AGP Executive Report

Tourism Growth: Guyana welcomed 48,582 visitors in August 2026, up 5.6% year-on-year, with leisure travel leading (62%) and the USA the biggest market share (39%). Community Business Support: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce wrapped up its 2026 Community Business Clinic series in Pakuri, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, offering one-stop help on registration, taxes, standards, financing and tourism opportunities. New Dining Spot: Chef Demetrius Brown is set to open Heritage, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Summerhill on September 10, building on his Bread & Butterfly concept with a multi-course tasting experience. E-ID Pushback: Public Service Minister Zulfikar Ally dismissed claims that Guyana’s e-ID cards are meant to control citizens, saying the system is for easier access to public services. Regional Travel Spotlight: Guyana’s tourism momentum also sits alongside wider Caribbean travel news, including passport ranking updates and travel access scores across the region. Migration & Security Debate: The arrival of US-linked deportees under a third-country arrangement sparked opposition concerns over pressure on services and security, while the government says only vetted, non-criminal individuals are accepted. Service Centres Expansion: Government Service Centres have now processed over 204,000 transactions across six regions, including Bartica, reducing the need to travel to Georgetown.

US Deportations to Guyana: The first cohort of foreign nationals expelled from the US under a third-country arrangement has arrived, with Guyana saying only vetted, non-criminal people are accepted and that it can veto transfers. Opposition Pushback: Opposition parties and the GHRA warn the deal could strain security and social services, and they’re demanding details on who’s coming and where they’ll go. Local Rights Concerns: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says police actions—including alleged phone seizures and the deactivation of his Facebook page—are part of state harassment, and he’s taken the complaint to the UN, CARICOM, OAS, and US/UK/Canada missions. Tourism Numbers: Guyana welcomed 48,582 visitors in August 2026, up 5.6% year-on-year, with leisure travel leading arrivals. Sports Tourism Move: President Ali met local boat racers and directed talks on duty-free concessions for imported racing boats to boost sports tourism. Tourism & Trade Warning: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce threatens to shut down illegal copper and scrap-metal operations, warning licensed dealers they could face licence cancellation and prosecution. Service Centres Expansion: More than 204,000 transactions have been completed at government service centres across six regions, reducing the need to travel to Georgetown. Regional Travel Spotlight: British Airways plans new nonstop routes from Gatwick this winter, while Guyana’s visitor growth continues to climb.

Tourism Numbers: Guyana welcomed 48,582 visitors in August 2026, up 5.6% year-on-year, with January–August arrivals up 11% versus 2025; leisure travel led at 62%, and the biggest source markets were the USA (39%) and the Caribbean (33%). Migration & Diplomacy: Opposition parties and GHRA are raising alarms over a US–Guyana deportee arrangement allowing up to 144 people to be sent while cases are concluded, while the US says it’s grateful for Guyana’s cooperation under a temporary framework. Local Governance & Services: Government Service Centres have now completed 204,000+ transactions since December, operating in six regions (including Bartica), helping residents access services like GRA, GRO and CIPO without travelling to Georgetown. Legal/Justice Watch: In the MV Barima murder case, three Transport and Harbours Department employees were remanded as paper committal is set for November 16. Security & Politics: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says he’s taken concerns about alleged state harassment to the UN, CARICOM, OAS, the US, Britain, Canada and the Carter Center. Tourism-Sport Link: President Ali met boat racers about duty-free concessions for imported racing boats to boost sports tourism. Industry Crackdown: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns it will shut down illegal copper and scrap-metal operations, threatening licence cancellations and prosecutions. Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil is seeking Guyanese suppliers for training services at the Port Mourant oil and gas facility, aimed at building a locally skilled workforce. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17 on Sept 12, with workshops spanning tourism, agro-processing and AI-enabled business ideas.

Migration & Border Cooperation: The U.S. says it’s grateful to Guyana after a new one-year migration cooperation framework began with the arrival of a small, vetted group of deportees (four from Cuba, two from Afghanistan) via IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, with Guyana able to review and reject cases. Local Governance & Services: Guyana’s Government Service Centres have processed over 204,000 transactions since December, now operating in six regions (including Bartica), helping residents access services like GRA, GRO and CIPO without travelling to Georgetown. Tourism & Sports Policy: President Irfaan Ali met boat racers at Lake Mainstay and directed talks on duty-free concessions for imported racing boats to boost sports tourism, with strict rules to prevent abuse. Security & Politics: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has taken alleged state harassment and unlawful detentions to the UN, CARICOM, OAS, the U.S., Britain, Canada and the Carter Center, while a chief magistrate ruled there was no basis to revoke his bail during extradition proceedings. Trade Enforcement: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warned it will shut down illegal copper and scrap-metal operations, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution for dealers handling stolen copper. Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil is seeking suppliers for Guyana’s first oil and gas training facility in Port Mourant, aiming to build accredited technician skills for Stabroek Block operations. Youth & Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17 on Sept 12 at ACCC, focusing on tourism, agro-processing, AI-enabled business and more. Regional Travel Context: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ passport ranks 48th globally with 73.2% visa-free access, a useful benchmark for regional travellers.

Sports Tourism Push: President Irfaan Ali says duty-free concessions are being explored for imported racing boats, with a special import category for vessels used in competitive racing to boost tourism and youth sport. Public Services Upgrade: Guyana’s service centres have processed 204,000+ transactions since December, expanding access to GRA, GRO, CIPO and E-ID services across six regions, with Bartica added last week. Tourism & Regional Spotlight: Ali will keynote CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct 5–9), focusing on smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism futures. Oil & Skills for Locals: Exxon is seeking Guyanese suppliers for Guyana’s first oil and gas training facility in Port Mourant, covering technical training and facility operations. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launches a Youth Entrepreneur Conference (Sept 12, ACCC) for ages 10–17, with workshops spanning tourism, agro-processing, AI and marketing. Illegal Copper Crackdown: The Ministry warns it will shut down the scrap-metal trade if illegal copper handling continues, threatening licence cancellations and prosecutions. Transport Reliability: A Canawaima ferry crisis call urges Guyana and Suriname to move beyond short fixes and agree a long-term crossing plan. Regional Representation: Guyana’s Jiaram will represent the country at the Tobago Open World Cup 2026 draughts event (Sept 9–18). Legal/Travel Safety Note: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman refused to revoke Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s bail during extradition proceedings tied to an alleged drone incident near the President’s home.

Tourism & Industry: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali will keynote the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct. 5–9), focusing on a smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism future. Sports Tourism: Guyana will be represented at the Tobago Open World Cup 2026 Draughts Championships (Sept. 9–18) at Green Palm Boutique Hotel, with a tour built in to boost Tobago’s visitor appeal. Youth & Entrepreneurship: The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17 on Sept. 12 at ACCC, with workshops spanning tourism & hospitality, agro-processing, AI-led business, and more. Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil Guyana is seeking local suppliers for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility, aimed at accredited technician programmes for electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process operations. Regulation & Safety: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warned it will shut down illegal copper and scrap-metal operations, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution for dealers handling stolen copper. Regional Transport: A Canawaima ferry restart is welcomed, but calls are growing for a long-term, reliable crossing plan between Guyana and Suriname.

Tourism & Policy: Guyana’s Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warned scrap-metal dealers it will shut down illegal copper operations, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution for anyone buying or handling stolen copper. Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil Guyana is seeking local suppliers for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility, aiming to build an accredited technician workforce for electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process operations. Business & Youth: The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference (ages 10–17) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Sept 12, with workshops spanning tourism & hospitality, agro-processing, AI entrepreneurship and more. Transport & Safety: A Canawaima ferry crisis is still being debated, with calls for a long-term, reliable crossing plan between Moleson Creek and South Drain. Regional Tourism: President Irfaan Ali will keynote CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct 5–9), focusing on smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism futures. Sports: The St Lucia Kings face a tough CPL playoff push after a heavy loss to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil is asking local suppliers for services tied to Guyana’s first oil-and-gas training facility in Port Mourant, Berbice—covering technical training, facility operations and management. Tourism Leadership: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali will keynote the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Georgetown (Oct. 5–9), with a focus on smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism. Regional Connectivity: The Canawaima ferry is back in service, but a fresh call is growing for a long-term, reliable crossing plan between Guyana and Suriname. Cruise-Ready Governance: A sod-turning ceremony marks progress toward Guyana’s own law school at the University of Guyana, aimed at bringing legal training closer to students. Local Business & Youth: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference (Sept. 12) to spark entrepreneurship among ages 10–17 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Safety & Compliance: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns against illegal copper and scrap-metal operations, threatening licence cancellations and prosecutions. Oil & Gas Watch: Exxon’s training push comes as Berbice oil activity and regional energy developments stay in the spotlight.

Tourism Leadership in Georgetown: President Dr Irfaan Ali will keynote the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 in Guyana (Oct 5–9), focusing on a smart, sustainable and inclusive future for regional tourism. Next-Gen Tourism Forum: CTO will also launch its Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC, a town-hall style session for students and emerging tourism professionals on Oct 5 (10:00–11:30 a.m.). Royal Visit to Guyana: King Charles and Queen Camilla have announced an Autumn Tour (Oct 27–Nov 4) that includes a Guyana state visit as part of 60 years of UK–Guyana relations. Amerindian Travel Support: Construction is expected to begin shortly on a new $500M state-of-the-art Amerindian Hostel to improve temporary accommodation for hinterland residents travelling to Georgetown for services, including medical care. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference (Sept 12) for ages 10–17, aimed at sparking early business ideas and innovation. Local Justice Update: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman refused to revoke Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s bail after a drone-related police probe near President Ali’s Leonora home. Hinterland Connectivity Push: President Ali urged telecom providers to invest more in hinterland service, citing gaps even on major routes like the Linden–Soesdyke Highway. Regional Context: Air Canada will increase London–Toronto frequencies from June 1, adding more options for travellers heading onward to the Caribbean and South America.

Court Update: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman refused to revoke Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s bail in the extradition matter, saying the court can only act on what’s proven, not what’s known, as police probe alleged unauthorised drone activity near President Irfaan Ali’s Leonora private residence. Youth & Tourism: The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference (Sept 12) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization will run a Future Leaders Forum at CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct 5), spotlighting AI, climate, entrepreneurship and community tourism. Tourism Leadership: President Irfaan Ali will keynote CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (Oct 5–9) on “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.” Travel Access: Air Canada will add more daily flights between London Heathrow and Toronto from June 1, 2027, including a return of the Daytripper service. Hinterland Travel Support: A $500M state-of-the-art Amerindian Hostel is set to begin shortly to improve temporary accommodation for hinterland residents visiting Georgetown for services. Business & Logistics: Pas Cargo Guyana secured its first IDB Lab loan, a boost for private-sector investment beyond oil. Regional Spotlight: King Charles and Queen Camilla announce a Caribbean tour in October/early November, including a Guyana state visit tied to 60 years of UK–Guyana relations.

Royal Tourism Push: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean this fall, with a nine-day trip running Oct. 27–Nov. 4 that includes visits to the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda—and Guyana—highlighting the region’s pull for high-profile travel. Caribbean Tourism Leadership: The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will launch its first Future Leaders Forum in Guyana on Oct. 5 at SOTIC 2026, using a town-hall format to connect students and emerging tourism professionals with leaders on AI, climate, biodiversity, community tourism and workforce development. Health & Travel Cooperation: GPHC welcomed a five-member delegation from China’s National Health Commission for medical exchange and evaluation of foreign-aid health teams, including tours of specialised services. Hinterland Access & Infrastructure: President Ali outlined further road and water upgrades for Coomacka Mines in Region 10, while also urging telecom providers to invest more in hinterland connectivity. Tourism Business Visibility: Five Guyana-based tourism operators were added to Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Map, boosting international exposure for community-led conservation and sustainable experiences. Safety on the Roads: A Cuban national was remanded after causing the deaths of two Indonesian nationals in a Timehri crash involving dangerous driving. Development for Visitors: Construction is set to begin soon on a $500M Amerindian Hostel to improve temporary accommodation for hinterland residents travelling to Georgetown for services.

Commission of Inquiry Opens: Guyana’s CoI into the M/V Barima disaster has officially opened to the public, urging survivors and families to submit information ahead of hearings later this month, but it offered no fresh update on government salvage efforts. Hinterland Travel Boost: Construction is set to begin shortly on a new US$500M Amerindian Hostel to improve temporary accommodation in Georgetown for hinterland residents seeking services, with 1,835 people already assisted this year. Digital Divide Push: President Irfaan Ali told telecom providers to invest more in hinterland connectivity, pointing to US$19.6M already spent to help more than 140,000 citizens. Tourism Visibility: Five Guyana-based tourism businesses have been added to Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Map, highlighting community-led conservation and sustainable experiences. Private Sector Financing: Pas Cargo Guyana became the first local private company to secure IDB Lab financing, with a loan agreement signed in Georgetown. Road Access Upgrade: The US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is slated to open by Oct. 5, promising safer, toll-free travel and better traffic flow. Health Alert: Dengue virus was detected in Hawaii wastewater samples, with officials noting dengue is often travel-associated.

Amerindian Travel & Access: A new $500M state-of-the-art Amerindian Hostel is set to begin soon, aiming to improve temporary accommodation for hinterland residents travelling to Georgetown for services like specialised medical care. Hinterland Connectivity: President Irfaan Ali urged telecom providers to invest more in hinterland service, saying the digital divide still isn’t being bridged fast enough. Tourism Growth: Guyana’s community-led tourism gets a boost as five local businesses are added to Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Map, spotlighting conservation and Indigenous community benefits. Private Sector Financing: Pas Cargo Guyana secured the first IDB Lab loan for a Guyanese private company, a win for logistics and non-oil business investment. Infrastructure for Visitors & Trade: The new US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is expected to open by Oct. 5, promising easier, toll-free movement across the Demerara River. Sports & Travel Buzz: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat TKR in the Caribbean Premier League, keeping playoff hopes alive for the home side. Health Alert: Florida confirmed a locally acquired dengue case in Orange County, with travel-linked cases including Guyana mentioned in the wider update.

China–US Diplomatic Spat: China’s embassy in Guyana hit back at a US official’s “malicious” criticism of Chinese-built infrastructure, as the China–Guyana trade push nears US$2.9B. Tourism Visibility Boost: The Guyana Tourism Authority says five local tourism businesses are now on Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Map, spotlighting community-led, conservation-focused experiences. IDB Lab Financing for Logistics: Pas Cargo Guyana became the first private company in Guyana to secure an IDB Lab loan, with a signing ceremony at the Ministry of Finance. SOTIC Youth Engagement: CTO will launch its inaugural Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, using an interactive town hall to connect students with tourism leaders. New Road Link for Hinterland Travelers: The US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is set to open by Oct 5, promising smoother access for Linden and surrounding areas. Safety Reminder for Visitors: Guyana Power and Light warned after a scaffold accident in Plantation Houston involved power lines, underscoring caution near electrical infrastructure. Gold Declaration Access: GGMC is expanding gold declaration services in mining districts with more offices and scheduled visits to reduce travel burdens for miners.

Tourism Leadership: The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will launch its inaugural Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, using an interactive town hall on Oct. 5 to connect students and emerging professionals with tourism leaders on topics like climate, AI, entrepreneurship, biodiversity, community tourism, and workforce development. Tourism Visibility: Five Guyana-based tourism businesses have been added to Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Map, boosting international visibility for community-led conservation and sustainable travel, including Iwokrama River Lodge and Karanambu Lodge. Travel Safety Watch: The U.S. State Department issued/updated a Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil, urging Americans to exercise increased caution, with extra warnings around crime, ATMs, and certain high-risk areas. Transport & Access: A new US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is set to open no later than Oct. 5, promising a four-lane upgrade to ease congestion for Region Ten and hinterland travellers. Local Tourism Talent: Bermuda named its tourism youth speech finalists, who will represent the island in Guyana—highlighting the region’s growing youth pipeline for tourism careers. Mining Community Services: GGMC is expanding gold declaration access in mining districts, adding offices and sending officials on designated days to reduce travel burdens for miners. Road Safety Prep: Traffic Headquarters held a readiness muster ahead of school reopening and major events, including the CPL leg and the King Charles state visit.

Bridge Opening: The new US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge in Linden is set for an official opening no later than October 5, replacing the old two-lane crossing with a modern four-lane route to cut bottlenecks and improve traffic flow, with road upgrades including medians, traffic islands, and roundabouts. Travel Safety: The U.S. State Department renewed its Brazil travel advisory, urging visitors to avoid favelas and border regions and to take extra care at night, with warnings about violent crime and risks around ATMs. Tourism & Youth: The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch its inaugural Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana on Oct. 5, using an interactive town hall to connect students and emerging professionals with tourism leaders on the future of the sector. Mining Access: The GGMC is expanding gold declaration access in mining districts, adding offices and sending officials on designated days so miners can declare and sell through authorised channels without long-distance travel. Royal Visit: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s eight-day Caribbean tour (Oct. 27–Nov. 4), including stops in the Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026. Ferry Update: M.V. Canawaima service between Guyana and Suriname has resumed after Suriname lifted an operational ban, with priority given to clearing stranded passengers, vehicles, and cargo. Road & School Readiness: Traffic Headquarters held a muster ahead of Monday’s school reopening and major events, including the CPL leg and the King’s state visit, with added focus on safer school-zone movement. Health & Culture: A new Roots and Flavours Hub opened at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute to train women for culinary and street-food entrepreneurship, supporting tourism and hospitality growth.