AGP Executive Report

Drug Trafficking Tactics: A new DEA assessment says US strikes on alleged cocaine boats haven’t cut supply or prices, and traffickers are shifting to larger vessels near coastlines and more aircraft routes via Guyana and Suriname. Offshore Energy Business: SBM Offshore says its Malaysia operation has become a Global Execution Centre, planning to grow its Kuala Lumpur workforce to 600+ by 2027 as it takes on more complex international offshore work. UNESCO & Suriname Risk: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, including the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo in Suriname, citing serious threats from conflict, climate and development pressures. Amazon Enforcement & Trade: Brazil is using “gold fingerprinting” to trace the origin of seized gold and crack down on illegal mining, a move that matters for regional supply chains and enforcement credibility. Caribbean Tax Cooperation: CARICOM and Guyana are hosting the 27th COTA General Assembly on 27–31 July with a “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” agenda for revenue mobilisation. Oil & Insurance Economics: Insurers are cutting upstream premiums outside the Middle East as war-risk uncertainty pushes more projects toward places like Guyana and Suriname. Wages Watch: A regional review highlights that Suriname and Guyana have the lowest statutory minimum wages in the Caribbean, even as oil-driven growth accelerates. Renewables & China: Analysis says Chinese green tech exports to the Caribbean surged, raising questions on transparency and long-term dependence as solar projects expand.

UNESCO Heritage Watch: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, including Suriname’s Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, citing serious threats from conflict, climate change and development pressures. Caribbean Policy Risk: A new analysis says Suriname and Guyana face “preventive” risk in US immigration scrutiny, urging regional diplomacy and tighter identity/security gaps before reviews. Oil & Gas Economics: With Middle East uncertainty reshaping insurance and project coverage, global insurers are shifting underwriting toward basins outside key chokepoints—good news for regional upstream plans. Regional Tax Cooperation: CARICOM and Germany launched a strategic dialogue on development cooperation, while CARICOM tax administrators meet in Guyana (27–31 July) to push “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue systems. Suriname in the Spotlight (Energy & Trade): A wage comparison flags Suriname’s low statutory minimum wage ($1.40/hour) even as oil-driven growth accelerates. Amazon Supply Chain & Sustainability: Inditex and Conservation International will invest €6.5m (2026–2028) to protect over 2 million hectares of Amazon forest, including interventions in Suriname. Mining Enforcement Tech: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” uses forensic lab methods to trace gold origins and crack down on illegal mining—relevant for regional gold trade integrity. Health & Care Access: A PAHO study estimates nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with neurological disorders, with Guyana and Suriname among the highest-burden countries, highlighting long-term care gaps.

Regional Oil & Insurance: With Middle East conflict disrupting upstream coverage, global insurers are cutting premiums and shifting underwriting toward basins outside the Strait of Hormuz, pushing more activity toward places like Nigeria, Guyana and Suriname. CARICOM Tax Push: Tax administrators from across CARICOM will meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) for the 27th COTA General Assembly on “Future-Ready CARICOM Tax Administration,” with a focus on data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Suriname in the Spotlight (Oil Boom): A wage comparison highlights how Guyana and Suriname’s oil boom is not yet reflected in the region’s lowest statutory minimum wages—$1.66/hour in Guyana and $1.40/hour in Suriname—raising questions for workers as projects scale. Amazon Gold Crackdown (Brazil): Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses forensic signatures to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to curb illegal mining that fuels deforestation and mercury pollution. Amazon Conservation Funding: Inditex and Conservation International will invest about €6.5m (2026–2028) to protect and restore over 2 million hectares across six countries, including Suriname. Energy Transition & China: Analysis flags a surge in Chinese solar exports to the Caribbean (up 570% from 2020–2024), alongside concerns over transparency, dependency and cybersecurity. Maritime Safety Watch: Ongoing regional attention follows fishing and ferry incidents, including the MV St Vincent VII sinking and Guyana’s MV Barima capsizing, underlining risks for crews and the need for stronger rescue capacity.

Forensic Gold Crackdown: Brazil is rolling out “gold fingerprinting” at a federal “gold lab” in Brasilia to trace seized gold back to protected areas, using chemical signatures to help prosecutors target illegal Amazon mining. CARICOM Tax Push: Guyana’s Finance Minister Ashni Singh will speak at the 27th COTA General Assembly in Georgetown (27 July), where tax chiefs will focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Suriname Oil Tech Deal: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies will test a first-of-a-kind wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project, aiming to cut fuel use during FPSO towing to Suriname. Caribbean Oil Boom vs Wages: A regional wage review highlights that Suriname and Guyana have some of the lowest statutory minimum wages in the Caribbean despite oil-driven growth. Regional Logistics for Oil: Curaçao is pitching expanded harbor and port services—storage, transshipment, and ship repair—to capture offshore oil spillover from Suriname and Guyana. Health Burden Watch: A PAHO study finds nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with at least one neurological disorder, with Haiti, Guyana and Suriname among the highest-burden countries. Maritime Safety Alert: Families linked to the St Vincent VII sinking are urging intensified regional search-and-rescue efforts after the vessel caught fire and lost power/communication.

Suriname Oil & Gas Logistics: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies will test a “first-of-a-kind” wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project offshore Suriname, aiming to cut towing duration and fuel use for the GranMorgu FPSO and validate kite wing launch/recovery for lower-carbon offshore logistics. Regional Energy Finance & Risk: TotalEnergies reported sharply higher Q2 cash flow and adjusted earnings, while major insurers are shifting underwriting away from Middle East war-risk exposure toward other oil basins—an environment that could affect future project costs and financing. Caribbean Wages vs Oil Boom: A regional wage review highlights that Guyana and Suriname—despite oil-driven growth—still sit among the lowest statutory minimum wages in the Caribbean (Suriname $1.40/hour; Guyana $1.66/hour). CARICOM-Germany Development Talks: CARICOM and Germany held their first strategic dialogue on development cooperation in Georgetown, with Suriname’s Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh co-chairing, focused on making partnerships more resilient and robust. Maritime Safety in the Region: Search-and-rescue efforts continue after fishing vessel incidents in the wider Suriname/French Guiana/Brazil area, including a sinking case and appeals for intensified regional response. Governance & Trade/Travel: Suriname-linked regional travel policy updates continue to ripple through CARICOM as Spain clarifies Schengen visa rules for non-included countries.

CARICOM-Germany Development Talks: Suriname’s Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh co-chaired the first CARICOM-BMZ strategic dialogue on development cooperation in Georgetown, aiming to turn existing support into a more resilient partnership. Oil & Gas Insurance Shift: With Middle East conflict disrupting upstream projects, insurers are cutting premiums and underwriting more outside the region—good news for basins including Guyana and Suriname. Suriname Oil Sector Tech Test: SBM and Technip Energies will test a “first-of-a-kind” solution for TotalEnergies’ Suriname project, underlining continued investment in local offshore capability. Caribbean Wages vs Oil Boom: A regional wage comparison flags Suriname and Guyana among the lowest statutory minimum wages in the Caribbean, even as oil-driven growth accelerates. Curaçao Port Push for Suriname/Guyana Exports: Curaçao is pitching harbor expansion and logistics upgrades—tens of millions of euros may be needed—to store and transship crude and products from Suriname and Guyana. Amazon Gold & Forest Protection: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” targets illegal mining, while Inditex and Conservation International pledge €6.5m to protect over 2 million hectares of Amazon forest including Suriname. Maritime Safety Alerts: Separate incidents keep attention on regional fisheries and shipping—families are appealing after missing crews and a rescued fisherman later died following the MV St Vincent VII sinking. Digital Resilience Award: Cloud Carib won a Veeam regional partner award for sovereign cloud and disaster recovery services across the Caribbean.

Caribbean Football: Saint Lucia’s La Clery opened the CFU Club Shield with a 2-1 win over Roaring Lions, scoring twice via Shaquille Degazon, and will next face Suriname’s SV Robinhood in the Round of 16 on Saturday. Oil & Offshore Tech (Suriname): SBM Offshore and Technip Energies will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project, aiming to cut towing fuel use and validate the system for FPSO logistics. Caribbean Wages & Oil Boom: A new wage comparison flags Guyana and Suriname as having the lowest statutory minimum wages in the Caribbean, even as both economies expand on oil growth. Regional Shipping (Guyana–Suriname): Guyana and Suriname’s ferry boards agreed to roll out an integrated online booking system to reduce waiting times and enable 24/7 ticket sales. Maritime Safety: Families are urging stronger regional search-and-rescue after the St Vincent VII fire and sinking incident, with crew missing in waters between Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil. Regional Energy Insurance: Insurers are shifting underwriting outside the Middle East as war-risk premiums and project costs reshape where oil and gas coverage is offered.

Offshore Energy & Risk: Global insurers are cutting premiums for upstream oil and gas projects outside the Middle East as war-risk uncertainty pushes underwriting toward less geopolitically exposed basins. Oil & Gas Services: Halliburton says international demand is driving growth, with new multiyear contract wins expanding its backlog beyond the Middle East. Suriname Offshore Tech: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project offshore Suriname, aiming to cut towing fuel use and validate a first-of-a-kind approach. Regional Connectivity: Guyana and Suriname plan an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima ferry to reduce waiting times and enable 24-hour ticket purchases. Maritime Safety: Families of six missing crew members from the St Vincent VII are urging intensified regional search-and-rescue efforts after the vessel caught fire near the Suriname–French Guiana area. CARICOM Tax Agenda: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) to push “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue administration. Amazon Conservation (Suriname included): Inditex and Conservation International will invest €6.5m (2026–2028) to protect over 2 million hectares of Amazon forest, including initiatives in Suriname.

Suriname Oil & Gas Logistics: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies, with TotalEnergies EP Suriname, will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO—aimed at cutting towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname route, with phased trials and onshore testing before integration. Regional Trade & Ports: Curaçao is pushing to turn its harbor into a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil boom, including plans around Bullenbaai storage and ship repair, plus a second phase of harbor modernization needing tens of millions of euros. Ferry Modernisation (Guyana–Suriname): Guyana and Suriname agreed to roll out an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima ferry link to reduce waiting times and enable 24/7 reservations, alongside planned drydocking and engine overhauls. Maritime Safety (Suriname–French Guiana–Brazil): Families are urging stronger search-and-rescue efforts for six missing crew after the St Vincent VII fire, with the vessel believed adrift without power or communication. Diplomacy & Mobility: Suriname’s visa-free confusion in Spain’s Schengen list was clarified—Belizeans still need Schengen visas, while the broader EU rules shape entry for CARICOM travellers. Business & Skills: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Guyana to discuss “future-ready” revenue systems, including smart, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches.

Offshore Energy & Innovation (Suriname): SBM Offshore and Technip Energies will work with TotalEnergies to develop and test a wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to cut towing fuel use and validate the approach for Suriname’s deepwater project. Regional Trade & Transport (Guyana–Suriname): Guyana and Suriname agreed to launch an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima ferry route, enabling advance reservations and 24/7 ticket sales, alongside planned drydocking and engine overhauls. Oil & Gas Market Signals (Suriname/Guyana region): Rystad highlights South America as the core FPSO contracting hotspot through 2028, with multiple new units planned across Brazil, Guyana and Suriname. Search & Rescue (Maritime safety): Families of six missing fishermen from the St Vincent VII vessel are urging intensified regional rescue efforts after a fire left the crew without power or communication near the Suriname–French Guiana area. Caribbean Logistics (Curaçao): Curaçao is pushing port expansion and harbor modernization to position itself as a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil growth, with tens of millions of euros still needed for the next phase. Business/Stats (OECS–World Bank): A Surinamese-linked Canada consultancy lead, Dr. Justine C. Pierre, begins World Bank OECS census work in St Vincent and the Grenadines covering education and economic activity/lab outcomes. Environment & Corporate Sustainability (Suriname included): Inditex and Conservation International will invest about €6.5m (2026–2028) to protect and restore Amazon forests across six countries, including Suriname.

Amazon Conservation Investment: Inditex and Conservation International signed a 2026-2028 deal worth €6.5m to protect and restore over 2 million hectares of Amazon rainforest across six countries, including Suriname, with support for indigenous reserves and degraded-area restoration. Suriname Offshore Logistics (GranMorgu): SBM Offshore and Technip Energies, with TotalEnergies EP Suriname, will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO—aiming to cut towing time and fuel use during the China-to-Suriname move and validate a first-of-its-kind approach. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Guyana and Suriname agreed to introduce an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima ferry route, targeting shorter waiting times and 24/7 ticket sales, alongside planned drydocking and engine overhauls. Maritime Safety Call: Families of six missing crew members from the fishing vessel St Vincent VII are urging intensified search-and-rescue efforts in waters between Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil after a fire left the vessel without power or communication. CARICOM Integration Focus: After CARICOM’s 51st Heads meeting, commentary stresses the need for measurable economic returns from integration, with regional connectivity—like ferry services—highlighted as a practical priority. Visa Clarification (Spain): Suriname’s region is watching Spain’s visa-free list closely; Belizeans were clarified as still needing Schengen visas, underscoring how EU rules shape travel access for CARICOM countries.

Amazon Conservation Deal: Inditex and Conservation International signed a €6.5m, 2026-2028 programme to protect and restore over 2 million hectares of Amazon forest across six South American countries, including Suriname, targeting deforestation drivers and supporting indigenous reserves. Offshore Energy Logistics: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies, with TotalEnergies EP Suriname, will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname journey. Maritime Safety Call: Families of six missing crew members from the fishing vessel St Vincent VII are urging intensified regional search-and-rescue in waters between Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil, after the vessel caught fire on July 13 and has had no confirmed contact. Regional Connectivity Upgrade: Guyana and Suriname are moving toward an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima ferry to reduce waiting times and enable 24/7 ticket purchases, alongside planned drydocking and engine overhauls. CARICOM Integration & Policy: CARICOM’s 51st Heads meeting renewed focus on measurable economic returns from integration, with regional connectivity—like ferry services—highlighted as an operational priority.

Suriname Offshore Energy: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies (with TotalEnergies EP Suriname) will test a wind-assisted “kite traction towing” system for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname journey and validate the kite launch/recovery for large offshore vessels. Regional Oil & Logistics: Curaçao is pitching itself as a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil boom, including potential crude storage and transshipment at Bullenbaai and more maritime services tied to ship repair and maintenance. Port Modernisation Funding: Curaçao says the next phase of harbor upgrades will need tens of millions of euros, with the Netherlands and private investors expected to help finance beyond the earlier €20m first phase. Ferry Modernisation: Guyana and Suriname are moving toward an integrated online booking system for the Guyana–Suriname ferry route to reduce waiting times and enable 24/7 ticket sales. Maritime Safety Call: Families of six missing fishermen from the St Vincent VII urge intensified regional search-and-rescue after the vessel caught fire near the Suriname–French Guiana area and lost power/communication. Visa Rules for Travel: Spain’s foreign ministry clarified that Belizeans still need Schengen visas, while Spain’s visa-free list includes nine CARICOM countries but not Suriname. CARICOM Integration: CARICOM’s 51st meeting focused on “return on integration,” with regional connectivity—like ferry services—still a key operational priority.

Ferry Modernisation & Connectivity: Guyana and Suriname are moving toward an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima ferry link, aiming to cut waiting times and enable 24/7 ticket sales, confirmations and real-time capacity planning, alongside planned drydocking and engine overhauls for the MV Canawaima. Regional Oil Logistics: Curaçao is pitching itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil boom, with plans to expand Buskabaai/harbor operations and create storage and transshipment capacity, while also seeking tens of millions of euros more to complete harbor modernization beyond the Netherlands’ earlier €20m support. GranMorgu Offshore Innovation: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies (STS JV) with TotalEnergies EP Suriname are testing a wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to reduce towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname journey. Search & Rescue Call: A regional SOS is ongoing for six missing crew after the St Vincent VII fishing vessel caught fire near the Suriname–French Guiana border area, with families urging maritime authorities and passing ships to intensify searches. Diplomacy & Culture with Trade Links: Suriname’s ambassador to Ghana is set to headline COMSSAFEST 2026, spotlighting cultural exchange that could support education, trade and arts cooperation.

Offshore Energy & Decarbonisation: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies (STS JV) with TotalEnergies EP Suriname signed with Beyond the Sea to develop and test a wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname journey and validate kite launch/recovery for large offshore vessels. Oil & Shipping Watch: Basra export terminals loaded three supertankers with six million barrels of Iraqi crude as Gulf shipping stays disrupted by US-Iran clashes, with Suriname-linked “Suriname Prosperity” expected to finish loading. Regional Trade & Transport: Guyana and Suriname ferry boards agreed to roll out an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima route, targeting fewer waiting times and 24/7 ticket sales plus real-time capacity management. Maritime Safety: Families of six missing crew from the fishing vessel St Vincent VII are urging Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil to intensify search-and-rescue after the July 13 fire left the vessel drifting without power or contact. Local Business/Mining: Founders Metals reported new gold results from its Antino project in southeastern Suriname, including 58.5m at 1.00 g/t Au at Antino Northeast. Governance & Accountability: PNCR/APNU says SARU previously recommended repossession and possible charges over President Irfaan Ali’s Long Creek farm, arguing the probe was left out of later broader fraud actions.

Offshore Energy Innovation: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies’ STS JV, with TotalEnergies EP Suriname, will test a “first-of-a-kind” wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname voyage while validating kite launch/recovery and collecting data for future sizing. Regional Trade & Transport: Guyana and Suriname’s ferry boards agreed to roll out an integrated online booking system for the Canawaima route, enabling advance reservations, 24/7 ticket sales, automated confirmations and real-time capacity management, alongside planned drydocking and engine overhauls. Maritime Safety: Families of six missing crew members aboard the fishing vessel St Vincent VII are urging Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil to intensify search-and-rescue after the vessel caught fire on July 13 and has been drifting without power or communication. Mining & Exploration: Founders Metals reported new gold results from its Antino project in southeastern Suriname, including 58.5m at 1.00 g/t Au at Antino Northeast, plus continued growth at Antino North and Maria Geralda. Oilfield Services: Halliburton secured multi-year integrated well construction work for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater scheme, using digital well construction and automation, and plans to modernize local drilling fluid and cement production with suppliers.