AGP Executive Report

Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project (CAD4.324m) is pushing renewable energy and low-carbon upgrades for Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, with plans for cold storage, low-carbon certification support, and business models to attract investment. Bilateral Climate Cooperation: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met the Dominican Republic’s President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo, signing agreements to deepen ties on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and climate change, plus visa-free entry for Dominicans with valid US/Schengen visas. Health & Environment Link: PAHO reported that Suriname became the first malaria-free country in the Amazon Basin, while the Americas face setbacks like measles elimination—reminding the region that public health and environmental stability go together. Wildlife & Trade Risks: A rare olive ridley sea turtle nest was documented in Florida, with warming oceans and fishing pressure cited as possible drivers—an alert for how climate and human activity can shift wildlife patterns. Regional Trade Push: TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) to help manufacturers find new partners and market opportunities, while a postal/customs summit in San Salvador includes Suriname to streamline border operations and security.

Trade & Logistics: TTMA has launched a week-long trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming to find new export deals and investment links in fast-growing sectors. Border Operations & Sustainability: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs agencies are reforming workflows after joining a regional summit that includes Suriname, focused on smoother mail processing and tighter checks on prohibited items. Wildlife & Climate Signals: Loggerhead Marinelife Center reports the first documented olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida (May 18), with researchers linking unusual nesting to warming ocean conditions and shifting populations. Suriname–China Cooperation: President Jennifer Simons says Suriname plans to consolidate and expand ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting green development and infrastructure cooperation. Health & Environment: PAHO notes Suriname became the first Amazon Basin country certified malaria-free, while the region also faces setbacks like measles elimination. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A report on colonial-era Dutch Royal Collections flags “serious doubts” about how some artifacts from Suriname and other former colonies were acquired, adding pressure for more transparent handling of environmental and cultural heritage. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Suriname and the Dominican Republic signed agreements to deepen cooperation on renewable energy, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange, with climate change a shared concern.

Bilateral Climate & Energy Cooperation: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used her Dominican Republic visit to push deeper ties with renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange, stressing both countries face climate change risks as small coastal states. Regional Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-backed 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 & Ocean Warming Signals: Researchers documented the first-ever olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida (named “Tini”), with scientists pointing to warming ocean temperatures and shifting migration as possible drivers—relevant to Suriname’s Atlantic turtle context. Wildlife Trafficking Pressure: New reporting links golden lion tamarin trafficking to organized networks moving animals via Latin America and Africa, with seizures tied to routes that have included Suriname. Governance Spotlight: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again places Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while Suriname is among the lowest-ranked in the region. Trade Mission (Suriname Link): Trinidad and Tobago’s TTMA launched a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) to connect manufacturers and service providers with new market opportunities.

Bilateral Climate & Sustainability Push: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican leaders in Santo Domingo, calling for deeper cooperation on renewable energy, sustainable development, and climate change, while also signing agreements covering tourism, agriculture, trade, education, and parliamentary exchange. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades, with Suriname among participating countries. Wildlife Trafficking Alarm: Reports link seizures of golden lion tamarins to organized trafficking routes through Suriname and other countries, with animals moved by car, air, and even sailboats—raising fresh pressure on enforcement and wildlife trade rules. Health & Environment Link: PAHO highlighted Suriname’s malaria-free certification in its 2025 annual report to the OAS, underscoring how public health gains can support broader resilience. Governance Spotlight: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again placed Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while noting stronger performers like Barbados and The Bahamas.

Governance & Environment: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines lead—an important reminder that public trust and accountability shape how well countries protect people and ecosystems. Wildlife Crime: A new report highlights the growing international trafficking pipeline for Brazil’s endangered golden lion tamarins, with seizures linked to Suriname and other countries, showing how animals are moved by car, air and even sailboat using forged documents. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, aiming for low-carbon cold storage and support for low-carbon certification as energy costs and climate pressures rise. Suriname–China Cooperation: Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says the country wants to expand ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing green development and infrastructure cooperation. Suriname–Dominican Republic Climate & Trade: Geerlings-Simons’ visit to the Dominican Republic focuses on renewable energy, sustainable development, tourism and parliamentary exchange, with both sides flagging climate change risks for coastal small states. Biodiversity Under Threat: Brazil’s approval of Amazon River mouth oil drilling raises alarms over rescue capacity for manatees and other wildlife in spill scenarios.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Climate & Sustainability Push: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ visit to Santo Domingo focused on deeper cooperation on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange, with both sides stressing shared climate-change risks for coastal small states. Wildlife Trafficking Alert: Reports link a growing international pipeline for Brazil’s endangered golden lion tamarins to seizures in Suriname and other countries, with traffickers moving animals by car, air, and even sailboat—sometimes using forged documents. Green Development Diplomacy with China: In a 50th-anniversary interview, Suriname’s president said ties with China have delivered results including “green development” and infrastructure, and she expects further consolidation of cooperation. Regional Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project (including Suriname) is scaling clean-energy solutions for Caribbean fisheries—aiming at better cold-chain efficiency and low-carbon certification as climate pressures rise. Biodiversity Under Pressure from Oil: A separate report highlights how oil drilling plans in Brazil’s Amazon River mouth raise rescue and spill-risk concerns for unique manatees, underscoring the stakes for coastal ecosystems.

Waste & World Environment Day: UNDP’s Trinidad and Tobago resident representative warned that the country generates about 2.6kg of waste per person per day—double the Caribbean average—urging more responsible consumption as a key part of tackling the waste crisis. Wildlife Trafficking: New reporting links golden lion tamarin smuggling to organized networks moving animals out of Brazil by car, air, and even sailboat, with seizures tied to routes through Suriname and Togo and prices reportedly up to $100,000 per animal. Sea Turtle Range Shift: Researchers documented the first recorded olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida, with scientists pointing to changing ocean conditions and migration shifts as possible drivers—species that also nest in Suriname and Trinidad. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project (with Canada support) is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable power for cold storage and steps toward low-carbon certification, with Suriname among participating countries. Suriname–Dominican Republic Cooperation: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ visit to the Dominican Republic highlighted renewable energy, agriculture, sustainable development, tourism, and parliamentary exchange, with new agreements including visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas.

Waste & World Environment Day: UNDP’s Trinidad and Tobago resident representative warned that the country’s per-person waste output is about double the Caribbean average, urging more responsible consumption as World Environment Day events push sustainability beyond tech and infrastructure. Wildlife Trafficking: Reports link a surge in golden lion tamarin smuggling to organized networks moving animals from Brazil through Latin America and Africa, with seizures tied to routes that can involve forged documents and even sailboat crossings. Sea Turtle Range Shift: A rare olive ridley sea turtle nest was documented in Florida for the first time, raising questions about changing ocean conditions and migration patterns that could affect regional nesting seasons. Suriname–Dominican Republic Climate & Green Cooperation: Suriname’s president used a parliamentary address and official meetings to call for deeper ties with the Dominican Republic, including renewable energy, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange, while stressing shared climate-change risks. Clean Energy for Fisheries (Regional): The 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. Suriname–China 50 Years: Suriname’s president said relations with China have delivered results in green development and infrastructure, and she expects further consolidation as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties is marked.

Oil & Risk Watch: Jamaica is weighing early results from new offshore exploratory drilling near Morant Bay, with officials urging “cautiously optimistic” patience as timelines for any development stretch into the late 2020s and beyond—raising the usual questions for coastal communities and ecosystems. Wildlife Trafficking: Brazil’s golden lion tamarins are being smuggled out via cars, planes, and even sailboats, with seizures linked to routes through Suriname and Togo and prices reportedly up to $100,000 per animal. Suriname–China Ties: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname wants to expand cooperation with China across “green development” and infrastructure as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Regional Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is pushing renewable energy and low-carbon upgrades for Caribbean fisheries, including cold storage and pathways to low-carbon certification—covering Suriname among other countries. Bilateral Climate & Sustainability Cooperation: Geerlings-Simons and the Dominican Republic’s leaders signed agreements spanning renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development, with climate change and coastal vulnerability front and center. Parliamentary Exchange Boost: The two countries also moved to deepen parliamentary and diplomatic links, including air connectivity and visa-free entry for certain Dominican travelers.

Wildlife & Oceans: Researchers documented the first-ever olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida on Jupiter Beach, with scientists pointing to shifting ocean conditions and migration patterns as possible drivers—good news for conservation, but a reminder that nesting season needs careful beach protection. Suriname–China Cooperation: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said Suriname wants to consolidate and expand ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting cooperation including green development. Bilateral Climate & Sustainability Links: Geerlings-Simons’ visit to the Dominican Republic focused on renewable energy, agriculture, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange, with both sides stressing climate change impacts on coastal small states. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-backed STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold-chain upgrades and support for low-carbon certification—covering Suriname among participating countries. Wildlife Trafficking Alarm: New reporting links seizures including in Suriname to organized networks smuggling Brazil’s golden lion tamarins overseas, sometimes using forged documents and long Atlantic routes. Regional Aviation Pressure: Caribbean Airlines’ St Kitts withdrawal sparked concerns over consultation, while regional aviation is being reshaped by route cuts and new partnerships—an indirect but real factor for eco-tourism and access.

Rare Turtle Nesting: Researchers documented the first recorded olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida on May 18, filmed on Jupiter Beach—an unusual northward shift scientists link to changing ocean conditions and migration patterns. Suriname–China Cooperation: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said Suriname aims to consolidate ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomacy, highlighting cooperation including green development. Bilateral Climate & Sustainability Talks: Geerlings-Simons’ visit to the Dominican Republic focused on renewable energy, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange, with both leaders stressing climate change risks for coastal small states. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support across countries including Suriname. Wildlife Trafficking Alarm: Reports link seizures involving Suriname to a growing international trafficking pipeline for Brazil’s golden lion tamarins, with animals moved by car, air, and sailboat for up to $100,000 each. Health Milestone: PAHO highlighted that Suriname became the first Amazon Basin country certified malaria-free, while also noting setbacks like measles elimination challenges.

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.