AGP Executive Report

Venezuela–Suriname ties: Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez is in Paramaribo for talks with Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, with both sides signing new cooperation agreements spanning energy, fishing, transport, tourism, agriculture, education and health, plus plans to reopen air routes and allow 200 Venezuelan fishermen to operate in the Atlantic corridor. Oil & gas workforce training: Rodríguez said Venezuela will share its oil and gas experience to train Suriname’s industry, following Suriname’s recent offshore discoveries. Bolívar diplomacy: The visit also included a floral tribute to Simón Bolívar in Paramaribo, underscoring shared regional solidarity. Regional business links: Barbados is exploring Suriname for silica sand and aggregate as local supplies tighten, aiming to turn existing agreements into practical construction deals. Health push: PANCAP urged stronger suicide prevention action across CARICOM, citing high suicide mortality rates in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Travel rules: A 2026 passport review says Nigerians can access eVisas for 54 destinations, including Suriname.

Venezuela–Suriname diplomacy: Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez arrived in Paramaribo and met President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, with both sides signing a broad set of strategic cooperation pacts covering hydrocarbons, fisheries, agriculture, trade, tourism, education, and air and maritime connectivity. Bolívar tribute: Rodríguez also led a floral tribute at Simón Bolívar’s monument, underscoring shared regional solidarity. Fisheries deal: Officials say new agreements will boost binational fishing, including access for 200 Venezuelan fishermen in the Atlantic corridor and support for artisanal fleets. Energy and training: The visit highlights plans to deepen energy ties and train Suriname’s oil-and-gas workforce, with Venezuela offering industry experience. Barbados materials push: Barbados is looking to Suriname for silica sand and aggregate as local supplies tighten, aiming to turn bilateral agreements into workable business. Rural power tenders: EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS) is inviting bids for solar-storage minigrids and water infrastructure in indigenous communities. Search update: Dutch search-and-rescue dogs have completed work in the disappearance investigation of businessman Rodney Leysner, producing leads for investigators.

Suriname-Venezuela Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez signed a package of “historic” strategic agreements in Paramaribo, covering energy, maritime and air transport, agriculture, fishing, trade, tourism, education and culture, with plans to activate a high-level joint commission and fast-track technical work— including supplying Venezuelan agricultural output to Suriname’s poultry industry. Food Security & Training: The leaders highlighted a fisheries deal focused on sustainable development, plus cooperation on oil-and-gas aligned training and expanded access for fishermen in the Atlantic corridor. Earthquake Solidarity: Rodríguez publicly thanked Suriname for humanitarian aid after Venezuela’s June 24 earthquakes, calling it a lasting gesture of solidarity. Local Energy Push: EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS) is tendering solar-plus-battery minigrids and rural water infrastructure for indigenous communities under the Bio-Sweet programme, with applications due Oct. 30. Crime Update: Dutch search-and-rescue dogs have completed a mission in the disappearance case of businessman/film producer Rodney Leysner; no body was found, but police say the search produced leads.

Venezuela-Suriname Diplomacy: President Delcy Rodríguez arrived in Suriname to kick off the Bilateral Strategic Cooperation Agenda, with both sides signalling new agreements across cooperation areas. Rural Power & Water: EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS) is tendering solar-storage minigrids and water infrastructure for indigenous communities under the Bio-Sweet project, with bids due Oct. 30. Mental Health Push: PANCAP marked World Suicide Prevention Day by urging stronger Caribbean action, highlighting isolation, stigma and discrimination, and citing high suicide mortality rates in the region including Suriname. Oil Watch (Regional): United Oil & Gas is preparing studies for possible offshore drilling near Jamaica, including rig costs and logistics, to support a partner search for the Walton-Morant licence. Local Business & Mining: Sranan Gold announced an auditor change, appointing Crowe Mackay LLP effective Sept. 4, 2026. Search Update: Dutch search-and-rescue dogs have completed their mission in the Rodney Leysner disappearance case; no body was found, but investigators say the operation produced leads. Sports (Suriname Connection): Club Sando’s historic run continues after qualifying for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final four, with Suriname’s SV Broki also in the group picture.

Energy & Rural Access: EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS) is inviting bids for solar-storage minigrids and water infrastructure in remote Indigenous communities under the Bio-Sweet programme, split into two lots: 10 communities plus energy and water systems (30 months) and Matawai clusters (24 months), with applications due Oct. 30. Land & Rights Tech: A new push to add historical records into digital cadastres argues that land registries and digital humanities teams can digitize scattered colonial-era maps and deeds to strengthen land rights and preserve heritage. Health Watch: US travel-associated chikungunya cases have reached 89 with no local spread reported, shifting the risk focus to trip planning and fever/joint-pain reporting after travel. Regional Sports: Club Sando made the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final four after a goalless draw, while coach Angus Eve now targets the title. Business/ICT: PBS Group completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited (TSL), taking full ownership and appointing TSL CEO Stuart Franco as COO for PBS’s Eastern Caribbean cluster covering Suriname and more. Mining: Founders Metals reported 27.0m of 20.38 g/t gold in first step-out drilling at its Antino project in southeastern Suriname.

CONCACAF Caribbean Cup: Club Sando’s Angus Eve says the team has already hit its first target by reaching the semifinals, and now believes there’s “no reason” they can’t go all the way and win the 2026 title after a goalless draw secured their final-four spot. Regional Business: PBS Group has completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited (TSL), taking full ownership while TSL keeps operating under its existing brand; TSL CEO Stuart Franco moves into a regional COO role covering Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and more. Suriname-India Ties: India’s Ambassador Subhash Gupta met Suriname’s foreign affairs leadership and handed over a pedestrian safety Quick Impact Project in Paramaribo, as both sides discuss deeper bilateral cooperation. Gold Exploration (Suriname): Founders Metals reports standout drill results at its Antino project in southeastern Suriname, including 27.0m of 20.38 g/t gold in the West Zone. Sports/Entertainment: XPPen’s World Illustration Awards 2026 partnership highlighted Rotterdam illustrator Vanessa Postma as the Digital Innovation Cross Category winner.

Suriname-India Ties: India’s Ambassador Subhash Gupta met Suriname’s FM Alva Baptist and senior officials, discussing ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, and handed over a pedestrian safety Quick Impact Project in Paramaribo. Amazon Health Cooperation: Guyana’s Health Minister Frank Anthony took the CESAM President Pro Tempore role and highlighted regional priorities including Digital Health, Environment and Gender Equity, plus disease and intercultural health work—pointing to Suriname’s malaria elimination as a model. Suriname Crime Update: Search dogs completed a mission in a businessman’s disappearance case, as investigators continue their probe. Electricity Debate (Region): Former Guyana Public Works Minister David Patterson blasted the PPP/C administration over worsening power woes, arguing inefficiencies and procurement failures are to blame. Digital Trade Warning (Region): A joint IDB/World Bank/WTO report warns Guyana risks falling behind in the fast-growing digital economy due to gaps in trade commitments and digital infrastructure. Energy & Renewables (Region): Rubis signed a deal to install an 8MW solar plant in Jamaica, adding to the region’s renewable push. Sports (Regional): Club Sando made history by reaching the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final four after a goalless draw with Delfines Del Este. Business (Suriname-linked): Founders Metals reported strong gold results from drilling at its Antino project in southeastern Suriname, including 27.0m grading 20.38 g/t Au.

Crime & Justice: Colombia arrested Surinamese-born drug kingpin Eldrich Boedhoe in Medellín, ending an 11-year manhunt; he’s in custody awaiting extradition after international cooperation involving INTERPOL. Bilateral Ties: India’s Ambassador to Suriname Subhash Gupta met Foreign Minister Alva Baptist and handed over a pedestrian safety project in Paramaribo under India’s Quick Impact Projects. Local Governance & Safety: Suriname’s AI push continues as UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 readiness assessment brings together 106 participants from 67 institutions to map ethical AI governance, skills, and safeguards. Regional Security & Transport: A ferry reliability debate is back after the Canawaima service disruptions highlighted how much Guyana–Suriname trade and travel can hinge on one ageing vessel. Environment & Community: Researchers say Afro-descendant communities in legally recognized Amazon territories help cut deforestation, blending long-held knowledge with conservation. Health & Agriculture Tech: Trinidad and Tobago is rolling out a FAO smartphone system to report animal disease events in real time—an approach that could inspire wider regional preparedness.

Suriname–India Ties: India’s Ambassador Subhash Gupta met Suriname’s FM Alva Baptist and senior officials, discussing ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, and handed over a Paramaribo pedestrian safety project under India’s Quick Impact Projects. Ethical AI in Suriname: UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 readiness work brought together 106 participants from 67 institutions across 10 sectors to map how AI is used in Suriname and what governance, skills, and safeguards are needed for ethical adoption. Wildlife Trade Warning: A report highlights rising sales of Amazonian wildlife in Bangkok markets, with experts pointing to trafficking routes that can launder animals through Peru before export to Asia—raising major animal welfare concerns. Regional Sports: Club Sando FC moved closer to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup group stage by beating Defence Force 2-0, while coach Angus Eve said the team is aiming to qualify. Crime & Justice: Police detained a 17-year-old after a video surfaced with pornographic images.

Suriname-India Diplomacy: India’s Ambassador to Suriname Subhash Gupta met Foreign Minister Alva Baptist and senior ministers on Sept. 4 to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties, and also handed over an India Quick Impact Project pedestrian safety initiative in Paramaribo. Ethical AI Push: Suriname is advancing responsible AI governance with UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 readiness assessment, bringing together 106 participants from 67 institutions across 10 sectors to map how AI is used and what safeguards and skills are needed. Sports—Local Golf: The NTFGL Tour 2 final is set for Sept. 6 at Lusignan Golf Course, with defending champion Patanjilee Persaud leading a tight race into the last round. Regional Football—Club Sando: Club Sando FC host Delfines Del Este in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup on Sept. 8 in a bid to secure a semifinal spot, sitting near the top of Group A. Crime—Paramaribo Detention: Police detained a 17-year-old after a video surfaced with pornographic images, according to the week’s crime coverage.

Suriname–India Diplomacy: India’s Ambassador Subhash Gupta met Suriname’s FM Alva Baptist and senior ministers to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties, and also handed over a Paramaribo pedestrian safety project under India’s Quick Impact Projects. Responsible AI in Suriname: UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 Readiness Assessment brought 106 participants from 67 institutions across 10 sectors to map how AI is being used in Suriname and what governance, skills, and safeguards are needed. Regional Health Cooperation: Suriname joined a PAHO-led meeting of Americas health networks focused on aligning governance, financing, and integrated service delivery to strengthen primary health care. Local Sports Spotlight: Suriname’s presence in regional football continues as Club Sando pushed closer to advancing in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup with a 2-0 win over Defence Force. Culture & Heritage Links: Indonesia explored cultural cooperation with Suriname, pointing to shared Javanese heritage and possible UNESCO intangible heritage nominations.

Suriname–India Ties: India’s Ambassador Subhash Gupta met Suriname’s FM Alva Baptist to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation and handed over a Paramaribo pedestrian safety project under India’s Quick Impact Projects. Local Governance & Safety: The handover highlights continued focus on practical street safety upgrades in the capital. Ethical AI in Suriname: Suriname advanced responsible AI governance with UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 readiness assessment, bringing together 106 participants from 67 institutions to map AI use, skills needs, and safeguards. Culture & Heritage: Indonesia is exploring cultural cooperation with Suriname, pointing to shared Javanese heritage and possible joint UNESCO intangible heritage nominations. Regional Health Cooperation: Suriname joined a PAHO-led meeting of health networks across 16 Americas countries to align governance, financing, and integrated primary health care. Crime & Border Watch: A Guyanese national was arrested in Suriname over alleged cough syrup smuggling, keeping attention on cross-border enforcement. Spiritual Diplomacy: Suriname’s Ambassador Hanisha Jairam visited Haridwar for Krishna Janmashtami and joined the Ganga Aarti, describing the experience as deeply spiritual.

India–Suriname Diplomacy: Indian Ambassador Subhash Gupta met Suriname’s FM Alva Baptist and senior ministers to discuss boosting bilateral ties, including a handover of India’s Quick Impact Projects in Paramaribo—highlighting a pedestrian safety project unveiled with Suriname’s Public Works minister. Local Governance & Safety: A Suriname-focused letter urges Guyana and Suriname to use the MV Canawaima ferry disruptions as a push for a long-term, reliable crossing plan, warning that over-reliance on one ageing vessel keeps communities and trade exposed. Responsible Tech: Suriname advanced responsible AI governance with UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 readiness assessment session, bringing 106 participants from 67 institutions to map ethical AI use, skills, and safeguards. Culture & Heritage: Indonesia and Suriname explored cooperation around shared Javanese heritage, including possible joint UNESCO intangible heritage nominations. Health Systems: PAHO convened a regional meeting with Suriname and 15 other countries to align governance, financing, and integrated service delivery under primary health care. Sports: Club Sando edged closer to group-stage progress in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, beating Defence Force 2-0.

Ferry Safety Push: The MV Canawaima is back in service after inspections and technical work, but a new letter warns that reopening shouldn’t be mistaken for a long-term fix—public safety and a reliable long-term crossing plan between Guyana and Suriname are still urgently needed. Citizenship Debate: Suriname legislators are set to debate amendments to the citizenship and residency act, a move that could reshape how eligibility and residency rules are applied. Responsible AI in Suriname: UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 process is underway to strengthen Suriname’s ethical and responsible AI governance, bringing together 106 participants from 67 institutions to map current AI use and needed safeguards. Health System Cooperation: Suriname is among countries aligning governance, financing and integrated service delivery for stronger primary health care through a joint PAHO-led regional network meeting. Cultural Links with Indonesia: Indonesia and Suriname are exploring cooperation to promote shared Javanese heritage globally, including possible UNESCO intangible heritage nominations. Suriname in Sports: Local golf headlines the NTFGL Tour 2 finale on Sunday, with defending champion Patanjilee Persaud aiming to defend his title.

Canawaima Ferry Crisis: The MV Canawaima is back in service, but a fresh letter warns that reopening the Guyana–Suriname link isn’t the same as fixing the real problem: overreliance on an ageing single vessel. The writer urges both countries to agree on a long-term, reliable crossing plan after repeated suspensions tied to safety and technical concerns. Ethical AI in Suriname: Suriname is moving ahead with UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 readiness work, bringing together 106 participants from 67 institutions to map how AI is used now and what governance, skills, and safeguards are needed. Local Sports: Club Sando closed in on group-stage progress in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup with a 2-0 win over Defence Force. Regional Culture Ties: Indonesia and Suriname discussed cooperation to promote shared Javanese heritage globally, including possible joint UNESCO heritage nominations. Health & Primary Care: PAHO convened a first joint meeting of regional health networks with Suriname among 16 countries, focusing on strengthening primary health care through better governance and financing.

Crime & Borders: A Guyanese national was arrested in Suriname over alleged cough syrup smuggling, adding to ongoing regional concerns about cross-border contraband. Diplomacy & Culture: Suriname Ambassador Hanisha Jairam visited Haridwar for Krishna Janmashtami and joined the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, describing the experience as deeply spiritual and full of “energy and connection.” AI Governance: Suriname is moving ahead on responsible AI, with UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 readiness assessment bringing together 106 participants from 67 institutions to map how AI is used and what safeguards are needed. Health Cooperation: Suriname joined a PAHO-led Americas meeting of health networks focused on strengthening primary health care through better governance, financing, and integrated service delivery. Energy & Industry: Offshore-focused talks continue across the region, including plans around FPSO redeployment and ship-repair capacity that could benefit Suriname’s growing oil and gas support needs. Sports: Local football headlines include Club Sando’s push in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup and a separate derby preview involving Defence Force ahead of their matchup.