skull City/Area L in Region Three got its first recreational park, part of a wider push to build healthier, more connected neighbourhoods. Regional Culture & Sports: Guyana’s KFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17 returns July 4–5, and Camptown FC received government support with a new lawnmower to keep its grounds in shape. Humanitarian Relief: Guyana is mobilising an 8,000-tonne vessel and a donation drive to help earthquake-hit Venezuela, with CARICOM support expected to arrive before departure. Health & Ageing: A Guyanese-American study on “ageing well” spotlights how elders in the Indo-Caribbean community value closeness and being needed—plus a Hamilton forum tackles dementia stigma. Local Arts Loss: Rising dancehall/soca artiste “Lil’ Saint” Emmanuel James has died after a long health battle, leaving the music scene in mourning. Housing & Partnerships: Guyana and Jamaica are deepening housing cooperation, with Ali pledging 300-plus homes for Jamaica’s hurricane recovery. Mining Rights Clash: Chinese Landing villagers face renewed uncertainty as government support for outside tenure holders contradicts earlier assurances.

Arts & Community: Guyanese dancehall and soca rising star Emmanuel “Lil’ Saint” James has died after complications from major pancreas surgery, with tributes highlighting his quick rise and versatility across the local scene. Indigenous Land & Mining: Government support for mining by outside tenure holders in Chinese Landing (Region 1) has sparked fresh backlash, with villagers saying it contradicts earlier assurances and raises fresh concerns over Carib land rights. Humanitarian Response: President Ali says an 8,000-tonne relief vessel will leave next Friday for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with CARICOM support and supplies prioritising medicine, food for children, sanitation, and recovery items. Education Tech: EduGoal Global is shifting to public access, making its AI-powered learning platform available to individuals for as low as GYD $1,000 (about $5 USD) monthly. Regional Lifestyle & Housing: Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness points to Guyana’s faster approvals as a model while committing to build 300+ homes in Jamaica’s recovery drive, and both countries sign multiple MoUs. Youth & Safety: The “SEE. SAY. SAFE” campaign launches to boost reporting and awareness of child abuse, backed by RCC, UNICEF, and the DPP. Culture on Stage: KFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17 returns July 4–5, promising satire and social commentary.

Civic Tributes: President Irfaan Ali and others mourn Georgetown councillor Jai Narine “Don” Singh, whose death has sparked debate over his divisive social media legacy. Cricket & Youth Sports: Essequibo coach Forbes Daniels dies at 65, remembered for decades of training young players; NSC also backs 10-year-old karateka Miah Sampson for the ISKF World Shoto Cup in Mexico. Regional Partnerships: Guyana and Jamaica sign MoUs covering energy, finance, defence/security and agriculture, while Guyana pledges a second phase of recovery support for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa—starting with 300-plus homes. Health & Safety: Screenings show alarming juvenile substance use—43% reported alcohol use and 32% vaping among secondary students—prompting renewed calls for stronger protections; meanwhile the “Putting Safety First” campaign intensifies for safer construction sites. Housing & Lifestyle: Mortgage interest tax relief for first-time homeowners is doubled, with interest on loans up to $30M now deductible. Justice & Rights: AG Nandlall warns police traffic ranks not to detain drivers or seize vehicles for ticketable offences. Education & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda names Janica Adams new Junior Tourism Minister; CTO Youth Congress in Georgetown runs Oct 5–9. Diaspora Watch: A US Supreme Court ruling lowers the proof needed to treat returning green card holders as applicants, raising stakes for Guyanese in America.

Aviation Security: Three Brazilians were fined G$150,000 each after pleading guilty to trespassing on the restricted Lethem Airstrip in Central Rupununi, raising fresh questions about perimeter security at hinterland aerodromes. Youth Sports & Culture: The NSC backed 10-year-old karate prodigy Miah Sampson as she prepares for the ISKF World Shoto Cup in Mexico this October, with the event also billed as a global cultural exchange. Health & Youth Safety: Health screenings flagged alarming juvenile substance use, with 43% of 6,039 secondary students reporting alcohol use and 32% vaping, as the Health Ministry pushes urgent school-level intervention. Regional Partnerships: Guyana and Jamaica signed multiple MoUs covering technology, energy, agriculture, security, education and financial services during Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s visit. Public Finance & Housing: President Ali doubled the ceiling for first-time homeowners’ mortgage interest tax relief, allowing deductions of full interest on loan principals up to $30M, alongside broader housing push at the International Building Expo. Legal & Community Funding: The High Court ordered Government to pay IDPADA-G the outstanding 2022 subvention after ruling funding was cut improperly. Tourism Youth Leadership: Janica Adams won Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 National Tourism Youth Congress, earning a regional spot in Guyana this October. Disability Inclusion: ExxonMobil and GCOPD launched Phase 5 of an independent living skills programme for persons with disabilities, including mobility and job-prep training.

Housing Relief: President Irfaan Ali says first-time homeowners can now deduct the full mortgage interest from taxable income, with the ceiling doubled to interest on loans up to $30M, plus banks moving to offer more favourable mortgage rates. Workplace Safety: The “Putting Safety First” campaign is ramping up nationwide, starting with construction, with regional outreach, seminars, and on-site guidance to push a stronger safety culture. Education & Access: Guyana is set to expand primary school infrastructure with 21 firms bidding to design and supervise six new IDB-funded schools across multiple regions. Disability Support: ExxonMobil and the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities launch Phase 5 of an Independent Living Skills programme for blind and visually impaired participants, including training and mobility aids. Sports & Youth: Youth Basketball Guyana shifts the opening venue of the National Schools Basketball Festival to the National Gymnasium while Cliff Anderson Sports Hall gets bucket seating installed. Community & Culture: Melanie Fiona returns to Georgetown as keynote speaker for a women’s leadership conference celebrating Guyana’s 60th independence. Public Debate: Attorney General Anil Nandlall insists planned social media safeguards for children are about safety, not curbing free speech. Justice & Rights: The High Court orders government to pay outstanding IDPADA-G subvention for 2022 after ruling funding was improperly cut. Regional Ties: Guyana and Jamaica hold high-level talks on technology, education, energy, security, and housing during Holness’s visit. Diaspora Watch: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling lowers the proof bar for treating returning green card holders as applicants—raising stakes for Guyanese in America.

Disaster Relief: President Irfaan Ali extended condolences and offered help to Venezuela after deadly twin earthquakes struck Caracas, with rescue efforts ongoing as casualties rise. Power & Skills: GPL says system losses hit 25.43% in 2025 and warns it’s losing trained staff to the oil sector, while theft and metering issues keep dragging performance. Regional Diplomacy: President Ali and Jamaica PM Andrew Holness held talks on technology, education, energy, security, agriculture and housing. Inclusion & Skills for Disability: ExxonMobil and GCOPD launched Phase 5 of the Independent Living Skills programme for people with disabilities, including mobility and job-prep training. Court & Funding: Guyana’s High Court ordered government to pay IDPADA-G the remaining 2022 subvention after ruling funding was cut improperly. Weather Damage: Heavy rain and strong winds battered Essequibo Coast communities, damaging homes and schools and prompting emergency tarpaulin repairs. Child Online Safety Debate: AG Anil Nandlall says social media rules for children are about protection, while a Guyanese research team warns against identity-linked age checks as too intrusive. Aviation Links: Guyana and Peru signed an aviation MoU to pave the way for an air services agreement. Culture & Identity: An opinion piece asks whether a broader Guyanese identity is emerging beyond ethnicity.