AGP Executive Report

Oil & Markets: WTI slid nearly 5% to about $80.73 as expectations of a US-Iran interim deal eased the war premium, with Brent also dropping sharply. Health & Community: Science and Technology Laureate Dr Niven Narain pledged his US$35K prize to launch a women’s health foundation in Guyana and Miami, starting with “Women’s Health on Wheels.” Local Politics & Safety: WIN MP Deon LaCruz denies domestic violence and child abuse allegations after his arrest and bail. Sports (Tapeball): St. Therese Primary held nerve to win the Berbice zone title in Future Warriors Tapeball, while Massiah Primary knocked out defending champions Cropper. Arts & Pop Culture: FumaCon 2026 returns July 4–5 with international guests, including voice actor Ray Chase, plus cosplay workshops and panels. Cricket Development: GBTI injected G$3.5M into Beharry’s U-19 schools cricket tournament, and Youth Basketball Guyana launched the 19th NSBF with record-breaking regional participation. Climate Finance: Guyana has earned US$353M from carbon credit sales since 2022 under the LCDS 2030.

Youth Sports Spotlight: GBTI chips in G$3.5M for the Beharry Group Under-19 Schools Cricket Tournament, kicking off this weekend with 80 teams chasing zonal glory nationwide. School Basketball Buzz: Youth Basketball Guyana launches the 19th National School Basketball Festival, set for June 28–July 5 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with first-time debuts from Region Nine and Essequibo. Grassroots Cricket Drama: Future Warriors Tapeball for Primary Schools powered by ExxonMobil Guyana sees defending champions Cropper Primary knocked out by Massiah Primary in Berbice. Cricket Administration: The Guyana Cricket Board unveils a Modernisation Program and new logo, aiming to digitise and reshape its internal structure. Motorsport Weekend: GMR&SC sets Dakota 100 Round 2 and a Track Day for June 28 at the South Dakota Circuit. Community & Values: PM Phillips lauds Caribbean excellence at the Anthony N. Sabga Awards, while President Ali urges the Adventist Church to help preserve Guyana’s “soul” amid rapid change. Local Business Treats: Young entrepreneur Devishti Sukhan shares her sweet success with Suga Plum.

Oil & Politics: ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC allegedly left Guyana with a US$2.4B tax bill unpaid in 2025, with the country now borrowing US$2.6B for the 2026 budget—another reminder of how oil deals can hit local life. Courtroom Drama: High Court orders VP Bharrat Jagdeo to pay Charles Ceres about $17M total in a Charles Ceres defamation suit, while Kaieteur News and Guyana Times were cleared of libel damages but hit with costs. Community & Values: President Ali urged the Seventh-day Adventist Church to help preserve Guyana’s “soul” as development accelerates—faith, unity and love, he said, must outlast the boom. Youth Sports Spotlight: GBTI put G$3.5M behind Beharry’s Under-19 schools cricket tournament; Youth Basketball Guyana launched the record-setting 19th National School Basketball Festival; and Future Warriors Tapeball heads into Berbice with more primary-school action at Albion. Local Housing Watch: Housing Ministry says it’s enlisted INTERPOL and the FBI to track contractor Omar Malik over the Young Professional Homes project. Debating Scene: Mackenzie High School won the J.O.F. Haynes Memorial Secondary Schools Debating Competition. Music & Culture: Florida reggae act Jah Rockaz is taking its “Reggae is Healing” message to the international stage.

Sex Offences Bill: Minister Gail Teixeira says the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill was shaped by a year-long consultation with 100+ organisations, pushing back on claims of a rushed process and arguing critics are spreading misinformation. Sex Offender Registry Fight: The debate is heating up over whether the registry should be closed or publicly accessible, with Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud facing fresh backlash over her claims about consultation. Housing Contractor Fallout: The Housing Ministry says it has already engaged INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS to pursue Omar Malik and DreamVu Homes over the Young Professional Homes project, insisting it acted long before recent public attention. Youth Cricket Boost: GBTI injects G$3.5M into the Beharry Group U-19 Schools Cricket Tournament, set to run nationwide from this weekend to August 8. School Basketball: Youth Basketball Guyana launches the 19th National School Basketball Festival, with Essequibo and Berbice debuting and a rule change limiting players to one division. Tapeball Returns: Future Warriors Tapeball shifts to Berbice at Albion Sports Complex this weekend, with free admission and a full Round One slate. Archery Wins: Archery Guyana brings home 14 medals at the Caribbean Developmental Archery League Championships. Reggae Spotlight: Jah Rockaz takes its “Reggae is Healing” message to the international stage after growing from a Florida passion project into a bigger act.

Housing & Justice: Guyana’s Housing Ministry says it has formally engaged INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS in the Omar Malik/DreamVu Homes case, after the contractor allegedly failed to meet obligations to homeowners. Sex Offences Bill Backlash: Minister Gail Teixeira insists the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill was consulted for a year, pushing back on claims of rushed passage and addressing concerns about sex-offender registry access. Sports Spotlight: The GHB Diamond Jubilee Cup kicked off at the National Stadium with GCC Elite hammering Hikers 10-0, as the Independence outdoor hockey tournament runs June 11–15. Cricket Business: Flow is named official partner of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, boosting fan connectivity ahead of the season. Youth & Community Fitness: STRIDE592 launches “Girls on the Move” for girls 6–18, mixing running, mentorship and mental health support with a September 27 SOCA Heart 5K goal. Health & Tech: GPHC reports a week of first-of-its-kind robotic surgeries after Guyana’s May 26 launch, including robotic telesurgery and local procedures. Transport Pressure: Corentyne hire-car operators demand police crack down on private vehicles carrying paying passengers. CARICOM Trade Talks: COTED opens in Georgetown as ministers weigh energy and supply-chain shocks and their impact on trade and food security. Court Ruling: VP Bharrat Jagdeo ordered to pay Charles Ceres $15M plus costs for defamatory statements. Sports Crime Watch: Ponzi scheme operators Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael were fined and jailed after SOCU convictions.

CARICOM Trade Talks: Trade ministers opened the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown, with CARICOM SG Dr. Carla Barnett warning that energy-market shocks and supply-chain disruptions are pushing up costs, inflation, and food insecurity across the region. US Business Push: Former U.S. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch led a multi-sector American delegation to Guyana to scout investment in AI, infrastructure, logistics, finance, transport, and advanced tech, meeting key government officials on private-sector growth. Medical Innovation: GPHC marked a major milestone with a week of robotic surgeries, including Guyana’s first robotic inguinal hernia repair and other first-of-its-kind procedures, building on the May 26 launch tied to Independence celebrations. Youth Fitness & Mentorship: STRIDE592 launched “Girls on the Move” for girls ages 6–18, combining running, mentorship, and mental health support, with a September 27 SOCA Heart 5K goal. Cricket Culture: S&K Imports GY signed on as a corporate partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, backing grassroots talent ahead of the August 8 start. Sports Spotlight: The Guyana Hockey Board unveiled the Diamond Jubilee Cup for June 11–15 at the National Stadium, kicking off with round-robin action. Arts & Identity: Keisha Scarville’s photo series “Passports” is set for a monograph release, reworking her father’s passport images into vivid, genderless, muse-like figures. Digital Rules for Kids: Government retained a UK law firm to help craft practical, enforceable social media regulations aimed at protecting children. Legal & Public Debate: The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill faced backlash over a proposed restricted sex offenders registry, with the government moving it to a select committee after public pressure. Court Update: Devin Sears was freed of a drug trafficking charge after a no-case submission succeeded. Fraud Sentencing: Ponzi scheme operators Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael were fined and jailed after convictions tied to hundreds of millions in losses.

CARICOM Spotlight: Trade ministers opened the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown, with CARICOM SG Carla Barnett warning that energy and supply-chain shocks are pushing up prices, inflation, and food insecurity across the region. Tapeball Buzz: S&K Imports GY signed on as a corporate partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, backing grassroots cricket ahead of the August 8 start. Courtroom Win: Ex-AFC MP Devin Sears was freed of a drug trafficking charge after a no-case submission succeeded at the Linden Magistrates’ Court. Public Policy Clash: Opposition says an EITI meeting notice was withheld, while the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill’s sex-offenders registry fight flipped after public backlash, sending the bill to a select committee with calls for an open register. Digital Life, Still Cash: A column highlights how Guyana’s economy remains heavily cash-based, with many businesses still refusing or lacking electronic payment options. Cricket Culture: Google’s doodle marked the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 kick-off, featuring cricket-themed artwork visible in Guyana. Arts & Meaning: A local arts column argues Guyana’s creative scene is stuck in “mirroring” reality instead of using art to shape responses. Sports Community: Guyana’s boxing and cricket prep continues, including a Trinidad training camp for boxers and encouragement for U-19 cricketers ahead of upcoming championships. Scam Crackdown: Ponzi scheme operators Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael were fined and jailed after SOCU secured convictions.

Sex Offences Bill Backtrack: After public outrage over a proposed “closed” sex offenders registry, President Irfaan Ali ordered the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill sent to a Select Committee, with Cabinet backing an open public register. Child Online Safety: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says Guyana has hired a UK law firm to help design enforceable social media rules for children, using international models as a guide. Anti-Bullying Push: The Education Ministry received 1,000+ recommendations for a new anti-bullying and anti-violence policy, including anti-bullying clubs, peer advocates, stronger counselling, and tougher consequences. Sports Spotlight: Guyana’s boxers head to a 10-day Trinidad camp ahead of the CAC and Commonwealth Games, while Ashley Khalil celebrates a Women’s National Squash title and vows to level up for regional and international events. Community & Culture: Iere Concepts Limited honoured elders and contributors at Iere Village, celebrating decades of volunteer-driven community building. Real Estate Tech: Guyana HomeHub will exhibit at the International Building Expo 2026, pitching verified property listings as a safer alternative to informal social-media ads.

Sex Offenders Registry U-turn: After public backlash, President Irfaan Ali ordered the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill sent to a Special Select Committee, with a push for a fully public sex offenders register instead of a closed one. Anti-Bullying Push: The Ministry of Education received 1,000+ recommendations for a nationwide Anti-Bullying and Anti-Violence Policy, including anti-bullying clubs, peer advocates, stronger counselling, and tougher consequences. Labour Rights Protest: Wales gas project bus drivers in West Bank Demerara staged protests over months of unpaid salaries and poor conditions, with workers stranded as texts promised payment soon. Sugar Cost Spotlight: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told Parliament Guyana produced raw sugar in 2025 at about US$1.09 per pound including labour and maintenance. Youth Cricket Prep: Minister Charles Ramson Jr. urged Guyana’s U-19s to keep disciplined practice ahead of the CWI Rising Stars U-19 50-over Championships. Women’s Squash Win: Ashley Khalil says her national squash title is motivation to keep improving fitness, movement, and consistency for regional and international events. Sports & Community: Youth Basketball Guyana wrapped a Mini Basketball Jamboree with 79 players, special recognition for girls, and development scholarships. Energy & Oil Debate: New reports highlight oil investment not matching higher prices, while local coverage also revisits Exxon’s profit gap and its ongoing US$214M dispute with Guyana. Digital Child Safety: Attorney General Anil Nandlall said Guyana is consulting a UK law firm to study models for regulating social media effects on children.

Public Health Crackdown: President Irfaan Ali warns regional health officers and hospital administrators that bypassing Guyana’s new centralized medical supply system could mean immediate termination. Oil & Accountability: ExxonMobil says it may take its US$214M audit dispute with Guyana to the ICC, while separate reporting shows Exxon and partners earned far more profit than Guyana received in 2025. Sports & Culture: Youth Basketball Guyana wraps a Mini Basketball Jamboree that spotlights grassroots development and more female participation. Cricket & Community: Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram is inducted Patron of Tucber Park Cricket Club, backing youth and cricket growth. Women’s Cricket: Jamaica Empress joins the Women’s Caribbean Premier League as a new franchise for 2026 in Barbados. Media Watch: Former Stabroek News editor Anand Persaud leads the launch of free online newspaper “Kiskadee Watch” on June 14. Arts & Literature: Diana Evans wins the UK Jhalak prose prize for I Want to Talk to You. Governance Debate: Human Services Minister Vindyha Persaud says the Sexual Offenders’ Registry decision follows public consultation.

Oil & Accountability: ExxonMobil’s 2025 profit haul dwarfed Guyana’s take, with auditors also flagging Exxon’s US$214M dispute as the fight heads toward possible ICC arbitration. Sports Spotlight: Guyana gets behind the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifier (July 8–12) with Kashif & Shanghai named Local Organising Committee, while the Women’s Caribbean Premier League expands with Jamaica Empress joining Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents and Trinbago Knight Riders in a Barbados festival format (Sept 5–17). Arts & Culture: A new Euro-Guyanese Classical Music and Opera Association debuts at St. George’s Cathedral, and Hooked partners with BPM Guyana to reshape socialising at the Guyana Electronic Music Festival. Media & Press Freedom: Former Stabroek News editor Anand Persaud leads the launch of free online paper “Kiskadee Watch,” with a weekly print edition planned later this year. Community & Safety: Human Services Minister says the closed Sexual Offenders’ Registry is backed by public consultation, and Govt moves to protect children online with age-based access rules.

Diaspora & Independence Buzz: Over 10,000 Guyanese turned out in Brooklyn for the Diamond Jubilee Independence celebration, with a big street parade and a high-energy Unity Concert that showcased local music and pride. Women’s Cricket Spotlight: Jamaica Empress has been added as the fourth franchise to the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, with the 2026 tournament set for September 5–17 in Barbados and Guyana Amazon Warriors opening against the new team. Classical Music Growth: The Euro-Guyanese Classical Music and Opera Association debuted at St. George’s Cathedral, featuring international talent and local performers under EU Ambassador Luca Pierantoni’s patronage. New Media for Press Freedom: Former Stabroek News editor-in-chief Anand Persaud will lead the launch of “Kiskadee Watch,” a free online newspaper starting June 14, with plans for a weekly print edition later this year. Tech Meets Culture: BPM Guyana’s GEMF experience leaned into social connection via the Hooked app, helping solo attendees meet up through QR codes and early access. Sports Infrastructure: Anna Regina National Stadium is slated to be commissioned July 3, aiming to boost youth sport in Region Two.

Women’s Cricket Spotlight: Jamaica Empress is confirmed as the fourth franchise in the expanded 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League, joining Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders. The festival-style tournament runs in Barbados at Kensington Oval from Sept 5–17, with eight matches and a new playoff setup. Local Sports Infrastructure: Anna Regina National Stadium is set to be commissioned July 3, with the project described as substantially complete and ready to open a modern training hub for Region Two athletes. Press Freedom in Focus: Kiskadee Watch, led by former Stabroek News editor-in-chief Anand Persaud, is set to launch June 14 as a free online paper, with a weekly print edition planned before year-end. Digital Safety for Kids: Guyana is moving toward an online child-safety framework, including a proposed minimum social media age of 16 and tighter access rules for ages 13–15. Entertainment & Community Tech: BPM Guyana’s GEMF collaboration with Hooked helped single attendees connect via QR codes and early access, aiming to make festival socialising easier. Big Science, Guyana Connection: An Indian surgeon reportedly set a world record for longest-distance robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery, operating remotely between Guyana and India.

Sports Infrastructure: Anna Regina National Stadium is set to be commissioned on July 3, with Minister Charles Ramson Jr confirming the facility is substantially complete and ready to expand structured sporting opportunities in Region Two. Youth Cricket: The Beharry Group of Companies Schools U-19 Cricket Tournament gets a Zone 2 team briefing, with National U19 Coach Anthony Adams praising school cricket as a talent pipeline. Local Football: President’s College and Dora Secondary defend their Region Four crowns in the Blue Water Girls’ U15 Championship, with standout players Neisa Lewis and Luiza Pugsley sharing the Most Outstanding Player award. Community Cricket & Brands: KFC Guyana renews as official Fast Food partner for the One Guyana T10 Blast, while BYD is announced as Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026. Education & Child Safety: Education Minister Sonia Parag says a file on alleged mistreatment of a special needs student has been submitted to the TSC, with disciplinary hearings expected within 10 days. Tech & Health Milestone: An Indian surgeon performs the world’s longest-distance robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery, operating remotely from Guyana to India using SSI Mantra.

Local Governance: PNCR says the prolonged absence of a functioning Local Government Commission is leaving municipalities and NDCs in “administrative paralysis,” blocking disciplinary action and accountability. Youth Sports: President’s College and Dora Secondary successfully defended Region Four crowns in the Blue Water Girls’ U15 football, with a tie for Most Outstanding Player. Cricket Development: Zone 2 schools get set for the Beharry Group of Companies U-19 Cricket Tournament after a team briefing led by national U19 coach Anthony Adams. Community Cricket (Tapeball): KFC Guyana renews as official fast-food partner for the One Guyana T10 Blast, backing the Aug. 8 season opener. Fashion & Culture: Origins fashion festival returns July 3–5 with a “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years” theme and per-designer grants. Tech & Media Literacy: U.S. Embassy and GPA launch a two-day “AI and Democracy” workshop to help journalists navigate AI-altered information. International Spotlight: Venezuela again questions the ICJ process over Essequibo after Guyana’s statements. Sports Legacy: Former Chronicle sports journalist Al McDonald dies in Florida; cremation planned June 8 with ashes to return to Guyana.

ICJ Tension: Venezuela says it has “well-founded doubts” about the ICJ process over Guyana’s Essequibo dispute, rejecting Guyana’s stance and insisting the matter should be handled under the 1899 Geneva framework. Media & Tech: The U.S. Embassy and the Guyana Press Association launched a two-day “AI and Democracy” workshop to help journalists navigate AI-driven misinformation and strengthen media literacy. Sports Sponsorship: KFC Guyana is back as official fast-food partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, as the tournament gears up for an Aug. 8 season. Fashion Spotlight: Guyana Fashion Festival “Origins” returns July 3–5 with a “Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years” theme, runway nights, awards, and $250,000 grants for selected designers. Health Breakthrough: SSI Mantra reports a world-record robotic cardiac telesurgery linking Guyana and India over nearly 20,000 km. Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies’ “Five for Fun” programme officially launches in Barbados, continuing its regional push for youth cricket skills and inclusion. Local Sports Infrastructure: Anna Regina National Stadium is set for commissioning on July 3.