AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Integration Push: After CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting, leaders are being urged to shift from big promises to measurable “return on integration,” with connectivity and delivery now the real test. Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening alongside warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures, raising odds of hotter, longer heatwaves, slower-to-recover drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and flooding risk from heavy wet-season downpours. Suriname Offshore Wind-Saving Towing: SBM Offshore, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies EP Suriname are evaluating wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use during the China-to-Suriname move. Interior Security Alarm: Suriname’s Justice Minister warned after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest near Sarakreek, Brokopondo—an area tied to illegal gold mining—after videos sparked fears of organized armed activity. Gold Exploration Update (Suriname): Sranan Gold reports high-grade grab assays from its Lawatino reconnaissance, including a quartz vein sample grading up to 101.5 g/t Au. Skills for a Greener Future: CARICOM marked World Youth Skills Day with a focus on equipping young people with technical and digital skills to lead climate and development solutions.

CARICOM Integration Check: After CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting, leaders are being pushed to prove “return on integration” with measurable results, not just big priorities—especially on climate resilience, food security, governance reform, and regional security. Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening alongside warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures, raising the odds of hotter conditions, longer drought in parts of the region, and flooding risk from heavy wet-season rainfall. Suriname Interior Security: Suriname’s Justice Minister warned against lawlessness after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest near Sarakreek, an area linked to illegal gold mining—raising questions about security operations in remote interior zones. Wind-Assisted Towing for FPSO: SBM Offshore and TotalEnergies’ Suriname project are evaluating wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO to cut towing time and fuel use during the China-to-Suriname move. Gold Exploration in Suriname: Sranan Gold reported high-grade grab samples from its Lawatino reconnaissance, including a quartz vein assay up to 101.5 g/t Au, while Miata Metals added strong Sela Creek drill results (30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au). Regional Skills Push: CARICOM marked World Youth Skills Day with a focus on building technical and employability skills for a shared future.

Wind-assisted towing for Suriname’s GranMorgu FPSO: SBM Offshore, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies EP Suriname are evaluating a kite traction towing system to cut fuel use and towing time on the GranMorgu project bound for Suriname’s Block 58, with onshore tests planned before integration. Climate risk alert for the Caribbean: CariCOF says strengthening El Niño plus warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures could bring more intense heat, longer drought in places, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rains during the 2026 wet season. CARICOM tax push with sustainability link: CARICOM’s tax administrators meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration aimed at sustainable revenue. Suriname interior security concern: Suriname’s Justice Minister warned against lawlessness after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest near Sarakreek, an area linked to illegal gold mining. Gold exploration in Suriname: Miata Metals reported strong Sela Creek drill results, including 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au, adding support to a structurally controlled gold system. CARICOM integration debate: A commentary after CARICOM 51 argues the region must deliver measurable “Return on Integration,” not just set priorities. Youth skills spotlight: CARICOM marked World Youth Skills Day, highlighting training for innovation and employability, including climate and health-related youth programmes.

Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening as Caribbean seas stay warm, raising the risk of heatwaves, drought, and flooding from heavy wet-season rain. Offshore Energy (Suriname): SBM Offshore and partners are evaluating wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO bound for Suriname, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use during the China-to-Suriname move. Regional Policy (CARICOM): Tax administrators from across CARICOM are meeting in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to push “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue systems, with a focus on sustainable revenue. Environment & Governance (Suriname’s region): Former Guyana EPA chief Dr. Vincent Adams links Guyana’s low Environmental Performance Index ranking to weak political priorities on environmental safety and public health. Security in the Interior (Suriname): Suriname’s Justice Minister warned against lawlessness after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest, with concerns tied to areas affected by illegal gold mining. Mining (Suriname): Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results at Sela Creek, reinforcing a structurally controlled, stacked gold system.

CARICOM Tax Tech Push: Tax administrators and revenue experts are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” systems to boost compliance and sustainable revenue across the region. Wind-Assisted Towing for Suriname FPSO: SBM Offshore, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies EP Suriname are evaluating a wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use during its move from China to Suriname. El Niño Climate Warning: CariCOF says strengthening El Niño plus warmer Caribbean seas could mean more intense heat, longer drought in places, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rain during the 2026 wet season. Suriname Interior Security Alarm: Suriname’s Justice Minister warned against lawlessness after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest near Sarakreek, an area linked to illegal gold mining. Suriname Gold Drilling Update: Sela Creek drilling results from Miata Metals add high-grade gold intersections, reinforcing a structurally controlled gold system in Suriname. CARICOM Integration Debate: A post-CARICOM 51 discussion argues the region’s big challenge is turning climate resilience, food security and governance priorities into measurable economic returns.

Wind-Assisted Towing for Suriname FPSO: SBM Offshore, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies EP Suriname are teaming up with Beyond the Sea to develop and test a Wind Assisted Towing System (WATS) using kite traction for the GranMorgu FPSO—aimed at cutting towing time and fuel use during the China-to-Suriname move, with phased R&D and onshore testing before integration. Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening alongside warmer Caribbean seas, raising the odds of hotter conditions, longer drought in parts of the region, and flooding risk from heavy rain during the 2026 wet season. Interior Security & Mining Pressure: Suriname’s Justice Minister warned against lawlessness after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest near Sarakreek, an area linked to illegal gold mining—highlighting ongoing pressure on the interior. Mining Updates from Suriname: Sranan Gold reported high-grade grab assays up to 101.5 g/t Au from its Lawatino reconnaissance sampling, while Miata Metals released new Sela Creek drilling results including 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au. CARICOM Policy Signals: CARICOM tax administrators meet in July to push “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue systems, framed as supporting sustainable revenue.

Climate Risk Update: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening as Caribbean Sea temperatures stay high, raising the odds of hotter, more humid conditions, recurrent heatwaves, slower-to-recover drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a continued risk of flooding from heavy rain during the 2026 wet season. Regional Policy & Capacity: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) for COTA’s 27th General Assembly on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue systems, with a parallel high-level meeting on tax and development. Suriname Interior Security: Suriname’s Justice Minister Harish Monorath says the arrest of 14 armed Chinese nationals in the rainforest will be investigated, after videos sparked fears of an organized armed group tied to areas known for illegal gold mining. Green Tech for Offshore: SBM Offshore and TotalEnergies are evaluating wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO in Suriname’s Block 58, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use. Suriname Mining Watch: Miata Metals reports strong new gold drill results at Sela Creek, including 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au, reinforcing a structurally controlled gold system. CARICOM Integration Debate: A post–CARICOM 51 commentary argues the region must shift from big visions to delivering measurable “return on integration,” including practical steps like regional ferry connectivity.

CARICOM Integration Push: After CARICOM’s 51st summit, leaders are being urged to focus on “Return on Integration” by tackling practical bottlenecks like regional connectivity, including a cargo-first approach to a proposed ferry service. Suriname Interior Security: Suriname’s Justice Minister warned against lawlessness after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest near Sarakreek, an area tied to illegal gold mining—raising questions about security operations in the interior. Cleaner Towing for Oil Infrastructure: SBM Offshore and TotalEnergies are evaluating wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO in Suriname’s Block 58, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use. Suriname Mining Results: Sranan Gold reported high-grade grab assays from its Lawatino reconnaissance in Suriname, including a quartz vein sample grading 101.5 g/t Au. Regional Environmental Pressure: Dr. Vincent Adams criticized Guyana’s low Environmental Performance Index ranking, arguing governance priorities are driving weak environmental outcomes across the region.

Suriname Interior Security: Suriname’s Minister of Justice and Police Harish Monorath issued a warning after 14 armed Chinese nationals were arrested in the rainforest near Sarakreek, Brokopondo, following viral footage of men in military-style uniforms carrying firearms—raising fresh concerns about organized armed activity in an area already plagued by illegal gold mining. Cleaner Towing for Oil Infrastructure: SBM Offshore, with Technip Energies and TotalEnergies EP Suriname, is evaluating wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO in Block 58, aiming to cut towing time and fuel use during the unit’s move from China to Suriname. Regional Environmental Pressure: Environmental engineer Dr. Vincent Adams blamed failed political priorities for Guyana’s low Environmental Performance Index ranking (151/177), warning that short-term extraction is being traded away for long-term ecological survival—an issue that also resonates for Suriname’s forest and baseline ecosystem goals. Suriname Gold Exploration: Sranan Gold reported high-grade grab sample results from its Lawatino reconnaissance program, including a quartz vein assay up to 101.5 g/t Au, while Miata Metals added new Sela Creek drill results in Suriname showing strong gold intersections.

Oil & Policy Shock: Brazil’s new 12% oil export tax is shaking investor confidence ahead of offshore licensing auctions in October, with companies urging Brasília to restore fiscal predictability after the tax was introduced via a temporary decree tied to global price windfalls. Suriname Mining Update: Sranan Gold reports high-grade grab sample assays from its Lawatino reconnaissance program, including a quartz vein grading 101.5 g/t Au, pointing to gold controls linked to the Central Guiana Shear Zone. Suriname Exploration Drilling: Miata Metals says drilling at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname hit 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au (including 14.0 m at 8.20 g/t) at Jons Trend, reinforcing a broad, structurally controlled gold system. Regional Health Cooperation: SVG and India sign an MoU to streamline pharmaceutical standards and improve access to affordable generics, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals. Caribbean Climate & Food Security Talk: CARICOM leaders meet in Saint Lucia and discuss cost of living pressures, food security, and climate finance, alongside broader regional cooperation priorities. Wetlands & Climate Resilience: Jamaica reiterates wetland conservation as “natural infrastructure” for biodiversity, flood protection, water quality, and carbon storage under a Ramsar/IUCN-backed regional project.

Suriname Gold Watch: Sranan Gold reports high-grade grab assays from its Lawatino reconnaissance in Suriname, including a standout 101.5 g/t gold sample from the 101 Zone, with mineralized quartz veins linked to the Central Guiana Shear Zone. Mining & Exploration: Miata Metals adds more Suriname drill results at Sela Creek, hitting 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au (including 14.0 m at 8.20 g/t) at Jons Trend, strengthening the case for a broad, structurally controlled gold system. Regional Health Cooperation: SVG and India sign an MoU to boost public health collaboration, including alignment with the Indian Pharmacopoeia to streamline pharmaceutical quality and access to affordable generics. Oil & Environment Pressure: ExxonMobil nears completion of deep-water seismic on Trinidad and Tobago’s Block TTUD-1, moving toward processing and interpretation to define ultra-deepwater drilling targets. Energy Governance: Guyana sets an end-of-July cut-off for Cybele Energy to pay a US$17M signing bonus for the S7 offshore oil block, warning of possible suspension or cancellation if missed.

Offshore Energy Milestone: ExxonMobil says it is nearing completion of its deep-water seismic work on Block TTUD-1 off Trinidad and Tobago, moving into data processing to map ultra-deepwater drilling targets—an update that keeps regional exploration momentum in focus. Public Health Cooperation: St. Vincent and the Grenadines and India signed an MoU to align pharmaceutical standards and streamline import quality checks, aiming to expand access to affordable generic medicines. Suriname-Relevant Mining Update: Miata Metals reported new Suriname drill results at Sela Creek, including 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au (and stronger intervals within), reinforcing a broad, structurally controlled gold system at Jons Trend. Regional Climate & Nature Policy: Jamaica reaffirmed wetland conservation as “natural infrastructure” for biodiversity, flood protection, water quality, and climate mitigation/adaptation, under a Ramsar/IUCN-linked Caribbean wetlands project. CARICOM Governance: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia, with climate finance and food security on the agenda alongside wider regional cooperation.

Mining in Suriname: Miata Metals reported fresh diamond-drilling results from its Sela Creek Gold Project, including 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au at Jons Trend and new high-grade intersections at Puma East, reinforcing the idea of a large, structurally controlled gold system across the corridor. Regional climate & nature policy: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia and discussed climate finance alongside cost-of-living and food security priorities, with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons among the attendees. Wetlands conservation: Jamaica reaffirmed its commitment to wetland protection and climate resilience, framing wetlands as “natural infrastructure” that supports biodiversity, reduces flooding, improves water quality, and stores carbon. Energy governance watch: Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister set an end-of-July cut-off for Cybele Energy to pay a US$17M signing bonus for the S7 offshore oil block, warning of possible suspension or cancellation if missed. Food & farming support: A Guyana agriculture programme backed by Global Affairs Canada wrapped up, focusing on modernising farming operations and networking for women and youth.

Mining & Land Use: Miata Metals reported fresh diamond-drill results from its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, including 30.0 m at 4.06 g/t Au (with 14.0 m at 8.20 g/t Au) at Jons Trend, plus new high-grade hits at Puma East—another sign the gold system may be broader and structurally controlled across a long corridor. Regional Climate & Policy: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia and discussed climate finance alongside cost-of-living and food security priorities, with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons among attendees. Tourism & Nature Pressure: Guyana’s tourism momentum continues, with 107,286 stayover visitors in Q1 2026 (+12%), highlighting how rainforest and wildlife destinations can grow fast—raising the stakes for conservation planning across the wider Guiana region. Wetlands & Biodiversity: Jamaica reaffirmed commitment to wetland conservation and climate resilience, framing wetlands as natural infrastructure that supports biodiversity and helps with flood protection and carbon storage. Offshore Risk: APA Corporation published its 2026 Sustainability Progress Report, noting offshore Suriname operations—while broader research flags that expanding offshore oil can increase spill risks to seagrass and reefs, underscoring the need for stronger marine protection and emergency readiness.

Tourism & Nature: Guyana’s airport arrivals keep climbing, with 107,286 stayover visitors in Q1 2026—up 12% year-on-year—highlighting rainforest, rivers and wildlife as the new draw for the wider region. Agriculture Skills: A Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry-led market and donor project is wrapping up, training farmers—especially women and youth—on modern business approaches with support from multiple agriculture and food-safety agencies. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia (5–8 July), with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons among attendees, reinforcing regional coordination on shared priorities. Wetlands & Climate Resilience: Jamaica reaffirmed wetland conservation as “natural infrastructure” for biodiversity, flood protection and carbon storage, under a Ramsar/IUCN-linked Caribbean wetlands programme. Suriname Energy Watch: SBM Offshore is seeking flotel services for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project near Suriname, as the deepwater development heads toward first oil mid-2028. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A study warns Brazil’s expanding offshore oil frontier could raise cumulative spill risks, urging stronger emergency preparedness and more Marine Protected Areas in lower-risk zones. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reported additional drill results at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, announcing a new gold discovery at Puma East. Borders & Cooperation: Commentary and reporting continue to track the Guyana–Suriname Corentyne bridge dispute and wider territorial tensions, with cooperation and jurisdiction both in focus.

Suriname–Guyana Bridge Row: Suriname says President Irfaan Ali was only informed as late as May 15 that Paramaribo would fund a Corentyne River bridge, contradicting Ali’s claim he heard it was “news to me” and insisting Guyana’s stance remains a joint venture. Offshore Energy Support: SBM Offshore has started a flotel services supplier search for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu FPSO commissioning offshore Suriname, with responses due July 7—an early step toward mid-2028 first oil. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reported new diamond-drilling results at its Sela Creek Gold Project, including a new gold discovery at Puma East, with high-grade intersections up to 22.80 g/t Au. Regional Environment & Policy: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia (including Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons), while wider regional coverage also highlights wetland conservation efforts in the Caribbean and climate resilience themes. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A study warns Brazil’s expanding northeast offshore oil plans could raise cumulative spill risks, urging stronger emergency preparedness and faster Marine Protected Area expansion.