AGP Executive Report

Aviation Shock in St. Kitts: Caribbean Airlines is withdrawing from the St. Kitts and Nevis route without consulting the government, prompting talks to secure a replacement airline and protect regional connectivity. Regional Connectivity Reset: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes (from June 1) lands as Caribbean Airlines cuts multiple markets, signaling a rebuild around emerging hubs. Suriname-Brazil Trade Push: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand a limited trade agreement and open new sectors, with energy, logistics, transport, agriculture and communications on the agenda. Suriname Oil & Gas Momentum: Staatsolie says offshore Block 52 could see oil commerciality within 18 months, while Suriname targets crude production by 2028 and launches an open-door licensing round to attract investors. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reports more gold intersections at Sela Creek, expanding the district-scale system. Security & Business Climate: CARICOM’s COFCOR warns about Cuba-related measures affecting regional nationals, while Suriname’s regional police cooperation gets a boost as ACCP elects Carl John as chairman.

Suriname–Brazil Trade Talks: Brazil and Suriname will start negotiations in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement and open new business opportunities, with talks expected to cover trade facilitation and additional sectors beyond today’s narrow, mostly Brazilian-export-heavy trade. Suriname Oil Outlook: Staatsolie says offshore Block 52 could become commercial for oil within 18 months, after the Sloanea gas discovery was declared commercially viable—fueling expectations of parallel gas and oil development in the Suriname–Guyana basin. Mining Investment Push: Miata Metals reported new drill results from its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, extending gold mineralization at Jons Trend and Big Berg—another signal of continued exploration momentum. Regional Security Data: Mercosur plans a crime monitoring center using university-validated data to standardize regional crime measurements and publish figures online. CARICOM Cuba Concern: COFCOR urged preserving the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace amid intensifying measures against Cuba, while Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago distanced themselves from the statement. Air Connectivity Shock (Region): St. Kitts and Nevis says Caribbean Airlines withdrew service without consulting the government, raising concerns for tourism and commuter links. Corporate Finance (Suriname-linked): Centurion Minerals completed $882,150 debt reduction via share issuance and loan forgiveness, keeping its exploration focus on Suriname.

Staatsolie & Petronas Oil Outlook: Suriname’s state oil firm says offshore Block 52 could move to oil commerciality within 18 months, after the Sloanea gas discovery was declared commercially viable; if partners approve investment, gas development (including floating LNG) is expected to start in 2030 and crude could follow, with Suriname targeting offshore crude production by 2028. Exploration Update (Gold): Miata Metals reported additional drill results at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including 25.1m at 1.71 g/t Au (with 11m at 3.35 g/t) and 16.68m at 1.39 g/t Au, reinforcing a district-scale gold system. Trade Talks (Brazil–Suriname): Brazil and Suriname will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement, aiming to broaden sectors beyond mostly Brazilian exports and boost trade facilitation; a business meeting in Brasília covered energy, logistics, transport, agriculture and communications. Regional Security & Business Climate: CARICOM’s COFCOR expressed concern over intensifying measures against Cuba, while Suriname hosted the COFCOR meeting; separately, the ACCP elected Sint Maarten’s Carl John as chairman, with organized crime flagged as a key regional development issue. Aviation Shock (Regional Connectivity): Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes, including discontinuing services between Dominica and Suriname and St Kitts and Suriname, with knock-on effects for regional business travel and tourism.

Trade Expansion Talks: Brazil and Suriname will start negotiations in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement after a meeting in Brasília, with terms of reference approved to boost trade flows beyond a narrow product mix. Energy & Oil Outlook: Staatsolie says Suriname’s offshore Block 52 could move toward commercial oil within 18 months, building on the Sloanea gas discovery and the wider push to develop oil and gas in the Suriname–Guyana basin. Mining Investment: Everlert (American Gold & Copper) appointed Dr. Richard “Criss” Capps as Vice President of Mining, Exploration and Geology, with experience spanning Suriname and other South American jurisdictions. Regional Security Cooperation: Sint Maarten’s Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected Chairman of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during its Paramaribo conference, with organized crime and regional development on the agenda. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes from June 1, including Dominica–Suriname and St Kitts–Suriname, and reducing flights to several destinations—raising new pressure on regional business travel and trade links.

Oil & Gas Outlook: Staatsolie says offshore Block 52 could be declared commercial for oil within 18 months, after the Sloanea gas discovery’s commerciality push—while Suriname targets offshore crude production in 2028 via TotalEnergies’ $10.5bn GranMorgu. Diplomacy & Deals: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ state visit to Brazil is set to unlock 12 bilateral agreements on defense, energy, security and connectivity as both sides mark 50 years of relations. Mining & Exploration: Miata Metals reports new Sela Creek gold drill results in Suriname, including 11m at 3.35 g/t Au, expanding the district-scale system at Jons Trend and Big Berg. Regional Trade/Investment: UAE representatives at CARICOM’s COFCOR meeting in Paramaribo pushed for a CARICOM-wide trade and investment framework using its CEPA model; ministers agreed to explore talks. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes, including discontinuing Dominica–Suriname and St Kitts–Suriname from June 1, with knock-on effects for business travel and intra-regional trade. Regional Security: Sint Maarten’s Carl John was elected ACCP president during the police chiefs’ conference in Paramaribo, with organized crime a key theme.

Oil & Gas Outlook: Staatsolie says Suriname’s offshore Block 52—already home to the Sloanea gas discovery—could reach commercial oil status within 18 months, with Petronas exploring for crude and a parallel gas-to-LNG development expected to start producing in 2030. Energy & Investment Diplomacy: At CARICOM’s COFCOR meeting in Paramaribo, the UAE pushed for a CARICOM trade and investment framework modeled on its CEPA approach, while ministers agreed to begin exploratory talks. Regional Foreign Policy: CARICOM condemned intensified US pressure on Cuba and warned against possible military escalation, but Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago distanced themselves from the statement—highlighting growing splits inside the bloc. Mining & Growth: Miata Metals reported additional gold drill results at Sela Creek, Suriname, including 25.1m at 1.71 g/t Au (with 11m at 3.35 g/t) and 16.68m at 1.39 g/t Au, reinforcing a district-scale gold system. Business & Trade: Supermax’s associate plans a US$50m medical glove facility in Brazil’s Paraná state, targeting Mercosur markets including Suriname. Climate Risk: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warned climate change could destabilize inflation, financial systems, and critical infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation plans. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes, including discontinuing Suriname services from June 1, adding pressure to regional trade and travel links.

Oil & Gas Investment: Staatsolie says Malaysia’s Petronas is exploring for oil at Suriname’s offshore Block 52, with a possible oil “commerciality” decision within 18 months; the Sloanea gas discovery could feed a major development with floating LNG, targeting first gas in 2030, while Suriname’s offshore crude push is on track for 2028 via the Gran Morgu project. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s COFCOR meeting in Paramaribo produced a statement condemning intensified US pressure on Cuba and warning against any military escalation, but Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago formally distanced themselves—highlighting growing splits inside the bloc. Trade & Investment Links: The UAE used the same COFCOR platform to propose a CARICOM trade and investment framework, pointing to its CEPA model and seeking exploratory talks on a structured economic partnership. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and reducing frequencies, including discontinuing Dominica–Suriname, St Kitts–Suriname, and Ogle–Suriname, while trimming Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice-weekly service—another hit to regional business travel. Infrastructure (Suriname): Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says the new Berbice River Bridge could start before year-end, with financing and final pricing “on the verge” of completion. Legal & Business Rights (CARICOM): The CCJ backed political analyst Derek Ramsamooj in a case tied to his detention in Suriname, ruling the restriction order breached CARICOM treaty protections and ordering damages.

CARICOM–UAE Trade Talks: UAE envoy Omar Shehadeh joined CARICOM’s COFCOR meeting in Paramaribo, pushing a CARICOM-wide trade and investment framework modeled on the UAE’s CEPA approach (36 already signed) and urging exploratory discussions to boost investment and sustainable energy cooperation. Cuba Under Pressure: CARICOM foreign ministers condemned US threats of military action against Cuba, citing the decades-long embargo’s impact on fuel and supplies, while noting some member states (including Guyana and T&T) did not fully back the strongest wording. Regional Air Connectivity Hits: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and frequencies from June 1, ending Dominica and St Kitts services and the Ogle–Suriname link, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—losses cited at over US$18.8m—alongside plans for a codeshare to widen access. Berbice Bridge Financing Nears: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says financing and final pricing for a new Berbice River Bridge are “on the verge,” with hopes to start before year-end, plus talks on acquiring the existing bridge. Offshore Ambitions in the Basin: Curaçao is positioning Buskabaai as a regional offshore support and logistics hub for Guyana and Suriname oil and gas, with dredging plans to deepen access for OSVs and PSVs. CARICOM Legal Precedent: The CCJ backed political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, ruling his detention conditions in Suriname breached CARICOM treaty protections and ordering US$30,000 in non-pecuniary damages.

Caribbean Airlines Network Cuts: Caribbean Airlines says it will significantly scale down regional flying from June 1, ending services between Dominica and Suriname, St Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice-weekly flights; affected passengers will be contacted for rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, and the airline is also working on a codeshare deal to widen options once approved. Regional Connectivity Pressure: The cuts follow reported losses tied to CAL’s 2023 expansion, adding fresh urgency to calls for a unified air-and-sea transport strategy across ECCU/CARICOM. Guyana–Suriname Energy & Infrastructure: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says financing for a new Berbice River Bridge is “on the verge” of finalization, and that talks with Suriname continue for a second gas-to-energy project. CARICOM Legal Rights: The CCJ backed Derek Ramsamooj, ruling his detention conditions in Suriname were unlawful under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Caribbean Energy Push: Guyana has confirmed it will host the second Caribbean Energy Week in July 2027 in Georgetown, aiming to turn the region’s oil, gas and LNG into an integrated “energy corridor” with cross-border investment and infrastructure. Offshore Logistics Race: Curaçao is also moving fast to position Buskabaai as a regional offshore support and logistics hub for the Guyana–Suriname basin, with dredging plans to deepen access for service vessels. Big Infrastructure Update (Guyana): President Irfaan Ali says financing and final pricing for the new Berbice River Bridge are “on the verge,” with construction hoped to start before year-end. Regional Legal Benchmark (Suriname): The CCJ backed political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, ruling his detention conditions in Suriname were unlawful and ordering US$30,000 in damages. Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and reducing frequencies from June 1, including ending Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname service, as losses mount. Local Business Finance (Guyana): A new co-financing setup will let small businesses access up to GY$10M, starting with an interest-free GY$3M state facility.

CCJ Ruling: Derek Ramsamooj has won a landmark Caribbean Court of Justice case over his detention in Suriname, with the court saying the “beperking order” unlawfully breached his CARICOM treaty rights and that a claimed confession was unlawful, awarding him US$30,000 in non-pecuniary damages. Regional Security: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP have launched a new regional framework to tackle crime and violence using a public-health prevention approach, backed by a diagnostic document and a multi-sector action pathway. Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting regional routes from June 1, ending Dominica, St Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, citing losses and pushing a codeshare plan to keep connectivity. Crime Crackdown: Across the Americas, an INTERPOL-coordinated operation seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs, alongside thousands of arrests. Local Spotlight: In Suriname, Telesur is moving ahead with network modernisation, while sports coverage highlights Jiaram’s Independence Draughts title win.

CCJ Ruling on Detention: Political analyst Derek Ramsamooj has won a major legal challenge at the Caribbean Court of Justice, with the court ruling his detention conditions were unlawful and breached his freedom of movement under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and ordering US$30,000 in non-pecuniary damages. Regional Diplomacy: Ambassador Angella “Idesha” Jackson presented her credentials in Cuba, while Suriname also received fresh diplomatic attention as CARICOM and partners continue pushing coordinated regional agendas. Transport Shockwaves: Caribbean Airlines is cutting regional links from June 1—ending Dominica, St. Kitts and Ogle (Guyana) to Suriname routes and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—while the wider debate on intra-Caribbean connectivity intensifies. Infrastructure Watch: Guyana President Irfaan Ali says the new Berbice River Bridge could start before year-end, with financing and pricing close to final. Crime & Prevention Push: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a regional framework to tackle crime and violence through a public-health prevention approach. Business & Tech: Telesur says it is accelerating Suriname network modernisation with Squire Technologies, and Phoenix Metals adds four new independent directors.

Air Travel Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut several regional routes from June 1, ending Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname and Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname services, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers get rebooking help, refunds, or travel credit, as the airline cites operational reliability and long-term financial stability. Regional Security Push: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a new regional framework to treat crime and violence through a public-health lens, aiming to shift from reaction to prevention across health, education, justice and social protection. Suriname–Guyana Energy Talks: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana is still negotiating with Suriname for a second gas-to-energy project in Berbice, even as the first GTE project faces completion delays. Small Business Finance: A new co-financing initiative will let small businesses access up to GY$10M total—starting with a GY$3M interest-free state facility to unlock cheaper bank loans. Crime and Violence Watch: In Berbice, police seized 10 AK-47 rifles, while CARICOM-linked reporting also highlights ongoing regional scam and firearms enforcement.

Caribbean Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting several Eastern Caribbean routes and reducing others from June 1, after losses tied to its 2023 expansion topped US$18.8m (and overall losses were cited at TT$128m). The airline will discontinue Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service, while Martinique and Guadeloupe drop to twice-weekly flights. Passenger Impact: CAL says affected travellers will be contacted and can choose rebooking, partner connections, full refunds, or future travel credit, and it’s working toward a codeshare to widen options. Regional Ripple: The cuts are already reigniting debate over who will fill the intra-Caribbean airlift gap—some observers point to LIAT as a potential beneficiary. Suriname Angle: The Ogle–Suriname link is one of the direct routes being removed, just as Suriname is also being positioned by the US as a strategic partner during a USS Nimitz visit. Security & Governance: Separately, CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a public-health framework to tackle crime and violence across the region, while TTPS officers won top Caribbean policing awards in Paramaribo.

Caribbean Airlines Route Reset: Caribbean Airlines will cut loss-making links from June 1, 2026—ending flights between Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname, and Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly. Passengers on affected bookings will be contacted and offered re-accommodation, alternative itineraries, a full refund, or ticket value as travel credit. Why now: Transport minister Eli Zakour says the earlier Eastern Caribbean expansion missed commercial assumptions and has driven sustained losses, with the airline also working toward a codeshare to widen connections. Regional Security Push: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a public-health framework to tackle crime and violence across the bloc, backed by a diagnostic document. Local Governance & Business Pressure: Vendors at Georgetown’s Stabroek Market report sales falling as costs rise, while TTPS officers won top regional policing awards in Paramaribo.

Caribbean Airlines Cuts Key Links: Caribbean Airlines says it will slash loss-making routes from June 1, including withdrawing from Dominica and St Kitts, ending the non-stop Guyana–Suriname service (Ogle), and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe from four weekly to two—moves the airline and Transport Minister Eli Zakour link to sustained losses from the 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion. Regional Security, Public Health Framing: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a CARICOM–UNDP Diagnostic Document and a CARICOM–UN Framework for Action in Basseterre, treating crime and violence as a public health emergency with a multi-sector prevention plan. TTPS Wins Regional Police Awards: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service officers took top honours at the ACCP conference in Paramaribo, including Inspector Tricia Smith as Top Caribbean Crime Fighter and Sergeant Jacey Small as Top Caribbean Community Policing Officer. Suriname in US Strategic Spotlight: The US told Suriname officials during a USS Nimitz visit that oil-rich Suriname is viewed as a strategic regional ally. Local Business Pressure: Vendors at Georgetown’s Stabroek Market report sharp sales declines as the cost of living bites.