AGP Executive Report

Energy Security Push: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the country can position itself as a “safe haven” for energy as it looks to attract U.S. and global investors for offshore gas development. China Ties for Growth: Suriname’s public works minister says cooperation with China will deepen across infrastructure, green development, the digital economy and AI as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Trade Finance Boost: IDB Invest and the Caribbean Development Bank signed a US$25 million guarantee deal to expand access to trade financing across Caribbean markets, supporting thousands of transactions and helping smaller economies move goods. Regional Trade Missions: Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturers association launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies seeking new customers, partnerships and market intelligence. Payments Modernisation: Suriname introduced a faster inter-bank payment system, aiming to improve speed and efficiency in financial transactions. Mental Health Access: Suriname launched Helpline 114, a free, confidential, 24/7 mental health crisis line supported by PAHO/WHO. Aviation Safety Update: The EU Air Safety List removed Kyrgyz carriers and added Air Express Algeria, affecting which airlines can operate in the EU.

China-Suriname Ties: Suriname’s Public Works minister Stephen Tsang says the country wants deeper cooperation with China in infrastructure, green development, the digital economy and AI as large-scale oil and gas development ramps up, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. Regional Trade Push: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) has launched a week-long trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies, aiming for B2B meetings, seminars and market research to expand exports and investment links. Mental Health Access: Suriname officially launched Helpline 114, a 24/7 national mental health crisis line, with PAHO/WHO technical support, offering free, confidential psychological first aid. Aviation Safety Watch: The EU updated its Air Safety List: Kyrgyzstan-certified carriers were removed, while Air Express Algeria was added and banned from operating in the EU. Cross-Border Operations: A regional summit in San Salvador is bringing postal and customs agencies together (including Suriname) to improve border procedures and security for mail and shipping.

Regional Trade & Market Access: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is sending a large delegation (38 companies, 58 participants) on a June 8–14 trade mission to Guyana and Suriname, with business-to-business meetings, seminars and market research aimed at new customers and investment in high-growth sectors. Public Services & Border Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs agencies are reforming workflows to improve international shipping and regional border security, including tighter mail inspection for prohibited items. Mental Health Support: Suriname launched Helpline 114, a free, confidential 24/7 mental health crisis line supported by PAHO/WHO to provide psychological first aid nationwide. Governance & Oversight: After a 100-day National Assembly hiatus, 13 parliamentary committees were constituted in Guyana, including key oversight bodies like the Public Accounts Committee. Health & Policy: PAHO presented its 2025 annual report to the OAS, highlighting Suriname’s malaria-free certification and other regional health gains while noting setbacks like measles elimination. Energy & Risk Context: The US disabled a sanctioned Iranian oil tanker heading toward Kharg Island, underscoring ongoing maritime pressure that can ripple into regional energy costs.

Regional Trade & Market Access: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is sending a large delegation of 38 companies (58 participants) on a week-long trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14), with B2B meetings, seminars and market research aimed at new customers, investment and sourcing opportunities. Mental Health Support: Suriname launched national crisis helpline 114, a free, confidential, anonymous 24/7 mental health line supported by PAHO/WHO and partners, offering psychological first aid for emotional distress and suicidal thoughts. Suriname–China Ties: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said Suriname wants to consolidate and expand cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Bilateral Cooperation with Dominican Republic: Suriname’s president reaffirmed plans to deepen ties with the Dominican Republic, highlighting renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange. Governance & Integrity Pressure: A Suriname-focused asset-declaration push is echoed by commentary comparing tougher enforcement in Suriname with weaker follow-through elsewhere in the region. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, with plans for renewable power and cold-chain upgrades tied to low-carbon certification.

Trade & Industry: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is sending a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname from June 8–14, bringing 38 companies and 58 participants for business-to-business meetings, seminars and networking to spot market entry and investment opportunities. Public Health: Suriname launched Helpline 114, a free, confidential, anonymous 24/7 mental health crisis line supported by PAHO/WHO to provide psychological first aid for emotional distress and suicidal crises. Governance & Integrity: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while Suriname and Guyana are among the lowest performers—fueling renewed pressure for stronger accountability. Security & Crime: A record 30+ ton cocaine shipment seized near the Canary Islands is linked by investigators to Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”), with arrests including a Surinamese national, raising fresh questions about regional trafficking networks. Energy & Regional Growth: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana using a super-sized FPSO, adding to the Stabroek block’s expanding project pipeline. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Suriname and the Dominican Republic are pushing deeper cooperation, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and parliamentary exchange, while Suriname also signals plans to further consolidate ties with China on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Suriname–China Ties: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname will consolidate and expand cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to gains in infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Bilateral Trade & Mobility: Suriname and the Dominican Republic move closer with a visa-free tourism arrangement for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas, alongside broader cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and parliamentary exchange. Governance & Integrity Pressure: Suriname’s push for asset declarations is highlighted in regional debate, with calls for tougher enforcement and faster action on public transparency. Energy & Industry Outlook: ExxonMobil advances Guyana’s gas plans with an application for environmental approval for the Haimara development, including a super-sized FPSO concept—an important signal for regional offshore investment flows. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project scales up clean energy interventions across Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, aiming at resilient, low-carbon cold-chain and market opportunities. Regional Corruption Spotlight: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean while listing Suriname among the lower performers, keeping governance risk in focus for investors. Diplomatic Appointments: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, begins her tenure with a courtesy visit to the Governor, reinforcing trade and consular cooperation.

OAS Governance Shock: A Trump-era internal memo is calling for an independent probe into OAS assistant secretary general Albert Ramdin, alleging administrative irregularities, nepotism and misuse of resources, while also raising questions about Suriname-linked advisor Xaviera Jessurun amid corruption, fraud and money-laundering allegations. Caribbean Corruption Snapshot: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the region and places Suriname among the lowest performers, underscoring governance risk for investors. Suriname–Dominican Republic Dealmaking: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons pushed deeper cooperation with the Dominican Republic in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and parliamentary exchange, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. Suriname–China 50 Years: Geerlings-Simons said Suriname wants to consolidate and expand ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing infrastructure, green development and people-to-people cooperation. Energy & Fisheries Finance: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean-energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, with a focus on renewable power, cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification. Trade Diplomacy in the Region: A new Suriname consul-general in Curaçao began talks with the governor to strengthen trade, education and consular cooperation.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo to upgrade ties into a strategic economic partnership, with deals spanning tourism, agriculture, trade, education and parliamentary exchange, plus visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. China Partnership: Geerlings-Simons also reiterated plans to deepen cooperation with China as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing progress in infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Regional Security & Policing: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during a Paramaribo conference focused on organized crime, including drugs, smuggling and cybercrime. Governance & Oversight: A Suriname-linked call for stricter asset declaration enforcement echoes wider regional pressure on public integrity and compliance. Energy & Fisheries Resilience: The STAR-Fish clean energy programme is scaling low-carbon upgrades for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain improvements and pathways to low-carbon certification, with Suriname among participating countries.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Deal-Making: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to push a strategic economic partnership with the Dominican Republic, with cooperation flagged for renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange, plus visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. China Ties: Geerlings-Simons also reiterated Suriname’s plan to deepen cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing gains in infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Regional Governance & Oversight: In the wider Caribbean political economy, Guyana’s parliamentary committees were reconstituted after an 8-month hiatus, a move aimed at restoring legislative oversight. Energy & Trade Opportunities: A regional energy analysis points to growing demand for offshore support services across Guyana and Suriname, positioning Curaçao for logistics and supply-base opportunities if Venezuela reopens to investment. Security & Organized Crime: The ACCP elected Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John as president, with the conference spotlighting how drug trafficking, smuggling and cybercrime increasingly intersect with regional development. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable-powered cold storage and pathways toward low-carbon certification.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Deal: Presidents Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Luis Abinader signed a package of agreements to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, trade, education and parliamentary exchange, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. Bilateral Diplomacy: Geerlings-Simons also arrived for an official visit in Santo Domingo, while Suriname’s new Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, began her tenure with a courtesy visit to the Curaçao governor to strengthen trade and consular ties. Regional Security & Crime: A major cocaine bust off West Africa—over 30 tonnes valued at about $954m—has been linked by Spanish authorities to Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, with arrests including Surinamese nationals, raising questions about regional trafficking routes. Energy & Industry Outlook: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana using a super-sized FPSO, part of a broader Stabroek expansion that keeps the region’s investment momentum high. Governance & Oversight: After an 8-month pause, Guyana’s parliamentary committees were constituted, a step toward restoring legislative oversight amid ongoing political disputes. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project (Canada-funded) is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, targeting cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification opportunities, including Suriname.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Deal: Presidents Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Luis Abinader signed a package of agreements to deepen trade, tourism, agriculture, education and renewable energy ties, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominican citizens who hold valid US or Schengen visas. Suriname–China 50 Years: In an interview, Suriname’s president said the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties is a springboard to expand cooperation with China across infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Diplomacy in the Dutch Caribbean: Suriname’s new consul-general in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, began her tenure with a courtesy visit to the governor, aiming to strengthen cooperation on trade and consular matters. Regional Security & Crime: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Paramaribo, with organized crime and cyber threats high on the agenda. Energy & Fisheries Resilience: The STAR-Fish project (CAD4.324m) is scaling clean-energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including Suriname, with a focus on cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification. Governance Pressure: A Suriname court order reportedly forces a fuel company to resume deliveries to KLM, underscoring how commercial disruptions can quickly turn into legal action.

China Ties: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Paramaribo wants to deepen cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to infrastructure, green development and people-to-people links. Bilateral Trade & Tourism: Geerlings-Simons’ visit to the Dominican Republic produced a push for a strategic economic alliance, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and a parliamentary exchange, plus visa-free entry for Dominicans with valid US or Schengen visas. Consular & Regional Links: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, begins her tenure with a courtesy visit to the Curaçao governor, reinforcing cooperation on trade, education and consular affairs. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ sustainability-driven regional changes continue to ripple through the market, while an interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1, as route exits and frequency cuts reshape travel options. Energy & Offshore Outlook: Clean-energy support for Caribbean fisheries is ramping up under Canada-funded STAR-Fish, with Suriname among participating countries, targeting renewable power and low-carbon certification. Security & Governance: The ACCP elects Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John as president, with organized crime, cybercrime and smuggling highlighted as key regional development risks. Wildlife Trade Watch: Reports link golden lion tamarin trafficking to seizures including in Suriname, underscoring cross-border organized routes and high-value illegal exports.

Suriname–China 50th Anniversary: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Paramaribo wants to deepen and expand cooperation with China over the next half-century, citing results in infrastructure, green development and people-to-people ties. Suriname–Dominican Republic Deal Push: Geerlings-Simons’ visit to Santo Domingo produced a strategic economic alliance covering renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and parliamentary exchange, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. Aviation & Connectivity: China’s firms were among bidders for CJIA’s air traffic control tower, while Suriname’s regional diplomacy continues via new consular leadership in Curaçao. Energy & Offshore Momentum (Regional): ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval for a second major Guyana gas development (Haimara), underscoring how offshore projects keep driving demand for services across the wider Suriname–Guyana corridor. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling low-carbon solutions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, with Suriname among participating countries. Security & Crime Links: Suriname appears in reports tied to wildlife trafficking networks, while regional police leaders met in Paramaribo to tackle organized crime, including cybercrime.

U.S.-Caribbean security & ports: The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is set to dock in Jamaica (June 1–5), with regional officials hosted during the voyage; Suriname and other CARICOM states were among recent stops, while critics read the timing as a signal amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions. Suriname–Dominican Republic ties: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican leaders in Santo Domingo to push a strategic economic alliance covering renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and a wider parliamentary exchange; visa-free tourism entry is planned for Dominicans holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas. Regional aviation reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines’ network cuts and market exits are reshaping connectivity, with a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal starting June 1 as services shift across Eastern Caribbean routes. Suriname diplomacy in Curaçao: Suriname’s new Consul-General Joraisa Pokie began her Curaçao tenure with a courtesy visit to the Governor, reinforcing trade, education, and consular cooperation. Energy & investment outlook: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval for a major Haimara gas development offshore Guyana, underscoring continued investment momentum in the wider region’s offshore economy. Wildlife trafficking risk: Golden lion tamarins are being smuggled out of Brazil via cars, planes, and sailboats, with seizures linked to routes involving Suriname—raising compliance and enforcement concerns for regional trade.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to push a strategic economic alliance with the Dominican Republic, spotlighting renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange—plus visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans who hold valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Chinese and Guyanese bidders submitted offers to build a new air traffic control tower at Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport, while Suriname’s wider region watches shifting airline networks and interline deals that could reshape travel costs and routes. Energy & Offshore Growth: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana with a super-sized FPSO, adding to the Stabroek block’s momentum. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project (Canada-funded) is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support in Suriname and other states. Security & Crime Fighting: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected ACCP president in Paramaribo, with organized crime and cyber threats high on the agenda.

Suriname–Curaçao Diplomacy: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Willemstad, Joraisa Pokie, made a courtesy visit to Curaçao’s Governor Mauritsz de Kort, underscoring cooperation on trade, culture, education and consular affairs. Caribbean Aviation & Connectivity: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1 as Caribbean Airlines pulls back from key markets, reshaping regional route planning around emerging hubs. Energy & Offshore Development: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana with a super-sized FPSO, extending Stabroek’s momentum across gas and condensate. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-funded STAR-Fish ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades to support low-carbon certification. Business & Markets: A Suriname-linked push for broader international trade ties also surfaced in regional diplomacy, while a separate Caribbean-wide focus on customer service and international standards targets investment readiness. Regional Security: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the ACCP, with organized crime and cyber threats topping the agenda.