AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Travel Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement that lets travellers book one itinerary on a single ticket across both airlines’ networks, with baggage checked through and no need to buy separate tickets. Guyana Travel Services: Immigration’s passport backlog push continues, with selected passport offices opening on Saturdays in June (09:00–15:00) for citizens with overdue collection slips. Tourism People-to-Watch: Mary Joseph was named the Virgin Islands’ new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide” to boost smart, year-round travel promotion. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Slingerz FC will face SWA Sharks in the CFU Club Shield opener in Trinidad and Tobago (July 23–Aug 2), after an unbeaten GFF Elite League run. Environment & Travel Context: CARICOM marked World Environment Day 2026, stressing climate impacts on tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the region.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement letting travellers book one ticket across both networks, with baggage checked through and no need for separate tickets—boosting routes that include Guyana and links to Europe via Paris-Orly. Tourism Services: Guyana’s Immigration Department will open selected passport offices on Saturdays in June to clear overdue collection backlogs, starting June 6 (09:00–15:00) for applicants with overdue slips. Sports Tourism: Cricket West Indies Masters and IMC have approved tournament zones for Guyana’s hosting of the IMC Over-40s World Cup (Oct 17–Nov 1, 2026), bringing 16 nations to compete. Local Travel & Safety: Authorities report a fatal canter crash into a bridge along the Long Creek Public Road (Linden/Soesdyke Highway), while Unity Beach tragedy recovery continues to highlight coastal safety concerns. Environment & Nature Tourism: GGMC shut down six illegal mining operations in Region Seven, and a study links small-scale gold mining in Guyana to long-term damage to dung beetle communities in the Amazon. Energy & Travel Outlook: Commentary on the Strait of Hormuz suggests shipping disruption is reshaping global energy flows—potentially affecting travel costs and regional tourism planning.

Former Presidents Benefits: APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul calls the government’s plan to repeal the 2015 caps and restore unlimited benefits “unconscionable,” as Parliament prepares to read the bill for the first time. Cricket Tourism Boost: CWIMA and IMC have approved Guyana’s tournament zones for the IMC Over-40s World Cup 2026 (Oct 17–Nov 1), bringing 16 nations to compete. Sports & Regional Pride: Guyana’s Green Machine makes major squad changes for the RAN Tier Two clash vs Barbados, aiming to bounce back after a recent loss. Youth Cricket Safety Net: NALICO/NAFICO will provide comprehensive 24/7 insurance for the Beharry U-19 Schools’ Cricket Tournament (June 13–Aug 8), covering players, staff, venues and travel. Local Content Push: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says the Local Content Secretariat is assessing in-country capacity ahead of amendments, with services like transport and accommodation key to local business growth. Unity Beach Tragedy: Search and recovery updates follow the drowning of a pregnant woman and her fiancé at Unity Beach, with emergency response efforts continuing. Region 7 Infrastructure: President Ali says a US$6M Puruni River bridge is set to start in August, replacing a pontoon crossing. Tourism Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Guyana among the delegations.

Tourism Summit in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opens June 1–5 with ministers and tourism leaders, including Guyana, pushing “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” and highlighting a rebound in stayovers and a shift toward culture-led travel. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal to make Caribbean-to-Europe journeys easier with single-ticket booking and smoother baggage handling. Local Tourism Outreach: Caribbean Airlines partners with the Guyana Tourism Authority for its Career Caravan at East Coast and East Bank Demerara schools, spotlighting aviation and tourism careers. Caricom Mobility Debate: A Bermuda lawyer warns that Caricom full membership could clash with Bermuda immigration rules via treaty commitments on free movement. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Region 7): GGMC shuts down six illegal mining operations and arrests 38 in the Mazaruni Mining District, seizing heavy equipment and promising ongoing surveillance. Conservation Funding: Iwokrama signs a multi-year pact with Beharry Holdings to support biodiversity monitoring and future education, research, and community work. Road Safety & Travel Risk: A commentary flags rising road deaths as a mix of reckless driving and worsening traffic pressure—relevant for visitors and locals alike. Unity Beach Tragedy: Search and recovery continues after a pregnant woman and her fiancé go missing at sea at Unity Beach, with emergency response efforts reported.

Caribbean Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline deal so travellers can book on one ticket, check luggage through, and connect across the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly—good news for Guyana visitors chasing easier regional hops. Tourism & Careers: Caribbean Airlines teamed up with the Guyana Tourism Authority for a Career Caravan at four East Coast/East Bank secondary schools, spotlighting aviation and tourism pathways for Forms Three to Five. Nature & Eco-Tourism: A new study links small-scale gold mining in Guyana to long-lasting damage to dung beetle communities in the Amazon, raising fresh concerns for rainforest recovery. Conservation Partnership: Iwokrama signed a multi-year biodiversity pact with Beharry Holdings to fund conservation monitoring first, then education, research and community work. Local Travel Infrastructure: President Ali says a US$6M Puruni River bridge in Region Seven will start in August and take about eight months, replacing the current pontoon crossing. Safety at Unity Beach: Search and recovery continues after a pregnant woman and her fiancé, a Special Constable, were swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach. Sports Tourism: Tourism Guyana Titans and the West Indies Academy both set up regional travel—Tobago cricket tours and a Sri Lanka development series that bring more visitors and spotlight Guyana.

Local Content Update: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says the Local Content Secretariat is assessing Guyana’s in-country capacity ahead of promised amendments to the 2021 Local Content Act, with consultations involving the private sector plus ExxonMobil and subcontractors; the law covers 40 service areas including transport, accommodation, surveying and pipe welding. Unity Beach Tragedy: Search and recovery efforts continue after a pregnant woman and her fiancé, a Special Constable, were swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach; later reports say their bodies were recovered, with relatives describing a last-minute route change due to flooding. Region 7 Connectivity & Tourism Angle: President Ali says a US$6M Puruni River bridge is set to start in August (about eight months), aimed at improving access in a mining-heavy area where pontoon crossings are currently used. Conservation Deal: Iwokrama signed a multi-year conservation pact with Beharry Holdings to fund annual biodiversity work, starting with monitoring, plus future education, research and community programmes. Air Travel for Visitors: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement letting travellers book on one ticket with baggage checked through, boosting links that include Guyana and connections to Europe via Paris. Road Safety Watch: A speeding car crash in Corentyne left three youths dead after an attempted overtaking collision with an oncoming vehicle, with police investigating.

Unity Beach Tragedy: The bodies of 20-year-old Lyodisa “Loyda” Waldron and her fiancé, Special Constable Andri “Bobby” Francis, were recovered Tuesday after they were swept away by strong currents while swimming at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara; a joint police and Coast Guard response has shifted from search to recovery. Conservation & Eco-Tourism: Iwokrama signed a multi-year conservation pact with Beharry Holdings, with annual funding starting for its monitoring programme—supporting biodiversity work and future education, research, and community outreach. Road Safety (Region Six): A fatal two-vehicle crash on the Maida/Farm Public Road, Corentyne, left three young men dead after a speeding car tried to overtake and collided with an oncoming vehicle, then slammed into a utility pole. Local Content Boosts Travel-Linked Growth: At the Local Content Summit, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said Guyana’s Local Content law is driving opportunities beyond oil—pushing demand in food production, housing, transport, and services that also support business and visitor-facing sectors. Air Connectivity for Visitors: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement so travellers can book combined trips on one ticket, with baggage checked through—linking Guyana and the wider Caribbean to Paris via smoother connections.

Unity Beach Tragedy: Police and the GDF Coast Guard are still searching and now shifting to recovery for a pregnant woman and her fiancé, a Special Constable, swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara. Health & Tourism Logistics: Opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir blasted the Health Ministry over a “refurbished” passenger boat handed over as a Region Seven water ambulance, saying it lacks proper emergency equipment. Connectivity for Region Seven: President Irfaan Ali announced a second boat for the Parika–Bartica route and a new Bartica government service centre (GRA, NIS, GRO, immigration, IDs and more) within a month to cut long travel for residents. Air Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, linking Guyana and the wider Caribbean to Europe via Paris. Cricket Tourism Push: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season schedule, with Guyana’s players named in West Indies Academy squads for Sri Lanka tours, and Tourism Guyana Titans set for a Tobago series (June 3–8) to market Guyana through sport. Conservation Deal: Iwokrama signed a multi-year conservation pact with Beharry Holdings to support biodiversity monitoring and future education, research and community work. Regional Safety Alert: Aviation Operators Association of Guyana urged the public to stop leaving hazards on hinterland airstrips after reports of rocks and debris on runways. Security Update: Police found firearms and ammunition in separate operations in Meten-Meer-Zorg (shotgun) and Corriverton/Berbice (pistol), with one suspect arrested and charges pending.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched a new interline agreement, letting travellers book both airlines on one ticket with through-checked baggage and fewer connection hassles, linking Guyana and the wider Caribbean to Paris Orly. Sports Tourism: Tourism Guyana Titans kick off a Tobago cricket tour June 3–8, using the matches to market Guyana, while the TG Titans also set for regional cricket action. Cricket Development: West Indies Academy departed for a multi-format Sri Lanka tour (June 3–27), with Guyanese Kevlon Anderson and Mavendra Dindyal named in the squad. Conservation & Eco-Travel: Iwokrama signed a multi-year conservation pact with Beharry Holdings to support biodiversity monitoring and future education, research and community work. Safety at Sea: Search and recovery continues for a couple swept away by strong currents while swimming at Unity Beach. Regional Services for Travellers: President Ali announced new government service centres for Bartica and Kamarang, plus upgrades to Parika–Bartica transport—key for smoother access to the hinterland. Infrastructure Watch: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan raised alarms over flooded Rupununi Road sections, calling for practical drainage and roadbed fixes. Airstrip Safety: GCAA condemned deliberate rocks placed on the Lethem Aerodrome runway and says police are investigating.

Region 7 Accountability: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says the PPP/C Cabinet’s outreach in Region Seven is “photo ops” and demands real fixes for long-standing community problems. Conservation & Eco-Tourism: Iwokrama signed a multi-year conservation agreement with Beharry Holdings to fund biodiversity monitoring and future education, research and community work. Tourism Access in Region 7: President Ali announced a second boat for the Parika–Bartica route and a government service centre in Bartica within a month, aiming to cut travel time for services like GRA, NIS, immigration and E-ID. Safety on the Water: Police and residents continue searching for two people swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara. Road Disruption Warning: Sherod Duncan raised alarms over flooded sections of the Rupununi Road in Region Nine, calling for practical drainage and road-strengthening steps. Aviation Safety Alert: GCAA condemned deliberate rocks placed on the Lethem Aerodrome runway and says a police investigation is underway. Wildlife Protection: A report highlights trafficking networks targeting Brazil’s golden lion tamarins, underscoring the risks to rare species. Business & Investment: GO-Invest and BritCham held a strategic investment roundtable in London with UK firms exploring opportunities across Guyana, including tourism and energy.

Tourism & Connectivity: President Irfaan Ali announced a new ferry and a government service centre for Region Seven, aiming to cut long trips for services like GRA, NIS, GRO, immigration, and E-ID—plus the Parika-Bartica route gets a second boat. Aviation Safety: The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority condemned deliberate rocks placed on the Lethem Aerodrome runway and says police are investigating. Tourism Development: Fort Island is set to become a major tourism destination after Diamond Jubilee, with upgrades to access and visitor experience and room for private eco-lodge investment. Jubilee Travel Numbers: CJIA processed about 48,500 arrivals as Guyana welcomed over 56,000 passengers for the 60th Independence “Homecoming,” with airline seating capacity up 6% in 2026. Regional Aviation Politics: St Kitts and Nevis says it wasn’t consulted before Caribbean Airlines pulled out of routes, while talks continue to replace connectivity. Wildlife & Travel Ethics: A trafficking ring is linked to smuggling endangered golden lion tamarins from Brazil, raising fresh concerns for wildlife tourism and conservation. Caribbean Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 draws strong tourism minister turnout, including Guyana. Public Safety: Police continue searching after a couple was swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach.

Region Seven Connectivity: President Irfaan Ali announced a second ferry for the Parika–Bartica route and a new government service centre in Bartica, expected to be fully operational within a month—bringing services like GRA, IDs, NIS, immigration, licensing and birth certificates closer to residents. Tourism & Heritage: Fort Island is set to become a major tourism destination after Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with upgrades aimed at better access and visitor experience and interest from private investors in eco-lodges. Aviation Safety: The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority condemned deliberate rocks placed on the Lethem Aerodrome runway and says police are investigating, urging anyone with information to come forward. Regional Air Travel: St Kitts and Nevis tourism officials say Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from the St Kitts route was made without consultation, while LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to make multi-carrier travel easier across the region. Business for Visitors: Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues urged better customer service as new hospitality openings roll out, while the PSC and Finance Minister pushed Guyanese firms to meet international standards and expand beyond the domestic market. Sports Culture: ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League launched its “Super We” campaign ahead of the July 23–Aug 1 tournament, tying cricket to Guyana’s cultural identity.

Tourism Development: Fort Island is set to become a major tourism destination, with plans for upgrades to improve access, visitor experience and eco-lodge investment while preserving heritage. Aviation Safety: The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority says rocks were deliberately placed on the Lethem Aerodrome runway and has urged the public to assist a police investigation. Regional Travel Policy: Barbados and Guyana will allow citizens to travel using national ID cards from July 1, aiming to make Caribbean integration more practical. Air Connectivity Watch: St Kitts and Nevis says Caribbean Airlines route cuts were made without consultation, while LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to make multi-carrier trips easier. Business & Hospitality: Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues backed the opening of Spice Route Restaurant, stressing that customer service helps build “Destination Guyana.” Visitor Numbers: CJIA processed over 48,500 arrivals as Guyana welcomed more than 56,000 passengers for the Diamond Jubilee “Homecoming” celebrations. Sports Spotlight: ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League launches “Super We” ahead of the July 23–Aug 1 T20 event at the National Stadium. Education & Inclusion: The David Rose Special School abuse probe expands as the Ministry moves to install a governing board and address alleged systemic failures for neurodivergent learners.

Tourism & Connectivity: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines cut its St Kitts and Nevis route without consulting the government, sparking concern among travellers and tourism stakeholders as officials seek new airline partners. Air Travel Demand: Guyana’s CJIA handled over 48,500 arrivals (and more than 56,000 passengers overall) for the 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee “Homecoming,” with airlines adding about 6% more seating into Guyana in 2026. Destination Development: Fort Island is set to be upgraded into a major tourism stop, with plans for better access, visitor experience improvements, and eco-lodge investment while preserving heritage. Hospitality Growth: The Spice Route Restaurant and Bar opened in Georgetown, with Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues linking strong customer service and food culture to “Destination Guyana.” Business & Service Standards: Finance and PSC leaders urged companies to expand beyond the domestic market and raise customer service to international standards. Regional Travel Rules: Barbados and Guyana will allow travel using national ID cards from July 1, aiming to make cross-border movement easier. Nature Travel Feature: A travel story highlights Guyana’s Rupununi ranch tourism, including giant anteaters and capybaras in the wild. Energy Context: Reuters reports Guyana is positioned to benefit from higher oil prices tied to the Iran war, putting pressure on government to invest oil revenue into broader growth.

Diamond Jubilee Travel Surge: Guyana welcomed over 56,000 passengers for the 60th Independence “Homecoming” celebrations, with CJIA processing about 48,500 arrivals—up 16% versus 2025—despite global aviation headwinds. Hospitality & Tourism: Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues urged businesses to lift customer service to international standards, spotlighting the new Spice Route Restaurant in Georgetown as part of “Destination Guyana.” New Tourism Development: Fort Island is set to be upgraded into a major tourism destination, with plans for better access, visitor experience improvements, and eco-lodge investment while preserving heritage. Regional Travel Ease: Barbados and Guyana will allow travel using national ID cards from July 1, cutting out biometric passport needs and giving airlines time to adjust. Air Connectivity Watch: Fort Island’s growth comes as regional carriers reshape routes—Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal sparked concerns over consultation, while LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to make Caribbean-to-Europe connections smoother. Roads & Access: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan questioned Kwakwani Trail conditions in Region 10, saying maintenance lags behind major road spending. Business Standards: Finance Minister Ashni Singh and PSC chair Gerry Gouveia Jr pushed businesses to deliver world-class customer experiences, not just ribbon-cutting. Labour & Work Permits: Labour Ministry says 15 foreign workers tied to EKAA HRIM will remain in Guyana as investigations continue, including issues raised over passports and wages. Legal Case: Ian Roberts, a Guyana-born former US school superintendent, was sentenced in the US to 24 months for immigration and firearms charges.

Passport-Free Travel: Guyana and Barbados officially launched a digital ID travel system, letting eligible citizens cross the border using national e-ID cards (no biometric passport) from July 1, 2026, with airlines getting a rollout buffer to update check-in and boarding. Regional Investment & Tourism: Barbados and Guyana also announced a new joint “Trident Arrow” investment fund aimed at letting ordinary citizens back nation-building projects, from infrastructure to technology and agro-processing—another boost for business travel and visitor confidence. Air Connectivity: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean-to-Europe journeys easier, with single-ticket booking and through-checked baggage that should reduce “disjointed” travel. Roads & Access: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan questioned the condition of the Kwakwani Trail in Region 10, saying residents face worsening travel conditions despite major road budget allocations. Health & Travel Safety: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (dengue, chikungunya, Zika), all linked to travel abroad—an extra reminder for travellers to take bite-prevention seriously. Sports Calendar: Cricket West Indies unveiled its 2026 home season, including series vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, with Barbados added as a co-host for the NZ ODIs. Geopolitics: Guyana and T&T reserved their positions as CARICOM distanced itself from a Cuba sanctions statement, underlining shifting regional alignments.