AGP Executive Report

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as far back as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River Bridge “on its own,” while Guyana says it will wait for official correspondence before responding—deepening a CARICOM-era rift over who knew what and when. CARICOM Cuba Aid Clears Hurdles: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba has finally been cleared after repeated sanctions-related banking problems, with leaders offering to help bridge talks between Washington and Havana amid a worsening humanitarian and energy squeeze. Suriname Offshore Oil Bids: Staatsolie says it received two new bids in its open-door offering for offshore blocks in the Guyana-Suriname basin, with competing proposals due within 90 days. Early Childhood Screen Rules: Guyana’s human services minister urged strict limits on digital devices for children under two, warning against screen time during key brain development. Regional Trade & Transport Talk: CARICOM’s ferry plan is being pushed toward a cargo-first model for financial viability, while trade officials argue manufacturers should get priority access to foreign exchange.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as far back as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River Bridge “go-it-alone,” while Guyana’s Irfaan Ali says he’s waiting for official correspondence before responding. CARICOM Cuba Mediation: CARICOM humanitarian aid for Cuba has finally cleared sanctions-related banking hurdles, and Caribbean leaders are offering to mediate between Washington and Havana amid a widening regional split at the UN. Trade and FX Pressure: Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade Minister Satyakama “Ka” Maharaj argues local manufacturers should get priority access to foreign exchange to protect competitiveness. Regional Ferry Plan: An economist says any CARICOM ferry trial must be cargo-first to stay financially viable. Suriname Energy Watch: Staatsolie reports two new bids for offshore blocks in its open-door offering, while Petronas announces new hydrocarbon discoveries in Block 52, boosting the basin’s potential. Sports: Patentia Secondary School won two Tapeball cricket titles in three days, and T&T Prison Service bolstered its CFU Club Shield attack with Ezekiel Kezar.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as far back as February that Paramaribo planned to finance the Corentyne River bridge “go-it-alone,” while Guyana’s Irfaan Ali says he’s waiting for official correspondence before responding. Oil & Gas Push: Petronas reports two new discoveries in offshore Block 52 (Caiman-1 and SAC-1) plus an appraisal at Roystonea-2, lifting estimated recoverable resources to over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Open-Door Offshore Bids: Staatsolie received two more bids for deepwater and Demerara-sector acreage in its open-door offering, with a 90-day window for competing proposals. Early Childhood Screen Rules: Suriname’s regional neighbor Guyana’s human services minister says children under two should have no screen time, with limited device use advised as they grow. CARICOM Cuba Aid: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba has finally cleared sanctions-related banking hurdles, and leaders are also offering to mediate between Washington and Havana. Culture & Tourism: Ghana’s Elmina Bakatue rituals revived the fishing community’s traditions, with Suriname among the attending guests.

Corentyne Bridge Row: Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Guyana was told as far back as February that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River bridge on its own, while Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says Georgetown is waiting for official correspondence before responding. Offshore Oil Push: Staatsolie says it has received two more bids for deepwater blocks in its open-door offering, with submissions in the Demerara sector and a 90-day window for competing proposals. New Hydrocarbon Finds: Petronas reports two new discoveries in Block 52 offshore Suriname (Caiman-1 and SAC-1) plus an appraisal at Roystonea-2, lifting estimated recoverable resources to over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Mining Update: Miata Metals announces additional drill results at its Sela Creek Gold Project, including a new gold discovery at Puma East with high-grade intersections. CARICOM Humanitarian Aid: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba has finally been cleared for delivery after sanctions-related banking hurdles, and leaders are also offering to mediate between Washington and Havana. Sports & Community: T&T Prison Service coach Dexter Cyrus adds striker Ezekiel Kezar ahead of the CFU Club Shield, while Jamaica’s draughts body prepares for an international 10x10 event in the region.

Corentyne Bridge Row: Suriname and Guyana are trading claims over who was told about Paramaribo’s plan to finance the Corentyne River bridge alone, with Suriname saying President Ali was informed as far back as February and via multiple high-level meetings, while Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd says there was no discussion of bridge financing in the May 15 virtual meeting and that Guyana was never notified through official channels. Diplomatic Timing: Guyana says it will wait for formal correspondence before responding to any revised proposal, as both sides point to different conversations and timelines. Offshore Energy Boost: Petronas announced new hydrocarbon discoveries in Block 52 off Suriname, including Caiman-1 and SAC-1, plus an appraisal of Roystonea-2, lifting estimated recoverable resources to over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Mining Update: Miata Metals reported additional drill results from its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including a new gold discovery at Puma East. Business & Markets: APA Corporation released supplemental Q2 2026 information, including realized price estimates, production curtailments tied to Waha hub prices, and a share repurchase update.

Corentyne Bridge Row: Suriname says President Irfaan Ali was told as early as May 15 that Paramaribo plans to finance the Corentyne River bridge alone, but Guyana’s foreign minister Hugh Todd rejects this, saying Guyana was never informed through official channels and that May 15 talks were only about disaster relief. Oil & Gas Boost: Petronas reports two new hydrocarbon discoveries in offshore Block 52 (Caiman-1 and SAC-1) plus an appraisal of Roystonea-2, lifting estimated recoverable resources to over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent and bringing eight successful wells in the block. Mining Update: Miata Metals announces additional diamond-drilling results at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including a new gold discovery at Puma East with high-grade intersections. Sports: Suriname is listed in Group B of the 2026 Davis Cup Americas Zone, with Antigua & Barbuda opening against USVI and Suriname among the other group teams. Diplomatic Note: India’s President Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from Suriname’s newly appointed ambassador in a formal ceremony.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Suriname and Guyana are trading sharp statements over whether President Irfaan Ali was told that Paramaribo would finance the Corentyne River bridge alone, with Guyana’s foreign minister Hugh Todd denying any official notice and Suriname insisting the plan was discussed in multiple high-level meetings, including a May 15 virtual call. Offshore Energy Boost: Petronas says it has made two new hydrocarbon discoveries in Block 52 off Suriname’s Atlantic coast (Caiman-1 and SAC-1) and confirmed the Roystonea-2 appraisal, bringing recoverable resources to over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. New Gold Drilling Results: Miata Metals reports additional high-grade intersections at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including 17.19 m at 3.14 g/t Au and 21.64 m at 1.70 g/t Au at Puma East. Regional Tech Push: AMCHAM is calling for a 7% GDP target for the technology sector in the Caribbean, arguing digital transformation should be a baseline for business survival. Diplomatic Updates: Suriname’s envoy Hanisha Jairam presented credentials in India, marking the start of her diplomatic responsibilities.

Corentyne Bridge Dispute: Suriname and Guyana traded fresh statements over who should finance the Corentyne River bridge, with Suriname’s foreign ministry saying it told President Irfaan Ali of its intention to take responsibility during high-level talks (including a May 15 virtual meeting), while Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd insists Guyana was never officially notified and that May 15 focused only on disaster relief. Oil & Gas Update: Petronas Suriname E&P reported two new discoveries and an appraisal success in offshore Block 52, adding oil and gas results across multiple wells, with Petronas holding 80% and Staatsolie’s Paradise Oil 20%. Diplomatic Note: Suriname’s ambassador Hanisha Jairam presented credentials to India’s President Droupadi Murmu, marking the start of her diplomatic responsibilities. Energy Project Procurement: SBM Offshore began seeking a flotel services supplier to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater project offshore Suriname, with responses due July 7. Local Politics: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal defended his absence from a CARICOM heads meeting, arguing ministers should travel only when their portfolios require it.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Guyana’s foreign minister Hugh Todd denies Suriname ever notified him through official channels that Paramaribo planned to fund the 3.1-km Corentyne River Bridge alone, saying a May 15 virtual meeting was only about disaster relief and that no bridge-financing shift was discussed. Suriname’s Counter-Claim: Suriname says the financing plan was raised with President Irfaan Ali during several high-level talks, including the May 15 call, and points to a Joint Technical Working Group continuing discussions. Offshore Energy Watch: SBM Offshore has started sourcing a flotel services supplier for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu FPSO commissioning offshore Suriname, while Petronas reports two new Block 52 discoveries and a successful appraisal, adding to its growing Suriname oil and gas results. Climate & Biodiversity: A study warns Brazil’s expanding offshore drilling could raise oil-spill risks to seagrass and deep-water reefs, and CariCOF says El Niño and warming seas may intensify heat and drought across the Caribbean. Diplomatic Notes: India’s President Murmu accepted credentials from Suriname’s newly appointed envoy Hanisha Jairam. Markets & Governance: Sranan Gold granted 3.9 million stock options, and CARICOM leaders are set to meet in Saint Lucia with integration and regional resilience on the agenda.

Diplomatic Credentials: President Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from Suriname’s ambassador Hanisha Jairam in New Delhi, alongside envoys from Mozambique, Nicaragua, Gabon, Mongolia and the Bahamas. Corentyne Bridge Row: Guyana’s foreign minister Hugh Todd rejected Paramaribo’s claim that President Irfaan Ali was told Suriname would finance the 3.1-km Corentyne River Bridge alone, saying a May 15 virtual meeting was only about urgent flood relief and that no bridge-financing discussion occurred. Suriname’s Counter: Suriname insists the solo-financing plan was raised with Ali during several high-level contacts, including the May 15 call, and says the Joint Technical Working Group continues talks on financial and operational details. Energy Update: Petronas reported two new offshore discoveries and a successful appraisal in Suriname’s Block 52, with plans for a final investment decision on the Sloanea gas field by year-end. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño and warming Caribbean seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the region, and raise risks of heavy-rain flooding.

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 Guyana’s foreign minister Hugh Todd saying there were no discussions on unilateral financing and that Guyana was never informed through the established bilateral mechanisms. Suriname’s Counter: Suriname’s foreign ministry says the solo-financing intention was raised in high-level talks, including meetings between the two presidents, and points to the Joint Technical Working Group continuing discussions on financial, technical and operational aspects. Diplomatic Tension, Same Project: President Ali insists he has received no official government-to-government communication beyond what appeared in the media, and says the bridge remains a joint, bilateral undertaking. Regional Context: The dispute is unfolding alongside CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (5–8 July), where leaders are pushing for deeper regional unity and integration. Trade & Environment: NOAA has cleared Suriname to resume U.S. exports from its drift gillnet fishery after updated marine mammal protections were recognized. Energy Update: Petronas reports two new offshore discoveries and a successful appraisal in Block 52, strengthening its case for further development in Suriname’s deepwater basin.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Clash: Suriname’s Foreign Ministry says President Irfaan Ali was told as early as May 15, 2026 that Paramaribo plans to finance the Corentyne River bridge, citing multiple high-level talks; Guyana’s President Ali counters that Georgetown has received no official communication beyond media reports and insists the bridge remains a joint, bilateral project. CARICOM Summit Watch: CARICOM leaders open their 51st heads meeting in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia (5–8 July), with a focus on integration that “impacts the people,” and media accreditation details released for the opening ceremony. Offshore Energy Push: Petronas reports two new discoveries and a successful appraisal in Block 52 offshore Suriname, adding to eight successful wells and more than 1 billion boe in recoverable resources, with a final investment decision on the Sloanea gas field expected by year-end. Marine Exports Cleared: Suriname’s drift gillnet fishery is again authorized to export to the United States after NOAA Fisheries granted an updated comparability finding. Climate Risk Alert: CariCOF warns El Niño strengthening and warmer Caribbean seas could mean more intense heat, slower drought relief in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and heightened flood risk from heavy rains.

Corentyne Bridge Diplomatic Tension: Guyana President Irfaan Ali says his government has received no official communication from Suriname about reports that Paramaribo plans to finance and own the Corentyne River Bridge alone, insisting the project remains a bilateral undertaking. CARICOM Summit Watch: CARICOM leaders opened their 51st summit in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, with a focus on regional integration and the theme “From Resilience to Renewal in a change world.” Offshore Energy Push: Petronas reported two new discoveries and a successful appraisal in Suriname’s Block 52, adding to eight successful wells and pointing to major recoverable resources, with further development decisions expected. Marine Exports Back on Track: Suriname has been cleared again to export products from its drift gillnet fishery to the U.S. after NOAA updated its comparability finding. Climate Risk Update: CariCOF warns El Niño strengthening and warming seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the region, and raise risks of flooding during the wet season. Disaster Preparedness Funding: The EU is funding Sendai Framework implementation in Suriname and other Caribbean states to bolster disaster risk reduction and recovery planning.

Corentyne Bridge Standoff: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says he has received no official communication from Suriname after a Surinamese minister told parliament the Corentyne River Bridge would be financed 100% by Paramaribo, stressing the project remains a bilateral joint effort. Disaster Preparedness Funding: St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Suriname received EU support to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, aimed at strengthening preparedness and recovery. Suriname’s Fisheries Market Access: NOAA Fisheries has updated Suriname’s comparability finding, clearing the drift gillnet fishery to export products to the United States again. Offshore Energy Push: Petronas reported two new hydrocarbon discoveries and a successful appraisal well in Block 52 offshore Suriname, adding to its growing results in the basin. Local Energy Services: Tenaris opened a new Suriname service center in Paramaribo to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project, boosting local supply and inspection capacity.

Corentyne Bridge Standoff: Guyana President Irfaan Ali says he has received no official communication from Suriname after Surinamese Public Works Minister Stephen Tsang told parliament the Corentyne River Bridge would be financed “100%” by Paramaribo, with Ali insisting the project remains a bilateral joint undertaking and that only media reports have surfaced. Disaster Preparedness Boost: The EU is funding Sendai Framework implementation in Suriname (along with St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada) to strengthen disaster risk reduction, including support for the Delta Resilience Platform. Marine Exports Cleared: Suriname has been authorized again to export products from its drift gillnet fishery to the United States after NOAA Fisheries updated its comparability finding, citing new mitigation steps like shorter nets and pingers. Energy Push Offshore: Petronas reports two new discoveries and a successful appraisal well in Suriname’s Block 52, bringing its total successful wells to eight and recoverable resources above 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Climate Warning: CariCOF says El Niño and warmer Caribbean seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the region, and raise risks of flooding during the wet season. Keti Koti in the Netherlands: Keti Koti commemorations are underway for July 1, marking the end of slavery in Dutch colonies including Suriname, with Amsterdam debating whether to make the day a national public holiday.

Corentyne Bridge Standoff: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says he has received no official word from Suriname about a reported plan to finance and build the Corentyne River Bridge alone, insisting the project remains a joint effort and that river operations are unaffected. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting will run 5–8 July in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, with opening ceremony details and media accreditation timelines shared by the Secretariat. Energy & Industry in Suriname: Petronas reports two new hydrocarbon discoveries plus an appraisal success in offshore Block 52, while Tenaris has started operations at a new Paramaribo service center to support TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project. Fisheries Access: Suriname has been cleared again to export products from its drift gillnet fishery to the U.S. after NOAA Fisheries updated its comparability finding. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño and warmer Caribbean seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the region, and raise risks of flooding during the wet season. Local Governance (Suriname-linked): Suriname’s ambassador was listed among dignitaries at Amsterdam’s Keti Koti commemoration marking the abolition of slavery in Dutch colonies.