AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Trade & Shipping: Suriname donated 55.45 tons of rice to earthquake-hit Venezuela, loading the aid into two 20-foot containers at La Guaira as a second shipment after an earlier plane delivery. Education & Workforce Readiness: Hundreds of pupils in Suriname still can’t get enrolled as the new school year starts, with parents citing uncertainty from the Ministry of Education and a classroom shortage that leaves many referred students without places. Avian Health & Biosecurity: Suriname confirmed its first highly pathogenic avian influenza case in poultry in Wanica, prompting control measures like stamping out and movement restrictions; Barbados says it’s stepping up port surveillance while keeping normal quarantine rules. Energy & Investment Signals: Chevron plans to lift conventional exploration and appraisal spending in 2026, including activity in Suriname, while SLB reaffirmed optimism for the region’s energy sector after talks with Trinidad and Tobago officials. Telecom Modernisation: Telesur in Suriname went live on Cerillion 26.1, adding faster promotions and AI-powered automation, with further self-service and eKYC upgrades planned. Mining & Exploration: Critical Resources says it has started structural and geophysical work to advance its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname.

Oil & Gas Investment: Chevron says it will lift 2026 conventional exploration and appraisal spending to over $1.5bn, including activity tied to Suriname among other frontier regions. Mining Watch: Critical Resources is moving to kick off structural and geophysical work on its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname after securing exclusivity, aiming to fast-track interpretation across granted rights and surrounding belts. Agri & Biosecurity: Suriname confirmed its first HPAI case in poultry (Wanica), triggering stamping out, movement controls and surveillance; Barbados says it’s tightening port checks after the regional outbreak. Connectivity & Industry: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, advancing a new submarine cable corridor that will connect parts of the Dutch Caribbean and support next-gen regional connectivity. Telecom Upgrade: Suriname’s Telesur went live on Cerillion 26.1, adding faster promotions and AI-powered automation for service delivery. Governance & Land Use: Suriname’s task force is still grappling with illegal Amazon settlements, with eviction efforts complicated by court-order disputes and unclear enforcement pathways.

Avian Health & Trade: Barbados stepped up port monitoring after Suriname confirmed its first HPAI case in poultry (H5 strain), while stressing normal quarantine rules and approved-country import permits remain the line of defense. Amazon Enforcement: Suriname’s task force to evict illegal rainforest settlers is running into legal and practical confusion, with allegations that some settlers ignore court orders and officials unsure which rules apply. Telecom Modernisation: Telesur in Suriname went live on Cerillion 26.1, adding faster promotions via a Promotions Engine and AI-powered automation, with next steps for composable self-service and eKYC. Mining Push: Critical Resources expanded its Suriname gold footprint by securing exclusive rights to the Greenstars project, bringing in specialists for structural and geophysical work across its Gonini/Greenstars areas. Energy Sector Signals: SLB reaffirmed commitment to the region after talks in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting local employment and efficiency support through its Energy Accelerator Hub. Governance & Finance: RFHL founding director Dawn Callender retired from the Republic Financial Holdings board, effective Oct 1, marking the last original RFHL director exit.

HPAI Watch: Suriname confirmed its first highly pathogenic avian influenza case in a Wanica poultry flock of about 6,000 birds, triggering stamping out, movement controls, and tighter surveillance; Port & Border Controls: Barbados stepped up monitoring at ports of entry after the Suriname outbreak, stressing normal quarantine rules and tighter checks on illegal imports; Gold Exploration Push: Critical Resources moved to kick off structural and geophysical work across its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname, holding a 90% interest in granted rights over about 199 sq km (subject to deal completion); Telecom Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, advancing from design to committed investment for a submarine fibre system linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029; Digital Upgrade in Suriname: Telesur went live on Cerillion 26.1, adding faster promotions, AI automation, and expanded APIs as it prepares further self-service and eKYC rollout; Education Disruption: Suriname’s education ministry urged parents to enroll students in temporary schools after only 234 of 721 were registered, leaving hundreds at risk of missing the new school year.

Gold Exploration in Suriname: Critical Resources says it has brought exploration specialists (GexplOre) to kick off structural and geophysical work across its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects, holding a 90% interest over 199 sq km of granted mining rights, aiming to map the source of gold tied to historic small-scale workings. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine fibre system linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with service targeted for end-2029 and potential onward routes for regional markets including Suriname. Oil & Gas Watch: ExxonMobil Guyana continues exploration at Liza Two, with drilling expected to run through 31 Oct 2026, while Guyana’s oil reserves were reported to have slipped below 11B barrels. Biosecurity for Poultry Trade: Barbados stepped up port monitoring after Suriname’s H5 avian influenza outbreak, relying on existing quarantine rules but tightening checks on illegal imports. Regional Health Cooperation: Guyana convened Amazon countries to push malaria elimination, Indigenous health and stronger disease surveillance, with Suriname sharing its community-based malaria response model. Telecom Upgrade in Suriname: Telesur went live on Cerillion 26.1, adding faster promotions and AI-powered automation, with further self-service and eKYC rollout planned.

Avian Health & Trade Controls: Barbados stepped up port monitoring after Suriname’s H5 avian influenza outbreak, stressing normal quarantine rules and tighter checks against illegal poultry imports. Regional Health Cooperation: Guyana convened Amazon countries to push malaria elimination, Indigenous health and stronger disease surveillance, with Suriname sharing its community-based malaria response model. Energy & Resource Governance: Dr. Henry Jeffrey questioned why Guyana’s oil wealth hasn’t delivered lasting gains for ordinary citizens, contrasting it with Suriname’s proposed “Royalties for Everyone” approach. Oil & Gas Activity: ExxonMobil said it will continue exploration drilling at Liza Two while producing ~255,000 bpd, and separately reported Guyana’s oil reserves have fallen below 11B barrels. Mining & Illicit Finance: Critical Resources expanded its Suriname gold footprint via the Greenstars project, while APNU called for investigations into financiers behind illegal gold mining after an INTERPOL warning about cocaine profits being laundered through gold. ICT & Industry Services: Telesur completed an upgrade to Cerillion 26.1, adding faster promotions and AI automation for telecom service launches. Education & Local Capacity: Suriname’s education ministry said only 234 of 721 students referred to temporary schools are enrolled, leaving hundreds at risk of missing classes.

Telecom & Connectivity: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, planning an open-access, carrier-neutral submarine route from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, and aiming for service by end-2029—potentially extending links toward Suriname, Guyana and the wider region. Digital Services: Telesur in Suriname went live on Cerillion 26.1, upgrading its BSS/OSS platform with faster promotions, AI automation and improved customer data views, with further self-service and eKYC rollout next. Energy & Finance: ExxonMobil Guyana says it will explore further at Liza Two while producing ~255,000 bpd, and also reported Guyana’s oil reserves have fallen below 11B barrels. Health Cooperation: Guyana convened Amazon countries to push malaria elimination, Indigenous health and disease surveillance, with Suriname sharing its community-based malaria transmission elimination approach. Food & Agriculture Risk: Barbados tightened port surveillance after Suriname’s H5 avian influenza outbreak; Guyana also moved to high alert and imposed a ban on Suriname bananas. Business & Infrastructure: A Holiday Inn in Paramaribo is set to support expected offshore oil-driven travel demand, with 85 rooms and a target opening tied to rising activity from late 2027. Mining & Security: A Suriname-linked kidnapping case in Guyana saw “Demon” Mark Cromwell deny involvement as unrest and police searches escalated.

Oil & Gas Watch: ExxonMobil says it will press deeper exploration at Liza Two in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, with drilling expected to run through 31 Oct 2026 as the project continues producing about 255,000 bpd. Public Health & Regional Cooperation: Guyana chaired Amazon health talks on malaria elimination, Indigenous Peoples’ health and disease surveillance, with Suriname sharing its community-based malaria response model. Avian Flu & Border Controls: Barbados strengthened port surveillance after Suriname’s H5 avian influenza outbreak, while Guyana reported high alert and quarantine checks linked to the same regional risk. Clean Energy & Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the Caribbean, including Suriname and Guyana. Digital Infrastructure: Telesur upgraded to Cerillion 26.1, adding faster promotions and AI-powered automation, with further self-service and eKYC rollout planned. Mining & Enforcement Pressure: An APNU MP urged deeper investigations into the financiers behind illegal gold mining after an INTERPOL warning about links to cocaine proceeds. Connectivity for the Region: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a route that could extend interconnection toward Suriname and the wider region. Local Business & Construction: A Holiday Inn in Paramaribo is set to support expected growth from the offshore oil and gas sector, with an 85-room plan tied to rising business travel demand. Security & Unrest: “Demond” Mark Cromwell denied involvement in the disappearance of two Surinamese men as police investigations and unrest in Vigilance/Buxton continued.

Telecom Upgrade: Suriname’s Telesur has gone live on Cerillion 26.1, rolling out faster promotions, AI-powered automation, and improved customer visibility, with more self-service and eKYC features planned next. Education Capacity: Suriname’s Education Ministry says only 234 of 721 students referred to temporary schools have enrolled, leaving about 487 at risk of missing classes due to classroom shortages—parents are urged to register. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine system linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with possible interconnection to Suriname and others. Aviation & Safety: Guyana hosted an international aviation safety forum with ICAO and EASA, focusing on stronger oversight and accident investigation coordination across nearly 60 countries. Clean Energy Support: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up facility to back women-led clean energy businesses across the region, including Suriname. Mining & Growth: Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results at Sela Creek in Suriname, while Critical Resources secured a second gold project in Suriname (Greenstars) as it expands its local portfolio. Business Infrastructure: A Holiday Inn with 85 rooms is set for Paramaribo, aimed at supporting expected growth tied to the offshore oil and gas sector. Health & Biosecurity: Suriname’s poultry bird flu outbreak is driving strict farm closures and controls, with the virus response continuing across the sector.

Telecom Upgrade in Suriname: Telesur has gone live on Cerillion 26.1, upgrading its BSS/OSS platform with faster promotions, AI-powered automation, and improved customer data views, with further self-service and eKYC rollout planned. Education Access: Suriname’s Education Ministry says only 234 of 721 students referred to temporary schools are enrolled, warning that about 487 may miss classes unless parents register. Bird Flu Response: A poultry farm hit by H5 bird flu will stay closed for 28 days, with nearby-contact locations also shut while samples are sent for lab testing. Mining & Security: INTERPOL-linked concerns in the region highlight how cocaine profits can be funneled into illegal gold mining; Guyana’s APNU MP Sharma Solomon calls for investigations into financiers, not just seized dredges and shipments. Cross-Border Indigenous Coordination: Tribal leaders from French Guiana and Suriname plan joint talks on illegal gold mining, pollution, and river-border issues around the Marowijne. Gold Exploration in Suriname: Miata Metals reports new high-grade gold drill results at Sela Creek, including 35.25m at 3.41 g/t Au (Jons Trend). Infrastructure & Connectivity: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine fibre route that could connect through Martinique/Guadeloupe toward Suriname and the wider region.

Education & Workforce Readiness: Suriname’s Education Ministry says 487 of 721 students referred to temporary schools still aren’t enrolled, warning parents to register now since the shortage is only a stopgap and classes must start. Telecom Modernisation: Telesur has gone live on Cerillion 26.1, upgrading its BSS/OSS platform with faster promotions, AI-powered automation, improved customer data views, and next steps toward self-service and eKYC. Clean Energy for Industry: A CDB-backed US$550,000 facility will support women-led businesses across the region—including Suriname—to commercialise clean energy solutions from 2026–2028. Energy & Connectivity Infrastructure: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 and proposing a route that could extend connectivity toward Suriname via Martinique interconnection. Mining & Security Risks: INTERPOL-linked concerns highlight criminal syndicates using illegal gold mining to move cocaine profits, prompting calls for deeper investigations into financiers behind operations. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Guyana is on high alert for bird flu after Suriname’s outbreak, while also banning Suriname banana imports. Hotel & Logistics Demand: A Holiday Inn in Paramaribo is set to support expected offshore oil and gas business travel growth, with 85 rooms planned.

Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched the SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility, a US$550,000, 2026–2028 programme backing women-led businesses across the region—including Suriname—to turn clean energy ideas into prototypes, pilots and early sales. Illegal Gold Mining & Finance Scrutiny: APNU MP Sharma Solomon urged Guyana to investigate who finances illegal mining after INTERPOL warned that cocaine profits are being laundered through gold operations, echoing calls to follow the money, not just seize dredges. Bird Flu Controls: Guyana reported H5N1 bird flu risk after Suriname’s outbreak, with quarantine checks and culling/burying measures; Suriname’s poultry farm remains closed for 28 days. Connectivity & Telecom Investment: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine corridor linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with potential interconnection toward Suriname. Port Electrification Lessons: Caribbean port leaders returned from a Europe study visit on shore power, electrification and port investment, aiming to turn sustainability plans into practical upgrades. Suriname Mining Drilling Update: Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold intercepts at its Sela Creek project in Suriname, including 35.25m at 3.41 g/t Au. Oil & Gas Logistics Demand: A Holiday Inn in Paramaribo is set to support expected offshore oil activity, with projections of up to 1,500 monthly offshore-related travellers.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for an open-access, carrier-neutral submarine fibre system linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with service targeted by end-2029 and a planned interconnection path toward Suriname, Guyana and other islands. Mining & Investment: Miata Metals reported new diamond-drill results at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including 35.25m at 3.41 g/t Au (with 5.55m at 15.36 g/t) at Jons Trend, as the company says mineralization remains open at depth. Oil & Gas Logistics: A Holiday Inn is set to be built near EAG Airport in Paramaribo, aiming to serve expected offshore oil and gas workforce growth from late 2027 into 2028. Agribusiness & Biosecurity: Guyana imposed a ban on Suriname-imported bananas and is on bird-flu alert after H5N1 was detected in Suriname poultry, with quarantine checks and culling/burial measures underway. Regional Security & Trade Risks: INTERPOL warned at its Americas conference that criminal syndicates are operating like corporations, using illegal gold mining to launder cocaine profits—highlighting the need for faster cross-border intelligence sharing. Energy Cooperation: Venezuela and Suriname signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation, supported by a technical training agreement between their universities.

Subsea & Energy Services: SLB OneSubsea CEO says Asia-Pacific and Africa frontier offshore developments are opening new subsea project opportunities beyond its core regions, with Indonesia and Namibia/Mozambique on the radar. Aviation & Safety Oversight: A global aviation safety forum opened in Georgetown under ICAO and EASA, focusing on coordination, workforce development, and stronger accident/incident investigation capacity. Maritime Decarbonisation: Caribbean port leaders returned from Europe with lessons on moving from sustainability plans to implementation, targeting cleaner, more resilient and competitive port operations. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe with branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Suriname Oil & Gas Demand: Groundbreaking for a Holiday Inn in Paramaribo links the hotel to expected offshore activity growth, projecting up to 1,500 offshore-linked transport needs per month. Gold Mining Push in Suriname: Critical Resources secured a 90% stake in the Greenstars gold project (Para District) and follows its recent Gonini move, both near major regional gold operations. Food & Biosecurity: Suriname’s poultry sector response to H5 bird flu keeps the affected farm closed for 28 days and adds biosecurity support via APSS and LVV.

Mining & Investment: Miata Metals reported new diamond-drill results at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including 35.25m at 3.41 g/t Au (with 5.55m at 15.36 g/t) at Jons Trend, reinforcing stacked gold-bearing veins open at depth. Gold Deals: Critical Resources doubled down on Suriname, securing a 90% stake in the Greenstars gold project and Saramacca satellite deposit (35 sq km) after its earlier Gonini move. Energy Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a 2026–2027 roadmap covering hydrocarbons plus training and technical cooperation, as TotalEnergies pushes GranMorgu toward first oil in 2028. Port & Connectivity: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe system with a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Business & Infrastructure: Holiday Inn is set for Paramaribo (85 rooms), timed to expected offshore oil activity growth from late 2027. Food Industry: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances is investing in natural colour technology for regional food and beverage manufacturers, expanding distribution across Suriname and the wider Caribbean. Biosecurity: Suriname’s poultry farm with H5 bird flu will stay closed for 28 days, with APSS support and samples sent abroad to identify the variant.

Caribbean Connectivity Push: EllaLink officially launches the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new fibre optic submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, moving from letters of intent to committed investment with service targeted for end-2029. Gold Exploration Update: Miata Metals reports new Sela Creek drill results in Suriname’s Jons Trend, including 35.25m at 3.41 g/t Au (and 5.55m at 15.36 g/t) plus additional long, stacked gold-bearing vein intercepts. Airport-to-Offshore Business Case: Paramaribo’s Holiday Inn (85 rooms) breaks ground near EAG Airport, banking on a surge in offshore oil and gas travel—up to 1,500 people per month—while also supporting tourism and events. Mining Investment Momentum: Critical Resources expands its Suriname gold play with a 90% stake in Greenstars (35 sq km) following its Gonini move, positioning projects near major regional producers. Energy Cooperation Framework: Venezuela and Suriname sign a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation, supported by technical training links between universities. Food & Biosecurity: Suriname’s poultry sector keeps an H5 bird flu-affected farm closed for 28 days, with APSS support and lab testing to identify the variant. Security & Illicit Finance: INTERPOL warns that criminal syndicates are increasingly funding drug profits through illegal gold mining, citing cross-border operations involving Suriname.