AGP Executive Report

Suriname Energy Summit Fallout: Guyanese business groups are calling for a boycott of future Surinamese events after a map at SEOGS 2026 showed the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, with the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, GOGEC, and the PSC saying it reflects a wider pattern of disrespect toward Guyana’s sovereignty. Offshore Gas Push: Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons told delegates that Petronas has made another gas discovery in offshore Block 52, with the Swartzia Aspasia Complex-1 exploration well (SAC-1) described as laying groundwork for multiple developments. Regional Energy Cooperation: Curaçao’s Charles Cooper used the summit to pitch the island as a maritime and logistics partner for the Suriname-Guyana Basin, while also meeting President Simons to discuss stronger economic ties, including tourism and transport links. Health Milestone: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Suriname’s malaria elimination achievements with a certificate of achievement. Gold Drilling Updates (Suriname): Founders Metals reported a new gold discovery west of Upper Antino, and Miata Metals extended gold mineralization at Sela Creek, both pointing to open potential at depth.

Suriname-Guyana Border Row at SEOGS: The Private Sector Commission and the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber condemned Suriname’s SEOGS 2026 display of a map showing Guyana’s New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, calling it a repeat breach of territorial integrity. Curaçao Eyes Energy Partnership with Suriname: Curaçao Deputy PM Charles Cooper told delegates Curaçao can support Suriname’s offshore push with maritime logistics and petroleum know-how, while Cooper also met Suriname President Jennifer Simons to discuss stronger ties in tourism, transport, and energy security. T&T and Suriname Energy Chambers Sign MoU: The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and the Suriname Energy Chamber signed an MoU to deepen private-sector collaboration and local content participation across the supply chain. Petronas Gas Discovery in Block 52: Petronas reported another offshore gas discovery in Block 52, with Suriname aiming for first offshore oil in 2028 and potential LNG gas exports by 2030; Petronas is also assessing whether oil exists alongside gas. Health Milestone: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Suriname’s malaria elimination achievements alongside other regional public-health wins. Mining Updates from Suriname: Founders Metals and Miata Metals reported new and expanded gold intercepts in Suriname, extending targets at Antino and Sela Creek.

Energy Crisis & Fuel Costs: A new look at the Caribbean’s energy squeeze shows how rising diesel prices hit freight, farming and construction, with some countries seeing fuel costs more than double since the Iran war began. Suriname Offshore Gas Push: Petronas says it has made another offshore gas discovery in Block 52 off Suriname and expects a final investment decision later this year, while Suriname’s first offshore oil production remains on track for 2028. Oil Potential Beyond Gas: Staatsolie says Petronas is also checking whether commercially recoverable oil sits alongside the gas in Block 52, with clarity expected within 18 months. Regional Energy Cooperation: Curaçao’s deputy prime minister met Suriname’s president to propose cooperation on oil storage, refining know-how, and maritime safety as both sides prepare for an energy boom. Gold Drilling in Suriname: Founders Metals reported a new gold discovery west of Upper Antino, and Miata Metals extended gold mineralization at Sela Creek, with multiple high-grade intercepts open at depth. Health Milestone: WHO recognized Suriname for malaria elimination progress at the World Health Assembly. Governance & Diplomacy: A major row at the OAS centers on U.S. pressure and leadership disputes, with Suriname-born Secretary General Albert Ramdin at the center of the controversy.

Suriname Energy Push: Curaçao’s Deputy Prime Minister Charles Cooper met President Jennifer Simons in Paramaribo to explore deeper economic ties as Suriname moves from offshore discoveries toward development, with Cooper offering Curaçao’s oil storage and refining experience and both sides stressing cooperation on legislation, maritime safety, and environmental protection. Oil & Gas Summit Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell will lead a Grenada delegation to SEOGS 2026, aiming to learn best practices as Suriname prepares for first oil and development planning. Offshore Block 52 Watch: Petronas is assessing whether commercially recoverable oil exists alongside gas in Suriname’s Block 52; if confirmed, Suriname could build both crude and LNG export streams, with clarity on oil potential expected within 18 months and gas first production targeted for 2030. Gold Drilling Results: Founders Metals reported 53.1m grading 1.21 g/t Au from surface in a new zone west of Upper Antino, while Miata Metals extended gold mineralization at Sela Creek with a 63m intercept at 1.44 g/t Au and vein zones remaining open at depth. Health Milestone: Suriname received recognition at the World Health Assembly for malaria elimination, as WHO also advanced negotiations on pathogen access and benefit sharing. Food & Forest Debate: A commentary warns Suriname not to rely on promises from foreign agribusiness, arguing industrial soy expansion could threaten livelihoods and rainforest protection.

OAS Turmoil: At the OAS General Assembly in Panama, Reuters reports senior U.S. diplomats were dismissed or resigned after clashes with Trump’s ambassador nominee Leandro Rizzuto Jr., triggering a wider crisis over funding, governance and leadership, with Ramdin pushing back against demands for daily control. Health Milestone for Suriname: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Suriname’s progress on malaria elimination and recognized achievements across several diseases, while members continued talks on the Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Suriname Energy Watch: Petronas is probing whether commercially recoverable oil exists alongside gas in offshore Block 52; if viable, Suriname could develop both crude and LNG, with clarity expected within 18 months and first gas targeted for 2030. Trade Signals for the Region: The IDB says Latin America and the Caribbean exports rose 15.7% year-on-year in Q1 2026, led by mining and agribusiness, including soybeans, coffee and meat. AI Governance Discussion: A podcast featuring Suriname’s Andrew Baasaron and others argues AI governance needs cross-department leadership, with some organizations moving toward a Chief AI Officer model. Environment & Biodiversity: A new Amazon study maps upslope “corridors” to help species migrate as forests fragment, offering guidance for land protection planning. Local Debate on Agriculture: A Suriname commentary warns that large-scale foreign agribusiness could threaten livelihoods and rainforest integrity, urging stronger food security and local producer support.

Suriname Energy: Petronas is probing oil potential alongside natural gas in offshore Block 52, after the area was declared commercially viable for gas in 2025; clarity on whether oil can be produced is expected within 18 months, while gas first production is still targeted for 2030, strengthening Suriname’s push to become an LNG exporter. Climate & Conservation: A new study maps Amazon “upslope corridors” that could help species move to cooler ground as warming accelerates, pointing to where forest protection could preserve connectivity. Regional Trade & Finance: The IDB reports Latin America and the Caribbean’s exports rose 15.7% year-on-year in Q1 2026, led by mining and agribusiness, while the IFC says it will invest up to US$15m in a Caribbean climate-resilience debt fund covering Suriname among other states. OAS Politics: A major row inside the Organization of American States centers on claims the U.S. administration is seeking tighter daily control ahead of the OAS general assembly. Agriculture Debate: A Suriname commentary warns that large-scale foreign agribusiness could threaten livelihoods and rainforest integrity, urging stronger food security and local producer support.

OAS Power Struggle: A major row has erupted at the Organization of American States in Washington, with officials accusing the Trump administration of trying to wrest daily control of the hemispheric body, including demands to join private executive meetings; Suriname-born Secretary General Albert Ramdin says he’s being undermined as the group heads into its Panama general assembly. Digital Payments Shake-Up: Visa is restructuring its Greater Caribbean operations, naming Jorge Salum vice-president and country manager for Greater Caribbean Markets, covering T&T, the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana and Suriname, as the region pushes further from cash to digital commerce. Suriname Rainforest Under Pressure: A new commentary warns Suriname may not be “saved by soybeans,” arguing that large-scale foreign agribusiness could mean forest loss and fewer local livelihoods, urging stronger food security and protection of rivers and forests. Climate Finance for the Region: The IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries including Suriname. Oil Sector Regional Push: Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged local oil and gas firms to “spread their wings” regionally, pointing to Suriname’s growing sector and the need for partnerships. World Cup, Caribbean Identity: Coverage highlights how Caribbean roots and diaspora talent are shaping World Cup squads, including Suriname-linked heritage stories.

World Cup 2026 (Caribbean angle): Curaçao’s historic World Cup run is being framed around its tiny population and a squad built largely from the Netherlands diaspora, with the standout detail that only one player was born on the island. Regional trade & finance: The IFC will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to widen financing for climate resilience and sustainable projects across Suriname and other Caribbean states. Suriname environment & food security: A commentary warns Suriname “will not be saved by soybeans,” arguing industrial agribusiness could mean forest loss, polluted rivers, and fewer local livelihoods versus stronger support for food security and community-led protection. Oil sector push (regional): Guyana’s Natural Resources minister urged local oil and gas firms to “spread their wings” into Suriname and Brazil, highlighting the need for partnerships and local content plans. OAS leadership tensions: A major row at the OAS in Washington centers on pressure over daily control and authority involving Suriname-born Secretary General Albert Ramdin.

Oil & Gas Local Content Push: Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged local oil firms to “spread their wings” across the region, pointing to Suriname’s growing sector and encouraging partnerships beyond national borders. Climate & Forests: A commentary warns Suriname should be cautious about foreign agribusiness promises, arguing industrial soy and cattle models often mean forest loss, polluted rivers, and fewer local jobs. Regional Finance Boost: The IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund’s debt sub-fund, aiming to close financing gaps for climate resilience and sustainable development across 13 countries including Suriname. Caribbean Digital Payments: Visa reshuffled leadership for Greater Caribbean markets, appointing Jorge Salum to oversee T&T, the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana and Suriname as the company consolidates regional operations. OAS Tensions: A major row at the Organization of American States centers on claims of pressure on Secretary General Albert Ramdin, with Surinamese-born Ramdin resisting demands tied to daily control and governance. World Cup Culture: Dutch squad coverage highlights Caribbean roots, including Virgil van Dijk’s Surinamese heritage, while broader World Cup stories focus on diaspora and identity.

World Bank/Caribbean Finance: The IFC says it will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to plug financing gaps for climate resilience and sustainable development across 13 countries including Suriname. Suriname Environment & Food Security: A new commentary warns Suriname “will not be saved by soybeans,” arguing that large-scale foreign agribusiness could mean forest loss, polluted rivers, and fewer local jobs versus stronger support for food security and community-led livelihoods. Regional Oil & Gas Local Content: Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged local oil and gas firms to “spread your wings” regionally, pointing to opportunities in Suriname as production and exploration expand. Caribbean Trade Diplomacy: A major row at the OAS in Washington threatens to dominate the upcoming general assembly, while separate CARIFORUM–EU talks in the Dominican Republic push for better implementation of the trade agreement. Digital Payments in the Region: Visa reshuffles its Caribbean leadership, naming Jorge Salum to oversee Greater Caribbean markets including Suriname, as the region accelerates the shift from cash to digital commerce. Weather Update: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are dissipating after heavy Gulf Coast rain, with no new Atlantic cyclones expected in the next week.

Oil & Gas Local Content Push: Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged local oil and gas firms to “spread their wings” across the region, pointing to Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Brazil as next targets for partnerships and growth. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: A major row at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington has flared over alleged pressure from the U.S. on daily control and governance, with Suriname-born Secretary General Albert Ramdin at the center of the dispute. Caribbean Payments Reshuffle: Visa announced a leadership and structure change for its Greater Caribbean operations, naming Jorge Salum to oversee markets including Guyana and Suriname as digital payments expand. Rainforest vs. Agribusiness Debate: A Suriname commentary warns that foreign agribusiness expansion—especially soy—could mean forest loss and fewer local livelihoods, urging stronger food security and protection of rivers and forests. World Cup Spotlight: Dutch WAGs and World Cup identity stories dominated coverage, while the U.S. men’s team roster and Folarin Balogun’s birthright citizenship path drew attention.

OAS Turmoil: A major row is brewing at the Organization of American States in Washington, with officials accusing the U.S. administration of trying to take daily control of the hemispheric body, amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement involving Suriname-born Secretary General Albert Ramdin. Caribbean Trade Push: Dominican Republic will host the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meeting for the first time since 2017, as leaders press for stronger regional coordination and more practical implementation of the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Visa Reshuffle: Visa is restructuring its Caribbean operations, naming Jorge Salum vice-president and country manager for Greater Caribbean Markets, covering 22 markets including Suriname, as the region accelerates digital payments. Rainforest vs. Agribusiness: A new commentary warns Suriname’s intact rainforest and local livelihoods could be threatened by large-scale foreign agribusiness expansion, arguing industrial farming may cut jobs and benefits for communities. Health Watch: A CDC travel alert update highlights chikungunya risk across multiple territories, with Suriname already on the active list since February 2026.

IsDB Annual Meetings in Baku: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev opened the 2026 Islamic Development Bank Group Annual Meetings, welcoming delegates and highlighting the bank’s role in reforms and future-focused development. World Cup spotlight on USMNT: The U.S. men’s team’s 4-1 win over Paraguay and Folarin Balogun’s two goals are drawing attention to players with immigrant and dual-national backgrounds as the tournament unfolds. Agriculture in the region: IICA brought together 40-plus participants for an agribusiness seminar in St Vincent and the Grenadines, focusing on transparency, responsibility, and impact in food safety and animal disease resilience. Suriname soy debate: A commentary warns Suriname against relying on foreign agribusiness promises tied to soy, arguing for stronger food security, local producers, and better protection for rivers and forests. Public health watch: CDC travel notices flag active chikungunya outbreaks, including Suriname, as mosquito-borne risk continues across multiple destinations. Sports ties in the Caribbean: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao reviewed the Inter-Island Games and approved the 2027 program, with Suriname mentioned as a possible future participant.

CARIFORUM–EU Trade Talks: The Dominican Republic will host the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meeting on June 19 for the first time, with President Luis Abinader and EU trade officials pushing a shared agenda on dialogue, cooperation and sustainable development—an important signal for Caribbean trade links. Islamic Finance Spotlight: Azerbaijan opened the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Baku with President Ilham Aliyev speaking, underscoring the bank’s reform push and regional partnerships. Regional Policy Pressure: The OAS heads into its 2027 budget cycle amid calls for reform and modernization, plus growing concern over member-state arrears, including from the U.S. and several Caricom countries—raising questions about the bloc’s future relevance. Health Watch for Suriname: The CDC lists Suriname among active chikungunya travel notices, with the wider warning highlighting mosquito-borne risk during peak travel season. Energy Outlook (Nearby): An IMF review of Trinidad and Tobago flags continued pressure on the energy sector, with modest growth expectations—another reminder of how oil-linked economies are still under strain. Sports & Talent: World Cup coverage continues to highlight the role of diaspora and dual citizenship in shaping squads across the region.

Oil & Gas Update: Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. says it’s strengthened its Atlantic Margin portfolio in 2026 with farm-outs and new partners, setting up a busy period of regulatory approvals and near-term transaction newsflow. Regional Diplomacy: The OAS heads into its 2027 budget cycle with reform plans, but arrears and political uncertainty—especially around key member-state situations—are expected to dominate talks in Panama. Environment & Testing: Tropic Regions Test Center is being highlighted for extreme corrosion testing in tropical, salty conditions, showing how quickly equipment can degrade in real-world exposure. Crypto in Regulated Gaming: Byte Federal announced integration with BurraPay for compliant cryptocurrency wagering inside Nevada’s regulated gaming market, following a first legal crypto-funded bet. Sports & Youth Development: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao reviewed the Inter-Island Games and approved the 2027 program, with Suriname among possible future participants. Public Health Watch: CDC travel notices show chikungunya active in Suriname and other destinations, underscoring mosquito-bite prevention for travelers. Local Interest: A Hong Kong customs case seized 120 kg of suspected smuggled silver declared as cargo bound for Suriname.

Disaster Relief in the Region: Yayasan Srikandi Merah Putih, Global CSR Foundation, AMWA & partners delivered “A Matter of Dignity” aid in Aceh Tamiang, sending fresh meals to 500 people, family food/medicine packages to 400 households, and 5,000 menstrual hygiene kits. Sports Development: The Guyana Basketball Federation bought a certified hardwood court to boost training and decentralize indoor basketball across the country. Regional Games Planning: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao reviewed Interinsular Games 2026 and set the 2027 sports program, with Suriname among the possible future participants. World Cup, Diaspora Spotlight: The U.S. World Cup roster highlights immigrant and dual-national talent, with Folarin Balogun’s story tied to U.S. birthright citizenship. Public Health Watch: The CDC lists simultaneous active chikungunya travel notices, including Suriname, warning summer travelers to protect against mosquito bites. Suriname Energy Push: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the country is pitching offshore gas as an energy-security alternative after the Hormuz crisis.