AGP Executive Report

Travel Tech: Guyana’s online passport application and appointment system goes live June 15, letting applicants apply from home, choose the office for processing, and book a convenient date/time—part of wider efforts to cut passport turnaround to three working days (and faster for expedited cases). Tourism Numbers: Guyana logged 40,149 visitor arrivals in May 2026, up 20.6% year-on-year and its strongest May on record, helped by Diamond Jubilee events like the Guyana Festival, Street Food on the Terrace and Carnival. Events & Culture: FumaCon 2026 returns July 4–5 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel with international guests and workshops, while Guyana also secures a major Pro Bodybuilding Competition for 2027—expected to boost tourism and hospitality. Public Safety & Access: A two-day PACE-funded workshop trains police investigators and prosecutors to reduce case backlogs and pre-trial detention, and the Carifesta Avenue Road project continues with phased rehabilitation and drainage upgrades. Health Alert: Chikungunya travel notices are active in Suriname, Mayotte and French Guiana—summer travellers are urged to protect against mosquito bites.

Oil & Budget Shock: ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC reportedly left Guyana owing about US$2.4B in taxes in 2025, while the 2026 budget now leans on a US$2.6B borrowing plan—raising big questions about how petroleum wealth is managed. Gender & Equity Pushback: A feminist budget analysis says the GY$1.5T+ 2026 national budget is the biggest ever but stays largely gender-neutral, with spending that doesn’t tackle structural inequality fast enough. Tourism Momentum: Guyana logged 40,149 visitor arrivals in May 2026, up 20.6% year-on-year, with the Diamond Jubilee events driving the strongest May on record. Justice Sector Upgrade: A PACE-EU/UNDP-backed workshop trained police investigators and prosecutors to cut case backlogs and improve how cases move from scene to court. Road & City Access: Carifesta Avenue Road rehabilitation is progressing in phases, adding drains, retaining walls and wider lanes to ease traffic and improve drainage. Family-Friendly Security Welfare: Government is moving to build a daycare for prison officers’ children. Sports & Travel Angle: Guyana’s first Pro Bodybuilding Competition is set for 2027, expected to boost hotels and hospitality. Safety Alert: A boat captain died and his nephew was injured in a Moruca River mishap.

Tourism Surge: Guyana logged 40,149 visitor arrivals in May 2026, up 20.6% year-on-year and its strongest May on record, with the U.S. leading source markets (37%) as Diamond Jubilee events like Festival, Street Food on the Terrace, and Carnival helped drive demand. Sports & Tourism Boost: Guyana is set to host its first-ever Pro Bodybuilding Competition in 2027 after an IFBB deal, with organizers expecting major spillover for hotels and local services as athletes and fans travel in. Roads & Access: Carifesta Avenue’s rehabilitation is progressing in phases, including wider lanes, drains, and retaining walls—aimed at smoother traffic flow and better drainage for daily commuters. Family-Friendly Welfare: The government is moving ahead with a daycare centre for children of prison officers and staff, with bids invited for a facility at Parade Street, Kingston. Safety & Justice: A two-day PACE-funded workshop trained police investigators and prosecutors to strengthen case handling and help reduce backlogs and pre-trial detention. Local Transport Pressure: Corentyne hire car operators are demanding tougher police action against private vehicles carrying paying passengers, saying it’s hurting livelihoods and passenger safety. Regional Humanitarian Update: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants from a smuggling network near the Guyana border and arrested five alleged smugglers. Digital Child Protection: Guyana retained a UK law firm to help design enforceable social media rules for child protection, with public consultation expected before moving forward. Cricket in Guyana: Desert Vipers’ Kyle Mayers says the team’s Caribbean core will be an advantage in the short, tough GSL—local conditions matter. Travel Disruption Note: A visa setback has forced Abigail Piper to withdraw from Miss Caribbean Universe, though she’s still set to represent Antigua and Barbuda later in Guyana.

Commonwealth Youth Forum: Twenty-three young people have been selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum International Taskforce, helping shape the Antigua event (1–4 Nov 2026) on the margins of CHOGM—good news for youth travel and regional networking. Tourism & sport boost: Guyana is set to host its first-ever Pro Bodybuilding Competition in 2027, with organisers expecting a major tourism and hospitality lift as international athletes and supporters arrive. Road access for visitors: Carifesta Avenue Road is in major rehabilitation and expansion, with multiple phases progressing to improve traffic flow and drainage for thousands of commuters. Sports venues for events: Anna Regina National Stadium is slated for commissioning on July 3, adding a modern hub for tournaments and school/community sports. Local transport pressure: Corentyne hire car operators are calling for tougher police enforcement against private vehicles carrying paying passengers—an issue that can affect visitor transport reliability. Child-focused policy: Government is moving to craft practical social media rules for child protection with UK legal support, shaping the digital safety environment for families and young travellers.

Hire Car Crackdown Call: Corentyne hire car operators are demanding tougher Police enforcement against private vehicles taking paying passengers, saying the practice is cutting into earnings and raising safety concerns. Court Win: Former AFC MP Devin Sears was freed of a drug trafficking charge after a no-case submission was upheld at Linden Magistrates’ Court. Visa/Travel Setback: Antigua and Barbuda’s Abigail Piper will miss the Miss Caribbean Universe pageant due to visa-related travel restrictions, but will still represent the country in August in Georgetown. Road & Drain Works: Carifesta Avenue Road is in phased rehabilitation and expansion, with major drainage, retaining wall, and lane-widening progress reported. Security Welfare: Government has invited bids for a daycare centre for prison officers’ children in Kingston. Sports Tourism Boost: Guyana is set to host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Georgetown (July 8–12), with regional teams and logistics led by local partners. Travel Safety Note: A Guyana traveller was fined US$300 in the US for undeclared seeds and meat. Regional Border Rescue: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border and arrested five alleged smugglers.

Social Media & Child Protection: Guyana is retaining a UK law firm to help draft practical, enforceable social media rules for child protection, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall saying the goal is a framework Guyana can actually enforce, built with public input. Road & Drainage Upgrade: The Carifesta Avenue Road project is in major rehabilitation and expansion, with the southern lane about 75% complete and the second phase about 85%, adding drains, retaining walls, and extra lanes to improve traffic flow and accessibility. Police Academy Boost: The government will spend about $229M more on the Dora Police Academy for an electrical control room, as bids are opened for the contract. Tourism & Travel Setback: Antigua and Barbuda’s Abigail Piper has withdrawn from Miss Caribbean Universe due to visa-related travel restrictions, but will still represent the country at the Miss Caribbean Beauty and Intelligence Pageant in Georgetown in August. Cricket & Local Conditions: Desert Vipers’ Kyle Mayers says the team’s Caribbean recruits will be a key advantage in the short Guyana Global Super League, where conditions can be tough for foreign players. Regional Mobility: The Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is nearing completion at about 90%, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Migration Watch: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border and arrested five alleged smugglers, with migrants held in Roraima while status is regularized. Uranium Mining Warning: Environmental specialist Dr. Vincent Adams says Guyana isn’t ready for commercial uranium mining, warning of regulatory and safety gaps.

Child Safety & Digital Rules: Guyana is retaining a UK-based law firm to help draft practical, enforceable social media regulations aimed at protecting children, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall saying the government will study proven models and consult the public before moving forward. Road & Drainage Upgrade: The Carifesta Avenue Road project is progressing in phases, with the southern lane about 75% complete and the second phase around 85%, adding drains, retaining walls, and extra lanes to ease commuting and improve drainage. Sports & Community Tourism: Guyana’s Anna Regina National Stadium is set for commissioning on July 3, promising a modern venue for youth sport and events. Cricket Franchise Buzz: Kyle Mayers says the Desert Vipers’ Caribbean core could be a “huge asset” in the short, tough ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, stressing local condition know-how. Regional Mobility: South African passport holders gained visa-free access to Togo, bringing visa-free travel to 101 destinations—useful for regional travellers planning routes. Cross-Border Humanitarian Update: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border and arrested five alleged smugglers, with migrants held in Roraima while status is regularized.

Cricket & Tourism Pulse: Desert Vipers’ West Indies quartet could be a “huge asset” for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, with Kyle Mayers stressing the value of knowing Guyana’s tricky conditions fast. Digital Safety for Families: Guyana is consulting UK experts as it explores a framework to regulate parts of cyberspace and better protect children from social media harms. Road Access Upgrade: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works moving ahead to cut commute stress for travellers. Police Academy Boost: Government will spend about $229M more on the Dora Police Academy, adding an electrical control room as the facility expands to include training and lodging. Regional Travel Connectivity: New interline deals across the Caribbean aim to make island-hopping less painful for visitors and business travellers by easing booking and baggage hassles. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Guyana is set to host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Georgetown (July 8–12), bringing 10 nations to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Child Safety Online: Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall says the government has hired a UK-based law firm to study how other countries regulate social media to better protect children, with public consultation before any policy moves. Road & Access Boost: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete, with drainage, paving and electrical works progressing, including light pole installations—good news for smoother travel into and out of Georgetown. Police Academy Upgrade: Dora Police Academy construction will get an additional $229M for an electrical control room as bids are opened for the contract, supporting the new training and lodging facility. Tourism & Talent Spotlight: Guyana is set to host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Georgetown (July 8–12), with the Guyana Basketball Federation partnering with Kashif & Shanghai for the local organising committee. Regional Travel Connectivity: New interline partnerships in the Caribbean aim to reduce the hassle of hopping between islands—fewer separate tickets, less waiting, and smoother connections. Uranium Mining Warning: Environmental specialist Dr. Vincent Adams warns Guyana isn’t ready for commercial uranium mining, citing gaps in training and regulatory capacity. Migration at the Border: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border and arrested five alleged smugglers, with migrants held in Roraima while status is regularised.

Airlift & Connectivity: LATAM says it sees “significant opportunity” to grow Caribbean routes, but Guyana travellers still face long, costly detours when flying to Brazil and beyond—highlighting the region’s fragmented airlift problem. Roads & Access: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing, promising smoother commutes for visitors and locals. Police Training Infrastructure: Government will spend about $229M more on the Dora Police Academy, adding an electrical control room as the 228.85-acre facility nears completion. Sports Tourism: Guyana will host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers (July 8–12) at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with teams split into two groups and a clear path to the next stage. New Stadium Date: Anna Regina National Stadium is set to be commissioned July 3, giving Region Two a modern venue for events and youth sport. Business & Travel Finance: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will offer collateral-free cluster loans up to $3M to help entrepreneurs scale—good news for tourism-linked small businesses. Regional Migration Watch: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border and arrested five alleged smugglers, underscoring ongoing cross-border movement pressures.

Aviation & Connectivity: Guyana is being singled out as a rare regional hub that isn’t facing slot-style airport congestion, as IATA leaders warn other Caribbean and Latin American gateways are getting squeezed by demand and rising costs. Roads & Travel Time: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works advancing—good news for smoother commutes and easier access for visitors. Sports Tourism: Anna Regina National Stadium is set for commissioning on July 3, with the facility nearing completion and expected to boost local events and school/community tournaments. Regional Basketball: Guyana will host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers (July 8–12) at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with 10 nations competing. Business & Funding for Visitors: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will offer collateral-free loans up to $3M via a cluster model, aiming to grow bigger enterprises that can support tourism and services. Border & Safety: Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants from a smuggling operation near Guyana’s border and arrested five alleged “coyotes,” highlighting ongoing regional migration pressures.

Former Presidents Benefits Clash: GTUC’s Lincoln Lewis calls the government’s Bill No. 10 “vulgar” and “a gravy train,” aiming to restore unlimited, state-funded perks for ex-presidents—free utilities, staff, medical coverage, security, vehicles, toll-free travel, vacation allowances and tax exemptions. Road & Airport Travel Boost: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing, promising smoother commutes. Sports Infrastructure for Visitors: Anna Regina National Stadium is set to be commissioned July 3, upgrading Region Two’s facilities for tournaments and school events. Basketball Hosting Push: Guyana will host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers July 8–12 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with Kashif & Shanghai supporting the local organising committee. Tourism Sector Recognition: Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York honoured Barbados’ Andrea Franklin and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith. Guyana Development Bank Plan: President Ali says the new bank will offer collateral-free cluster loans up to $3M plus mentorship to help entrepreneurs scale up. Health Alert: GuySuCo Training College in Port Mourant is closed after a COVID-19 outbreak with 20+ cases, students sent home and positives quarantined. Travel Connectivity Watch: IATA leaders say Guyana’s main airport isn’t facing the slot-congestion problems seen elsewhere in the region. Local Fashion Spotlight: Guyana Fashion Festival “Origins” returns July 3–5 with a “Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years” theme and grants for designers.

Road & Connectivity: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage works around 70% done and electrical installation underway, including light pole pedestals and power boxes—aimed at smoother commutes for drivers into the new operating phase. Sports Infrastructure: Anna Regina National Stadium is set to be commissioned on July 3, with Minister Charles Ramson Jr. saying the facility is substantially complete and ready for final finishing touches—bringing a modern venue for youth and community sport in Region Two. Aviation & Travel: At IATA’s AGM in Rio, industry leaders warned that airport congestion and rising costs are straining airlift across Latin America and the Caribbean, while Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport was noted as not facing the same slot-coordination congestion pressures. Tourism & Culture: Guyana’s Origins fashion festival returns July 3–5 with a “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years” theme, featuring nightly runway showcases, an awards ceremony, and $250,000 grants for selected designers. Business & Development: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will use a cluster-based model with collateral-free loans up to $3M plus mentorship support to help groups build bigger enterprises. Health: A reported COVID-19 outbreak at GuySuCo Training College in Region Six has led to quarantine for positive cases, students sent home, and the college closed temporarily as health authorities respond. Regional Recognition: Caribbean tourism leaders were honoured at CTO awards during Caribbean Week in New York, highlighting leadership across the sector.

Road & Access: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is now about 90% complete, with drainage around 70% done and electrical works underway, promising smoother commutes for drivers into the capital. Tourism Leadership: Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin and British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith picked up top CTO awards at Caribbean Week in New York, spotlighting regional women’s leadership in tourism. Regional Airlift: New interline partnerships involving Winair, Contour Airlines, LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes aim to make island-hopping less painful by enabling smoother connections and single-itinerary travel. Travel & Aviation Costs: IATA’s AGM commentary warns higher jet fuel costs and slower growth could keep fares tied to oil prices, affecting how Caribbean travellers plan trips. Guyana Development Finance: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will offer collateral-free cluster loans (up to $3M) plus mentorship to help entrepreneurs scale up. Health & Travel Disruption: A reported COVID-19 outbreak at GuySuCo Training College in Port Mourant has led to quarantine for some students, others sent home, and the college closed temporarily. Sports Tourism: The Anna Regina National Stadium is set for commissioning on July 3, a boost for Essequibo’s event calendar. Travel Docs: Guyana’s passport offices will open on Saturdays in June to clear backlog for citizens with overdue collection slips. Environment: CARICOM marks World Environment Day, stressing climate change’s direct hit on tourism, agriculture and coastal communities.

Guyana Development Bank: President Irfaan Ali says the planned Development Bank will use a cluster model to help groups of entrepreneurs access collateral-free loans up to $3M, plus mentorship and business support, with expected capitalisation of over US$200M. Road Works: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing and streetlights expected soon. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: At IATA’s AGM, industry leaders flagged Caribbean airlift fragmentation, while a separate IATA-linked report notes Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport isn’t facing the same congestion pressures as several regional hubs. Caribbean Airlift Partnerships: New interline deals involving Winair, Contour, LIAT and Air Caraïbes aim to make multi-island travel smoother with single itineraries and fewer hassles. Healthcare for Travellers & Families: Guyana launched a EU-funded, 31-month programme to build an internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation system, improving access to life-saving services. Passport Service Update: Immigration will open selected passport offices on Saturdays in June to clear overdue collections from 09:00–15:00. Sports Tourism: Anna Regina National Stadium is set for commissioning on July 3, and Guyana’s Golden Jaguars will play in Concacaf Nations League League B in 2026/27.

Travel Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement that lets travellers book one itinerary on a single ticket across both networks, with checked baggage through and fewer transfer hassles—boosting Caribbean–Europe links. Sports & Tourism Calendar: Concacaf confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with Guyana’s Golden Jaguars placed in League B; matches will be played in September–October and November 2026, with centralised venues to cut travel strain. Local Sports Infrastructure: Anna Regina National Stadium is set for commissioning on July 3, a major upgrade for Essequibo’s sporting scene. Tourism & Culture: Guyana Fashion Festival returns July 3–5, 2026 with “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years,” featuring runway nights, awards, and $250,000 grants for selected designers. Service for Travellers: Immigration passport offices will open on Saturdays in June to clear backlog, offering extra collection options for people with overdue slips. Health Access: Guyana launched a 31-month programme to build a sustainable, internationally aligned organ donation and transplant system, aiming to improve access to life-saving services. Regional Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” as the region pushes cultural and regenerative travel.