Good morning. It’s March 31st, the last day of the first quarter of 2026, and Guyana is out here producing nearly a million barrels of oil per day while simultaneously underwater. We contain multitudes.

Here is what you need to know.

OIL KEEPS GOING UP — UNLIKE THE ROADS

Guyana produced an average of 918,000 barrels of oil per day in February, up slightly from 915,000 in January. Both figures represent a massive jump from the 2025 average of 716,000 bpd. The Yellowtail project alone is now pushing 264,000 bpd, and Exxon reportedly wants to increase its capacity to around 290,000 bpd.

The country is on track to become a million-barrel-a-day producer before the decade is out.

Meanwhile, Georgetown flooded over the weekend. Not for the first time. Not for the last time. The editorial board of Kaieteur News is calling it “a damning indictment of chronic mismanagement.” They are not wrong. A country advising its Caribbean neighbours to climate-proof their infrastructure cannot keep the capital dry after one afternoon of rain.

GUYOIL RAISES PRICES WITH NO NOTICE

Two weeks after promising to protect consumers from “undue market volatility,” the Guyana Oil Company quietly raised fuel prices across the board. Gasoline went past $200 per litre. Diesel, kerosene, and ultra-low sulphur diesel all went up.

President Ali acknowledged last week that GUYOIL was operating at a deficit due to the Middle East conflict driving up global prices. He did not say prices would rise. Then prices rose.

The government’s messaging on this one could use some work.

AMERICA WANTS A TAX TREATY

US Ambassador Nicole Theriot confirmed that the embassy is actively working to eliminate double taxation for American companies operating in Guyana. Right now, US firms pay taxes in Guyana and then again back home — there is no bilateral tax treaty to prevent it.

The Ambassador noted that Guyana has such treaties with Canada, the UK, CARICOM, and the UAE — but not with the country whose oil companies are currently extracting billions from the Stabroek Block.

Guyana’s response, through legal observers, was polite but firm: income earned in Guyana must be taxed in Guyana. The negotiation will apparently continue.

GOVERNMENT TAKES ANOTHER 35 CITY STREETS

The government has gazetted an additional 35 Georgetown streets as public roads, following the 22 it reclassified earlier this month. The City Council has threatened legal action. The government appears unbothered. This particular tug of war between central government and the municipality shows no signs of resolution.

GBTI BREACHED DUTY TO ACCOUNT HOLDERS — HIGH COURT

High Court Judge Nicola Pierre ruled that the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry breached its duty of good faith when it closed the bank accounts of certain clients. The ruling opens the bank to potential liability. Details of the affected accounts have not been widely disclosed.

TEENAGER STABBED TO DEATH IN LACYTOWN

A 16-year-old boy was stabbed and killed early Monday morning during an altercation on Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. The deceased has been identified as Andel Martin of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. Police are investigating.

GUYANA PLANS A NATIONAL MUSEUM

The government has announced a $1.3 billion investment in a new national museum and art gallery. A site visit was conducted with representatives from China IPPR International Engineering Corporation. The facility will house historical artefacts, contemporary art, and interactive exhibits.

The idea is overdue. Guyana has too much history sitting in boxes.

UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA LAUNCHES PRE-MEDICAL PROGRAMME ACROSS ALL TEN REGIONS

The University of Guyana announced its new Regional Pre-Medical Programme will begin in the first week of April, operating across all ten administrative regions simultaneously. This is a significant expansion of access to medical education outside Georgetown.

AND FINALLY

Fenty Beauty launched in Guyana over the weekend at the MovieTowne location. Rihanna was not present. The crowd showed up anyway. Global brands are slowly discovering that Guyana exists and has money. Progress.

The Guyana Daily Brief is a satirical news blog. We read the papers so you don’t have to. Sources: Kaieteur News, Demerara Waves, Guyana Times, Chronicle.