AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Governance & Corruption Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean, while Suriname and Guyana sit among the lowest performers—fueling fresh pressure for cleaner public administration. Suriname–China Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname wants to consolidate and expand ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to cooperation in infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people links. Suriname–Dominican Republic Relations: Geerlings-Simons tells the Dominican National Congress the two countries share democratic values and should deepen cooperation, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange. Parliamentary Oversight in the Region: Guyana’s National Assembly finally constituted 13 parliamentary committees after an eight-month hiatus, a key step for legislative oversight—though opposition voices remain skeptical about whether the bodies will function effectively. Anti-Drug & Security Concerns: A major cocaine shipment case involving Surinamese nationals is tied to a Dutch fugitive, raising questions about cross-border trafficking networks and accountability. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project under CRFM is pushing clean energy and low-carbon upgrades for Caribbean fisheries, with Suriname included in efforts to improve resilience and cold-chain efficiency. World Cup Culture, Not Just Sport: Coverage of the World Cup’s wider social story and regional football moments keeps spotlighting how Caribbean teams and diaspora communities are shaping the tournament narrative.

OAS Governance Under Fire: A Trump-era internal memo is pushing for an independent probe into OAS assistant secretary general Albert Ramdin, alleging administrative irregularities, nepotism, and misuse of resources—while also spotlighting Suriname-linked adviser Xaviera Jessurun, who is reportedly under investigation at home. Regional Corruption Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while Barbados, The Bahamas, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines score higher—renewing pressure on governance standards across the region. Suriname–China 50 Years: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname wants to deepen and expand cooperation with China as the two mark half a century of diplomatic ties, citing infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people links. Parliamentary Oversight Momentum (Guyana): After an 8-month pause, Guyana’s Committee of Selection finally constituted 13 parliamentary committees, though opposition questions whether the bodies will function effectively. Colonial Justice Debate (Netherlands–Caribbean): The Dutch Royal House acknowledges questions over how some colonial-era objects were acquired, with implications for Suriname and the wider Caribbean as provenance data is set to be shared. Suriname in the International Spotlight (Haiti): PAHO’s OAS report highlights health progress in the Americas, including Suriname’s malaria-free certification, while noting setbacks like measles elimination.

Suriname–China 50th Anniversary: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname wants to consolidate and expand cooperation with China as the two mark five decades of diplomatic ties, citing progress in infrastructure, green development, people-to-people exchanges, and multilateral work. Suriname–Dominican Republic: Geerlings-Simons used a joint session of the Dominican National Congress to stress shared democratic values and push deeper collaboration on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange. Regional Diplomacy: Suriname also seeks greater parliamentary exchange with the Dominican Republic, while a new Suriname Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, begins her tenure with a courtesy visit to Curaçao’s governor to strengthen trade and consular ties. Governance & Oversight (Guyana): After an 8-month pause, Guyana’s Committee of Selection finally constituted 13 parliamentary committees, but opposition voices remain skeptical and a dispute over Forward Guyana Movement leader Amanza Walton-Desir’s eligibility surfaced. Anti-Corruption Push (Guyana): A letter argues Suriname’s president has taken a tougher line on asset declarations than Guyana, where the Integrity Commission Act exists but enforcement is seen as weak. Security & Justice (Transnational Crime): Spanish authorities allege a Dutch fugitive, Joseph “Jos” Leijdekkers, masterminded a record 30-ton cocaine shipment seized off West Africa—reportedly involving Surinamese nationals—raising fresh scrutiny of trafficking networks across the region. Energy & Aviation (Caribbean/South America): Clean-energy support for Caribbean fisheries is expanding under the STAR-Fish project, while Guyana’s airport air traffic control tower tender drew bids from two Chinese firms and one Guyanese partner.

Parliamentary Oversight: After an 8-month pause, Guyana’s Committee of Selection finally met and constituted 13 parliamentary committees, reviving legislative oversight—though opposition members are skeptical about whether the government will let them function. Anti-Drug Accountability: A major Spanish-linked case alleges Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers masterminded a record 30-ton cocaine shipment seized off West Africa, with Surinamese nationals among those arrested—raising fresh questions for Police Chief William Fayiah Sellu. Suriname-Dominican Republic Ties: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to stress shared democratic values and push deeper cooperation with the Dominican Republic, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange. Asset Declaration Pressure: A Suriname-focused directive on public asset declarations is being contrasted with Guyana’s weaker enforcement, with critics arguing Guyana lacks the will to apply its Integrity Commission Act. Diplomacy in the Region: Suriname also signaled closer cooperation with China as it marks 50 years of diplomatic ties, with the president pointing to infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people exchanges. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is ramping up clean energy interventions across Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, aiming at resilience, low-carbon certification, and better cold-chain capacity.

Parliamentary Oversight: Guyana’s Committee of Selection has finally constituted 13 parliamentary committees after an 8-month hiatus, restarting legislative oversight bodies like the Public Accounts Committee and security-sector oversight—though opposition figures are already questioning whether the government will let them function effectively. Anti-Corruption Pressure: A Suriname-focused debate is resurfacing around asset declarations: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is pushing a tougher line, while critics point to weaker enforcement elsewhere in the region. Suriname-Dominican Republic Diplomacy: Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to stress shared democratic values and expand cooperation with the Dominican Republic, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange. Regional Security & Crime: A major international drug case is back in the spotlight after Spanish authorities allege a Dutch fugitive masterminded a record 30-ton cocaine shipment seized off West Africa, with arrests including Surinamese nationals. Energy & Development Links: Suriname’s push to deepen ties with China—marking 50 years of diplomatic relations—was highlighted as key to infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people cooperation.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to stress shared democratic values and push a wider agenda with the Dominican Republic, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange—while both sides signed agreements and backed stronger regional integration. Visa & Connectivity Deal: A key outcome is visa-free tourism entry for Dominican citizens who hold valid U.S. or Schengen visas, alongside emphasis on air links such as the Sky High Dominicana route to Paramaribo. International Relations Focus: Geerlings-Simons and President Luis Abinader also urged stronger international action on Haiti, arguing regional stability is tied to security and development. Regional Governance Watch: In the Netherlands, Dutch Royal House officials acknowledged “serious doubts” about some colonial-era acquisitions in royal collections, with Suriname and Caribbean legacies explicitly in the wider scope of the investigation. Public Sector Procurement (Outside Suriname): Guyana’s tender for a new air traffic control tower at Cheddi Jagan International Airport drew bids from two Chinese firms and one Guyanese joint venture.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint National Congress address in Santo Domingo to push deeper cooperation with the Dominican Republic, stressing shared democratic values and practical collaboration on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange. Bilateral Agreements & Mobility: The two presidents signed a Joint Declaration and multiple agreements, including a new visa-free tourism entry rule for Dominican citizens with valid U.S. or Schengen visas. Regional Security & Organized Crime: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during a Paramaribo conference focused on organized crime, firearms violence, trafficking, smuggling, and cybercrime. Foreign Policy Spotlight: Geerlings-Simons and Dominican President Luis Abinader also urged stronger international action to address the Haiti crisis, linking stability there to Caribbean security and development. China Ties at 50 Years: In a separate interview, Suriname’s president said the country wants to consolidate and expand relations with China as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties is marked. Local Governance Note: A new Suriname consul-general in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, began her tenure with a courtesy visit to the governor, signaling continued focus on trade, culture, education, and consular cooperation.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons wrapped a high-level visit to Santo Domingo, stressing shared democratic values and pushing a wider agenda on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange; leaders also signed a joint declaration and agreements, including a new visa-free tourism entry rule for Dominicans with valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Security & Haiti: Geerlings-Simons and Dominican President Luis Abinader used the same platform to urge stronger international action on Haiti, linking stability there to Caribbean security and development. Foreign Policy with China: In a separate interview, Geerlings-Simons said Suriname wants to consolidate and expand cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, pointing to infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people links. Caribbean Policing Cooperation: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during a conference in Paramaribo focused on organized crime and its regional knock-on effects. Cultural Justice in the Netherlands: Amsterdam advanced the National Slavery Museum project by selecting ten international design teams, including Curaçao historian Rose Mary Allen, with Suriname and Caribbean perspectives highlighted in the process.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons wrapped a high-profile official visit to the Dominican Republic, telling lawmakers the two countries are “two democracies” and pushing cooperation on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and a wider parliamentary exchange. Strategic Partnership: Abinader and Geerlings-Simons signed a joint declaration and multiple agreements, including a new tourism immigration rule: Dominican citizens with ordinary passports can enter Suriname visa-free if they hold a valid US or Schengen visa. Regional Security & Policing: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Paramaribo, with the conference focused on organized crime, firearms violence, trafficking, smuggling, cybercrime, and policing tech. Energy & Environment: ExxonMobil filed for environmental authorization for a second super-sized FPSO to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana, while Brazil’s environmental approval for Amazon-adjacent drilling reignited concerns about manatee rescue capacity. Local Governance/Consular Work: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, began her tenure with a courtesy visit to the Curaçao governor to strengthen trade, culture, education, and consular ties. International Justice & Heritage: The Dutch Royal House acknowledged “serious doubts” over some colonial-era objects’ voluntary acquisition, with plans to publish provenance data for an open dialogue with origin countries.

Suriname-Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons told the Dominican National Congress the two countries are “two democracies” with shared values, pushing cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange. Bilateral Deals & Mobility: In Santo Domingo, both presidents signed a joint declaration and agreements across tourism, trade, education and international affairs, including visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Security & Haiti: Geerlings-Simons and Dominican President Abinader urged stronger international action to stabilize Haiti, linking it to Caribbean security and development. Regional Law Enforcement: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during a Paramaribo-hosted meeting focused on organized crime and cyber threats. Cyber & State Threats: A new report says China-linked cyber groups have ramped up operations against government entities across Latin America and the Caribbean, including targets in Panama and Venezuela. Energy & Environment: STAR-Fish (Canada-funded) is scaling clean-energy solutions for Caribbean fisheries, while ExxonMobil filed plans for a major FPSO-linked gas development offshore Guyana. Colonial Heritage Scrutiny: The Dutch Royal House acknowledged “serious doubts” over some colonial-era objects’ voluntary acquisition, with implications for Suriname and the wider Caribbean.

Suriname Aviation Procurement: Three firms—two Chinese and one Guyanese in a joint venture—submitted bids for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Timehri) air traffic control tower, with BK International/GECI Espnola bidding GY$3.9bn, Shandong High-Speed Dejian/Beijing Institute of Architectural Design bidding US$21.65m, and China CAMCE bidding US$89.08m. Regional Energy & Environment: Canada-backed STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades, while Brazil’s environmental approval for Amazon River-mouth drilling reignites debate over wildlife rescue capacity. Suriname Diplomacy in the Region: Suriname’s new Consul-General in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, made a courtesy visit to the Curaçao governor, as Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons advances ties with the Dominican Republic through a strategic economic alliance and new visa-free tourism entry for Dominican citizens holding valid US or Schengen visas. Caribbean Security & Politics: The USS Nimitz is set to dock in Jamaica as part of Southern Seas 2026, drawing public concern about regional alignment amid heightened US-Cuba tensions. Law Enforcement Leadership: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Paramaribo, with organized crime a central theme.

Colonial Justice & Dutch Royal Collections: The Dutch Royal House says its new provenance probe into colonial-era objects may include items not acquired lawfully or voluntarily, with “serious doubts” flagged for some pieces tied to unequal power in former Dutch colonies, including Suriname and the Caribbean. Diplomacy (Suriname–Curaçao): Suriname’s new consul-general in Curaçao, Joraisa Pokie, made a courtesy visit to Governor Mauritsz de Kort, signaling renewed focus on trade, culture, education and consular cooperation. Regional Security & Policing: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during a Paramaribo conference centered on organized crime and cross-border threats. Suriname–Dominican Republic Alliance: Presidents Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Luis Abinader signed agreements boosting tourism, agriculture, trade, education and air connectivity, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid US or Schengen visas. Haiti Call for Action: The two leaders also urged stronger international involvement to address Haiti’s crisis with a human-rights-first approach. Energy Outlook for the Region: An energy analyst argues Curaçao could benefit from a wider South American energy corridor if Venezuela re-enters global markets, with offshore support services as the real opportunity. Caribbean Aviation Realignment: Commentary highlights major route cuts and new interline links reshaping regional connectivity, with Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten emerging as key hubs. Caribbean Arms & Drugs Crackdown: INTERPOL-backed operation “Orca XI” reports seizures of 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs across the Americas.

Suriname-Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrived in the Dominican Republic for an official visit, with both sides signing cooperation deals on tourism, agriculture, trade, education and international affairs, and highlighting air connectivity via the Sky High Dominicana route and visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid US or Schengen visas. Regional Security & Police Cooperation: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during its Paramaribo conference, with the agenda centered on organized crime and cross-border threats. U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean: The USS Nimitz is set to dock in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of Southern Seas 2026, with Suriname and Guyana previously hosting delegations aboard the carrier—raising debate across the region about signals amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions. CARICOM Foreign Policy: CARICOM foreign ministers urged “unified action” and a “dual approach” to protect sovereignty, while also expressing concern over intensifying measures against Cuba and the risk of military aggression. Wildlife & Environment: Brazil approved oil drilling off the Amazon River mouth despite concerns that rescue plans are not feasible for large animals like manatees, spotlighting spill risks to a unique hybrid manatee population.

Suriname-Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrived in the Dominican Republic for an official visit through June 2, with military honors and meetings with President Luis Abinader, legislative leaders, and planned cooperation deal signings—covering energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture, and air services. Suriname-Brazil Trade Talks: In Brasília, Geerlings-Simons met Brazil’s Lula, agreeing to start negotiations in the second half of the year to expand a still-small trade relationship and broaden sectors beyond current limited goods flows. Regional Police Leadership: Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John was elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) during the group’s Paramaribo conference, as organized crime and firearms trafficking dominated discussions. CARICOM Foreign Policy: CARICOM foreign ministers urged “unified action” and a “dual approach” to protect sovereignty—pushing both tighter foreign policy coordination and faster progress on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Security Cooperation in the Region: INTERPOL-backed operations across the Americas seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs, with thousands of arrests and EU funding supporting the effort. Caribbean Aviation Shock: St Kitts and Nevis officials say Caribbean Airlines withdrew from the St Kitts route without consulting government, while talks continue to secure an alternative carrier. Public Health Warning: A Caribbean-focused piece highlights WHO’s World No Tobacco Day theme, warning that vape marketing targets young people with “healthier” claims despite nicotine and flavor harms.

Regional Security & Crime Control: INTERPOL-backed “Orca XI” operation seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across Central America, South America and the Caribbean, with 8,701 arrests and EU funding supporting the effort. Caribbean Police Leadership: Sint Maarten’s Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected Chairman of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) at its Paramaribo conference, with “Organized Crime” as the theme. Suriname in Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s COFCOR expressed deep concern over intensifying economic and financial measures against Cuba, warning of risks to the region’s peace and to CARICOM nationals living and studying there. U.S. Navy Presence Raises Questions: The USS Nimitz will dock in Kingston, Jamaica (June 1–5) as part of “Southern Seas 2026,” with regional observers urging clarity amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions. Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis sparked criticism over lack of consultation, while a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal takes effect June 1, signaling broader regional route realignment. Suriname–Brazil Ties: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate to expand their trade agreement after a high-level meeting in Brasília, with talks expected to cover defense, energy, security and connectivity.

Regional Aviation Shock: St Kitts and Nevis says Caribbean Airlines withdrew from its route without consulting government, after the airline’s losses were linked to fuel-price pressures; Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says talks are underway with another carrier to keep regional links. Regional Security Leadership: Sint Maarten’s Chief Commissioner Carl John was elected Chairman of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Paramaribo, with the group focusing on organized crime and deeper cross-Caribbean cooperation. U.S.-Caribbean Military Presence: The USS Nimitz will dock in Kingston, Jamaica for Southern Seas 2026, with U.S. officials framing it as maritime cooperation while regional observers note the wider Cuba-related tensions. CARICOM Foreign Policy: CARICOM’s foreign ministers urged “unified action” amid global pressures, while COFCOR also voiced concern over intensifying measures against Cuba and warned against any talk of military aggression. Suriname-Brazil Ties: Suriname and Brazil will begin negotiations to expand trade, with a state visit in Brasília expected to cover agreements across defense, energy, security and connectivity. Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL-backed Operation Orca XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across the Americas, supported by the OAS and EU funding.