AGP Executive Report

Economic Outlook: The IDB says Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in Latin America and the Caribbean, projecting 16.2% growth in 2026 and warning that the economy still faces external oil shocks because 90% of energy demand comes from imported oil. Cost-of-Living Debate: Citizens push back on President Ali’s “tone deaf” remarks about changing eating and spending habits, arguing government must act to rein in food prices and inflation pressures. GBV Support: Over 130 gender-based violence survivors accessed the Hope and Justice Centre in Lusignan in the first half of 2026, with domestic violence still the leading reason people seek help. Mental Health Response: After the MV Barima tragedy, the Health Ministry is extending psychological and psychiatric care to affected families, with WHO specialists training local health workers on grief support. Road Safety Tragedy: A Timehri Public Road crash involving an unlicensed, uninsured truck driver left two Indonesians dead and four foreigners injured, with victims treated at Diamond Regional Hospital. Mining & Community Health: The Amerindian Peoples Association condemns the Chinese Landing mining incursion, calling for immediate action to protect Indigenous land rights and community wellbeing. Public Health & Prevention: A vaping survivor urges quitting after severe respiratory harm, while GTA and GNBS run food safety prerequisites training for hospitality vendors. Breastfeeding Awareness: A Caribbean submission marks Breastfeeding Awareness Month, asking whether support systems make breastfeeding possible.

Mental Health Response: The Ministry of Health is extending psychological and psychiatric care to families and survivors of the MV Barima tragedy, with on-site counselling in Region One and two weeks of specialized grief training for health workers and community leaders by PAHO/WHO specialists. Road Safety Tragedy: Two Indonesian oil-sector workers died in a Timehri Public Road crash involving a sand truck and two mini-buses; four others were hospitalized, and the unlicensed, uninsured truck driver is in custody as police investigate. Cost-of-Living Debate: Citizens pushed back on President Ali’s “tone deaf” remarks linking higher living costs to changing eating and spending habits, arguing government must act with stronger price control and direct relief. Inflation & Food Prices: The IDB warned Guyana remains vulnerable to external oil shocks and noted inflation pressure is still heavily driven by food price increases. Food Safety & Local Supply: GTA and GNBS trained tourism food vendors on safety prerequisites, while THAG urged better food safety, quality, and traceability as hotels seek more locally produced fruits and vegetables. Breastfeeding Support: A call for more support for breastfeeding mothers highlighted barriers that make “breastfeeding is a sustainable start to life” harder to achieve in practice. Mining Health: MNR/GGMC continued technical assistance to miners on mercury-free alternatives and safer methods to improve gold recovery and reduce health risks. Accidents: A woman died after a Corentyne pedestrian crash, and a mechanic died following a Corentyne collision with a lorry.

Oil & Growth: Guyana’s economy is projected to surge in 2026, with GDP growth forecast at 16.2% driven by rising oil output and revenues, while new projects are expected to expand the sector’s spillover into construction, logistics and local business. Cost of Living & Inflation: The IDB says food prices are still the biggest driver of inflation, with pressure easing in early 2026 but groceries remaining the key concern for households. Vaping Health Warning: A vaping survivor is urging people to quit after severe respiratory problems, echoing medical concerns about nicotine, toxic particles and flavouring chemicals. Breastfeeding Support Push: A Caribbean submission for Breastfeeding Awareness Month asks a tough question—whether mothers are truly being supported to breastfeed in practice. Mining & Community Rights: The Amerindian Peoples Association condemns a mining incursion at Chinese Landing, calling for government intervention to protect Indigenous land rights amid an ongoing standoff. Kidney Transplant Oversight: HOATTA is engaging public and private hospitals on certification and regulatory requirements for kidney transplantation. Food Safety for Tourism: The GTA and GNBS trained food vendors on hygiene and food safety prerequisites to help improve safe service in hospitality. Water for Schools: Region Eight’s new Monkey Mountain Secondary School is set to get a $25M potable water system. Cancer Outlook: CARPHA and CAOH are partnering to strengthen cancer surveillance, prevention and access to medicines as Caribbean cancer cases are projected to rise sharply by 2050.

Breastfeeding Support: A submission for Breastfeeding Awareness Month asks a tough question—mothers are told to breastfeed, but are systems making it possible, highlighting WHO’s 2026 theme “Breastfeeding is a sustainable start to life.” Cost of Living & Inflation: The IDB says Guyana’s inflation is still being driven mainly by food, with food prices rising 5.9% in early 2026, while President Ali’s “change eating habits” message is met with pushback from MP Walton and others who argue citizens are being priced out of essentials. Mining Rights Standoff: The Amerindian Peoples Association condemns incursions by miner Wayne Vieira at Chinese Landing, calling for immediate action by the Ministry of Natural Resources and GGMC; Vieira’s side says residents blocked GGMC-registered equipment, and the Chinese Landing Village Council declined a mediation meeting. Water for Schools: Region Eight’s new Monkey Mountain Secondary School is set to get a $25M potable water supply system. Cancer & Kidney Transplant Readiness: CARPHA and CAOH warn Caribbean cancer cases could rise 55% by 2050, while HOATTA continues sensitisation with hospitals on Guyana’s organ and tissue transplant rules. Food Safety in Tourism: GTA and GNBS trained 27 participants, including food vendors, on food safety prerequisites as Guyana pushes stronger local farm-to-hospitality supply links. Relief After MV Barima: H.E.A.R.T. reports over $75M in support for affected families, including funeral costs, school supplies, and housing/land assistance. Road Safety: A Corentyne mechanic died after a crash involving a lorry, with police investigating the circumstances.

Road Safety & Health: A 26-year-old mechanic, Joshua Crawford, died after a Corentyne crash on the Nigg Public Road; police say his car collided with a lorry and he was pronounced dead after hospital transfer. Food Safety & Local Nutrition: The Guyana Tourism Authority trained 27 tourism vendors on food safety prerequisites, hygiene, and handling, while the Tourism and Hospitality Association says food safety, quality, and traceability must be addressed as government pushes hotels to buy more locally produced food. Cancer Care Access: A Diamond community outreach screened 59 people, with cervical cancer prevention (Pap smears and HPV testing) plus breast and prostate awareness and referrals for follow-up care. Kidney Transplant Regulation: HOATTA held sensitisation sessions with public and private hospitals to explain certification requirements under Guyana’s Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act. Disaster Relief: The H.E.A.R.T. Secretariat says over $75m has been disbursed to support MV Barima affected families, including funeral costs, education supplies, food hampers, and housing/land approvals. Environmental Health & Mining: MNR’s TAMs initiative trained miners in mercury-free alternatives and safer practices in Region Seven to reduce health and environmental risks. Public Health Outlook: CARPHA and CAOH warn Caribbean cancer cases could rise 55% by 2050 and are launching a five-year partnership to strengthen prevention, surveillance, training, and access to cancer medicines. Breastfeeding Focus: World Breastfeeding Week coverage highlights the “golden hour” after birth and the need to make early breastfeeding support more available.

Environmental Health & Community Protection: The “Gender on the Frontlines” conference at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus opened with calls to better recognize women and children as early environmental warners and caregivers in Guyana. Maritime Disaster Relief: The H.E.A.R.T. Secretariat says over $75M has been disbursed to support more than 750 MV Barima affected families, including funeral and memorial costs, back-to-school help, housing/land for vulnerable households, and psycho-social and legal support. Local Food for Hospitality: THAG says food safety, quality, and traceability must be addressed as Government pushes for more locally produced food in hotels and restaurants. Cancer Screening in Diamond: A community outreach with the Ministry of Health and Oxford Medical screened 59 people, with a strong focus on cervical cancer prevention (Pap smears/HPV testing) and breast and prostate awareness. Clinic Boost in Belfield: A Chinese medical team and Shandong group donated nearly $1M in equipment to help establish a Victoria SDA health clinic. Cost-of-Living Debate: MP Amanza Walton rejects President Ali’s “eating out” explanation, arguing basic costs like rent, utilities, transport, and medicines are driving hardship. Road Safety Tragedies: A 26-year-old mechanic died after a Corentyne crash involving a car and lorry, and another fatal lorry strike was reported on the West Coast Berbice bridge road. Transplant Oversight: HOATTA held a sensitization session with hospitals and kidney transplant specialists to reinforce regulatory requirements for organ and tissue transplantation. Training Capacity: Region Eight commissioned a new $140.8M Simulation Centre to expand hands-on training for nurses and other healthcare workers.

Cancer Care Access: The Ministry of Health, Oxford Medical and The Lotus Cancer Initiative screened 59 people in Diamond, with cervical services including Pap smears, HPV testing, colposcopy and biopsies, plus breast checks and referrals. Clinic Boost: A Chinese Medical Team and Shandong group donated nearly $1M in equipment to help the Victoria SDA Church set up a community health clinic in Belfield. Transplant Oversight: HOATTA held a sensitization session with hospitals and transplant specialists to reinforce Guyana’s organ and tissue transplant rules and the role of certification. Public Health Training: Region Eight commissioned a $140.8M simulation centre to strengthen hands-on nursing and healthcare training. Road Safety: A West Coast Berbice crash killed 30-year-old Steve McAlmont after he was struck by a lorry on the No. 5 Public Road. Indigenous Land & Health Risks: Chinese Landing residents blocked mining equipment at Tassawini, raising concerns about continued encroachment on titled ancestral lands. Disaster Recovery: The H.E.A.R.T. initiative says it has provided over $75M to MV Barima families for funeral, housing, education, legal and psychosocial support. Cost-of-Living Debate: Health-focused opinion pieces push back on blaming “eating out” for food prices, arguing households are responding to higher costs.

Cancer Care Access: The Lotus Cancer Initiative, with Guyana’s Ministry of Health and Oxford Medical, screened 59 people in Diamond, focusing on cervical cancer prevention (Pap smears, HPV testing, colposcopy and biopsies) plus breast and prostate awareness and referrals. Community Clinic Boost: A Chinese Medical Team and Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian Group donated nearly $1M in equipment to the Victoria SDA Church in Belfield to set up a community health clinic. Transplant Safety Rules: HOATTA held a sensitization session with hospitals and kidney transplant specialists to strengthen understanding of the organ and tissue transplant regulations under Guyana’s Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act. Health Training Capacity: Region Eight commissioned a $140.8M Simulation Centre to expand hands-on training for nurses and other healthcare workers. Public Hospital Support: GPHC’s bursary programme awarded 20 employees’ children $25,000 per academic year for top performance. Road Safety Tragedy: A West Coast Berbice crash killed 30-year-old Steve McAlmont after he was struck by a lorry. Disaster Relief (MV Barima): The H.E.A.R.T. initiative says it has provided over $75M to families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, including funeral and housing support.

MV Barima Recovery: The H.E.A.R.T. initiative says it has delivered over $75M to families affected by the ferry tragedy, covering funeral and memorial costs, education support, food hampers, housing approvals for 20 families, and fast-tracked replacement of IDs and travel documents. Transplant Oversight: HOATTA held a sensitization session with hospitals and kidney transplant specialists to reinforce regulatory requirements under Guyana’s Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act, stressing that certification sets standards for safe, ethical living kidney donation. Cancer Screening Drive: The Lotus Cancer Initiative, with the Ministry of Health and Oxford Medical, reached 59 people in Diamond with cancer screening and education, including cervical screening (Pap smears and HPV testing) and follow-up services like colposcopy and biopsies. Training Capacity Boost: Region Eight commissioned a new $140.8M Simulation Centre to expand hands-on training for nurses and other healthcare workers, including practical skills in infusion, vein-finding, and childbirth. Community Health Outreach: The outreach also included breast and prostate awareness, with referrals for further assessment where needed.

Transplant Safety: HOATTA held a sensitization session with public and private hospitals and kidney specialists to strengthen compliance with Guyana’s Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act (No. 1 of 2022), stressing that certification sets standards for safe, ethical living kidney donation. Cancer Screening Push: The Lotus Cancer Initiative, with the Ministry of Health and Oxford Medical, delivered cancer screening and education to 59 people in Diamond, focusing on cervical cancer (Pap smears/HPV, colposcopy and biopsies) plus breast and prostate awareness. Healthcare Training Boost: Region 8 commissioned a new $140.848M Simulation Centre to expand hands-on nursing and other clinical training locally, including skills like infusions, vein-finding and childbirth support. Public Health Access: Region 8 also saw a push to reduce emergency delays, with President Ali pointing to a 10-minute wait target for emergency cases at regional hospitals. Drug Prevention: CANU warned about rising “party drugs” in Guyana after seizures of crystal meth and ecstasy, saying community outreach and health ministry links are ramping up. Telecoms & Health Connectivity: One Communications reported vandalism and copper theft disrupting services for about 7,000 customers, affecting schools, businesses and healthcare providers that rely on stable connectivity.

Simulation & Training Boost: Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) commissioned a new $140.8M Simulation Centre to strengthen hands-on nursing and healthcare training in a controlled setting. Digital Health Workforce: The first cohort of Digital Health Training Institute graduates (15) completed modules and practical assessments, set to support Guyana’s Electronic Health Record and other digital health systems. Heat-Health Alerts: With El Niño-linked hot spells expected, the Ministry of Health urged heat-safety steps for families—light clothing, hydration, and watching for heat-stress warning signs. Emergency Care by Air: Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. received the country’s first rotorcraft Air Operator Certificate, paving the way for commercial helicopter services and medical evacuation for remote interior communities. Public Investment Protection: Government moved to recover about €30M in performance bonds after termination of major hospital contracts, with disputes heading to arbitration. Drug Safety Concern: CANU warned about rising “party drugs” like crystal meth and ecstasy, citing growing seizures and outreach to at-risk communities. Telecoms & Health Access: One Communications called for stronger protection of telecom infrastructure after vandalism and copper theft disrupted services for thousands, including healthcare providers.

Healthcare Training Boost: Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) commissioned a new $140.8M Simulation Centre to strengthen hands-on nursing and clinical training locally. Emergency Care Capacity: Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. received Guyana’s first Rotorcraft Air Operations Certification, paving the way for wider helicopter services and planned medical evacuation support for remote communities. Digital Health Workforce: The first cohort of Digital Health Training Institute graduates (15) completed modules and practical assessments, set to join the Ministry of Health to support the national Electronic Health Record and other digital systems. Public Health in Heat: The Ministry of Health issued guidance for hotter-than-usual El Niño conditions, urging hydration, light clothing, sunscreen, and watch-outs for heat stress symptoms. Drug Safety Alert: CANU warned about rising “party drugs” like crystal meth and ecstasy, highlighting community outreach and drug information efforts. Telecoms Reliability: One Communications called for stronger protection of telecom infrastructure after vandalism and copper theft disrupted service for thousands. Animal Welfare Update (Global): Florida’s Sloth World investigation found no criminal wrongdoing despite dozens of sloth deaths, reigniting calls to review wildlife rules. Sports & Wellness Tie-in: Mike’s Pharmacy and Tynor confirmed a franchise for the DCB T10, bringing medical-grade orthopaedic support gear to the tournament.

Heat & Health Alerts: The Ministry of Health warns Guyanese to beat the heat as El Niño could bring up to 80 hot days, urging lighter clothing, hats, sunscreen, frequent water sips, and watching for heat-stress signs like nausea, headaches, confusion, or trouble concentrating. Digital Health Workforce: The first cohort of Digital Health Training Institute graduates (15) has completed a Mount Sinai-backed programme, preparing to support Guyana’s Electronic Health Record and other digital health systems. Emergency Medical Air Services: Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. received a Rotorcraft Air Operator Certificate, paving the way for commercial helicopter services and medical evacuation for remote interior communities. Regional Hospital Performance: President Ali says six newly commissioned regional hospitals are running above global standards, with emergency cases averaging about 10 minutes and major totals across outpatient visits, admissions, surgeries, labs, imaging, and deliveries. Public Investment Protection: Government moved to recover about €30M in performance bonds after terminating hospital contracts, with disputes heading to arbitration. Drug Prevention: CANU reports growing “party drug” concerns, including crystal meth and ecstasy seizures, and highlights health ministry-linked outreach. Telecoms Reliability: One Communications calls for protection of telecom infrastructure after vandalism and copper theft disrupted service for thousands. Road Safety Case: Berbice Chamber president Samantha Reid-Wade was granted GY$100,000 station bail after an e-bike accident left a rider seriously injured. Agriculture & AI: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha launched the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, highlighting AI tools like the Farmers Connect app for plant disease identification. Disaster Relief Politics: WIN launched HERO for MV Barima survivors and families, calling for interim GY$5M payouts.

AI in Agriculture: Minister Zulfikar Mustapha launched the 20th Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, themed “Harnessing AI to Transform the Future,” highlighting how the Farmers Connect app supports farmers with updates and AI-assisted plant disease identification. Housing Support: Men on Mission (MoM) delivered new homes to 10 vulnerable families in Region Six, including a stroke survivor and an elderly couple displaced by fire. Climate-Resilient Farming: CARICOM and CAHFSA will host a 90-minute webinar on climate-resilient agriculture on 3 September, tied to regional goals to cut the food import bill. Disaster Relief Push: Opposition WIN launched HERO for MV Barima survivors and families, calling for an interim GY$5 million payout per person/relative. Digital Health Workforce: The first cohort of Digital Health Training Institute graduates (15) received certificates, preparing to support Guyana’s electronic health record and other digital health systems. Heat Safety: The Ministry of Health issued guidance for extreme heat days linked to El Niño, urging hydration, light clothing, and watching for heat-stress symptoms. Medical Air Access: Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. received a Rotorcraft Air Operations Certification, paving the way for commercial helicopter services and medical evacuation to remote areas. Public Investment Protection: Government moved to recover about €30M in performance bonds after termination of two hospital contracts, with disputes heading to arbitration.

Migrant safety and violence: Cuban content creator David de Kitty says assaults and robberies are rising for migrants in Guyana, including reports of a Cuban stabbed in Georgetown and others arriving at hospital with facial injuries. Heat and health: The Ministry of Health warns Guyanese to “beat the heat” as El Niño conditions could bring up to 80 hot spell days, urging hydration, light clothing, sunscreen, and watching for heat-stress symptoms. Emergency care upgrades: President Ali says six new regional hospitals are performing above global standards, with emergency cases averaging about 10 minutes wait time and major volumes of outpatient, inpatient, lab and imaging services. Digital mental health: The MHS&SS launches EMBRACE, an online counselling platform for confidential tele-therapy, starting with MV Barima survivors, relatives and first responders. Health workforce for tech: The first cohort of Digital Health Training Institute graduates completes training to support Guyana’s electronic health record and other digital health systems. Aviation for lifesaving medevac: Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. receives the country’s first rotorcraft Air Operator Certificate, enabling helicopter services and planned medical evacuation to remote interior areas. Public investment protected: Government moves to recover about €30M in performance bonds after terminating two hospital contracts, with disputes headed to arbitration. Telecoms resilience: One Communications calls for stronger protection of telecom infrastructure after vandalism and copper theft disrupted service for thousands.

Heat & Health Alerts: The Ministry of Health is urging Guyanese to beat the heat as El Niño conditions could bring up to 80 hot spell days, with advice for lighter clothing, hats, sunscreen, frequent small sips of water, and watching for heat-stress warning signs like nausea, headaches, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Digital Health Workforce: The first cohort of graduates from the Digital Health Training Institute has completed training to support Guyana’s digital health push, including work as Digital Health Specialists for the national Electronic Health Record and related systems. Regional Hospital Performance: President Ali says six newly commissioned regional hospitals are running above global standards, citing fast emergency response (about 10 minutes on average) and major service volumes including outpatient visits, inpatient admissions, surgeries, lab tests, imaging, specialist clinics, and deliveries. Public Investment Protected: Government moves to recover about €30M in performance bonds after terminating hospital contracts for the New Amsterdam Hospital Campus and the Guyana Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle, with disputes headed to arbitration. Medical Evacuation Boost: Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. received the country’s first rotor-wing Air Operator Certificate, paving the way for helicopter services across regions and planned Medevac operations for remote inland communities. Drug Prevention Warning: CANU says “party drugs” are increasingly present locally, reporting seizures of crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy and warning of risks—especially in social settings—while working with health and education partners on community outreach. Telecoms Access for Care: One Communications calls for stronger protection of telecom infrastructure after vandalism and copper theft disrupted services for thousands, affecting families, businesses, and healthcare providers. Mental Health Support: The EMBRACE online counselling platform is being rolled out for M.V. Barima survivors, relatives, and first responders, offering confidential audio/video sessions via telehealth with local and diaspora specialists. Radiation Safety Training: A regional radiation protection training programme is underway for professionals across Caribbean countries to strengthen safety and emergency preparedness as ionising radiation use grows.