AGP Executive Report

Surinamese Music & Heritage: A new look at composer Majoie Hajary traces her Suriname roots (born in Paramaribo) to training in Amsterdam and Paris, and her work blending Western classical and Indian musical influences, including a 1968 “Requiem pour Mahatma Gandhi.” Education Access: Suriname’s Education Ministry says hundreds of students still aren’t enrolled in temporary schools due to classroom shortages—parents are urged to register so children don’t miss the start of the year. Heat & School Life: Schools will run half-days in October because of extreme heat, with classes ending at noon for the month. Border Tensions & Safety: In Guyana’s Vigilance/Buxton unrest, gunshots, burning debris, and roadblocks have disrupted daily life and raised questions about border security and police/immigration corruption amid the disappearance of Surinamese men. Women in Clean Energy: Dominica women-led businesses can apply for a US$550,000 clean energy support facility across the region, including Suriname. Youth Climate Stories: CARICOM’s youth short story competition highlights climate resilience through winning tales from Dominica and Trinidad & Tobago.

AI & Regional Policy: The IDB says The Bahamas joined high-level talks with leaders and tech giants (Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Meta, Anthropic) on a shared, “safe” AI adoption strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean. Women & Clean Energy: Dominica women-led firms are set to benefit from a US$550,000 CDB initiative to help entrepreneurs develop and commercialise clean energy solutions across the region, including Suriname. Education & Daily Life in Suriname: Suriname’s Ministry of Education announced primary and secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, as teachers say classrooms are becoming unbearable and many buy fans themselves. Hinterland School Access: Teachers heading to remote hinterland schools began transport last Monday, with bus-and-boat operators running schedules so staff can reach villages before the Oct 1 school start. Indigenous Knowledge & Health: Traditional knowledge experts and healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional network to protect community-owned healing knowledge and support intergenerational transmission. Public Safety Amid Unrest: Police in Guyana urged motorists to avoid Vigilance after burning debris disrupted the ECD corridor, tied to unrest linked to the disappearance of Surinamese men. Sports & Culture: Chess Olympiad results put Suriname in the women’s and open lower standings, while regional beach volleyball headlines include Suriname winning the women’s division at Guyana’s End Game 2026.

Education & Safety: Suriname’s Ministry of Education says primary and junior/senior secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers warned classrooms are becoming unbearable and many have to buy their own fans. Road Access Disruption: Police in Suriname’s East Coast Demerara corridor near Vigilance urged motorists to avoid the area as burning debris blocked the ECD route amid a case involving the alleged detention of relatives of US-sanctioned businessman Mark Cromwell, linked to missing Surinamese nationals. Justice & Infrastructure Delays: Sint Maarten’s new Pointe Blanche prison still lacks a formal building permit because Fire Department clearance is pending, even though VROMI has signed off—first phase completion is still targeted for September 2027. Indigenous Knowledge & Health: A regional network of traditional knowledge experts and healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil was launched to protect community-owned healing knowledge and support intergenerational transmission. Culture & History in the Region: A travelling exhibition, “Slavery: Ten True Stories of Dutch Colonial Slavery,” opened in Indonesia and includes stories reaching Suriname and the wider Dutch colonial network. Sports & Community: Suriname’s chess and football presence continues regionally, while beach volleyball news highlights Suriname’s women topping a regional tournament in Guyana.

Chess & Youth Achievement: Team Guyana wrapped up the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, earning three conditional titles—Candidate Master for Kyle Couchman and Keron Sandiford, and Woman Candidate Master for Ciel Clement (pending FIDE confirmation). Regional Sports Spotlight: Caribbean teams finished low overall, but Guyana ranked among the better Caribbean sides, while Suriname placed 152nd in the women’s section. Beach Volleyball (Women’s Win for Suriname): The End Game 2026 beach volleyball tournament crowned Guyana in the men’s division and Suriname in the women’s division, with Ketura Heijmans and Gianina Stewart taking the title. Education & Daily Life: Suriname’s Ministry of Education announced primary and junior/senior secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers raised concerns about classroom conditions. Culture & Heritage: A “Suriname Homecoming” ceremony in Ghana marked the start of a modern city project at Appiahkrom to reunite Suriname’s Ansu family ancestry with relatives in Dormaa. Energy Cooperation: A Suriname–Venezuela pact opens a new roadmap for energy collaboration, supported by technical training between universities.

Suriname in regional sport: Suriname’s “Green Guardians” host Martinique at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion, aiming to stay perfect in the CONCACAF Nations League after a comeback win that ended a losing run and kept their group momentum strong. Education & daily life: Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture says primary and secondary schools (junior and senior) will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers raised concerns about hot classrooms, limited cooling, and student concentration. Culture & community ties: Suriname’s ambassador to Ghana, Fidelia Graand-Galon, helped kick off “Suriname Homecoming” in Dormaa Traditional Area—work on a modern city meant to reunite the Ansu family ancestry across Suriname and Ghana. Tech & money habits: Suriname’s virtual-asset rules are now in place, but Bitcoin activity already existed in Paramaribo and in a northeastern Indigenous community, showing how digital finance is taking root alongside new oversight. Regional diplomacy: Suriname’s foreign minister Melvin Bouva joined discussions at UNGA on keeping the Global South’s voice central amid global fragmentation and rapid technological change.

Citizenship & Immigration Reform: Guyana’s AG Anil Nandlall is pushing a review aimed at tougher checks for naturalisation, with calls for clear residence rules, verified records, good character, tax compliance, and fair, published decisions. Work & Daily Life: A new report ranks Jamaica with the second-longest average work week in the Americas and the longest in the Caribbean; Suriname is listed among the shorter Caribbean averages. Suriname Education Under Heat: Suriname’s Education Ministry says primary and junior/senior secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme classroom temperatures, after teachers raised concerns about heat, lack of fans/AC, and concentration. Culture & Sports: Suriname’s national team hosts Martinique in the CONCACAF Nations League, while Suriname also eyes more regional momentum in beach volleyball and local competition. Energy Cooperation: A Suriname–Venezuela pact expands energy collaboration, including training and a roadmap for cooperation. Global South Voices: UNGA side discussions highlight the push for Global South influence in multilateral reform, with Suriname’s FM Melvin Bouva participating.

UN Diplomacy & Women’s Leadership: Caribbean leaders at the UN General Assembly reaffirmed support for Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for the next UN Secretary-General role, arguing her experience is key for a world under pressure. Caribbean Film & Identity: Five Jamaican filmmakers earned nominations for CSIFF26 in New York, with works exploring colorism, migration, African diasporic traditions, and family ties. Suriname in Regional Sports: Suriname face Martinique in the CONCACAF Nations League at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion, aiming to keep their group momentum after a strong start. Education Under Heat: Suriname’s Education Ministry announced primary and secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme temperatures, as teachers report classrooms becoming unbearable. Culture, Roots & Community: A “Suriname Homecoming” ceremony in Ghana marked the start of a modern city project at Appiahkrom to reunite Suriname’s Ansu family ancestry with relatives in Dormaa. Energy Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a roadmap of agreements, including a structured energy cooperation framework supported by university training and technical exchange.

UN diplomacy & gender leadership: CARICOM leaders reaffirmed support for Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for the UN Secretary-General post, arguing a female leader is best placed to steer multilateralism through global crises. Regional security & elections in Haiti: OAS member states issued a joint statement backing the renewal and full deployment of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, citing gang violence, sexual violence, child recruitment, and election urgency. Global protest at the UN: At least 77 countries walked out or left seats vacant during Netanyahu’s UNGA speech, including multiple Caribbean and South American states such as Suriname and Guyana. Suriname education & heat: Suriname’s Ministry of Education announced primary and secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme classroom temperatures, after teachers raised concerns about heat, lack of cooling, and concentration. Culture & community ties: Suriname’s ambassador to Ghana performed a “Suriname Homecoming” ceremony to kick off a modern city project in Ghana’s Dormaa Traditional Area aimed at reuniting the Ansu family’s ancestry across the two countries. Sports (Suriname in focus): Suriname face Martinique in the CONCACAF Nations League at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion, aiming to stay perfect after a 3-2 win over Honduras. Tech & society: Suriname’s Central Bank will supervise virtual-asset service providers under a new law, as small Bitcoin education and merchant projects were already taking root in Paramaribo and an Indigenous community.

Football & Regional Pride: Suriname kept the momentum in the CONCACAF Nations League, rallying to beat Honduras 3-2 away, and now host Martinique in Paramaribo aiming to stay perfect in Group B. Education & Daily Life: Suriname’s Ministry of Education says primary and junior/senior secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers complained classrooms are unbearable and many have to buy fans themselves. Culture Through Sports: A growing music story from the region hits Europe’s spotlight as Guyanese artist “Mineral” pushes “Trap Dancehall,” blending local roots with international stages. Cross-Border Community & Safety: Regional leaders stress faster intelligence sharing to stop organized crime moving across borders, pointing to coordinated operations involving Suriname and neighbors. Indigenous Rights Watch: Peru faces a major human rights court hearing over alleged failures to protect isolated Indigenous peoples in the Amazon from logging and other encroachment. Energy Cooperation: A Suriname–Venezuela pact expands regional energy collaboration, including training links between universities.

Oil & People: Former Suriname President Chandrika Persad Santokhi renewed the “Royalties for Everyone” idea, proposing annual US$750 savings notes with 7% interest for every Surinamese as offshore oil ramps up. Education & Daily Life: Suriname’s Education Ministry says primary and secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers complained classrooms are unbearable and many must buy fans themselves. Sports & Identity: Suriname opens its CONCACAF Nations League campaign at home against Martinique, aiming to keep momentum after a strong start and a recent win over Guyana. Culture & Community Health: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a Regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network to share medicine practices and push for recognition by governments and health systems. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Venezuela and Suriname signed a roadmap of 10 agreements, including a 2026–2027 energy cooperation framework and university links for technical training. Maritime Tensions: Suriname’s Maritime Authority rejected a Guyanese alternative vessel for the ferry route, while talks continue to restore service after MV Canawaima’s suspension.

Culture & History: A new Canadian Museum of History look at slavery in New France traces how bondage shaped Indigenous and African lives across Canada and Louisiana. Sports (Suriname): Suriname kick off their CONCACAF Nations League home clash with Martinique at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion, aiming to keep their early momentum. Education & Daily Life: Suriname’s Ministry of Education says primary and secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers warned classrooms are becoming unbearable. Regional Energy & Education: Suriname and Venezuela sign a 10-document pact, including a 2026–2027 energy roadmap and a university agreement for oil-and-gas training. Indigenous Knowledge: Traditional healers from Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil launch a regional network to share knowledge and push for recognition in health systems. Local Tech & Finance: Suriname’s virtual-asset law brings oversight to crypto services, but Bitcoin activity had already taken root through small community projects. Community & Safety: Teachers’ heat concerns and wider public-health worries sit alongside renewed calls for faster cross-border intelligence sharing in the region.

Education & Health: Suriname’s Ministry of Education says primary and junior/senior secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers complained classrooms are unbearable and many have had to buy fans themselves. Regional Energy Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a package of 10 documents, including a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy collaboration, with technical training links between Venezuela’s University of Hydrocarbons and Anton de Kom University. Culture & Community Ties: A “Suriname Homecoming” ceremony in Ghana kicked off work on a modern city in the Dormaa Traditional Area, aimed at reuniting the Ansu family ancestry between Suriname and Dormaa-Ahenkro. Digital Life & Regulation: Suriname’s virtual-asset oversight law (approved in August) formalizes supervision of crypto service providers, while local Bitcoin projects had already been operating in Paramaribo and an Indigenous community. Sports & Youth: Guyana’s expanded beach volleyball “The End Game 2026” (Sept 26–27) is set to include pairs from Suriname, alongside women’s competition and regional entrants.

Education & Climate Comfort: Suriname’s Ministry of Education says primary and junior/senior secondary schools will close at noon in October due to extreme heat, after teachers complained classrooms become “heavy” after 9 a.m. and many must buy their own fans. Indigenous Rights in the Amazon: Peru faced a landmark hearing at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights over alleged failures to protect Indigenous peoples living in isolation from logging and other encroachment, with concerns about violence and disease exposure. Regional Energy Cooperation: Suriname and Venezuela signed a package of 10 agreements, including a 2026–2027 roadmap for energy cooperation, alongside higher education and technical training links between universities. Culture & Family Reconnection: A “Suriname Homecoming” ceremony in Ghana marked the start of a modern city project in the Dormaa Traditional Area to reunite the Ansu family’s Suriname and Ghana relatives. Digital Life & Regulation: Suriname’s National Assembly approved a law to supervise virtual-asset service providers, while small Bitcoin education and merchant-payment projects had already taken root in Paramaribo and an Indigenous community. Traditional Knowledge Network: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional traditional knowledge and healers network to share practices and push for recognition in health systems.

Energy & Diplomacy: Venezuela and Suriname signed 10 cooperation documents in Paramaribo, including a 2026–2027 roadmap for hydrocarbons plus links in fisheries, agrifood, aviation, tourism, and higher education—timed as Suriname pushes ahead with TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu offshore project toward first oil in 2028. Regional Security: Prime Minister Mark Phillips warned at an INTERPOL Americas conference that delayed cross-border intelligence can give criminals an edge, stressing fast, accurate information-sharing across borders. Culture & Community Ties: A “Suriname Homecoming” ceremony in Ghana marked the start of a modern city project in the Dormaa Traditional Area to reunite the Ansu family’s ancestry between Dormaa-Ahenkro and Suriname. Local Transport: Suriname’s Maritime Authority rejected a Guyanese alternative vessel for the Guyana–Suriname ferry route after the MV Canawaima suspension, while immigration services for small-boat travellers continue. Tech & Everyday Life: Suriname’s virtual-asset law now formally supervises crypto service providers, but small Bitcoin merchant networks were already operating in Paramaribo and an Indigenous community before the rules passed. Indigenous Knowledge: Traditional healers from Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil launched a regional network to share practices and seek recognition and ethical integration with health systems.

Suriname–India Development Ties: Suriname’s national audit office highlights ongoing Indian technical support via ITEC training, helping staff run local courses on procurement, financial statements, and bank reconciliation—an example of capacity-building that can outlast shrinking traditional aid. Suriname Homecoming in Ghana: A “Suriname Homecoming” ceremony marked a new 20-acre city project in Ghana’s Dormaa Traditional Area to reunite the Ansu family’s ancestry with relatives in Suriname, blending heritage, land release, and diplomacy. Digital Culture & Finance: Suriname’s early Bitcoin merchant networks in Paramaribo and an Indigenous community in the northeast show how crypto education and payments took root before the National Assembly approved the Wet Toezicht Virtuele Activa Dienstverleners 2026, with the Central Bank set to supervise. Regional Indigenous Knowledge: Traditional healers and knowledge holders from Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil launched a regional network to share healing practices and push for recognition and possible integration with national health systems. Caribbean Film Spotlight: The Conch Shell International Film Festival returns to New York (Oct 9–11) with Suriname among participating countries, centering Caribbean identity through stories of migration, memory, and resilience.

Suriname in regional AI talks: Suriname helped shape discussions at the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Saudi Arabia, with Caribbean representatives sharing views on AI readiness, public-sector capacity, social inequalities and environmental sustainability. Maritime travel update: Suriname’s Maritime Authority rejected Guyana’s alternative vessel plan for the Guyana–Suriname ferry route after the MV Canawaima suspension, while both sides continue talks and inspections to keep service safe and moving. Local tech & finance policy: Suriname’s National Assembly approved the Wet Toezicht Virtuele Activa Dienstverleners 2026, bringing virtual-asset service providers under Central Bank supervision—while small Bitcoin merchant networks in Paramaribo and an Indigenous community had already been building education and payments. Indigenous knowledge link-up: Indigenous healers and knowledge holders from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network after an exchange at Iwokrama River Lodge, aiming for ethical protocols and recognition by health systems. Culture on screen: The Conch Shell International Film Festival returns to New York (Oct 9–11) with Suriname among participating countries, spotlighting Caribbean identity through stories of migration, belonging and resilience.