AGP Executive Report

Suriname–China Ties: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname wants to consolidate and expand cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to progress in infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Regional Diplomacy: Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in the Dominican Republic to stress shared democratic values and push deeper cooperation, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and parliamentary exchange. Bilateral Mobility Deal: Suriname is set to allow Dominican citizens with ordinary passports visa-free entry for tourism, if they already hold a valid US or Schengen visa. Caribbean Heritage Debate: Dutch royal collections face fresh scrutiny after a provenance study raised “serious doubts” about some colonial-era acquisitions, with implications for Suriname and the wider Caribbean. Security & Justice (Cross-border): A murder case in Guyana involving “IsWe” (Shaquawn Alleyne) moved to sentencing prep after a guilty plea; he was apprehended in Suriname and handed over to Guyanese authorities. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy solutions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, with Suriname included in the participating countries.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used her visit to the Dominican Republic to push deeper cooperation, calling the two countries “two democracies” and urging stronger international action on shared challenges like climate change and Haiti. Bilateral Deals & Mobility: The leaders signed agreements covering tourism, agriculture, trade, education and parliamentary exchange, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans who hold valid US or Schengen visas. Local Diplomacy in Curaçao: Suriname’s new Consul-General Joraisa Pokie began her tenure with a courtesy visit to Curaçao’s governor, aiming to strengthen trade, culture, education and consular ties. Regional Health Update: PAHO’s 2025 annual report to the OAS highlighted Suriname’s malaria-free certification and other health gains, alongside setbacks like measles elimination. Justice in Linden: In Guyana, “IsWe” Shaquawn Alleyne pleaded guilty to the 2021 murder of Shonnette Dover; sentencing is set for June 17. Foreign Policy Spotlight: Suriname’s president also spoke on expanding cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic ties.

Suriname–China Ties: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname wants to consolidate and expand cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to gains in infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: Geerlings-Simons used her visit to the Dominican Republic to stress shared democratic values and push deeper cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and parliamentary exchange. Bilateral Agreements & Visa Move: The two presidents signed a joint declaration and deals, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans who hold valid U.S. or Schengen visas. Local Diplomacy in Curaçao: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, made a courtesy visit to the governor to kick off a new diplomatic term. Colonial Heritage Scrutiny (Netherlands): The Dutch Royal House acknowledged “serious doubts” over some colonial-era objects’ voluntary acquisition, with implications also raised for Suriname and the Caribbean. Regional Health Update: PAHO’s 2025 report to the OAS highlights Suriname’s malaria-free certification and other health progress across the Americas. Crime Case (Guyana, regional impact): “IsWe” Shaquawn Alleyne pleaded guilty to the 2021 murder of Shonnette Dover; sentencing is set for June 17.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons wrapped up a high-level visit to Santo Domingo, telling lawmakers both countries are “two democracies” and pushing cooperation on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, security and parliamentary exchange; the two leaders also signed agreements and backed visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Policing: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during a Paramaribo conference focused on organized crime and cross-border threats. Crime Case in the Region: In Guyana, “IsWe” Shaquawn Alleyne pleaded guilty to the 2021 murder of girlfriend Shonnette Dover; sentencing is set for June 17 after psychiatric, probation and prison reports. Health Milestone: PAHO reported Suriname was certified malaria-free, highlighting progress in regional disease elimination. Energy & Trade Links: STAR-Fish is scaling clean-energy support for Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, while talks continue on expanding trade and connectivity across the region. Colonial Heritage Scrutiny: The Dutch Royal House acknowledged serious doubts over some colonial-era objects’ voluntary acquisition, with implications also raised for Suriname and the Caribbean.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons told the Dominican National Congress the two countries are “two democracies” ready to deepen cooperation, with focus on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange. Bilateral Deals & Mobility: In Santo Domingo, both presidents signed agreements and a joint declaration, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans who hold valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Security & Crime Focus: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during a Paramaribo conference centered on organized crime, firearms, drugs and cybercrime. Local Justice (Guyana, with Suriname link): “IsWe” (Shaquawn Alleyne) pleaded guilty to the 2021 murder of girlfriend Shonnette Dover; sentencing is set for June 17 after psychiatric, probation and prison conduct reports. Aviation/Infrastructure: Three firms bid to build a new air traffic control tower at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, including Chinese and Guyanese companies. Public Health (Regional): PAHO’s 2025 annual report to the OAS highlights Suriname’s malaria-free certification and other gains, alongside setbacks like measles elimination.

Murder Case in Court: “IsWe” Shaquawn Alleyne pleaded guilty in Guyana to the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Shonnette Dover, after being arrested in Suriname and handed over to Guyanese authorities; the judge ordered psychiatric and probation reports plus a Guyana Prison Service report ahead of sentencing on June 17. Aviation Contract Bids: Three firms submitted bids to build the Cheddi Jagan International Airport air traffic control tower at Timehri, including two Chinese joint ventures and a Guyanese-led bid, with the project aimed at easing airport parking and traffic constraints. Suriname–Curaçao Diplomacy: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, made a courtesy visit to Governor Mauritsz de Kort to kick off a new term focused on trade, culture, education and consular cooperation. Colonial Collections Scrutiny: The Dutch Royal House acknowledged “serious doubts” over some colonial-era objects’ lawful acquisition after a provenance study covering more than 1,000 artifacts from former Dutch colonies, including Suriname and the Caribbean. Regional Security Leadership: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during its Paramaribo conference, with organized crime a key theme. Energy & Connectivity: A Suriname–Dominican Republic push for deeper ties included visa-free tourism entry for Dominican citizens holding valid US or Schengen visas, plus agreements on tourism, agriculture, trade and education.

Guilty Plea in Linden Murder: A Guyanese man, Shaquawn Alleyne (“Iwse”), pleaded guilty to murdering and burying his girlfriend in his Canvas City backyard; sentencing is set for June 19 after court orders probation, psychiatric and prison conduct reports. Dutch Colonial Collections Under Scrutiny: The Dutch Royal House and a new investigation into colonial-era objects say some items may not have been acquired lawfully or voluntarily, with plans to publish research data—raising fresh questions for Suriname and the wider Caribbean. Suriname-Dominican Republic Boost: Presidents Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Luis Abinader signed agreements on tourism, agriculture, trade, education and more, including visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Security Leadership: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Paramaribo, as organized crime and firearms trafficking top the agenda. Energy Outlook for the Region: An energy analyst says Curaçao could benefit from a South American energy corridor if Venezuela re-enters global markets, with offshore support services likely to drive growth. Caribbean Aviation Realignment: Commentary highlights a reshaped regional air map as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes and an interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1. Haiti Call at High Level: Geerlings-Simons and Abinader urged stronger international action on Haiti, stressing regional stability as key to security and development.

Amazon Oil & Wildlife: Brazil’s environmental agency approved offshore drilling near the Amazon River mouth, despite warnings that Petrobras can’t realistically rescue large animals like manatees after a spill. Suriname-Dominican Republic Ties: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrived in the Dominican Republic for an official visit, with agreements on tourism, agriculture, trade, education, and visa-free entry for Dominicans holding valid US/Schengen visas. U.S. Carrier in Jamaica: The USS Nimitz is set to dock in Kingston, Jamaica, 90 miles from Cuba, as critics question whether the “goodwill” deployment is meant to pressure Cuba. Regional Security Leadership: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the ACCP in Paramaribo, with the conference focused on organized crime and cross-border policing. CARICOM Foreign Policy: CARICOM foreign ministers urged “unified action” and a “dual approach” to protect sovereignty amid shifting global pressures. Caribbean Aviation Shift: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect as Caribbean Airlines exits some markets, signaling a reshaped regional route map. Wildlife Trafficking Probe: Investigators report a trafficking ring targeting golden lion tamarins, using forged documents and routes including Suriname.

Suriname-Dominican Republic Visit: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrived in the Dominican Republic for an official visit through June 2, with military honors and meetings with President Luis Abinader, plus planned agreements and a joint declaration aimed at boosting cooperation in energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture and air services. Suriname-Diplomacy: In a separate diplomatic push, Abinader welcomed Geerlings-Simons at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, with expanded talks and a schedule that includes the National Congress. Regional Policing: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during its Paramaribo conference, as leaders focus on organized crime and the links between firearms, drugs and cybercrime. CARICOM Foreign Policy: CARICOM foreign ministers urged “unified action” and a “dual approach” to protect Caribbean sovereignty, pairing tighter foreign policy coordination with faster progress on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Suriname Crime: A report says mercury was stolen from a police station compound, adding to the week’s security concerns. Wildlife Trafficking: A trafficking ring is linked to the smuggling of Brazil’s golden lion tamarins via routes involving Suriname, using forged documents and passports.

Vape Health Warning: A Trinidad & Tobago doctor describes severe vaping-related symptoms in a 16-year-old, echoing WHO’s World No Tobacco Day theme “Unmasking The Appeal” and its push to curb youth-targeted nicotine marketing. Regional Aviation Shake-up: Caribbean Airlines’ route cuts and St. Kitts withdrawal without consultation are driving new partnerships, including a June 1 interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes, as analysts say the market is rebuilding around Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten. U.S.-Caribbean Security Tensions: The USS Nimitz will dock in Kingston, Jamaica (June 1–5) for Southern Seas 2026, with Caribbean leaders aboard and growing debate over what the visit signals amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions. Suriname-Brazil Trade Talks: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate to expand a limited trade agreement after President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Lula in Brasília, aiming to add new sectors beyond today’s narrow product mix. Crime & Firearms Crackdown: INTERPOL-backed “Orca XI” seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across the Americas, with thousands of arrests. Police Leadership in Paramaribo: Sint Maarten’s Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected ACCP chairman during the May 11–15 conference in Paramaribo.

Aviation Shock in St. Kitts: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis is sparking backlash after Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson said the government was not consulted, while officials move to secure an alternative carrier to protect regional links. Regional Connectivity Shift: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1, the same day Caribbean Airlines exits several markets and cuts frequencies—signaling a rebuild around emerging hubs like Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten. Suriname Police Cooperation: Chief Commissioner Carl John (Sint Maarten) was elected ACCP chairman during the 40th annual meeting in Paramaribo, with a focus on organized crime and stronger joint security. Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL-backed operation Orca XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across the Americas, with thousands of arrests. U.S. Navy Presence: The USS Nimitz will dock in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of Southern Seas 2026, amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions. Suriname-Brazil Ties: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate to expand their trade agreement, with talks starting in the second half of the year.

Regional Security: INTERPOL-backed “Orca XI” operation seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs across 20 countries, with 8,701 arrests, nearly 200,000 rounds of ammunition, and US$256,025 in cash. Suriname-Brazil Ties: Brazil and Suriname will start talks in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement, aiming to grow business beyond a small, product-heavy trade base. CARICOM Cuba Stand: COFCOR urged action against intensifying economic and financial measures on Cuba, warning of risks to CARICOM nationals and the wider regional security architecture. Police Cooperation: Sint Maarten’s Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected Chairman of the ACCP in Paramaribo, strengthening Caribbean police coordination against organized crime. Oil & Gas Outlook: Staatsolie says Suriname’s Block 52 could become commercial for oil within 18 months, building on earlier gas progress. Local Business/Mining: Centurion completed US$882,150 debt reduction and keeps its exploration focus on Suriname. Transport & Trade: UAL delivered generators to Guyana’s Oko West using its ramp-capable landing craft shuttle service, linking Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and Suriname.

Child Protection in Football: UNICEF, the Guyana Football Federation and the Rights of the Child Commission wrapped a two-day PSEA and child safeguarding workshop for football coaches, referees and officials from regions 3, 4 and 5, focusing on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and setting clear conduct expectations. Suriname–Brazil Trade Talks: Suriname and Brazil will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement and open new sectors beyond today’s limited, mostly Brazilian-export-heavy trade. Regional Police Leadership: Chief Commissioner Carl John (Sint Maarten) was elected Chairman of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during its Paramaribo conference, with organized crime and regional cooperation on the agenda. Cuba Pressure Concerns: CARICOM’s COFCOR expressed deep concern over intensifying economic and financial measures against Cuba and warned that any military aggression would destabilize the Caribbean’s security architecture. Oil & Gas Outlook: Staatsolie says Suriname’s Block 52 could become commercial for oil within 18 months, building on earlier gas progress. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reported new gold drill results from its Sela Creek project, expanding mineralized zones at Jons Trend and Big Berg.

Suriname-Brazil Diplomacy: Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Brazil’s Lula in Brasília to set terms of reference for talks to expand their trade agreement, with negotiations due to start in the second half of the year and a push into new sectors beyond today’s limited, mostly Brazilian exports. Regional Security Leadership: Chief Commissioner Carl John of Sint Maarten was elected Chairman of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during its Paramaribo conference, with organized crime a key theme. CARICOM Cuba Rift: CARICOM foreign ministers backed a statement on Cuba as a “Zone of Peace,” but Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago distanced themselves, highlighting growing divisions inside the bloc. Energy & Oil Outlook: Staatsolie says Suriname’s Block 52 could become commercial for oil within 18 months, while Block 58’s Gran Morgu project targets first oil in 2028. Maritime Cooperation: The USS Nimitz hosted Caribbean leaders including Suriname’s defence minister during Southern Seas 2026, underscoring security ties with the U.S. Local Life: A fire in Port Mourant left five people homeless; arson is suspected and the family is seeking help to rebuild.

Suriname-Brazil Diplomacy: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is in Brasília for a state visit hosted by Brazil’s Lula, with talks expected to produce 12 agreements on defense, energy, security and connectivity, as both sides push deeper cooperation tied to Suriname’s oil and gas potential. CARICOM Foreign Policy: At COFCOR in Paramaribo, CARICOM condemned U.S. threats against Cuba and called for the Caribbean to remain a “Zone of Peace,” but Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago held back support, showing growing rifts inside the bloc. Oil & Gas Outlook: Staatsolie says offshore Block 52 could become commercial for oil within about 18 months, building on gas progress, while Gran Morgu is still aimed at first oil in 2028. Regional Security Leadership: Sint Maarten’s Police Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected ACCP president during the group’s conference in Paramaribo, focusing on organized crime and regional cooperation. Sports & Community: Basketball in the region mourns former national player Merton Fitzalbert, while Suriname’s SV Broki is set to face regional rivals in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup draw. Business: Supermax’s associate plans a US$50m medical glove facility in Brazil, targeting Mercosur markets including Guyana and Suriname.

Oil & Gas Outlook: Staatsolie says Suriname’s offshore Block 52 could become commercial for oil within 18 months, building on the already-declared gas commerciality of the Sloanea field; if partners Petronas and Staatsolie take a positive investment decision, gas development could feed floating LNG, with first gas targeted for 2030. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM foreign ministers met in Paramaribo and issued a statement condemning U.S. threats and pressure against Cuba, but Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago reserved their position, highlighting a rare split inside the bloc. China-Suriname Ties: Presidents Xi Jinping and Jennifer Geerlings-Simons exchanged congratulations on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, pledging deeper strategic cooperation. Mining Update: Miata Metals reported new drill results from its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including 11 m at 3.35 g/t Au within 25.1 m at 1.71 g/t Au. Aviation: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes from June 1, including discontinuing services between Dominica and Suriname, St Kitts and Suriname, and Ogle (Guyana) and Suriname, with further reductions to other islands. Local Incident: A fire in Port Mourant destroyed a house, leaving five people homeless; investigators say it was intentionally set.