Congratulations to the Hon. Albert Ramdin! - SGCC Events & Members' Updates

September 12, 2025•5 min read

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) Inc. extends warm congratulations to the Hon. Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname, on his election as Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), as confirmed during the 56th General Assembly of the OAS.

This marks a key milestone as Minister Ramdin is the first Surinamese to hold this esteemed position. We look forward to the expertise and vision you will bring towards strengthening regional cooperation, economic development, and diplomacy.

IMF Commends Guyana & Suriname for Strong Economic Management

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended both Guyana and Suriname for their strategic economic policies, highlighting robust fiscal oversight, investment in social programs, and sustainable oil revenue management.

In Guyana, the IMF’s 2025 Article IV report recognized the government’s effective use of oil revenues, emphasizing cash transfer initiatives, infrastructure development, and strengthened oversight of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). These measures have helped reduce poverty, ensure economic stability, and enhance transparency.

Meanwhile, Suriname has successfully completed the final review of its IMF-supported economic recovery program, securing US$61.4 million in financial assistance. The IMF acknowledged declining inflation, reduced debt, and increased investor confidence, while encouraging further fiscal discipline and governance reforms to ensure long-term stability. On March 5th, it was announced that Noble Corp. has signed a new 65-day drilling contract for its Noble Regina Allen jackup rig for one well, offshore Suriname.

Guyana and Suriname Explore Joint Gas-Powered Industrial Hub

Guyana is exploring a strategic partnership with Suriname to develop a gas-powered industrial hub, aimed at boosting regional economic growth. Speaking at CERAWeek by S&P Global, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali highlighted plans to integrate natural gas resources from both nations for power, fertilizer, and aluminum production in Berbice, Guyana.

With Exxon’s Longtail project and Suriname’s Gran Morgu development advancing, energy collaboration is set to drive cross-border investment, infrastructure, and job creation. Additionally, the planned construction of the Corentyne River bridge and joint manufacturing initiatives underscore deepening economic ties, positioning Guyana and Suriname as regional energy leaders.

Additionally, President Dr. Irfaan Ali revealed that Guyana is exploring a crude oil export and refining partnership with the US, aiming to reimport fuel for domestic use and regional sales.

Suriname to Establish National Maritime Operations Center

Suriname has announced plans to create a National Maritime Operations Center, bringing together key agencies like the Coast Guard, Customs, and Maritime Police to combat maritime threats. The initiative was unveiled at the Maritime Operations Centres Conference in Paramaribo, where regional stakeholders discussed security cooperation. Future plans include expanding intelligence-sharing and strengthening cross-border collaboration with Guyana, Barbados, and the Regional Security System (RSS). This effort marks a significant step in enhancing regional maritime security and combating illegal fishing, smuggling, and transnational crime.

SGCC is proud to represent our dynamic network at OTC 2025 - the world’s leading offshore energy event!

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The SGCC had the privilege of attending & exhibiting at the HerVenture Summit & Expo, held on International Women's Day - Saturday, March 8th, 2025!

This event was designed to equip women with the tools, networks, and opportunities to thrive in today’s changing economy. Under this year’s theme, "Future Proofing Women, Innovation, Finance, and Digital Transformation," the event brought together growing businesses, Business Support Organizations & influential speakers such as H.E. Liselle Blankendal, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, & H.E. Jane OBE Miller, British High Commissioner to Guyana and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname.

This summit was more than an event, it was a movement to support women in building and scaling their businesses - Along with a cozy exhibition of wonderful, growing businesses, the summit facilitated business pitched by inspiring women looking to start their own venture, or to expand it.

The SGCC was honored to meet & network with guests, speakers & exhibitors of this event & we look forward to engaging them further at our Informative Sessions catered towards entrepreneurs.

At the HerVenture Summit & Expo 2025, H.E. Liselle Blankendal, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, delivered an empowering message to women entrepreneurs, emphasizing their critical role in business, innovation, and nation-building - She emphasized that women are not just participants in the business world but leaders driving real change.

To quote Ambassador Blankendal as she spoke directly to the women present, "Surround yourself with like-minded changemakers, learn from industry experts, and take your vision to the next level. Don’t just watch the future unfold, be the one shaping it!"

SGCC Member, Annabelle carter-Sharma, Operations Director of Total Property Management Services Inc., also participated on a panel at the summit, where she shared insights on leadership, resilience, and shaping the future of business.

Visit the TPMS Website

Guyana's First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali Empowers Women Entrepreneurs with Business Grants

In celebration of International Women’s Day, First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Mrs. Arya Ali awarded $1.5 million in business grants to three women entrepreneurs, helping them expand their ventures. The recipients, Saudia Edghill, Junice Welcome, and Bena Outar, have been part of the HerVenture and Road to Growth training programs, equipping them with essential business skills.

Beyond financial support, the women will receive technical mentorship from ActionCOACH business experts to scale their businesses. The First Lady emphasized the importance of economic empowerment in addressing gender disparities and urged women to uplift each other. This initiative is part of a wider effort to support women’s entrepreneurship, skills training, and financial independence, fostering a more equitable and empowered society.

Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce

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