AGP Executive Report

Offshore Energy Push: Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons says Malaysia’s Petronas has made another major gas discovery in offshore Block 52, adding to eight discoveries in the area that Petronas says total more than 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Petronas is expected to make a final investment decision later this year on developing the commercially viable gas, with first offshore production from the wider Suriname program still targeted for 2028. Project Momentum: Italian contractor Saipem has started operations for the GranMorgu offshore project in Block 58, with the Normand Navigator now at Jules Sedney Harbour in Paramaribo to begin preliminary work; the project is operated by TotalEnergies (40%) with APA Corp (40%) and Staatsolie (20%), and is also expected to start production in 2028. Regional Energy Cooperation: Curaçao’s Deputy Prime Minister Charles Cooper met Simons to discuss stronger economic ties and potential cooperation in Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector, including legislation, maritime safety, and environmental protection. Mining Update: Founders Metals reports new gold results from its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, including 53.1m at 1.21 g/t Au from surface in a newly tested zone west of Upper Antino.

Suriname Energy Push: Prime Minister Andrew Holness will travel to Paramaribo for the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (June 23–26), where Staatsolie is hosting the “Unlocking Energy, Empowering Nations” forum as Suriname moves from major offshore discoveries toward first oil. Regional Energy Partnerships: Curaçao’s Deputy Prime Minister Charles Cooper met President Jennifer Simons to explore stronger ties in offshore oil and gas, including knowledge sharing on legislation, maritime safety, and environmental protection. Offshore Project Updates: Saipem has mobilized for the GranMorgu development off Suriname, with the Normand Navigator arriving at Jules Sedney Harbour; production is targeted for 2028. New Gold Drilling in Suriname: Founders Metals reported a new gold discovery west of Upper Antino (53.1m at 1.21 g/t Au from surface) and continued high-grade intersections at depth. More Sela Creek Results: Miata Metals extended gold mineralization at depth at Sela Creek, including 63m at 1.44 g/t Au across multiple vein zones. Public Health Recognition: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Suriname’s malaria elimination achievements and other regional health awards. Wildlife Crime Alert: Reports point to sophisticated trafficking networks moving endangered golden lion tamarins via routes involving Suriname and the Amazon.

OAS Crisis in Focus: At the OAS General Assembly in Panama, Reuters reports senior U.S. diplomats resigned or were dismissed after clashes with Leandro Rizzuto Jr., raising alarms over the organization’s funding, governance and leadership. Suriname Energy Watch: Petronas is assessing whether commercially recoverable oil sits alongside gas in Suriname’s offshore Block 52, with clarity expected within 18 months; the gas side is already moving toward LNG, with first gas targeted for 2030. Health Milestone: WHO’s World Health Assembly recognized Suriname for malaria elimination, alongside other countries receiving certificates for major public health achievements. Wildlife Crime Alert: A report links sophisticated trafficking networks to seizures including in Suriname, warning that golden lion tamarin smuggling routes are expanding across the Atlantic. Local Environment Debate: A commentary warns Suriname’s rainforest could face pressure from foreign agribusiness expansion, arguing industrial farming may displace livelihoods rather than deliver broad prosperity. Regional Diplomacy: A Venezuelan delegation held technical talks in Paramaribo to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture agreements, including consultations with more than 200 fishermen.

Suriname Offshore Energy: Petronas is assessing whether commercially recoverable oil exists alongside natural gas in Suriname’s offshore Block 52, where gas was declared viable for LNG development in late 2025; clarity on oil potential is expected within 18 months, while first gas is still targeted for 2030. Climate & Biodiversity: A new study maps Amazon “upslope corridors” that could help species move to cooler areas as warming accelerates, highlighting where forest connectivity and protected areas may best support survival. Regional Trade Signals: The IDB reports Latin America and the Caribbean saw exports rise 15.7% year-on-year in Q1 2026, driven by mining (gold, copper) and agribusiness (soybeans, coffee, meat), with oil also contributing. OAS Private-Sector Push: The OAS launched a collaboration platform with the private sector to move from dialogue to impact across the Americas, including energy, AI, and trade facilitation. Venezuela–Suriname Fisheries Talks: A Venezuelan delegation held technical-commercial discussions in Paramaribo to strengthen fishing and aquaculture agreements, including port visits and consultations with more than 200 fishermen. Local Governance & Safety: A fatal accident in Guyana involved an unregistered electric cycle rider from Suriname, underscoring ongoing road-safety concerns across the region.

Suriname–Venezuela Fisheries Talks: A Venezuelan delegation held a technical-commercial agenda in Paramaribo to strengthen fishing and aquaculture agreements, including port visits to SAIL and Cevihas and a meeting with 200+ fishermen to review needs and improve conditions for seafarers and trade. Rainforest Under Pressure: A commentary warns Suriname may lose intact rainforest and local livelihoods if foreign agribusiness expands industrial soy and similar projects, arguing jobs and benefits often fail to reach communities while land and resources shift outward. Regional Finance Boost: The IFC will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, with financing planned across 13 countries including Suriname, targeting SME access and climate-resilience projects. Digital Payments Leadership: Visa named Jorge Salum vice-president and country manager for Greater Caribbean Markets, overseeing 22 markets including Suriname, as the company consolidates operations to accelerate the shift from cash to digital commerce. Local Oil Sector Push (Regional): Minister Vickram Bharrat encouraged local oil and gas firms to expand regionally—pointing to opportunities in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago—alongside Guyana’s local content momentum.

Domestic Violence Sentencing: Shaquawn “Iswe” Alleyne was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, with the court stressing the killing happened inside her home and that Alleyne concealed the crime, including burying her in a shallow grave. Regional Fisheries Diplomacy: A Venezuelan delegation held technical-commercial talks in Paramaribo to strengthen fishing and aquaculture agreements, including port visits and consultations with more than 200 fishermen. Suriname Rainforest & Agribusiness: A new commentary warns Suriname’s intact rainforest could face pressure from foreign agribusiness expansion, arguing industrial farming may harm local livelihoods and deliver limited shared benefits. Caribbean Finance Push: The IFC will invest up to US$15M in a Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, with financing aimed at climate resilience and SME support across 13 countries including Suriname. Wildlife Trafficking Alert: Reports highlight sophisticated trafficking networks moving golden lion tamarins through routes involving Suriname and other countries, with forged documents and high risks for animal survival.

Domestic Violence Sentencing: Guyana’s Demerara High Court sentenced Shaquawn “Iswe” Alleyne to 25 years for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, citing the killing inside her home, the presence of her 15-year-old sister, and Alleyne’s failure to seek medical help, plus efforts to conceal the crime and flee to Suriname. Regional Fisheries Diplomacy: A Venezuelan delegation held technical talks in Paramaribo to strengthen fishing and aquaculture agreements, including port visits and a meeting with 200+ fishermen to discuss needs and commercial exchange between the two countries. Caribbean Finance Boost: The IFC will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, with financing planned across 13 countries including Suriname, aimed at climate resilience and SME support. Digital Payments Leadership: Visa named Jorge Salum vice-president and country manager for Greater Caribbean Markets, covering 22 markets and including Suriname, as the region accelerates shift from cash to digital commerce. Rainforest & Agribusiness Warning: Commentary argues Suriname should be cautious about foreign agribusiness promises, warning industrial farming could threaten livelihoods and intact rainforest.

World Cup Spotlight: The Netherlands squad facing Sweden today carries deep Caribbean roots, with captain Virgil van Dijk’s Suriname heritage highlighted as part of the team’s identity. Hurricane Update: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are dissipating after heavy Gulf Coast rain and flooding; the NHC says no new Atlantic cyclones are expected in the next week. Caribbean Finance: The World Bank Group’s IFC will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for SMEs and climate resilience across 13 countries including Suriname. Oil Sector Push: Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged local oil and gas firms to “spread your wings” regionally to partners in Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. Bilateral Fisheries Talks: Venezuela and Suriname strengthened cooperation on fisheries and aquaculture in Paramaribo, including port visits and talks with more than 200 fishermen. Digital Payments Reshuffle: Visa named Jorge Salum vice-president for Greater Caribbean Markets, overseeing 22 markets and including Suriname as the region accelerates electronic payments. Rainforest Pressure: Commentary warns Suriname may not be “saved by soybeans,” arguing agribusiness expansion could threaten livelihoods and intact rainforest. Sports (Tennis): Antigua and Barbuda beat Suriname 3-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup Americas Group III.

Oil & Gas Local Content Push: Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged local oil and gas firms to “spread their wings” to regional markets like Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Brazil, saying partnerships are key as Suriname’s sector grows. Fisheries Diplomacy: A Venezuelan delegation held technical talks in Paramaribo to strengthen fishing and aquaculture agreements, including port visits and meetings with 200+ fishermen to improve conditions and expand commercial exchange. Domestic Violence Sentencing: In Guyana, Shaquawn “Iswe” Alleyne was sentenced to 25 years for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, with the judge stressing the case’s warning on intimate partner violence and concealment of the crime. Digital Payments Restructure: Visa named Jorge Salum to lead expanded Greater Caribbean operations across 22 markets, including Suriname, as the region accelerates shift from cash to digital commerce. Rainforest & Agribusiness Debate: Commentary warns Suriname’s intact rainforest and local livelihoods could be threatened by large-scale foreign agribusiness expansion. Regional Sports: Antigua and Barbuda beat Suriname 3-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup, while regional island sports groups advanced planning for Inter-Island Games 2027.

Domestic Violence Sentencing: In Guyana, Shaquawn “Iswe” Alleyne was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, with the judge stressing the cruelty of the killing inside her home and the efforts to conceal it. Digital Payments in the Region: Visa named Jorge Salum vice-president and country manager for Greater Caribbean Markets, overseeing operations across 22 markets including Suriname, as the company pushes further into cashless commerce. Rainforest vs Agribusiness: A Suriname commentary warns that promises of jobs from foreign agribusiness may come with forest clearance and weaker local benefits, urging stronger food security and protection of rivers and forests. Wildlife Trafficking Alert: Reports link trafficking networks to seizures involving golden lion tamarins, including cases tied to Suriname, highlighting forged documents and Atlantic smuggling routes. Sports—Tennis: Antigua and Barbuda beat Suriname 3-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup, while Suriname’s women’s team also faced tough results in the Americas Group stage. Road Safety: A 61-year-old electric cycle rider died after a crash on Craig Public Road, East Bank Demerara, with police investigating the circumstances.

Murder Sentencing: Shaquawn “IsWe” Alleyne was sentenced to 25 years in prison (without parole) for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, with the judge citing the killing, the shallow burial, deception of relatives, and Alleyne’s flight to Suriname before extradition. Domestic Violence Warning: The court delivered a pointed rebuke over intimate partner violence and the efforts to conceal the crime, stressing the impact on Dover’s family and community. Sports—Billy Jean King Cup: Antigua and Barbuda beat Suriname 3-0 in Group III, with Suriname losing both singles and the doubles tie in El Salvador. Wildlife Trafficking: A report links trafficking networks to the smuggling of endangered golden lion tamarins, with seizures reported across Togo, Suriname, and Brazil. Agriculture Commentary: A commentary warns Suriname against relying on soy-driven foreign agribusiness promises, urging stronger food security and protection of forests and rivers. Regional Safety Note: Guyana was named among the top 20 safest travel destinations in the Americas and Caribbean, including for solo women and cruise visitors.

Domestic Justice: Guyana’s High Court sentenced Shaquawn “Iswe” Alleyne to 25 years for the murder of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, citing the killing during a domestic dispute, the concealment of her body in a shallow grave, deception of relatives, and his flight to Suriname. Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will host the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meeting for the first time this Friday, with President Luis Abinader and EU trade officials leading talks aimed at strengthening Caribbean–Europe trade ties. Finance & Policy: The OAS heads into its 2027 budget cycle with reform plans, but faces political and financial strain, including arrears from several member states. Sports (Suriname connection): Suriname lost 3-0 to Antigua and Barbuda in the Billie Jean King Cup, while the wider tournament continues across El Salvador. Energy & Business: Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas released a mid-year update on progress and upcoming milestones across Namibia, Guyana, the Falklands and South Africa. Suriname Environment: A new report looks at how Suriname’s rainforest protection and land-rights disputes are being tested by development proposals and carbon market plans.

Oil & Gas Update: Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. says it is pushing key workstreams across Namibia, Guyana, the Falklands and South Africa, with farm-down progress and near-term approvals expected to drive “high-impact newsflow.” Regional Diplomacy: The OAS heads into its 2027 budget cycle with reform plans, but financial arrears and political uncertainty—especially around Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua—are still clouding its future. Trade & Payments: Visa appoints Jorge Salum to lead expanded Greater Caribbean operations across 22 markets, aiming to boost electronic payments and financial inclusion. Health & Safety: A Tropic Regions Test Center report highlights how tropical moisture and salt accelerate corrosion, while health alerts note chikungunya activity across multiple territories including Suriname. Environment & Land Rights: A new look at Suriname’s rainforests warns that development proposals—from mining to agriculture and carbon markets—could reshape forest management and Indigenous/Maroon land claims. Local Logistics Reform: Suriname’s Postmaster General Algernon Gomes outlines steps to fix postal and customs delays by tightening HS/value declarations and improving pre-arrival data transmission.

Naval Diplomacy: The USS Nimitz strike group wrapped up the “Southern Seas 2026” deployment in the U.S. Southern Command area, sailing with partner forces and hosting hundreds of high-level visitors, including engagements that included Suriname. World Cup Focus: At MetLife Stadium, the 2026 schedule is now set for key New Jersey matches, including Panama vs England on June 27—an early spotlight for the region’s football links. Local Environment & Land Rights: A new look at Suriname’s rainforests warns that development proposals—from farming and mining to carbon markets—are intensifying pressure on Indigenous and Maroon land rights. Public Health Alert: Chikungunya travel notices remain active, with Suriname listed among current CDC-flagged areas, underscoring mosquito-bite prevention for travelers. Trade & Customs: Suriname-linked logistics issues are in focus as postal and customs reforms aim to cut delays caused by incomplete or late shipment data. Sports Development: Guyana’s basketball push gets a boost with a certified hardwood court for training and visiting teams—regional sports momentum that Suriname fans may watch closely.

Basketball Development: Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) bought a certified hardwood court from NCAA Division I UAB to boost training and decentralised play ahead of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in July. Tennis—Billy Jean King Cup: Antigua and Barbuda lost 3-0 to Barbados in the Americas Group III opener; Suriname is listed among the teams in Group A, with promotion hopes in the June 15-22 event in El Salvador. Regional Sports Planning: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao met in Kralendijk to review Interinsular Games 2026 and lock in the 2027 sports programme, with Suriname discussed as a possible expanded participant. Suriname Environment Watch: A new look at Suriname’s rainforests highlights how development proposals—agriculture, Mennonite settlements, mining and carbon markets—are testing land rights and the country’s role as a net carbon sink. Public Health—Chikungunya Alert: CDC travel notices show chikungunya active in Suriname alongside Mayotte and French Guiana, underscoring mosquito-bite prevention for travellers. Postal/Customs Update: Suriname-linked postal and customs reform efforts focus on fixing shipping delays caused by incomplete or late electronic advance data, with mandatory HS codes and better staff training.

Suriname’s Forest Future: A new report looks at how Suriname’s vast rainforest—still over 90% intact—faces mounting pressure from farming plans, mining proposals, and carbon market ideas, with Indigenous and Maroon communities pushing back over long-running land-rights disputes. Postal-Customs Reform: Suriname’s Postmaster General Algernon Gomes says shipping delays are driven by incomplete or late customs data, and outlines fixes: stricter HS-code/value requirements, counter staff training, and pre-arrival transmission to cut manual holds and missed duty revenue. World Cup, Diaspora & Identity: Coverage highlights how migration shapes football squads, including the debate around “only one player was born in Curaçao,” and how immigrant backgrounds are reshaping World Cup rosters. Regional Travel Safety: Guyana is named among the top 20 safest destinations for solo women and cruise visitors, with Suriname listed alongside it. Health Alerts: CDC travel notices show chikungunya outbreaks active in Suriname (since Feb 2026) alongside Mayotte and French Guiana, urging mosquito-bite prevention and hygiene.