AGP Executive Report

Suriname–China 50th Anniversary: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Paramaribo wants to deepen and expand cooperation with China over the next half-century, citing results in infrastructure, green development and people-to-people ties. Suriname–Dominican Republic Deal Push: Geerlings-Simons’ visit to Santo Domingo produced a strategic economic alliance covering renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and parliamentary exchange, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. Aviation & Connectivity: China’s firms were among bidders for CJIA’s air traffic control tower, while Suriname’s regional diplomacy continues via new consular leadership in Curaçao. Energy & Offshore Momentum (Regional): ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval for a second major Guyana gas development (Haimara), underscoring how offshore projects keep driving demand for services across the wider Suriname–Guyana corridor. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling low-carbon solutions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, with Suriname among participating countries. Security & Crime Links: Suriname appears in reports tied to wildlife trafficking networks, while regional police leaders met in Paramaribo to tackle organized crime, including cybercrime.

U.S.-Caribbean security & ports: The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is set to dock in Jamaica (June 1–5), with regional officials hosted during the voyage; Suriname and other CARICOM states were among recent stops, while critics read the timing as a signal amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions. Suriname–Dominican Republic ties: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican leaders in Santo Domingo to push a strategic economic alliance covering renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and a wider parliamentary exchange; visa-free tourism entry is planned for Dominicans holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas. Regional aviation reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines’ network cuts and market exits are reshaping connectivity, with a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal starting June 1 as services shift across Eastern Caribbean routes. Suriname diplomacy in Curaçao: Suriname’s new Consul-General Joraisa Pokie began her Curaçao tenure with a courtesy visit to the Governor, reinforcing trade, education, and consular cooperation. Energy & investment outlook: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval for a major Haimara gas development offshore Guyana, underscoring continued investment momentum in the wider region’s offshore economy. Wildlife trafficking risk: Golden lion tamarins are being smuggled out of Brazil via cars, planes, and sailboats, with seizures linked to routes involving Suriname—raising compliance and enforcement concerns for regional trade.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to push a strategic economic alliance with the Dominican Republic, spotlighting renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange—plus visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans who hold valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Chinese and Guyanese bidders submitted offers to build a new air traffic control tower at Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport, while Suriname’s wider region watches shifting airline networks and interline deals that could reshape travel costs and routes. Energy & Offshore Growth: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana with a super-sized FPSO, adding to the Stabroek block’s momentum. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project (Canada-funded) is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support in Suriname and other states. Security & Crime Fighting: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected ACCP president in Paramaribo, with organized crime and cyber threats high on the agenda.

Suriname–Curaçao Diplomacy: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Willemstad, Joraisa Pokie, made a courtesy visit to Curaçao’s Governor Mauritsz de Kort, underscoring cooperation on trade, culture, education and consular affairs. Caribbean Aviation & Connectivity: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1 as Caribbean Airlines pulls back from key markets, reshaping regional route planning around emerging hubs. Energy & Offshore Development: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana with a super-sized FPSO, extending Stabroek’s momentum across gas and condensate. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-funded STAR-Fish ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades to support low-carbon certification. Business & Markets: A Suriname-linked push for broader international trade ties also surfaced in regional diplomacy, while a separate Caribbean-wide focus on customer service and international standards targets investment readiness. Regional Security: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the ACCP, with organized crime and cyber threats topping the agenda.

Colonial Justice & Heritage: A new Dutch provenance study into colonial-era objects held by the Royal Collections is spotlighting how unequal power shaped acquisitions, with Suriname and the wider Caribbean raised as part of the broader reckoning. Diplomacy & Mobility: Suriname and the Dominican Republic moved closer with a strategic economic alliance, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominican ordinary passport holders who already hold valid US or Schengen visas. Consular Ties: Suriname’s newly appointed Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, made a courtesy visit to Curaçao’s governor to kick off stronger bilateral cooperation on trade, culture, education and consular affairs. Energy Corridor Outlook: An energy analyst says a potential return of Venezuela to global markets could expand demand for offshore support services across Guyana, Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean—logistics, supply bases, warehousing and vessel maintenance. Regional Aviation Shift: Commentary highlights a structural realignment in Caribbean aviation as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes and new hub dynamics emerge, with implications for connectivity and business travel. Security & Crime Data: Mercosur plans a university-validated crime monitoring center to standardize regional figures and publish them online. Business Finance: Centurion Minerals completed $882,150 in debt reduction via share issuance and director loan forgiveness, keeping its Suriname exploration focus on track.

Suriname-Dominican Republic Dealmaking: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo to sign cooperation agreements spanning tourism, agriculture, trade, education and international affairs, with visa-free entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas and a push to boost air connectivity via the Sky High Dominicana Paramaribo–Santo Domingo route. Brazil-Suriname Trade Talks: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand a currently small, product-heavy trade relationship, with talks expected to cover trade facilitation and new sectors; a business meeting in Brasília targets energy, logistics, transport, agriculture and communications. 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 and regional development high on the agenda. Aviation Connectivity Watch: Commentary highlights a structural reshaping of Caribbean aviation as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes and LIAT 2020 signs an interline agreement with Air Caraïbes, underscoring how connectivity decisions can quickly change business and travel flows. Wildlife & Energy Risk: Brazil approved Amazon River-mouth oil drilling despite concerns over rescue capacity for the area’s unique hybrid manatees, keeping environmental risk in the spotlight for the region’s energy frontier.

Suriname-Brazil Trade Talks: Suriname and Brazil will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement after a Brasília meeting where leaders set terms of reference to boost flows beyond a narrow product mix. Presidential Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrived in the Dominican Republic for an official visit through June 2, with talks expected to deepen cooperation in energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture and air services. Regional Security & Policing: 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 and its economic impact on the agenda. Business & Connectivity: A regional aviation commentary says Caribbean Airlines’ route cuts and carrier shake-ups are reshaping travel around emerging hubs, while a separate St. Kitts report says Caribbean Airlines withdrew without consulting the government, prompting talks to secure replacements. Energy Outlook (Region): Coverage on Guyana highlights how higher oil prices from the Iran crisis could intensify growth pressure on governments to invest beyond crude. Crime Data Initiative (Mercosur): Mercosur plans a university-validated crime monitoring center to standardize offense measurements and publish verified figures online.

Vape Health Warning: WHO’s World No Tobacco Day theme spotlights how nicotine and “healthier” vape marketing is being repackaged to lure children and teens, with flavours and aggressive promotions flagged as a growing public-health risk. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis (and Dominica) is drawing backlash after officials said the government wasn’t consulted; a regional reshuffle is also underway as LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal effective June 1, while analysts argue the market is rebuilding around hubs like Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten. Suriname-Brazil Trade Push: Suriname and Brazil will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand a trade agreement, with talks aimed at boosting flows beyond a narrow product mix and opening new sectors. Suriname Energy Outlook: Staatsolie says offshore Block 52 could become commercial for oil within 18 months, following earlier gas progress, as Suriname positions itself as a deepwater hub. Mining & Finance Moves: Centurion Minerals completed $882,150 debt reduction via share issuance and loan forgiveness, reinforcing its Suriname exploration focus; Miata Metals reported new Sela Creek gold drill results expanding mineralization. Regional Security Leadership: Sint Maarten’s Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected ACCP chairman in Paramaribo, strengthening regional police cooperation against organized crime.

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.