AGP Executive Report

Suriname–Guyana Transport Contingency: As the MV Canawaima nears major rehabilitation, Guyana and Suriname are preparing a backup plan using the motor barge Sandaka, after safety and hydraulic leak concerns were flagged and the ferry’s provisional operating approval runs to Sept. 28. Offshore Oil Progress: TotalEnergies, Staatsolie and APA say the $12B GranMorgu offshore project is on track for first output in mid-2028, with about half the planned investment already spent and key equipment work set to follow. Regional Energy Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, focusing on oil and gas exploration, production support, and training as Suriname moves toward large-scale offshore output. Mining & Finance Signals: Founders Metals completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a strategic investment by Gold Fields, lifting Gold Fields’ stake to about 19.9%. Regional Connectivity Talks: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten via Guyana is still under business-case review, with officials weighing passenger demand and trade/tourism benefits. Public Finance Watch: Guyana’s mid-year report shows public debt rising by nearly US$1B in the first half of 2026, underscoring regional fiscal pressure relevant to investors.

Offshore Energy: TotalEnergies and partners are still on track for first output from Suriname’s $12B GranMorgu offshore project in mid-2028, with Staatsolie saying about half the planned investment is already spent and Malaysia-made components due to be installed soon. Oil & Gas Diplomacy: Suriname and Venezuela signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, covering exploration and production cooperation, training and technical support as Suriname prepares for large-scale offshore output. Regional Connectivity: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten via Guyana is moving forward, with officials developing a business case focused on passenger demand and the route’s boost to regional tourism and trade. Mining Investment: Founders Metals completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a C$77M strategic investment by Gold Fields, lifting Gold Fields’ stake to about 19.9%. Public Finance: Suriname’s health sector planning got a boost as the government signed PAHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030 to strengthen the health system and target measurable results. Cross-Border Trade Links: Curaçao and Suriname discussed deeper cooperation in agriculture, education, justice and maritime navigation, with oil-and-gas expertise also on the agenda.

Offshore Oil Push: Staatsolie says TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project in Suriname is on track for first output in mid-2028, with partners having already spent about half of the planned $12B investment and Malaysia-based wellhead components expected to be installed soon. Energy Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, covering oil and gas exploration/production cooperation, technical support and training as Suriname prepares for large-scale offshore production. Regional Connectivity: St. Maarten and Surinam Airways are still working on a business case for a proposed Paramaribo–Georgetown–St. Maarten route, with attention on demand via Guyana and the route’s impact on tourism and trade. Mining & Investment: Founders Metals completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a strategic investment by Gold Fields, lifting Gold Fields’ stake to about 19.9%. Health & Development: Suriname and PAHO signed a 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy to strengthen the health system, with malaria-free certification cited as progress to build on.

Suriname Airways Route Talks: St. Maarten and Surinam Airways are still working on a business case for a new Paramaribo–Georgetown–Sint Maarten connection, with officials weighing demand via Guyana and the route’s impact on regional tourism, trade, and community links. Health System Roadmap: Suriname and PAHO signed a 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy to strengthen Suriname’s health system, with malaria-free certification already achieved and priorities including noncommunicable diseases, HIV/TB, and mental health. Energy & Investment Signals: Curaçao and Suriname discussed deeper cooperation in agriculture, education, justice, maritime navigation, and energy know-how, as Suriname’s oil and gas sector grows. Mining Deal in Suriname: Founders Metals completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a C$77m strategic investment by Gold Fields. Regional Upstream Outlook: Rystad Energy says upstream is in a “buyer’s market” phase, with Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname flagged as hotspots. Tech Access in the Region: Apple is bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade into iCloud+ in over 100 countries, including Suriname, potentially reshaping local subscription costs.

Suriname Airways Route Talks: Suriname’s government is still building a business case for a proposed Paramaribo–Georgetown–St. Maarten service, with officials weighing demand through Guyana and the route’s impact on regional tourism, trade, and community links. Health & Development: Suriname and PAHO signed a 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy to strengthen the health system, with malaria-free progress noted but attention still needed for non-communicable diseases, HIV/TB, and mental health. Mining & Investment: Founders Metals says it has completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a C$76.96m strategic investment from Gold Fields, lifting Gold Fields’ stake to about 19.9%. Regional Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname discussed deeper collaboration in agriculture, education, justice, maritime navigation, and oil & gas expertise. Energy Sector Outlook: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream equity investments in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and improve energy security.

Suriname–Curaçao Cooperation: Curaçao’s new Consul General met Curaçao PM Gilmar Pisas to push deeper ties with Suriname in justice, agriculture, education and maritime navigation, with oil & gas expertise also on the agenda. Surinam Airways Route Talks: St. Maarten and Surinam Airways are still working on a Paramaribo–Georgetown–St. Maarten business case, focusing on demand via Guyana and the route’s boost to regional tourism and trade. Mining & Investment in Suriname: Founders Metals completed full ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a C$76.96m strategic investment by Gold Fields, lifting Gold Fields’ stake to about 19.9%. Health Strategy for Suriname: Suriname and PAHO signed a 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy to strengthen the health system, following Suriname’s WHO malaria-free certification. Upstream Outlook: Rystad Energy says the upstream sector is shifting into a buyer’s market, with Brazil, Guyana and Suriname flagged as hotspots. Regional Energy Interest: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream equity stakes in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and improve energy security. Business/Trade Note: Barbados is looking to Suriname’s state firm Grassalco for silica sand and stone to ease local construction material shortages.

Oil & Gas Diplomacy: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, covering oil and gas exploration/production cooperation plus technical training as Suriname gears up for larger offshore output. Regional Energy Investment: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream equity stakes in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and strengthen energy security. Aviation & Trade Links: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten is still pending a business-case review, with planners focusing on demand via Guyana and the route’s boost for regional tourism, trade, and community travel. Agriculture & Services Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname discussed deeper collaboration in justice, agriculture, education, maritime navigation, and knowledge-sharing tied to Suriname’s growing oil and gas sector. Mining & Capital Markets: Founders Metals completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a C$77m strategic investment by Gold Fields. Health System Planning: Suriname and PAHO signed a 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy to strengthen the health system, with priorities and measurable action steps. Business/Consumer Tech: Apple expanded iCloud+ bundles in 100+ countries, adding Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra cost—Suriname is included.

Oil & Gas Governance: Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia says the new Special Oil and Gas Business Entity (BUK Migas) will report directly to President Prabowo, with licensing rules being finalized to avoid bottlenecks as production ramps up. Suriname–Venezuela Energy Ties: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, covering oil and gas exploration and production, plus technical training—timed for Suriname’s push toward large-scale offshore output. Regional Connectivity: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten is still in the business-case and regulatory phase, with talks focused on demand via Guyana and the route’s potential boost to tourism, trade and community links. Health System Planning: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030, setting a roadmap to strengthen Suriname’s health system with measurable priorities. Caribbean Lab Capacity: CARPHA wrapped up its CariPHLN workshop in Barbados, strengthening Caribbean laboratory networking and diagnostic coordination, with Suriname among the participants. Business Finance (Investor News): APA Corporation declared a cash dividend and added $40m to its share repurchase authorization; APA also has offshore Suriname exploration and production interests. Trade & Supply Links: Barbados is looking to Suriname’s state-owned Grassalco for silica sand and stone to ease local construction material shortages. Energy Security Interest: Pertamina is exploring upstream equity stakes in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and reduce import risks. Digital Services (Global): Apple is bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade into iCloud+ in 100+ countries, a reminder of how subscription models keep reshaping regional consumer spending.

Surinam Airways Route Talks: Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired follow-up meetings on a proposed Surinam Airways service to St. Maarten, with discussions focused on building a solid business case, securing air rights, and boosting demand via connections through Guyana—aiming to strengthen regional tourism, trade, and family links for the Suriname and Guyana communities in St. Maarten. Health Cooperation Strategy: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030, a roadmap to strengthen Suriname’s health system and improve outcomes, with the government stressing that the real test is implementation. Regional Upstream Outlook: Rystad Energy’s CEO warned upstream investment is effectively plateauing globally, while pointing to Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname as key hotspots—useful context for Suriname’s oil-and-gas planning. Venezuela–Suriname Deals: Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez and Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons signed multiple cooperation agreements covering energy and other sectors, including training support for Suriname’s oil and gas professionals and steps to reopen air routes. Business & Trade Link: Barbados is looking to Suriname as a supplier of building materials, with Suriname’s state company Grassalco discussed as a potential source of silica sand and stone to ease local shortages. Energy Security Interest: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream equity investments in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and reduce reliance on Middle East imports. Corporate Finance (Oil Sector): APA Corporation declared a cash dividend and approved an additional 40 million shares for repurchase; the company also has offshore Suriname exploration and production interests.

Air Connectivity Talks: Surinam Airways’ proposed route to St. Maarten is still pending a fully substantiated business case, air rights, and regulatory approvals, with officials focusing on demand via Guyana and the expected boost to regional tourism, trade, and community links. Upstream Outlook: Rystad Energy’s CEO Jarand Rystad says global upstream investment is plateauing and may decline after 2030, even as Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname remain key hotspots. Energy Investment Interest: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream oil and gas equity opportunities in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and reduce reliance on Middle East imports. Regional Trade Inputs: Barbados is looking to Suriname’s state-owned N.V. Grassalco for silica sand and stone as local supplies tighten, aiming to keep infrastructure projects moving. Bilateral Agreements: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez signed multiple cooperation deals with Suriname covering energy, fishing, agriculture, transport, tourism, and training, including support for Suriname’s oil and gas workforce. Business Expansion: Keller Williams is expanding in Europe with a new master franchise in Montenegro, signaling continued growth across EMEA. Digital Services Push: Apple is bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade into iCloud+ in 100+ countries, a move that may lift subscription uptake in price-sensitive markets.

Surinam Airways Route Talks: Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired follow-up talks on a proposed Surinam Airways service to St. Maarten, with the plan still dependent on a substantiated business case, air rights, and regulatory requirements, and with special focus on demand via Guyana and the route’s potential boost to regional tourism, trade, and community links. Upstream Investment Outlook: Rystad Energy’s CEO Jarand Rystad said the upstream sector is shifting into a “buyer’s market,” with global investment likely plateauing and then declining from 2025 levels, while highlighting Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname as key hotspots. Indonesia Eyes Guyana & Suriname Oil: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream equity investments in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and strengthen energy security amid geopolitical supply risks. Venezuela–Suriname Deal Push: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed multiple cooperation agreements with Suriname covering energy, fishing, agriculture, transport, tourism, education, and professional training, including support for Suriname’s oil and gas workforce. Barbados Looks to Suriname Materials: Barbados is seeking Suriname’s silica sand and stone supplies as domestic resources dwindle, with state firm N.V. Grassalco emerging as a potential supplier. Tech & Services: Apple expanded iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade (and “Apple Music Select” in some markets) at no extra charge, signaling broader services growth.

Suriname–Venezuela Energy & Trade Push: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed a package of cooperation deals in Paramaribo covering hydrocarbons, fishing, agriculture, transport, tourism, education and trade, with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons stressing monitoring and training aligned with the oil & gas sector. Oil & Gas Skills Transfer: Rodríguez said the agreements include training for Suriname’s oil and gas professionals, aiming to turn bilateral cooperation into practical economic gains. Fisheries Deal With Export Angle: Rodríguez met Venezuelan fishing crews in Suriname’s Port of Sail, saying the fisheries agreements involve 2,400–2,800 fishermen and are meant to boost binational fishing and support exports. Regional Connectivity: Leaders also reviewed air and maritime route optimization and other connectivity steps to move people and goods more easily between the two countries. Barbados Looks to Suriname Materials: Barbados is exploring Suriname as a supplier of silica sand and stone as local supplies dwindle, with talks focused on making commercial and logistics arrangements work. Caribbean Energy Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda signaled fuel price increases due to higher global petroleum costs tied to the US–Iran conflict, highlighting how regional energy shocks can hit business costs fast.

Suriname–Venezuela Deals: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed a wide set of cooperation agreements in Paramaribo with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, covering hydrocarbons, fishing and aquaculture, agriculture and food security, transport (air and maritime), trade, tourism, education and professional training—aimed at turning 50 years of ties into practical economic results. Oil & Gas Skills Transfer: Rodríguez said the pacts include training for Suriname’s oil and gas professionals, with Venezuela sharing exploration and production experience to support Suriname’s industry. Fisheries Push: The leaders backed binational fishing arrangements, including licensing for Venezuelan fishermen in the Atlantic corridor, with the goal of boosting exports and sector benefits. Construction Materials Sourcing: Barbados is looking to Suriname for silica sand and stone as local supplies dwindle, with state-owned N.V. Grassalco emerging as a key supplier after talks in Paramaribo. Regional Energy & Trade Context: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream oil and gas investment opportunities in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply sources, reflecting continued investor interest in the region’s offshore potential.

Venezuela–Suriname Deal Push: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed a package of cooperation agreements with Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Paramaribo, covering energy, hydrocarbons training, fishing and aquaculture, agriculture and food security, transport (air and maritime), trade, tourism, and education—aimed at turning 50 years of ties into practical economic results. Oil & Gas Skills Transfer: Rodríguez said the accords include training for Suriname’s oil and gas professionals, with Venezuela offering exploration and production know-how to support Suriname’s industry. Fisheries Boost: The leaders also backed a fisheries framework expected to expand binational fishing and support exports, including Atlantic corridor licensing for fishermen. Regional Business Links: Barbados is exploring deeper economic cooperation with Suriname, including potential supply of silica sand and aggregate for Barbados’ infrastructure push. Energy Investment Watch: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream oil and gas investment opportunities in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply sources. Local Market/Finance: Sranan Gold announced a change of auditor, appointing Crowe Mackay as auditor effective Sept. 4, 2026. Governance & Trade Context: Brussels proposed tailoring the EU deforestation rules for French Guiana, citing enforcement and geography—an issue that could affect regional supply chains involving Suriname.

Suriname–Venezuela Trade & Energy Deals: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez met Suriname’s Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Paramaribo and signed a wide package of cooperation pacts covering hydrocarbons, fishing and aquaculture, agriculture and food security, air and maritime connectivity, tourism, education and training—aimed at turning decades of ties into practical economic output, including support for Suriname’s poultry supply and professional oil-and-gas training. Regional Fisheries Push: Rodríguez also told Venezuelan fishing crews in Suriname that the new binational fisheries arrangements should boost exports and benefit thousands of fishermen operating in the Atlantic corridor. Construction Materials Sourcing: Barbados is looking to deepen economic cooperation with Suriname, with silica sand and aggregate flagged as key inputs as Barbados’ local supplies tighten and infrastructure spending accelerates. Power & Rural Services Procurement: EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS) issued tenders for solar-storage minigrids and water infrastructure in indigenous communities under the Bio-Sweet program, with bids due Oct. 30. Mining & Corporate Updates: Sranan Gold announced a change of auditor, appointing Crowe Mackay LLP effective Sept. 4, 2026. Education Data Spotlight: A global map shows women leading tertiary enrollment in most countries; Guyana appears among those with a large women-versus-men gap.

Venezuela–Suriname Deal Push: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed a package of cooperation agreements in Paramaribo covering energy, hydrocarbons training, fishing and aquaculture, agriculture and food security, transport links, tourism, education and trade, with both sides also setting up a High-Level Joint Commission to turn the pacts into practical results. Fisheries & Exports: Rodríguez said the fisheries accord is expected to boost binational fishing and help Suriname export products like mero and pago, while Suriname’s president highlighted monitoring and sustainable development in the fisheries track. Oil & Gas Skills Transfer: One agreement focuses on training Suriname’s oil and gas professionals using Venezuela’s exploration and production experience, including support via Venezuela’s Hydrocarbons University. Regional Integration Agenda: The leaders framed the signing as a new stage in relations marking 50 years of diplomacy, aiming to expand sovereign Caribbean economic complementarity. Energy Infrastructure Tender: In Suriname, EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS) issued tenders for solar-storage minigrids and rural water infrastructure under the Bio-Sweet programme, with bids due Oct. 30. Local Business Update: Sranan Gold announced a change of auditor, appointing Crowe Mackay LLP effective Sept. 4, 2026.