AGP Executive Report

Gospel Spotlight: Mercy Chinwo brought a powerful night of worship to Suriname, drawing thousands and sharing a message of faith that connected across borders, with a reception hosted by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Digital Connectivity: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MoU to strengthen Suriname’s telecom resilience and expand connectivity solutions for the oil & gas sector, building on their long-running subsea cable partnership. Film & Culture: CSIFF26 (Conch Shell International Film Fest) announced its 2026 official selection—47 films from 14 countries including Suriname—set for Oct 9–11 in New York, with screenings and industry sessions. Health Update: Suriname’s chikungunya is no longer in the epidemic phase, but cases still circulate—BOG urges residents to keep clearing mosquito breeding spots. Local Business/Tech: Gonini, formerly Bezos.ai, rebranded and is doubling down on AI-powered cross-border fulfilment for DTC brands, with roots in Suriname. Sports (Suriname-linked): Joel Piroe’s future is in flux as West Ham push talks for the Suriname striker, while Suriname also featured in regional youth football coverage.

Caribbean Film Spotlight: CSIFF26 (Conch Shell International Film Fest) has unveiled its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries, including Suriname, heading to New York Oct 9–11 for screenings, talks, and filmmaker development. Gospel & Culture in Suriname: Mercy Chinwo returned to Suriname for a major worship night that drew thousands, with a reception involving President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and a strong youth turnout. Regional Entertainment Exchange: Chutney Fusion Festival in Durban sold out again as Raymond Ramnarine and Dil-E-Nadan drew 8,000+ fans, with Trinidad and Netherlands-based acts joining the stage. Health Watch: Suriname is no longer in the chikungunya epidemic phase, but cases still circulate—BOG urges residents to keep mosquito breeding sites under control. Sports & Community: The ferry link between Suriname and Guyana is back after MV Canawaima was cleared to sail following re-inspection. Education for Health Professionals: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health is now listed by ASTMH as an approved course, with a Suriname practicum component.

Suriname–Guyana Ferry Update: The MV Canawaima has been cleared to sail again after a re-inspection on Aug. 13, ending the recent disruption and keeping safety monitoring in place. Gospel & Culture Spotlight: International gospel star Mercy Chinwo drew thousands in Suriname for a powerful night of worship, including a reception with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Health Watch: Suriname is no longer in the chikungunya epidemic phase, but cases still circulate—especially in Paramaribo and Brokopondo—so the Public Health Bureau urges residents to keep mosquito breeding sites under control. Tropical Medicine Training: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health was recognized by ASTMH and added to the society’s approved course directory, with a Suriname practicum component. Digital Connectivity for Oil & Gas: Liberty Networks and TELESUR signed an MoU to expand connectivity and resilience for Suriname’s oil & gas sector, building on the Suriname–Guyana submarine cable partnership. Music & Heritage: Stanley Clementina’s Anansi production celebrates African diaspora storytelling, linking Anansi traditions across regions including Suriname. Sports Youth Development: Suriname is set to compete in the CFU U14 Challenge Series in Punta Cana (Aug. 16–23), with matches across the Caribbean youth teams.

Suriname–Guyana Ferry Update: The MV Canawaima is cleared to sail again after a re-inspection on Aug. 13, restoring the connection after the earlier sailing ban. Gospel & Culture: Mercy Chinwo drew thousands in Suriname for a sold-out night of worship, with a reception hosted by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Health Watch: Suriname is no longer in the chikungunya epidemic phase, though cases still circulate—especially in Paramaribo and Brokopondo—so residents are urged to keep mosquito-breeding prevention up. Digital Connectivity for Oil & Gas: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MOU to boost resilient international connectivity for Suriname’s oil & gas sector. Freshwater Spotlight: A new global ranking puts Suriname among the top countries for freshwater per person, highlighting the country’s water wealth. Tropical Medicine Training: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health was recognized by ASTMH and listed among approved diploma courses, with a practicum in Suriname.

Gospel & Culture: Mercy Chinwo drew thousands to Suriname for a powerful night of worship, with a reception from President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and many young people responding to the message. Music Festival Buzz: Chutney Fusion Festival 2026 in Durban sold out again, with Raymond Ramnarine and Dil-E-Nadan packing Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium and bringing Indo-Caribbean sounds to South Africa. Health Update: Suriname is no longer in the chikungunya epidemic phase, but the virus is still circulating—BOG urges residents to keep mosquito breeding sites under control. Sports (Youth): Suriname is among the nations set for the CFU U14 Challenge Series in Punta Cana, with the Under-14 Sugar Boyz drawn into Tier I Group B. Arts & Heritage: Stanley Clementina’s stage production “Anansi” spotlights African diaspora storytelling, including the Anansi/Ananse/“Ba Anansi” links across the region. Local Life & Travel: The MV Canawaima ferry between Suriname and Guyana is cleared to sail again after a re-inspection, restoring the connection. Education & Public Health: Saint James School of Medicine’s tropical medicine diploma is now listed by ASTMH as an approved course, with a practicum in Suriname.

Gospel Spotlight: Mercy Chinwo brought Suriname to life with a packed, faith-filled worship night, drawing thousands and even hosting a reception with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons—another reminder of how music can cross borders. Culture & Heritage: Stanley Clementina’s stage production “Anansi” celebrates the Anansi spider stories’ African roots and their living legacy across the diaspora, including Suriname’s own Ba Anansi. Local Health Update: Suriname is no longer in the chikungunya epidemic phase, but cases still circulate—BOG urges residents to keep clearing mosquito breeding spots, not rely on spraying alone. Sports & Youth: Suriname is listed among nations sending Under-12 tennis teams to T&T’s regional competition, with winners advancing to the wider ITF/COTECC final. Community & Connectivity: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MOU to strengthen Suriname’s digital resilience and boost connectivity for the oil & gas sector. Travel Disruption Fixed: The Suriname–Guyana ferry connection is back after MV Canawaima cleared re-inspection and the sailing ban was lifted.

Health & Nutrition: A new multiethnic study links higher intake of non-sugar-sweetened drinks to higher type 2 diabetes risk, especially for adults with BMI ≥ 25 and people of non-Dutch origin, while swapping sugar drinks for non-sugar options also raised risk for younger adults and non-Dutch groups. Transport Update: The MV Canawaima ferry between Suriname and Guyana is cleared to sail again after a re-inspection, ending the recent service interruption while technical monitoring continues. Gospel & Culture: Mercy Chinwo drew thousands in Suriname for a major night of worship, with a reception hosted by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and strong youth turnout. Arts & Entertainment: Indo-Caribbean stars Raymond Ramnarine and Dil-E-Nadan sold out South Africa’s Chutney Fusion Festival in Durban, bringing Indo-Caribbean culture to a crowd of 8,000+ and adding new music to the set. Public Health Watch: Suriname’s chikungunya situation is no longer in the epidemic phase, but cases still circulate—officials urge residents to keep removing mosquito breeding spots. Education & Training: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health is now listed by ASTMH as an approved course, including a Suriname practicum. Tech & Connectivity: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MoU to expand connectivity for Suriname’s oil & gas sector, building on long-running subsea cable cooperation. Sports: Suriname’s presence is confirmed for the CFU U-12 team tennis competition in T&T, with regional youth teams competing for advancement.

Gospel & Culture: Mercy Chinwo drew thousands to Suriname for a powerful night of worship, with the concert also featuring a reception for the artist and her husband by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Health Update: Suriname has moved out of the chikungunya epidemic phase, though cases still circulate—especially in Paramaribo and Brokopondo—prompting renewed calls for residents to eliminate mosquito breeding spots. Tech & Connectivity: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MoU to expand connectivity for Suriname’s Oil & Gas sector, building on their long-running subsea cable partnership. Education & Training: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health was added to ASTMH’s approved course directory, with a hybrid program including a four-week practicum in Suriname. Arts & Heritage: Stanley Clementina brought Anansi to the stage in a musical production tracing the spider stories’ African roots across the diaspora, including Suriname’s Ba Anansi. Sports (Youth): Suriname is among the nations set to compete in the ITF/COTECC Under-12 Team Competition Sub Region Four in Trinidad & Tobago, running Aug. 14–21.

Faith & Music: Award-winning gospel artist Mercy Chinwo drew thousands to Suriname for a powerful night of worship, with a reception involving President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Digital Infrastructure: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MOU to strengthen connectivity for Suriname’s Oil & Gas sector, building on the Suriname–Guyana submarine cable partnership. Public Health: Suriname’s Public Health Bureau says chikungunya is no longer in the epidemic phase, but cases still circulate—urging residents to keep mosquito breeding sites under control. Education & Health Training: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health was recognized by ASTMH and added to its approved course directory, with a practicum in Suriname. Culture & Heritage: A new musical production, “Anansi,” explores the Anansi spider stories’ African roots and their Surinamese connections across the diaspora. Environment & Land Use: Suriname created a task force to crack down on illegal Amazon rainforest clearing linked to land developers and Mennonite settlements.

Suriname in the spotlight: Suriname is ranked among the world’s top countries for freshwater per person, with tropical forests and high rainfall boosting its per-capita figures—even as experts stress that safe drinking access still depends on infrastructure and water management. Historic swim achievement: Suriname’s sporting pride is echoed internationally as Sara Curtis shattered the women’s 50 backstroke world record at the European Championships and made history as the first Black swimmer to hold an individual long-course world record. Culture & music: Stanley Clementina brings the Anansi spider stories to the stage in a new musical production, tracing the character’s roots across Africa and the African diaspora—including references to Anansi/Ananse/“Ba Anansi” in Suriname. Digital connectivity for Suriname: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MoU to strengthen resilient, next-generation connectivity for Suriname’s oil & gas sector, building on the long-running Suriname–Guyana submarine cable partnership. Public health update: Suriname is reported to be out of the chikungunya epidemic phase, though cases still circulate—so health officials are urging residents to keep mosquito breeding sites under control.

Freshwater Spotlight: A new global ranking puts Suriname among the top countries for freshwater per person, highlighting how rainforest cover and rainfall boost water wealth—even if safe drinking access still depends on infrastructure and management. Historic Swim: European Championships news has Sara Curtis smashing the women’s 50 backstroke world record and making history as the first Black swimmer to hold an individual long-course world record. Public Health Update: Suriname’s chikungunya is no longer in the epidemic phase, but cases still circulate—especially in Paramaribo and Brokopondo—so the Public Health Bureau urges residents to keep clearing mosquito breeding spots. Tropical Medicine Training: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health is now officially recognized by ASTMH, with a Suriname practicum component. Digital Connectivity for Oil & Gas: TELESUR and Liberty Networks expand their partnership to strengthen resilient international connectivity for Suriname’s oil & gas sector. Cultural Stage & Heritage: Stanley Clementina brings Anansi to the stage, tracing the spider stories across the African diaspora, including Ba Anansi in Suriname. Culture Loss: Surinamese actor, filmmaker and media personality dies, marking a major loss for the local entertainment scene.

Music Spotlight: Guyana roots reggae trio First Born is still thriving nearly 30 years after debut, keeping its conscious “roots” message alive as the industry leans more on automation and AI. Entertainment & Culture: Curaçao’s Stanley Clementina brings the Anansi spider stories to the stage, tracing the character’s journey from Ghana across the African diaspora—including Suriname’s Ba Anansi—through music, storytelling and theatre. Health Update: Suriname has moved out of the chikungunya epidemic phase, but cases are still circulating—especially in Paramaribo and Brokopondo—so officials are urging residents to keep clearing mosquito breeding spots and not rely on spraying alone. Education for Health Pros: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health has been recognized by ASTMH, with a hybrid course that includes a four-week practicum in Suriname. Digital & Telecom Growth: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MOU to strengthen connectivity and resilience for Suriname’s Oil & Gas sector, building on their long-running subsea cable partnership. Arts, Fashion & Diplomacy: “We Are the New World” blended music, fashion and diplomacy, with Suriname’s ambassador in the spotlight and a water-themed model showcase.

ASTMH Recognition for Local Training: Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM) says its Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health is now officially approved by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, with a hybrid format that includes a four-week in-person practicum in Suriname. Music, Fashion & Diplomacy Night: “We Are The New World” brought together diplomacy and culture through music and fashion, featuring Suriname’s ambassador in India and a large blue-themed model showcase tied to water and sustainability. Digital Connectivity Boost: TELESUR and Liberty Networks signed an MOU to expand connectivity for Suriname’s Oil & Gas sector, aiming at stronger international capacity and more resilient next-generation infrastructure. Chutney Fusion Festival: Durban’s Chutney Fusion Festival 2026 mixed chutney, Bollywood and international sounds, with Surinamese fans celebrating Raymond Ramnarine’s return and new music. Regional Youth Football: St. Kitts and Nevis’ U14 boys will travel to Punta Cana for the CFU U14 Challenge Series, with Tier I group play including Suriname in the wider tournament lineup. Cultural Spotlight on Anansi: Stanley Clementina’s stage production “Anansi” traces the Anansi spider stories across Africa and the diaspora, including references to Ba Anansi in Suriname. Suriname Cultural Heritage Voice: A profile highlights Seeta Persad’s decades of theatre work and media influence, focusing on how her plays shaped Hindu cultural presence and identity. Suriname in the Caribbean Cup Build-Up: Club Sando prepares for CONCACAF Caribbean Cup action after beating SV Broki, with a key derby against Defence Force looming.

Suriname Cultural Spotlight: Renowned musician Stanley Clementina brings the timeless Anansi spider stories to the stage in an original musical production, tracing the legends from Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom to the African diaspora—including Ba Anansi in Suriname—blending storytelling, music and theatre. Heritage & Theatre: A tribute piece highlights Trinidadian journalist and theatre producer Seeta Persad, praising her decades-long work shaping Hindu identity and memory through plays, choreography and stage productions. Sports & Community (Regional, with Suriname ties): Club Sando gears up for the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup after beating Suriname champions SV Broki 2-1, with Defence Force next on Sept. 1—while Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Jamaica (Nov. 18–22) confirm Suriname among participating countries. Local News (Suriname): Suriname’s government says it’s moving against illegal Amazon rainforest clearing tied to land developers and Mennonite-linked settlements, with notices issued and a task force formed.

Stage & Culture: Stanley Clementina brings the timeless Anansi spider stories to the stage in a new musical production linking Africa, Curaçao and the wider diaspora, with original songs and theatre storytelling inspired by research in Ghana. Arts & Heritage Spotlight: A tribute piece highlights Seeta Persad as a “guardian” of cultural heritage, celebrating her decades in Trinidad’s media and theatre and her work shaping identity through plays and choreography. Film Buzz: Sony/Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day keeps climbing at the global box office, crossing $1B abroad fast and pushing toward major worldwide milestones. Sports (Youth): St. Kitts and Nevis U14 boys are set for the CFU U14 Challenge Series in Punta Cana, facing Jamaica, Curacao and Aruba in Tier I Group B. Sports (Regional): Club Sando kick off their CONCACAF Caribbean Cup campaign against Suriname champions SV Broki, with a key derby vs Defence Force looming after a short preparation window. Regional Inclusion: Jamaica launches the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in November, with Suriname confirmed among participating countries.

Cultural Heritage Spotlight: Seeta Persad is being remembered as a guardian of Hindu cultural heritage in Trinidad and beyond, with decades of work as journalist, playwright and theatre producer shaping how East Indian communities see themselves through stage productions. Entertainment & Media Loss: Surinamese actor, filmmaker and media personality dies, prompting tributes across the region. Sports Entertainment (Wrestling): All Caribbean Wrestling’s “Georgetown Smash” made a splash in Guyana with WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry and Kenny King headlining a night of high-flying, dramatic action. Regional Sports (Football): Club Sando kick off their CONCACAF Caribbean Cup campaign against Suriname champions SV Broki, with a huge September stretch ahead. Inclusive Sports (Special Olympics): Jamaica will host the inaugural Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in November, with Suriname among the confirmed participating countries. Suriname Environment & Community: Suriname moves to evict Mennonites and illegal Amazon settlers after illegal land clearing concerns, with a new task force targeting developers. Arts & Identity (Language): A look at how patois, Creole and Caribbean English shift from island to island, reflecting distinct histories and cultures.