AGP Executive Report

Kitty Shooting: Newly surfaced surveillance footage appears to challenge the police account of the October 12 shooting involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and senior officer Prem Narine. AFC, APNU and Forward Guyana are calling for an independent investigation, while the DPP says circulating clips are excerpts from prosecution evidence and warns that public commentary could prejudice the trial. Mohamed has also applied for interim bail. MV Barima Inquiry: The United States revoked the visa of inquiry chair Godfrey Smith, who says he will not appeal; officials have not disclosed the reason. Food Production: Poultry output reached 91,000 tonnes in 2025, up from 41,000, and the government aims to exceed 100,000 tonnes this year and end onion imports by early 2027. Farmers are preparing for a possible bumper rice crop next year despite El Niño conditions. Trade: Guyana accounted for 62% of Caribbean goods exports in 2025, with exports rising 28.9% in the first half of 2026, according to the IDB.

Police Accountability: Newly surfaced surveillance footage appears to challenge the police account of the October 12 shooting involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, intensifying calls for an independent investigation. Separately, five officers have been remanded on capital murder charges over the custodial death of Gavin Douglas. Election Readiness: GECOM commissioner Vincent Alexander questioned the chair’s authority to discuss electoral matters with Western diplomats while the commission remains unable to meet. Agriculture: About 100,000 acres have been prepared for rice cultivation, and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says a strong 2027 harvest is possible as global prices rise. Farmers in East Berbice also received 25 irrigation pumps. Oil and Trade: Guyana’s high commissioner says the country could eventually supply up to 20% of India’s daily crude needs. An IDB report says Caribbean exports rose 19.1% in the first half of 2026, led largely by Guyana and Suriname’s energy and mining exports. Community Support: Two Corentyne families, including a widowed mother of four and a family displaced by fire, received furnished homes through the Men on Mission programme.

Forest Fires: A multi-agency team is responding to fires in Karisparu, Region Eight, where agricultural land and housing materials have been damaged and homes remain at risk. The village’s access bridge is also threatened; authorities say burning garbage may have sparked the fires. Banking and Payments: Bank of Baroda opened its new Georgetown headquarters as its Guyana business topped G$51.2 billion. The bank also says it is ready to help roll out India’s UPI digital payment system locally. Shooting Inquiry: New surveillance footage has renewed questions about the police account of the October 12 incident involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. A media report says gunshot residue was detected on Mohamed and his driver; his lawyers dispute that he fired a weapon. Roadside Death: A 22-year-old woman was killed and a man injured after a car allegedly drove into a group twice during an altercation outside a Nigg nightclub. 2027 Budget: Finance officials have begun reviewing ministry proposals, with consultations set to include government agencies, businesses and other stakeholders. Ferry Service: The MB Sandaka is covering the Guyana–Suriname route while the Canawaima is in dry dock.

Mohamed Case: Fresh footage appears to show Senior Superintendent Prem Narine firing towards Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s vehicle during the October 12 confrontation. Lawyers dispute the reported gunshot-residue findings, while opposition figures call for an independent probe; the GTUC wants Mohamed released to attend Parliament. Stabroek Market Fire: A blaze destroyed a clothing and cosmetics store and damaged nearby vendors’ businesses, raising fresh questions about fire response and preparedness. 2027 Budget: The Finance Ministry has begun reviewing ministries’ proposals and plans consultations with agencies, businesses and other stakeholders. Food Prices: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says middlemen’s markups of 50% to 100% are contributing to high produce prices; the government plans to boost production and support farmers’ markets. Fire Risks: Authorities are battling fires in Karisparu, Region Eight, reportedly started by burning rubbish, with homes, farmland and a key access bridge at risk. Hinterland Power: New solar mini-grids in Nappi and Yupukari are expected to provide electricity to more than 1,400 residents.

Georgetown Fire: A major blaze destroyed a clothing store near Stabroek Market on Saturday night, damaging nearby vendor stalls and triggering power outages. Firefighters contained the flames before they spread further. Oil Sector Jobs: Guyanese now hold every Base Manager position at GYSBI, including the first woman in the role, marking a shift to local leadership at the major oil-and-gas logistics hub. Foreign Exchange: Bank of Guyana Governor Gobind Ganga says funds are available to ease the currency shortage, but legal limits restrict their use as demand surges. India Partnership: Guyana and India advanced economic agreements, including a US$500 million credit line for development projects; Guyana’s High Commissioner also said the country could eventually supply up to a fifth of India’s crude needs. Justice and Safety: Five police ranks have been remanded over the death of Gavin Douglas in custody. Officials also reported 103 road deaths in 94 crashes so far this year and urged drivers to slow down. Digital Services: Guyana has launched an online driver’s licence examination portal, with students also able to access testing through the Guyana Digital School.

Road Safety: Guyana’s new online driver’s licence exam portal aims to make testing fairer and reduce improper influence. Officials report 103 road deaths in 94 crashes so far this year, down 16% from the same period last year, and urge patience behind the wheel. Police Accountability: Five police ranks have been charged and remanded over Gavin Douglas’s death in custody; a post-mortem found he died from blunt-force trauma. Local Leadership: GYSBI says Guyanese now hold all its Base Manager posts for the first time, including the company’s first female Base Manager, while 96% of its workforce is local. Energy: Linden residents continue to face unreliable power despite protests, with MP Sharma Solomon calling for a lasting fix. Business: Bank of Baroda opened its new Georgetown headquarters and reported total Guyana business of $51.2 billion; President Ali urged banks to expand small-business lending. Agriculture: At an Albion outreach, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha directed officials to report within seven days on farmers’ concerns, including drainage, land clearing and livestock support.

Police Accountability: Five police ranks have been charged with murder over Gavin Douglas’s death in custody and remanded until November 17. A post-mortem found he died from blunt-force trauma. Mohamed Bail Case: The High Court has allowed Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to file his own affidavit in support of his bail application. Football Development: FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened mini-pitches in Haslington and Linden, while President Ali discussed plans for a major regional tournament. Digital Services: A new portal lets students prepare for and sit driver’s licence theory exams online, with practical-test scheduling expected to follow. Business and Wages: Ali urged banks to support small businesses as Bank of Baroda opened its new Georgetown headquarters, reporting more than $51 billion in total business. The PNCR is seeking a 25% public-sector pay increase, retroactive to January. Energy: Guyana’s High Commissioner says the country could eventually supply up to 20% of India’s crude needs; Guyana has also commissioned its first solar-powered EV charging station at the University of Guyana.

India Partnership: Guyana and India signed agreements on digital payments and small-business support, alongside a US$500 million credit line for development priorities. A national payment system is expected by year-end, while Guyana’s envoy says the country could eventually supply India with up to 20% of its crude needs. Football: President Irfaan Ali and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino are advancing plans for 10 mini-pitches nationwide and a regional tournament targeted for 2027. Digital Services: A new driver-licence portal lets users study and sit theory exams online, with students among the first participants. Indigenous Development: Construction is starting on a $1.2 billion Amerindian hostel at Ogle. Clean Transport: Guyana’s first solar-powered EV charging station opened at the University of Guyana, with three more planned. Road Safety: Officials launched a national campaign as road deaths reached 103 so far this year. Prison Conditions: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has asked the High Court to review his detention, alleging near-total isolation; prison authorities defend the security arrangements.

Prison Conditions: A heated High Court exchange over Azruddin Mohamed’s detention has focused on his claim that he spends nearly 24 hours a day in his cell. The State disputes his account as his bail application continues. India Partnership: Guyana and India signed three agreements covering digital payments and small-business development, alongside a US$500 million credit line for projects including health, roads and defence. Tourism: Guyana recorded a record 47,726 visitor arrivals in October. Maritime Security: Guyana welcomed US sanctions against an India-based couple accused of helping ships falsely use the Guyanese flag to transport Iranian oil. Corentyne Crossing: The MB Sandaka is set to replace the MV Canawaima while it enters dry dock, maintaining passenger and goods transport between Guyana and Suriname.

India Partnership: India is extending Guyana a US$500 million credit line for roads, healthcare and defence. Three agreements also advance a UPI-style digital payments system. Road Safety: Road Safety Month launched as officials reported 103 deaths in 94 crashes this year and nearly 30,000 speeding cases through October. Maritime Security: Guyana welcomed US sanctions on an India-based couple accused of falsely registering vessels under the Guyanese flag, including ships linked to Iranian oil. Trafficking Probe: Police found 14 Cuban women in Bartica during an investigation into suspected trafficking; a Cuban man is in custody and the women are being screened. Police Accountability: Four officers were arrested after Gavin Douglas died in custody from blunt-force head trauma, prompting calls for an independent investigation. Tourism: Guyana recorded a high of 47,726 visitor arrivals in October, up 12.8% from a year earlier.

India–Guyana Ties: India extended a US$500 million credit line for Guyana’s roads, health and defence projects, with agreements also covering small-business manufacturing, community projects and digital payments. Oil Sector: ExxonMobil and its contractors spent more than US$317 million with Guyanese suppliers in the first half of 2026; officials are considering expanding local-content requirements. Police Accountability: A post-mortem found Gavin Douglas died from blunt-force trauma while in custody at Vreed-en-Hoop. Six police ranks have been arrested as the investigation continues. MV Barima: A Venezuelan diver died during salvage work on the wreck, prompting calls for an independent review and questions over why families were not informed before operations began. Maritime Fraud: US sanctions targeted an Indian-run network accused of issuing fake ship flags and documents, including falsely claiming to represent Guyana, to help Iranian oil tankers evade restrictions.

Custody Death: Six police ranks are under arrest as the probe into Gavin Douglas’s death widens. An autopsy found he died from blunt-force trauma, prompting renewed calls for an independent investigation. Mohamed Bail Case: The High Court delayed a ruling on Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s bail application until November 12; the judge said alleged harsh detention conditions, if present, must not continue. Guyana-Canada Ties: President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed trade, biodiversity and development financing at the Commonwealth summit. Youth Opportunities: Young entrepreneur Arav Jagroop urged leaders to create competitive careers at home so qualified Guyanese youth can thrive without leaving the country. Culture: Guyana-born poet Grace Nichols won the £10,000 Royal Society of Literature Pioneer prize. Football: The unbeaten Golden Jaguars named their squad for home matches against the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico, with promotion and a Gold Cup place at stake. Land Ruling: The Caribbean Court of Justice restored Janet Hassan’s victory in a decades-old dispute, ruling a receipt showed an agreement to sell the land. Blairmont Fire: A family of four lost their home and belongings after an electrical fire.

Extradition Case: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman again refused to revoke Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s bail. Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman says the prosecution may appeal, citing alleged witness interference and other new charges. Death in Custody: An autopsy found Gavin Douglas died from blunt-force trauma; four police ranks are in custody as the investigation continues. Linden Services: A 750-kVA backup generator has been installed at West Watooka water treatment plant after protests over outages, with backup systems planned for other plants. Oil Development: SBM Offshore has earmarked a hull for a possible Haimara FPSO, but no contract has been awarded. The vessel could also serve nearby discoveries if technically and commercially viable. Biodiversity: Guyana plans nationwide biodiversity monitoring that keeps environmental data under local control, while a June 2027 forum is expected to advance conservation investment.

Police Custody Death: An autopsy found Gavin Douglas died from blunt-force trauma while in custody at Vreed-en-Hoop; several police ranks have been arrested as the investigation widens, amid calls for an independent probe. Political Tensions: Protests over Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s detention turned violent outside court, with police and demonstrators clashing. Mohamed remains behind bars in a separate case, though his extradition bail stands. Road Safety: Guyana has recorded 103 road deaths so far this year. Police are stepping up enforcement and public education during Road Safety Awareness Month. Conservation Finance: President Irfaan Ali says an investment forum is planned for June 2027 to turn biodiversity protection into lasting income, jobs and opportunities for communities. Linden: Residents protested for a second day over frequent power cuts and water disruptions as utility companies work to identify faults. At Sea: Passengers helped deliver a baby aboard the MV Ma Lisha, then worked to revive the newborn before mother and child were brought ashore. Football: The GFF awarded a G$118 million contract for the first phase of the Blue Water Shipping National Stadium, with construction due to begin November 10.

Political Tensions: Supporters of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed protested in Georgetown and clashed with police. A magistrate rejected a US request to revoke bail in his extradition case, but Mohamed remains on remand until November 24 on separate charges. Police Accountability: Four officers were arrested after an autopsy found Gavin Douglas died from blunt-force head trauma in custody; investigators also removed two Taser studs from his body. Education: A new digital management system aims to track students and improve delivery across Guyana’s technical and vocational training programmes. Tourism and Investment: Tourism Awareness Month has launched as visitor numbers rise, while JAGS Aviation unveiled a new Bell 407 helicopter valued at more than G$1 billion, pending safety approval before commercial use.

Police Custody Death: Four Vreed-en-Hoop officers have been arrested after a post-mortem found Gavin Douglas, 32, died from brain haemorrhage caused by blunt head trauma. The Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating. Court Watch: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman rejected a US prosecution bid to revoke Azruddin Mohamed and his father’s bail in the extradition case, saying unproven allegations were not enough. In a separate case over leaked police surveillance footage, Constable Ashton Chappelle was charged and remanded until November 24. Prison Conditions: The Prison Service says Mohamed received visits, phone calls and medical attention while in custody; his lawyers dispute its account and have challenged the service to allow journalists to inspect the facility. Aviation and Tourism: A new Bell 407 helicopter costing more than $1 billion has joined Jags Aviation’s fleet, while Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues is promoting Guyana at a major London travel expo. Healthcare: Georgetown Public Hospital has completed 100 robotic-assisted surgeries since launching the programme in May.