Your weekly economic intelligence report. No political spin. Just numbers.
💰 BUDGET 2026 ALLOCATION TRACKER
The Committee of Supply continues. Here’s what’s been approved or disclosed this week:
| Sector | 2026 Allocation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing programme | $150 billion | New schemes, land acquisition, regularisation |
| GPL fuel subsidy | $25.8 billion | Keeping electricity rates down |
| Stabroek Market rehab | $200M (2025) + $74.8M (2026) | Roof repairs continuing |
| Bourda Green redevelopment | Part of $2B package | Future use TBD |
| Region 5 agriculture | 55,000 acres projected | Hope-like Canal opening land |
| Free university (UG) | Ongoing | 16,000 applications received |
| Haags Bosch replacement | In progress | Landfill closing by 2029 |
| RDC/NDC stipend increases | Approved | Local government councillors |
| Region 1 disability bus | Approved | Special education transport |
Total 2026 Budget: $1.558 trillion
🛢️ OIL SECTOR SNAPSHOT
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| Daily production (Dec 2025) | 892,000 barrels/day |
| Active FPSOs | 4 (Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity, ONE GUYANA) |
| Shell’s position | CEO admits leaving was “missed opportunity” |
| Local Content Law | Government eyes expansion to mining sector |
| Noble Corporation | Vendor Day Feb 19 — expanding local partnerships |
Key development: Guyana’s oil production continues to attract regional attention. Argentina, Guyana, and Brazil are projected to lead Latin American oil growth in 2026, outpacing Venezuela.
📉 MEDIA MARKET DISRUPTION
Stabroek News closure is an economic story, not just a media story:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Print ad revenue decline | 75% globally since 2004 |
| Employment loss | GPI staff facing liquidation |
| Information market | Reduced independent coverage |
| Digital transition | No announced digital replacement |
| Remaining print papers | Chronicle, Kaieteur, Times |
Patriot’s take: Stabroek’s closure leaves a gap in Guyana’s media ecosystem. For investors and businesses, this means fewer channels for public communication and a concentration of media influence. The smart play? Watch for digital media investment opportunities.
🏗️ INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT WATCH
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| New Demerara Bridge | Last phase of concrete pouring complete |
| Schoonord to Crane asphalt | Budgeted for 2026 |
| Schoonord to Parika highway | Commencing |
| Charity housing scheme | Drainage works underway |
| Gas-to-Energy project | PM says electricity by Q4 2026 |
| Moleson Creek to Eldorado Road | Phase 2 moving |
🏦 FINANCIAL SECTOR NOTES
- Bank account closures linked to WIN party members sparking debate about financial sector independence
- Guyana Development Bank establishment underway — US$100M for interest-free loans without collateral
- Financial sector transformation accelerating but calls for consistency and transparency
📊 PATRIOT’S BOTTOM LINE
Bulls case: $150B housing spend, free university driving human capital, oil production stable, infrastructure pipeline massive, Gas-to-Energy on track for Q4.
Bears case: Georgetown flooding exposes infrastructure gaps, police recruitment crisis (oil boom poaching officers), media ecosystem shrinking, data privacy concerns emerging.
Verdict: Guyana’s economy is a construction site — impressive progress everywhere, but watch where you step. The fundamentals are strong. The execution needs to catch up with the ambition.
The Patriots Portfolio is an economic overview for Guyanese at home and abroad. Not financial advice. Not political commentary. Just numbers that matter.