Suriname-Brazil Talks: Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Brazil’s Lula in Brasília to set terms for expanding trade, with negotiations due to start in the second half of the year and a push into new sectors beyond today’s limited, mostly Brazilian exports. Defense & Energy Cooperation: The state visit is expected to produce 12 agreements spanning defense, energy, security and connectivity, as both sides look to Suriname’s offshore oil and gas potential. Regional Security Data: Mercosur interior and justice ministers agreed to create a crime and violence monitoring center using university-validated, standardized figures published online. Police Leadership in the Region: Sint Maarten’s Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected ACCP chairman in Paramaribo, strengthening Caribbean police cooperation against organized crime. Child Protection in Football: UNICEF, the Guyana Football Federation and the Rights of the Child Commission trained 23 football professionals on safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Business Standards: Guyana’s PSC and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh urged firms to lift customer service to international standards and expand beyond the domestic market. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reported new gold drill results from Sela Creek, Suriname, expanding mineralization at Jons Trend and Big Berg. Cuba Concern at CARICOM: COFCOR urged protection of Cuba as a “Zone of Peace,” but Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago distanced themselves from the statement. Crime Threat Report: A report claims an active cross-border assassination plot targeting CANU head James Singh, linked to a drug syndicate.