AGP Executive Report

Regional Digital Security: Suriname joined officials from seven other countries at Caribbean Telecommunications Union ICT Week in Cayenne, where participants shared strategies for tackling cybercrime and strengthening digital resilience. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported a 54-metre drill intercept grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project in southeastern Suriname. Separately, Critical Resources hired specialists for geophysical and structural studies of its Gonini and Greenstars projects. Animal Health: Suriname’s first reported bird-flu outbreak in poultry has prompted control measures and increased surveillance; Barbados has also stepped up checks at its ports. Clean-Energy Innovation: A new Caribbean Development Bank facility will support women-led clean-energy businesses, including in Suriname, with technical help and funding to develop commercial products and services. Wildlife Protection: A Brazilian project using rope bridges to help tree-dwelling animals cross roads is expanding to Suriname, offering a practical way to reduce wildlife deaths and habitat isolation.

Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reports a 54-metre intersection grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project in southeastern Suriname, including a higher-grade section of 24 metres at 17.42 grams per tonne. Cybersecurity: Suriname joined regional partners in a Belize workshop on cybercrime, where Colombian specialists shared expertise on threats involving cryptocurrency, AI and ransomware. Animal Health: Suriname’s first reported bird-flu outbreak in poultry affected a flock in Wanica; authorities imposed movement controls, surveillance and culling measures. Clean Energy: A Caribbean Development Bank programme will support women-led clean-energy businesses, including in Suriname, with technical and financial assistance through 2028. Wildlife Research: Eight rope bridges in Brazil recorded 15,000 animal crossings with no roadkill in 15 months; the design is now being expanded to Suriname.

Cybersecurity: Suriname joined regional police and cyber specialists in a Belize workshop on cross-border cybercrime, with sessions on threats involving AI, cryptocurrency and ransomware. Gold Exploration: Founders Metals reported a 54-metre drill intercept grading 8.45 grams of gold per tonne at its Antino project, identifying a second high-grade structure in southeastern Suriname. Animal Health: Suriname’s first reported bird-flu outbreak affected a 6,000-bird poultry flock in Wanica; authorities imposed movement controls and surveillance. AI & Productivity: The World Bank says practical, low-cost AI could support growth across the region, but gains depend on governments, businesses and workers being able to adopt it. Clean Energy: A Caribbean Development Bank initiative will offer technical and financial support to women-led clean-energy businesses, including in Suriname.

Education Access Crisis: In Paramaribo, hundreds of pupils still aren’t enrolled as the new school year starts, with parents waiting on the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture for placements—some say they can’t afford required supplies like desks and chairs, while the ministry points to capacity limits and temporary school referrals. Cybercrime Cooperation: Belize and Colombia are running a regional workshop with Caribbean partners including Suriname to boost cross-border capacity to prevent, investigate, and respond to cybercrime, with specialists sharing tactics tied to cryptocurrency, AI, and ransomware. HPAI Watch: Suriname confirmed its first highly pathogenic avian influenza case in poultry in Wanica (H5 strain reported; lab details pending), triggering stamping out, movement controls, and surveillance; Barbados and Guyana have stepped up port and farm monitoring. AI for Growth: A World Bank update flags AI as a potential productivity driver for Latin America and the Caribbean, but stresses the need for “absorptive capacity” to adopt and adapt AI effectively. Clean Energy Support: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 facility to help women-led businesses across the region—including Suriname—turn clean energy ideas into market-ready services (2026–2028).

Avian Flu Response: Suriname confirmed its first highly pathogenic avian influenza case in poultry (H5 strain) in Wanica, with control steps like stamping out, movement restrictions, and surveillance now in motion—while Barbados and Guyana ramp up port and farm monitoring to prevent spread. Gold Exploration Push: Critical Resources is kicking off structural and geophysical work for its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield, aiming to advance exploration across thousands of hectares. Education Under Heat Stress: Suriname’s Education Ministry adjusted school hours for October due to extreme heat, with some schools closing at noon, and also flagged that hundreds of students still aren’t enrolled in temporary classrooms. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative (SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up) to help women-led businesses in Suriname and the region develop and commercialize clean energy solutions. Regional Connectivity Plans: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, targeting open-access submarine links that could extend service toward Suriname and beyond.

Education & School Access: Suriname’s Education Minister Dirk Currie says unions “crossed the line” after calls for teachers to report while keeping students home on Oct. 1, and the ministry is also pushing parents to enroll students in temporary schools after only 234 of 721 were registered. Heat-Adjusted School Day: With October heat, some state schools will close at noon through Oct. 31. Avian Flu Watch: Suriname confirmed its first HPAI case in poultry (Wanica), triggering stamping out, movement controls, and surveillance; Barbados says it’s tightening port checks for illegal imports. Gold Exploration Push: Critical Resources hired exploration specialists to run structural and geophysical work across its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield. Clean Energy Support: CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led clean energy businesses across the Caribbean, including Suriname. Connectivity & Tech: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway plan toward development, aiming to connect Cayenne with islands and extend onward toward Suriname and beyond.

Avian Influenza Alert (Suriname): Suriname confirmed its first HPAI case in poultry in Wanica District (6,000 birds) and rolled out stamping out, movement restrictions, and surveillance, with the virus serotype still pending lab results. Regional Biosecurity (Barbados): Barbados stepped up port monitoring after the Suriname outbreak, relying on existing quarantine rules while targeting illegal poultry imports. Gold Exploration (Suriname): Critical Resources kicked off a structural and geophysical push on its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield, bringing in GexplOre and holding a 90% interest across granted rights. Education Access (Suriname): Education officials warned that hundreds of students in temporary schools still aren’t enrolled, urging parents to register so classes can start. Heatwave School Changes (Suriname): With October heat expected to be extreme, Suriname plans to close state schools at noon for the whole month. Clean Energy Support (Caribbean/Suriname): The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 facility to back women-led clean energy businesses across the region, including Suriname, with technical help and funding through 2028. Connectivity Tech (EllaLink): EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 and aiming to connect Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe plus a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

Gold Exploration in Suriname: Critical Resources has kicked off a structural and geophysical interpretation for its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects, bringing in exploration specialists and targeting the Guiana Shield’s greenstone belts. Regional Energy & Tech Watch: Industry leaders are converging on Brazil’s Rio Oil & Gas conference, highlighting deepwater and supply-chain tech trends that can ripple across the region. Education Under Pressure: Suriname’s Education Ministry is dealing with classroom shortages and hot-weather disruptions—temporary schools are struggling to enroll all referred students, and schools may close at noon during October due to extreme humidity. Avian Flu Response: Barbados has stepped up port monitoring after Suriname’s H5 bird flu outbreak, focusing on preventing illegal poultry imports while keeping normal quarantine rules. Clean Energy Support for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to help women-led businesses across Suriname and the region develop and commercialize clean energy solutions. Connectivity Plans: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway submarine cable into the development stage, with a target of service by end-2029 and a potential branch toward Suriname.

Education Access & Heat Measures: Suriname’s Education Ministry says hundreds of students still aren’t enrolled in temporary schools, with only 234 of 721 placed elsewhere so far; parents are urged to enroll them. Separately, due to extreme October heat, state schools will close at noon for the whole month. Avian Flu Watch: Barbados has stepped up port surveillance after Suriname confirmed H5 avian influenza in September, while Suriname continues daily farm inspections and lab testing. Aviation Connectivity: Guyana and France signed a new air services pact that could enable direct flights to Cayenne, potentially reducing travel time that currently involves transiting Suriname. Clean Energy Support: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Suriname. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results at its Sela Creek project in Suriname. Regional Tech/Comms: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway submarine cable into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with a possible link toward Suriname.

Education Access & Heat Measures: Suriname’s Education Ministry says hundreds of students still aren’t enrolled in temporary schools, urging parents to register so classes can start; at the same time, schools will run half-days in October due to extreme heat and humidity, closing at noon. Avian Flu Response: Barbados has tightened port surveillance after Suriname’s H5 avian influenza outbreak, while Guyana stays on high alert with quarantine checks and lab testing via PAHO. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades initiative (2026–2028) to help women-led businesses across the region, including Suriname, turn clean energy ideas into market-ready solutions. Regional Connectivity Tech: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway submarine cable into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 and proposing a route that could extend toward Suriname and Guyana via interconnections. Health & Media Focus: UNFPA will collaborate with local media in Guyana to push more human-centered reporting on gender-based violence, child marriage, and adolescent pregnancy. Research & Mining Update: Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results from its Sela Creek project in Suriname.

Education Access & Heat Measures: Suriname’s Education Ministry says primary and secondary schools will close at noon throughout October due to extreme heat, with the adjusted schedule starting Oct. 1. Classroom Capacity Crunch: The ministry also reports only 234 of 721 students placed in temporary schools are enrolled, leaving about 487 at risk of missing the start of the year—parents are urged to register. Avian Flu Response: After Suriname’s H5 bird flu outbreak, Barbados strengthened port surveillance but says poultry risk is low under existing quarantine rules. Regional Health & Research Networks: Traditional knowledge experts and healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional network at Iwokrama to protect community-owned medicinal knowledge and support intergenerational training. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The CDB launched a US$500,000, 2026–2028 initiative (SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up) to help women-led businesses in Suriname and across the region commercialize clean energy solutions. Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 and proposing a carrier-neutral submarine route that could extend connectivity toward Suriname. Wildlife-Safe Road Design: Brazil’s rope-bridge system logged ~15,000 wildlife crossings with zero roadkill and is set to expand, including to Suriname.

Colonial Tech & History: A major Leiden University study commissioned by Dutch King Willem-Alexander says the House of Orange-Nassau “wholeheartedly” backed colonial exploitation and helped slavery survive, with findings tied to profits from the Dutch East India Company and colonies—sparking renewed debate across the Dutch world, including Suriname. Education Access in Suriname: Education, Science and Culture Minister Dirk Currie and education officials urged parents to enroll students in temporary schools after classroom shortages left hundreds unregistered, while also warning that October heat will force primary and secondary schools to close at noon. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 (2026–2028) SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility to support women-led businesses—including scientists and technologists—in Suriname and across the region to commercialize clean energy solutions. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 and proposing a route that could extend connectivity toward Suriname and nearby territories. Health & Biosecurity: Guyana is on bird flu alert after an outbreak in Suriname, with surveillance and lab testing underway. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results from its Sela Creek project in Suriname.

Education Access & Climate Impact: Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture says primary and junior/senior secondary schools will close at noon throughout October due to extreme heat, with teachers also reporting unbearable classroom conditions and urging better support like fans/AC. Enrollment Crisis: The ministry is also pushing parents to enroll students placed in temporary schools after only 234 of 721 referred students registered, leaving about 487 at risk of missing classes. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched the SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility, a US$550,000, 2026–2028 programme supporting women-led clean energy innovation and commercialization across the region, including Suriname. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine cable route that could connect onward to Suriname via interconnection. Health & Surveillance: A CARPHA–PAHO workshop in Trinidad and Tobago strengthened respiratory virus detection and lab diagnostics across 11 Caribbean countries. Wildlife Protection: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Suriname among the countries voting against.

Education & Climate Adaptation: Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture says hundreds of students still aren’t enrolled in temporary schools due to classroom shortages, urging parents to register so children don’t miss the new school year. Heat-Driven School Changes: With October heat expected to make afternoons unbearable, authorities will close primary and secondary schools at noon for the whole month. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launches a US$550,000, 2026–2028 facility to help women-led businesses across the region—including Suriname—develop and commercialise clean energy solutions, from ideas to pilots. Connectivity & Subsea Tech: EllaLink advances its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with an open-access submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with possible branches toward Suriname and more. Health & Research Networks: WHO-backed priorities stress Indigenous partners in research; a regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network has launched across Guyana, Suriname and Brazil at Iwokrama. Mining Update (Suriname): Miata Metals reports new high-grade gold drill results from its Sela Creek project, including 35.25 m at 3.41 g/t Au at Jons Trend.

AI Policy Talks: The IDB convened high-level regional discussions on safe, responsible AI adoption across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Google, Anthropic, Microsoft, Nvidia and Meta among the participants, focusing on regulation, digital infrastructure, data systems and workforce training. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched the SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028), a US$550,000 initiative supporting women-led businesses in Suriname and across the region to commercialise clean energy solutions from prototypes to early market. Connectivity & Subsea Cables: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029, with a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, plus planned interconnection toward Suriname and other markets. Public Health & Labs: A regional CARPHA–PAHO workshop in Trinidad and Tobago strengthened respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics across 11 Caribbean countries, improving how threats like influenza and RSV are detected and acted on. Suriname Tech/Science Spotlight: Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results from its Sela Creek project in Suriname, adding long intercepts at Jons Trend. Education in Heat: Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture announced primary and secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme classroom temperatures.

Traditional Knowledge & Health Research: WHO-backed work is pushing Indigenous Peoples and healers to be genuine partners, with stronger IP protections and benefit-sharing; in the Guianas, Guyana–Suriname–Brazil experts launched a Regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network to support clinics, plant initiatives, and knowledge transmission. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, planning an open, carrier-neutral submarine fibre route from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with possible interconnection onward to Suriname and other markets, targeting service by end-2029. Animal Health Alert: Guyana is on high alert for bird flu (H5N1) after outbreaks in Suriname, with surveillance, quarantine checks, and lab testing via PAHO. Aviation Infrastructure: Guyana says it’s ready to finalise talks with major airlines to use CJIA Terminal 2 as a global hub, alongside security systems and a proposed aviation training centre. Mining Tech: Miata Metals reported new high-grade gold drill results from its Sela Creek project in Suriname, including 35.25m at 3.41 g/t Au at Jons Trend. Education & Climate Impact: Suriname’s education ministry plans primary and junior/senior secondary school closures at noon in October due to extreme classroom heat, after teacher concerns about safety and learning conditions.