In a significant step forward for Suriname’s energy sector, Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. has officially approved the commercial development of the Sloanea-1 gas discovery in Block 52, located offshore Suriname. This decision, made on November 11, 2025, underscores the successful collaboration between Staatsolie and PETRONAS Suriname Exploration & Production B.V. (PETRONAS Suriname). The Sloanea-1 field, discovered in late 2020, has been evaluated for its commercial viability, leading to the signing of a gas addendum to the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) established in 2013. PETRONAS Suriname, the operator of Block 52 with an 80% stake, alongside Paradise Oil Company (POC), a subsidiary of Staatsolie holding the remaining 20%, has conducted extensive assessments, including the drilling of the Sloanea-2 appraisal well in 2024. These efforts have provided a more accurate estimate of the field’s gas reserves and recoverable volumes. The approved development plan includes gas production wells, subsea infrastructure, and a Floating LNG (FLNG) facility, a first for the region. PETRONAS Suriname will now prepare and submit the development plan for Staatsolie’s approval, with the Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in the second half of 2026. Commercial gas production is anticipated to commence by 2030, aligning with Staatsolie’s vision of ‘Energizing a Bright Future for Suriname.’
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Environment Ministry certifies 28 new nature guides to boost ecotourism
In a significant step toward promoting ecotourism and environmental conservation, the Ministry of Environment, through its Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity, has certified 28 young residents from Monseñor Nouel and Loma de Blanco as nature interpreter guides. The graduation ceremony was held at Lomas del Cielo Ecocamping, located near Valle Nuevo National Park, and was attended by government authorities, institutions, and community leaders. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable tourism and biodiversity preservation in the region. The comprehensive 112-hour training program, conducted in collaboration with the Civil Defense Risk Management School, covered essential topics such as environmental interpretation, ecological education, visitor management, trail safety, and conservation techniques. Graduates expressed that the certification has transformed their empirical knowledge into professional-level expertise, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the ecotourism sector. Local leaders, including José Alberto De Jesús, president of Asoguiemonb, emphasized that ecotourism is emerging as a vital economic driver for the province, fostering both environmental and community development.
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Ali warns gold miners of tough action for smuggling
President Irfaan Ali delivered a strong message to gold miners during his address at the opening of GUYEXPO 2025, held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. He emphasized that the government would take severe action against those involved in gold smuggling, including shutting down their operations. Ali specifically targeted miners who benefit from government incentives but fail to comply with legal production declarations. ‘Those who are not compliant with the declaration, we are going to come after you hard and strong. We will find you, and you will lose your business,’ he stated. The President also commended the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) for supporting recent crackdowns on illegal mining activities in the Sand Hills and Toroparu areas. These operations, led by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Police Force, resulted in the detention of illegal miners and the dismantling of unauthorized shops. The GGDMA highlighted the need to curb activities like illegal mining, human trafficking, and drug sales, which have historically funded Venezuelan gangs, including the notorious Sindicato. Ali revealed that one smuggler alone caused a staggering GY$190 billion loss to Guyana’s economy, stressing the importance of tightening the system to prevent such leakages.
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Foul odour persists in Ashton Hall despite repeated complaints
For over a year, residents of Ashton Hall, St Peter, have been grappling with an unbearable stench emanating from a nearby pig farm, despite repeated complaints to authorities and assurances of improved waste management. The pungent odor, described as a major disruption to daily life, continues to affect the community, leaving locals frustrated and desperate for a resolution. The piggery owners, who had pledged last December to enhance their waste management practices, expressed confusion over the ongoing issue, claiming they regularly clean the premises and use disinfectants like Jeyes Fluid. However, residents argue that the smell persists, particularly from a gully behind the pig pens, and has severely impacted their quality of life. Franklin Corbin, an 87-year-old retiree, lamented that the stench forces him to retreat indoors, even on his patio, while Rodney Bovell highlighted the challenge of enjoying meals during peak odor times. Concerns have also been raised about the area’s designation as a Zone One water catchment, which supplies water to northern parishes. Despite visits from health inspectors and suggestions for improvements, the problem remains unresolved, leaving residents to endure the ongoing nuisance.
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Dominican Republic signs air services agreement with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
In a landmark development for international aviation, the Dominican Republic has solidified its air connectivity with Scandinavia by signing a definitive Air Services Agreement (ASA) with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The agreement, finalized during the ICAO ICAN2025 World Conference on Air Services Agreements, marks the culmination of negotiations that began in 2016. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Héctor Porcella, president of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (JAC), Øyvind Ek from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, and representatives Ingrid Almén and Lasse Kindberg from Sweden and Denmark. This historic pact formalizes air relations between the Dominican Republic and the Scandinavian nations, paving the way for expanded flight routes and enhanced tourism opportunities. The agreement underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to fostering international aviation cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties with Northern Europe.
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President reassures cash grants, other promises will be fulfilled
President Irfaan Ali of Guyana has firmly dismissed allegations that his administration would fail to deliver on its promise of cash grants before Christmas. The accusations were leveled by Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, who claimed that the President was poised to break his commitment. Speaking at the opening ceremony of GUYEXPO 2025 at the Sophia Exhibition Site, President Ali responded with a stern rebuke, emphasizing that his government was fully aware of its obligations and would fulfill them promptly and effectively. He stated, ‘You don’t need to remind us about our commitment whether it’s cash grant, incentives, subsidies. We know what our commitments are and we are going to deliver on every one of them faster, better, greater.’ Earlier on Thursday, Mr. Mohamed had taken to Facebook to demand that the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) honor its promises, referencing a statement made by President Ali on August 26, where he assured Guyanese of a ‘beautiful Christmas’ with cash grants. Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo had also reiterated on October 2 that all campaign promises would be fulfilled. However, Mr. Mohamed noted that no official announcement had been made regarding the cash grants. In his address, President Ali, without directly naming Mr. Mohamed, advised him to ‘find your place, stay in your lane,’ and cautioned against overstepping his bounds. The President also highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of Guyana’s economy, describing it as neither a ‘toy’ nor a means for exploitation. This comes as Mr. Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, face a U.S. extradition request related to an 11-count indictment for wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering tied to their gold trading business. The Mohameds were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office for Foreign Assets Control in June 2024 for allegedly evading over $50 million in taxes on gold exports. President Ali further warned Guyanese citizens against being swayed by misleading social media content, stating, ‘If we continue to let simplistic messages infiltrate our brains, we can destroy all that we are building.’ The WIN party, which secured 16 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly, has emerged as Guyana’s largest parliamentary opposition party, surpassing the People’s National Congress Reform-led coalition.
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CELAC-EU : Presidential Advisor Smith Augustin’s busy agenda
Presidential Advisor Smith Augustin played a pivotal role at the CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, co-chaired by Colombian President Gustavo Petro and European Council President António Costa. Augustin emphasized Haiti’s dedication to dialogue, security, governance, and credible elections, while urging enhanced collaboration with the European Union in areas of resilience, reconstruction, and sustainable development. On the sidelines, he engaged in critical discussions with OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin to advance the ‘Roadmap for Stability and Peace in Haiti,’ ahead of Ramdin’s official visit in December 2025. Augustin also met with regional leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, underscoring regional solidarity and support for Haiti’s stability. Additionally, he strengthened bilateral ties with French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, focusing on strategic cooperation in training, trade, and governance. The Summit concluded with dialogues on EU-Caribbean partnerships in weather forecasting, disaster risk management, and regional satellite connectivity, highlighting a unified commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development. The event reaffirmed the collective resolve to support Haiti’s recovery as integral to regional progress.
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Paliza to lead visit to NVIDIA Centers of Excellence in Miami
Santo Domingo – A high-level Dominican delegation, led by Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza, is set to embark on a significant visit to Miami this Friday. The delegation, which includes Ambassador María Isabel Castillo, OGTIC director Edgar Batista, and ITLA rector Rafael Féliz, will tour two renowned Artificial Intelligence Centers of Excellence. This initiative is part of the recently signed cooperation agreement between the Dominican Republic and NVIDIA, a global leader in accelerated computing.
During their visit, the officials will engage with academic and innovation leaders to discuss advanced strategies in AI talent development, technological governance, startup incubation, and public-private partnerships. The itinerary includes visits to the Miami Dade College AI Center and the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, both celebrated for their cutting-edge facilities and AI-focused initiatives.
This mission underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to establishing its own AI Centers of Excellence, aligning with President Luis Abinader’s vision to bolster the national innovation ecosystem and drive the country’s digital transformation.
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No Charges for Wilson Hernandez’s Death, Domestic Violence History Revealed
In a controversial turn of events, charges against Christy Guzman for the fatal shooting of Wilson Hernandez have been withdrawn. The incident, which occurred two months ago in Belmopan, Belize, has reignited discussions on domestic violence and self-defense. Guzman, 21, was initially charged with manslaughter after surveillance footage showed her handling a gun moments before Hernandez was shot during a domestic dispute. However, the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence contradicting her claim of acting in self-defense to protect her aunt, Dalia Vellos, from Hernandez’s alleged assault. Vellos, who handed Guzman the firearm, has come forward to share her side of the story, revealing a history of domestic abuse in her relationship with Hernandez. She presented screenshots of threatening messages and emphasized that the shooting was an act of survival, not premeditation. The case has sparked public outcry and calls for stronger measures against domestic violence in Belize, especially following recent high-profile cases of violence against women. Authorities, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, have yet to comment on whether the case will be revisited in light of new evidence.
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Suriname wint groots (4-0) van El Salvador
In a thrilling World Cup 2026 qualifier held at the packed Essedstadion, Suriname delivered a commanding performance against El Salvador, securing a decisive 4-0 victory. From the opening whistle, Suriname implemented a well-crafted strategy, controlling the game with over 54% possession. The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Tjaronn Chery was fouled in the penalty area and calmly converted the resulting spot-kick, giving Suriname a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The second half saw Suriname maintain their disciplined approach, dictating the pace of the match. Richonell Margaret doubled the lead in the 74th minute with a clinical finish, and just two minutes later, he struck again with a powerful shot to make it 3-0. Substitute Dhoraso Klas sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, expertly finishing a wide pass from Grot to bring the score to 4-0. This dominant display has positioned Suriname favorably in Group A, with their final qualifying match against Guatemala scheduled for November 18.