AGP Executive Report

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.

UN & Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s election to the UN Security Council (2027-28) is framed as a big win for small states, but also a test of CARICOM alignment and regional positions. Sports & Community Cricket: KFC Guyana is back as official Fast Food partner for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, boosting the August 8 season opener. Football Viewing: ENet secures exclusive broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2026, with live coverage via its apps and platforms across Guyana. Health Tech Spotlight: An Indian surgeon and SS Innovations report the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery—linking Guyana and India over nearly 20,000 km using the SSI Mantra robot. Athletics Calendar: AAG sets the National Seniors, Youth and Juniors Track and Field Championships for June 26-28 at West Coast Demerara, with Commonwealth Games and U20 Worlds targets. Local Sports Prep: GBA sends four boxers and a coach to a 10-day camp in Trinidad and Tobago ahead of CAC and Commonwealth Games. Education Accountability: The Education Ministry says disciplinary hearings for David Rose Special School teachers are expected within 10 days after a widely circulated mistreatment video. Energy Debate: APNU demands transparency over Guyana’s reliance on powerships while Gas-to-Energy remains stalled, calling for a real energy plan. Arts & Culture: Guyana’s creative sector gathers for ECONOME V: Swim Differently—focused on personal branding, collaboration, and growth. Remembering Al McDonald: Former Guyana Chronicle sports journalist Al McDonald dies in the US; cremation planned in Florida with ashes to return home.

World Record Medicine: Guyana’s Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and IRCAD India marked a milestone with the world’s longest-distance robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery—about 20,000 km—using the SSI Mantra system. Education Accountability: The Ministry of Education has sent a David Rose Special School investigation file to the Teaching Service Commission after a video of alleged teacher mistreatment; disciplinary hearings are expected within 10 days. Energy & Governance: InterEnergy outlined its plan to modernise GPL’s grid through 2030, while APNU demanded transparency over powership reliance and the stalled Gas-to-Energy “permanent solution.” Oil Wealth Watch: Finance Minister Ashni Singh tabled Natural Resource Fund receipts in Parliament; the NRF balance was reported at US$4.1B. Football & Media: ENet secured exclusive Guyana broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2026, with live viewing via its apps and platforms. Sports Prep: The Guyana Boxing Association sent four boxers and a coach to a 10-day training camp in Trinidad ahead of the CAC Games and Commonwealth Games. Creative Sector: Creatives gathered for ECONOME V to learn about personal branding and collaboration. Caribbean Cricket Fun: CWI’s “Ladies Night” at Sabina Park offers free admission for women ahead of the WI vs Sri Lanka ODI. Policy Debate: Government tabled a bill to restore former presidents’ benefits, including utilities, security, medical care, and staff.

Star Trek & Guyana Legacy: Reginald “Lal” Singh’s final screen role as Captain Chandra in the original Star Trek is revisited, alongside his wider life from British Guiana to the Indian freedom movement. Global Football Access: ENet secured exclusive broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2026, promising live coverage across Guyana via its apps and platforms. Cricket Night Out: CWI’s “Ladies Night” at Sabina Park offers free admission to women for the West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI, with DJ entertainment and match-day perks. Guyana Sports Prep: The Guyana Boxing Association sends four elite boxers (including Desmond Amsterdam and Akeelah Vancooten) plus a coach to a Trinidad training camp ahead of the CAC Games and Commonwealth Games. Creative Sector Boost: Women in Guyana’s creative industry gathered for ECONOME V: Swim Differently, focusing on personal branding and collaboration. Education Accountability: The David Rose Special School case moves forward as the Education Ministry sends its investigation file to the TSC, with hearings expected within 10 days. Public Safety Shock: A 7-year-old boy was found dead with his throat slit during a home invasion in Zeelugt, while his grandmother was badly injured. Energy & Governance Debate: APNU demands transparency over the government’s powership reliance as InterEnergy outlines a GPL grid modernisation roadmap through 2030. Oil Wealth Watch: Finance Minister Ashni Singh tables NRF receipts notification; the fund balance is reported at US$4.1B. Policy Fight Over Former Presidents: Government tables a bill to restore unlimited benefits for former presidents, drawing pushback from opposition MPs. Tech & Security: Guyana joins the LAC4 cybersecurity alliance to strengthen training and digital forensics capacity. CPL Partnership: BYD announced as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out cricket-themed activations and a design challenge.

Caribbean Cricket & Culture: BYD is named official car partner of CPL 2026, rolling out fan activations across eight countries including Guyana, plus a “Wrap the Future” design challenge. Local Sports Spotlight: Guyana’s “Green Machine” eyes a bounce-back win over Barbados in RAN Tier Two after a tough start, while grassroots tapeball keeps heating up with One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast support from I&S Trading. Youth & Community Sports: Cricket West Indies launches free entry for kids 16 and under to home matches across the region, and the GBA hands boxing equipment to the Republican Boxing Gym to help restart prison boxing and prep for national competition. Tech, Health & Guyana’s Reach: SS Innovations says it completed the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery between Guyana and India. Online Safety Push: Guyana begins a national consultation to protect children from harmful social media content, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall stressing Big Tech can be held to court orders. Arts & Books: Shana Chandra’s debut novel “Banjara” spotlights Indo-Fijian indenture history, linking past and present through two women’s journeys.