Offshore Oil & Jobs: Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the GranMorgu offshore project (Block 58), after the arrival of the Normand Navigator, with a logistics hub secured at Jules Sedney Harbour; the deepwater development is run by TotalEnergies (40%) with APA (40%) and Staatsolie (20%), and is expected to start up in 2028. Oil Market Tailwinds: With Middle East tensions pushing crude prices higher, Suriname’s emerging oil boom is getting a boost; GranMorgu is projected to drive about $26B in lifetime revenue, and analysts are watching whether higher prices translate into stronger project momentum. Maritime Security & Trade: A strike off Oman has disabled a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier and left a crew member missing, adding to attacks that have choked Strait of Hormuz traffic—an issue that can ripple into shipping costs and regional trade flows. Caribbean Energy Transition: An IDB-commissioned study says the Bahamas is among the most ready for maritime decarbonization, but shore-side power and green fuel bunkering are still not operational across key ports, including those in Suriname and Guyana. Governance & Business Networks: OECS and Dominica have taken over CARICOM’s Geneva chairmanship, keeping regional diplomatic coordination active for trade and policy alignment. Regional Business Leadership: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as chair and named Suriname’s Gino Naarden as vice-chair, aiming to turn regional trade relationships into concrete business opportunities. Corporate Finance (Suriname-linked): La Mancha Resource Fund plans to buy into Miata Metals via a private placement, deepening exposure to the Guiana Shield gold belt that includes Suriname’s Sela Creek.