AGP Executive Report

Connectivity & Telecom Investment: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, planning an open-access, carrier-neutral submarine system linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with possible interconnection onward to Suriname, Guyana and other islands; construction is targeted for end-2029 after converting letters of intent into binding commitments. Aviation & Trade Facilitation: Guyana says it is ready to finalise talks with major airlines to use CJIA Terminal 2 as a global hub, alongside work on security systems and a plan to build an international aviation training centre. Regional Infrastructure Push: Guyana is among 17 countries pitching US$65B in transport projects at an IDB forum, as the region seeks to close a major infrastructure gap. Suriname Business & Services: State telecom operator Telesur partnered with Cerillion to upgrade its business support systems, aiming to speed product launches and improve back-office efficiency. Mining & Gold Deals (Suriname): Critical Resources expanded its Suriname gold push by securing a 90% stake in the Greenstars project and Saramacca satellite deposit, near major regional gold operations. Local Economy & Tourism: A Holiday Inn with 85 rooms is set for Paramaribo, positioned to serve expected growth in business travel tied to the offshore oil and gas sector. Public Safety Disruption (ECD): Police urged motorists to avoid Vigilance after burning debris blocked the ECD corridor during unrest linked to the arrest of relatives of US-sanctioned businessman Mark Cromwell in a missing-men probe.

Vigilance Unrest & Protest: Tensions flared in Vigilance, East Coast Demerara after police arrested relatives of US-sanctioned businessman Mark Cromwell over the disappearance of two Surinamese men; roads were blocked, a truck was set ablaze, and gunshots were reported as officers tried to carry out a search. Aviation Safety & CJIA Hub Talks: Guyana hosted an international aviation safety forum in Liliendaal, while President Ali said the government is ready to finalise negotiations with major airlines to use CJIA Terminal 2 as a global hub—plus plans to build an aviation training centre. Regional Trade & Port Sustainability: Caribbean port leaders returned from a Europe study visit focused on cleaner, more resilient and competitive port operations, feeding into a CSA–IDB sustainability report. Suriname Business Tech Upgrade: State operator Telesur partnered with Cerillion to upgrade its business and operational support software, aiming to speed product launches and improve back-office efficiency. Suriname Mining Push: Critical Resources secured a 90% stake in Suriname’s Greenstars gold project and its Saramacca satellite deposit, adding to its recent Gonini move. Cross-Border Transport Watch: The Guyana–Suriname MV Canawaima ferry faced disruption concerns due to technical issues, though later reporting said it was re-inspected and cleared to sail.

Aviation & Trade: Guyana is moving to finalise talks with major international airlines to use CJIA’s Terminal 2 as a global hub, with security systems and a plan to build an aviation training centre for pilots, maintenance and safety. Hospitality & Oil Logistics: Paramaribo’s planned Holiday Inn near EAG Airport targets rising business and offshore oil activity, with developers citing potential demand from up to 1,500 offshore workers needing monthly transport. Digital Services: Suriname’s state operator Telesur partnered with Cerillion to upgrade its business and operational support software, aiming to speed product launches and improve back-office efficiency. Mining & Investment: Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results at its Sela Creek project in Suriname, while Critical Resources expanded its Suriname push with a second prospective gold project (Greenstars) after securing Gonini. Security & Illicit Finance: INTERPOL warned that criminal networks increasingly operate like corporations, using maritime routes and cryptocurrency to move drugs and launder profits, including via illegal gold mining. Cross-Border Transport: The MV Canawaima ferry faced technical disruption concerns, but re-inspection cleared it to sail, keeping Guyana–Suriname links running. Governance & Citizens Abroad: Suriname launched a passport application service in New York to improve access for nationals overseas.

Suriname Passport Service in New York: President Jennifer Simons officially launched Suriname Passport Application Services in New York, aiming to modernize access to government services for Surinamese abroad and expand the initiative step by step. Canawaima Ferry Update: After a re-inspection, the MV Canawaima was cleared to sail and the Guyana–Suriname ferry service was reported as unaffected, keeping cross-border transport moving for passengers and bus operators. Paramaribo Hotel Push: A Holiday Inn with 85 rooms is set for construction near EAG Airport, targeting rising business travel linked to the offshore oil and gas ramp-up and projecting up to 1,500 monthly transport needs. Telesur Software Upgrade: State telecom operator Telesur partnered with Cerillion to upgrade its business and operational support systems to Cerillion 26.1, focused on faster product launches and improved back-office efficiency. Suriname Mining Interest: Critical Resources doubled down on Suriname gold, securing a 90% stake in the Greenstars project and its Saramacca satellite deposit, adding to its earlier Gonini move. Business & Trade Links: The Suriname–Guyana Chamber of Commerce urged investment in a new vessel and a dedicated secondary ship for the Corentyne crossing, citing the disruption risk highlighted by the Canawaima suspension. Local Economy & Mobility: A new charter service between Georgetown and Lethem offers fares more than 10% below market rates via BK International and JAGS Aviation, with plans to expand stops and explore links to Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela. Energy Cooperation: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation during a Paramaribo visit, supported by an academic training agreement between their universities. Global Context for Suriname: INTERPOL warned that criminal networks increasingly operate like corporations, including moving profits into illegal gold mining—an issue that directly touches Suriname’s gold sector. Caribbean Digital Connectivity: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new submarine cable corridor connecting Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe with a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029.

Airport & Hospitality Investment: Legacy Properties broke ground on an 85-room Holiday Inn near EAG Airport, banking on a surge in offshore oil and gas activity from late 2027 into 2028 and estimating up to 1,500 monthly transport needs. Cross-Border Transport Update: The MV Canawaima ferry between Guyana and Suriname resumed after a re-inspection cleared it to sail, keeping the Guyana-Suriname link running while technical monitoring continues. Telecom/Payments Modernisation: State operator Telesur partnered with Cerillion to upgrade its business and operational support systems to Cerillion 26.1, aiming to speed product launches and improve back-office efficiency. Gold Mining & Illicit Finance Risk: INTERPOL warned that criminal syndicates increasingly move cocaine profits into illegal gold mining, citing Operation Guyana Shield involving Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Suriname in the Spotlight Abroad: President Jennifer Simons launched Suriname passport application services in New York to improve access for citizens abroad, with VFS Global and diaspora stakeholders involved. Regional Energy Cooperation: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation, supported by academic training between Venezuela’s University of Hydrocarbons and Anton de Kom University. Business & Trade Connectivity: The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce urged investment in a new and secondary vessel for the Corentyne crossing after ferry disruptions, stressing redundancy for safe, reliable trade.

UN Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders backed Guyana’s UN SG bid for Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, reiterating support at the UN General Assembly as the race narrows ahead of António Guterres’ December term end. Digital & Telecom Business: Suriname’s state operator Telesur partnered with Cerillion to upgrade its business and operational support systems, aiming to speed product launches and improve back-office efficiency. Cross-Border Transport: The Suriname–Guyana ferry MV Canawaima was suspended over technical issues, prompting calls from the Suriname–Guyana Chamber of Commerce for a replacement and a secondary vessel to protect trade and passenger movement. Suriname Energy & Investment: ASX-listed Critical Resources expanded its Suriname gold push by securing a 90% stake in the Greenstars project (Para District), following its earlier Gonini move near major regional gold operations. Security & Governance: OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully fund deployment, linking security gains to credible elections. Regional Crime Outlook: INTERPOL warned that criminal syndicates across the Americas are operating like corporations, increasingly using illegal gold mining to launder cocaine profits. Public Services: President Jennifer Simons launched Suriname’s passport application services in New York to improve access for citizens abroad, with ambitions to expand further.

OAS–Haiti Security: All 32 OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back full deployment with personnel, funding, equipment and logistics, stressing Haitian-led solutions. Suriname–Energy Diplomacy: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation, adding hydrocarbons and broader sector collaboration to the regional commercial agenda. Suriname–Passport Services: President Jennifer Simons launched Suriname’s passport application services in New York, aiming to modernize access for citizens abroad via partners including VFS Global. Suriname–Gold Investment Push: ASX-listed Critical Resources secured a 90% stake in Suriname’s Greenstars gold project (Para District), following its earlier Gonini move near major regional gold operations. Cross-border Trade Disruption: The Suriname–Guyana Canawaima ferry was suspended over technical issues, prompting the Suriname–Guyana Chamber of Commerce to call for a replacement and a dedicated secondary vessel to protect passenger and goods movement. Regional Crime & Illicit Finance: INTERPOL warned that criminal networks across the Americas increasingly operate like corporations, using illegal gold mining and cryptocurrency-linked flows to profit from the cocaine trade. UN Reform Debate: India’s Jaishankar said the UN reform fight needs text-based negotiations and rejected “false choices” between blocs and the UN.

Passport & Diaspora Services: President Jennifer Simons launched Suriname Passport Application Services in New York, aiming to modernize access to government services for citizens abroad via partners like VFS Global. Budget Watch: Attention turns to the 2027 Budget as officials prepare the constitutional budget presentation due by October 30, with investors and public confidence in focus. Energy Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation during a Paramaribo visit, adding a regional layer to hydrocarbons collaboration. Cross-Border Transport: The Guyana–Suriname MV Canawaima ferry was suspended due to technical issues, leaving passengers stranded and prompting calls for a replacement and secondary vessel. Security & Illicit Finance: INTERPOL warned that criminal networks across the Americas now operate like diversified corporate enterprises, increasingly using illegal gold mining and cryptocurrency-linked flows to profit from cocaine. Local Business & Trade: The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce urged redundancy for the Corentyne crossing and clearer timelines for vessel replacement. Regional Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar said UN reform should not be treated as a “false choice” against BRICS, while Suriname’s FM Melvin Bouva participated in UNGA-side discussions.

OAS & Haiti Security: Thirty-two OAS member states, including Suriname, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and to fund, equip and support full deployment, stressing Haitian-led solutions and coordination with Caricom and the UN. INTERPOL on Crime & Money: INTERPOL chief Valdecy Urquiza warned that criminal networks across the Americas now operate like diversified corporate enterprises, using illegal gold mining to park cocaine profits and exploiting ports, borders and digital finance, citing Operation Guyana Shield involving Guyana, Suriname and others. UN Reform Debate: India’s Jaishankar told UNGA sidelines that the UN reform fight is a “false choice” versus blocs like BRICS, and said reform needs text-based negotiations. Suriname-Guyana Trade Link Under Strain: The Suriname-Guyana ferry MV Canawaima was suspended over technical issues, prompting the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce to call for a replacement and a secondary vessel to protect passenger and goods movement. Energy Cooperation: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation, adding a regional commercial dimension as Suriname’s upstream build-out continues. Business & Connectivity: The SGCC also pushed for redundancy on the Corentyne crossing, while a Guyana charter service cut Georgetown–Lethem air fares by 10%+ to boost hinterland access and commerce.

INTERPOL on Illicit Finance: INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza warned that criminal networks across the Americas are operating like corporations, using routes for drugs and people alongside illegal gold mining to move and hide profits, including follow-the-money work from Operation Guyana Shield involving Guyana, Suriname and others. Suriname-Guyana Ferry Disruption: The Suriname-Guyana MV Canawaima service was suspended due to technical issues, leaving passengers stranded and prompting the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce to call for a replacement vessel and redundancy on the Corentyne crossing. Energy Cooperation Pact: A Suriname–Venezuela agreement signed in Paramaribo adds a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation, supported by technical training links between universities. Mining Power Shift: Zijin Longking plans a USD232m solar-plus-storage expansion at gold mines including Rosebel in Suriname, aiming to cut diesel use and improve mine energy security. Local Business & Trade Signals: The Georgetown Chamber urged Guyana to better monitor foreign oil contractors and publish local content plan extracts, while a new Georgetown–Lethem charter service cuts airfares by over 10% to support hinterland access to markets and services. Regional Diplomacy: India–CARICOM talks co-chaired by Suriname’s FM Melvin Bouva highlighted deeper trade, digital governance and climate resilience, with CARICOM backing India’s UNSC bid for 2028–29. Suriname in the Spotlight: A report notes Suriname’s audit office credits Indian ITEC training and institutional capacity support, pointing to continued value in skills and standards.

Canawaima Ferry Disruption: The Guyana–Suriname MV Canawaima service was temporarily suspended due to technical issues on board, leaving passengers stranded and prompting travellers to seek alternatives across the Corentyne River while management works to restore service. Cross-Border Shipping Needs Redundancy: The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce says the disruption underlines the need for a new vessel and a dedicated secondary ship, while noting authorities’ safety checks and repair timelines. Energy Cooperation Pact: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation during a Paramaribo visit, adding a regional dimension to hydrocarbons collaboration. Rosebel Solar-Storage Boost: Zijin Longking will invest about USD150m in a second phase of solar-plus-storage at Suriname’s Rosebel gold mine, aiming to cut diesel use and improve mine energy security. Gonini Gold Deal Watch: Critical Resources surged after announcing an exclusive agreement to acquire a 90% interest in Suriname’s Gonini Gold Project, though it remains exploration-stage. Regional Security & Illicit Finance: INTERPOL warned that criminal networks are operating like corporations, using maritime routes, cryptocurrency and even illegal gold mining to move cocaine profits—citing Operation Guyana Shield involving Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. UN Reform and Global South Voice: India’s Jaishankar said UN reform frustrations are rising and called for text-based negotiations, with Suriname’s foreign minister among participants. India–CARICOM Trade Push: India and CARICOM, including Suriname, discussed deeper cooperation on trade, investment, digital governance, climate resilience and energy, alongside support for UNSC 2028–29.

Suriname–Venezuela Energy Pact: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez visited Paramaribo and signed 10 agreements with Suriname, including a 2026–2027 roadmap for hydrocarbons cooperation, with technical training support via university links. Oil & Gas Investment Context: The pact lands as TotalEnergies pushes Suriname’s GranMorgu offshore project toward 2028 first oil, keeping regional energy collaboration in the spotlight. Maritime Trade Disruption: The Suriname–Guyana Chamber of Commerce urged redundancy for the Corentyne crossing after the MV Canawaima suspension stranded passengers and disrupted goods movement, while calling for clarity on replacement vessel timing. Regional Crime & Illicit Finance: INTERPOL warned that cocaine profits are increasingly being moved into illegal gold mining across the Americas, citing Operation Guyana Shield as a model for following both goods and money. Local Business & Connectivity: BK International and JAGS Aviation cut Georgetown–Lethem air fares by over 10%, with plans to expand stops and explore links to Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela. Mining Deal Watch: Critical Resources surged after announcing an exclusive deal to acquire a 90% interest in Suriname’s Gonini Gold Project, adding investor attention to Suriname’s gold pipeline. Governance & Markets: Suriname’s audit office highlighted ongoing Indian technical assistance, including training in procurement, financial statements and bank reconciliation—supporting institutional capacity as Suriname’s economy prepares for future oil revenue.

Suriname-India ties: Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Melvin Bouva co-chaired the India–CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York, with discussions on trade and investment, agriculture and food security, digital governance, climate resilience and energy—plus coordination on UN reforms and countering transnational crime. Ghana–Suriname cooperation: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama met Suriname’s Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, signing a new cooperation agreement and pushing a wider Africa–Caribbean–Latin America trade push via AU/CELAC/CARICOM links. Maritime safety (Canawaima): Suriname’s Maritime Authority warned the MV Canawaima could face a sailing ban from Aug 14 unless safety deficiencies are fixed by Aug 13, including fire systems, safety equipment readiness and crew certificates. Gold sector (Gonini): Australian-listed Critical Resources surged after securing exclusivity to acquire a 90% interest in Suriname’s Gonini Gold Project, targeting modern exploration in a historically active district. Virtual assets (Suriname): Suriname’s VASP supervision law (approved Aug 21) formalizes oversight by the Central Bank, while small Bitcoin merchant activity in Paramaribo had already started before the law. Energy investment (Rosebel): Zijin Longking plans USD232m for solar-plus-storage at Suriname’s Rosebel gold mine, aiming to cut diesel use and support expansion.

Caribbean business leadership: Curaçao Chamber chief Raoul Behr was elected Vice President for the Caribbean on the new Council of Chambers of Commerce of the Americas (CCCAM), securing a board seat from the council’s start. UN-linked trade push: CARICOM backed India’s bid for a UN Security Council non-permanent seat for 2028-29, while India and CARICOM foreign ministers—co-chaired by Suriname’s Melvin Bouva—also discussed deeper trade, investment, digital governance, climate resilience and energy cooperation. Suriname diplomacy and regional bloc-building: Ghana’s Mahama said he will link Africa, CARICOM and CELAC to build a major trading bloc, citing the UN reparatory justice coalition as a platform for closer economic ties with Suriname. Gold investment in Suriname: Critical Resources secured exclusivity to acquire a 90% interest in Suriname’s Gonini Gold Project, a move that could bring modern exploration to a historically active district. Suriname shipping safety: Suriname’s Maritime Authority warned the MV Canawaima could face a sailing ban from Aug. 14 unless safety deficiencies are fixed by Aug. 13, with Guyana handling fuels and lubricants under the JV. Local corporate update: Sranan Gold said a change of auditor (DMCL LLP to Crowe Mackay LLP) is effective Sept. 15, 2026.

Suriname Offshore Oil Watch: TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project in Block 58 remains on track for first output in mid-2028, with Staatsolie and partners briefing progress during a port tour and confirming major logistics and equipment staging for the multibillion-dollar development. Gold Dealmaking: ASX-listed Critical Resources secured exclusivity to acquire a major interest in Suriname’s Gonini Gold Project, targeting hard-rock gold in the Sara Creek gold district and positioning the company for a first-mover push in an established corridor. Maritime Disruption for Trade & Travel: Suriname’s Maritime Authority warned the MV Canawaima could face a sailing ban from August 14 unless safety deficiencies are fixed by August 13, while Guyana says it handles fuels and lubricants under the joint venture—leaving passengers stranded and pushing alternative crossings. Crypto Regulation Context: A report notes Bitcoin merchant activity in Paramaribo pre-dated Suriname’s 2026 law placing virtual-asset service providers under Central Bank supervision, as oil investment ramps up but crypto remains non-legal tender. Regional Security & Crime: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes of drugs seized across 35 countries, including Suriname, as authorities dismantled multiple criminal networks.

World Bank Partnership: Suriname’s Finance Minister Ashni Singh met new World Bank Caribbean director Achim Fock, discussing continued support for projects across health, buildings, human capital and transport. Offshore Oil Progress: TotalEnergies and Staatsolie say the $12B GranMorgu project in Block 58 remains on track for first output in mid-2028, with major components staged at port and about half the planned investment already spent. Gold Deal Watch: ASX-listed Critical Resources secured exclusivity to acquire a 90% interest in Suriname’s Gonini Gold Project, targeting hard-rock mineralisation in the Sara Creek gold district. Ferry Disruption Risk: Suriname’s Maritime Authority warned MV Canawaima could face a sailing ban from Aug 14 unless safety deficiencies are fixed by Aug 13; Guyana says it supplies fuels and batteries under the JV. Regional Security: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes of drugs seized across 35 countries, including Suriname, targeting multiple organised-crime markets. Caribbean Infrastructure & AI: CARIF ended with a push to turn infrastructure plans into bankable projects, while an IDB push on safe AI adoption highlights potential GDP gains for Suriname and the wider region.