AGP Executive Report

Health Funding & Accountability: An investigative report alleges Guyana’s Emergency Medicine Authority (GEMA) has left small vendors unpaid for MOH out-of-town doctor and nurse training support, with bills estimated at GYD $15M and vendors saying they’ve received nothing since June. Hospital Infrastructure Legal Fight: Guyana’s Full Court lifted protective orders allowing the Ministry of Health to take possession of Georgetown Paediatric and Maternal Hospital and New Amsterdam hospital campus sites, even as a €45.3M VAMED payment dispute heads to international arbitration. Disaster Recovery Support: The HEART Initiative says families affected by the MV Barima tragedy have received over GYD $75M, with 750+ persons assisted through psychosocial, legal, housing, ID replacement and other support. Aviation Safety: The GCAA warns animal owners that runway trespass could bring a $1M fine and up to six months in prison, urging the public to report threats to aerodrome operations. Public Health at UNGA: Future Health convened global health leaders, including Guyana, pushing health systems toward prevention and earlier intervention. Crime & Community Safety: A Cuban man was fatally stabbed at a Guyana shipyard after a fight; police say the suspect was arrested. Sports (Community Lift): AmCham’s Lusignan golf tournament drew a record 27 teams/108 players, while T10 Tapeball Super Saturday quarterfinals are set for Lusignan on Oct 3.

MV Barima Support: The HEART Initiative says families of MV Barima victims have received over GYD $75M, with 750-plus people assisted, including psychosocial, legal, education and material support, plus approved housing for 20 families and help replacing lost IDs. Aviation Safety & Jobs: Air Services Limited says it added seven aircraft in two years and plans Guyana’s first Fixed-Base Operator facility to boost executive aviation services and create about 150 jobs. Courtroom Health Update: Guyana’s Full Court lifted orders blocking the Health Ministry from taking over the Georgetown Paediatric and Maternal Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital sites, clearing the way for state possession even as VAMED’s €45.3M dispute heads to arbitration. Power Crisis Timeline: President Irfaan Ali says electricity stabilisation will take another six months, including upgrades to 25–27MW of generation and completion of a key Berbice–Demerara transmission link. Prostate Cancer Care: Doctors warn men delaying prostate cancer treatment due to fear of sexual side effects may worsen outcomes, urging patients to seek evaluation early. Workplace Safety: Government launched a Gender Equality in the Workplace push and PSEAH training, targeting intimidation, harassment and toxic workplace behaviour. Road Safety Campaign: A gender-responsive road safety strategy kicks off in Linden–Mabura Hill, including a nationwide speeding campaign. Aviation Warning: GCAA warns animal owners that runway trespass can bring a $1M fine and up to six months in prison. UN Health Focus: Future Health convened global leaders at UNGA 81, stressing prevention, earlier intervention, prevention financing, and trusted systems that reach people where they live. Labour Law Equality: Women’s groups are pushing Guyana’s labour-law overhaul to strengthen equality, non-discrimination and inclusion as the economy changes.

Hospital Access Battle: Guyana’s Full Court lifted protective orders blocking the Ministry of Health from entering the Georgetown Paediatric and Maternal Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital sites, clearing the way for the State to reclaim property and equipment even as VAMED’s €45.3M dispute heads to arbitration. HIV Care Focus: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony urged stronger HIV surveillance and improved diagnosis, citing increased movement from neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela and the need for targeted programmes where hotspots are found. Prostate Cancer Awareness: Doctors warn that fear of sexual side effects is delaying some prostate cancer treatment; clinicians say patients should seek care early and discuss options. Workplace Safety & Equality: Government launched a Gender Equality in the Workplace initiative and PSEAH training, pushing for workplaces free from intimidation, harassment and exploitation. Road Safety Campaign: A gender-responsive road safety strategy kicked off in Linden with a nationwide speeding campaign under the “Be the reason everyone is safe” message. Aviation Safety: GCAA warned animal owners that runway trespass can bring a $1M fine and up to six months in prison. Global Health Dialogue: Future Health convened ministers and leaders at UNGA to push health systems toward prediction, prevention and earlier intervention, with Guyana among participants.

Sleep & Health: A new health note reminds Guyanese that getting 7–8 hours of sleep matters for brain “cleaning,” memory, focus, and heart recovery—and that chronic poor sleep in older adults is linked to higher dementia risk. Health Diplomacy: Future Health, convened alongside UNGA81, brought ministers and global leaders (including Guyana) to push health systems toward prediction, prevention, and earlier care, stressing population data, prevention funding, delivery capacity, and inclusive services. HIV Focus: Health Minister Frank Anthony urged stronger HIV surveillance and diagnosis, citing increased cross-border movement through Guyana’s porous borders. Prostate Cancer Care: Doctors warn that fear of sexual side effects is delaying prostate cancer treatment for some men, risking worse outcomes—urging patients to seek care early. Workplace Safety: Government launched a Gender Equality in the Workplace push with PSEAH training, targeting intimidation and harassment as harmful conduct. Aviation Safety: GCAA issued a warning after animals were seen crossing runways, saying releasing animals onto aerodromes is a serious offence. Disaster & Justice: Families of MV Barima victims still await answers as investigations and legal processes continue, with dozens unaccounted for. Local Health Infrastructure: Region Seven is moving to build/upgrade health posts and staff housing in Upper Mazaruni communities.

HIV Care Focus: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony urged Guyana to step up HIV surveillance and improve diagnosis, citing increased cross-border movement from Brazil and Venezuela and calling for targeted programmes where hotspots are found. Prostate Cancer Alert: With prostate cancer now the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Guyanese men, officials warned that fear of sexual side effects is delaying treatment; pharmacists and men were urged to push screening and PSA testing earlier. Workplace Safety Push: Government launched a Gender Equality in the Workplace initiative and PSEAH training, targeting intimidation and harassment as harmful conduct that can’t be reduced to only physical violence. MV Barima Update: Families of MV Barima victims say they’re still waiting on answers as at least 30 remain unaccounted for; the case continues with charges tied to the sinking and a Commission of Inquiry. Health Infrastructure Legal Fight: VAMED challenged court moves that allow the Health Ministry to access and continue work on major hospital sites pending arbitration. Disaster Preparedness: Civil Defence held El Niño consultations in Region Five, stressing water control, fire prevention, and readiness for drought and flash flooding.

Cancer & Men’s Health: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says prostate cancer is now the leading cancer among Guyanese men, urging earlier screening and warning that many men come “too late.” Court & Hospitals: Guyana’s Full Court clears the Ministry of Health to take possession of VAMED hospital sites at Ogle (Georgetown Paediatric and Maternal Hospital) and New Amsterdam, allowing works to continue while arbitration proceeds. Diaspora & Investment: President Irfaan Ali told a large New York gathering that a special diaspora investment vehicle is coming, pointing to fertiliser and gas bottling plans, alongside wider development goals. Food Security: Finance Minister Ashni Singh warns hunger gains could be reversed by El Niño, higher input costs and trade disruptions, calling for coordinated action to keep healthy diets affordable. Immigration & Rights: GHRA says children could be caught up in a US deportation deal, criticizing the government for not publishing the agreement. Policy Watch: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says Guyana is reviewing citizenship and immigration rules, with tighter scrutiny for citizenship grants and non-citizen land/property ownership. Digital Health Skills: China urges Guyana to pair healthcare technology with training and better management practices. Local Health Access: Region Seven plans new/upgraded health facilities in Upper Mazaruni communities, including a new health post and doctor’s quarters. Public Health Preparedness: Civil Defence Commission consultations in Region Five focus on El Niño drought planning, water control, and fire prevention.

Diaspora Investment Push: President Irfaan Ali told Guyanese in Queens, New York that a special diaspora investment vehicle is coming, aimed at funding major projects like a fertiliser plant and gas bottling, alongside wider development such as hospitals and digital services. Cancer Awareness & Screening: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony warned that too many men seek help only after prostate cancer advances; he said prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer and urged earlier PSA testing and pharmacist-led awareness ahead of PinkTOBER. Court Clears Way for Hospital Takeover: Guyana’s Full Court lifted preservation orders in the VAMED dispute, allowing the Health Ministry to take possession of paediatric/maternal and New Amsterdam hospital sites and proceed with construction. Digital Healthcare Skills: China’s embassy urged Guyana to pair new digital health technology with training and better management, as a digital healthcare seminar closed with capacity-building plans. El Niño Preparedness: CDC consultations in Region Five focused on drought planning, water harvesting, and fire prevention as dry conditions are expected to persist into early 2027. Citizenship & Land Rules Review: Attorney General Anil Nandlall said immigration and citizenship laws are being reviewed to tighten citizenship grants and regulate non-citizen land/property ownership. Health Infrastructure for Hinterland: Region Seven will upgrade Kaikan, Jawalla and Chinoweing with a new health post, rehabilitation of a health post, and doctors’ quarters. Connectivity Disruption: One Communications reported mobile data and fibre disruption after fibre cable damage on Carifesta Avenue, with services restored and permanent repair being planned. Heart Health Event: STRIDE592’s SOCA Heart Half Marathon is set for Sunday, supporting heart-health research and prevention efforts.

MV Barima Tragedy Support: Muslim leaders held a prayer and reflection service for victims of the MV Barima sinking, urging unity and practical long-term support for grieving families and healing survivors. Telecoms Disruption Update: One Communications says mobile data and fibre services were fully restored after a fibre cable was damaged during construction on Carifesta Avenue, with a temporary repair still in place while engineers plan a permanent fix. Health Infrastructure Court Ruling: Guyana’s Full Court cleared the Ministry of Health to take over stalled Ogle and New Amsterdam hospital construction sites and proceed with projects after preservation orders were set aside. Pandemic Preparedness Push: President Ali told the UN that pandemic readiness must be treated as an economic, development and security priority, calling for stronger labs, hospitals, trained staff, cross-border cooperation and local medicine production. Food Security & Healthy Diets: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh urged coordinated action across agrifood systems to make healthy diets more affordable, warning hunger progress remains fragile amid El Niño and geopolitical shocks. Local Safety & Health: Police reported a 16-year-old drowning in the Siparuni River; meanwhile, Guyana’s first SOCA Heart Half Marathon is set to raise funds for heart-health research and encourage physical activity.

Maternal & Paediatric Hospital Projects: Guyana’s Ministry of Health can proceed with the Georgetown Paediatric and Maternal Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital campus sites after the Full Court set aside preservation orders in the VAMED Engineering dispute. Pandemic Readiness: President Ali urged a multi-sector, sustained approach to pandemic prevention at UNGA, calling for stronger labs, hospitals, trained staff, cross-border cooperation and local medicine production. Food Security & Healthy Diets: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh told a UN hunger forum that making healthy diets affordable needs coordinated agrifood action and resilience investment, even as Guyana reports hunger reduction. Digital Health Capacity: The MoH said 42 people completed China-Guyana digital healthcare training, supporting skills for better health delivery and management. Heart Health Push: STRIDE592’s SOCA Heart Half Marathon kicks off Sunday with 35 runners, raising funds for heart-health research ahead of World Heart Day. Child Health Fundraising: A family of a two-year-old with West syndrome is appealing for help to fund treatment in India. Rape Response Focus: Human Services Minister Persaud called for stronger accountability across reporting, medical exams and prosecution after 209 rape cases in 2025 and 85 in mid-2026. Labour & Citizenship Rules: Attorney General Nandlall said labour laws are being overhauled for new industries, while immigration/citizenship and non-citizen land ownership rules are under review.

Digital Health & Training: Forty-two Guyanese completed China’s Digital Healthcare Seminar, as Guyana expands hospitals and Level One/Two facilities and pushes better tech-enabled care. Pandemic Preparedness: President Irfaan Ali urged that pandemic prevention be treated as an economic and security priority, calling for stronger labs, hospitals, trained staff and cross-border capacity—echoed by PAHO and Africa CDC’s push for sustained financing. Infectious Disease Progress: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said Guyana is nearing elimination of lymphatic filariasis and is also advancing malaria elimination, leishmaniasis/leprosy work, and cheaper hepatitis C treatment. HIV Care Capacity: A workshop focused on strengthening clinical capacity for advanced HIV disease management. Mental Health & Suicide: Advocate Antoine Craigwell is tackling stigma through community workshops, while separate reports highlight ongoing suicide concerns among youth. Child Health Emergency: A family is appealing for help for 2-year-old Larissa, battling up to 100 seizures daily from West syndrome. Health System Digital Pharmacy: The Ministry clarified that CORTEX is meant to improve pharmaceutical supply and dispensing—not collect doctors’ banking details. Climate & Health Planning: Hydromet’s forum linked El Niño risks to agriculture, health and disaster readiness, with warnings about possible water rationing if rainfall fails. Sports Tourism: Guyana secured hosting of the 2028 South American Powerlifting showpiece with athletes expected from eight nations.

Digital Health & Training: China-Guyana’s healthcare digital seminar closed with 42 Guyanese completing the programme, as Guyana expands hospitals and Level One/Two facilities and pushes more capacity for the hinterland. Pandemic Preparedness Funding: President Ali told UNGA that pandemic prevention must be a sustained economic and security priority, with PAHO and Africa CDC urging steady financing and stronger regional cooperation. Health System Digital Integrity: The Ministry of Health says claims about CORTEX are misleading, clarifying it supports accountability and efficiency across the pharmaceutical supply chain within Guyana’s wider digital health tools. Infectious Disease Progress: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Guyana is nearing elimination of lymphatic filariasis and is accelerating work on malaria elimination, leishmaniasis, leprosy, and hepatitis C with lower treatment costs. Mental Health & Community Action: Advocate Antoine Craigwell is tackling stigma through community workshops on stress, anxiety, self-harm and suicide, using practical coping tools. Cancer Screening Focus: Prostate cancer is now the top diagnosed cancer in Guyana, prompting calls for earlier detection and stronger public awareness, including pharmacist-led HPV vaccine campaigns. Regional Health Cooperation: Guyana took over Pro Tempore leadership of the Amazon health commission (CESAM), with malaria elimination and new subcommissions on the agenda. Aviation Safety & Health Access: Airlines and operators warn that animals and people on runways at hinterland aerodromes could cause tragedies, threatening medical evacuations and essential supplies. Water & Health Risk: Hydromet warns El Niño could drive below-normal rainfall into early 2027, raising the risk of water rationing that can affect health and farming. Migration Support & Care: The US says it allocated US$7.8M via IOM to support third-country nationals transferred to Guyana, including housing, food, healthcare and resettlement assistance.

AI in Healthcare: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony met a visiting OpenAI team as Guyana explores using AI to support doctors and nurses, improve diagnostics, strengthen health-data management, and boost training and patient care. Cancer Watch: Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as Guyana’s top diagnosed cancer, with the minister citing 31% of this year’s cancer diagnoses as prostate cases and urging earlier care-seeking. HIV Among Youth: GRPA says one in four new HIV cases involves young people aged 15–24, warning that child-protection and better youth-focused prevention information are now urgent. Amazon Health Cooperation: Guyana assumed the Pro Tempore presidency of the Amazon health commission (CESAM), with malaria elimination and new subcommissions on the agenda. Climate & Water Risk: Hydromet warns El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions into early 2027, with water rationing a real possibility if year-end rains fail. Aviation Safety: Airlines and operators warn that runway incursions from animals and people at hinterland aerodromes could cause tragedy, urging stronger inspections, perimeter security, and hazard reporting. Public Health Lab: The Health Ministry received 18 bids to design and supervise a new National Public Health Reference Laboratory under the World Bank’s One Health Project. Contraceptive Access: GRPA plans an E-Clinic to let people in remote regions request contraceptives and services without traveling to Georgetown.

AI in Healthcare: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony met a visiting OpenAI team as Guyana explores responsible AI use to support doctors and nurses, improve diagnostics, strengthen health-data management, boost training, and enhance patient care; the government says AI is already being used in 21 facilities with plans to expand. Cancer Focus: Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as Guyana’s top diagnosed cancer, with the minister citing 31% of this year’s cancer cases and urging earlier care and wider HPV vaccination via pharmacists. HIV Among Youth: GRPA says one in four new HIV cases involves young people aged 15–24, warning that delayed or inadequate sexual health information could roll back gains. Public Health Access: GRPA is preparing to launch an E-Clinic next month to let people in remote regions request contraceptives and services without travelling to Georgetown. Neglected Tropical Diseases: PAHO/WHO and Guyana’s Health Ministry, with Canada’s support, began trachoma and NTD training linked to an upcoming integrated trachoma survey. Weather & Health Risks: Hydromet warns El Niño will keep conditions hot and dry into early 2027, raising risks to water, agriculture, energy, and public health. Aviation Safety: Airlines and the Aviation Operators’ Association warn runway incursions from animals and people after a Mabaruma incident, urging stronger aerodrome safety and community hazard reporting. Heart Health Event: Stride592 SOCA Heart Project gears up for World Heart Day activities, pushing screening and lifestyle risk reduction. Domestic Violence: Police report a woman hospitalised after an axe attack during a domestic dispute in Upper Mazaruni.

AI & Governance: A CARICOM-led push is urged to set shared AI guardrails so Caribbean countries aren’t left unprepared as AI increasingly shapes healthcare and public services. HIV Prevention: GRPA says 1 in 4 new HIV cases in Guyana involve youth aged 15–24, raising child-protection concerns and calling for youth-friendly, engaging sexual health information. Heat & Health: Hydromet warns El Niño could bring up to 80 hot spell days (vs ~30 average), with higher risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion and bush fires. Contraception Access: GRPA plans an E-Clinic next month so people in remote regions can request contraceptives and services without travelling to Georgetown. Heart Care Capacity: GPHC launches “Operation ECHOs” with Northwell (US) and Calgary (Canada) to clear an echocardiogram backlog by end of October; President Ali also announced 17 congenital heart surgeries starting Sept 28. Pharmacy Modernisation: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony backs AI tools for pharmacists, including an upcoming OpenEvidence system to support treatment decisions. Public Health Law: The Public Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill passed to remove the County Medical Officer of Health as a routine construction approval step. Aviation Safety: AOAG warns runway incursions by animals and people after a Mabaruma incident, urging stricter aerodrome boundary protection. Eye Health Partnerships: IAPB names partners for a Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua on Nov 2, with Bangladesh, Guyana and Nigeria as co-hosts.

Heart Health Push: The Stride592 SOCA Heart Project is gearing up for World Heart Day on Sept 27 with a run/walk and wellness festival at the Georgetown Cricket Club, plus a workshop on Sept 22 offering counselling, vouchers, massage, stretching, yoga and healthy food options. Congenital Heart Care: President Irfaan Ali says 17 children with congenital heart defects will undergo specialised surgery at GPHC from Sept 28–Oct 2, with 10 more planned for December and efforts to clear the remaining backlog by Q1 2027. ECHO Backlog Relief: GPHC is launching “Operation ECHOs” to clear echocardiogram waiting lists by end of October, bringing cardiologists and sonographers from Northwell (US) and Calgary (Canada). Pharmacy & AI: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony told pharmacists at Massy Distribution’s symposium that Guyana will soon test an AI-powered OpenEvidence system to support treatment decisions and medication safety. Health Systems Quality: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification from GNBS, meeting standards across biochemistry, immunology, serology and haematology. Road Safety & Injury Risk: Traffic data shows accidents down 22% in the first half of the year, but speeding and risky pedestrian behaviour remain major concerns. Community Safety: Aviation operators warn that stray animals and people on runways at hinterland aerodromes are putting flights at serious risk. Traditional Healing Network: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network, aiming for recognition and ethical pathways into health systems.

Paediatric Cardiac Care: Seventeen children with congenital heart defects will undergo specialised surgery in Guyana from Sept 28–Oct 2 at GPHC, with a second mission in December for 10 more and plans to clear the remaining backlog by Q1 2027, reducing the need for families to travel overseas. Hospital Quality & Lab Standards: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification from GNBS under GYS 170:2021 across biochemistry, immunology, serology and haematology—boosting confidence in test reliability for patients. Traditional Medicine & Health Systems: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network, aiming for ethical protocols and pathways for government recognition and possible integration with national health systems. Mining, Mercury & Women’s Health: A conference at UG highlighted concerns that mining is contaminating rivers, forcing some women to choose between mercury-laden fish and avoiding water sources, with reported links to reproductive harm and child health impacts. Road Safety: Traffic reported a 22% drop in accidents in the first half of the year, but warned speeding and risky pedestrian behaviour remain major drivers of crashes. Community Health Access: A modernised Campbelltown health centre in Region Eight is improving primary care locally, including solar-powered vaccine storage to strengthen immunisation services. Indigenous Development & Health Equity: Amerindian villages are leading their own development as major investment supports services and local priorities. Workforce Skills for Health-Adjacent Trades: 83 graduates completed a GuySuCo training programme in Port Mourant, building skills in areas like refrigeration and electrical installation that support safer home and community health.