AGP Executive Report

SOCU Rape Probe: Police and Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond have broken their silence over rape and threatening-behaviour allegations against Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, with Walrond saying he should be sent on administrative leave pending investigation. Crime Updates: A security guard in Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, was charged with attempted murder after allegedly setting his wife on fire; meanwhile two men wanted for the May 2026 murder of a Cuban national surrendered to Police. Local Justice & Safety: Police are probing allegations against a senior officer, while a labour seminar in Berbice focused on minimum wage, severance, leave, NIS and workplace safety. Aviation & Trade: Guyana’s aviation ties expand with MoUs and air services agreements, including a new MoU with Uganda and fresh cooperation with France and Panama. Economy & Services: GBTI added an ATM at the AC Marriott Hotel to boost banking convenience in Ogle. Food Security: Guyana presented progress on regional food production at COTED, highlighting output and export gains. Sports: Guyana notched a third straight Nations League win, beating Dominica 5-1. Business & Community: Twenty-one small business owners received operations certificates after training. Agriculture Push: Sophia Farmers’ Market is set to open weekly to cut out middlemen and ease grocery costs.

Royal Caribbean Tour: Buckingham Palace says King Charles will address “the darkest days of our past” during a Caribbean trip that includes Guyana, but won’t offer an apology or financial reparations for slavery, keeping to the UK government’s position. Energy & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley is confirmed to attend the 2027 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo in Georgetown, with the event themed “Beyond Frontiers.” Health: GPHC reports 528 new cancer patients recorded at its Oncology Clinic between January and August 2026, urging early detection. Crime & Justice: Former Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram was found guilty of assaulting his ex-wife and remanded to prison pending sentencing. Public Safety & Child Protection: A 76-year-old man has confessed to the chopping death of six-year-old Zi Feng Cao in Parika, after an alleged dispute over money tied to a family business. Sports: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars notched a third straight CONCACAF Nations League win, crushing Dominica 5-1.

Concacaf Football: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars stayed unbeaten with a 5-1 win over Dominica in Mayagüez, scoring through Osaze DeRosario, Omari Glasgow, Deon Moore, Kelsey Benjamin and substitute Enoch George, putting them top of Group A and on track for automatic promotion. Youth Sports: ExxonMobil Guyana U-18 Schools Football was launched in Georgetown with 118 school teams set for a straight-knockout run, aiming to bridge the gap from school football to academies and clubs. Aviation Safety: CARICOM and ICAO opened a Caribbean High-Level Symposium in Georgetown, with Guyana’s aviation leaders calling for stronger regional cooperation, harmonised rules and an Aviation Centre of Excellence, while also pushing air services deals with Panama. Infrastructure: Load testing is underway on the new US$35M Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden ahead of its opening, using five heavy trucks to check safety and durability. Public Health: GPHC warns heart attacks are hitting Guyanese in their 30s and 40s, urging early screening for cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. Crime & Security: Mark “Demon” Cromwell denied involvement in the disappearance of two Surinamese men as unrest in Vigilance and Buxton continues and bail hearings proceed. Agriculture & Food Prices: Agriculture Month 2026 highlights Guyana’s push for innovation and food security, alongside a weekly Sophia farmers’ market to sell cheaper produce directly from farmers.

Police Accountability & Allegations: Forward Guyana Movement demands transparency and action after Deputy Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh faces grave sexual assault and death-threat allegations, calling for unhindered criminal proceedings. Vigilance Unrest: East Coast Demerara communities of Vigilance and Buxton saw renewed tension with blockades, suspected gunfire and a truck torched, with police urging motorists to avoid the area amid an ongoing search linked to missing Surinamese men. Child Death in Parika: A six-year-old Chinese national, Ifeng Cao, died after an alleged chop wound to the neck; the suspect is in custody and the Human Services Ministry visited the family. Courts & Criminal Assets: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says Guyana’s courts should expect more applications to freeze accounts, detain property and forfeit assets tied to criminal activity, following INTERPOL’s push to “follow the money.” Water & Sanitation Push: GWI and the UN launched a programme to strengthen SDG 6 planning, including work aimed at improving access in remote communities. Aviation & Connectivity: Domestic airlines propose Government-backed fare relief via vouchers for vulnerable groups, while Guyana also moves on aviation partnerships including an air services agreement with Greece. Sports & Culture: Guyana steps up 2027 CARIFTA Games preparations with a Local Organising Committee; GFF addresses Neron Barrow’s detention in Puerto Rico; and Starbucks opens a new outlet at Giftland Mall.

Aviation & Safety: President Irfaan Ali urged no complacency as Guyana hosts the ICAO/EASA regional aviation safety forum, warning that one lapse can undo years of safety gains. Aviation Growth: Guyana’s aviation sector is surging, with international passenger traffic up 410% and airlines rising from six to 22, while the country pushes for stronger oversight. Oil Milestone & Local Content: ExxonMobil projects Guyana will cross one million barrels a day by year-end, with local content hitting US$3.6B and 2,000+ local suppliers involved. Regional Aviation Deals: Guyana signed air services agreements with Greece and a sustainability MoU with the Dominican Republic to back decarbonisation and SAF/CORSIA alignment. Agriculture Month 2026: Agriculture Month launched under “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” spotlighting tech-driven farming, farmers’ markets, Honey Fest, and plans for 1,000 pregnant heifers. Crime & Justice: Courts may see more asset-freezing and forfeiture cases as Guyana strengthens criminal asset recovery. Elections Trial: A handwriting expert told court that signatures linked to Volda Lawrence match those on a disputed 2020 Region Four declaration. Public Safety: Police warned motorists as burning debris blocked the ECD corridor at Vigilance amid unrest tied to missing Surinamese nationals. Violence: A six-year-old boy was chopped to death at Parika; a suspect is in custody.

UN Secretary-General Race: Rebeca Grynspan has widened her lead after the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll, again topping the informal vote ahead of Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, as the process moves toward a formal recommendation. CARICOM Digital Health: CARICOM health ministers in Washington agreed to push a regional digital health strategy, with PAHO, IDB and the World Bank backing the plan. Aviation Safety in the Region: CARICOM and ICAO partners will meet in Georgetown on Oct 1 to adopt a roadmap to strengthen Caribbean aviation safety, following a Guyana-hosted forum. MV Barima Justice Demands: Families of the MV Barima victims continue weekly protests, rejecting “jokey money” and pressing for the vessel’s refloating and clear accountability. Crime Asset Seizures: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says courts should expect more applications to freeze, detain and forfeit assets linked to crime as authorities “follow the money.” Vigilance Unrest: Police are investigating road blockages, suspected gunshots and a truck fire in Buxton-Vigilance after arrests tied to the disappearance of two Surinamese men. SOCU Sexual Assault Allegations: AFC is calling for an independent probe into accusations against SOCU head Fizal Karimbaksh, while the police force remains publicly silent. Sports & Culture: Guyana’s cricket development gets a boost via a Lahore Qalandars MoU; Guyana also earned new chess titles at the Olympiad. Tourism Sustainability: Guyana’s Good Travel Seal assessment shows 60% compliance with sustainability criteria, with 10 businesses certified so far. Business: Zijin/AGM reports US$334M revenue from Guyana’s Aurora gold mine in the first half of 2026.

UN Secretary-General race: The UN Security Council’s fourth secret straw poll keeps Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan in front, with 10 “encourage” votes, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains close behind at 8 “encourage” votes, but no candidate has yet won clear consensus. Aviation push in Guyana: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s aviation sector is in “take-off mode,” calling for AI safety strategies and standardised airport security, while also moving to finalise talks with a major airline to use CJIA Terminal Two as a hub and seeking an international partner for global aviation training. Illegal mining crackdown: GGMC reports three miners detained over illegal operations along the Siparuni riverbank, with machinery and a dredge seized and damage assessed for reclamation costs. Court update—election fraud trial: Forensic handwriting testimony continues in the 2020 election fraud case involving Keith Lowenfield, focusing on signatures tied to a passport application and election documents. Local legal milestones: Police Assistant Superintendent Travis Cush and State Counsel Alex Bacchus were admitted to the Bar to practise as attorneys. Politics and accountability: AFC calls for the SOCU head to be relieved pending an independent probe into allegations of sexual assault and threats.

Police & Justice: A female inspector has accused Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh of rape, alleging he held a gun to her head, with earlier claims of sexual harassment also raised. Aviation Safety: The GCAA warns animal owners that livestock straying onto aerodrome runways can bring up to a GY$1M fine and six months in jail. Fuel Prices: GuyOil increased gasoline and diesel by as much as 13%, pushing gasoline to $258/litre and diesel to $318/litre, with other stations also adjusting. Mining Crackdown: GGMC shut an unlicensed gold shop at Tamakay Landing, seizing gold, equipment and cash, and detaining two people. Children’s Safety: Fire at Sophia Children’s Home sent nine minors to hospital for smoke inhalation; all children were accounted for and the blaze contained. Governance & Transparency: A High Court ruling orders the Commissioner of Information to process access-to-information requests within 60 days. Regional & World Affairs: China says it supports a UN secretary-general selection based on the UN Charter, competence and fairness, as CARICOM leaders rally behind Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

Children’s Home Fire: The Human Services Ministry says the Plum Park children’s home blaze has been contained and all children have been evacuated and accounted for; nine children were treated for smoke inhalation at GPHC, while others were relocated and the ministry is monitoring closely. Mining Crackdown: GGMC enforcement shut down an unlicensed gold shop at Tamakay Landing, seizing gold, equipment and cash; two people were detained as investigations continue. Elections Trial Update: In the GECOM fraud case, IT manager Aneal Giddings told the court he did not access or tamper with the election server and denied permitting anyone else to do so, though he admitted he lacked written authorisation for time alone with SOPs. Extradition Proceedings: Magistrate Judy Latchman said the court will not suppress valid questions in the Azruddin Mohamed extradition matter, as cross-examination of Special Branch head Prem Narine continues. Football Development: GFF and Aspire Zone Foundation signed an MoU to boost Under-14 and Under-17 youth programmes, grassroots football, and coaching exchanges. Youth & Skills: President Ali urged young Guyanese to seize emerging opportunities, while NATI welcomed 251 new TVET students and the Education Ministry commissioned new AutoCAD labs at Hope Secondary and North Ruimveldt. Transport & Safety: MV Canawaima was cleared to sail after re-inspection, and police detained a suspect after 36 pounds of cocaine were found hidden in frozen fish.

Aviation Safety: The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority warned animal owners they could face a $1M fine and six months in jail if livestock stray onto aerodrome runways, after repeated runway crossings. Aircraft Incident: Police are investigating an ASL plane veering off the Mahdia Airstrip; all six aboard escaped unhurt and the aircraft suffered minor wheel damage. Football: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars made it two wins from two in the Concacaf Nations League, beating the Cayman Islands 2-0 with goals from Liam Gordon and Osaze De Rosario. UN Diplomacy: Caribbean leaders and Guyana are pushing Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Secretary-General, while China says the next SG must be competent, impartial and upright. Housing & Land Claims: CH&PA rejected claims that President Ali personally bought 182 acres at Onderneeming, saying the order cited is part of the public land title process. Water & Infrastructure: GWI opened a $100 five-gallon refilling station in Vergenoegen and says it will drill 14 new wells for housing schemes as water shortages persist. Crime: Police seized 36 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in frozen fish at Richmondville, Providence; a miner was arrested. Sports (Local): Tapeball Blast quarter-finals are set for Lusignan on Oct 3. Culture: President Ali and the region mourned calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.

UN Secretary-General race: Guyana urged UN members to back Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as US opposition reports add pressure to the secretary-general contest. Regional diplomacy: Barbados PM Mia Mottley told the UN the Caribbean must stay a zone of peace, backing full renewal and deployment of Haiti’s UN-authorised gang suppression force. Haiti security push: All 32 OAS member states called for the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate with full personnel, funding, equipment and logistics. Local aviation & crime: An ASL plane overran the Mahdia airstrip after a tyre puncture; no injuries reported. A Cuban man was arrested after stabbing a fellow Cuban at a shipyard in Land of Canaan, EBD. Road safety crackdown: Police seized four illegal siren devices worth over $2M and say more traffic cameras will be operationalised before year-end; 8,000 truck speed limiters have been procured. Energy & economy: GUYOIL raised fuel prices nationwide; Guyana also pushed for natural capital to be counted in climate financing. Education & culture: Ali said a specialised STEM school is planned with Exxon; Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations continued at Kuru Kururu.

Forest & Tourism: Government plans 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. Safety After MV Barima: President Ali says the MV Barima tragedy must trigger a new national culture of safety, with stronger responsibility from leadership and improved crisis readiness. Governance & Development: Ali says the first six years laid foundations for a more transformative next four years, with investments aimed at long-term gains beyond roads and buildings. Youth Skills: A $6.5M programme will train 40 young people from eight communities in practical trades and business skills, with mentoring and possible job placement. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors staged a comeback from 29/8 to win the GSL T20 title, defeating San Francisco Unicorns. Tourism Business Growth: Aagman Restaurant opened a second location in Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three, linking private investment to tourism jobs and livelihoods. Aviation Warning: GCAA warns animal owners that runway trespass can bring up to $1M fines and jail. Road Safety Push: A gender-responsive road safety campaign launches in Linden, including a nationwide speeding drive. Power Crisis Update: Government again tells consumers to brace for another six months as electricity stabilisation plans continue. Courtroom Hospital Fight: Full Court lifts protective orders in the VAMED hospital site dispute, clearing the way for the state to reclaim properties while arbitration continues.

UN Diplomacy: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that “World War III” is a real risk as global tensions, AI and climate pressures push the world toward a dangerous precipice. UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett stayed in focus as Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov on the next UN chief’s role and mandate, amid reports of possible US opposition. Essequibo Standoff: President Irfaan Ali told the UN General Assembly Venezuela must unconditionally abide by the ICJ ruling, after Delcy Rodríguez urged a return to the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Maritime Disaster: MARAD is seeking salvage firms to recover the wreck of the MV Barima, where 73 died and 30 remain missing, with families still demanding answers. Power & Safety: Government targets electricity stability within six months via grid and generating overhauls; meanwhile, officials launched a Gender Equality in the Workplace push and PSEAH training to tackle toxic workplaces. Sports & Culture: Guyana set a 50-year-old 4x100m relay record at the South American Games; powerlifting ended with 21 medals in Chile; and Imran Tahir said he wants to return to the Guyana Amazon Warriors for CPL 2027. Local Life: Nineteen bird guides were accredited to boost specialised birding tourism, and Region Eight residents began training to run community road works with heavy machinery.

Armed Robbery Crackdown: Police arrested two labourers after a businessman was robbed at Nandy Park, EBD, on Sept 25—suspects escaped on a black motorcycle, taking an iPhone 14 Plus and cash. Crime Update: Another robbery at gunpoint hit two Cuban nationals near Stanleytown, WBD; no arrests yet. Maritime Anger in Linden: Protesters breached the Watooka Complex in Linden, demanding the resignation of Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar over the MV Barima tragedy. Electric Mobility Skills: Guyana Energy Agency trained 25 more EV/hybrid technicians, bringing the total to 102, as charging use rises. Powerlifting Success: Guyana’s powerlifters surged to 14 medals at South American Championships in Chile. Tourism Training: Seven Rupununi bird guides were accredited as Guyana expands specialist birding tourism. Public Safety: Firearm stolen from a security guard outside a North Road bar; investigations ongoing. UN Diplomacy: UN leaders warned of “colonisation by data,” while Barbados PM Mia Mottley backed Guyana’s UN SG bid for Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Oil Oversight: Audit Office plans to strengthen capacity for oil and gas scrutiny after funding attempts failed. Weather Prep: CDC urged Guyanese to prepare for hotter, drier El Niño conditions into late next year.

UN Diplomacy & Essequibo: President Irfaan Ali rejected claims the US will veto Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s UN bid, saying Washington has given Guyana no such position, as Venezuela reiterated it will not abide by any ICJ decision on the Essequibo. Oil & Transparency: A new analysis questions Ali’s stated 39.8% oil share, pointing to Bank of Guyana reporting that suggests Guyana’s profit share could be under 30%. Local Governance: Georgetown’s parapet waste pickup is set to resume, with tighter rules for missed collections and new skip-bin sites to curb illegal dumping. Citizenship & Land Rules: Attorney General Anil Nandlall said immigration and citizenship laws are under review to tighten grants and regulate non-citizen land and property ownership. Diaspora Push: Ali announced a special diaspora investment vehicle with guaranteed returns, alongside plans for a single government services app and a national payment system. Sports: Guyana powerlifters surged to 14 medals at the South American Championships, while Amerindian Heritage Games kicked off in Georgetown. Aviation: LIAT apologised for flight disruptions and said more aircraft are returning to service.

Judicial Independence Under Pressure: Legal scholar Justice Courtney Abel warned that travel restrictions and acting appointments can “arrange the atmosphere” against judges, citing the Miami visa review incident involving High Court Judge Gino Persaud. Forest Protection Push: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will designate about 1.5 million hectares of forest as a permanent protected area in the Rupununi Acarai-Rupununi corridor. Health Alert for Men: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says prostate cancer is now the leading cancer among Guyanese men, urging early screening and PSA testing ahead of PinkTOBER. Local Content in Oil Jobs: GCCI president Kathy Smith urged stronger government monitoring of foreign oil contractors and clearer support for Guyanese firms as the sector expands. Infrastructure & Services: Leopold Street gets major park and sports upgrades, while One Communications reports mobile data and fibre restoration after fibre cable damage. Public Safety & Governance: GRA introduces official Customs badges to curb impersonation and fraud. International Security: INTERPOL Americas conference in Georgetown ends with recommendations to target illicit financial flows and improve information sharing. Diplomacy & Border Row: Ali and Venezuela’s acting leader Delcy Rodríguez delivered sharply different UNGA messages on Essequibo, with Ali backing ICJ process and Rodríguez calling for renewed negotiations. Sports & Community: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars opened Nations League with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico; BROCODE and Muslim leaders also stepped up cancer and MV Barima support efforts.