Oil & Gas Investment: Staatsolie says Malaysia’s Petronas is exploring for oil in Suriname’s offshore Block 52, with a possible oil commerciality decision in about 18 months; the Sloanea gas discovery could feed floating LNG, with first gas targeted for 2030, while Suriname’s Gran Morgu crude project is on track for 2028 and Staatsolie is running an open-door licensing round across 70,000+ sq km to attract 3–4 investors. Regional Energy Diplomacy: At CARICOM’s COFCOR meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname hosted talks that also spotlighted UAE-Caribbean cooperation, including structured energy and infrastructure collaboration and interest in a CARICOM trade/investment framework. Maritime & Logistics Push: Curaçao is pitching Buskabaai as a regional offshore support and logistics hub for the Guyana–Suriname basin, with plans to dredge for OSVs/PSVs and service the growing offshore workforce and vessel demand. Security & Trade Routes: The USS Nimitz’s Caribbean calls—including Suriname and Guyana—are framed as maritime partnership building under Southern Seas 2026, but the timing keeps Cuba tensions in focus. CARICOM Cuba Rift: CARICOM condemned US pressure on Cuba and warned against military escalation, but Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago distanced themselves from the statement, highlighting fractures inside the bloc. Transport for Industry: Commentary argues ECCU/CARICOM needs a unified air-and-sea transport strategy to make trade, food security, and regional business movement work.