AGP Executive Report

Regional Trade: CARICOM teams begin assessing whether the region can supply paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, with findings set to inform tariff decisions and affect import competition. Agriculture: Guyana has stepped up farm inspections and border biosecurity after Suriname confirmed bird flu, putting poultry trade and regional food security in focus. Gold Revenue: MP Rabin Parmessar says large-scale mining at Pelin Bergi may be costing the state millions in uncollected taxes and is calling for an investigation into production, operators and revenues. Growth Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, accelerating to 21.5% in 2028. Energy: Valaris expects its two-well exploration contract for Petronas Suriname to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Rice Trade: Suriname is unloading a disputed 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment; the importer has asked Customs to let it return, citing missing import approval and mounting costs.

Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, with findings due to inform tariff decisions. The review runs October 12–27 and will weigh local competitiveness, import costs and consumer needs. Gold Revenue: MP Rabin Parmessar says large-scale mining at Pelin Bergi may be producing hundreds of kilograms of gold weekly without tax payments. He is urging the government to establish output, identify operators and recover revenue. Growth Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, accelerating to 21.5% in 2028. Rice Trade: Suriname has begun unloading a disputed 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment seized over missing import approval; the importer is seeking permission to return it. Offshore Investment: Valaris secured a Petronas Suriname contract for a two-well exploration programme, expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months.

Animal Health: Suriname’s H5N1 bird-flu outbreak has prompted Guyana to tighten border checks and poultry testing to protect its farms. Rice Trade: Suriname began unloading 384.8 tonnes of disputed Guyanese rice under police guard; the importer is seeking permission to return it, citing missing import approval and mounting costs. Gold Sector: Lawmakers want an investigation into extensive mining at Pelin Bergi, saying the state may be missing millions in revenue. President Jennifer Simons plans rules to protect rivers from mining pollution. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, accelerating to 21.5% in 2028. Energy: Valaris won a two-well exploration contract for Petronas Suriname, expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess regional supply of paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen to inform future tariff decisions.

Rice Trade: Suriname has begun unloading 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice seized over missing import approval. The importer is asking Customs to let the vessel return, citing mounting costs; the shipment is being moved into storage in Nickerie. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, before accelerating to 21.5% in 2028, contrasting with more modest growth across tourism-dependent Caribbean economies. Energy: Offshore contractor Valaris secured a two-well exploration job for Petronas Suriname, expected to start in the fourth quarter and last up to seven months. The World Bank also warns drought could curb hydropower and force greater reliance on costly imported fuels. Mining Oversight: Lawmakers have called for an investigation and temporary halt to mining near Kwakoegron amid concerns about permits and possible pollution. President Jennifer Simons says new rules are being prepared to protect rivers from mining-related contamination.

Growth Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, then accelerate to 21.5% in 2028, in a regional recovery increasingly split between oil producers and tourism-dependent economies. Energy Risks: The Bank warns prolonged drought could sharply reduce hydropower output across northern South America, forcing costly fossil-fuel generation—a key risk for Suriname as water levels fall. Oil and Gas: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract with Petronas Suriname, expected to begin in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Mining Oversight: Two lawmakers have asked for an investigation and temporary halt to mining near Kwakoegron, citing concerns about permits, environmental controls and possible cyanide use; President Jennifer Simons also plans river protections to limit pollution that could harm other hinterland industries. Rice Trade: Suriname seized a 385-tonne Guyanese rice shipment over missing import approval, while the importer is challenging the action in court. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess supply of cement, paints, glass bottles and bitumen, with findings to inform future tariff decisions.

Offshore Investment: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract with PETRONAS Suriname Exploration & Production for drillship VALARIS DS-18. Work is expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months, adding to the company’s reported US$220 million in new contract awards and extensions. Rice Trade: Suriname seized 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice over missing prior import approval. The importer has gone to court seeking inspection and release of the shipment; authorities say part of the cargo had already cleared customs. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported 54 metres grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project in southeastern Suriname, including a higher-grade 24-metre section. Mining and Tourism: President Jennifer Simons plans new rules to protect rivers from gold-mining pollution, including waterways linked to tourism areas such as the Upper Suriname River. The government is preparing two decrees, while weighing mining’s role in hinterland livelihoods.

Offshore Energy: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract with PETRONAS Suriname for the VALARIS DS-18. Work is expected to begin in the fourth quarter and last up to seven months. Rice Trade: Customs seized 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice over missing import approval. The importer is challenging the seizure in court, while the State argues the required permits were not obtained. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported a 54-metre drill intercept grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project, highlighting further potential at the southeastern Suriname site. Regional Finance: Inversiones Atlántida brought its new investment bank, BancAtlantic Capital, to Suriname as part of a Caribbean roadshow, with a stated focus on financing underserved economies.

Offshore Energy: Valaris added an estimated $220 million to its contract backlog, including a two-well exploration contract for PETRONAS Suriname aboard the VALARIS DS-18. Work is expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported 54 metres grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project, while Critical Resources hired specialists to assess its Gonini and Greenstars prospects. Import Rules: Suriname ordered the return of 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice after the importer failed to secure the required advance approval, and says it will take action. Finance: BancAtlantic Capital, backed by Grupo Financiero Atlántida, held a Suriname event as part of a Caribbean outreach aimed at expanding financing for emerging markets.

Regional Connectivity: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali called for faster digital visa processing, saying delays hamper Caribbean travel, business and partnerships. Offshore Energy: Valaris added about US$220 million to its contract backlog, including a PETRONAS Suriname two-well drillship campaign expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Trade Rules: Suriname rejected a 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment after the importer failed to secure prior approval; authorities ordered the cargo returned and said action would follow. Growth Outlook: The World Bank projects 2.2% growth across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026, citing Suriname’s oil-related investment as a regional bright spot. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported 54 metres grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project. Critical Resources is also advancing exploration plans for its Gonini and Greenstars projects. Finance: Grupo Financiero Atlántida included Suriname in a Caribbean roadshow to introduce BancAtlantic Capital, its new investment bank focused on financing emerging markets.

Rice Trade: Authorities say 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice entered Suriname without the required local phytosanitary permit; Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim says action will be taken against the importer, and part of the shipment has been returned. Offshore Energy: Valaris added about US$220 million to its global drilling backlog, including a two-well Petronas campaign in Suriname expected to begin in late 2026 and run for up to seven months. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported 54 metres grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project, including a richer 24-metre section, expanding the high-grade zone. Growth Outlook: The World Bank says Suriname’s offshore investment is helping drive an oil-led Caribbean expansion, while regional growth is forecast at 2.2% in 2026. Finance: Grupo Financiero Atlántida brought its new investment bank, BancAtlantic Capital, to Suriname as part of a Caribbean outreach aimed at building regional business and financing ties.

Cybercrime Cooperation: Belize and Colombia are teaming up with Caribbean partners, including Suriname, to train police and agencies to prevent, investigate and respond to cross-border cybercrime, with a focus on tools like cryptocurrency and ransomware. World Bank Outlook: The World Bank projects slower growth for Belize (2.4% in 2026) and highlights that oil-driven expansions in Guyana and Suriname contrast with tourism-dependent islands facing higher energy and transport costs, while urging better “absorptive capacity” to benefit from AI. Caribbean Finance Push: Grupo Financiero Atlántida’s BancAtlantic Capital is rolling out “Caribbean Currents” outreach—Suriname (Oct 5), Guyana (Oct 6), Trinidad & Tobago (Oct 7), Jamaica (Oct 8)—to introduce its New York merchant and investment banking plans. Suriname Business & Infrastructure: EllaLink launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Energy & Mining Watch: Critical Resources says it has started structural and geophysical work for gold at its Gonini and Greenstars projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield, while Chevron signals higher 2026 exploration spending across multiple countries including Suriname. Health & Workforce: Ninety nurses at AZP in Paramaribo received land allocation documents, part of government efforts to retain nursing staff.

Suriname Health & Housing: Ninety nurses at Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) finally received their land allocation documents on Oct 2, a government move aimed at retaining nursing staff and supporting them to build homes. Suriname Mining & Investment: Critical Resources says it has hired exploration specialists to kick off a structural and geophysical push on its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield, holding 90% interest in granted rights over 199 sq km. Regional Aviation Connectivity: Guyana’s Trans-Guyana Airways is preparing for direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights after Guyana–France signed a new air services agreement, replacing a 1976 framework and aiming for at least two weekly non-stop services. Caribbean Finance & Banking: BancAtlantic Capital, backed by Grupo Financiero Atlántida, plans a Caribbean outreach that includes a Suriname stop (Oct 5) and Guyana (Oct 6), followed by Trinidad and Tobago (Oct 7) and Jamaica (Oct 8). Energy Sector Signals: Chevron plans higher 2026 exploration and appraisal spending, including in Suriname, while SLB reaffirmed optimism about Trinidad and Tobago’s energy outlook after meetings with government officials. Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment with a target service date by end-2029.

Banking Leadership Change: Republic Financial Holdings (RFHL) says founding director Dawn Callender has retired from its board effective Oct 1, ending the last original RFHL board seat. Caribbean Finance Outreach: BancAtlantic Capital, a new New York-based merchant/investment bank, will hold an invitation-only “Caribbean Currents” event in Suriname (Oct 5) and Guyana (Oct 6), with Trinidad and Tobago (Oct 7) and Jamaica (Oct 8) next. Energy Sector Confidence: SLB met Trinidad and Tobago’s energy officials, reaffirming commitment and optimism for the country’s energy hub role. SME Financing Launch (Guyana): Guyana Development Bank’s inaugural board takes office to start zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to US$3m for SMEs, aiming for fast, low-bureaucracy processing. Air Connectivity Boost (Guyana/Region): Guyana-France’s new air services framework paves the way for direct Georgetown–Cayenne flights via Trans-Guyana Airways; separately, Caribbean Airlines resumes Trinidad–Caracas and adds Tobago–Toronto. Suriname Health & Land: Ninety nurses at AZP in Paramaribo received land allocation documents, with government urging them not to sell state plots. Suriname Mining Push: Critical Resources hires exploration specialists to begin structural and geophysical work on its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname. Avian Flu Watch (Region): Barbados tightens port monitoring after Suriname’s H5 avian influenza outbreak, relying on existing quarantine and approved-import rules.

Arson and domestic violence fears: A 29-year-old mother in West Bank Demerara says she’s living in fear after a fifth alleged arson attack by her former partner, including a fire at her unfinished home; she claims he has political connections and could arrange harm. SME finance push: Guyana Development Bank begins operations with a new seven-member board, set to offer zero-interest, no-collateral loans to individuals and small businesses. Air connectivity for the region: A Guyana–France Air Services Agreement signed after 50 years clears the way for direct flights from Georgetown to Cayenne, with Trans-Guyana Airways preparing the route. Health and land for nurses: In Paramaribo, 90 nurses from AZP received long-awaited land allocation documents, part of a government effort to retain nursing staff. Clean energy investment for women: The Caribbean Development Bank launches a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Suriname. Avian flu watch in the Caribbean: Barbados steps up port monitoring after Suriname confirmed H5 avian influenza, while saying normal quarantine rules keep poultry risk contained. Gold exploration in Suriname: Critical Resources hires exploration specialists to start structural and geophysical work across its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects after securing exclusivity. Regional digital connectivity: EllaLink officially launches the Caribbean Gateway initiative, aiming for service readiness by end-2029 with a fibre route linking Cayenne to multiple islands.

Suriname Gold Exploration: Critical Resources says it has engaged exploration specialists to kick off structural and geophysical work across its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname, holding 90% interest in 199 sq km of granted exploitation rights. Nursing & Housing: Ninety nurses at Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) received their land allocation documents, with government urging them not to sell state plots and to build long-term family homes. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a fibre optic submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Aviation Links: Caribbean Airlines announced resumption of Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct 31 and a new weekly Tobago–Toronto non-stop from Oct 25, plus charter flights to Panama from Dec 1. Regional Health Cooperation: Guyana convened Amazon countries to push malaria elimination, Indigenous health and disease surveillance, with Suriname sharing its community-based malaria approach. Food Security & Education: Minister Dirk Currie stressed education access for all ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, while regional discussions also highlighted solar cold storage ideas to cut post-harvest spoilage for rural farmers. Public Safety & Trade Risk: Barbados stepped up port monitoring after Suriname’s H5 avian influenza outbreak, warning of risks from illegal poultry imports.

Aviation Connectivity: Guyana and France signed a new Air Services Agreement after 50 years, opening the door for direct flights to French Guiana—potentially a Cayenne route for Trans-Guyana Airways, with the aim of cutting travel time that currently involves transiting Suriname and multiple modes. Public Health & Regional Cooperation: Guyana convened Amazon countries to push malaria elimination, Indigenous Peoples’ health, and stronger disease surveillance; Suriname shared its experience reducing local malaria transmission through community-based diagnosis, rapid response, and timely treatment. Gender-Focused Media Push: UNFPA urged Guyanese journalists to report more human-centered on gender-based violence, adolescent pregnancy, incest, and child marriage, citing links between teen pregnancy and sexual violence and calling for survivor-centric coverage. Education Access: Suriname’s Education, Science and Culture Minister Dirk Currie stressed that education must be accessible to everyone at the start of the 2026–2027 school year, framing each school day as an investment in self-development. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative via its SheTrades hub to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Suriname. Health System Gap (Oil vs Outcomes): APNU raised concerns that Guyana’s breast cancer survival rates lag behind wealth growth, urging improvements from detection through treatment and follow-up care. Sports Development: Youth Basketball Guyana’s Under-15 team is set for the Paradise International Tournament in St. Maarten, aiming to make overseas opportunities a regular part of youth development. Legal Developments (Surinamese Men Disappearance): In Guyana, a man linked to the case was granted $1m bail after defence challenged detention legality and argued police have not produced evidence that abduction occurred. Trade/Travel (Regional Airlines): Caribbean Airlines announced resumption of Trinidad–Caracas flights and a new weekly Tobago–Toronto service, plus charter flights to Panama—moves aimed at boosting business and tourism links.