AGP Executive Report

Public Health MoU: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and India signed an MoU to boost public health cooperation, including recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia to streamline pharmaceutical imports and quality assurance. Deepwater Energy for Suriname: Halliburton was awarded integrated drilling and completions work for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater project in Suriname’s Block 58, with a digital execution model and support for local capability upgrades, including workshops and supplier collaboration. Road Safety Push (2026–2030): Suriname launched a Strategic Road Safety Plan 2026–2030 with PAHO/WHO, aiming to cut traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030 versus 2021 using a “Safe System” approach across infrastructure, enforcement, and emergency response. Caribbean Maritime Talks in Paramaribo: The Virgin Islands delegation joined regional port and maritime leaders at PMAC’s 29th AGM in Suriname, focusing on electrification, maritime security, and infrastructure resilience. Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Rift: Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was informed in February that Paramaribo would fund the Corentyne River Bridge “go-it-alone,” escalating a cross-border dispute over the project’s financing. Cuba Sanctions at the UN: A UN vote on debating U.S. sanctions on Cuba passed with support from several Caribbean states including Suriname, while Guyana stayed away and others abstained or were absent. Sports Spotlight: Canadian swimmer Josh Liendo, fresh off a standout NCAA career, is positioning himself for the L.A. 2028 Olympics.

Road Safety Overhaul: Suriname launched a Strategic Road Safety Plan 2026–2030 with PAHO/WHO support, aiming to cut traffic fatalities and injuries by 50% by 2030 versus 2021, using a “Safe System” approach spanning enforcement, speed and vehicle safety, infrastructure, behavior, and emergency response. Corentyne Bridge Rift: A fresh diplomatic flashpoint is brewing over the Corentyne River Bridge, with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons saying Guyana was informed in February that Paramaribo would “go it alone” on funding—contradicting Georgetown’s recent claims and raising concerns about trust and financing. CARICOM–Cuba Aid: CARICOM leaders say hurdles have been cleared to deliver a long-delayed aid package to Cuba, after sanctions and payment barriers stalled earlier attempts; the region also sent humanitarian supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela. UN Vote Divide: At the UN, Cuba’s motion on sanctions drew support from Suriname and several CARICOM states, while Guyana stayed away and others abstained or were absent—highlighting a Caribbean split tied to sensitive US relations. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reported strong new gold drill results at Sela Creek, including 30.0m at 4.06 g/t Au (with 14.0m at 8.20 g/t Au) at Jons Trend, reinforcing a broad, stacked gold system. Regional Culture & Sports: Antigua and Barbuda won the bid to host CARIFESTA 2029, while Suriname-linked regional sports coverage included a youth track classic win and Tapeball cricket titles for Patentia Secondary.

Mining & Energy: Miata Metals reported strong new gold drill results at its Sela Creek project in Suriname, including 30.0m at 4.06 g/t Au (with 14.0m at 8.20 g/t Au) at Jons Trend, reinforcing a broad, stacked gold system and extending the corridor thesis. CARICOM & Regional Diplomacy: At the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, leaders backed CARIFESTA 2029 for Antigua and Barbuda (with Guyana set for CARIFESTA 2027) and discussed wider regional priorities. Cuba Sanctions Fallout: Caribbean leaders said CARICOM’s humanitarian aid for Cuba has finally cleared banking hurdles, while some offered to act as a bridge between Washington and Havana amid deep regional splits at the UN over a debate on U.S. sanctions. Suriname–Guyana Bridge Rift: Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons told regional media Guyana was informed as early as February about Paramaribo’s “go-it-alone” financing plan for the Corentyne River Bridge, escalating a diplomatic dispute over what was communicated and when. Early Childhood Policy (Guyana): Guyana’s human services minister urged no digital devices for children under two, with limited screen time only as children grow. Sports (Tapeball): Patentia Secondary School won two Tapeball cricket titles in three days, adding the GOAPC final and the CARICOM Schools Knockout tournament to its haul.

Tourism Momentum: Guyana is drawing more visitors, welcoming 107,286 stayover travellers in Q1 2026 (+12% vs 2025), as new flights and hotels keep the momentum going. Air Connectivity: American Airlines added 13 new nonstop international routes for 2026, including Dallas–Athens, plus services to Zurich, Milan, Budapest, Prague, Edinburgh, and new links to Georgetown (Guyana) and Paramaribo (Suriname). CARICOM at Work: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia featured Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Guyana’s Irfaan Ali, with regional cooperation also extending to a cleared humanitarian aid package for Cuba. Cuba Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders offered to mediate between Washington and Havana as Cuba pushed for a UN debate on U.S. sanctions; Suriname voted in favour, while Guyana stayed away. Corentyne Bridge Rift: Suriname’s President Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was informed as early as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River bridge “go-it-alone,” deepening the diplomatic dispute. Early Childhood Policy: Guyana’s Human Services minister says children under two should have no screen time, with limited device use later. Regional Maritime: A BVI delegation attended PMAC’s AGM in Paramaribo, focusing on port electrification, maritime security, and resilience. VAT Pressure (Regional Business): Trinidad and Tobago manufacturers are urging action on a VAT refund backlog, warning delays are hurting reinvestment and jobs. Sports: Patentia Secondary School won two Tapeball cricket titles, including the GOAPC final and the CARICOM Schools Knockout.

Corentyne Bridge Rift: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as early as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River Bridge “go-it-alone,” contradicting Georgetown’s account and deepening a diplomatic dispute over the US$236m project. CARICOM Cuba Aid: CARICOM’s long-delayed humanitarian package for Cuba has finally been cleared after repeated sanctions-related banking hurdles, with leaders also offering to help bridge talks between Washington and Havana. CARICOM Meeting in Saint Lucia: The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet brought leaders including Suriname’s President and Guyana’s Irfaan Ali, with communique items spanning regional cooperation. Suriname Port Talks: A Virgin Islands delegation attended Suriname’s PMAC AGM in Paramaribo, focusing on port electrification, maritime security, and infrastructure resilience. VAT Refund Pressure: Trinidad and Tobago manufacturers are urging urgent action on a VAT refund backlog, warning delays are choking reinvestment and jobs. Cricket Funding Scrutiny: Cricket’s ICC development money is under criticism for “greed” and loopholes, with concerns about accountability and national development. Early Childhood Screen Rules (Guyana): Guyana’s human services minister says children under two should have no screen time, with limited use advised as they grow. Sports (Tapeball): Patentia Secondary won two Tapeball cricket titles, including the GOAPC final and the CARICOM Schools Knockout.

CARICOM and Cuba Aid: CARICOM says its humanitarian package for Cuba has finally been cleared after repeated banking rejections tied to sanctions, with supplies like powdered milk, baby formula, food staples, medical items, and solar and water equipment planned for shipment. CARICOM Mediation Offer: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says CARICOM has told both Washington and Havana it can help bridge talks, as the Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba deepens and energy imports fall sharply. Corentyne River Bridge Rift: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was informed as early as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River Bridge “go-it-alone,” contradicting Georgetown’s claims and raising fresh diplomatic tension. VAT Refund Backlog (T&T): Trinidad and Tobago manufacturers are urging urgent action on outstanding VAT refunds, warning delays are limiting reinvestment and jobs. Early Childhood Screen Rules (Guyana): Guyana’s human services minister says children under two should have no screen time, with limited device use only later. Regional Ports Meeting (Suriname): Suriname hosted the PMAC AGM, where the Virgin Islands delegation joined discussions on port electrification, maritime security, and resilience. Internet Access Divide: A new report highlights how internet remains unaffordable in many countries, widening the digital divide.

VAT Refund Pressure: Trinidad and Tobago manufacturers are urging urgent action on a backlog of VAT refunds, saying delayed payments are choking reinvestment, upgrades, training and job creation. CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission will visit the UK from 13–16 July to advance reparatory justice advocacy through public education and civil society engagement. CARICOM Cuba Aid Clears: CARICOM’s humanitarian aid for Cuba has finally been cleared after repeated sanctions-related banking hurdles, with leaders also offering to help bridge talks between Washington and Havana. Corentyne River Bridge Rift: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was informed as early as February that Suriname would finance the Corentyne River Bridge independently, deepening a diplomatic dispute as Guyana awaits official correspondence. Early Childhood Screen Rules: Guyana’s human services minister says children under two should have no screen time, with limited device use advised for older toddlers. Suriname Energy & Mining: Petronas reports new offshore hydrocarbon discoveries off Suriname, while Miata Metals announces a new gold discovery at its Sela Creek project, and SBM Offshore begins sourcing flotel support for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu FPSO.

Corentyne River Bridge Rift: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as early as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River Bridge “go-it-alone,” contradicting Georgetown’s claims that it was “news” and that Guyana had not been officially informed. CARICOM Cuba Aid: CARICOM’s long-delayed humanitarian aid for Cuba has finally been cleared after repeated sanctions-related banking hurdles, with leaders also offering to mediate between Washington and Havana amid widening regional splits at the UN. Suriname Energy & Industry: Miata Metals reports a new gold discovery at its Sela Creek project in Suriname, while Petronas announces fresh offshore hydrocarbon finds in Block 52, boosting expectations for investment and jobs. Regional Trade Focus: Trinidad and Tobago’s trade minister argues local manufacturers should get priority access to foreign exchange, as CARICOM pushes a cargo-first ferry “proof of concept” to cut intra-regional trade costs. Youth & Culture: Patentia Secondary won major Tapeball cricket titles, and a Suriname-linked cultural delegation from La Guajira met Aruba’s PM to strengthen ties through heritage publications and events.

Corentyne River Bridge Diplomatic Fallout: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as early as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River Bridge “go-it-alone,” contradicting Georgetown’s claims that it was “news” and that no official notice was received; Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says he is waiting for official correspondence. CARICOM at the UN on Cuba Sanctions: Cuba won a UN General Assembly debate on U.S. sanctions, but Caribbean support was split—Suriname voted in favour while Guyana stayed away and Trinidad and Tobago abstained—amid claims of shrinking regional backing. CARICOM Humanitarian Aid for Cuba: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba was finally cleared after repeated banking rejections tied to sanctions hurdles, with leaders urging dialogue between Washington and Havana. Suriname Energy & Mining Updates: Petronas announced new offshore hydrocarbon discoveries in Suriname’s Block 52, while Miata Metals reported new gold intersections at its Sela Creek project. Trade and Regional Transport: Trinidad and Tobago’s trade minister urged priority foreign-exchange access for manufacturers, and an economist says any CARICOM ferry plan must be cargo-first to stay financially viable. Local Sports: Patentia Secondary School won two Tapeball cricket titles, adding the GOAPC and CARICOM knockout championships to a strong week.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as early as February that Paramaribo would “go it alone” on financing the Corentyne River bridge, while Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says he has received no official correspondence and wants the project handled jointly. CARICOM Cuba Aid Cleared: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba finally cleared sanctions-related banking hurdles after multiple rejections, with leaders calling for continued humanitarian support. Mediation Offer to Washington and Havana: Caribbean leaders say CARICOM has offered to help facilitate talks between the United States and Cuba as pressure on the island escalates. Early Childhood Screen-Time Rules: Guyana’s human services minister says children under two should have no screen time, with limited device use only later. Suriname Energy Push: Petronas reports new offshore hydrocarbon discoveries off Suriname, boosting hopes for major investment and jobs. Suriname Mining & Offshore Work: Sranan Gold grants stock options; SBM Offshore seeks a flotel supplier for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project offshore Suriname.

Corentyne Bridge Row: Suriname says it has already told Guyana it intends to take on financing the Corentyne River bridge, while Guyana’s foreign minister Hugh Todd insists he has received no official notice and that the project has always been a joint effort—leaving the dispute over who pays and who builds very much alive. CARICOM Cuba Aid: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba has finally been cleared after repeated sanctions-related banking hurdles, with leaders also offering to mediate between Washington and Havana amid worsening shortages and blackouts. Suriname Energy Push: Petronas reports new offshore hydrocarbon discoveries in Suriname’s Block 52, adding to recoverable resources and raising expectations for investment and jobs. Mining Update: Miata Metals says drilling at its Sela Creek project in Suriname has confirmed a new gold discovery at Puma East. Offshore Contracting: SBM Offshore begins sourcing a flotel supplier for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project offshore Suriname, targeting first oil in mid-2028.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Suriname says President Irfaan Ali was told as early as May 15 that Paramaribo intends to finance the Corentyne River bridge, while Guyana’s foreign minister Hugh Todd rejects the claim and insists there was no discussion of any departure from a joint approach. CARICOM Summit Watch: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons told CARICOM media that Guyana will be waiting for official correspondence on the financing plan, as the dispute plays out alongside regional politics. Offshore Energy Boost: Petronas announced new hydrocarbon discoveries in Suriname’s Block 52, including Caiman-1 and SAC-1, with an appraisal supporting major recoverable resources—raising hopes for investment and jobs. Oil Project Logistics: SBM Offshore has begun sourcing a flotel supplier for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater project offshore Suriname, targeting first oil in mid-2028. Mining Update: Miata Metals reported additional high-grade gold intersections from its Puma East discovery at the Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname. Regional Procurement & Resilience: CIPS wrapped up a Caribbean event series including Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on strengthening supply chain resilience and procurement leadership.

Corentyne Bridge Row: Suriname says President Irfaan Ali was told as early as May 15 that Paramaribo intends to finance the Corentyne River bridge alone, while Guyana rejects the claim and insists the project has always been a joint effort with no official signal to shift to unilateral funding. Offshore Oil Push: Petronas announced new hydrocarbon discoveries in Suriname’s Block 52, with two new wells (Caiman-1, SAC-1) and a positive appraisal (Roystonea-2) lifting estimated recoverable resources to over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. New Gold Drilling Results: Miata Metals reported a new gold discovery at its Sela Creek project, including 17.19m at 3.14 g/t Au and 21.64m at 1.70 g/t Au from early Puma East holes. Suriname Energy Contracting: SBM Offshore has started sourcing a flotel services supplier for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu FPSO commissioning offshore Suriname, targeting first oil in mid-2028. Local Business/Mining Finance: Sranan Gold granted 3.9 million stock options to insiders at $0.15 per share, as it continues exploration in Suriname.

Corentyne Bridge Row: Guyana has rejected Suriname’s claim that President Irfaan Ali was told in May that Suriname would finance the Corentyne River bridge, saying no such discussion happened and that the project remains a joint venture. Offshore Energy Push: Petronas says it has made new offshore hydrocarbon discoveries in Suriname’s Block 52, with two new wells and an appraisal lifting estimated recoverable resources to over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent—potentially boosting investment, jobs, and tax revenues. Oil Project Support: SBM Offshore has started sourcing a flotel for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu FPSO commissioning offshore Suriname, targeting first oil in mid-2028. Mining Update: Miata Metals reported additional high-grade gold results from its Sela Creek project in Suriname, including a new discovery at Puma East. Regional Business & Policy: AMCHAM called for Trinidad and Tobago to set a 7% GDP technology target, while CARICOM leaders continue summit planning with integration and resilience themes. Sports & Culture: Curaçao-born sculptor Nelson Carrilho, known for major public memorials including links to the 1989 Surinam Airways disaster, has died at 72.

Jonestown Tourism Debate: A New York Times report on the Jonestown massacre site reopening to tourists highlights mixed reactions from Guyanese locals, with some saying the link to Guyana is more happenstance than deep connection. CARICOM Attendance Row: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal defended his absence from a CARICOM heads meeting in St. Lucia, arguing ministers should travel only when their portfolios require it. Corentyne Bridge Fight: Suriname’s foreign ministry says President Irfaan Ali was told in May that Suriname would finance the Corentyne River bridge, while Guyana’s Hugh Todd rejects the claim and insists the project has always been joint. Oil & Gas Procurement: SBM Offshore has started sourcing a flotel services supplier for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project, with responses due July 7. Mining & Markets: Sranan Gold granted 3.9 million stock options at $0.15 per share to officers, directors, advisors and consultants. Sports & Region: CARICOM leaders opened their 51st summit in St. Lucia with a push for integration “to continue working for the people of the region.”

Corentyne Bridge Row: Guyana has rejected Suriname’s claim that President Irfaan Ali was told in May that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River Bridge alone, with Foreign Minister Hugh Todd saying Guyana was never informed through bilateral mechanisms and that the project has always been joint. Suriname’s Counter: Suriname’s foreign ministry says Ali was informed of its intention to take on financing, while earlier reports said Suriname had moved to scrap the joint venture and fund the bridge itself. Energy & Industry Watch: SBM Offshore has started sourcing a flotel services supplier for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project off Suriname, with responses due July 7. Mining & Markets: Sranan Gold granted 3.9 million stock options to company insiders at $0.15 per share. Diplomacy: Suriname’s ambassador presented credentials to India’s President Droupadi Murmu, marking another step in formal diplomatic ties.