AGP Executive Report

Sustainability in Aviation: Caribbean Airlines partnered with Guyana’s Tourism Authority to run its Career Caravan at four secondary schools, introducing Forms Three to Five students to aviation and tourism careers. Biodiversity Under Threat: Brazil-linked wildlife trafficking networks are smuggling endangered golden lion tamarins out of the Atlantic Forest via cars, planes and sailboats, with Suriname tied to seizures. Renewables & Climate Cooperation: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a visit to the Dominican Republic to push deeper cooperation on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-backed STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable-powered cold storage and pathways to low-carbon certification, with Suriname among participating countries. Colonial Collections Scrutiny: The Dutch Royal House says some colonial-era objects in its collections may not have been acquired lawfully, including items connected to Suriname, as research data moves toward public release. Wildlife vs Oil Risk: Brazil approved offshore drilling near the Amazon River mouth despite concerns about rescuing manatees and other wildlife in spill scenarios. Suriname-Dominican Trade Links: Agreements signed in Santo Domingo target tourism, agriculture, trade, education and air connectivity, including visa-free entry for Dominicans with valid U.S. or Schengen visas.

Deforestation Watch: A new analysis argues Mennonite agricultural colonies have driven forest loss across Latin America for decades, and says policymakers should finally engage these communities to shift them toward a different frontier model. Bilateral Climate & Sustainability: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican leaders in Santo Domingo, pushing deeper cooperation on renewable energy, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange, with both sides flagging shared climate risks. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades, with Suriname among participating countries. Wildlife Under Pressure: Brazil approved Amazon River-mouth oil drilling despite concerns over rescue capacity for the unique hybrid manatee population, raising stakes for spill response and local biodiversity. Trade Links: Suriname and Brazil are set to negotiate an expanded trade agreement later this year, aiming to grow flows beyond a narrow product base. Health Milestone: PAHO reported Suriname’s malaria-free Amazon Basin certification as a regional public health win, alongside other elimination progress. Wildlife Crime: Golden lion tamarin trafficking networks are using routes through Suriname and Togo, with forged documents and long Atlantic voyages threatening endangered species. Climate Finance Risk: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change could destabilize inflation, financial systems, and infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation plans.

Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-backed STAR-Fish is scaling low-carbon solutions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable power and cold storage, across Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. Colonial Collections Scrutiny: The Dutch Royal House says provenance research into over 1,000 colonial-era artifacts (including from Suriname) found “serious doubts” for some items and will publish data for an open dialogue. Haiti Regional Pressure: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Dominican President Luis Abinader urged stronger international action on Haiti, linking stability to regional security and development. Wildlife Trafficking Alert: A trafficking ring targeting Brazil’s rare golden lion tamarins has been linked to seizures in Togo, Suriname, and the Amazon, showing Atlantic smuggling routes. Offshore Oil Expansion: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval for the Haimara gas project offshore Guyana, with a super-sized FPSO plan that also targets nearby discoveries. Suriname–Brazil Trade Talks: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate to expand a limited trade agreement, with talks covering energy, logistics, transport, agriculture, and communications. Suriname Biodiversity Conservation Context: CARICOM foreign ministers met in Paramaribo, with discussions held at Peperpot Nature Park highlighting Suriname’s conservation and biodiversity focus.

Offshore Gas Push: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana, using a super-sized FPSO that could also process Bluefin and Hatchetfish—another major Stabroek-block expansion with big spill-and-impact stakes for the region. Wildlife at Risk: Brazil’s environmental agency approved Amazon River-mouth drilling even as Petrobras says rescuing large animals like manatees would be unfeasible; simulations flagged weak rescue readiness and accident risks. Suriname–Dominican Cooperation: Presidents Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Luis Abinader agreed to deepen ties in tourism, agriculture, trade, education, and climate/food security, including visa-free entry for Dominican tourists with US/Schengen visas and new air connectivity via Sky High Dominicana. CARICOM Diplomacy: CARICOM foreign ministers backed “unified action” and a dual approach—more coordination plus faster regional market progress—to protect sovereignty amid shifting global politics. Conservation & Crime: A trafficking ring using forged documents was linked to the international smuggling of rare golden lion tamarins, with seizures reported in Suriname and Togo. Climate Adaptation Warning: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warned climate change threatens inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation plans. Local Environment Link: A Suriname-linked gold drilling update from Miata Metals adds more detail on mineralization at Sela Creek, underscoring ongoing extractive activity pressures in the country.

Amazon Wildlife Under Threat: Brazil’s environmental agency approved new oil drilling off the Amazon River mouth, despite Petrobras saying it’s “unfeasible” to rescue large animals like manatees; simulations flagged weak rescue readiness and risks to marine birds, turtles, and a newly noted Amazon reef system. Suriname-Dominican Republic Deal-Making: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo to expand tourism, agriculture, trade, education, and climate cooperation, including visa-free entry for Dominican tourists with valid U.S./Schengen visas and a boost from the Sky High Dominicana Paramaribo–Santo Domingo route. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: A trafficking ring targeting Brazil’s rare golden lion tamarins has been linked to seizures in Togo and Suriname, with forged documents and Atlantic smuggling routes raising fears for endangered species survival. CARICOM Connectivity Pressure: Regional aviation turmoil continues to ripple across the Caribbean, with route withdrawals and airline restructuring debates highlighting how connectivity gaps can hit trade and mobility. Climate Risk Warning (Curaçao & Sint Maarten): The regional central bank warned climate change could destabilize inflation, financial systems, and critical infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation planning. Suriname in the Wider Green Economy: Brazil and Suriname are set to negotiate trade expansion, including energy and logistics—an opportunity that will matter for how future growth aligns with environmental safeguards.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrived in the Dominican Republic for an official visit through June 2, with talks set to cover cooperation agreements and a joint declaration—building on growing links in energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture, and air services. Wildlife Crime: A trafficking ring is targeting Brazil’s rare golden lion tamarins, with seizures reported in Togo, Suriname, and the Brazilian Amazon and cases involving forged passports and Atlantic smuggling routes. CARICOM Foreign Policy: CARICOM foreign ministers meeting in Suriname pushed “unified action” and a “dual approach” to protect sovereignty while accelerating the CARICOM Single Market and Economy for regional food and energy security. Regional Aviation Disruptions: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis (and Dominica) is tied to route losses and lack of consultation, while regional connectivity is being reshaped by new airline partnerships and emerging hub strategies. Climate & Resilience Finance: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change threatens inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation planning. Suriname Biodiversity & Land Use Context: A Suriname–Brazil trade expansion push is underway, while broader reporting highlights mounting rainforest pressures from minerals, biofuels, and pulp demand. Mining Watch (Suriname): Miata Metals reported additional gold intersections at its Sela Creek project in Suriname, expanding an emerging district-scale system.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ route pullouts are reshaping travel links across the Eastern Caribbean, with St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica set to lose service from June 1, and the Guyana–Suriname corridor also hit by losses; St. Kitts officials say the government wasn’t consulted, while a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal kicks in the same day to help passengers travel on one ticket. Climate Risk & Adaptation: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change is increasingly tied to inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation plans. Suriname–Brazil Trade Talks: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand a currently small, export-heavy trade relationship, including energy, logistics, transport, and agriculture. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A rare olive ridley sea turtle nest was documented in Florida, with warming seas and other pressures flagged as possible drivers—species known to nest in parts of the wider region including Suriname. Mining & Land Use Pressure: New drilling updates from Sela Creek, Suriname, add to the picture of expanding extractive activity, while broader reporting highlights how minerals and other forest-linked demands can push ecosystems toward “breaking point.” Youth Protection in Sport: UNICEF, the Guyana Football Federation, and the Rights of the Child Commission trained football officials on child safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ pullout from St. Kitts and Nevis (and Dominica) is now sparking regional alarm, with Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson saying the government was not consulted before the decision—while officials scramble to secure alternative partners to keep routes viable. Regional Aviation Reshuffle: A wider commentary argues the cuts and carrier failures are reshaping Caribbean travel around emerging hubs (Antigua, Barbados, Sint Maarten), with new interline links (LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes) kicking in as other routes end. Suriname–Brazil Trade: Suriname and Brazil will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand a limited trade agreement, aiming to boost flows beyond a narrow set of products and sectors like energy, logistics, transport, and agriculture. Climate Risk & Resilience: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change threatens inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation plans. Biodiversity Note: A rare olive ridley sea turtle nest was documented in Florida, with warming seas and other factors suggested for the unusual nesting range. Mining Watch (Suriname): Miata Metals reported new gold drill results from Sela Creek, expanding mineralization at Jons Trend and Big Berg.

Regional Trade Talks: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement, with talks aimed at trade facilitation and adding new sectors beyond today’s narrow, mostly Brazilian-export-heavy flow. Climate Risk & Resilience: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change is already threatening economic stability, inflation, financial systems, and critical infrastructure—pushing the need for national climate adaptation plans. Mining in Suriname: Miata Metals reported new gold drill results at Sela Creek, expanding mineralized zones and continuity across a structural corridor in Suriname. Sea Turtles & Warming Seas: A rare olive ridley sea turtle nest was documented in Florida for the first time, with researchers pointing to possible links like warming ocean temperatures and human impacts. Forest Pressure: A new analysis says rising demand for critical minerals, biofuels, and pulp is pushing rainforests toward “breaking point,” adding to threats from ranching, monocrops, oil, and logging. Regional Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting or ending several routes (including St. Kitts, Dominica, and Guyana–Suriname) and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe, raising concerns for regional access.

Mining & Environment: Miata Metals reported new diamond-drill results at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, extending an emerging district-scale gold system (including 11m at 3.35 g/t Au within 25.1m at 1.71 g/t Au), adding to ongoing exploration at Jons Trend and Big Berg. Climate Risk & Resilience: The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten warned that climate change threatens not just nature but inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging National Adaptation Plans to coordinate sector-wide resilience. Regional Connectivity & Impacts: Caribbean Airlines announced route cuts and reduced frequencies effective June 1, including discontinuing Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service, with passengers offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credits—an issue that can ripple into tourism and regional mobility. Biodiversity Watch: A rare olive ridley sea turtle nest was documented in Florida for the first time, with researchers linking unusual nesting outside typical ranges to factors like warming seas and possible fishing-related transport. Policy & Cooperation: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched regional policy tools to treat crime and violence prevention as a public health issue, aiming for cross-sector action across health, education, justice and social protection.

Trade & Energy Diplomacy: Brazil and Suriname will start talks in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement, aiming to grow business beyond a small, product-limited current flow and to add new sectors like energy, logistics, transport, agriculture, and communications. Mining & Environment Watch: Miata Metals reported new drill results at its Sela Creek gold project in Suriname, including 11 m at 3.35 g/t Au, as it maps a district-scale gold system—good for investors, but a reminder that expansion also raises land, water, and biodiversity pressures. Climate Risk for the Region: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change is increasingly tied to inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure—highlighting how adaptation planning matters across the wider Caribbean, including Suriname. Regional Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce flights from June 1, including discontinuing Dominica, St Kitts, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, with knock-on effects for tourism, trade, and access to services. Forest Pressure Alert: A new analysis says rising demand for minerals, biofuels, and pulp is pushing rainforests toward breaking point, adding to threats from ranching, monocrops, oil, and logging. Sea Life Update: Researchers documented what they say is Florida’s first known olive ridley sea turtle nest, with warming ocean temperatures flagged as a possible factor—relevant to regional marine monitoring.

Mining & Environment: Miata Metals reported new diamond-drill results from its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including 25.1m at 1.71 g/t Au (with 11m at 3.35 g/t) and 16.68m at 1.39 g/t Au (with 6m at 2.90 g/t), expanding the footprint of gold mineralization at Jons Trend and Big Berg. Climate Risk & Finance: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank (CBCS) warned that climate change threatens not just nature but inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging National Adaptation Plans to coordinate sector-wide resilience. Sea Turtles & Warming Seas: Researchers documented what they say is Florida’s first known olive ridley sea turtle nest, with scientists linking unusual nesting outside typical ranges to warming ocean temperatures and other pressures. Regional Policy for Resilience: CARICOM, the UN, and UNDP launched a prevention-focused framework treating crime and violence as a public health issue, aiming for cross-sector action across health, education, justice, and social protection. Regional Connectivity Pressure: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce flights from June 1, including discontinuing Dominica, St. Kitts, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, as it seeks operational reliability and long-term financial stability. Forest Protection Warning: A new analysis says rising demand for critical minerals, biofuels, and pulp is pushing rainforests toward “breaking point,” adding to pressures from ranching, monocrops, oil, and logging.

Mining in Suriname: Miata Metals says it’s expanding a district-scale gold system at Sela Creek, with new drill hits including 25.1m at 1.71 g/t Au (and 11m at 3.35 g/t) plus other gold-bearing intersections at Jons Trend and Big Berg. Climate risk and money: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change is increasingly threatening inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging National Adaptation Plans to cut cross-sector disruption. Sea turtles and warming seas: Researchers documented what they call Florida’s first known olive ridley sea turtle nest, with scientists pointing to possible links like warming ocean temperatures and other human pressures. Regional connectivity under strain: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes from June 1, including Dominica, St Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, and reduce flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe—moves tied to losses and a push for operational reliability. CARICOM security shift: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a prevention-focused public health framework to tackle crime and violence across the region.

Regional Air Connectivity Cuts: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue flights from June 1 between Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname, and Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—moves tied to sustained route losses and a push for operational reliability. CARICOM Security Shift: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched two regional policy tools to tackle crime and violence through a public health lens, focusing on prevention across health, education, justice, social protection and community systems. UAE–CARICOM Partnership Talks: At COFCOR in Paramaribo, the UAE signaled interest in a CARICOM-wide trade and investment framework using its CEPA model, with discussions also highlighting climate finance, renewable energy transition and sustainable infrastructure. Forest Pressure Warning: A new analysis says rising demand for critical minerals, biofuels and pulp is pushing rainforests toward “breaking point,” compounding threats from ranching, monocrops, oil and logging. Sea Turtle Monitoring: Researchers documented a rare olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida, with warming oceans and other pressures suggested as possible drivers.

Regional Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes from June 1, ending Dominica, St Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers get rebooking options, refunds, or travel credit as the airline cites operational reliability and long-term financial stability. Regional Security as Public Health: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a Diagnostic Document and Framework for Action in Basseterre, pushing violence prevention through health, education, justice, social protection and community systems. UAE–CARICOM Partnership Talks: In Paramaribo, UAE envoy Omar Shehadeh backed structured cooperation on sustainable energy, infrastructure and digital transformation, with CARICOM agreeing to explore a trade and investment framework using the UAE CEPA model. Climate and Land Stewardship Spotlight: Barbuda land-rights advocate John Mussington shared how communal land protections resist displacement and luxury development, linking environmental harm to tourism pressures. Sea Turtle Monitoring: Researchers documented what they say is Florida’s first known olive ridley sea turtle nest, with scientists pointing to warming seas and other pressures as possible drivers. Energy Lessons for the Region: Ghana’s gas-to-energy push is moving ahead despite delays and troubles on its first project—seen as a cautionary parallel to Guyana’s gas-to-energy challenges.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shock: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut key regional links from June 1—ending flights between Dominica and Suriname, St. Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor—while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly, citing route losses and a push for operational reliability and long-term financial stability; affected passengers will be contacted and offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, as the airline works toward a codeshare to widen options. Regional Connectivity Pressure: The cuts land amid a wider Caribbean aviation squeeze, feeding calls for a unified air-and-sea strategy across ECCU/CARICOM to protect food security, healthcare access, and trade. Public Health Security: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a public health approach to crime and violence, rolling out a diagnostic document and framework for action. Guyana Business & Finance: Guyana news continues with Canadian gold investment (about 11 firms tied to major gold resources) and a new co-financing plan letting small businesses access up to GY$10M.