AGP Executive Report

Human Trafficking Push: Suriname’s Ambassador Marlon Mohamed-Hoesein urged stronger regional cooperation at the OAS, warning that weak maritime borders and fast digitalisation are helping traffickers exploit legal gaps and target survivors. Drug Route Claims: Venezuelan authorities say Suriname is allegedly used as a transit point in a cocaine corridor to Europe, after arrests in Anzoátegui and the destruction of an illegal airstrip linked to shipments via Guyana and Suriname. Humanitarian Aid: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ government sent seven tons of food and hygiene supplies to Venezuela for victims of the June 24 double earthquakes, delivered Aug. 4 to Maiquetía with Suriname’s ambassador onboard. Justice Cooperation (Curaçao): Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum allowing four Surinamese correctional officers to temporarily support Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC) for three months under a justice-sector twinning deal. Mining Update (Antino): Founders Metals reported high-grade growth at its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, including 28.0m of 14.27 g/t gold from drill hole FR249, extending mineralisation down-dip from earlier results.

Maritime Safety & Procurement: A leaked Guyana proposal says the Dutch salvage firm Koole Onshore and Koole Offshore was “invited” to recover the sunken MV Barima before an official RFP—raising transparency questions—while separate reporting says the firm’s owner, Paul Koole, was arrested in Italy over embezzlement. Regional Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four Surinamese correctional officers for three months to Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC), focused on safety standards and youth guidance. Humanitarian Aid: Suriname’s government sent seven tons of food and personal hygiene supplies to Venezuela for victims of the June 24 double earthquake; the cargo arrived Aug. 4 and was received by Venezuelan Foreign Ministry officials. Energy & Logistics Outlook: Curaçao is positioning itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil growth, including port services and an industrial cluster around the 2BAYS area. Governance & Participation: A UWI Mona government lecturer warned that low voter turnout across the Caribbean weakens the region’s ability to advocate internationally, arguing democracy at home is key to effective diplomacy. Mining & Development Watch: Founders Metals reported high-grade growth at its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, including 28.0m at 14.27 g/t Au in drill hole FR249.

Humanitarian Response: Suriname’s government sent a plane with seven tons of food and personal hygiene items to Venezuela for people affected by the June 24 double earthquakes; the cargo arrived Aug. 4 at Maiquetía, received by Venezuelan Foreign Ministry officials and Suriname’s ambassador, with Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia González later thanking Venezuela and discussing bilateral cooperation. Regional Energy & Trade: Curaçao is pitching itself as a logistics hub for offshore oil work tied to Suriname and Guyana, leveraging port capacity, ship repair, fuel storage and bunkering to capture new demand as both countries expand offshore activity. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC) for three months to strengthen safety standards and youth guidance. Security & Governance Capacity: France’s Guiana customs push and related regional efforts highlight stepped-up measures against drug trafficking and illegal gold mining, including more scanners and staff. Suriname’s Oil Outlook: Reports point to rising optimism for Suriname’s GranMorgu project in Block 58 as Middle East tensions lift global oil prices, with the deepwater development projected to drive major revenue over its lifespan.

Democratic Participation Warning: UWI Mona’s Dr Lisa Ann Vasciannie says low voter turnout across the Caribbean is weakening the region’s ability to push for major international priorities like nuclear safety and security, arguing diplomacy and international law only work when citizens stay engaged at home. Suriname-Venezuela Solidarity: Suriname’s government sent seven tons of humanitarian aid—food and personal hygiene items—to Venezuela after the June 24 double earthquakes; the shipment arrived Aug. 4 at Maiquetía and was received by Venezuelan foreign ministry officials and Suriname’s ambassador. Curaçao-Suriname Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four Surinamese correctional officers for three months to Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC), aiming to strengthen safety standards and youth guidance through knowledge exchange. Curaçao Maritime Push Linked to Suriname/Guyana Oil: Curaçao is building a wider industrial cluster around 2BAYS to expand port, offshore services, logistics, energy and technical work, citing rising demand from Suriname and Guyana’s offshore growth. Regional Security & Migration: A report highlights how illegal mining networks increasingly use routes through Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname to launder Brazilian gold, while separate coverage notes Panama expelling a Cuban wanted by U.S. authorities—also mentioning a prior case involving travel from Suriname. Oil Market Context for Suriname: Coverage ties Suriname’s emerging oil expansion—especially the GranMorgu project—to higher global prices amid Middle East tensions, framing the outlook for future revenue as more supportive.

Humanitarian Solidarity: Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons sent seven tons of food and personal hygiene items to Venezuela after the June 24 double earthquakes, landing at Maiquetía on Aug. 4 and received by Venezuelan foreign ministry officials and Suriname’s ambassador. Regional Energy & Trade: Curaçao is pitching itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil boom, leveraging port capacity, bunkering and offshore services to capture new regional demand. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC) for three months, focused on safety standards and youth guidance. Maritime Decarbonization: An IDB-commissioned study says Caribbean ports—including Suriname—are not yet offering full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, with the Bahamas and Barbados furthest on policy readiness. Oil Sector Outlook: Coverage highlights Suriname’s GranMorgu project in Block 58 as a major revenue driver, with Middle East tensions boosting global oil prices and optimism for future growth. Border & Security: A report on illegal mining routes says gold is increasingly moved via Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname to launder Brazilian gold, including use of aircraft and clandestine airstrips.

Suriname–Oil & Economy: With Middle East tensions pushing crude prices higher, Suriname’s oil outlook is getting a boost, spotlighting the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 as TotalEnergies and APA move the deepwater plan forward. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS have taken over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva from Haiti, keeping Suriname and other members aligned on foreign policy across UN agencies. Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC) for three months to strengthen safety standards and youth guidance. Maritime Jobs & Industry: Curaçao is building a wider industrial cluster around the 2BAYS area, aiming to grow port-linked offshore, logistics, and bunkering activity and create about 80 direct and indirect jobs, with regional demand from Guyana and Suriname in view. Finance & Governance Watch: A Bloomberg-linked report argues Guyana’s resource management still falls short on transparent and competitive rights—an indirect warning for the wider Suriname-Guyana oil race.

Suriname–CARICOM/Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum under their Justice Sector Twinning Agreement, allowing four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to temporarily support the Justitiële Jeugdinrichting Curaçao (JJIC) for three months, focused on youth detention safety standards, guidance, and capacity-building. Suriname–Oil & Gas: With Middle East tensions pushing global prices, Suriname’s oil outlook is getting a boost, spotlighting the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 and the broader push to turn delayed offshore development into sustained growth. Suriname–Border/Legal: Opposition legislator-led debate in Suriname’s National Assembly continues to draw attention, including government participation in talks on a border treaty and renewed friction around ratifying a border protocol with France. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS assumed CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, taking over from Haiti, as missions coordinate foreign policy positions across UN agencies. Maritime Decarbonization (IDB): An IDB study on Caribbean ports assessed readiness for shore-side power and green fuel bunkering, noting no port is fully operational yet, while highlighting policy and regulatory progress in the Bahamas and Barbados—relevant for Suriname’s port planning. UNESCO/Heritage (Suriname): UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan reviewed conservation status and kept Paramaribo’s historic inner city on the Danger list, citing threats to its integrity.

Suriname Oil Outlook: Suriname’s oil sector is getting a boost as Middle East tensions push global prices higher, with the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 seen as a key driver of future growth. CARICOM Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS have taken over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva from Haiti, keeping Suriname at the table for UN and WTO coordination. Justice Cooperation (Curaçao–Suriname): Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to deploy four Surinamese correctional officers to Curaçao’s youth detention facility (JJIC) for three months, focused on safety standards and youth guidance. Maritime Economy (Curaçao–Suriname region): Curaçao is building a wider industrial cluster around 2BAYS, linking port activity, offshore services, logistics, energy and technical industries, with expectations of about 80 jobs. UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added 25 new sites and kept the Historic Centre of Paramaribo on the Danger List, citing threats to its integrity. Border Politics: A former vice president is opposing ratification of a border protocol between Suriname and France.

Regional Justice Cooperation: Curaçao and Suriname signed an addendum to their justice-sector twinning deal, sending four experienced Surinamese correctional officers to the Justitiële Jeugdinrichting Curaçao (JJIC) for three months to boost youth detention safety, guidance, and internal capacity. Maritime Jobs Push: Curaçao is also building a wider industrial cluster around the 2BAYS area—linking port activity, offshore services, logistics, energy and technical industries—with expectations of about 80 direct and indirect jobs, and more demand tied to growth in Guyana and Suriname’s offshore sectors. Suriname Border Protocol Politics: A former vice president in Suriname is reported to be opposing ratification of a border protocol between Suriname and France, keeping the border and enforcement debate in focus. Oil Sector Outlook: International reporting says Suriname’s oil prospects are improving as Middle East tensions lift global prices, spotlighting the GranMorgu project in Block 58 and its potential $26B revenue over the project’s life. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and kept attention on threatened heritage, including the Historic Centre of Paramaribo in Suriname listed as at risk.

Suriname Oil Outlook: Middle East tensions are pushing global prices higher, and analysts say Suriname’s emerging offshore boom could benefit—especially the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58, approved after delays tied to drilling and seismic challenges. Regional Diplomacy: The OECS and Dominica have taken over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, with Suriname among the missions coordinating positions for UN and WTO work. National Security & Aviation: Suriname is seeking to beef up security at the international airport amid broader concerns about drugs and trafficking routes. Politics in the National Assembly: A statement by an opposition legislator sparked a heated debate in Suriname’s National Assembly, underscoring ongoing tensions in parliamentary oversight. Heritage & International Spotlight: UNESCO’s latest World Heritage decisions included the historic inner city of Paramaribo being reviewed amid threats to integrity, as the committee inscribed 25 new sites worldwide.

Suriname Oil Outlook: Suriname’s oil sector is getting a boost as Middle East tensions push global prices higher, with analysts pointing to the $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 as the key bet for future growth. CARICOM Diplomacy: The OECS and Dominica have taken over the CARICOM Group’s rotating chairmanship in Geneva, keeping Suriname in the loop of regional foreign-policy coordination at the UN and WTO. National Assembly Politics: An opposition legislator’s statement sparked a heated debate in Suriname’s National Assembly, underscoring ongoing political friction at home. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and kept pressure on threatened heritage; notably, the historic inner city of Paramaribo in Suriname remains on the World Heritage in Danger list. Security at Airports: Suriname is seeking to beef up security at the international airport, as authorities look to tighten safeguards amid wider regional concerns. Football Leadership: Former Dutch international Henk Fraser has been named coach of Suriname on a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup.

Suriname Oil Outlook: Suriname’s emerging offshore boom is getting a boost as Middle East tensions push global crude higher, with attention on TotalEnergies and APA’s $26B GranMorgu project in Block 58 and what that could mean for future revenue. UNESCO & Governance: The UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and placed six on the “in Danger” list, including the historic inner city of Paramaribo in Suriname—raising fresh questions about protection and integrity. Regional Diplomacy: OECS and Dominica took over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, keeping Suriname and other members aligned on positions at the UN and WTO. Suriname Politics: Opposition legislator’s statement sparked a heated debate in Suriname’s National Assembly, underscoring ongoing political friction. Security & Drugs: A U.S.-led maritime cocaine campaign is being questioned after internal assessments reportedly found Operation Southern Spear did not reduce cocaine flow into the U.S., with traffickers shifting routes toward areas including Guyana and Suriname. Business & Trade: CariCham elected a new leadership team, including a Suriname Chamber of Commerce advisor as vice-chair, as the regional business network pushes trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction.

Oil & Investment Outlook: Suriname’s oil sector is seen gaining momentum as Middle East tensions lift Brent above $95–$100, with the $26B GranMorgu deepwater project in Block 58 (TotalEnergies/APA) positioned as a major revenue driver for the coming years. International Diplomacy: OECS and Dominica have taken over the CARICOM Group in Geneva chairmanship from Haiti, keeping Suriname and other missions aligned on foreign policy across UN agencies. UNESCO Heritage Watch: The 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 sites and placed six on the “in Danger” list, including the historic inner city of Paramaribo in Suriname, citing threats to its integrity. Suriname Football: Former Dutch international Henk Fraser has been named coach of Suriname on a four-year deal through the 2030 World Cup. Regional Security & Drugs: A U.S. review of Operation Southern Spear says strikes have not reduced cocaine flow into the U.S., with traffickers reportedly shifting routes via Guyana and Suriname. Governance & Law Debate: An opposition legislator’s statement sparked heated debate in Suriname’s National Assembly, as the government prepares for border treaty talks. Mining Pressure: France is pressing Suriname over illegal mining plaguing the border, renewing scrutiny on enforcement and environmental impacts.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites to UNESCO’s list, bringing the total to 1,273 across 173 countries, and placed six properties on the World Heritage in Danger—among them the historic inner city of Paramaribo in Suriname, citing threats to its integrity. Suriname politics & diplomacy: A statement by an opposition legislator sparked a heated debate in Suriname’s National Assembly, while the government said it will participate in talks on a border treaty and President Simons returned after a successful visit to the United Kingdom. Security & drugs: Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Minister Wayne Sturge hailed Operation Southern Spear, but a U.S. report says the campaign failed to curb cocaine flow into the United States, with traffickers shifting routes toward larger vessels and aircraft linked to Guyana and Suriname. Business & regional ties: CariCham elected a new executive leadership team, including Suriname Chamber of Commerce advisor Gino Naarden as Vice-Chair, and a Suriname-linked marine consultancy expansion was announced through APEM’s acquisition of CSA Ocean Sciences. Sports (Suriname link): Former Dutch international Henk Fraser was named coach of Suriname on a four-year deal through the 2030 World Cup.

Suriname Border & Environment: France is warning that illegal gold mining along the Marowijne River is a “ticking time bomb,” citing mercury and arsenic levels far above WHO limits and urging a joint response after Paramaribo never ratified a 2021 border accord aimed at curbing illicit extraction. UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites, including the historic inner city of Paramaribo in Suriname being listed among properties under threat, alongside emergency inscriptions for conflict-hit locations in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine. Suriname Politics & Diplomacy: Government is set to participate in talks on a border treaty, as regional cooperation remains central amid ongoing cross-border pressures. Football & National Team: Former Dutch international Henk Fraser has been named Suriname coach on a four-year deal through the 2030 World Cup. Regional Security Debate: A wider Caribbean political storm is brewing over U.S. claims that Operation Southern Spear reduced cocaine flows, with reports saying traffickers adapted via new routes involving Guyana and Suriname. Business/Trade Links: CariCham elected a new leadership team, with Suriname Chamber of Commerce advisor Gino Naarden named vice-chair, as the network pushes trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction.

UNESCO World Heritage Update: The 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites to the list and placed six properties on the “in Danger” list, including the historic inner city of Paramaribo in Suriname, flagged over threats to integrity amid new construction pressures. Border & Environment: France is pushing for joint action with Suriname over illegal gold mining along the Marowijne border with French Guiana, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination levels affecting Indigenous communities. Suriname Football: Former Dutch international Henk Fraser was named coach of Suriname on a four-year deal through the 2030 World Cup. Regional Security & Drugs: A U.S. assessment reported by the Washington Post says Operation Southern Spear has not reduced cocaine supply or price into the United States, with traffickers shifting routes toward larger vessels and aircraft linked to Guyana and Suriname. Business & Trade Networks: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Suriname’s Gino Naarden named vice-chair, aiming to turn regional business ties into concrete opportunities. Energy Watch (Neighboring): ExxonMobil’s Rockhead-1 exploration drilling in Guyana is expected to conclude Aug. 31, 2026.