AGP Executive Report

Offshore Oil Update: Staatsolie head Annand Jagesar says TotalEnergies’ $12bn GranMorgu project is on track for first output mid-2028, with about 50% of planned investment already spent and key components due to be installed soon. Ferry Watch: The MV Canawaima has been cleared to operate for three more months, but marine surveyor Ing. Waldo Liauw Kwie Fong recommends rehabilitation to extend the 30-year-old vessel’s service life by another 10 years. Missing Persons: Two Surinamese men reported missing since late August in Nickerie have not been found in Guyana, with police urging anyone with information to contact investigators. Local Transport Contingency: Guyana and Suriname are preparing a contingency plan using the MB Sandaka if Canawaima is pulled from service for major rehabilitation. Finance Oversight: Proposed Development Bank borrowers in Guyana are set to be publicly listed before financing, allowing objections—an accountability move announced by President Irfaan Ali. Mining Results: Miata Metals reports 94.6% average gold recovery from initial metallurgical tests at its Sela Creek project in Suriname, with an on-site lab now ramping up. Health: Government has declared an outbreak of bird flu.

Missing Persons: Two Surinamese men reported missing since late August after leaving Nickerie for Guyana by boat have not been found, with Guyana police saying searches turned up no leads and urging anyone with information to contact the hotline or nearest station. River Ferry Contingency: With the MV Canawaima facing major rehabilitation next week, Guyana and Suriname are preparing a contingency using the Motor Barge Sandaka, after the ferry was provisionally allowed to keep operating until September 28 pending inspections. Offshore Oil Update: TotalEnergies and partners say Suriname’s $12B GranMorgu offshore project is on track for first output in mid-2028, with about half the planned investment already spent and work progressing offshore Block 58. Regional Sports: Boxing and judo are set to debut at the Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo (Oct 22–26), as Suriname and partners expand the U18 event’s lineup.

Missing Persons: Two Surinamese men, Van Dalen Lorenzo (28) and Derryl Danillo (29), are reported missing in Guyana after last being seen on Aug. 28 in Clarasluis (Clara Sluice), Nickerie, boarding a boat to Guyana; police say searches found no leads, though information suggests they arrived safely and later entered a black station-wagon taxi. Energy Watch: TotalEnergies and partners say Suriname’s $12B GranMorgu offshore project remains on track for first output in mid-2028, with Staatsolie chief Annand Jagesar citing progress and noting about 50% of planned investment already spent. Regional Sports: Boxing and judo will debut at the Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo (Oct. 22–26), as Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana sign the protocol for the expanded U18 programme. Local Sports Development: Suriname’s neighbours in powerlifting: Guyana’s federation sends officials for an IPF Trainer Course Level 2 in Chile, with Suriname listed among participating countries. International Mobility: A new report ranks Thailand’s passport 5th in ASEAN, while Apple TV access expands via iCloud+ bundles in multiple countries including Suriname.

Offshore Energy Watch: Suriname’s first major offshore production push is still on track: Staatsolie’s Annand Jagesar says TotalEnergies and partners in the $12B GranMorgu project aim to start output in mid-2028, with about half the planned investment already spent and key components due to be installed soon. Regional Oil Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela have signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap in Paramaribo, covering oil and gas exploration and production support, including technical assistance and training—an effort that could matter as both countries gear up for larger offshore roles. Sports & Youth: Suriname will host the Inter-Guiana Games from October 22–26, with boxing and judo added for the first time at the U18 event in Paramaribo. Local Business/Mining: Founders Metals says it has completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, while also closing a strategic investment from Gold Fields.

Suriname-Venezuela Energy Ties: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez visited Paramaribo and signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap with Suriname, covering oil and gas exploration, production, technical help and training as Suriname gears up for larger offshore output. Regional Sports: Boxing and judo will debut at the Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo (Oct 22–26), with Suriname and Guyana set to face off in boxing and Suriname joining French Guiana in judo. Public Health Lab Strengthening: CARPHA wrapped up its CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown (Sept 8–10), bringing lab directors from across the Caribbean, including Suriname, to boost preparedness, surveillance and diagnostic coordination. Local Governance & Services: The government is moving to introduce a new salary scale for nurses, while also denying allegations about subsidies to needy families and young people. Oil Sector Oversight: A new oil and gas business entity in Indonesia is set to report directly to the president, aiming to streamline licensing as production targets rise. Business & Investment: Founders Metals says it has acquired full ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname and closed a strategic investment by Gold Fields.

Health & Policy: Suriname and PAHO signed a 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy to strengthen the health system, with Minister André Misiekaba and PAHO chief Jarbas Barbosa da Silva stressing implementation and measurable results. Sports: Boxing and judo are set to debut at the Inter-Guiana Games in Paramaribo (Oct 22–26), with Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana signing the protocol and adding the combat sports to the U18 lineup. Regional Connectivity: St. Maarten and Suriname’s proposed Surinam Airways route remains tied to a solid business case, air rights, and regulatory approvals, with talks focusing on connecting via Guyana and boosting tourism and trade. Local Governance & Services: Government plans a new salary scale for nurses, while it denies fraud allegations about subsidies for needy families and young people. Business & Investment: Founders Metals says it has completed its move to 100% ownership of the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, alongside a strategic investment closing involving Gold Fields.

Inter-Guiana Games Update: Boxing and judo are set to debut at the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) in Paramaribo from October 22–26, with Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana signing the official protocol and adding the combat sports to the U18 multi-sport lineup. Health System Roadmap: Suriname and PAHO signed the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen the health system and improve well-being, building on Suriname’s WHO malaria-free certification while tackling NCDs, HIV/TB, and mental health. Air Connectivity Talks: St. Maarten and Surinam Airways are still working on a proposed route linking Paramaribo and Georgetown to Princess Juliana International Airport, with officials focused on a solid business case, air rights, and regulatory requirements. Regional Sports Spotlight: In the Caribbean Boxing Showdown, Suriname’s Mitchell Wilson scored a quick stoppage win, while Suriname’s Edinho Ginsberg lost to Guyana’s Jamal Eastman in the junior welterweight bout. Oil & Gas Governance (Regional Context): Indonesia’s energy ministry says a new oil and gas business entity will report directly to the president—an example of how governments are reshaping upstream oversight.

Suriname–Venezuela Energy Deal: Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez visited Paramaribo and signed a 2026–2027 hydrocarbon roadmap with Suriname, covering oil and gas exploration, production, and technical training as Suriname gears up for larger offshore output. Regional Connectivity: Suriname Airways’ proposed flights to St. Maarten are still in the business-case and regulatory phase, with talks led by PM Dr. Luc Mercelina focusing on demand via Guyana and benefits for tourism and families in the Dutch Caribbean. Health System Planning: Suriname and PAHO signed a 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy to strengthen Suriname’s health system, with priorities tied to measurable results. Caribbean Sports: Boxing and judo will debut at the Inter-Guiana Games 2026 in Paramaribo (Oct 22–26), expanding competition for young athletes across Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Local Sports Development: Guyana’s powerlifting federation is training new IPF Level 2 coaches in Chile, with Suriname among the participating countries.

Oil & Gas Governance: Indonesia’s Bahlil Lahadalia says Suriname’s regional energy links are part of a wider push for stronger oversight, with Indonesia’s new Special Oil and Gas Business Entity (BUK Migas) set to report directly to President Prabowo—aimed at speeding licensing without stripping ministries of their roles. Regional Air Connectivity: St. Maarten’s PM Dr. Luc Mercelina chairs follow-up talks on a proposed Surinam Airways route to Sint Maarten, focusing on a solid business case, air rights, and demand via Guyana. Health System Roadmap: Suriname and PAHO sign the 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy, setting priorities to strengthen the health system and tackle ongoing challenges like noncommunicable diseases, HIV/TB, and mental health. Caribbean Lab Preparedness: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brings lab directors from across the region, including Suriname, to improve networking, surveillance, diagnostics, and response. Sports (Caribbean Cup): Haiti’s Violette AC makes history by topping its group with a perfect run, setting up the next stage against Group B’s winner. Business/Markets: APA Corporation declares a cash dividend and expands share repurchase, noting its offshore Suriname operations.

Suriname–Health Partnership: Suriname and PAHO signed the 2026–2030 Country Cooperation Strategy in a virtual ceremony, aiming to strengthen the health system and improve wellbeing, with implementation and measurable results now the focus. Regional Air Connectivity: St. Maarten’s Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired follow-up talks on a proposed Surinam Airways route linking Paramaribo, Georgetown and Princess Juliana International Airport, with attention on a solid business case and demand through Guyana. Nursing Pay Reform: The government is moving to introduce a new salary scale for nurses, as part of broader labour and public service adjustments. Fraud and Social Support: Authorities denied claims that they provided subsidies to needy families and young people, responding to allegations of misuse or unfair distribution. Sports (Suriname in the spotlight): Suriname’s Edinho Ginsberg won on the boxing card in Guyana, while regional football coverage highlighted the Caribbean Cup group battle involving Suriname champions SV Broki. Energy & Oil Outlook: Industry commentary points to a “buyer’s market” in upstream oil, with Brazil, Guyana and Suriname flagged as key hotspots.

Health Security: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown brought Caribbean lab directors together to strengthen regional preparedness and speed up detection and response to health threats, with Suriname among the virtual participants. Nursing Pay Reform: The Suriname government is moving to introduce a new salary scale for nurses. Fraud Claims: Government denies providing subsidies to needy families and young people, pushing back on allegations. Air Connectivity Talks: In St. Maarten, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired follow-up talks on a proposed Surinam Airways route linking Paramaribo and Georgetown to Princess Juliana International Airport, with demand through Guyana and regional tourism and trade benefits central to the business case. Regional Energy Links: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream investments in Guyana and Suriname to diversify supply and improve energy security. Sports: Suriname’s Edinho Ginsberg lost to Guyana’s Jamal Eastman in a CBO boxing card, while Suriname’s Mitchell Wilson scored a quick stoppage win in the same event.

Air Connectivity Talks: Suriname’s Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired follow-up talks on a proposed Surinam Airways route to St. Maarten, with the plan still pending a solid business case, air traffic rights, and regulatory requirements; officials focused on demand via Guyana and how the link could boost regional tourism, trade, and family travel for the Surinamese and Guyanese communities in St. Maarten. Energy Outlook: Rystad Energy’s CEO Jarand Rystad says upstream oil investment is in a “buyer’s market,” with global spending likely to plateau and then decline as efficiency improves and alternative energy adoption limits upside. Health Workforce Push: Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez urged medical schools to accommodate more new doctor trainees, pointing to education cooperation with Suriname and the ELAM medical program. Tech for Consumers: Apple expanded iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge, with a rollout that excludes the U.S. and many top markets. Regional Sports: Suriname’s SV Broki and other Caribbean clubs featured in CONCACAF Caribbean Cup group action, with Suriname-linked match results and upcoming fixtures drawing attention across the region.

Energy & Investment: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream oil and gas investment opportunities in Guyana and Suriname, with talks focused on taking minority equity stakes to diversify supply and reduce reliance on Middle East imports. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez met Suriname’s Jennifer Simons in Paramaribo and the two sides signed agreements covering energy, fishing, transport, tourism, agriculture, education and health, aiming to deepen bilateral and Caribbean integration. Suriname–Caribbean Trade: Barbados is looking to Suriname as a supplier of building materials, with Suriname’s state-owned Grassalco emerging as a potential source of silica sand and stone to ease local shortages. Mental Health Focus: PANCAP marked World Suicide Prevention Day by urging stronger mental health action across the Caribbean, citing high suicide mortality rates in Guyana and Suriname. Sports (Regional): Club Sando and Violette clash in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup with top spot at stake, with Violette having beaten Suriname champions SV Broki 2-1 in Paramaribo.

Venezuela–Suriname Diplomacy: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez wrapped up a visit to Paramaribo, signing 10 bilateral agreements and related documents covering energy, fishing, agriculture, transport, tourism, education and more, as both sides push deeper cooperation and regional integration. Suriname–Barbados Trade: Barbados is looking to Suriname—via state firm N.V. Grassalco—for silica sand and stone to ease local shortages and speed up infrastructure projects. Regional Mental Health Push: On World Suicide Prevention Day, PANCAP called for stronger mental health action across the Caribbean, citing high suicide mortality rates in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Sports (Caribbean Cup): Club Sando and Violette are set to fight for top spot in their CONCACAF Caribbean Cup group, with both already through to the semi-finals. Caribbean Business/Tech: A U.S. diplomatic reshuffle saw Trump nominate Wesley Hunt for Saudi and Kimberly Greenwood for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, while a separate Caribbean-focused piece warns cyber fraud is now a citizen security issue. Regional Energy Interest: Indonesia’s Pertamina says it is exploring upstream oil and gas investment opportunities in Guyana and Suriname.

Venezuela–Suriname Deal Push: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez wrapped up an official visit to Paramaribo by signing 10 cooperation agreements with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, covering energy, fishing, agriculture, transport, tourism, education and more—plus plans to reopen air routes and let 200 Venezuelan fishermen operate in the Atlantic corridor. Oil & Gas Skills Transfer: Rodríguez said Venezuela will train Suriname’s oil and gas workforce, pointing to Suriname’s new offshore discoveries and Venezuela’s exploration experience. Regional Integration Theme: Both leaders framed the pacts as a step toward Caribbean integration and “sovereign” South-South cooperation, with monitoring and technical evaluations to follow. CARICOM/Regional Diplomacy: The visit was also presented as part of the 50-year diplomatic relationship between Caracas and Paramaribo. Sports (Local Interest): Dutch cycling star Demi Vollering is set to race Curaçao’s Kärcher Duo Xtreme mountain bike event on Nov. 15, with the race drawing riders from Suriname and the wider region. Energy Investment Watch: Indonesia’s Pertamina is exploring upstream oil and gas opportunities in Guyana and Suriname as it diversifies supply sources.

Venezuela–Suriname Deal Push: Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez wrapped up an official visit to Paramaribo by signing 10 cooperation agreements with Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, covering energy, fishing, agriculture, transport, tourism, education and health, with both sides stressing “sovereign” Caribbean integration and practical follow-through via a high-level joint commission. Oil & Gas Skills Transfer: Rodríguez said the accords include training for Suriname’s oil and gas workforce, as Venezuela shares exploration and production experience to support Suriname’s newly found offshore resources. Fisheries Boost: The agreements also reopen cooperation for Atlantic fishing, including access for 200 Venezuelan fishermen and plans framed as a boost for exports and economic activity. Regional Connectivity: Leaders backed steps to optimize air and maritime routes and expand connectivity between the two countries. Barbados–Suriname Materials Talks: Barbados is looking to Suriname for silica sand and aggregate as local supplies tighten, with discussions focused on turning existing agreements into workable commercial arrangements. Travel Access Update: A 2026 passport evaluation lists Suriname among eVisa destinations for Nigerians, alongside countries like Singapore, Qatar and Guyana.