AGP Executive Report

Suriname–Dominican Republic Aviation & Tourism Boost: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ official visit to Santo Domingo produced a joint declaration and new cooperation deals, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominican citizens who hold valid U.S. or Schengen visas, plus renewed focus on renewable energy, agriculture, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange. Regional Connectivity Watch: Caribbean Airlines’ shifting routes and withdrawals keep hitting the travel map, with St. Kitts and Nevis officials saying the airline’s decision to end service was made without consultation, while authorities scramble to secure alternatives—an issue that matters for regional tourism planning. Suriname–China Long Game: In a separate interview, President Simons said Suriname aims to consolidate and expand ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing cooperation in infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people links. Health & Travel Context: PAHO’s 2025 annual report to the OAS highlights Suriname’s malaria-free certification in the Amazon Basin—good news for long-term visitor confidence and public health stability.

Bilateral Travel Boost: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ official visit to the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo comes with a major tourism unlock: Dominican citizens with ordinary passports can enter Suriname visa-free for tourism if they hold a valid U.S. or Schengen visa, alongside a Sky High Dominicana air connectivity push and new cooperation deals across tourism, agriculture, energy, trade, education, and parliamentary exchange. Regional Aviation Watch: Caribbean Airlines’ network shake-up is still rippling through the region—St. Kitts and Nevis says it wasn’t consulted before the airline’s withdrawal, while regional aviation commentary points to a broader realignment and new interline links that could reshape how travelers connect across Caribbean hubs. Sustainability & Careers: Caribbean Airlines marked its Sustainability Programme milestone by partnering with the Guyana Tourism Authority on a Career Caravan at four secondary schools, spotlighting aviation and tourism careers for students in Guyana. Health Tourism Context: PAHO’s annual report highlights Suriname’s malaria-free certification (first in the Amazon Basin), a positive public-health signal for the wider region’s travel appeal. Diplomatic Horizon: In a separate update, Suriname’s president said the country aims to deepen and expand cooperation with China over the next 50 years, citing progress in infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people ties.

Suriname–China Ties: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says Suriname is looking to deepen and expand cooperation with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to progress in infrastructure, green development, and people-to-people links. Bilateral Travel Boost: Suriname and the Dominican Republic have moved closer with a strategic alliance that includes visa-free tourism entry for Dominican citizens holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas, plus direct flight momentum via the Sky High Dominicana route. Tourism & Policy Agenda: Geerlings-Simons’s official visit to Santo Domingo highlights cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange—key themes for cross-Caribbean travel growth. Regional Aviation Watch: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis has sparked concern over connectivity, with officials saying the government wasn’t consulted and that alternative services are being lined up. Sustainability in Aviation: Caribbean Airlines and the Guyana Tourism Authority ran a Career Caravan education outreach at four secondary schools, spotlighting aviation and tourism careers ahead of Guyana’s independence celebrations.

Aviation & Careers: Caribbean Airlines teamed up with the Guyana Tourism Authority to run its Career Caravan at four East Coast and East Bank schools, introducing students to aviation and tourism pathways. Diplomacy & Tourism Access: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo to deepen ties, with a big travel boost: visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas, plus renewed cooperation across tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, and sustainable development. State Visit Roundup: Geerlings-Simons’ official trip to the Dominican Republic included joint meetings, a joint declaration, and emphasis on air connectivity—highlighting the Sky High Dominicana route as a tourism and trade catalyst. Regional Connectivity Watch: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal is causing concern, with St. Kitts and Nevis officials saying they weren’t consulted, while authorities insist alternative services are being lined up. Public Health for Travelers: PAHO’s 2025 Annual Report to the OAS highlights Suriname’s malaria-free certification in the Amazon Basin—good news for health-focused travel planning. Wildlife & Responsible Travel: A report flags international trafficking networks smuggling endangered golden lion tamarins, including seizures involving Suriname—another reminder to support ethical wildlife tourism.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to push deeper cooperation with the Dominican Republic in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange—plus an invitation for Dominicans to visit Suriname. Visa-Free Tourism Boost: The two leaders also announced a practical travel win: Dominican citizens with ordinary passports can enter Suriname visa-free for tourism if they hold a valid U.S. or Schengen visa. Air Connectivity Spotlight: The partnership package highlights air links, pointing to the Sky High Dominicana route between Santo Domingo and Paramaribo as a tourism and trade catalyst. Regional Aviation Pressure (Tourism Impact): In St. Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson said Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from the route was made without consultation, while officials scramble to secure alternatives—an issue that directly affects regional visitor access. Health Milestone for Suriname: PAHO reported Suriname became the first Amazon Basin country certified malaria-free, a positive signal for travel confidence and public health progress.

Visa-Free Boost for Tourism: Suriname and the Dominican Republic are taking ties to a new level, with a joint declaration and agreements that include visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas—plus a push to grow travel and trade via improved air links. State Visit, Direct Flight Momentum: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’s official trip to Santo Domingo highlights tourism promotion, agriculture and education cooperation, and spotlights Sky High Dominicana’s Paramaribo–Santo Domingo route as a catalyst for more visitors. Regional Aviation Shockwaves: Caribbean Airlines’ pullback from routes including Suriname (and Dominica, St. Kitts, and Ogle in Guyana) is reshaping travel plans, with knock-on effects for tourism connectivity across the Eastern Caribbean. Connectivity as the Real Tourism Issue: A regional aviation commentary argues the Caribbean’s big development goals now hinge on a unified air-and-sea transport strategy, as carriers cut routes and new hubs compete for travelers. Caribbean Politics, Caribbean Reality (Op-Ed): A Dutch MP’s dismissive remarks about the Caribbean are met with a counterpoint stressing the region’s value to the Kingdom—and the importance of understanding it beyond stereotypes.**

Bilateral Breakthrough for Travel: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo to upgrade ties into a strategic economic alliance, with a joint declaration and multiple cooperation deals—plus a big tourism win: Dominican citizens with ordinary passports can enter Suriname visa-free for tourism if they hold a valid U.S. or Schengen visa, and air connectivity is boosted by the Sky High Dominicana route between Paramaribo and Santo Domingo. Regional Aviation Pressure: Caribbean Airlines is cutting key routes from June 1, including Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname, and Ogle–Suriname, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—raising fresh concerns for intra-Caribbean travel planning. Tourism Politics & Perception: A Dutch MP’s push to “get rid of” Caribbean territories sparked an editorial backlash, arguing the region’s value to the Netherlands is far more than “one euro,” with “nice weather” framed as shallow reasoning.

Bilateral Tourism Boost: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons met Dominican President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo, signing cooperation deals across tourism, agriculture, trade, education and more, with air connectivity front and center as the Sky High Dominicana route between Santo Domingo and Paramaribo is pitched as a tourism and trade catalyst; Suriname also announced visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas. State Visit in Focus: Geerlings-Simons’ official trip (via Punta Cana) runs through June 2, with meetings at the National Palace and a joint legislative session, underscoring growing ties in energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture and air services. Regional Flights Matter: Caribbean Airlines is cutting key routes from June 1, including Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname, and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice weekly—raising concerns for travelers who rely on intra-Caribbean connections. Aviation Realignment: A new interline agreement between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes (effective June 1) aims to keep passengers moving across combined networks on one ticket, as the region’s connectivity shifts toward emerging hubs. Wildlife Tourism Warning: A trafficking ring is targeting endangered golden lion tamarins, with seizures reported across Suriname and the Amazon—another reminder that responsible travel also means protecting wildlife.

Suriname–Dominican Republic Diplomacy: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrived in the Dominican Republic for an official visit through June 2, with meetings, cooperation deal signings, and a joint declaration expected—highlighting growing ties in energy, agriculture, and air services. Regional Aviation Shock (Tourism Impact): Caribbean Airlines is cutting key routes from June 1, including Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname, and Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname, plus reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—leaving travelers scrambling as the airline points to reliability and financial stability. Local Governance & Accountability: St. Kitts and Nevis tourism officials say Caribbean Airlines withdrew without consulting the government, while authorities move to secure alternative partners to protect regional connectivity. CARICOM Policy Push: CARICOM foreign ministers urged “unified action” and a “dual approach” to protect sovereignty and strengthen food and energy security—an agenda that directly affects travel, trade, and regional tourism planning. Wildlife & Travel Safety: A trafficking ring is linked to smuggling endangered golden lion tamarins via routes including Togo and Suriname, raising concerns for enforcement and responsible tourism. Legal Integration Watch: The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled in favor of Derek Ramsamooj after actions taken against him in Suriname were found to breach CARICOM treaty protections.

Regional Air Access Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes effective June 1, ending service to Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname link, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—aimed at “operational reliability” and long-term financial stability. Local Government Pushback: St Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says the government was not consulted before the withdrawal, but she insists alternative services are available. Network Realignment Watch: A regional aviation commentary argues these cuts are part of a bigger rebuild around emerging hubs (Antigua, Barbados, Sint Maarten) and points to a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal starting June 1 to help passengers travel on one ticket. Climate Risk for Tourism Economies: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change could hit inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure—urging national adaptation plans. Suriname Tourism Angle: With the Guyana–Suriname route ending, travelers may need to reroute via partner connections as airlines restructure. Culture & Travel Story: A Trinidad and Tobago martial artist’s journey includes studies under Maroon culture in Suriname and a path to being crowned a chief in Ghana.

Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut key routes effective June 1, ending flights between Dominica and St. Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives. Passenger Support: CAL says affected passengers will be contacted directly and offered rebooking on other regional services, partner connections, full refunds, or travel credit (subject to fare rules). Local Pushback in St. Kitts: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson confirmed the St. Kitts and Nevis government was not consulted before CAL’s withdrawal, and officials are now in talks with another airline to protect regional connectivity. Bigger Picture for Tourism: A regional aviation commentary argues the cuts reflect a structural rebuild around emerging hubs (Antigua, Barbados, Sint Maarten) and warns that without a unified air-and-sea transport strategy, tourism and trade goals across CARICOM will stay out of reach. Climate & Resilience Watch: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change could destabilize inflation, financial systems, and critical infrastructure—an issue that matters for long-term visitor confidence and infrastructure planning.

Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting key intra-Caribbean routes effective June 1, including Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, and the airline says it’s working on a codeshare to widen options. Tourism Impact in the Eastern Caribbean: St. Kitts and Nevis’ tourism minister says the St. Kitts withdrawal wasn’t consulted in advance, raising concerns for travellers and tourism operators even as officials point to alternative services. Policy & Service Standards: In Guyana, the Private Sector Commission and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh urged businesses to lift customer service to international standards—an angle that matters for visitor experience and hospitality growth. Climate Resilience for Travel Economies: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change could destabilize inflation and financial systems, stressing the need for national adaptation plans that protect infrastructure and business continuity. US–Caribbean Presence: The USS Nimitz is set to make a final overseas port call in Kingston, Jamaica, with officials highlighting people-to-people links and local economic benefits.

Regional Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, including discontinuing flights between Dominica and Suriname (via Ogle), and withdrawing St. Kitts and Nevis service; it will also reduce Martinique and Guadeloupe frequencies to twice weekly, with affected passengers offered rebooking, partner connections, refunds, or travel credit while the airline works toward a codeshare to widen options. Local Travel Impact: St. Kitts’ tourism minister says the St. Kitts withdrawal was made without prior consultation, raising concerns for travellers, students and businesses that rely on the link. Suriname Angle: The airline is also ending the Guyana (Ogle)–Suriname nonstop, citing sustained losses and a broader network overhaul aimed at long-term stability. Business Service Push: In a separate regional business update, the finance minister and Private Sector Commission chair urged companies to upgrade customer service to international standards—an issue that hits tourism directly when travel options tighten.

Caribbean Air Travel Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, including Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; affected passengers will be rebooked where possible, offered refunds or travel credit, and the airline says it’s working on a codeshare to widen connections. Regional Integration Pressure: A new regional commentary argues CARICOM and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union need a unified air-and-sea transport plan to protect tourism, trade, food security, and medical travel as intra-Caribbean connectivity keeps shrinking. Suriname Legal Spotlight: The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled in favor of Derek Ramsamooj after actions taken against him in Suriname were found to breach protections under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, a decision with wider implications for CARICOM nationals doing business. Curaçao & Sint Maarten Climate Warning: The central bank in Curaçao and Sint Maarten says climate change risks could spill into inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging stronger national adaptation planning. Guyana Airport Growth: Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s air traffic control tower will be relocated to free parking as traffic surges, with a second terminal and upgrades underway.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shake-Up: From June 1, Caribbean Airlines will discontinue flights between Dominica and Suriname, St. Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—aimed at improving operational reliability and stopping losses (reported at US$18.84m across affected routes). Passenger Support: Travelers booked beyond the cut-off dates will be contacted directly and offered rebooking on alternative regional services, partner connections, full refunds, or travel credit (subject to fare rules), as the airline works toward a codeshare deal. Regional Connectivity Debate: A new regional commentary argues the wider ECCU/CARICOM transport problem is now urgent—especially as multiple carriers retrench—linking connectivity to tourism, trade, food security, and medical travel. Legal/Business Rights in Suriname: The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled in favor of T&T political analyst Derek Ramsamooj after detention in Suriname, saying actions breached protections under the CARICOM treaty. Suriname Link in the News: A Rotterdam/Amsterdam probe into alleged money laundering tied to a Surinamese-food business and a travel agency resulted in arrests and cash seizures, highlighting Suriname-related travel and diaspora connections. Aviation Growth in Guyana: Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s air traffic control tower will be relocated to expand parking as flights surge—an indirect signal of shifting regional travel flows.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shake-Up: Starting June 1, Caribbean Airlines will discontinue flights between Dominica and Suriname, St. Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—passengers are being offered rebooking, partner connections, refunds, or travel credit as the airline targets long-term financial stability. Regional Connectivity Pressure: A new regional commentary argues the Caribbean’s integration goals are being tested by unreliable, costly travel, pointing to airline collapses and CAL’s cuts as proof that ECCU and CARICOM need a unified air-and-sea transport strategy. Suriname Legal Spotlight: The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled in favor of Derek Ramsamooj after his detention in Suriname, saying actions against him breached protections under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas—an issue tied to regional business rights. Climate Risk for Tourism Economies: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank warns climate change threatens inflation, financial stability, and critical infrastructure, urging National Adaptation Plans that can protect sectors that travelers rely on. Suriname Travel Safety Story: A UK traveler recounts a near-fatal jungle trip in Suriname after an extreme river descent, highlighting the risks of remote adventure travel and the need for strong on-the-ground support.