AGP Executive Report

Power Crisis Fallout: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed in Guyana blasted PPP mismanagement of GPL as daily blackouts keep hitting homes and small businesses, even as oil wealth and a $1.558 trillion 2026 budget grow. Indigenous Health & Forest Knowledge: A new Regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network launched at Iwokrama brings together Indigenous knowledge holders from Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil to support traditional medicine and push integration into national healthcare. Suriname–Venezuela Green-leaning Cooperation: Delcy Rodríguez’s visit to Paramaribo produced 10 agreements spanning fisheries, agriculture, energy, transport, and education, with Suriname’s leaders stressing sustainable fisheries, regenerative agriculture, and food security. Amazon Health Governance: Guyana took over the Pro Tempore Presidency of CESAM, with subcommissions including Digital Health, Environment and Gender Equity, and Intercultural Health and Traditional Medicine—highlighting regional cooperation across Amazon health and environmental priorities. Wildlife Trade Warning: Reports from Bangkok describe rising Amazon wildlife sold in markets, raising alarm over trafficking, animal welfare, and species loss across South America to Asia. Green Minerals Push: At the China Mining Conference in Tianjin, officials called for greener, more cooperative mining to support a sustainable mineral supply chain for the energy transition.

Venezuela–Suriname Deal Push: Delcy Rodríguez visited Paramaribo and signed 10 cooperation agreements covering fishing, energy, agriculture, food security, transport, tourism, education and hydrocarbons, with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons stressing sustainable fisheries, training for oil-and-gas skills, and “regenerative agriculture” that respects nature. Earthquake Solidarity: Rodríguez publicly thanked Suriname for humanitarian aid during the June 24 earthquakes, framing the ties as long-term solidarity plus practical cooperation. Regional Integration: The leaders said the pacts will activate a High-Level Joint Commission and speed up technical work to align animal and phytosanitary rules and support Suriname’s poultry supply from Venezuelan production. Global Policy Signals: The BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026 backed multilateral diplomacy, rejected unilateral sanctions and tariffs, and called for stronger Global South representation—an echo of the same sovereignty-and-cooperation theme.

Regional Diplomacy & Food Security: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez arrived in Suriname for talks with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, with cooperation plans spanning agriculture, fisheries, hydrocarbons, connectivity, tourism, education and capacity building—plus a push for sustainable fisheries and food production through harmonized animal and phytosanitary rules. Earthquake Solidarity: Rodríguez publicly thanked Suriname for humanitarian aid after the June 24 double earthquake, linking the goodwill to renewed agreements aimed at resilience. Green Agriculture Focus: Suriname’s president highlighted rising agricultural and industrial output and stressed monitoring of the fisheries deal, while both sides backed regenerative agriculture experience-sharing. Mining for a Greener Supply Chain: A global call for greener, more “intelligent” mining and stronger international cooperation for sustainable mineral supply chains came out of the China Mining Conference in Tianjin. Solar Energy Push: Rubis signed a deal to install an 8MW solar plant in Jamaica, adding momentum to renewable investment across the Caribbean. Amazon Forest Protection: Research highlighted how Afro-descendant communities in legally recognized territories help cut deforestation—showing biodiversity protection beyond the usual Indigenous-only narrative.

Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez arrived in Suriname for talks with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, aiming to deepen cooperation across agriculture, fisheries, hydrocarbons, connectivity, tourism, education, and capacity building. Sustainable Food & Fisheries: The leaders signed strategic agreements including sustainable fisheries development and a fisheries-focused push for monitoring and results-oriented cooperation. Regenerative Agriculture: Rodríguez thanked Suriname for earthquake solidarity and highlighted an agricultural deal built around food production and regional food security, including harmonized animal and phytosanitary rules and regenerative agriculture experience-sharing. Amazon Health & Environment: Guyana took over the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Amazon health commission (CESAM), with subcommissions covering Digital Health, Environment and Gender Equity, and plans to strengthen regional health decision-making using tools like an Amazon Regional Observatory health module. Forest Protection Knowledge: Researchers point to Afro-descendant communities as long-time forest protectors in the Amazon, with legally recognized territories showing lower deforestation rates and major biodiversity value. Solar Energy Push: Rubis signed an agreement to install an 8MW solar plant in Jamaica, part of a broader renewable push across the Caribbean.

Suriname–Venezuela Strategic Push: Presidents Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Delcy Rodríguez signed major cooperation agreements in Paramaribo covering energy, maritime and air transport, agriculture, fishing, commerce, tourism, culture and education, with a focus on sustainable fisheries and food security through harmonized animal and phytosanitary rules plus regenerative agriculture experience-sharing. Earthquake Solidarity: Rodríguez publicly thanked Suriname for humanitarian aid during the June 24 double earthquakes, framing the ties as “strategic solidarity.” Green Minerals Call: A global push for greener, smarter mining and stronger international cooperation for a more sustainable mineral supply chain was highlighted at the China Mining Conference in Tianjin. Solar for the Region: Rubis signed a deal to install an 8 MW solar plant in Jamaica, adding momentum to renewable energy investment across the Caribbean. Wildlife Trade Warning: Reports from Bangkok describe rising Amazon-linked wildlife sales in large markets, raising alarms about trafficking, animal welfare and species loss. Amazon Forest Guardians: Research discussed how Afro-descendant communities help protect forests, with legally recognized territories showing lower deforestation rates than surrounding areas.

Green Mining Diplomacy: Officials at China’s 2026 Mining Conference in Tianjin urged “greener and more intelligent” mining and stronger international cooperation for a sustainable mineral supply chain. Amazon Health & Environment: Guyana took over the Pro Tempore Presidency of CESAM, setting priorities including Digital Health, Environment and Gender Equity, and highlighting Suriname’s malaria elimination as a model for regional action. Digital Land Rights: A proposal argues that digitizing scattered land records and historical maps into digital cadastres can strengthen land rights, inclusion, and cultural preservation across the Global South. Electricity Pressure: Former Guyana public works minister David Patterson slammed the PPP/C over worsening power woes, accusing weak management and procurement. Solar Investment: Rubis signed a deal to install an 8MW solar plant in Jamaica, part of a broader renewables push. Biodiversity & Wildlife Trade: Observers warn that wildlife markets in Bangkok are seeing more Amazon-linked species for sale, raising animal welfare and conservation concerns. Banana Diversification: Red bananas are being promoted as an alternative to Cavendish amid TR4, climate stress, and low genetic diversity. Afro-descendant Forest Protection: Research highlights that legally recognized Afro-descendant territories in parts of the Amazon can show lower deforestation, reflecting long-standing stewardship. Offshore & Solar for Refineries: Clean Air Everywhere says Curaçao’s former refinery sites could better serve ship repair, offshore services, and solar power.

Amazon Health Cooperation: Guyana took over the Pro Tempore Presidency of CESAM, setting up three sub-commissions including Digital Health, Environment and Gender Equity, and highlighting Suriname’s malaria elimination as a model for regional action. Forest Protection & Biodiversity: Afro-descendant communities are credited with protecting Amazon forests for centuries, with a Nature study finding legally recognized territories in Suriname and others show notably less deforestation. Solar Push: Rubis signed on to install an 8 MW solar plant in Jamaica, part of a wider renewable energy push tied to its recent financial results. Energy Reliability Debate: Former minister David Patterson sharply criticized Guyana’s power sector management, arguing electricity woes stem from incompetence and procurement failures rather than external excuses. Land Records for Rights: A new framework proposes linking land registries with digital humanities to digitize scattered historical cadastral records, aiming to strengthen land rights and preserve heritage. Wildlife Trade Warning: Reports from Bangkok describe rising wildlife sales tied to the Amazon, raising alarm over trafficking, animal welfare, and species loss. Banana Diversification: A look at red bananas as an alternative to Cavendish, amid TR4, black Sigatoka, climate pressure, and low genetic diversity.

Amazon Health Cooperation: Guyana took over the Pro Tempore Presidency of CESAM, aiming to strengthen regional action on Amazon health, including digital health, emerging diseases, and intercultural/traditional medicine, with Suriname’s malaria elimination experience highlighted. Renewables in the Region: Rubis signed on to install an 8 MW solar plant in Jamaica, adding to a broader Caribbean renewable push. Solar for Suriname’s Neighbours: Clean Air Everywhere points to maritime repair and renewable energy as stronger long-term options for former refinery lands in Curaçao, noting growing offshore oil and gas support demand across Guyana and Suriname. Forest Protection Knowledge: Researchers say legally recognized Afro-descendant territories in parts of the Amazon (including Suriname) show lower deforestation rates, reflecting long-standing forest stewardship. Wildlife Trade Pressure: A report links rising Amazon wildlife sales in Bangkok markets to broader trafficking routes and worsening animal welfare during transit. Climate & Drought Debate: UN talks on drought and desertification ended without full agreement, with Suriname pushing for flexible, country-led approaches. Banana Diversification: A look at red bananas argues for reducing dependence on Cavendish as disease and climate risks grow.

Renewables Push: Rubis says it will install an 8 MW solar plant in Jamaica, adding to a wider Caribbean renewable push. Electricity Accountability: Former Public Works minister David Patterson blasts the PPP/C government over worsening power woes at Guyana Power and Light, arguing excuses have replaced strategic management and procurement. Amazon Health Cooperation: Guyana took the temporary presidency of the Amazon health commission CESAM and flagged priorities like operationalising sub-commissions on Digital Health, Environment, Gender Equity, plus work on an Amazon Regional Observatory health information module—Suriname’s malaria elimination experience is highlighted as a model for regional action. Forest Protection by Afro-descendant Communities: Researchers and Conservation International point to Afro-descendant territories in the Amazon (including Suriname) showing up to 55% less deforestation than surrounding areas, crediting long-standing forest stewardship blending African and Indigenous knowledge. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A report on Bangkok’s wildlife market describes rising sales of Amazon wildlife, with animals trafficked and laundered through regional routes—raising major animal welfare and conservation concerns. Maritime & Solar for Former Refinery Lands: Clean Air Everywhere urges Curaçao to focus on ship repair, offshore services and renewables for former refinery properties, linking potential demand to growing offshore activity in Guyana and Suriname. Digital Trade Warning: A joint IDB/World Bank/WTO report warns Guyana could be left behind in digital trade due to gaps in trade commitments, infrastructure, logistics, and integration into emerging digital-trade rules.

Afro-descendant forest protection: Researchers say legally recognized Afro-descendant territories in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname can cut deforestation by up to 55% versus nearby areas, reflecting conservation practices built over centuries by blending African and Indigenous knowledge. Maritime + solar future for refinery lands: Clean Air Everywhere urges Curaçao to focus on ship repair, offshore services and renewables for former refinery properties, noting demand could rise from offshore oil and gas activity in Guyana and Suriname. Wildlife trade pressure: A report from Bangkok’s Chatuchak market highlights rising sales of Latin American wildlife across Southeast Asia, with animals often trafficked and laundered through Peru before export. Drought talks stall: At a UN desertification summit in Mongolia, countries couldn’t agree on drought rules; Suriname backed flexibility and country-led approaches, while others pushed for binding global protocols. Oil growth ripple: Guyana is nearing 1 million barrels per day as new offshore production ramps up, underscoring how regional offshore demand may shape services in Suriname. Cultural ties: Indonesia explores cooperation with Suriname to promote shared Javanese heritage and pursue UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage nominations.

Wildlife Trade Watch: Experts say Latin American wildlife is increasingly showing up in Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market, with trafficked animals often moved through Peru and sold as pets—many are taken from the wild, suffer in transit, and many die before reaching buyers. Climate & Land Policy: At UN desertification talks in Mongolia, countries struggled to agree on how to tackle drought and desertification; Suriname and India pushed for flexibility and country-led plans, while others backed a binding global drought protocol—ending in a deferral rather than a final deal. Suriname Links to Global Heritage: Indonesia and Suriname are exploring cooperation to promote shared Javanese heritage worldwide, including possible joint nominations for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Energy in the Region: Altera is in talks to redeploy its Piranema Spirit FPSO (currently laid up in Brazil), with potential interest across the Americas including Suriname—highlighting how offshore oil infrastructure keeps shifting to new fields.

Drought Negotiations: At the UN desertification summit (Cop17) in Mongolia, countries couldn’t agree on a drought plan, with South Africa pushing for a legally binding global protocol while Suriname and India argued for flexibility and country-led design—ending in a deferral rather than a full resolution, with talks set to continue at a 2027 summit in Egypt. Climate Meaning Check: A new look at “net zero” argues the term has drifted from its original carbon-budget purpose into slogans about jobs and growth, urging clearer understanding of what actually needs to be cut. Oil & Region Watch: Altera Infrastructure is exploring redeploying its Piranema Spirit FPSO for smaller fields or early production in the southern Atlantic, with Suriname listed among Americas where FPSO demand is being sought. Suriname Culture Link: Indonesia and Suriname discussed cooperation to promote shared Javanese heritage globally, including possible joint UNESCO intangible heritage nominations. Local Creative Scene: Curaçao’s Wintertuin Festival launched “Moving Voices,” selecting spoken-word artists from Curaçao, Aruba, and Suriname for a competition focused on “Moveshon” (movement).

Drought Diplomacy: At the UN desertification summit (COP17) in Mongolia, countries couldn’t agree on a binding drought protocol; South Africa pushed for a legally binding global approach while the UK, Australia and others rejected it, and Suriname backed flexibility and country-led design—ending in a deferral, not a resolution, with talks set to continue in Egypt in 2027. Climate Language Shift: A global explainer revisits how “net zero” evolved from a carbon-budget concept into a catch-all slogan for jobs and growth, raising questions about what it really means for cutting emissions. Suriname in the Climate Mix: The drought debate matters directly for Suriname’s policy stance, as the country argued against one-size-fits-all rules. Oil & Region Watch: Altera Infrastructure is exploring redeployment options for the Piranema Spirit FPSO, with interest across the Americas including Brazil and Suriname—highlighting how offshore energy planning keeps intersecting with regional environmental futures. Heritage, Not Emissions: Indonesia and Suriname discussed cooperation to promote shared Javanese heritage globally, including possible UNESCO intangible heritage nominations.

Vanilla Pollination Story: A new recounting of Edmond Albius’ 1841 breakthrough shows how a simple manual technique—using a needle or toothpick to connect vanilla flower male and female parts—turned a rare “eureka moment” into a method still used by growers today. Net-Zero Debate: A fresh look at “net zero” argues the phrase has drifted from a clear carbon-budget idea into a catch-all slogan, with climate policy now struggling to agree on what it really means in practice. Drought Negotiations: At UN Cop17 in Mongolia, countries failed to agree on a drought response, with Suriname pushing for flexibility and country-led design while others sought binding rules—leaving talks to continue toward a 2027 summit. Suriname–Indonesia Heritage Links: Indonesia’s Culture Ministry is exploring cooperation with Suriname to promote shared Javanese heritage globally, including possible joint UNESCO intangible heritage nominations. Women’s Sport Leadership: A Suriname Olympic Committee office manager shared that an international women’s sport leadership programme was “life-changing,” highlighting leadership growth and community-building. World Heritage Focus: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee wrapped in Busan with renewed commitments to include underrepresented regions, including new inscriptions and a strategy for small island states.

Oil & Energy Redeployment: UK-based Altera Infrastructure is exploring redeployment options for its cylindrical Piranema Spirit FPSO (Sevan 300 design), currently in lay-up in Brazil, with potential use across the southern Atlantic and West Africa, including smaller fields or early production on larger projects. Climate & Water Security: At UN desertification talks in Mongolia (Cop17), countries struggled to agree on how to tackle drought and desertification; Suriname backed flexibility and country-driven plans, while others pushed for a legally binding global drought protocol. Global Climate Debate: A new look at “net zero” questions whether the phrase still has clear meaning, tracing how the concept evolved from carbon-budget thinking to today’s broad use in jobs, buildings, and growth. Suriname in the Spotlight (Culture): Indonesia and Suriname are exploring cooperation to promote shared Javanese heritage globally, including possible joint nominations for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. World Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and emphasized more inclusive protection, including first-time inscriptions for underrepresented regions and a new strategy for small island states. Regional Context (Debt & Economy): An IDB report highlights Guyana’s improving debt management and falling unemployment, while noting Suriname among Caribbean states with higher debt burdens than in 2019.

Drought Diplomacy: At UN desertification talks in Mongolia, countries still couldn’t agree on how to tackle drought and desertification, with South Africa pushing for a legally binding global drought protocol while Suriname and others argued for flexibility and country-led plans—ending in a deferral, not a full resolution. Climate Meaning Check: A new look at “net zero” questions what the phrase really means now that it’s used for everything from jobs to buildings, and warns that stabilising carbon concentrations isn’t the same as stopping warming. Oil & Waterways: Altera Infrastructure is exploring redeployment options for its cylindrical FPSO Piranema Spirit, with potential interest across the Americas including the region where Suriname is mentioned among FPSO demand markets. Regional Oil Pressure: Guyana is moving toward 1 million barrels per day, with an FPSO already offshore—raising the stakes for the wider coast and shipping routes that also matter to Suriname’s environment. Heritage & Nature Link: Indonesia and Suriname are exploring cooperation to promote shared Javanese heritage globally, including possible UNESCO intangible heritage nominations—an indirect boost for cultural conservation alongside environmental stewardship. World Heritage Focus: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee wrapped up in Busan with renewed commitments to include underrepresented regions, including a SIDS strategy for 2026–2034.