AGP Executive Report

Landmark research on ageing: A UWI St Augustine team co-authored a “landmark” study on how Indo-Caribbean communities in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago define positive ageing, published in The Gerontologist. Digital safety for kids: Attorney General Anil Nandlall met judges and the legal fraternity as government consults on regulating children’s social media use, stressing partnership with parents and guardians. Public health warning: Cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen says vaping is linked to rising stroke and heart attacks among young people, urging youth to quit. Tragedy in Berbice: A 6-year-old, Kayden Busey, drowned after children went to deep water at “Sixth Bridge” in Glasgow, East Bank Berbice. Tech for everyday money skills: Local firm Wisdom CRM launched a multi-provider “Super AI Engine” aimed at boosting financial literacy across the Caribbean. Tourism push: Guyana appealed directly to Sandals Resorts International to consider opening a resort in Guyana. Aviation boost: Caribbean Airlines announced daily Toronto–Georgetown non-stop flights from July 1, 2026. Youth sport support: Comfort Sleep backs the 4th Annual National Junior Open Golf Championship on July 3. Insurance expansion: Hand-in-Hand opened its 20th Georgetown office, extending Guyana’s widest insurance network.

Elite League Football: Camptown FC made history, clinching a 2026-2027 Elite League Championship berth with a 2-0 win over Timehri United, goals from Shane Jones and Ozeal Small sealing the playoff final. Youth & Money Skills: Young entrepreneurs are being urged to build “bankable” businesses ahead of the Guyana Development Bank’s launch, with a push to innovate instead of copycat ideas. Local Tourism Planning (Region): Tobago’s THA unveiled a $105.2M push to grow community tourism with a sustainable, certified approach aimed at keeping visitor spend circulating locally. Child Safety Online: Attorney General Anil Nandlall met judges and lawyers on regulating children’s social media use, stressing partnership with parents and teachers rather than state intrusion into homes. Health Warnings: A cardiologist is urging Guyanese to stop vaping, warning of irreversible lung damage and serious heart risks for young people. Travel & Culture Links: Caribbean Airlines announced daily Toronto–Georgetown non-stop flights from July 1, boosting tourism, education travel, and diaspora connections. Business & Services: Hand-in-Hand opened its 20th Georgetown office, expanding Guyana’s widest insurance network. Sports Sponsorship: Rainforest Waters (Banks DIH) recommitted as hydration partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast. Culture & Heritage: A China Book Corner was launched at the University of Guyana library to deepen Guyana–China cultural bonds through donated English-language titles. Sports & Community: Youth Basketball Guyana’s Region Six finals crowned Berbice High (boys) and Tutorial Academy (girls), booking spots in the national championships. Public Safety Tragedy: A 6-year-old boy drowned at a water-filled excavation pit in Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice.

Aviation & Diaspora: Caribbean Airlines will start daily non-stop Toronto–Georgetown flights from 1 July 2026, boosting capacity for business, education, leisure and family travel. Public Health: Cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen warns vaping is driving rising lung and heart disease risks among young Guyanese, urging users to stop. Culture Policy: The Orange Economy State Sector Stakeholders’ Summit drew criticism for lagging behind promises, with creatives saying inaction and outdated approaches are holding the sector back. Health Systems: Guyana and PAHO/WHO ran a HEARTS quality improvement workshop to strengthen cardiovascular care, scaling evidence-based blood pressure detection and control. Sports & Community: Rainforest Waters (Banks DIH) recommitted as hydration partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, while Diamond Recreational Park opens for 40,000 residents with safe play and community space. Politics & Mining: Opposition demands action over alleged Mazaruni mining operations, alleging a “double standard” in enforcement. UN Spotlight: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains in the race for UN Secretary-General, with renewed focus on inclusion and UN reform. Youth & Safety: A Mahdia “From Pain to Purpose” football initiative pairs sport with child safeguarding and healing after trauma.

Orange Economy & culture policy delays: The Orange Economy State Sector Stakeholders’ Summit at the Arthur Chung Centre was meant to be a big reveal, but critics say it exposed a gap between promises and follow-through, with a long-awaited national cultural policy still not landing as expected. Parliament & inclusion: A fresh letter argues that Speaker-led committee exclusion of APNU’s nominated MP Ms. Walton violates Guyana’s constitutional guarantees of equal parliamentary participation. UN leadership race (Guyana in the spotlight): Rafael Grossi’s bid for UN Secretary-General is profiled alongside Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s campaign push for a more inclusive, effective UN. Local culture & learning: UG’s library launched a China Book Corner to deepen cultural bonds through donated English-language titles. Sports & community wellness: Rainforest Waters renewed as hydration partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, while Diamond Recreational Park opened for 40,000 residents with play, courts, and outdoor fitness. Youth & safeguarding: A Bartica SRH symposium wrapped up with UNICEF/UNFPA support, focusing on puberty, relationships, and protection for secondary students. Aviation ties: Guyana and Peru signed an aviation MoU to move toward an Air Services Agreement. Exotic animal oversight: A sloth exhibitor shut down in New York seeks a Florida comeback, raising fresh questions about enforcement and animal welfare.

Caribbean Heritage Month Reads: A fresh list of 10 novels spotlights Caribbean identity and lived experience, including a Guyana-set story about trafficking and a Saint Kitts-to-London journey of alienation. Sports & Community: Rainforest Waters (Banks DIH) renews as hydration partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, keeping the “Rainforest Water Break” tradition alive. Youth Basketball: YBG Region Six titles go to Berbice High (boys) and Tutorial Academy (girls), with Berbice High’s Avion Kesney named MVP and both schools booking spots at nationals. Orange Economy Culture: The Ministry’s Orange Economy consultation at Arthur Chung drew creatives’ criticism over inaction and outdated laws, with industry voices saying they need real support. Education & Health: A Bartica Secondary School SRH symposium (with UNICEF/UNFPA partners) focused on puberty, menstrual health, teen pregnancy, and gender-based violence. Local Development: Diamond Recreational Park opens for 40,000 residents, adding play areas, courts, outdoor gym, paths, and lighting. Aviation Links: Guyana and Peru sign an MoU to negotiate an air services agreement, aiming to boost connectivity for trade and tourism.

Mining & Rights: Opposition Leader slams GGMC inaction over alleged large-scale mining equipment encroaching on Mazaruni lands, arguing regulators moved fast against small and Indigenous miners but not powerful operators. Orange Economy Watch: The Ministry’s Orange Economy stakeholders consultation drew criticism for sidelining creatives, with calls for real support beyond speeches; meanwhile, Guyana advances the Orange Economy with a push to formalise creative careers. Sugar & Health Legacy: Professors of Caribbean-heritage spotlight “silent suffering” of sugar workers, linking past cane-field hazards to today’s health and labour realities. Education & Youth: A SRH symposium in Bartica (with UNICEF/UNFPA partners) focused on puberty, menstrual health, teen pregnancy, and gender-based violence; plus, YBG Region Six school basketball titles go to Berbice High (boys) and Tutorial Academy (girls). Sports & Community: Diamond Recreational Park opens in Grove/Diamond for 40,000 residents, adding safe play spaces and community facilities. Aviation & Culture Links: Guyana and Peru sign an aviation MoU to negotiate an Air Services Agreement, aiming to boost connectivity for trade and cultural exchange. Legal & Safety: High Court clears the way for a full hearing in the Mahdia dormitory fire lawsuit, rejecting the state’s attempt to end it early. Local Economy & Oil Skills: ExxonMobil says a labour shortage baseline study will be completed this year, and plans an In-Country Value system to track how much local content earnings stay in Guyana.

Community & Culture: The newly commissioned Diamond Recreational Park is set to serve more than 40,000 residents, with safe play spaces, a multi-purpose court, outdoor gym, walking paths and lighting—positioned by First Lady Arya Ali as a hub for cultural exchange and family life. Youth Sports: Future Warriors Tapeball for Primary Schools hits Anna Regina National Stadium today, with defending Essequibo Zone champions C.V. Nunes Primary chasing a spot in the Champion of Champions finals. Local Business & Finance: Citizens Bank opens a new state-of-the-art branch in Bartica, boosting financial inclusion for Region Seven’s communities and entrepreneurs. Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil says a major industrial baseline study on labour shortages in Guyana’s oil and gas sector will be completed before year-end, to map workforce capacity and training needs. Aviation & Connectivity: Guyana and Peru sign a landmark aviation MoU to pave the way for an Air Services Agreement, aiming to expand passenger, cargo and mail routes. Indigenous Languages: Learners are celebrated at the inaugural Indigenous Language Awards, marking progress in preserving and revitalising Wapichan and other mother tongues. Sports & Entertainment: Guyana’s film push grows as the country will participate for the first time in Toronto’s International Film Festival. Safety & Justice: A woman alleges rape by her husband’s brother and fears for her life after bail; the case adds to community anger over how justice is applied.

Gender Justice: A 26-year-old woman says she’s living in fear after her alleged rapist—her husband’s brother—was granted $250,000 bail and released, with a religious leader condemning what he calls unequal justice. Stadium & Culture: The Orange Stand roof at the Guyana National Stadium is set for a roughly $29M overhaul, with bids opened for the rehabilitation. Orange Economy & Arts: The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport held an Orange Economy stakeholders consultation, pushing cultural and creative industries as a jobs engine for young people. Film & Creative Growth: Guyana will participate for the first time in the Toronto International Film Festival, with officials pitching it as a major opportunity for the sector’s next wave. Youth Sport: ExxonMobil-backed Future Warriors Tapeball heads to Anna Regina this weekend as C.V. Nunes Primary defends its title in a 16-team knockout. Local Business & Finance: GCCI is preparing entrepreneurs for the Guyana Development Bank, urging proper business accounts and transparent records. Aviation & Exchange: Guyana and Peru signed a landmark aviation MoU to pave the way for an Air Services Agreement, opening doors for passenger, cargo and mail routes. Tech & Skills: Dragonfly Solutions launched a joint venture with Canadian firm Altomaxx to expand drone and geospatial services and build local workforce capacity. Workplace Safety: Labour Ministry reports over 6,000 workplace inspections and more than 27,000 workers reached through safety outreach. UN Leadership Watch: Guyana’s UN secretary-general candidate Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett says she’ll use “good offices” and push for a more agile, credible UN. Indigenous Languages: Indigenous Language Awards celebrated learners from the Elementary Wapichan Course, spotlighting language preservation and identity. Regional Integration: CARICOM’s incoming chair says integration must deliver results people can see and feel.

UN Secretary-General Campaign: Guyana’s UN candidate Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett says the next UN chief must be “hand-in-hand” with member states, restore credibility, and keep peace, development and human rights in balance. Indigenous Language Revival: Learners celebrated at the inaugural Indigenous Language Awards as the Guyana Languages Unit marks progress in Wapichan language education and cultural pride. Education & Access: The Ministry of Education says Guyana’s school feeding programme is reaching thousands, commissioning a new wing at Yarrowkabra Primary while expanding meals and caterer jobs. Workplace Safety Culture: Labour Minister Keoma Griffith urges employers to treat psychosocial wellbeing as part of HSSE, warning burnout and harassment can hurt workers and the economy. Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will start daily nonstop Toronto–Georgetown flights from July 1, boosting tourism and diaspora travel. Sports & Community: Camptown FC and Timehri United set up the Elite League qualifier after big wins, while GOAL prepares to graduate 3,800+ scholars. Culture in the Diaspora: Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee parade drew 10,000+ in Brooklyn, with music, dance and community leaders.

UN Leadership Race: Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett says she’s ready to be the first “she” UN Secretary-General, pitching a more agile, inclusive and effective UN after growing member-state frustration. Education & Youth: The Ministry of Education says Guyana’s school feeding programme is among the most extensive in the Caribbean, with breakfast in about 240 schools and support for thousands of learners. Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will add daily non-stop Toronto–Georgetown flights from July 1, boosting travel for business, tourism and the Guyanese diaspora. Workplace Wellbeing: Labour Minister Keoma Griffith urged a stronger health, safety, security and environment culture, stressing psychosocial wellbeing and safer workplaces as Guyana’s economy grows. Sports & Community: Camptown FC edge into the Elite League qualifier final after a win over Potaro Strikers, while GOAL prepares to graduate over 3,800 scholars at its 4th ceremony. Culture & Entertainment: Early bird tickets go on sale June 19 for Barbados’ Live & Louder Mega Concert, featuring Chris Martin, Estelle and Mr Vegas. Public Safety: A judge sentenced taxi driver Allan Sim (“Cayenne”) to 35 years for the murder of his former partner, highlighting ongoing intimate partner violence concerns.

Education & Youth: GOAL’s 4th graduation on Tuesday, June 23, will see over 3,800 scholars cross the stage at the National Cultural Centre, with programmes ranging from certificates to doctorates. Aviation & Diaspora Life: Caribbean Airlines will start daily nonstop Toronto–Georgetown flights from July 1, with BW 616 leaving Georgetown at 9:20 a.m. and BW 617 returning at 4:50 p.m., boosting travel for business, tourism, study and family visits. Sugar Workers & Jobs: President Ali reaffirmed plans to modernise GuySuCo and protect workers, including a push to raise the income tax threshold to $200,000 tax-free and calls for better accountability and mechanisation to tackle labour shortages. Community & Culture: Beausejour’s Indigenous dirt ovens are keeping traditional baking alive, turning heritage into a community gathering point. Sports Development: Guyana’s Junior Jaguars will take part in FIFA’s inaugural U-15 Boys Festival in October, with a 14-player delegation and child safeguarding in place. Public Safety: Government announced a new Container Control Programme after 23 AK-47s slipped through ports, aiming to target high-risk cargo. Health Watch: A COVID-19 cluster has been reported at Lower Corentyne Secondary School, prompting school shutdowns for fumigation and renewed precautions.

Indigenous Culture & Food: Beausejour’s Indigenous dirt-oven bakery is keeping traditional baking alive, with fresh loaves and community roots driving a 2022 project that turns heritage into everyday flavour. Aviation & Diaspora Links: Caribbean Airlines will add daily nonstop Toronto–Georgetown flights from July 1, boosting summer travel options for business, leisure, education and family visits. Sugar Industry Reform: President Ali reaffirmed GuySuCo’s modernisation push—mechanisation, drones and better returns—while urging GAWU to help manage an estate as government demands stronger accountability and results. Youth & Entrepreneurship Finance: The Guyana Youth Entrepreneurship Chamber welcomed the new Guyana Development Bank, highlighting zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to GYD $3 million for micro and small businesses. Education & Inclusion: A $177M teaching wing at Yarrowkabra Primary eases overcrowding and adds SEND support, while the Ministry seeks surveys for six new primary schools. Arts & Heritage: The National Cultural Centre is set for restoration and modernisation later this year, with upgrades aimed at performers and public spaces. Public Health Watch: COVID-19 clusters have been reported at Lower Corentyne Secondary School in Region 6, with classes temporarily suspended for sanitisation. Sports Development: Guyana Basketball is stepping up with a certified hardwood court purchase and the appointment of Alan Walls as men’s head coach ahead of FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers.

Education & Youth: A $177M new wing at Yarrowkabra Primary is easing overcrowding, adding eight classrooms, a canteen, a staff office and a SEND room for about 200 pupils. Culture & Arts: The National Cultural Centre is set for major restoration and modernisation this year, with design and procurement moving ahead and upgrades planned for dressing rooms and washrooms. Sports Development: The Guyana Basketball Federation has appointed international coach Alan Walls as head coach ahead of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, and it also bought a certified hardwood court to boost training. Community & Identity: A new discussion piece asks whether a broader Guyanese identity is emerging beyond old political patterns and ethnicity. International & Culture Exchange: UG hosted a Chinese Embassy Dragon Boat Festival food and culture fair, spotlighting Chinese heritage through cuisine and exhibitions. Travel & Services: Guyana’s passport turnaround is now about three working days, with faster options and longer validity periods. Health & Awards: Anthony N. Sabga Award winner Dr Niven Narain plans mobile women’s health units in Georgetown and Miami. Labour & Rights: Cane harvesters at Albion Sugar Estate down tools over retroactive pay and wage demands.

National Cultural Centre restoration: Minister Steven Jacobs says design and procurement are advancing for the NCC’s restoration and modernisation, with upgrades planned for performers’ dressing rooms and public washrooms, and construction targeted before end-2026. Sports leadership: Guyana Basketball Federation appoints veteran international coach Alan Walls as head coach for the men’s national team ahead of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Georgetown. Education expansion: The Ministry of Education received 11 expressions of interest for geotechnical/topographical surveys for six new primary schools across multiple regions, funded through an IDB education recovery programme. Passport overhaul: Immigration says standard passports will be processed in about three working days, with expedited options in 24 hours, plus a new online application and e-appointment system launching June 15. Community & culture in the spotlight: The Nation earns 37 nominations for the 37th CBU Media Awards, while NBC Radio secures five nominations ahead of the awards gala in Georgetown. Youth sport returns: Future Warriors Tapeball and Windball Cricket deliver fresh primary-school finals, including St. Thomas More reaching a first Windball Cricket final. Safety and wellbeing: Guyana is named among the top 20 safest travel destinations in the Americas and Caribbean, with emphasis on solo women travellers and cruise visitors.

Immigration Modernisation: Guyana’s passport services are getting a digital boost, with online passport applications and an e-appointment system set to launch June 15, cutting processing to as fast as 24 hours in special cases and expanding mobile and decentralised options for remote communities. Regional Integration: Stakeholders met to map out how e-ID cards will work for travel between Barbados and Guyana from July 1, focusing on check-in, boarding, and passenger verification. Tourism & Safety: Guyana is named among the top 20 safest travel destinations in the Americas and Caribbean, with the report spotlighting confidence for solo women travellers and cruise visitors. Culture & Awards: Georgetown hosted the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, celebrating Caribbean leaders in science, entrepreneurship, arts, and public service. Youth Sports: St. Therese Primary won the Berbice Zone title in Future Warriors Tapeball, while Saint Thomas More set up a first-ever Windball Cricket final. Public Life & Values: President Ali urged stronger value systems and family time, calling on the Seventh-day Adventist movement to help preserve Guyana’s “soul” amid rapid development.

Immigration Modernisation: Guyana’s online passport application and appointment system launches June 15, letting citizens start applications from home, choose a passport office, and book a time slot—aimed at cutting wait times and improving access for remote communities. Regional Culture & Values: President Irfaan Ali urged the Seventh-day Adventist Church to help preserve Guyana’s “soul” and warned against “excessive materialism,” while also pointing to Sunday family-focused street closures in Georgetown. Fashion & Youth Culture: Brooklyn-based designer Roger Gary is set for Guyana’s 2026 Origins Fashion Festival (July 3–5), bringing his Spring/Summer Resort collection to the runway. Sports & Schools: St. George’s School of Sciences becomes the first public school to sit CCSLC exams, while Marian Academy and New Central High advance to the Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls National Final. Community & Safety: A fire suspected to be arson gutted two Sophia homes, displacing families. Politics & Accountability: WIN MP Deon LaCruz denies domestic violence and child abuse claims after his arrest, calling it politically motivated. International Spotlight: Guyana hosted the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence in Georgetown, celebrating regional achievers.