AGP Executive Report

Politics & Society: A new commentary warns that racial conflict is increasingly shaping politics in Trinidad and Tobago, with parties leaning on “divide and rule” tactics as economic and social pressure mounts. Sports: Jamaica will host the inaugural Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in November (Nov 18–22) in Montego Bay, with about 2,000 athletes and teams including Suriname. Regional Boxing: Guyana’s second Caribbean Boxing Championship is set for Sept 12 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, building on the first event in January. Maritime & Safety: Fresh reporting on the MV Barima disaster raises questions about Guyana’s handling of salvage plans, alleging a Dutch firm was quietly invited before an official tender process. Human Trafficking: Suriname’s ambassador urged stronger regional cooperation at the OAS, warning that weak maritime borders and digital gaps are helping traffickers exploit the Caribbean. Oil & Industry: Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project, with first start-up expected in 2028. Mining: Founders Metals says drilling at its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname returned 28.0m of 14.27 g/t gold at Upper Antino. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four Surinamese correctional officers to a youth detention facility in Curaçao for three months.

Sports: Suriname is among the confirmed countries for Jamaica’s inaugural Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay (Nov 18–22), bringing about 2,000 athletes and competitions including football, basketball, volleyball and open-water swim-run. Regional Sports: Guyana’s Caribbean Boxing Championship returns Sept 12 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with Suriname also in the wider boxing calendar as the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Championships (Aug 20–22) gathers teams from across the region. Aviation & Tourism: St. Vincent and the Grenadines welcomed Suriname Airways on its maiden flight, with the airline set to support the 2026 CPL as the dedicated charter aircraft. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months. Maritime Energy & Industry: Curaçao is pitching itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil growth, while Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the GranMorgu project, targeting start-up in 2028. Human Trafficking: Suriname’s ambassador urged stronger regional collaboration at the OAS to tackle trafficking, warning that maritime borders and digital gaps are being exploited by criminal networks.

Air Connectivity for CPL: Suriname Airways made its maiden flight to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, serving as the dedicated aircraft for the 2026 Caribbean Premier League under a wet-lease arrangement tied to Mile High Travels—an “always-on” tourism push and a step toward wider Central and South America charter links. MV Barima Aftermath: The Barima ferry capsizing off Guyana’s Essequibo Coast remains mired in controversy, with reporting alleging the Guyanese government “quietly invited” a Dutch salvage firm before issuing an official tender, raising fresh questions as families seek answers. Human Trafficking Push: Suriname’s ambassador Marlon Mohamed-Hoesein urged stronger regional cooperation at the OAS, warning that weak maritime borders and fast-moving digital economies are helping traffickers exploit legal gaps. Suriname Offshore Progress: Italian contractor Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project, supporting TotalEnergies/APA/Staatsolie’s first large-scale deepwater development expected to begin in 2028. Regional Sports: The GBA confirmed Suriname will send teams to the 2026 Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships in Guyana, set for August 20–22.

Human Trafficking Watch: Suriname’s Ambassador Marlon Mohamed-Hoesein urged stronger regional action at the OAS, warning that poor maritime borders and fast digitalisation are helping traffickers exploit legal gaps and target victims through online “scams.” Suriname Oil Momentum: With Middle East tensions lifting global prices, Suriname’s emerging offshore push is getting attention, especially the GranMorgu project in Block 58—expected to start up in 2028 and backed by TotalEnergies and APA alongside Staatsolie. Offshore Execution in Suriname: Italian contractor Saipem has begun operations in Suriname for the GranMorgu SURF package, using the Normand Navigator and setting up a logistics hub at Jules Sedney Harbour. Mining Update: Founders Metals reported high-grade growth at its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, including 28.0m of 14.27 g/t gold in drill hole FR249. Regional Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months, focused on training and capacity building. Sports Spotlight: Guyana’s Raekwon Noel encouraged powerlifters ahead of the 2026 FESUPO championships in Santiago, while regional boxing teams—including Suriname—were confirmed for the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors event.

Human Trafficking Watch: Suriname’s Ambassador Marlon Mohamed-Hoesein urged stronger regional cooperation at the OAS, warning that poor maritime borders and fast digitalisation are helping traffickers exploit legal gaps and target victims across the Caribbean. Wildlife-Safe Roads: A Suriname-linked conservation push is expanding Brazil’s rope-bridge model for highways, aiming to cut roadkill and help animals safely cross fragmented habitats—now being scaled toward Suriname. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to temporarily deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months, focusing on training and improved guidance and security. Offshore Oil Momentum: Italian firm Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project, with the multipurpose vessel Normand Navigator arriving and a logistics hub secured at Jules Sedney Harbour. Regional Sports: Suriname is set to send a team to Guyana’s 2026 Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships (Aug 20–22), as the Guyana Boxing Association confirms multiple countries including Suriname. Maritime Energy Transition: An IDB-commissioned study says no Caribbean port yet offers full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, while highlighting Suriname among the countries assessed for readiness.

Offshore Oil Watch: Italian engineering firm Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the GranMorgu offshore project, with the Normand Navigator arriving at Jules Sedney Harbour; the TotalEnergies-APA-Staatsolie venture is slated to begin production in 2028. Mining Update: Founders Metals says drilling at its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname delivered 28.0 metres of 14.27 g/t gold, extending high-grade mineralization at Upper Antino. Regional Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to temporarily deploy four Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months, building on a 2025 justice-sector twinning deal. Sports (Caribbean Boxing): The Guyana Boxing Association confirmed multiple countries—including Suriname—will compete in the 2026 Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships (Aug 20-22). Governance & Accountability: A leaked proposal alleges Guyana invited a Dutch salvage firm to recover the MV Barima before issuing an official tender, as Italian police previously arrested the firm’s owner. Maritime Energy Transition: An IDB-commissioned study flags the Bahamas as relatively advanced on shore-side power and green fuel bunkering, while assessing readiness across ports including Suriname and Guyana.

Cultural Heritage: Seeta Persad is being honoured as a guardian of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural traditions, with decades of work as a journalist, playwright and theatre producer keeping Hinduism and East Indian stories firmly in the national spotlight. Suriname Oil & Investment: Founders Metals says drilling at its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname hit 28.0 metres of 14.27 g/t gold at Upper Antino, pointing to high-grade growth potential beyond the Froyo core. Offshore Energy Build-Out: Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the GranMorgu offshore project, using the Normand Navigator and setting up a logistics hub at Jules Sedney Harbour as the SURF package work ramps toward a 2028 start-up. Regional Energy Logistics: Curaçao is pushing to become a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil boom, leveraging deep-water port capacity, ship repair and bunkering experience. Maritime Decarbonisation: An IDB-commissioned study says no Caribbean port is yet fully ready for shore-side power or green fuel bunkering, but it flags the Bahamas as relatively advanced on policy and regulation, with Suriname included in the readiness gap. Governance & Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months of training and capacity building. Sports (CFU Club Shield): SV Robinhood of Suriname set up a semi-final showdown with Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant after winning 4-0 over Slingerz FC, with the final also tied to Caribbean Cup qualification.

Suriname Oil Watch: Suriname’s offshore push is gaining momentum as Middle East-driven price pressure lifts global oil sentiment, with the GranMorgu project in Block 58 seen as a major upside driver for the country’s next phase of growth. Offshore Operations: Italian firm Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the GranMorgu project after the arrival of the Normand Navigator, with logistics support secured at Jules Sedney Harbour ahead of a planned 2028 start-up. Regional Energy Logistics: Curaçao is moving to position itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s expanding offshore oil sector, aiming to leverage port infrastructure, repair capacity, bunkering services and experienced energy workers. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname have signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months, focused on knowledge exchange and capacity building. Sports (CFU Club Shield): SV Robinhood of Suriname reached the CFU Club Shield semi-finals and now faces Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant, setting up a high-stakes regional clash at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Governance & Democracy: UWI Mona’s Dr Lisa Ann Vasciannie warned that low voter turnout across the Caribbean is weakening the region’s ability to advocate on major international issues, including nuclear safety and security.

Suriname Oil & Offshore Growth: Curaçao is pitching itself as a regional logistics hub for the offshore oil build-out in Suriname and Guyana, banking on deep-water port services, ship repair, fuel storage and experienced energy workers to support exploration and offshore supply. Maritime & Governance Scrutiny: A leaked proposal in Guyana’s MV Barima salvage case alleges the government quietly invited a Dutch firm before issuing a formal tender, raising fresh questions about how transparent the process really was. Illegal Mining Routes: Investigators say illegal Brazilian gold increasingly moves via aircraft and clandestine routes through Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname to mask its origin before re-export. Offshore Project Update: Italian contractor Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the GranMorgu offshore project, with logistics support secured at Jules Sedney Harbour ahead of a 2028 start-up. Regional Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to temporarily deploy four Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months of capacity-building. Sports (Suriname in focus): SV Robinhood advanced in the CFU Club Shield and faces Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant in the semis after a strong run.

Oil & Energy: Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project in Block 58, with the Normand Navigator arriving and work tied to a 2028 start-up; the project is backed by TotalEnergies (40%), APA (40%) and Staatsolie (20%). Regional Maritime Decarbonisation: An IDB-commissioned study says no Caribbean port—including Suriname’s—yet offers full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, though it flags the Bahamas and Barbados as more advanced on policy and regulation. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility for three months, building on a 2025 twinning agreement. Business & Trade Networks: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as chair, with Suriname Chamber advisor Gino Naarden as vice-chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and regional resilience. Sports (Suriname): SV Robinhood advanced to the CFU Club Shield semi-finals and will face Mount Pleasant at the Ato Boldon Stadium after a 4-0 win over Slingerz FC. Governance Watch: A leaked proposal claims Guyana’s government quietly invited a Dutch firm to salvage the MV Barima before issuing an RFP, raising questions about transparency.

Suriname Oil Watch: Suriname’s oil outlook is getting a boost as Middle East turmoil lifts global crude prices, with attention on the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 and the GranMorgu development led by TotalEnergies and APA. Regional Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC) for three months, building on a 2025 justice-sector twinning agreement. Maritime Transition Planning: An IDB study on Caribbean ports says none of the assessed countries—including Suriname—currently offers full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, while highlighting policy readiness gaps and medium-term infrastructure needs. Sports (Suriname in Focus): SV Robinhood advanced in the CFU Club Shield and will face Mount Pleasant in the semi-finals after a dominant win over Slingerz FC, keeping Suriname’s club hopes alive in the Caribbean Cup qualification race. Business & Investment (Guiana Shield): La Mancha Resource Fund plans to buy a 19.9% stake in Miata Metals, tied to gold projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield region.

Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname have signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers for three months to support the Justitiële Jeugdinrichting Curaçao youth detention facility, building on a 2025 justice-sector twinning agreement. Maritime Jobs Push: Curaçao is expanding its maritime cluster around the 2BAYS area, linking port work, offshore services, logistics, energy and bunkering, with plans aimed at creating about 80 direct and indirect jobs and tapping regional demand from Suriname and Guyana. CARICOM Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS have taken over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, with Suriname among the member missions coordinating foreign policy positions at the UN and other Geneva-based bodies. Suriname Oil Outlook: With Middle East tensions lifting global prices, Suriname’s oil sector is seeing renewed optimism, spotlighting the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 as a key driver of future growth. Sports—CFU Shield: Mount Pleasant booked the CFU Club Shield final after beating Suriname’s SV Robinhood 3-1, setting up a final against Delfines del Este, while Robinhood and Mount Pleasant both remain unbeaten in regulation heading into the last match.

Suriname–Curaçao Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers for three months to the JJIC youth detention facility, aiming at knowledge exchange and stronger guidance and security. Suriname Oil Outlook: With Middle East tensions pushing global prices higher, Suriname’s oil sector is seeing renewed optimism, spotlighting the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 as a key driver of future growth. Caribbean Football (Suriname in the mix): SV Robinhood advanced in the CFU Club Shield and now faces Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant in the semi-finals, with both sides seeking a spot in the final and a place in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup. Regional Business Links: CariCham elected a new chair and vice-chairs, including Suriname Chamber of Commerce advisor Gino Naarden as vice-chair, as the network pushes trade facilitation and regional business opportunities. Global Context: Bloomberg reports the “oil curse” risk is still a concern for fast-growing petro-states, while UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including conflict-hit locations in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine.

Curaçao–Suriname Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname have signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers for three months to support the Justitiële Jeugdinrichting Curaçao youth detention facility, building on a 2025 justice-sector twinning deal. Suriname Oil Outlook: With Middle East tensions pushing global crude higher, Suriname’s emerging oil boom is getting fresh momentum, spotlighting the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 as markets price in stronger future gains. Caribbean Football (Suriname in focus): SV Robinhood of Suriname advanced in the CFU Club Shield with a 4-0 win over Guyana’s Slingerz FC and now faces Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant in the semis at the Ato Boldon Stadium, with both sides aiming for the final and a Concacaf Caribbean Cup spot. Regional Business Leadership: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Suriname Chamber of Commerce advisor Gino Naarden named vice-chair, as the network pushes trade facilitation and regional business opportunities.

CFU Club Shield Final: Mount Pleasant booked the final after a 3-1 semifinal win over Suriname’s SV Robinhood, with goals from Trayvone Reid, Jahshaun Anglin and Demario Phillips; they now face Delfines del Este of the Dominican Republic. Oil Market Boost: Suriname’s oil outlook is improving as Middle East tensions push prices higher, with the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 seen as a key driver for future revenue. Border Mining Pressure: France is warning that illegal gold mining along Suriname’s border with French Guiana is a ticking time bomb, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination and calling for joint action. Regional Business Leadership: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Gino Naarden (Suriname Chamber of Commerce) named vice-chair, aiming to turn trade facilitation into concrete opportunities. Sports—Suriname in the Mix: SV Robinhood advanced to the Shield semis with a 4-0 win over Slingerz FC, setting up the Mount Pleasant clash. Women & Economy: A regional dialogue in Panama highlighted women’s economic participation and policy support across the Americas and Caribbean, with Suriname-area relevance through shared regional priorities.

Oil Sector Watch: Suriname’s oil outlook is getting a boost as Middle East tensions push global crude higher, with analysts pointing to the $26B GranMorgu deepwater project in Block 58 as a key driver of future gains. Sports—CFU Club Shield: Mount Pleasant Football Academy booked the final after beating SV Robinhood 3-1, and will face Delfines del Este in the CFU Club Shield final in Trinidad. Sports—Suriname in the spotlight: Robinhood also advanced to the CFU semis with a 4-0 win over Slingerz, setting up a high-profile clash with Mount Pleasant. Business & Investment: A report on investor relations highlights how better debt transparency can lower borrowing costs, while a separate update notes La Mancha Resource Fund’s planned 19.9% stake in Miata Metals, tied to gold projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield. Environment & Border Security: France says illegal mining along the Suriname–French Guiana border is worsening, with extreme mercury and arsenic readings reported and calls for joint action. Health: A CDC travel advisory warns of chikungunya risk in Costa Rica, urging precautions for travelers.