AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission will travel to the United Kingdom this week (July 13–16) for meetings with diplomats, academics and civil society, plus a presentation at the UK Parliament, led by Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles, as the region builds international support for reparatory justice. Guyana Tourism Momentum: Guyana is being highlighted as a fast-rising Caribbean tourism draw, with 107,286 stayover visitors in Q1 2026 (up 12% vs 2025), driven by rainforest, rivers, wildlife and cultural ties. New Hotel on the Essequibo Coast: A 43-room Rooster International Hotel has opened in Anna Regina, adding accommodation plus a planned boardwalk for dining, entertainment and cultural performances. Airfare Deal for September: Caribbean Airlines is offering limited-time discounted one-way fares between Barbados and Guyana for select September 2026 dates, with Lite fares starting around US$170–US$189 (taxes included, subject to availability). Health Alert for Travellers: Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; transmission risk is expected to be low, but residents are urged to reduce standing water. Aviation Growth: New data shows Guyana’s aviation sector surged between 2020 and 2025, with international landings and passenger traffic rising sharply, reinforcing CJIA’s role as a regional gateway.

Air Travel Deals: Caribbean Airlines has launched limited-time discounted one-way fares between Barbados and Guyana for select September 2026 dates, with Lite fares starting from about US$170 (taxes included) and other low fares for specific travel windows. New Hotel Opening: A new 43-room Rooster International Hotel has opened on the Essequibo Coast at Anna Regina, adding modern rooms, dining, and a fitness centre, plus a nearby boardwalk planned for cultural performances and recreation. Tourism & Culture: The National Cultural Centre’s deteriorating conditions have forced the postponement of Ronald Hollingsworth’s “Til Ah Find Ah Place 3,” with complaints about heat, sound problems, and overall venue usability. Business for Tourism: At the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s “Christmas in July” exhibition, artisans and small manufacturers are using the event to build new markets and long-term customer relationships beyond immediate sales. Regional Connectivity Growth: Data highlights unprecedented growth at CJIA from 2020 to 2025, with international landings, passenger numbers, seat availability, and cargo volumes all rising sharply. Health Alert for Travellers: Hawai‘i’s Department of Health reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging travellers and residents to reduce standing water to limit mosquito breeding. CARICOM & Regional Spotlight: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia for the 51st Heads of Government meeting, with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali among those attending. Diaspora & Mobility: Guyana’s diaspora push continues with announcements around mobile government services for overseas Guyanese. Markets & Urban Tourism: Georgetown’s Stabroek and Bourda Markets are set for a major five-year structural overhaul aimed at modernising retail logistics while preserving the city’s historic look.

Tourism & Community: Thousands packed Guyana’s National Stadium for the One Guyana Worship Experience on July 7, a “one nation, one voice” gospel night tied to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Regional Diplomacy: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali attended the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (July 5–8), with leaders also discussing the wider regional agenda. Reparatory Justice: The CARICOM Reparations Commission heads to the UK next week (July 13–16) for meetings with diplomats, academics and civil society, plus a UK Parliament presentation. Health & Travel Safety: Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; risk of local spread is expected to be low, but the reminder is clear—reduce standing water and mosquito breeding sites. Aviation & Connectivity: Guyana’s aviation sector saw major growth from 2020 to 2025, with international landings, passenger traffic and seat availability all rising sharply—fueling tourism and business travel. Urban Upgrades: Georgetown’s Stabroek Market and Bourda Market are set for a five-year structural overhaul aimed at modernizing retail while preserving the city’s historic look. Agriculture & Skills: A GCCI-led project backed by Global Affairs Canada wrapped up with networking and training for farmers—especially women and youth—supporting more modern, business-focused agriculture.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: Guyana’s aviation sector keeps climbing fast, with Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) reporting big jumps in international landings, passenger numbers, seat availability and cargo from 2020 to 2025—fueling its push as a regional gateway. Georgetown Upgrades: The government unveiled a five-year structural overhaul for Stabroek Market and a full rebuild of Bourda Market, aiming to modernize retail, ease congestion and improve drainage while preserving the city’s historic look. Diaspora Services: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will roll out mobile government service centres in countries with large Guyanese communities, plus mobile biometric passport services, to cut travel and waiting for overseas nationals. CARICOM Policy Watch: CARICOM leaders in St. Lucia discussed the US Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) arrangement and plan an audit of member-state policies before taking a final position. Travel Health Alert: Hawai‘i’s health department flagged a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, reminding travellers to reduce standing water to lower mosquito risk. Sports Tourism Link: Unicomer (Guyana) helped launch the “Windies Experience” ahead of the West Indies vs New Zealand ODI at Providence, spotlighting local cricket talent and academy support. Road Safety: A fatal head-on collision on the East Bank Demerara public road left a Soesdyke woman dead and two others in critical condition.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: Cheddi Jagan International Airport reports unprecedented growth from 2020 to 2025, with international landings rising from 1,646 to 5,827 (+254%), passenger traffic climbing from 182,736 to 973,016 (+432.5%), and available seats jumping from 341,506 to 1,708,095 (+400.2%), strengthening Guyana’s role as a regional gateway. Diaspora Travel Convenience: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will roll out mobile government service centres in countries with large Guyanese communities, plus mobile biometric passport services, aiming to cut overseas travel for NIS, birth certificates, document replacements and other services. Urban Tourism & City Life: Georgetown’s Stabroek Market and Bourda Market are set for a major five-year structural overhaul under the Georgetown Restoration Initiative, targeting modern retail logistics, traffic relief and improved drainage while preserving the historic look. Regional Travel & Trade Costs: CARICOM leaders discuss ways to reduce intra-regional cargo costs; Trinidad and Tobago has offered a temporary ferry to help move goods between member states. Health & Travel Safety: Hawai‘i DOH reports a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and urges visitors and residents to reduce standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.

CARICOM Cost-Cutting Move: Barbados PM Mia Mottley says Trinidad and Tobago will temporarily provide a cargo ferry to reduce intra-Caricom shipping costs, aiming to ease the cost of living and boost regional trade. Georgetown Markets Overhaul: The government has unveiled a five-year structural plan for Stabroek Market and a full rebuild of Bourda Market, targeting better retail logistics, less congestion, and improved drainage while keeping the historic look. Diaspora Services Push: President Irfaan Ali announced mobile government service centres for countries with large Guyanese communities, plus plans for mobile biometric passport services abroad to cut travel and waiting times. Passport-Free Travel: Barbados and Guyana begin using national digital ID cards for travel between the two countries (with passport rules still applying for children under 16). Trade & Access: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce sign an MoU to tackle non-tariff barriers affecting Guyana–Trinidad trade. Tourism & Culture: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 returns as a major Diamond Jubilee event, with tourism minister Susan Rodrigues highlighting its role in growing the fashion industry. Sports Tourism: Unicomer (Guyana) hosts a “West Indies Experience” ahead of the first ODI at Providence, featuring local academy talent and Guyanese Windies stars. Road Safety: A Soesdyke woman died and two others are in critical condition after a head-on collision on the Coverden Public Road.

Diaspora Services: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will roll out mobile government service centres across countries with large Guyanese communities, offering NIS, birth certificates, document replacements and more, plus mobile biometric passport services—aimed at cutting overseas red tape and travel. Regional Trade & Travel: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber sign an MoU to tackle non-tariff barriers hurting Guyana–T&T trade, while Barbados and Guyana begin passport-free travel using national ID cards from July 1. CARICOM Immigration Watch: CARICOM leaders will audit how member states handle the US Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) arrangement before taking a final position, as Jamaica confirms it will accept TCNs. Tourism & Culture: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 returns as a major tourism and “Orange Economy” push, with the tourism minister praising discipline and collaboration behind the runway and creative industry platform. Sports Travel: Guyana’s junior squash team departs for Tortola to defend the CASA Junior Championship, and Guyana hockey clubs head to Trinidad for the inaugural IPH Outdoor Tournament. Road Updates: Traffic lights are being installed along Heroes Highway to improve flow and reduce reliance on police presence at busy points. Off-Grid Travel Trend: Lonely Planet highlights 2026 off-grid destinations as travellers increasingly avoid crowded hotspots—good inspiration for Guyana’s tourism operators.

Diaspora Services: President Irfaan Ali announced mobile government service centres for countries with large Guyanese communities, aiming to bring NIS, birth certificates, document replacements and other services directly to overseas nationals—plus plans for mobile biometric passport services. Travel Access Boost: Barbados and Guyana began passport-free travel using national ID cards from July 1, with children under 16 still needing passports. Tourism & Culture: Georgetown hosted the Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026, a three-day fashion and culture event tied to the Diamond Jubilee, with the tourism minister calling it a step toward a year-round platform for creatives. Sports Tourism: Guyana’s junior squash team heads to Tortola, BVI to defend the CASA Junior Championship title (July 10–16), while hockey clubs travel to Trinidad for the inaugural IPH Outdoor Tournament (July 9–12). Regional Mobility: Traffic lights are being installed along Heroes Highway to improve flow and reduce chaos at busy intersections. Visa Rules Watch: The UK made its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) mandatory for visa-free visitors from 85 nations, requiring digital clearance before boarding.

Visa & ID Travel: Barbados and Guyana officially launched passport-free travel using ICAO digital national ID cards from July 1, with children under 16 still needing passports. Diaspora Services: President Irfaan Ali announced mobile government service units will visit countries with large Guyanese communities to handle passport applications, NIS transactions, birth certificate replacements and more. Regional Mobility: Antigua and Barbuda approved a US$10 jump in passenger head tax to US$50, while keeping CARICOM travel exempt. Tourism & Culture: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 drew packed audiences in Georgetown, with Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues praising it as a step toward a year-round platform for the “Orange Economy.” Sports Travel: Caribbean Airlines added daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31) with summer fares and extra baggage for eligible travellers. Health & Family Travel: President Ali said paediatric cardiac surgeries using new robotic technology should begin in Guyana within two months, aiming to reduce overseas treatment. Sports (Local): Guyana Basketball Federation named its squad for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers in Nicaragua.

Visa & Entry Rules: The UAE updated 2026 entry guidelines, confirming visa-free access for citizens of at least 70 nations and 90-day visa-free stays for 49 destinations (with limits like no employment). Regional Travel Ease: Barbados and Guyana officially began passport-free travel using ICAO digital national ID cards from July 1, with a note that children under 16 still need passports. Tourism & Events: Georgetown hosted the Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 over the weekend, with Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues calling it a step toward building a year-round fashion industry and growing the “Orange Economy.” Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines launched daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31, 2026) with special fares and extra checked baggage for eligible travellers. Local Leisure: Westside Golf Course hosted the inaugural Dave’s ER Small Engines Rookie Golf Tournament, won by L N&B Fuel Pump Repairs & Service. Sports Tourism: Guyana’s women’s basketball squad was named for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers in Nicaragua (July 12–18).

Origins Fashion Festival 2026: Guyana’s tourism minister Susan Rodrigues praised the discipline and collaboration behind the three-day Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival, calling it a step toward building a year-round platform for creatives and jobs under the “Orange Economy.” Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines launched daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31, 2026) with special one-way fares and extra checked baggage for eligible travellers. Sports & Travel: Guyana Basketball Federation named a 12-player squad for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers in Managua (July 12–18), with Guyana opening Group B against El Salvador. Road Access: Traffic lights are being installed at major intersections along the Heroes Highway to improve traffic flow and reduce reliance on police presence. Health for Families: President Ali says children needing paediatric cardiac surgery will be treated in Guyana within two months using newly acquired robotic technology, with specialised teams brought in. Regional Movement: Guyana and Barbados begin passport-free travel with ID cards, boosting easier regional tourism and visits. Corentyne Bridge Watch: Suriname says it told President Ali about plans to finance the Corentyne bridge, keeping the cross-border travel and infrastructure story in focus.

New Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines launched daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31, 2026), with promo one-way fares from US$549 and extra checked baggage for eligible travellers—good news for visitors and diaspora travel. Regional Mobility Upgrade: Barbados and Guyana began passport-free travel using ICAO-compliant digital national ID cards, with the first e-ID arrivals and departures processed at Ogle and Bridgetown. Tourism & Sports Infrastructure: President Ali commissioned the $221M Anna Regina/Mainstay airstrip and said airstrips are “lifelines,” while also highlighting the Anna Regina Stadium’s push to bring major cricket events closer to Region Two fans. Healthcare Closer to Home: The Health Ministry commissioned a $60M health centre and staff quarters in Manawarin (Region Two), and President Ali says paediatric cardiac surgeries using new robotic tech should start in Guyana within two months. Tourism Spotlight: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 opened under “A Diamond Legacy,” with ExxonMobil Guyana as a strategic partner and fashion positioned as an “orange economy” tourism driver. Basketball on the Road: GBF named a 12-player squad for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers in Managua (July 12–18). Cross-Border Tensions: Suriname and Guyana traded claims over who will finance the Corentyne bridge, keeping the dispute front and centre for travellers and regional planning. Protest Call: WPA urged peaceful protests on CARICOM Day against a bill expanding benefits for former presidents, arguing it burdens taxpayers.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines launches daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31) with special one-way fares and extra checked baggage for eligible travellers, making it easier for visitors and business travellers to plan trips. Regional Travel Facilitation: Guyana and Barbados begin passport-free travel using ICAO-compliant digital national ID cards, with officials monitoring check-in and immigration on the first e-ID flights. Infrastructure for Tourism & Access: President Ali commissioned the $221M Anna Regina/Mainstay airstrip, calling airstrips “lifelines” for faster access to healthcare, education, emergencies, and new investment—plus a push for Mainstay/Whyaka road works, pepper targets, and lakeside tourism cabins. CARICOM & Cross-Border Policy: Antigua and Barbuda raises its passenger head tax by US$10 to US$50, while keeping Caricom travel exempt to support regional movement. Regional Tensions (Travel Risk Watch): Suriname and Guyana trade claims over who will finance the Corentyne bridge, keeping cross-border uncertainty in focus. Tourism Culture Spotlight: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 opens under “A Diamond Legacy,” with ExxonMobil Guyana as strategic partner and fashion framed as a driver of culture and tourism. Protest & Politics (Local Impact): Opposition groups call for a CARICOM Day protest over a bill expanding benefits for former presidents, which could affect public movement and events.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Caribbean Airlines launches daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31) with special one-way fares and extra checked baggage for eligible travellers. Regional Travel Ease: Guyana and Barbados begin passport-free travel using ICAO-compliant digital national ID cards, with systems ready for smooth e-ID processing at check-in and immigration. Infrastructure for Connectivity: President Ali commissioned the $220M Anna Regina/Mainstay airstrip, calling airstrips “lifelines” that cut travel time and unlock tourism, healthcare access, and emergency response across Region Two. Sports Tourism Push: Ali also said the new Anna Regina Stadium will turn Region Two into a major sporting hub, aiming to bring international cricket closer to Essequibo fans. Local Health Access: Manawarin gets a combined $60M health centre and staff quarters, including telemedicine links to regional hospitals. Fashion & Culture: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 opens under “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years,” spotlighting designers, Indigenous materials, and the “Orange Economy” through three runway experiences (July 3–5). CARICOM Day Debate: A CARICOM Day holiday question is reignited, with CARICOM leaders marking the 53rd anniversary and calling for deeper regional cooperation. Politics & Public Finance: The WPA calls for nationwide peaceful protests against a bill expanding benefits for former presidents, arguing it burdens taxpayers while public services need funding. Corentyne Bridge Tension: Suriname says it informed Ali it would finance the Corentyne bridge, contradicting Ali’s earlier “news to me” stance—keeping the joint-venture dispute front and centre.

Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines launches daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31) with one-way fares from US$549 (GEO→YYZ) and CAD$629 (YYZ→GEO), plus eligible travellers get an extra 60 lb checked baggage allowance through Sept 29. Regional Travel Ease: Guyana and Barbados begin passport-free travel using ICAO-compliant national e-ID cards from July 1, with immigration officials confirming systems are ready and discussing wider CARICOM rollout. Sports Tourism Boost: President Ali commissions the $221M Anna Regina/Mainstay Airstrip, calling airstrips “lifelines” that cut travel time and open access to healthcare, education, business and events. Healthcare Access: Manawarin (Region Two) gets a combined $60M boost—$30M health centre plus $30M staff living quarters—featuring telemedicine links to regional hospitals and GPHC. Culture & Fashion: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 opens under “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years,” running July 3–5 and backed by ExxonMobil Guyana as a strategic partner. Infrastructure & Development: Mainstay/Whyaka village plans include completing a 4+ km access road, expanding pepper production with GDB support, and developing lakeside tourism cabins. CARICOM Day Debate: A CARICOM Day discussion is resurfacing on whether it should be a national holiday across the Caribbean, tied to the Treaty of Chaguaramas and regional identity. CARICOM Integration Message: CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett marks the 53rd anniversary stressing collective action on security, disaster response, climate adaptation, public health and education. Border Bridge Tension: Suriname says it told President Ali by May 15 it would finance the Corentyne bridge, while Guyana insists the project must remain a joint venture and says it received no official diplomatic shift.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Caribbean Airlines starts daily non-stop Guyana–Toronto flights (July 1–Aug 31), with one-way fares from US$549 (GEO→YYZ) and CAD$629 (YYZ→GEO), plus eligible travellers getting an extra 60 lb checked baggage allowance until Sept 29. Regional Travel Ease: Barbados and Guyana officially launch passport-free travel using ICAO-compliant national e-ID cards from July 1, with immigration officials confirming systems are ready and urging wider CARICOM adoption. Sports & Visitor Draw: President Ali commissions the $221M Anna Regina/Mainstay Airstrip and says airstrips are “lifelines,” while the new Anna Regina Stadium is set to turn Region Two into a major sporting destination. Healthcare Access: Manawarin (Region Two) gets a combined $60M health upgrade—$30M health centre plus $30M staff quarters—featuring telemedicine and flood-resilient design. Culture Spotlight: Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 opens under “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years,” with runway nights July 3–5 and ExxonMobil Guyana backing as a strategic partner. Cross-border Tension: Suriname disputes Ali’s claim about being uninformed on Corentyne bridge financing, while Guyana insists the project remains a joint, bilateral undertaking. Senior Citizens Travel Support: $20,000 annual Senior Citizens’ Travel Allowance begins July 8, with deposits planned for over 90,000 seniors.