AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Government-organised aid for quake-hit Venezuela is being packed and shipped, with the Galleons Passage set to carry supplies to La Guaira and Shell committing a US$5M disaster relief fund as regional partners mobilize. Energy & Power: Guyana’s new Demand Side Management Action Plan targets a 20% cut in electricity demand by 2030, aiming for 516 GWh in savings, with smart meters and efficiency measures at the center. Water Safety Debate: Guyana Water Incorporated pushes back on a PUC report, saying flagged iron and turbidity are mainly aesthetic/operational and that public-health water standards were not breached, while upgrades are underway. Youth Health & Safety: Police, educators and community leaders in Region Six move to curb youth vaping with tougher enforcement under the Tobacco Control Act. School Infrastructure: The First Lady joined the Ministry of Education to break ground on a $421M World Bank-funded annex for St. Joseph High School, including classrooms, labs, sickbay and accessibility features. El Niño Fire Warning: The Guyana Fire Service urges extreme caution as dry conditions approach, warning against open burning and electrical hazards. Uranium Concerns: The Amerindian People’s Association calls for the Kurupung uranium project to be halted over missing consultations and Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

MRI for public care: Guyana’s first MRI machine is being installed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), aiming to cut diagnostic delays and improve access to advanced imaging for conditions like strokes, tumours, neurological and musculoskeletal problems. Youth health & safety: Region Six officials met to tackle rising student vaping, with police and education leaders promising tougher enforcement under the Tobacco Control Act and stronger school and parent interventions. Substance use concern: A commentary highlights alarming reported survey figures on alcohol, vaping and cannabis use among secondary students, urging urgent national attention while warning about how survey answers can be shaped by social desirability. Adolescent SRH support: Over 300 adolescents in Region Seven took part in a PAHO/WHO and UN-backed Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health symposium covering puberty, pregnancy prevention, GBV, consent, hygiene, HIV/STIs, mental health and digital safety. Disaster response (health supplies): Guyana is preparing containers of humanitarian relief for Venezuela’s earthquake victims, including rice and other essentials, as CARICOM mobilizes medical and recovery support. Livestock nutrition & income: The Black Belly Sheep Project has expanded to over 5,000 animals, supporting hundreds of farmers with improved genetics and higher lamb growth and birth rates.

Youth Vaping Crackdown: Region Six officials met with police, educators, faith groups and parents after a surge in student vaping, with Deputy Commander Guy Nurse warning of health and legal risks and promising tougher enforcement under the Tobacco Control Act. Substance Use Alarm: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screening of 6,039 secondary students found 43% consumed alcohol, 32% reported vaping and 5% used cannabis—prompting calls for stronger school and health interventions. Public Health Upgrade: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation is installing Guyana’s first MRI machine in the public system, aiming to cut diagnostic costs and waiting times for conditions like strokes, tumours and neurological disorders. Indigenous Rights vs Uranium: The Amerindian People’s Association is calling for the Kurupung uranium project to be halted, citing lack of consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent concerns. Disaster Relief for Venezuela: Prime Minister Mark Phillips says containers of humanitarian supplies are being packed for Venezuela earthquake victims, with rice and other essentials prepared for distribution. Road Safety Tragedy: Police are investigating a fatal Clonbrook hit-and-run that killed two bikers, while families push for information with a reward. Community Mental Health Support: GPL waived a $1.6M capital contribution for electricity to a youth facility in Yarrowkabra, tied to mental health programmes, education and mentorship.

Adolescent Health: Guyana’s Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screening of 6,039 secondary students found 43% reported alcohol use, 32% vaping, and 5% cannabis—an “alarming” mix that calls for stronger school-based prevention and coordinated action. Public Health Access: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is installing the country’s first MRI machine in the public system, aiming to cut referral costs and improve diagnosis for strokes, tumours, neurological and other complex conditions. Youth & Mental Wellness Support: Guyana Power and Light (GPL) waived a $1.6M capital contribution for electricity to a Youth for Hope facility in Yarrowkabra, backing mental health programmes, education, mentorship and skills training. Community Health Education: PAHO/WHO, UN Women, UNICEF and partners held an Adolescent SRH symposium in Region Seven for 300+ teens, covering puberty, hygiene, HIV/STIs, consent, gender-based violence, mental health and digital safety. Food & Livestock Sector Health: GLDA pushed back hard against claims of Onverwagt Abattoir closure or livestock neglect, saying the abattoir remains operational and processed 112,000 kg of beef. Disaster Preparedness & Relief: Guyana is mobilising pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies for Venezuela’s earthquake response, with CARICOM coordination and an expected first shipment leaving soon. Road Safety: Police are investigating a Clonbrook hit-and-run that killed two bikers, with a $200,000 reward offered for information.

Public Health Upgrade: Guyana’s first MRI machine is being installed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), aiming to cut diagnostic costs and waiting times for conditions like strokes, tumours and neurological disorders. Youth & Community Support: Guyana Power and Light (GPL) waived a G$1.6M capital contribution to connect electricity for the Youth for Hope facility in Yarrowkabra, backing mental health programmes, education, mentorship and skills training. Substance Use Alarm: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screening of 6,039 secondary students found 43% reported alcohol use, 32% vaping and 5% cannabis—prompting calls for stronger school-based prevention and coordinated action. Disaster Relief (Venezuela): Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission is collecting and packaging medical supplies and non-perishables for earthquake victims, with the first shipment expected to leave soon and CARICOM partners coordinating support. Livestock Sector Misinformation: The GLDA says claims about the Onverwagt Abattoir being closed or neglected are false, insisting the facility remains operational and is processing cattle from multiple regions. Road Safety Tragedy: A hit-and-run at Clonbrook killed two bikers; relatives are offering a $200,000 reward as police investigate.

Youth Substance Use: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screening of 6,039 secondary students found 43% reported alcohol use, 32% vaping, and 5% cannabis—an “alarming” mix that calls for stronger school-based prevention and closer Health–Education coordination. Neurological Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health is moving ahead with a GY$1.1B neurological centre in Region Four for stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and neuromuscular disorders, with bids due July 9. Primary Healthcare Push: Government will partner with ISKCON to set up health screening at ISKCON locations, encouraging regular check-ups and preventative care. Public Health in the Spotlight: A PUC report flags unsafe drinking water in Regions 4, 7 and 10, underscoring ongoing clean-water access gaps. Custody Death Probe: OPR has launched an internal inquiry after a 44-year-old murder suspect, Hemat Kumar Mohamed, was found hanging in his Leonora holding cell hours after confessing to killing his wife. Disaster Relief (Venezuela): Guyana’s relief effort is ramping up for earthquake victims, with CDC-led collection of priority medical supplies and pharmaceuticals and plans for the first shipment to leave soon, supported by CARICOM partners. Community Wellness: Govt plans dedicated tapeball grounds in every region to boost grassroots sport and healthier lifestyles.

Youth Substance Use: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screening of 6,039 secondary students found 43% reported alcohol use, 32% vaping, and 5% cannabis—figures he called “alarming” and a sign prevention must start earlier. Road Safety & Public Health: Two men died in a suspected hit-and-run along the Railway Embankment at Clonbrook; relatives are offering a reward after complaints of slow police response. Water Safety: The PUC reports GWI water in Regions 4, 7, and 10 fails WHO safe drinking standards, with acidic pH, high turbidity, and elevated iron in multiple communities—raising serious health concerns. Neurological Care Upgrade: Government is moving ahead with a GY$1.1B neurological centre in Region 4 for stroke and brain/spinal injuries, with bids due July 9. Primary Healthcare Outreach: President Ali says the state will partner with ISKCON to set up health screening at ISKCON locations to push preventative care. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Guyana’s relief effort is ramping up for a major shipment, with CARICOM preparing to forward supplies and pharmaceuticals, prioritising vulnerable groups.

Youth Substance Use Screening: Over 6,000 secondary students were screened, with alarming results reported by Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony: 43% had consumed alcohol, 32% had vaped, and 5% had used cannabis—prompting calls for stronger school-based prevention and coordinated action, including training local professionals in addiction medicine with Mount Sinai. Neurological Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health is moving ahead with a GY$1.1B neurological centre in Region Four, aimed at stroke and brain/spinal injury care, with bids opening July 9. Safe Water Warning: The PUC’s 2025 report flags unsafe drinking water in Regions 4, 7, and 10, citing failures on pH, turbidity, and iron levels that raise serious health concerns. Primary Healthcare via Faith Partners: President Irfaan Ali says the government will partner with ISKCON to bring health screening and preventative care messaging to ISKCON locations. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Guyana is mobilising an 8,000-tonne shipment of food, pharmaceuticals, sanitation and other aid, with GDF support and a donation drive running June 27–July 1. Local Health & Safety Tragedies: Police report a suspect found dead in lockups at Leonora after confessing to his wife’s murder, while separate reports note fatal road crashes and ongoing investigations.

Primary Care Partnerships: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will partner with ISKCON to bring health screening and preventative care to devotees and communities at ISKCON locations. Neurology Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health is inviting bids for a GY$1.1B neurological centre in Region Four to treat strokes, brain and spinal injuries, and neuromuscular disorders, aiming to reduce overseas referrals. Water Safety Alert: PUC’s 2025 report flags unsafe drinking water in Regions 4, 7, and 10, with communities failing WHO standards on pH, turbidity, and iron. Youth Substance Use Screening: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony reports alarming school screening results: 43% of secondary students reported alcohol use and 32% vaping, with smaller shares reporting cannabis and other illicit drugs. Disability Inclusion Theme: A commentary marks International Day of Deafblindness, calling out gaps in education, healthcare, and public support. Regional Humanitarian Response: Guyana mobilises an 8,000-tonne vessel and donation drive for earthquake-hit Venezuela, prioritising pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, food, sanitation, and essentials. Bilateral Health/Development Links: Guyana and Jamaica sign MOUs covering agriculture, finance, defence/security, housing, technology, and climate resilience.

Water Safety Watch: The PUC’s 2025 report flags unsafe drinking water in Regions 4, 7 and 10, with communities failing WHO standards on pH, turbidity and iron—some readings in Region 10 are dangerously acidic and iron levels reach nearly six times the limit. Youth Substance Use: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screenings of about 6,039 secondary students found 43% reported alcohol use and 32% vaping, with smaller shares reporting cannabis and other illicit drugs—pushing calls for urgent school-level action. Disaster Response (Health & Pharma): Guyana is mobilising an 8,000-tonne relief shipment to earthquake-hit Venezuela, prioritising pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, sanitation and food for vulnerable groups; GDF teams and CDC staff will support collection and sorting. Community Health & Inclusion: A local deafblindness commentary marks International Day of Deafblindness with a “Connected by Touch” message on breaking barriers to healthcare and education. Road Safety & Investigations: OPR is probing deaths tied to police custody and pursuits, including a confessed wife-killer found dead in Leonora lockups and a 16-year-old motorcyclist whose crash account is disputed by eyewitnesses. Healthy Ageing Research: A Guyanese-American social worker’s study highlights what “ageing well” means to Indo-Caribbean elders—often rooted in family closeness and being needed.

Water Safety Alert: The PUC’s 2025 report flags unsafe drinking water from GWI in Regions 4, 7 and 10, with communities failing WHO standards on pH, turbidity and iron—raising serious health concerns for thousands. Humanitarian Health Response: President Ali says an 8,000-tonne relief vessel will leave Guyana next Friday for earthquake-hit Venezuela, prioritising pharmaceutical and medical supplies, food for children, sanitation items and recovery equipment, with CARICOM support included. Youth Substance Use: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony reports alarming screening results among schoolchildren: 43% reported alcohol use and 32% vaping, with smaller shares reporting cannabis and other illicit drugs—prompting calls for urgent intervention. Ageing Well Research: A Guyanese-American social worker co-authored a new study on what “ageing well” means to Indo-Caribbean elders, highlighting family closeness and being needed as key drivers of wellbeing. Public Health & Safety Education: Minister Sonia Parag urged students to resist peer pressure tied to vaping and early alcohol use during a Bartica SRH symposium. Justice in Fatal Incidents: Probes continue after a 16-year-old died during a police pursuit in Corentyne, with eyewitnesses disputing the police account and protests erupting. Health & Community Loss: Rising dancehall artiste Emmanuel “Lil’ Saint” James died after complications from pancreas surgery, following years of illness.

Teen death probe: A 16-year-old, Aftaz King of Corentyne, died after a motorcycle crash during an alleged police pursuit; the Office of Professional Responsibility has launched an immediate investigation as residents dispute police claims and protests erupted along the Corentyne corridor. Murder confession: Police charged constable Randy Thomas with murder after he confessed to killing Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gómez, describing the use of a teddy bear as a makeshift silencer and disposing of evidence. Substance-use screening: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says school health screenings found alarming rates of alcohol use (43%) and vaping (32%) among secondary students, with calls for urgent intervention. Safety campaign: The Ministry of Labour is intensifying the “Putting Safety First” campaign, starting with construction sector outreach across all regions. Disaster response (health angle): President Irfaan Ali offered assistance to earthquake-hit Venezuela as India prepares medical teams and field hospital support; Guyana’s CVG and MIDMEIB also set up donation collection points for affected families. Regional ties: Jamaica and Guyana signed agreements covering energy, finance, defence, agriculture and disaster response, with housing collaboration highlighted.

Substance Use Screening: Guyana’s Ministry of Health says school health checks found alarming levels of youth substance use, with 43% of 6,039 secondary students reporting alcohol use and 32% saying they vape, alongside smaller shares reporting cannabis and other illicit drugs—prompting calls for urgent action. Youth Safety & Prevention: Education Minister Sonia Parag urged students to resist peer pressure tied to vaping and early alcohol use during a Bartica Sexual and Reproductive Health symposium under the HFLE curriculum. Police Accountability After Teen Death: A 16-year-old, Aftaz King of Corentyne, died after a motorcycle crash during an alleged police pursuit; residents dispute police claims and protests erupted, while the Office of Professional Responsibility launched an immediate investigation. Violence Investigation: Police say a constable confessed to the murder of missing Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gómez, describing a teddy-bear “silencer” and steps taken to conceal evidence. Disaster Response & Aid: CVG and MIDMEIB set up collection centres in Bolivar for earthquake relief to Venezuela, including supplies like water, infant formula, diapers, and hygiene items. Storm Damage: Heavy rain and strong winds damaged schools and homes in Region Two, injuring a teacher and disrupting power, with tarpaulins and repairs underway.

Police Probe After Teen Death: A 16-year-old, Aftaz King of Corentyne, died after a motorcycle crash into a utility pole while allegedly evading police. The Office of Professional Responsibility has launched an immediate investigation, but eyewitnesses and residents claim police struck the teen during a pursuit, sparking road block protests and renewed allegations of brutality. Murder Confession Raises Alarm: Separately, police say a serving constable, Randy Thomas, confessed to the killing of missing Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gómez, including claims he used a teddy bear as a makeshift silencer and disposed of evidence across East Coast Demerara. Weather Impacts Health & Schools: Heavy rain and strong winds battered Region Two, damaging homes and schools, injuring a teacher, and causing power disruptions; tarpaulins and repairs are underway. Regional Health Support: Guyana’s leaders offered condolences and assistance to earthquake-hit Venezuela as Latin American countries mobilize aid; WHO also highlighted cancer and health-system dialogue at WHA79. Workplace Safety Push: Guyana’s “Putting Safety First” campaign is intensifying with nationwide outreach for safer construction sites.

Earthquake Relief & Public Health: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali extended condolences and offered assistance to Venezuela after twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) devastated Caracas and surrounding areas, with reports of rising deaths and injuries and a declared state of emergency. Regional Response: Trinidad and Tobago also pledged humanitarian support, while Latin American leaders said they’re preparing aid focused on rescue and health needs. Medical Imaging Upgrade: In Guyana, the Ministry of Health says a new CT scanner is being installed at GPHC to replace the old unit, aiming for faster, more accurate diagnostics for patients. Cardiovascular Health Warning: A cardiologist-linked report flags vaping as linked to a surge in cardiovascular disease and stroke among youth. Weather & School Safety: Heavy rain and strong winds damaged schools in Region Two, injuring a teacher; authorities are assessing damage and distributing tarpaulins. Food Safety Oversight: President Ali met GA-FDD leadership to stress stronger surveillance, testing, and standards for food quality, safety, labelling, and nutrition. Electoral Integrity Debate: Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander argues constitutional protections prevent political parties from recalling commissioners at will.

Weather & Health Response: Heavy rain and strong winds battered Region Two, damaging 100+ homes and public buildings, including Anna Regina Multilateral School and Rivers Town Primary School; a teacher was injured and is receiving medical care as tarpaulins and repairs begin across the Essequibo Coast. Medical Imaging Upgrade: Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony says a new CT scanner is being installed at GPHC, replacing the old unit and boosting faster, more accurate diagnostics. Food Safety Oversight: President Ali met GA-Food and Drug Department leadership to stress stronger surveillance and testing so supermarket and market foods meet safety, labelling, and nutritional standards. Workplace Wellness & Safety: AmCham Guyana’s HSSE conference highlighted building a health and safety culture, arguing worker protection reduces downtime and improves productivity. Cardiovascular Warning: A cardiologist warns vaping is linked to rising heart and lung disease and stroke among young Guyanese. Livestock & Disease Control: Government says 10,000 cattle will be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease to support Venezuela’s push for disease-free status. Governance & Elections: Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander argues constitutional protections prevent political recall of commissioners at party whim, as a 2020 election fraud trial is adjourned to September amid witness unavailability. Public Health in Emergencies: Relief teams continue responding to storm impacts across Essequibo, including temporary roof covers and ongoing damage assessments.