AGP Executive Report

Illegal Mining & Public Health: France is pressing Suriname over illegal gold mining along the border with French Guiana, calling it a “ticking time bomb” after reports of extreme mercury (8,469x WHO limit) and arsenic (4,623x) levels affecting Indigenous communities and contaminating water and food, with France pushing for a joint response. Chemicals & Exposure: A new PFAS study finds pregnant women in Suriname’s remote rainforest areas show higher “forever chemical” concentrations than those in more accessible communities, pointing to location-linked exposure pathways. Maritime Decarbonisation: Trinidad and Tobago is positioned as a green fuel bunker hub for the Caribbean, with a phased roadmap built around methanol, LNG and ammonia and a hub-and-spoke approach for ports and shore power pilots. Offshore Energy Contracts: Saipem secured major Eni-linked work—an offshore Ivory Coast project (~€800m/$911m) and a Venice biorefinery unit contract—highlighting continued investment in regional energy infrastructure. UN Heritage Watch: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, including the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo in Suriname, citing construction-driven change and escalating threats. Regional Industry & Wages: Coverage on CARICOM’s development dialogue with Germany also lands alongside reporting that Suriname’s minimum wage remains among the lowest in the Caribbean, even as oil-driven infrastructure ramps up.

Offshore Energy Contracts: Saipem won major work tied to Eni—€800m ($911m) for Ivory Coast offshore pipeline and subsea systems, plus a Venice biorefinery deoxygenation unit contract—signaling continued investment momentum for regional industrial services. Drug Trafficking Pressure on Suriname Routes: U.S. DEA assessments say recent strikes on suspected trafficking boats haven’t reduced cocaine entering the U.S., and traffickers are shifting tactics—more aircraft and routes that include Guyana and Suriname—raising new security and logistics risks for the coast. UNESCO Heritage Under Threat (Including Paramaribo): UNESCO added six sites to its List of World Heritage in Danger, including the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, citing construction pressures alongside conflict and climate impacts. PFAS Health Signal in Suriname: A new study finds higher PFAS “forever chemical” concentrations in pregnant women in remote rainforest communities than in more accessible areas, pointing to location-linked exposure pathways. Amazon Illegal Mining Crackdown: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses forensic signatures to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to curb illegal mining and mercury-linked damage. CARICOM–Germany Development Talks: Suriname’s CARICOM leadership co-chaired a first strategic dialogue with Germany on development cooperation, focused on making regional projects more resilient.

UNESCO Heritage Risk: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, citing armed conflict, climate change and development pressures; among them is the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo in Suriname, now facing new construction impacts. Drug Trafficking & Maritime Routes: A U.S. DEA assessment says deadly strikes on drug boats haven’t reduced cocaine entering the U.S.; traffickers are shifting tactics, including more aircraft routes toward Guyana and Suriname. PFAS Health Signal in Suriname: A study of pregnant women found PFAS “forever chemicals” at higher levels in remote rainforest communities than in more accessible areas, pointing to location-linked exposure pathways. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Regional): Brazil is using “gold fingerprinting” forensic labs to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to curb illegal Amazon mining. Oil & Insurance Pressure: With Middle East uncertainty, insurers are pushing upstream coverage toward basins outside the Strait of Hormuz, while Big Oil continues exploring in places including Guyana and Suriname. Caribbean Wages Watch: A report comparing Guyana and Suriname’s oil boom notes both have very low statutory minimum wages in the Caribbean, despite higher earnings for skilled oil-sector workers.

Offshore Security & Trade Routes: A new US DEA assessment says military strikes on alleged drug boats haven’t reduced cocaine entering the US, but are pushing traffickers to use larger vessels, stay closer to coastlines, and fly from clandestine airstrips toward Guyana and Suriname. Local Environment & Health: A study on PFAS exposure in Suriname finds pregnant women in remote rainforest communities have higher “forever chemical” levels than those in more accessible areas, pointing to location-linked contamination pathways. Heritage Under Pressure: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger list, including Suriname’s Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, citing serious threats from development and other pressures. Amazon Mining Crackdown: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses forensic chemistry to trace seized gold to protected areas, aiming to curb illegal mining and mercury-linked harm. Caribbean Oil Economy Watch: A regional wages report highlights Suriname and Guyana’s low statutory minimum wages despite oil-driven growth, underscoring a gap between sector earnings and the wage floor. Offshore Industry Momentum: SBM Offshore says its Malaysia operation has become a Global Execution Centre, expanding local engineering and project-control roles for complex offshore energy work. Energy Finance Shock: Insurers are shifting coverage and cutting premiums for upstream projects outside the Middle East as war-risk uncertainty reshapes global oil and gas underwriting. Curaçao Logistics Push: Curaçao is pitching itself as a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana oil exports, including storage, transshipment, and ship repair—backed by plans for further harbor investment.

Public Health & Chemicals: A new study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” in pregnant women vary sharply by location, with higher serum concentrations in Suriname’s remote rainforest communities—pointing to differences in local water, food chains, and environmental exposure. Heritage & Risk: UNESCO has added six sites to the World Heritage in Danger list, including Suriname’s Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, after the committee determined serious threats to the values that originally justified inscription. Mining & Enforcement Tech: Brazil is rolling out “gold fingerprinting” using forensic lab analysis to trace the origin of seized gold and crack down on illegal mining in the Amazon—an approach that could raise pressure across the region’s supply chains. Energy & Regional Industry: CARICOM and Germany held their first strategic dialogue on development cooperation, with Suriname’s foreign affairs permanent secretary co-chairing—relevant for industrial and infrastructure support.

Forensic Mining Crackdown: Brazil’s federal police “gold fingerprinting” lab is using chemical signatures to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to expose illegal Amazon mining and ghost-mine laundering. Suriname Oil & Industry Pay Reality Check: A regional wage review highlights that Suriname’s statutory minimum wage sits among the lowest in the Caribbean, even as oil-driven infrastructure ramps up. Suriname Offshore Logistics Push: Curaçao is pitching itself as a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil, including port expansion and potential crude storage/transshipment to support export growth. Low-Carbon Offshore Tech for Suriname: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies will test and operate a wind-assisted kite towing system for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project offshore Suriname, targeting lower fuel use during FPSO towing. Caribbean Health & Care Gaps: PAHO/WHO-linked research finds nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with neurological disorders, with Haiti, Guyana and Suriname among the highest-burden countries and major care-access disparities. Regional Energy Uncertainty Hits Shipping/Insurance: With Middle East conflict disrupting upstream projects, insurers are shifting coverage and competing harder for non–Strait of Hormuz basins, while oil companies look to hotspots including Suriname. Fishing Safety Update: After the ST VINCENT VII incident, reports say the six crew were found alive/rescued, underscoring ongoing risks for regional fisheries.

Gold & Mining Enforcement: Brazil’s federal police are using “gold fingerprinting” at a new “gold lab” in Brasilia to trace seized gold back to protected areas, using unique chemical signatures to help prove illegal mining and support criminal cases. Oil, Wages & Labour: A regional wage check flags Suriname and Guyana’s oil boom as fast-growing, but says both sit among the Caribbean’s lowest statutory minimum wages, raising questions about how oil wealth translates to pay. Energy Insurance & Project Risk: With Middle East conflict disrupting upstream activity, insurers are shifting coverage and cutting premiums for projects outside the Strait of Hormuz, pushing more capital toward alternative basins. Suriname Offshore Tech: TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu Suriname project is set to trial a wind-assisted kite traction towing system with SBM Offshore and Technip Energies, aiming to cut towing fuel and duration for the FPSO logistics. Regional Logistics Push (Curaçao): Curaçao is pitching itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana oil exports, including port expansion plans and potential crude storage/transshipment at Bullenbaai. Health & Human Capital: PAHO/WHO research says neurological disorders affect nearly 470 million people across the Americas, with highest burden listed for Haiti, Guyana and Suriname—highlighting long-term care gaps. Maritime Safety (Suriname-area fishing): The search for the ST VINCENT VII continues after reports of fire and loss of power near Suriname/French Guiana waters, with authorities stressing rescue operations as a priority.

CARICOM–Germany Development Talks: Suriname’s Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh co-chaired CARICOM’s first strategic dialogue with Germany (BMZ) in Georgetown, aiming to turn existing cooperation into a more resilient development partnership. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Brazil’s federal police launched “gold fingerprinting” at a national forensics lab to trace gold’s origin and target illegal Amazon mining tied to deforestation and mercury pollution. Oil Boom, Wages Debate: A new wage comparison flags Suriname’s and Guyana’s very low statutory minimum wages amid fast-growing oil economies, spotlighting the gap between minimum pay and oil-sector earnings. Offshore Energy Services for Suriname: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project offshore Suriname, targeting lower fuel use during FPSO towing ahead of mid-2028 production. Regional Port Push (Curaçao): Curaçao is pitching itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana oil exports, including storage/transshipment plans and harbor modernization that needs tens of millions of euros. Maritime Safety Update: The missing TT fishing vessel ST VINCENT VII was located and its six crew were rescued alive after about a week adrift, following earlier distress concerns.

CARICOM-Germany Development Talks: Suriname’s Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh co-chaired the first CARICOM-BMZ Strategic Dialogue on development cooperation in Georgetown, mapping out a more resilient partnership for the years ahead. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Brazil is rolling out “gold fingerprinting” at its National Institute of Criminalistics to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to curb Amazon illegal mining and mercury contamination. Caribbean Wages vs Oil Boom: A new wage comparison flags Suriname and Guyana among the lowest statutory minimum wages in the Caribbean, even as both push ahead with oil-driven infrastructure and growth. Big Oil Insurance Shift: With Middle East conflict disrupting upstream coverage, global insurers are cutting premiums and shifting underwriting toward projects outside the region. Suriname Offshore Tech Push: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies are set to test a wind-assisted kite traction towing solution for TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu project, targeting lower fuel use during FPSO towing and collecting data for future offshore logistics. Oil Market Logistics: Curaçao is pitching itself as a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana offshore exports, including storage/transshipment at Bullenbaai and expanded harbor modernization needing tens of millions of euros. Health & Workforce Pressure: PAHO/WHO-linked research says neurological disorders affect nearly 470 million people across the Americas, with Haiti, Guyana and Suriname among the highest-burden countries.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Brazil’s federal police are using “gold fingerprinting” at a national forensics lab to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to curb Amazon illegal mining and mercury pollution. Caribbean Oil & Wages: A new regional wages review highlights that Guyana and Suriname—despite oil-driven growth—still sit at the bottom of Caribbean statutory minimum wages. Suriname Security: Authorities in Suriname arrested 14 Chinese nationals after videos showed armed men in military-style uniforms patrolling the rainforest near illegal gold-mining areas; weapons were seized and motives are under investigation. Suriname Offshore Engineering: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies, with TotalEnergies, will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO—targeting lower fuel use during the China-to-Suriname tow. Fishing Safety in the Region: The missing TT-registered ST VINCENT VII incident continues to draw attention after reports of a rescue at sea and a later fatal update for one crew member. Regional Trade & Ports: Curaçao is pushing port and harbor upgrades to position itself as a logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana offshore oil exports, including storage and transshipment plans.

Oil & Gas Insurance Shift: Global insurers are cutting upstream energy premiums by ~25% (and sometimes 50%) as they chase new drilling and construction business outside the Middle East’s war-risk zones. Suriname Offshore Progress: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies, with TotalEnergies, will test a wind-assisted kite traction towing system for the GranMorgu FPSO—aimed at reducing tow time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname logistics run. Contracting Watch: Halliburton says it’s building momentum with multi-year awards, including work tied to TotalEnergies’ Suriname project and Saudi Aramco onshore well delivery. Port & Logistics Push (Curaçao): Curaçao is pitching itself as a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana oil, including storage/transshipment at Bullenbaai and harbor expansion plans that need tens of millions of euros. Security in the Interior: Suriname arrested 14 Chinese nationals after armed patrol videos raised concerns in Brokopondo, an area linked to illegal gold mining. Gold Market Spillover: China’s gold miners are seeing big profit jumps from overseas assets, including holdings in Guyana and Suriname, as prices stay elevated. Health & Workforce Pressure: PAHO/WHO reports nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with neurological disorders, with Haiti, Guyana and Suriname among the highest-burden countries—highlighting long-term care gaps. Maritime Incident: A fishing vessel rescue in the region ended with all six crew found alive, underscoring ongoing risks at sea.

Suriname Offshore Energy & Logistics: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies (STS JV) with TotalEnergies EP Suriname signed with France’s Beyond the Sea to evaluate wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO—aiming to cut towing time and fuel on the China-to-Suriname run and validate kite launch/recovery for large offshore vessels. Curaçao Port Expansion for Oil Boom: Curaçao is pushing harbor upgrades to diversify beyond tourism, including removing the “asphalt lake” at Buskabaai for maritime/industrial space and revisiting delayed asphalt production plans—positioning the island as a regional logistics hub for Suriname and Guyana crude and petroleum transshipment. Curaçao Harbor Funding Gap: Curaçao says it needs tens of millions of euros to finish the next phase of harbor modernization, with the Netherlands and private investors expected to help finance priorities. Security in Suriname’s Interior: Authorities arrested 14 Chinese nationals after viral footage showed armed men in military-style uniforms patrolling the rainforest near Brokopondo, an area tied to illegal gold mining; investigations will determine intent and legal status. Maritime Search & Rescue Update: After the ST VINCENT VII incident off French Guiana, all six crew members were found alive and rescued by the MV MARVEL KITE, with transfer to Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard planned. Regional Industry Context: Rystad highlights Guyana as an FPSO hotspot with new vessels planned through 2028, reinforcing the wider South America offshore buildout that also pulls in Suriname.

Offshore Energy & Logistics (Suriname): SBM Offshore and Technip Energies, with TotalEnergies, have signed with France’s Beyond the Sea to evaluate wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO—aiming to cut towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname journey and validate kite launch/recovery for large offshore vessels. Offshore Energy & Contracts (Suriname): Halliburton says it has secured work tied to TotalEnergies’ Suriname GranMorgu development, including integrated well construction and plans to modernize drilling fluid and cement production with local suppliers. Security in the Interior (Suriname): Suriname arrested 14 Chinese nationals after videos showed armed men in military-style uniforms in the rainforest near Brokopondo/Sarakreek, raising concerns amid ongoing illegal gold mining; investigations will focus on purpose and legal status. Regional Port Strategy (Curaçao): Curaçao is pushing harbor expansion and logistics upgrades—removing the “asphalt lake” at Buskabaai and revisiting asphalt production—while positioning the island as a storage and transshipment hub for Suriname and Guyana oil exports. Harbor Funding (Curaçao): Curaçao says it needs tens of millions of euros to finish the next phase of harbor modernization, seeking support from the Netherlands and private investors. Regional Integration (CARICOM): CARICOM’s 51st meeting emphasized “return on integration,” with connectivity and practical delivery highlighted; Martinique and French Guiana also joined as associate members. Climate Risk (Caribbean): CariCOF warns El Niño-linked heat and drought risks, plus flooding risk from heavy rains, through the 2026 wet season.

Maritime Safety: Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries says the search for the missing fishing vessel ST VINCENT VII and its six-man crew remains a national priority off French Guiana, after reports of a fire reached authorities only through unofficial channels. Offshore Energy Logistics: SBM Offshore, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies EP Suriname have signed with Beyond the Sea to evaluate wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO—aiming to cut towing time and fuel on the China-to-Suriname journey. Security in the Interior: Suriname arrested 14 armed Chinese nationals in Brokopondo after viral footage sparked alarm; authorities seized weapons and are investigating immigration status and the purpose of the patrols amid illegal gold mining. Oilfield Contracting: Halliburton led regional awards, including multi-year work for TotalEnergies’ Suriname project and additional Saudi Aramco onshore contracts—highlighting continued investment in energy services across the region. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Curaçao is pushing harbor expansion and logistics plans to support Suriname and Guyana’s offshore oil boom, including storage and transshipment ambitions at Bullenbaai.

Maritime Safety: Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries says search-and-rescue is still ongoing for the missing fishing vessel ST VINCENT VII and its six-man crew off French Guiana, after reports of a fire surfaced via unofficial channels before a formal distress report. Security & Mining: Suriname arrested 14 Chinese nationals after armed-men videos circulated from the Brokopondo interior, with authorities investigating immigration status and whether any laws were broken amid ongoing illegal gold-mining concerns. Offshore Energy Logistics: SBM Offshore, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies EP Suriname signed with Beyond the Sea to evaluate wind-assisted kite traction towing for the GranMorgu FPSO—aiming to cut towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname journey. Oilfield Contracting: Halliburton led regional awards, including work tied to TotalEnergies’ Suriname project and multi-year Saudi Aramco onshore contracts, underscoring continued investment in energy services across the region. Gold Market Spillover: Chinese gold producers’ overseas expansion is paying off as record-high prices lift profits, with holdings including mines in Suriname. CARICOM Integration: CARICOM’s 51st meeting focused on “return on integration,” while associate membership expanded with Martinique and French Guiana joining—relevant for regional trade and connectivity planning.

Wind-Assisted Offshore Logistics for Suriname: SBM Offshore and Technip Energies (STS JV) with TotalEnergies EP Suriname have signed with France’s Beyond the Sea to evaluate a Wind Assisted Towing System for the GranMorgu FPSO—aiming to cut towing time and fuel use on the China-to-Suriname voyage and validate kite launch/recovery for large offshore vessels. Local Energy Supply Chain Push: Halliburton has also won integrated drilling and completions work for GranMorgu, using a digital/automation execution model and investing in Suriname’s energy ecosystem, including upgrades to local mud and cement production and support for a first drilling and completions workshop. Security in the Interior: Suriname arrested 14 armed Chinese nationals after viral footage showed men in military-style uniforms in the rainforest near Brokopondo/Sarakreek, with authorities investigating immigration status and whether any laws were broken amid ongoing illegal gold mining concerns. Regional Port Ambitions (Curaçao): Curaçao is pursuing harbor expansion and logistics upgrades—removing an “asphalt lake” at Buskabaai and seeking tens of millions of euros—to position the island as a storage and transshipment hub for Suriname and Guyana oil exports. Mining & Exploration Signals: Founders Metals reported new gold results from its Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, including 58.5m at 1.00 g/t Au at Antino Northeast, while Sranan Gold announced high-grade assays from early Lawatino sampling.