AGP Executive Report

Amazon Enforcement: Suriname has formed a task force to crack down on land developers illegally clearing the Amazon for agriculture and cattle ranching, with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons saying many sites are tied to Mennonite settlements that received court notices. Offshore Build-Out: TechnipFMC says it is keeping TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater project in Block 58 on track, reporting delivery of “critical” subsea equipment ahead of the next execution phase. Construction Mobilization: Saipem has started operations in Suriname for GranMorgu after the arrival of the Normand Navigator, with a logistics hub at Jules Sedney Harbour set to handle incoming pipes and equipment for the SURF package. Oil Market Pressure: Reuters reports APA beat Q2 profit estimates as higher crude prices offset lower output; APA has offshore Suriname exposure. Maritime Logistics Push: Curaçao is positioning a broader 2BAYS maritime cluster to support Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil logistics, including port services, bunkering, repair, and technical industries. Illicit Trade Risk: Venezuelan authorities allege Suriname is used as a transit point for cocaine shipments to Europe via Guyana, after arrests in Anzoátegui and destruction of an illegal airstrip. Mining Laundering: Brazil investigators say illegal gold routes increasingly use Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname to launder origin before re-export.

Offshore Oil Execution: TechnipFMC says it’s maintaining strong momentum on TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater project in Suriname’s Block 58, reporting delivery of “critical” subsea equipment that supports the next phase of work. Offshore Engineering Mobilisation: Italian contractor Saipem has started operations in Suriname for GranMorgu after the arrival of the multipurpose vessel Normand Navigator, with SURF package installation planned and a logistics hub secured at Jules Sedney Harbour. Project Finance & Market Context: Commentary on Suriname’s oil outlook links rising global prices amid Middle East tensions to improved prospects for the $26B GranMorgu development. Regional Energy Logistics: Curaçao is pushing to expand its maritime cluster around 2BAYS, aiming to become a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil growth, including port services, bunkering and offshore support. Mining & Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reports high-grade growth at its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, including 28.0m of 14.27 g/t gold in drill hole FR249. Illegal Mining Routes: A Brazil-focused report says illegal gold increasingly moves via Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname to launder origin before re-export. Maritime Security: A projectile attack off Oman disabled a bulk carrier and reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a reminder of how quickly shipping risk can ripple into energy supply chains. Maritime Energy Transition Readiness: An IDB-commissioned study assesses Caribbean ports’ readiness for shore-side power and green fuel bunkering, noting gaps across the region including Suriname.

Mining & Metals (Suriname): Founders Metals says drilling at its Antino Gold Project’s Upper Antino target in southeastern Suriname hit 28.0 metres of 14.27 g/t gold in hole FR249, a 50 m down-dip extension of earlier results, with multiple stacked zones and gabbro-hosted mineralization. Offshore Oil (Suriname): Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project (Block 58), using the Normand Navigator and setting up a logistics hub at Jules Sedney Harbour; the deepwater development is expected to start up in 2028. Regional Energy Logistics (Curaçao/Suriname/Guyana): Curaçao is pushing a broader maritime cluster around 2BAYS to serve offshore oil demand from Suriname and Guyana, including port services, bunkering, repair, and technical support. Oil Markets (Suriname-linked): Reuters reports APA beat second-quarter profit estimates as higher crude prices offset lower output; APA has operations including offshore Suriname. Illegal Mining (Brazil routes affecting Suriname): A Brazil-focused report says illegal gold increasingly moves via Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname to launder origin before re-export. Maritime Decarbonization (Caribbean ports incl. Suriname): An IDB-commissioned study finds no Caribbean port yet offers full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, with the Bahamas most advanced on policy readiness. Shipping Security (Hormuz): Attacks near the Strait of Hormuz are further choking transit, with a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier reporting engine-room damage and a missing crew member. Culture & Heritage (low direct industry link): A feature honors Trinidad and Tobago journalist/playwright Seeta Persad, a reminder that media and arts also shape national identity.

Offshore Oil & Services: Italian contractor Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project after the arrival of the multipurpose vessel Normand Navigator, with the SURF package covering engineering through commissioning support; GranMorgu sits in Block 58 (150 km offshore), operated by TotalEnergies with APA and Staatsolie as partners, and is targeted to start up in 2028. Suriname Oil Outlook: A market-focused report links Middle East tensions and higher Brent prices to renewed optimism for Suriname’s emerging offshore boom, spotlighting GranMorgu’s expected $26B revenue over its life. Regional Energy Logistics: Curaçao is moving to build a wider maritime cluster around 2BAYS, positioning the island as a logistics and offshore services hub for Suriname and Guyana as demand grows for repair, bunkering, technical support, and supply-chain work. Profit Signals for Suriname Exposure: APA Corporation beat second-quarter profit estimates as higher crude prices lifted realized pricing; APA’s portfolio includes offshore Suriname exposure, though quarterly output fell on lower volumes. Illegal Mining Routes: Investigators say illegal Brazilian gold increasingly uses aircraft and routes through Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname to launder origin before re-export. Maritime Decarbonization Readiness: An IDB-commissioned study finds Caribbean ports—including Suriname—are not yet offering operational shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, with the Bahamas and Barbados furthest along on policy and regulation. Caribbean Governance & Participation: UWI Mona’s Dr Lisa Ann Vasciannie warns low voter turnout is weakening Caribbean influence on major international issues, arguing diplomacy depends on democratic participation at home.

Suriname Offshore Execution: Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project after the arrival of the multipurpose vessel Normand Navigator, with the SURF package covering engineering, installation and commissioning support; the project sits in Block 58 (150 km offshore) and is expected to start up in 2028, using Jules Sedney Harbour as a logistics hub for pipes and equipment. Regional Energy Logistics: Curaçao is moving to position itself as a strategic logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil growth, leveraging deep-water port capacity, ship repair, fuel storage and bunkering to support exploration and offshore services. Oil Prices and Suriname Exposure: APA Corporation beat second-quarter profit estimates as higher crude prices offset lower output; most operations are in the U.S., but it also has offshore Suriname exposure, keeping the company sensitive to geopolitics affecting Brent and shipping routes. Illegal Mining Routes: Investigators say illegal Brazilian gold is increasingly moved via aircraft and clandestine routes through Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname to launder its origin before re-export. Maritime Decarbonization Readiness: An IDB-commissioned study finds no Caribbean port yet offers full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, while highlighting medium-term infrastructure and planning needs for countries including Suriname.

Offshore Oil Execution in Suriname: Saipem has started operations in Suriname for the offshore GranMorgu project after the arrival of the multipurpose vessel Normand Navigator, with the SURF package covering subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines in Block 58 (150 km offshore). The GranMorgu development is operated by TotalEnergies (40%) with APA (40%) and Staatsolie (20%), and is expected to start up in 2028, supported by a logistics hub at Jules Sedney Harbour for pipes and equipment. Regional Maritime Energy Transition: An IDB-commissioned study says no Caribbean port is yet providing full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, but it flags the Bahamas and Barbados as policy leaders; it assesses readiness across seven countries including Suriname, pointing to medium-term infrastructure and planning needs at ports like Nassau Container Port. Caribbean Shipping Under Pressure: Escalating attacks near the Strait of Hormuz have disabled a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier and reduced transit to a trickle, raising freight and risk costs for trade-dependent economies. Caribbean Industrial Cluster Push (Curaçao): Curaçao plans to expand a maritime industrial cluster around 2BAYS, linking port activity, offshore services, logistics, energy and technical industries, with private initiatives expected to create about 80 direct and indirect jobs. Energy Market Context for Suriname: Bloomberg coverage links Middle East tensions and oil-price strength to potential upside for Suriname’s emerging offshore boom, centered on GranMorgu’s projected $26B revenue over its life.

Maritime Security: A Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Minoan Pioneer, was hit off Oman on Aug. 3, knocking out its engine room and leaving a crew member missing—another blow to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has reportedly thinned to a trickle. Green Ports & Fuel Transition: An IDB study says no Caribbean port yet offers full shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, but it flags the Bahamas (and Barbados) as closest to readiness—while also assessing Suriname’s and Guyana’s progress. Suriname Oil Upswing: With Middle East tensions lifting crude prices, Suriname’s oil outlook is improving; focus remains on the $26B GranMorgu deepwater project in Block 58 as the country moves toward bigger production and revenue. Curaçao Maritime Cluster: Curaçao plans to expand the 2BAYS area into a wider maritime industrial cluster spanning port services, offshore support, logistics, energy and technical industries, targeting about 80 jobs. Sovereign Cloud for the Region: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are building a sovereign cloud foundation for Caribbean governments and regulated firms, pairing Curaçao data-center capacity with cybersecurity and disaster recovery services. Mining & Suriname Link: La Mancha Resource Fund plans to buy 19.9% of Miata Metals, which holds gold interests in Suriname’s Guiana Shield region. Caribbean Trade Logistics: A proposed inter-island ferry service is framed as trade infrastructure to cut intra-CARICOM shipping costs and support regional manufacturing.

Maritime Security: A Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Minoan Pioneer, was struck off Oman on Aug. 3, disabling the vessel after a projectile hit its engine room; a crew member is missing and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is reportedly down to a trickle as owners and crews stay wary. Suriname Energy & Investment: Suriname’s oil outlook is getting a boost as Middle East tensions lift crude prices; the $26B GranMorgu deepwater project in Block 58 (TotalEnergies/APA) is highlighted as the key growth driver. Illegal Mining Pressure: France is pushing for joint action with Suriname over illegal gold mining along the Marowijne border, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination and serious health risks for Indigenous communities. Caribbean Port Decarbonisation: An IDB study says no Caribbean port is yet fully operational for shore-side power or comprehensive green fuel bunkering, but it flags Suriname among the countries assessed and points to medium-term infrastructure and planning needs. Curaçao Maritime Cluster: Curaçao plans to expand a maritime-industrial cluster around 2BAYS, linking port work, offshore services, logistics and energy, with expected job creation. Digital Infrastructure: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are partnering to deliver sovereign cloud infrastructure for Caribbean organizations, targeting resilience and compliance needs. Mining & Finance (Suriname link): La Mancha Resource Fund plans to buy 19.9% of Miata Metals via a private placement; Miata’s Suriname gold projects (Sela Creek and Nassau) are central to the investment thesis.

Suriname Oil & Gas: Saipem has started operations in Suriname, a fresh signal of momentum for the country’s offshore push as Middle East-driven oil price strength keeps investor attention on projects like TotalEnergies and APA’s $26B GranMorgu in Block 58. Energy Markets: Bloomberg reports the “oil curse” risk is still real for fast-growing petro-economies, with Suriname’s growth story increasingly tied to global geopolitics and crude price swings. Border Mining & Environment: France is pressing Suriname over illegal gold mining along the French Guiana border, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination and calling for joint action to stop the damage. Digital Infrastructure: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are building a sovereign cloud foundation for Caribbean organizations, pairing Curaçao data center capacity with cybersecurity and disaster recovery services. Maritime & Trade: Curaçao is moving to expand a maritime-industrial cluster around 2BAYS, aiming to link port work, offshore services, logistics, energy and technical industries and create about 80 jobs. Regional Shipping Decarbonisation: A Caribbean Shipping Association study highlights Trinidad and Tobago as a green-fuel bunkering hub, mapping how ports can adopt cleaner fuels without waiting for mandates.

Maritime & Energy Cluster: Curaçao plans to build a stronger industrial value chain around the 2BAYS area, linking port work, offshore services, vessel repair, logistics, bunkering and technical industries, with private initiatives expected to create about 80 direct and indirect jobs and also benefit from regional offshore demand from Guyana and Suriname. Suriname Oil Outlook: Multiple reports point to Suriname’s oil momentum as Middle East tensions lift prices, highlighting the $26B GranMorgu deepwater project in Block 58 as a key driver for future revenue and growth. Illegal Mining Pressure: France is pushing for joint action over illegal gold mining along Suriname’s border with French Guiana, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination levels and warning of serious health and environmental fallout for Indigenous communities. Caribbean Digital Infrastructure: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are partnering to deliver sovereign cloud infrastructure for Caribbean governments and regulated industries, combining Curaçao data center capacity with cybersecurity, disaster recovery and managed services. Regional Trade & Shipping: A proposed inter-island ferry approach is framed as trade infrastructure to cut intra-CARICOM shipping costs and support regional manufacturing and non-energy exports. Maritime Security & Cocaine Routes: A DEA assessment says U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats have not reduced cocaine supply or price, with traffickers shifting tactics and increasing use of aircraft routes toward Guyana and Suriname.

Suriname Oil Outlook: Middle East tensions are pushing global crude prices higher, and Bloomberg reports Suriname’s emerging offshore boom could benefit—especially the GranMorgu project in Block 58, projected to generate about $26B over its life, as TotalEnergies and APA move forward after earlier drilling and seismic delays. Border Mining Pressure: France is escalating pressure over illegal gold mining along Suriname’s border with French Guiana, calling it a “ticking time bomb” and citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination levels affecting Indigenous communities—pushing for a joint response. Shipping & Trade Links: A regional ferry idea is gaining traction in the wider Caribbean as trade infrastructure to cut intra-regional shipping costs—an angle that matters for Suriname’s import/export logistics. Caribbean Energy Transition: Trinidad and Tobago is positioning itself as a green-fuel bunker hub, with a phased roadmap for maritime decarbonisation that could shape regional fuel supply chains relevant to Suriname’s port operations. Digital Infrastructure: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are building a sovereign cloud foundation for Caribbean organizations, combining Curaçao data center capacity with cybersecurity and disaster recovery services.

Suriname Oil Outlook: Middle East tensions are pushing Brent above $95–$100, and Bloomberg reports the “oil curse” risk is still real even as Suriname’s emerging boom looks set to benefit; the focus is the $26B GranMorgu deepwater project in Block 58, led by TotalEnergies and APA, expected to lift long-term prospects after earlier delays. Illegal Mining & Border Fallout: France is escalating pressure over illegal gold mining along the Suriname–French Guiana border, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination levels and calling for a joint response as craters spread and Indigenous communities face daily exposure. Health & Industry Link: A new study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” in pregnant women vary sharply by Suriname location, with higher concentrations in remote rainforest communities—raising fresh questions about contamination pathways tied to land use and local supply chains. Regional Shipping & Trade: A Caribbean shipping push is gaining momentum, with calls for cheaper inter-island ferry cargo links to cut intra-CARICOM transport costs and support regional manufacturing and exports. Caribbean Energy Transition: A study at the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference points to Trinidad and Tobago as a green-fuel bunker hub, mapping how methanol, LNG and ammonia could be rolled out across regional ports.

Oil & Gas Investment: Suriname’s oil outlook is improving as Middle East tensions push Brent above $95–$100/bbl, boosting confidence for the deepwater GranMorgu project in Block 58. TotalEnergies and APA have approved the $26B development after earlier drilling and seismic delays, with production currently around 13,000–17,000 bpd from onshore fields. Mining & Border Health: France is pressing for joint action over illegal gold mining along Suriname’s border with French Guiana, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination levels and major risks to Indigenous communities. Digital Infrastructure: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are partnering to deliver sovereign cloud infrastructure for Caribbean governments and regulated industries, combining Curaçao data center capacity with cybersecurity and disaster recovery services. Marine & Environment Services: CSA Ocean Sciences has joined APEM Group, expanding APEM’s US presence and adding marine operations and environmental consultancy capabilities, with regional opportunities including Trinidad and Suriname. Caribbean Shipping & Decarbonisation: A regional study highlights Trinidad and Tobago as a green-fuel bunker hub, while a separate push for cheaper inter-island ferries frames transport as trade infrastructure for regional manufacturing. Chemicals & Public Health: A new Suriname study finds higher PFAS “forever chemical” levels in pregnant women in remote rainforest communities than in more accessible areas, pointing to location-driven exposure pathways. Heritage Under Pressure: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, including Suriname’s Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, citing construction impacts.

Sovereign Cloud for the Caribbean: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are teaming up to deliver a secure, compliant “sovereign cloud” stack for Caribbean governments and regulated industries, using Blue NAP’s Tier IV/Rated 4 Curaçao data centre plus Cloud Carib’s cybersecurity, disaster recovery and managed services. Illegal Mining Pressure on Suriname: France is warning that illicit gold mining along Suriname’s border with French Guiana is a “ticking time bomb,” citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination and pushing for a joint response after Suriname never ratified a 2021 border accord. PFAS Exposure in Suriname: A new study finds pregnant women in Suriname’s remote rainforest communities have higher PFAS (“forever chemicals”) levels than those in more accessible areas, pointing to location-linked contamination pathways. CARICHAM Leadership: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Suriname’s Gino Naarden as Vice-Chair, aiming to drive trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster risk reduction. Maritime Trade & Decarbonisation: A Caribbean ferry concept is framed as trade infrastructure to cut intra-regional costs, while a regional study positions Trinidad and Tobago as a green-fuel bunker hub to accelerate maritime decarbonisation. Oil & Metals Watch: ExxonMobil’s Rockhead-1 exploration drilling in Guyana is set to end Aug 31, and La Mancha Resource Fund plans to buy 19.9% of Miata Metals, adding exposure to Suriname-linked gold projects. UNESCO Heritage in Danger: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, including Suriname’s Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, amid new construction pressures.

Illegal Mining & Border Pollution: France is pushing for joint action with Suriname after AFP reporting showed severe mercury and arsenic contamination from illegal gold extraction along the Marowijne border with French Guiana, with Indigenous communities saying they’re exposed daily through water and food. Maritime Trade & Logistics: A proposed regional ferry service is being framed as trade infrastructure to cut intra-Caricom shipping costs and boost manufacturing and non-energy exports, with Trinidad and Tobago offering a vessel as a temporary cargo link. Oil & Gas Watch (Guyana): Bloomberg warns Guyana’s “oil curse” risk is still high, citing gaps in transparent and competitive rights, while ExxonMobil’s Rockhead-1 exploration drilling is set to end Aug. 31 using the Stena Carron drillship. Suriname Industry & Environment (PFAS): A new study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” in pregnant women vary sharply by Suriname’s geography, with remote rainforest communities showing higher concentrations—raising concerns for local water and food pathways. Mining Investment (Guiana Shield): La Mancha Resource Fund plans to buy a 19.9% stake in Miata Metals, tying more capital to Suriname-linked gold projects in the Guiana Shield. Marine Services Expansion: CSA Ocean Sciences has joined APEM Group, expanding APEM’s US marine consultancy footprint and adding new marine operations services, including opportunities flagged for Suriname. UNESCO Heritage Pressure: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, including the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo in Suriname, citing construction impacts. Caribbean Energy Transition: A regional study positions Trinidad and Tobago as a green-fuel bunkering hub (methanol, LNG, ammonia) to drive maritime decarbonisation across Caribbean ports.

Oil & Governance Watch: Bloomberg warns Guyana’s oil boom risks an “oil curse,” saying the country falls short on transparent, competitive rights and other Natural Resource Charter benchmarks, even as it partially meets goals on accountable decision-making and revenue smoothing. Exploration Update: ExxonMobil Guyana is drilling the Rockhead-1 exploration well in the Stabroek Block; MARAD says the Rockhead-1 program is expected to end Aug. 31, using the Stena Carron drillship about 115 nautical miles offshore. Maritime Security & Trade: A DEA assessment says U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats haven’t reduced cocaine supply or price, and traffickers are shifting tactics—more aircraft and routes that skirt international waters—implicating spillover risks for Guyana and Suriname. Border Mining Pressure: France calls illegal gold mining along Suriname’s border with French Guiana a “ticking time bomb,” citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination and pushing for joint action. Marine & Environment Services: CSA Ocean Sciences has joined APEM Group, expanding APEM’s U.S. environmental consultancy footprint and adding marine operations services, with potential growth links to Suriname. Regional Business Leadership: CARICHAM elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, focusing on trade facilitation, advocacy, member value, and disaster risk reduction. Caribbean Shipping Decarb: A study at the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference positions Trinidad and Tobago as a green fuel bunker hub, linking methanol, LNG and ammonia to port decarbonisation plans. PFAS Health Signal (Suriname): A new study finds higher PFAS “forever chemical” levels in pregnant women in remote rainforest communities than in more accessible areas, pointing to location-linked exposure pathways.