Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation

Severe winds and heavy rainfall caused significant damage to homes, public buildings, and utility infrastructure across the Essequibo Coast today.

Regional officials have reported that more than 100 properties were affected by the adverse weather conditions.

The Civil Defence Commission is currently assessing the extent of the damage and will provide assistance and support to affected residents and communities.

UPDATE — WEST DEMERARA

Dear customers between Best and Vriesland, please be informed that incremental restoration has commenced with areas including La Grange repowered.

Our teams are actively clearing debris and repairing the network following today's storm.

Additional information will be provided in a subsequent post.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Wednesday, June 24, 2026) GPL Responding to Weather-Related Service Interruptions Caused by Ongoing Squall

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is actively responding to multiple reports of damage to the electricity network as a result of an ongoing squall affecting several parts of the country.

The severe weather conditions, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, are currently impacting sections of Georgetown, East Demerara, some areas of West Demerara, the Essequibo Coast, and Leguan. As a result, service interruptions are being experienced in a number of communities.

GPL has received reports of fallen utility poles, damaged network infrastructure, and vegetation affecting power lines.

Technical teams have been mobilized and are conducting inspections and assessments to determine the extent of the damage.

Restoration efforts are ongoing where conditions permit. However, the company advises that prevailing weather conditions may affect access to certain locations and the pace at which repairs can be safely completed.

GPL is urging contractors, equipment operators, and members of the public to exercise extreme caution when operating near the electricity network. High winds can weaken infrastructure, cause trees and debris to come into contact with power lines, and create hazardous conditions. Persons are advised to maintain a safe distance from downed wires, damaged poles, and any other compromised electrical infrastructure.

All downed wires should be treated as live and dangerous. Customers are encouraged to report any damaged network components or hazardous conditions through GPL's emergency reporting channels including 226-2600 and our Emergency WhatsApp Number 608-9090.

The company will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

GPL sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused and thanks customers for their patience and understanding as our teams work to safely restore service to affected areas.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡- 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐉𝐈𝐀

Works are currently ongoing for the installation of a new, state-of-the-art baggage handling system at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ramesh Ghir, has confirmed that this major infrastructure upgrade is moving apace and is scheduled to be completed next month.

Once fully operational, this system will vastly improve the traveler experience by allowing passengers to drop off their checked bags directly at the airline counters, where screening will then be conducted remotely. To support this initiative, new and modern baggage scanner are also being installed to ensure seamless backend operations. "This upgrade represents a major shift in how we process departures," Mr. Ghir stated. "Passengers will no longer be required to manually take their checked luggage to a separate scanner after checking in, making the journey through our airport significantly smoother and more stress-free."

Furthermore, this upgrade is expected to significantly boost airline operational efficiency and inject a high level of integrity into the entire check-in system. To ensure maximum safety and accountability, several new cameras are being installed to provide full, uninterrupted CCTV coverage from the moment a bag is checked until it is safely placed onto the aircraft. Law enforcement officers and baggage screeners will also be required to wear body cameras. Commenting on these stringent security measures, Mr. Ghir emphasized, "We are introducing multiple layers of accountability. The integration of advanced CCTV coverage alongside body-worn cameras for our screeners and law enforcement personnel ensures total transparency, reinforces safety, and secures the integrity of our entire baggage handling operation."

𝐌𝐢𝐧. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐃𝐁, 𝐆𝐄𝐀, 𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐒𝐨𝐥 & 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE || 𝐆𝐏𝐋 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝟔𝟗𝐤𝐕 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is pleased to announce the official commencement of construction activities for the new 69kV Columbia Substation, a key component of Lot 2 under Project 053.

This important infrastructure development marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize the national electricity transmission network.

The project officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony held on June 20, 2026, led by the contractor, Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL).

The ceremony signified the start of pile-driving operations, representing the first major phase of civil works for the substation's foundation.

The new Columbia 69kV Substation has been strategically designed to enhance system reliability, improve voltage stability, and support the growing electricity demand within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

Once completed, the facility will play a critical role in reinforcing transmission capacity, accommodating load growth, and improving overall network resilience, particularly within rapidly developing areas.

The pile-driving activities currently underway are essential to establishing a stable structural foundation for the substation infrastructure. This phase will be followed by additional works, including foundation construction, equipment installation, and electrical integration into the grid.

GPL continues to work closely with KPIL to ensure that all construction activities are executed in accordance with approved technical specifications, international standards, and environmental and safety requirements.

The Company remains committed to maintaining quality, ensuring timely project delivery, and minimizing disruptions to surrounding communities throughout the construction period.

This project forms part of GPL's broader strategic initiative to upgrade critical transmission assets, improve operational efficiency, and support Guyana's expanding economic development through a more robust and reliable power system.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Hon. Deodat Indar, earlier today received a courtesy visit from the Chief Executive Officer of Sirius Insight, Mr. Malcolm Glacier, and the company’s Director of Business Development and Client Relations, Mr. Ian Clarke.

Sirius Insight is exploring investment opportunities across multiple sectors in Guyana. It is a United Kingdom-based enterprise that is technology-driven to pioneer the seamless integration of maritime data to provide reliable, real-time insights for enhanced safety and security at sea.

Parliamentary Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Hon. Thandi McAllister, also participated in the discussion.

Director General of the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, Mr. Alfonso De Armas, led a working visit to Mahdia to assess the persistent water supply challenges affecting the community as reported by residents.

During the visit, the Director General met with the Guyana Water Inc. team and inspected the Salbora Catchment Falls, which serves as the source for the town’s supply. During rainfall, the catchment captures debris and extra sediments within the screens, which affects the smooth flow of water. The Director General announced that a contractor has been identified and work will commence soon to ensure a fix to the issue.

Mr. De Armas also engaged the Regional Chairman of Region 8, the Mayor and Town Clerk of Mahdia, and residents to better understand the issues on the ground.

Recently, contracts were awarded for the drilling of two wells to enhance the water supply in Mahdia.

𝐌𝐢𝐧. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐌𝐎 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Hon. Deodat Indar, moments ago, received a courtesy visit from the Deputy Director, Maritime Development, of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Graham MacLean, and the Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Section on Technical Cooperation and Implementation for IMO, Carlos Salgado.

Discussions focused on the IMO's important role in facilitating the nation’s growing maritime industry, as well as the opportunities and challenges that affect the sector.

Parliamentary Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Hon. Thandi McAllister, and other MARAD officials, namely its Director General, Capt. Stephen Thomas and Legal Officer, Tiffany Hohenkirk, participated in the meeting.

The IMO officials are visiting Guyana for the Fifth Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations, which is underway at the Aiden by Best Western, Georgetown.