AGP Executive Report

Mining and Community Rights: Sarakreek’s Chief Aloe is urging the government to revoke concessions allocated without local consent, citing forest clearing, restricted road access and demolished camps. He wants talks and a government response within three weeks. Energy-Led Diversification: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says oil and gas growth must build local businesses, jobs and industries, pointing to opportunities in agriculture, logistics and technology. Regional Manufacturing: CARICOM teams are assessing whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen. Their findings will inform future tariff decisions and examine production, demand and trade barriers. Agriculture and Food Safety: Suriname’s agriculture minister warned farmers to follow pesticide rules. Separately, police are investigating an unconfirmed report of a possible drug discovery in seized Guyanese rice; the 385-tonne shipment remains under guard, with contamination concerns also unresolved. Gold Oversight: Lawmakers are calling for scrutiny of large-scale mining at Pelin Bergi, where they say substantial production may be escaping state revenue.

Energy Diversification: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says oil and gas growth must build local businesses, skills and industries—not leave Suriname dependent on extraction. She pointed to agriculture, agro-industry, tourism, logistics and technology as opportunities. Agriculture: The agriculture minister warned farmers to follow pesticide rules, citing risks to food safety and consumer health. Offshore Services: Curaçao’s government-owned shipyard plans nearly €105 million in upgrades to target offshore vessel work serving Guyana and Suriname; construction is expected from 2028 to 2030. Rice Trade: Authorities have unloaded about 385 tonnes of seized Guyanese rice in Nickerie and are investigating possible contamination from its transport alongside urea. No food-safety risk has yet been established. Poultry: A bird-flu outbreak in Suriname has prompted heightened surveillance and import restrictions in nearby countries. Mining Oversight: Surinamese lawmakers are seeking an investigation into gold mining at Pelin Bergi, citing questions over permits, environmental controls and potential lost state revenue.

Poultry Biosecurity: A bird-flu outbreak in Suriname has prompted neighbouring Barbados and Guyana to tighten precautions, raising pressure on the poultry industry and cross-border trade. Rice Import Dispute: Authorities have unloaded about 385 tonnes of seized Guyanese rice in Nickerie and are checking whether transport alongside urea fertiliser caused contamination. The shipment was imported without required approval and remains under police guard. Economic Diversification: President Geerlings-Simons says development must extend beyond oil and gas, as Suriname and Curaçao share ideas on using future oil revenues to support housing and wider economic activity. Mining Oversight: Lawmakers are urging an investigation into extensive gold mining at Pelin Bergi, citing possible revenue losses and environmental risks. Separately, Critical Resources is advancing checks on two gold projects covering 199 square kilometres. Regional Industry: CARICOM teams are assessing whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen—findings that could shape future tariffs and create opportunities for local producers.

Rice Import Dispute: Authorities have moved 385 tonnes of Guyanese rice to storage under police guard, saying it entered Suriname without required approval. They are also checking whether accompanying fertiliser contaminated the rice; no risk has been confirmed. Digital Services: Caribbean payment system CAPSS has entered a pilot across 11 jurisdictions, aiming to cut currency-conversion costs for regional businesses. Cloud Carib, which serves Suriname and other markets, is marking 15 years in cloud and cybersecurity services. Agriculture: Suriname’s bird-flu outbreak has put neighbouring Guyana and Barbados on alert, with tighter farm surveillance and restrictions on poultry products. Mining: Lawmakers want an investigation into large-scale gold activity at Pelin Bergi, citing lost public revenue and possible environmental harm. Critical Resources has also sent management to assess two Suriname gold projects ahead of planned exploration. Regional Industry: CARICOM teams are assessing whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, with findings to guide future tariff decisions.

Regional Payments: CARICOM’s new payment and settlement system has entered a pilot across 11 jurisdictions, aiming to make cross-border local-currency payments faster and cheaper for businesses. Poultry: A bird flu outbreak in Suriname has prompted heightened surveillance and poultry restrictions in neighboring Guyana and Barbados, raising risks for regional producers and trade. Housing and Oil Revenue: Suriname and Curaçao have discussed using future oil and gas income to support housing programs that can also create jobs and stimulate local suppliers. Mining Oversight: Lawmakers are pressing for an investigation into extensive gold mining at Pelin Bergi, citing lost public revenue and possible environmental damage; President Jennifer Simons is also advancing plans to protect rivers from mining pollution. Trade and Construction: Suriname has seized 850 kilograms of copper allegedly smuggled from Guyana, while CARICOM teams assess regional capacity to supply paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen—products central to construction.

Poultry: A bird-flu outbreak at a Surinamese commercial farm has prompted nearby countries to tighten checks and restrict poultry imports, raising the stakes for the region’s poultry trade. Copper Trade: Police seized about 850 kilograms of copper pipes and cables allegedly smuggled from Guyana and remanded the driver; investigations continue. Housing and Oil: Suriname and Curaçao exchanged ideas on subsidized homeownership and using future oil revenues to support construction, jobs and local suppliers. Mining: Critical Resources has begun due diligence at two Suriname gold projects, while lawmakers are calling for tighter oversight of mining at Pelin Bergi amid concerns over lost tax revenue and environmental harm. Trade and Industry: Authorities have started unloading a disputed 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment after it was held over import approvals; the importer is seeking to send it back. CARICOM teams will also assess regional capacity to supply paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, a review that could shape tariffs. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s growth at 3.9% in 2026, rising to 21.5% in 2028.

Oil-Funded Development: Suriname and Curaçao discussed using future oil and gas revenues to support affordable housing, construction jobs and local suppliers. Energy: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract for PETRONAS’s Suriname operations, expected to begin in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Mining: Critical Resources has put a management team on the ground to advance due diligence at its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects. Meanwhile, lawmakers are pressing for an investigation into mining at Pelin Bergi, citing potential environmental damage and lost state revenue. Trade and Enforcement: Police seized about 850 kilograms of copper allegedly smuggled from Guyana. Authorities have also begun unloading a 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment seized over missing import approval, as the importer seeks to send it back. Regional Industry: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, helping inform future tariff decisions. Agriculture: Guyana has tightened farm surveillance and border controls after an avian flu outbreak was reported in Suriname.

Poultry Biosecurity: Suriname’s H5N1 outbreak has prompted Guyana to tighten farm inspections and border controls to protect its poultry industry and food supply. Gold Mining Oversight: Lawmakers say large-scale mining at Pelin Bergi may be costing the state significant tax revenue and causing environmental harm. President Jennifer Simons says new rules are being prepared to protect rivers from mining pollution. Oil & Gas: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract for Petronas Suriname, expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Regional Manufacturing: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, informing future tariff decisions that could affect local producers and import costs. Rice Trade: Suriname has begun unloading a disputed 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment; the importer is seeking permission to return it after authorities cited missing import approval. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, accelerating to 21.5% in 2028.

Regional Manufacturing: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, hydraulic cement, glass bottles and bitumen. Their findings will inform tariff decisions and examine how import competition, trade barriers and transport costs affect local producers. Poultry and Biosecurity: Suriname’s H5N1 outbreak has prompted Guyana to tighten farm checks and border controls, highlighting risks to poultry production and cross-border trade. Gold Mining: Lawmakers say large-scale mining at Pelin Bergi may be costing the state substantial tax revenue and raising environmental concerns. President Jennifer Simons plans rules to protect rivers from mining pollution. Rice Trade: Suriname has begun unloading a disputed 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment after authorities said it lacked required import approval; the importer has asked to return the cargo. Offshore Energy: Valaris expects to begin a two-well exploration contract for Petronas Suriname in the fourth quarter, with work lasting up to seven months. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026, accelerating to 21.5% in 2028.

Poultry: Suriname’s H5N1 outbreak has prompted neighbouring Guyana to tighten farm inspections and border controls, raising risks for poultry producers and regional food security. Construction Supply: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, informing future tariff decisions and potential costs for Suriname’s industries. Gold Mining: Lawmakers say large-scale activity at Pelin Bergi may be costing the state substantial tax revenue and harming the environment; they want an investigation, while President Jennifer Simons says rules to protect rivers from mining pollution are in preparation. Rice Trade: Suriname has begun unloading a disputed 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment after the importer sought to have it returned, citing missing import approval and mounting costs. Offshore Energy: Valaris expects its drillship to begin a two-well exploration contract for Petronas Suriname in the fourth quarter, for up to seven months. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, before accelerating to 21.5% in 2028.

Gold Mining: Lawmaker Rabin Parmessar says miners at Pelin Bergi may be producing hundreds of kilograms of gold weekly without paying taxes. He wants an urgent investigation into production, permits, environmental damage and any possible link to Zijin Mining. Rice Trade: Authorities have begun unloading 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice seized over missing import approval. The importer wants to return the cargo, but the court hearing ended without permission for the vessel to leave. Energy: The World Bank warns drought can sharply reduce hydropower output across the region, forcing costly reliance on fossil fuels. Suriname is already preparing for low water levels at its hydro station. Offshore Outlook: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract for Petronas Suriname, expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. The World Bank projects Suriname’s economy to grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, before accelerating to 21.5% in 2028. Poultry: Guyana has stepped up farm and border surveillance after Suriname’s first reported bird-flu outbreak.

Mining and Water: President Jennifer Simons plans new rules to protect rivers from gold-mining pollution, while lawmakers are urging an investigation and temporary halt to mining near Kwakoegron over alleged environmental and permitting risks. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Suriname’s economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027, accelerating to 21.5% in 2028. Energy Risk: The Bank warns drought could sharply cut hydropower output across northern South America, including Suriname, forcing greater reliance on costly fossil-fuel generation. Regional Industry: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, informing future tariff decisions. Offshore Energy: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract for PETRONAS Suriname, expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months.

Regional Supply: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can meet demand for paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen from October 12–27. Their findings could shape future tariffs and regional trade. Mining & Water: President Jennifer Simons expects two decrees within weeks to define where gold mining is permitted and protect rivers and connected waterways from pollution. Offshore Energy: Valaris secured a two-well exploration contract with PETRONAS Suriname Exploration & Production. Work is expected to start in the fourth quarter and run for up to seven months. Agricultural Trade: Customs seized 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice over missing import approval; the importer is challenging the seizure in court. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported a 54-metre gold intercept grading 8.45 grams per tonne at its Antino project, including a higher-grade 24-metre section.

Rice Trade: Suriname seized a 385-tonne Guyanese rice shipment over missing import approval, and the importer is challenging the decision in court, seeking inspection and release of the cargo. Offshore Energy: Valaris added a two-well exploration contract for PETRONAS Suriname’s VALARIS DS-18 to a package of awards worth about US$220 million; the work is expected to start in the fourth quarter and last up to seven months. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported a high-grade intercept at its Antino project: 54 metres grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne, including 24 metres at 17.42 grams. Poultry Industry: Suriname’s first reported highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak affected a 6,000-bird flock in Wanica, prompting control measures and tighter regional poultry checks. Regional Tourism: Guyana’s president called for faster digital visa processing and better transport links, citing Suriname as one of the countries travellers must visit for visa biometrics.

Offshore Energy: Valaris added an estimated US$220 million to its contract backlog, including a two-well exploration campaign for PETRONAS Suriname Exploration & Production. The VALARIS DS-18 is expected to start work in the fourth quarter and operate for up to seven months. Rice Trade: Suriname rejected a 384.8-tonne shipment from Guyana after the importer failed to secure advance approval. Authorities ordered the cleared cargo returned, and Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim said the importer would face action. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported 54 metres grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project in southeastern Suriname, including a higher-grade 24-metre section. Economic Outlook: The World Bank says Suriname’s offshore investment is helping set it apart from the region’s slower-growing, tourism-dependent economies. Poultry: Suriname’s first reported highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak has prompted tighter surveillance and import checks in the region, highlighting risks to poultry production and trade.

Offshore Drilling: Valaris added about US$220 million to its contract backlog, including a two-well exploration campaign for PETRONAS Suriname. The VALARIS DS-18 is expected to start work offshore Suriname in the fourth quarter and operate for up to seven months. Rice Trade: Suriname rejected a 384.8-tonne Guyanese rice shipment after the importer failed to secure advance approval. Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim says action will be taken against the importer; part of the cargo had already cleared customs. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported a high-grade hit at its Antino project: 54 metres averaging 8.45 grams of gold per tonne, including 24 metres at 17.42 grams. The drill hole also extended a known zone at depth. Poultry Industry: Suriname’s first reported bird-flu outbreak affected a flock of 6,000 birds in Wanica. Authorities have imposed movement controls, surveillance and culling measures to contain the disease.