AGP Executive Report

Guyana–Venezuela at the ICJ, but the lesson is global: A new analysis argues the dispute isn’t just about Essequibo—it’s a wider fight over whether old borders can be reopened, with Africa’s post-colonial experience shaping how the stakes are understood. Immigration pressure and alleged passport corruption: Citizens are reportedly waiting about six months for passport appointments, while claims of people “bypassing the system” for money keep the spotlight on the Immigration Division’s delays and management. Quarry labour crisis: Attorneys for 37 striking Indian quarry workers have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to EKAA HRIM—demanding full wage payment and immediate return airfares, pushing back against a later government timeline. School violence crackdown: President Ali says 353 schools reported incidents, with cyberbullying, gangs, and substances flagged as drivers—so the state is rolling out counselling, referrals, monitoring, and a cyberbullying consultation, with AI being explored for earlier intervention. Independence culture in full swing: From the Guyana Festival’s “Night of Legends” to Independence golf and youth football milestones, the 60th celebrations keep turning into real community energy.

School Safety Push: President Irfaan Ali says violence in schools hit 353 institutions nationwide, with Region Four leading (41%), driven by gang activity, substance use, and cyberbullying—so the government is launching public consultations on online harassment plus more counselling, a standardised referral system, CCTV/bag scanners at high-risk schools, and a confidential student reporting channel, with AI being explored for earlier intervention. Border Tech Upgrade: Ali also unveiled plans for an AI-powered biometric immigration and border network—facial recognition at airports, e-visas, risk alerts even when people book travel, and smarter monitoring across ports. Independence Culture & Gold: Guyana launched “Eldorado Reimagined,” unveiling the first in-country minted Independence gold medallion and pushing a value-added gold story. Diamond Jubilee on the Ground: Region Four held a flag-raising ceremony in Triumph with music, parade and heritage performances. Sports & Youth: Archery Guyana wrapped up its 2026 indoor championships, while Independence track and road events are set to light up the weekend. Labour Rights Clash: EKAA HRIM rejected labour abuse and modern slavery claims, saying workers were paid, fed, and free to leave the site.

Global Health Push: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says the world’s health system is getting too bureaucratic and must be rethought as funding tightens. School Safety Drive: Government is rolling out a multi-pronged response to rising school violence, with cyberbullying now singled out for a public consultation and tighter on-campus reporting and security. Tech Security & Policing: President Irfaan Ali unveiled a high-tech security blueprint—AI policing, smart stations, online reporting, and digital ID/passport tools—aimed at faster, data-driven responses. Electoral Reform, Staged: AG Anil Nandlall says Carter Center recommendations on the 2025 polls will be implemented in stages, especially where constitutional changes are needed. Copyright Consultations: Ali says consultations on modernising copyright and IP rights will soon begin, including input from artists. Sports & Culture: Archery Guyana’s indoor champs crowned Waldron and Gomes; Independence road race and track meet gears up this weekend.

Electoral Reform Pushback: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says Guyana will implement “most” Carter Center recommendations on the 2025 elections, but warns changes—especially constitutional ones—must happen in stages, while pointing to improvements already credited for faster, more transparent counting. Transport Tension: Minibus operators have escalated a strike over government refusal to approve fare increases, arguing fuel and maintenance costs have surged since 2018. Youth & Skills Boost: The Education Ministry and GPL sign an MoU to expand technician training and link schools to power-sector jobs. Sports & Community: Youth Basketball Guyana rolls out a grassroots “Introduction to Basketball Coaching” workshop, and cricket teams honour doctors through the Tribute to Doctors programme. Culture & Independence: Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations keep building momentum, from patriotic flag-raising plans to carnival calendar announcements.

Labour Unrest: Minibus operators across several regions have turned off their engines over a fare dispute, saying fuel and maintenance costs have surged while government refuses fare increases and they want urgent talks to end the impasse. Education-to-Work Pipeline: The Education Ministry and GPL signed an MoU to expand technician training, aiming to feed the power sector with more skilled trainees from technical institutes nationwide. Sports & Community: RHTYSC and S. Hussain Engineering Solutions hosted a “Tribute to Doctors” programme at Port Mourant, honouring medical staff as cricket teams continue their community awards. Culture & Independence Build-Up: As Guyana marks 60 years, Culture officials are pushing patriotic displays and a major Independence drone show walkthrough, while the Guyana Festival keeps “Sound, Soul and Taste” front and centre. Global Spotlight on Inclusion: UG-ECCE director Dr Lidon Lashley won international recognition for research review and analysis in inclusive education.

Diamond Jubilee Culture Push: Guyana’s 60th celebrations are in full swing, with Minister Steven Jacobs urging people to fly golden arrowheads on homes and businesses and a big Independence Evening drone show walkthrough already underway. Festival Energy: The Guyana Festival 2026 is bringing “Sound, Soul and Taste” back to the National Stadium after a 12-year gap, while LeZo Events has unveiled a packed 2026 carnival calendar (from Soca Supper May 22 to Rogue Nation Jouvert and Mas Mani on May 26). Diaspora & Pride: In New York, Guyanese communities are gearing up for Diamond Jubilee events, including celebrations tied to the May 26 independence date. Youth & Sports Development: Youth Basketball Guyana launched an “Introduction to Basketball Coaching” workshop to build grassroots coaching capacity. Crime & Justice: A 17-year-old was stabbed to death at the Route 40 mini-bus park, and the suspect remains in custody. Money Moves: Guyana is set to launch real-time payments FASTA with UPI integration on June 2.

Bombshell Court Turn: The alleged mastermind behind the deadly Mobil gas station bombing has reversed course and now refuses to plead guilty, after prosecutors moved to press capital charges against the full group—leaving the case in full trial mode. Worker Rights Under Fire: Labour Minister Keoma Griffith says government will “listen to both sides” in the quarry passport-confiscation probe, even as unions and rights groups demand criminal investigations and stronger protections for both local and foreign workers. Mahdia Fire Lawsuits: On the 21 May 2023 anniversary, families of Mahdia Secondary dorm victims are pushing multi-million-dollar claims against the State, challenging settlement caps and alleging coercion and missing fire safety. Skills & Schools: YBG rolled out an introduction basketball coaching workshop for grassroots development, while BIT graduated its first aircraft maintenance foundation cohort—signals of a push toward practical training. Energy Watch: University students toured the controversial Wales Gas-to-Energy project as critics renew questions over costs and accountability.

Digital Payments Push: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s new real-time system “FASTA” and India’s UPI integration will roll out from June 2, cutting clearing delays and speeding up instant transfers across participating banks. Education & Skills: The OPM/GTE task force took UG engineering students to the Wales Gas-to-Energy project site, while Education Minister Sonia Parag commissioned an AutoCAD lab at Bygeval Secondary as part of a $65M push for six specialised labs. Labour Rights Alarm: ALP leader Simona Broomes backs calls for a grand coalition and also demands independent probes into worker exploitation, including allegations around quarry workers in Region 7. Regional Spotlight: Jamaica is set to launch the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Kingston under a food-systems theme. Sports & Culture: Squash and cricket keep Independence momentum going, with youth tournaments and school tapeball action lined up.

Caribbean Migration Shock: St. Kitts and Nevis confirmed the first group of CARICOM nationals transferred from the U.S. under a bilateral migration deal, with three people from Jamaica and Belize expected May 19—officials say they’re not criminal convicts, but the move is set to spark fresh debate across the region. Labour Rights Under Pressure: In Guyana, ALP, GTUC and Forward Guyana are demanding criminal probes and stronger worker protections after reports of passport confiscations, unpaid wages and dangerous conditions tied to exploitation claims. Port Upgrade Costs: Parika’s waterfront access road, drainage and parking apron are put at about $499.04M, with bids opening June 10. Education & Skills: Minister Sonia Parag commissioned an AutoCAD lab at Bygeval Secondary as part of a $65M push for six specialised tech labs. Sports & Independence Buzz: Squash and cricket youth tournaments keep the Diamond Jubilee energy high, while GSA’s Diamond Independence Cup crowned new champions.

Education Tech Push: Minister Sonia Parag commissioned a new AutoCAD Laboratory at Bygeval Secondary in Region Five, part of a $65M plan to roll out six specialised computer labs nationwide—after the first lab opened in Region Two—so students can move from sketches to accurate 3D digital models. Disability & Learning: Blindness advocate Leroy Phillips, visibly impaired after 29 years without sight, has enrolled full-time at CPCE to train as a teacher, turning a long fight for access into a new classroom mission. Democracy Access: The Carter Center says Guyana’s 2025 elections were well run on polling day, but some eligible voters were still blocked—especially prisoners, persons with disabilities, Amerindian communities, and LGBTI voters—calling it “unfinished work.” Finance Upgrade: President Ali says real-time payments FASTA go live June 2, alongside integration with India’s UPI, as three international banks are licensed to enter Guyana. Sports & Culture: Independence celebrations keep rolling—youth badminton and softball cricket finals delivered big wins, while the Guyana Festival’s mega-concerts drew thousands at the National Stadium.

Banking Shake-Up: Guyana is moving fast to cut cash reliance, with real-time FASTA payments set to go live on June 2, 2026, letting people send and receive money instantly via mobile and internet banking—plus a push to connect with India’s UPI system. International Push: The same push for a modern financial sector comes as three international banks are now licensed to operate locally. Biodiversity Diplomacy: Guyana and the UN have signed a Declaration of Intent to deepen cooperation under the Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance, linking forest protection with climate resilience and sustainable development. Independence Energy: Weekend celebrations kept rolling—one Guyana mega-concert at the National Stadium and Independence sports finals, including softball cricket titles for 4R Lioness, Regal, and Parika Legends. Sports & Youth: The GFF Youth Ensemble Programme U13 League kicked off across regions, while junior squash star Emily Fung-A-Fat received support through Hand-in-Hand Insurance.

Independence Weekend Hits Full Volume: Guyana’s 60th anniversary build-up went loud at the National Stadium as thousands packed Guyana Fest 2026 for the “One Guyana” mega-concert, with big local names and a mix of Chutney, Reggae, Soca and folk sounds—plus food and culture stalls turning the grounds into a family festival. Regional Governance Reset: New Regional Executive Officers officially took over across Regions 1–8 and 10, with Region 9’s Karl Singh continuing, as the government pushes for faster public service delivery. Money Moves Faster: President Ali says Guyana’s banking era is about to change—real-time FAST PAY is set for June 2, and Guyana will also integrate with India’s UPI. Sports for the Future: The GFF and DOF Subsea are backing a girls’ elite football academy, while Camille Academy’s youths won historic Youth bodybuilding medals in Barbados. Culture in the Spotlight: The National Music School is being rebuilt, and Independence tennis and boxing development tournaments kept the sports calendar buzzing.

Opposition Push: APNU parliamentary lead Dr. Terrence Campbell is calling for a united front against PPP/C ahead of the 60th Independence Anniversary, urging opposition parties, unions, churches, temples and masjids to stop acting alone and coordinate publicly without turning cross-party engagement hostile. Regional Administration: President Ali has approved ten new Regional Executive Officers across all ten regions, including Dr. Steven Cheefoon (Region 1) and Dr. Gregory Harris (Region 10), as the government promises faster service delivery and better governance. Jobs Beyond Oil: APNU says Guyana needs a long-term job strategy beyond oil and gas, warning oil work will slow and the PPP/C is not preparing workers and local businesses for the shift. Finance Upgrade: Ali also announced FASTA (real-time payments) set for June 2, plus Guyana’s move into India’s UPI, alongside new international bank licences. Youth & Culture: Camille Academy’s Xavier Cespedes and Suraj Jhaman win gold and silver in youth bodybuilding in Barbados, while the Guyana Festival keeps rolling into its Independence celebrations.

Maths Push: Guyana has launched a 20-member National Mathematics Taskforce to lift performance nationwide, with Education Minister Sonia Parag stressing teacher training and better classroom delivery—not memorising to pass exams. Culture & Music: The National Music School is being rebuilt, and new recording studios are planned to give local artistes real studio time and bigger public platforms. Finance Upgrade: President Ali says Guyana’s payment future is arriving fast—real-time FASTA goes live June 2, and Guyana is integrating with India’s UPI. Independence Spirit: At the 60th anniversary events, Ali told Joint Services “sovereignty is not for sale,” while the Guyana Festival opened with “Song, Soul, and Taste” celebrating unity in diversity. Sports & Talent: Archery Guyana opened its biggest indoor nationals, and CPL draft buzz continues after Gudakesh Motie moved to Barbados Tridents.

Independence Spotlight: President Irfaan Ali set the tone for Guyana’s 60th Diamond Jubilee with a Joint Services Route March message of discipline, unity, and “sovereignty not for sale,” while the Guyana Festival kicked off under “Song, Soul, and Taste,” urging youth to break from old divisions. Cost-of-Living Reality Check: Despite billions tied to oil and gold, Guyanese vendors say people are now buying basics like tennis rolls on credit—an inflation squeeze that’s hitting daily life. Health & Prevention: A new Commonwealth report highlights cervical cancer elimination progress, while Guyana’s GPHC hosted a cardiology symposium warning of rising sudden cardiac deaths among young people. Education Push: The National Mathematics Taskforce is being rolled out to lift maths performance, and Project FLOW commissioned 15 school water purification systems in Region Three. Culture & Faith: An SDA Church three-week evangelistic series begins tonight at Festival Grounds, and the Independence Visual Arts Exhibition opened at Castellani House. Sports Momentum: CPL draft drama continues with Gudakesh Motie moving to Barbados Tridents, while Archery Guyana opened its biggest indoor nationals.

Independence Spotlight: President Irfaan Ali opened the Guyana Festival at the National Stadium, urging youth to reject division and make “One Guyana” real—unity, he said, is respect for differences, not sameness. Sovereignty & Security: In the Joint Services Route March, Ali also declared Guyana’s sovereignty “not for sale,” warning that territorial integrity will be guarded. Health Push: GPHC hosted its 4th cardiology symposium, flagging rising heart risks in young people and calling for stronger prevention and more cardiology specialists. Education + Water: Project FLOW commissioned 15 school water purification systems in Region Three, aiming to protect thousands of students with safe drinking water. Law & Rights: “Baby Skello” blasphemy charge was dismissed by a magistrate as “bad in law,” reigniting debate over colonial-era blasphemy rules. Politics Under Fire: Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul slammed the PM’s Office over constant delays on the Wales Gas-to-Energy project. Sports Buzz: CPL draft fallout continues—Gudakesh Motie thanked Warriors fans after being drafted to the Barbados Tridents.