BY|ANTONIO DEY| HGP NIGHTLY NEWS|
Suriname: Energy Sector Must Drive Broad Economic Growth and Human Capital
PARAMARIBO, SURINAME — At the conclusion of Caribbean Energy Week 2026, Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melvin Bouva, issued a powerful call for the region to transform its offshore wealth into sustainable, inclusive prosperity.
- Beyond the Barrel: Minister Bouva asserted that oil and gas discoveries—such as the massive GranMorgu project—should not be viewed as an end goal but as a “starting point” for broader growth.
- Investing in Talent: A central theme of the Suriname delegation was optimizing the investment climate by developing human capital. Bouva emphasized that “strong local participation” is essential, ensuring Surinamese companies grow alongside foreign giants like TotalEnergies and APA Corporation.
- Regional Hub: The conference positioned the Caribbean as the world’s fastest-growing energy frontier, with Suriname aiming to leverage its resources to foster interregional collaboration across CARICOM.
Haiti: First Troops from New UN-Backed “Gang Suppression Force” Arrive
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — A new era of security intervention has begun in Haiti with the arrival of the first foreign contingent of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) on Wednesday.
- The Chadian Contingent: An initial group of soldiers from Chad landed in the capital, marking the transition from the previous Kenyan-led mission to this specialized, UN-backed force.
- New Leadership: The mission is headed by Jack Christofides, a veteran UN official from South Africa. The GSF is eventually expected to scale up to 5,550 personnel.
- Expanded Mandate: Unlike the previous mission, the GSF holds a 12-month mandate with specific powers to conduct counter-gang operations and arrest suspected gang members, as international authorities seek to reclaim the 90% of Port-au-Prince currently under gang control.
International: Trump Predicts End to Iran War “Shortly” Amidst NATO Exit Threats
WASHINGTON D.C. — In a high-stakes primetime address from the White House on Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump attempted to reassure a skeptical American public about the trajectory of the military operation launched on February 28.
- Timeline for Completion: Trump claimed that core strategic objectives are “nearing completion” and projected the war would wrap up in the next two to three weeks. However, he paired this with a threat to “extremely hard” hit Iranian infrastructure if a deal is not reached.
- The “Stone Age” Threat: The President repeated his aggressive rhetoric, pledging to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Age” while simultaneously suggesting he is open to an exit ramp if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened by April 6.
- NATO Ultimatum: In a move that has rattled European allies, Trump suggested the U.S. is considering withdrawing from NATO, citing what he described as a lackluster military support from the alliance during the month-long conflict.
- Domestic Pressure: The speech comes as polls indicate a majority of Americans disapprove of the war, which has sent global oil prices soaring to US$110 per barrel and pushed U.S. gas prices past $4.00 per gallon.
