AGP Executive Report

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says Paramaribo has sent no official notice about Suriname’s reported plan to finance and build the Corentyne River Bridge alone, after Suriname’s Public Works minister said the project would be “100%” Surinamese and could involve tolls. Ali insists the bridge remains a bilateral, joint venture in principle and says river operations and users have raised no new complaints. Energy Sector Push: Petronas reports two new hydrocarbon discoveries and a successful appraisal in offshore Block 52, bringing its Suriname tally to eight successful wells and over one billion barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable resources; the company is also advancing development planning for early next-decade production. Offshore Supply Chain Investment: Tenaris has started operations at a new Paramaribo service center to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project, providing casing/tubing and related services for offshore installation. Regional Disaster Preparedness Funding: The EU has provided funding for implementation of the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction across Caribbean states including Suriname, supporting tools like the Delta Resilience Platform for hazard tracking and decision-making. Commemoration and Public Policy Debate: Keti Koti events continue around the Kingdom, with Amsterdam debating whether July 1 should become a national public holiday and how to complete its “Route to Recovery” commitments.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says Paramaribo has sent no official word about Suriname’s claim it will finance and build the Corentyne River Bridge alone, insisting the project remains a joint undertaking; Ali notes only media reports have reached him, while Suriname’s Public Works minister Stephen Tsang previously told parliament the bridge would be “100%” Surinamese and that toll and tender options are still under review. Disaster Preparedness Funding: The EU has provided dedicated funding for Suriname (along with St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada) to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, supporting risk systems and the Delta Resilience Platform. Energy Sector Push: Petronas reports two new hydrocarbon discoveries and a successful appraisal in offshore Block 52, bringing its Suriname total to eight successful wells, while Tenaris has started operations at a new Paramaribo service center to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project. Commemoration & Policy Debate: Keti Koti events are underway, including Amsterdam’s debate over whether July 1 should become a national public holiday and how to advance its “Route to Recovery” after the city’s slavery apology.

Corentyne Bridge Standoff: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says he has received no official communication from Suriname after Suriname’s Public Works minister said Paramaribo would finance and build the Corentyne River Bridge “100%” and consider tolls—Ali insists the project remains a joint venture and that river operations are unaffected. CARICOM Leadership Meeting: Saint Lucia hosts the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet (5–8 July), with opening ceremony details set for 5 July and streamed on CARICOM platforms. Suriname Energy Push: Petronas reports two new hydrocarbon discoveries plus a successful appraisal in offshore Block 52, bringing cumulative successful wells to eight and recoverable resources above one billion barrels of oil equivalent; Tenaris also begins operations at a new Paramaribo service center supporting TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project. Keti Koti Commemoration: Keti Koti events continue around the Netherlands, with Amsterdam debating whether July 1 should become a national public holiday amid calls to speed up “Route to Recovery” implementation. Sports Diplomacy: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ men’s senior basketball team begins pre-tournament training in Trinidad before heading to Georgetown, Guyana for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers (6–13 July).

Corentyne Bridge Standoff: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says he has received no official word from Suriname after Suriname’s Public Works minister said Paramaribo would finance and build the $236m Corentyne River Bridge “100 per cent,” potentially resetting timelines and tendering; Ali insists the bridge remains a joint project and says river operations are unaffected. U.S. Market Access for Suriname Fishery: NOAA Fisheries has updated Suriname’s comparability finding, clearing its drift gillnet fishery to export seafood to the United States after Suriname reduced net lengths and mandated pingers and other marine mammal protections. Suriname Energy Push (Block 52): Petronas reports two new hydrocarbon discoveries and a successful appraisal in offshore Block 52, bringing cumulative successful wells to eight and recoverable resources above 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Local Energy Supply Chain: Tenaris has started operations at a new Paramaribo service center to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project, providing casing/tubing services and logistics for offshore installation. Health Policy Update: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO and IDB, launched training for field workers for the country’s first STEPS noncommunicable disease risk survey since 2013, covering tobacco, alcohol, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health.

Corentyne Bridge Rift: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says he has received no official word from Suriname after Paramaribo announced it would fully finance and build the Corentyne River Bridge alone, with tolls possible—while Ali insists the project must stay a bilateral joint venture. NOAA Fisheries Access: Suriname’s drift gillnet fishery has been cleared again to export seafood to the U.S. after NOAA updated its comparability finding, following Suriname’s mitigation steps like shorter nets and mandated pingers. Energy Push in Block 52: Petronas reported two new offshore discoveries and a successful appraisal in Suriname’s Block 52, bringing total successful finds to eight and recoverable resources above 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. GranMorgu Build-Out: Tenaris started operations at a new Paramaribo service center to support TotalEnergies’s GranMorgu offshore project, backing casing/tubing supply and inspection for the first large-scale offshore development. Public Health Survey: Suriname’s Health Ministry launched training for field workers for the WHO STEPS noncommunicable disease risk survey—its first since 2013—aimed at updated national data on major risk factors. Keti Koti Debate: Amsterdam is weighing whether Keti Koti should become a national public holiday, amid calls to speed up its “Route to Recovery” commitments after the city’s slavery apology. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their foreign ministers’ partnership, agreeing on a results-focused action plan centered on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security.

Energy & Investment: Petronas says it has added two new hydrocarbon discoveries and a successful appraisal in offshore Block 52, bringing its Suriname tally to eight successful wells and recoverable resources above 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons announcing the latest results in Paramaribo. Project Readiness: Tenaris has started operations at a new Paramaribo service center to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project, supplying casing and tubing and handling logistics and inspection ahead of installation. Regional Infrastructure Clash: Suriname has scrapped the joint Corentyne River bridge plan with Guyana and says it will finance and manage the bridge itself, prompting Guyana President Irfaan Ali to respond, “That’s news to me,” and raising questions about a reset timeline and new tendering. Diplomacy & Integration: Mercosur leaders are meeting in Paraguay to push deeper regional integration and trade talks, including discussions involving Guyana and Suriname. Health Policy: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO and the IDB, launched training for field workers for the country’s first STEPS noncommunicable disease risk survey since 2013, with nationwide data collection planned over three months. Commemoration Debate: Amsterdam is debating whether Keti Koti should become a national public holiday, while officials face criticism over incomplete progress on its post-apology “Route to Recovery” program.

Corentyne Bridge Rift: Suriname has scrapped the joint venture with Guyana for the Corentyne River Bridge and says it will finance and manage the project itself, resetting timelines and likely triggering a new tender—while Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says the move was “news to me.” GranMorgu Logistics & Drilling Push: Tenaris started operations at a new Paramaribo service center to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project, as Saipem begins work offshore and TotalEnergies signals further drilling campaigns ahead. Block 52 Oil Update: Petronas confirmed two discoveries and an appraisal in Block 52, bringing cumulative achievements to eight wells and recoverable resources above one billion barrels of oil equivalent—fueling expectations for major investment decisions. Health Policy in Focus: Suriname launched training for field workers for its first STEPS noncommunicable disease risk survey since 2013, with nationwide data collection planned over three months. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed cooperation with a results-focused action plan spanning resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Airport Modernization: PBM introduced CUPPS passenger processing technology to align with international standards and improve airline interoperability.

Offshore Energy Push: Tenaris has started operations at a new service center in Paramaribo to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project, aiming to strengthen local supply for casing, tubing and related services as Suriname moves deeper into offshore development. Block 52 Breakthroughs: Petronas confirmed two new discoveries and an appraisal success in Block 52, with eight wells in Suriname now totaling over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent—raising expectations for a major step toward production decisions. Next Drilling Plans: TotalEnergies says it expects a new multi-well exploration campaign in 2027, including four wells in Block 58 tied to GranMorgu’s deepwater push. Health Policy in Focus: Suriname’s Ministry of Health launched training for field workers for the WHO STEPS noncommunicable disease survey—its first since 2013—covering tobacco, alcohol, obesity, hypertension, diabetes and mental health. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership with an action plan centered on resilient economies, climate action and regional security, with Haiti and migration also on the agenda. CARICOM Energy Talk: Development partners and regional leaders urged a faster, coordinated renewable energy transition, warning that fragmented efforts won’t meet resilience and power needs.

Suriname Health Policy: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO and the IDB, launched training for field workers for the WHO STEPS non-communicable disease risk survey—its first since 2013—aimed at updating national data on tobacco, alcohol, obesity, hypertension, diabetes and mental health, with nationwide fieldwork planned over three months. Suriname Airport Modernization: Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) rolled out CUPPS common-use passenger processing technology, upgrading shared passenger handling and aligning the airport with international airline systems. Suriname Energy Outlook: Petronas is expected to make a Final Investment Decision this year for offshore Block 52 after eight discoveries totaling over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, while TotalEnergies says it will begin a new multi-well drilling campaign in 2027 (Block 58), targeting further exploration ahead of first oil expected in 2028. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership at the OAS General Assembly in Panama, focusing on security, climate resilience and economic cooperation, with a results-focused action plan and measurable targets. Caribbean Security & Migration: A report highlights how Cubans are increasingly seeking refuge via Suriname and French Guiana routes into Brazil, with Brazilian police investigating suspected smuggling and money-laundering networks tied to the corridor. Maritime Governance: Saudi Arabia launched a “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project with the IMO to strengthen maritime laws and regulatory capacity across 14 Caribbean states, including Suriname.

Suriname Energy Boom: Petronas says it has made another gas discovery in offshore Block 52, with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons calling it “good news” as Suriname pushes toward major new oil and gas developments. Exploration Push: TotalEnergies is also signaling a fresh drilling campaign for 2027 offshore Suriname, tied to Block 58 and the GranMorgu project targeting first oil in 2028. Airport Modernization: Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport (PBM) has rolled out Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) tech to improve passenger processing and airline interoperability. CARICOM-Canada Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM reaffirmed cooperation after foreign ministers met at the OAS in Panama, agreeing on a renewed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Regional Energy Alliance: Guyana and Jamaica signed an MoU to set up an energy working group, alongside cooperation on security, tourism, agriculture, and finance. Sovereignty Row: Guyanese business groups are calling for a boycott of Suriname events after an alleged inaccurate map depiction at SEOGS 2026. Human Rights in Focus: The IACHR launched the Rickey Singh Initiative for Excellence in Journalism in the Americas, aiming to strengthen credible, independent reporting.

Suriname Energy Diplomacy & Investment: Petronas says it expects a Final Investment Decision this year for offshore Block 52, after reporting eight discoveries totaling over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, while President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons told the SEOGS summit the new gas find strengthens the case for multiple developments and broad national benefits. Offshore Drilling Plans: TotalEnergies’ vice president for the Americas says the company expects to launch a multi-well exploration campaign in 2027/next year, including four new exploration wells in Block 58, with GranMorgu first oil still targeted for 2028. Airport Modernization: Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport has introduced Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) technology to integrate airline departure systems and speed passenger processing, with several carriers already migrating or in certification. Regional Security & Foreign Policy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership at the OAS General Assembly in Panama, agreeing on a results-focused action plan spanning resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Cross-Border Politics: Guyana and Jamaica signed an MOU to create an energy working group alongside cooperation in security, tourism, agriculture, and financial services. Sovereignty Row: Guyanese business groups and youth entrepreneurs condemned Suriname’s SEOGS map depicting the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, calling for a boycott of future events until the practice stops.

Suriname Energy Diplomacy & Investment: Petronas is expected to make a Final Investment Decision this year for offshore Block 52, where eight discoveries reportedly total over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, while TotalEnergies says it will start a new multi-well drilling campaign in 2027 (four exploration wells in Block 58) with first oil targeted for 2028. Airport Modernisation: Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport (PBM) has introduced CUPPS passenger processing technology, with several airlines already migrating or in certification. Regional Sovereignty Row: Guyanese business groups and the Guyana Youth Entrepreneurship Chamber condemned maps shown at SEOGS 2026 that depicted the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, calling it disrespect of Guyana’s sovereignty and urging boycotts until the pattern stops. CARICOM-Canada Foreign Policy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership after a meeting in Panama, agreeing on a results-focused action plan covering resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, including concerns around Haiti and transnational crime. Development Finance Link-Up: The Islamic Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank reaffirmed plans to co-finance projects in Guyana and Suriname, aiming for at least US$1 billion in co-financing over five years. Human Rights & Media: The IACHR launched the Rickey Singh Initiative for Excellence in Journalism in the Americas, aiming to strengthen credible, independent reporting tied to freedom of expression and human rights.

CARICOM-Canada Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM foreign ministers, meeting on the OAS sidelines in Panama City, backed a renewed Action Plan focused on competitive economies, climate action, and regional security—highlighting Haiti and transnational crime as key concerns. Suriname Energy Momentum: Suriname’s President said Petronas is expected to make a Final Investment Decision for offshore Block 52 this year, after multiple discoveries and a new gas find; TotalEnergies also signaled a new multi-well drilling push next year to expand exploration in Suriname’s offshore blocks. SEOGS Territorial Row: Guyana’s business groups are calling for a boycott of future Suriname events after maps at SEOGS 2026 allegedly depicted the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, with Guyana’s government reportedly preparing a formal diplomatic protest. Airport Modernization: Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport rolled out CUPPS common-use passenger processing tech with airline migration and certification underway, aiming to streamline passenger handling. Regional Energy Transition Push: Caribbean leaders and regulators urged faster, coordinated renewable energy action, calling for regional portfolios, blended finance, and climate-resilient grids. Human Rights & Justice: Indigenous delegates at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues stressed they are rights-holders, while a new study challenges who really bears carbon pricing costs.

Canada-CARICOM Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the OAS General Assembly in Panama City, renewing a results-focused action plan on regional security, climate resilience, and democratic governance. Suriname Energy Push: Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons says Petronas is expected to reach a Final Investment Decision for offshore Block 52 this year, after eight discoveries totaling over 1 billion barrels oil equivalent, with first oil from the GranMorgu project targeted for 2028. Exploration Acceleration: TotalEnergies says it plans a multi-well drilling campaign next year to expand exploration offshore Suriname, including four new wells in Block 58, while Staatsolie says there’s still room to find more. Airport Modernization: Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport rolled out CUPPS passenger processing tech to improve interoperability and speed up passenger touchpoints. Guyana-Suriname Tensions at SEOGS: Guyanese chambers and youth groups condemned a map shown at SEOGS 2026 that depicted the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, calling it disrespect of Guyana’s sovereignty and urging boycotts. Regional Energy Transition: Caribbean leaders at the CDB urged a faster, coordinated shift to renewables, warning fragmented efforts won’t meet resilience and affordability goals.

Suriname’s Offshore Oil Push: President Jennifer Simons says Petronas is expected to make a Final Investment Decision this year for Block 52, where eight discoveries total more than one billion barrels of oil equivalent, with a new gas find also announced—fueling hopes for multiple offshore developments. TotalEnergies Drilling Plans: TotalEnergies says it will start a new multi-well exploration campaign in 2027, targeting four wells in Block 58, with first oil from its GranMorgu project still aimed for 2028. Airport Modernization: Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport rolls out CUPPS passenger processing technology to improve interoperability with airlines and speed up passenger touchpoints. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Guyana and Jamaica sign MoUs to set up an energy working group, while Curaçao positions itself as a maritime and logistics partner for the Suriname-Guyana basin. Sovereignty Row at SEOGS: Guyanese business groups and youth entrepreneurs condemn a map shown at Suriname’s SEOGS 2026 that depicts the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, calling for boycotts and formal protests. Caribbean Energy Transition Call: Caribbean leaders at the CDB urge coordinated action to scale renewables, modernize grids, and bundle projects to attract investment.

Suriname Energy Summit Fallout: Guyana’s business groups are calling for a boycott after a map at Suriname’s SEOGS 2026 allegedly depicted the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory, with the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber and others urging a stop to what they call disrespect of Guyana’s sovereignty. Offshore Oil & Gas Push: Suriname President Jennifer Simons says Petronas has made another gas discovery in offshore Block 52, adding to eight discoveries and setting up possible multiple developments; separately, TotalEnergies says it plans a new drilling campaign next year, including four exploration wells at Block 58, with offshore production still targeted for 2028. Airport Modernization: Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport (PBM) has introduced CUPPS passenger processing technology to improve shared airline interoperability and streamline passenger touchpoints. Regional Energy Transition: Caribbean leaders at a CDB meeting urged coordinated action to scale renewables, bundle projects for investment, and build climate-resilient grids. Diplomacy & Governance: CARICOM hosted “Diplomat for a Day” for young women ahead of International Day for Women in Diplomacy, linking youth development with regional policy priorities. International Court Case: A Thai woman is on trial in Myanmar over the alleged stabbing death of U.S. diplomat Daniel Riva, with an additional immigration charge also before the court.