AGP Executive Report

Suriname Offshore Oil: TotalEnergies, Staatsolie and APA say the $12B GranMorgu project in Block 58 is still on track for first output in mid-2028, after senior executives toured port logistics and confirmed major components are already staged for installation. Regional Security: Operation ATLAS NEXUS—covering Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe—has dismantled dozens of criminal networks, with Dominica among 35 participating countries and more than 490 arrests reported. AI Push for the Region: The IDB convened heads of state and tech leaders to advance a shared, safe AI adoption roadmap for Latin America and the Caribbean, with productivity gains highlighted. Ferry and River Travel: With the MV Canawaima suspension affecting crossings, backtrack route boat operators report a passenger surge that has since stabilized, while the ferry is also cleared for three months after proposed rehabilitation work. Health and Safety: Suriname’s government declared an outbreak of bird flu. Mining Update: Miata Metals reports strong initial gold recovery results from its Sela Creek project in Suriname, with an on-site lab now ramping up. Community and Culture: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional traditional knowledge and healers network.

Bird Flu Alert: Suriname’s government has declared an outbreak of bird flu, raising concerns for poultry and public health. Crime Investigation: A third police officer has been detained in connection with the missing mercury probe, as investigators press for answers. Energy Watch: Staatsolie head Annand Jagesar says TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project is on track for first output in mid-2028, with about half the planned investment already spent. Ferry Update: The MV Canawaima has been cleared to sail for three more months; a marine surveyor proposes rehabilitation to extend the 30-year-old vessel’s service life by another decade. Missing Persons: Two Surinamese men reported missing near Nickerie have not been sighted in Guyana so far, with police urging anyone with information to contact authorities. Regional Culture & Health: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional traditional knowledge and healers network to support ethical practice and possible recognition by health systems. Local Business/Mining: Miata Metals reports 94.6% average gold recovery from initial metallurgical tests at its Sela Creek project in Suriname. Local Governance: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana Development Bank loan recipients will be publicly listed before funding, allowing objections from the public.

Missing Persons: Police in Guyana say there has been no sighting of two Surinamese men reported missing since late August, with investigations ongoing and public asked to call hotlines if they have any information. River Transport & Trade: Guyana and Suriname are preparing a contingency plan in case the MV Canawaima ferry is pulled from service next week for major rehabilitation, with the Motor Barge Sandaka flagged as the earlier replacement option. Energy Watch: Suriname’s GranMorgu offshore project, led by TotalEnergies with Staatsolie and APA, is still on track for first output in mid-2028, as partners report major progress and spending already underway. Sports (Regional Youth): Boxing and judo are set to debut at the Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo from October 22–26, expanding the U18 multi-sport event for young athletes across the region. Local Sports/Community: Suriname is also in the spotlight for upcoming regional cooperation in sport and training, including powerlifting preparations linked to international standards.

Suriname Oil Watch: Staatsolie says TotalEnergies and partners are on track for first output from the $12B GranMorgu offshore project in mid-2028, with about half the planned investment already spent and key components due to be installed soon in Block 58. Regional Sports: Suriname will host the Inter-Guiana Games from October 22–26, adding boxing and judo to the U18 programme after a protocol signing in Paramaribo. Local Governance & Property: St. Maarten Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs says she won’t back a proposed Mullet Bay master plan, arguing the site should be put up for sale so proceeds can go to the ENNIA resolution fund. International Mobility: A new passport report places the Thai passport fifth in ASEAN with a 93 Mobility Score, highlighting visa-free and simplified-entry access rates across regions. Caribbean Culture: The Conch Shell International Film Festival returns to New York City October 9–11, featuring films from Suriname and across the Caribbean diaspora.

Offshore Energy Watch: Staatsolie says TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project in Suriname’s Block 58 is on track for first output in mid-2028, with about half the planned investment already spent and Malaysia-made wellhead components due to be installed soon. Regional Oil Ties: Suriname and Venezuela signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, covering oil and gas exploration and production support, training, and technical assistance as Suriname prepares for large-scale offshore output. Local Sports & Youth: Suriname will host the Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo from Oct 22–26, adding boxing and judo for the U18 event. Health Systems: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brought together lab directors from across the Caribbean, including Suriname, to strengthen laboratory preparedness and faster detection of health threats. Business & Investment: Founders Metals says it has acquired the remaining 30% of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, moving to 100% ownership and closing a strategic investment deal with Gold Fields.

Suriname–St. Maarten Air Link: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten is still on the table, but only after a “sufficiently substantiated” business case, air traffic rights, and regulatory requirements are met following a high-level follow-up meeting chaired by PM Dr. Luc Mercelina. Sports (IGG 2026): Boxing and judo will debut at the Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo from October 22–26, with the host adding the two combat sports to expand competition for U18 athletes. Health Lab Capacity: CARPHA wrapped up its CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown (Sept 8–10), bringing lab directors from across the Caribbean—including Suriname—for stronger preparedness, surveillance, and diagnostic coordination. Business (Mining): Founders Metals says it has acquired the remaining 30% of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, now holding 100% interest, while Gold Fields increased its stake to about 19.9%. Culture & Heritage: A Suriname ambassador featured in a creative-economy panel abroad, and the wider region continues pushing culture, education, and justice cooperation.

Inter-Guiana Games: Boxing and judo will debut at the IGG U18 event in Paramaribo from October 22–26, after Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana signed the protocol agreement—boxing will be Guyana vs Suriname, while judo will feature Suriname and French Guiana. Health Strategy: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030 to strengthen the health system, with a focus on measurable results and continued work on issues like noncommunicable diseases, HIV, TB, and mental health. Air Connectivity: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten is still pending a solid business case, air rights, and regulatory requirements, with talks highlighting possible demand via Guyana and benefits for regional tourism and trade. Oil & Gas Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, including exploration/production cooperation and training as Suriname prepares for larger offshore output. Sports Development: Suriname’s IGG preparations come alongside regional youth sport momentum, while local officials also push training and technical capacity for athletes and coaches.

Suriname–Venezuela Energy Deal: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez visited Paramaribo and signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap with Suriname, covering oil and gas exploration, production, technical help and training as both countries gear up for bigger offshore output. Regional Air Connectivity: Suriname Airways and St. Maarten officials are still working on a business case for a proposed route linking Paramaribo, Georgetown and Princess Juliana International Airport, with Guyana connections and tourism demand central to the talks. Health System Roadmap: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030 to strengthen Suriname’s health system, with measurable priorities and continued focus beyond malaria-free status. Sports & Youth Development: The Inter-Guiana Games 2026 in Paramaribo will debut boxing and judo for Under-18 athletes, expanding the regional competition lineup. Local Sports Roundup: Guyana’s HGP Nightly News reported regional boxing results featuring Suriname fighters, including a win for Suriname’s Mitchell Wilson and a lightweight bout where Jamaica’s Daniel Hylton beat Guyana’s Septon Barton. Business & Investment: Founders Metals completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a strategic investment by Gold Fields.

Inter-Guiana Games 2026: Boxing and Judo will debut at the Under-18 Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo from October 22–26, with Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana signing the protocol for the expanded programme. Suriname–Curaçao ties: Curaçao’s PM Gilmar Pisas met Suriname’s new Consul General Joraisa Pokie to discuss deeper cooperation in justice, agriculture, education and maritime navigation, including knowledge-sharing as Curaçao looks to cut food imports. Health system roadmap: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030 to strengthen Suriname’s health system, with priorities including noncommunicable diseases, HIV/TB, and mental health. Regional air connectivity: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten via Guyana is still in the business-case and regulatory evaluation stage, after a follow-up meeting chaired by St. Maarten’s PM Luc Mercelina. Oil and gas cooperation: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, covering exploration/production cooperation, training and technical assistance as Suriname prepares for larger offshore output. Sports (Caribbean Cup): Haiti’s Violette AC made history by topping its group with a perfect record and will face the Group B runner-up in the semifinals.

Suriname–Venezuela Energy Deal: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap with Suriname in Paramaribo, covering oil and gas exploration, production, technical help and training as Suriname prepares for major offshore output. Health System Roadmap: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030 to strengthen Suriname’s health system, with priorities including malaria-free progress, non-communicable diseases, HIV/TB, and mental health. Nurses Salary Scale: The Suriname government is moving to introduce a new salary scale for nurses, as part of wider labour and public service adjustments. Air Connectivity Talks: Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired follow-up talks on a possible Surinam Airways route to St. Maarten, focusing on a solid business case, air rights, and demand via Guyana. Regional Lab Preparedness: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brought together lab directors across the Caribbean, including Suriname, to improve networking, surveillance and diagnostic coordination. Barbados Builds Supply Links: Barbados is looking to Suriname for building materials, with N.V. Grassalco emerging as a potential supplier of silica sand and stone. Sports (Local Interest): Violette AC edged Club Sando 1-0 in the Caribbean Cup, with an own goal deciding Group B standings.

Health Cooperation: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030, a roadmap to strengthen Suriname’s health system, with Minister André Misiekaba and PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa da Silva stressing implementation and measurable results. Public Health Labs: CARPHA wrapped up its 11th CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown, focusing on stronger Caribbean laboratory preparedness, networking, surveillance, and diagnostic coordination, with Suriname among the participating countries. Nursing Pay Scale: The government is moving to introduce a new salary scale for nurses, aiming to improve conditions in the health workforce. Air Connectivity Talks: Prime Minister Luc Mercelina chaired follow-up talks on a proposed Surinam Airways route to St. Maarten, with attention on a business case, air rights, and demand via Guyana. Energy & Investment: Rystad Energy says upstream is shifting into a buyer’s market, while Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream investments in Guyana and Suriname for energy security. Regional Trade: Barbados is looking to Suriname as a supplier of building materials, with N.V. Grassalco emerging as a potential source for silica sand and stone.

Air Connectivity Talks: Suriname Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten is still on the table, but only after a business case is completed and air-rights and regulatory requirements are met; a follow-up meeting chaired by PM Dr. Luc Mercelina focused on connecting via Guyana, boosting passenger numbers, and strengthening regional tourism and trade. Energy Outlook: Rystad Energy’s CEO Jarand Rystad says the upstream sector is shifting into a “buyer’s market,” with global investment likely plateauing and then declining, while Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname remain key hotspots. Health Workforce Push: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez urged medical schools to absorb more new doctor trainees, pointing to a cooperation agreement with Suriname that supports Caribbean students studying at ELAM. Tech for the Region: Apple is expanding iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge (with some major markets excluded), including places like Suriname and Guyana. Regional Diplomacy & Appointments: Venezuela announced new appointments in oil and foreign affairs, including roles tied to Caribbean relations. Sports (Suriname in the Mix): Suriname’s Edinho Ginsberg won on the boxing card in Guyana, and Suriname clubs are involved in CONCACAF Caribbean Cup group play.

Air Connectivity Talks: Suriname Airways and St Maarten officials met under Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina to build a business case for a new route linking Paramaribo, Georgetown and Sint Maarten, with demand and tourism benefits—especially via Guyana—at the center; no launch date was shared. Health Workforce Push: Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez urged medical schools to accommodate more high school graduates in medicine, pointing to an education cooperation agreement with Suriname via ELAM to train more doctors for the Caribbean. Caribbean Mental Health Focus: PANCAP marked World Suicide Prevention Day by calling for stronger mental health action across the region, citing high suicide mortality rates in Guyana and Suriname and stressing community-wide prevention beyond hospitals. Energy & Trade Links: Barbados is looking to Suriname’s N.V. Grassalco as a potential supplier of silica sand and stone to ease local shortages and speed infrastructure projects. Sports (Regional): Club Sando and Violette clash for top spot in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup group stage, with Suriname’s SV Broki already beaten by Violette in Paramaribo.

Energy & Investment: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream oil and gas stakes in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and cut reliance on Middle East imports. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez announced new oil and foreign affairs appointments and highlighted fresh cooperation agreements with Suriname across energy, fishing, transport, tourism, agriculture, education and health. Trade & Infrastructure: Barbados is looking to Suriname for building materials, with Suriname’s state company Grassalco emerging as a potential supplier of silica sand and stone. Sports (Caribbean Cup): Club Sando and Violette are set to clash for top spot in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup group stage, with Suriname’s SV Broki noted in Violette’s path to qualification. Public Health: PANCAP marked World Suicide Prevention Day by urging stronger mental health action across the Caribbean, citing high suicide mortality rates in Guyana and Suriname. Local/Regional Business: PBS Group has taken full control of Trinidad Systems Ltd, with leadership set to oversee operations across the Eastern Caribbean and expand services into Central and South America.

Venezuela–Suriname Rapprochement: Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez visited Paramaribo and signed a package of cooperation deals covering energy, fishing, agriculture, transport, tourism, education and professional training, with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, plus a joint declaration and letters of intent aimed at turning 50 years of ties into practical results. Regional Energy & Skills: Rodríguez said Venezuela will share oil-and-gas exploration and production experience to train Suriname’s industry, while both sides also agreed to reopen air routes and expand Atlantic fishing access for Venezuelan fishermen. Caribbean Materials Push: Barbados is looking to Suriname’s state-owned N.V. Grassalco for silica sand and stone as local supplies tighten, linking the move to faster infrastructure delivery and deeper CARICOM economic cooperation. Mental Health Call: On World Suicide Prevention Day, PANCAP urged stronger mental-health action across the Caribbean, citing high suicide mortality rates reported for Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Sports Calendar: Beach volleyball in the region gets a boost as Guyana hosts a Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championship on Sept 26–27 with teams including Suriname.

Venezuela–Suriname Deal Push: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Paramaribo and signed a package of strategic agreements covering energy, fishing, transport, tourism, agriculture, education and health, with both sides calling it a new stage for Caribbean integration and practical cooperation. Oil & Gas Skills Transfer: Rodríguez said Venezuela will share its oil and gas experience to train Suriname’s workforce, following Suriname’s recent offshore discoveries. Fisheries Corridor Update: Agreements also include reopening air routes and allowing 200 Venezuelan fishermen to operate in the Atlantic corridor with Suriname, alongside broader cooperation for artisanal fleets. Regional Knowledge Network: In the wider region, traditional healers and knowledge holders from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a Regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network at Iwokrama to push Indigenous medicinal knowledge into healthcare systems. Travel Access Watch: A 2026 passport evaluation says Nigerians can use eVisas for travel to 54 countries and territories, listing Suriname among the destinations.