AGP Executive Report

Environmental Crime: An Interpol-led operation across nine Latin American and Caribbean countries made 233 arrests and identified about 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Investigators also traced suspected links between Amazon destruction and companies across several continents. Space Industry: CNES and Spain’s PLD Space will assess a second launch pad at Kourou’s ELM-Diamant complex for the MIURA rockets, aiming to expand commercial launch capacity. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink has advanced its Caribbean Gateway cable project from design into development. The proposed system would link Cayenne with Caribbean islands; financing and partner commitments are still needed before construction, with service targeted for 2029. Cross-Border Communities: French Guiana’s Indigenous leaders want talks with Surinamese counterparts on illegal gold mining, river pollution and waste, seeking stronger cooperation along the Marowijne River. Space Science: The China-Europe SMILE satellite, launched from Kourou in May, has begun science operations and released its first images and data.

Environmental Enforcement: Interpol says a two-month crackdown across nine countries led to 233 arrests over illegal logging, gold mining and wildlife trafficking, mapping about 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared Amazon forest and tracing suspected links to foreign companies, shell firms and international buyers. Climate Watch for the Guianas: The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum warns a strong El Niño could expand drought and bring humid heat into October, with flooding risks still present across the region, while French Guiana is flagged as an exception for some drought impacts. Connectivity for French Guiana: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, proposing a carrier-neutral submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Spaceport Expansion in Kourou: PLD Space and CNES agreed to assess adding a second launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre to boost throughput for PLD’s MIURA 5 and MIURA 9. Gold Mining Pressure on the Marowijne: Tribal leaders from French Guiana and Suriname plan joint talks on illegal gold mining, pollution and border issues along the Marowijne River, including garbage management concerns. Regional Security Angle: A Guyana lawmaker urged deeper probes into who finances illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning that criminal syndicates are shifting cocaine profits into gold operations. Space Science Milestone: The China-Europe SMILE mission has entered regular science operations, releasing first aurora and space-weather images after launch from Kourou.

Telecom & Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new submarine fibre system running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; the project moves from design to committed investment, with EllaLink converting letters of intent into binding commitments, completing financing, and targeting service by end-2029. Space & Industry (Kourou link): PLD Space and France’s CNES signed a bilateral agreement to assess adding a second launch pad at the ELM-Diamant complex at the Guiana Space Centre, aiming to boost throughput and support both government and commercial missions. Mining & Cross-border Environment: French Guiana tribal leaders met in Maripasula to tackle illegal gold mining, pollution along the Marowijne River, and waste dumping that spills across the border, agreeing to set up a joint meeting with Surinamese counterparts and revive the River Council. Gold Exploration (Suriname, Guiana Shield): Critical Resources expanded its Suriname gold push by securing exclusivity over the Greenstars project, adding 90% interest potential across granted mining rights in the Guiana Shield and bringing in GexplOre for structural and geophysical interpretation. Security & Illicit Finance: Guyana’s APNU MP Sharma Solomon urged deeper probes into the financiers behind illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning that criminal syndicates are using illegal gold to move cocaine profits.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new submarine fibre system starting in Cayenne, French Guiana, linking Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; the project is moving from design to committed investment, converting letters of intent into binding commitments, targeting service by end-2029. Space & Launch Services: PLD Space and CNES signed a bilateral agreement to assess adding a second launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre (ELM-Diamant) to boost throughput for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9, aligning with Europe’s push to diversify access to orbit. Mining & Border Environment: French Guiana and Suriname tribal leaders met in Maripasula to tackle illegal gold mining, pollution along the Marowijne River, and cross-border coordination, including plans to revive the River Council. Gold Exploration in the Guiana Shield: Critical Resources expanded its Suriname gold portfolio, securing exclusive rights to a 90% interest in the Greenstars project and bringing in GexplOre for structural and geophysical interpretation across Gonini/Greenstars and surrounding greenstone belts.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new submarine fibre system running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; the development phase is now moving into committed investment, with letters of intent converted to binding deals and a target service date by end-2029. Mining & Environment: Critical Resources is ramping up gold exploration in Suriname’s Guiana Shield, bringing in GexplOre for structural and geophysical work across its Gonini and Greenstars projects, holding 90% interest over about 199 km² of granted rights. Cross-Border Governance: Tribal leaders and local administrators in French Guiana met in Maripasula to tackle illegal gold mining, pollution and border issues with Suriname, agreeing to convene a joint meeting and revive the River Council. Security & Illicit Finance: Guyana’s APNU MP Sharma Solomon urged deeper probes into the financiers behind illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning that criminal groups are using gold to move cocaine profits. Space & Launch Capacity (Kourou): PLD Space and CNES signed an agreement to assess feasibility of adding a second launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre to boost throughput for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 operations.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new fibre-optic submarine cable running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; the development phase starts now as letters of intent move to binding commitments, financing is finalized, and the system targets service by end-2029. Space & Launch Services: PLD Space and CNES agreed to advance commercial launch infrastructure at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, exploring a second launch pad at ELM-Diamant to boost throughput for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 missions. Mining & Border Environment: French Guiana and Suriname tribal leaders met in Maripasula to push for joint action on illegal gold mining, river pollution and cross-border coordination along the Marowijne River. Gold Exploration: Critical Resources kicked off a structural and geophysical hunt for its Gonini and Greenstars gold projects in Suriname’s Guiana Shield, bringing in specialists and holding a 90% interest across granted rights (subject to deal completion). Security & Illicit Finance: Guyana’s APNU MP Sharma Solomon called for investigations into financiers behind illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning that criminal groups are using gold to move cocaine profits.

Spaceport Expansion in French Guiana: PLD Space and CNES signed a deal to assess adding a second launch pad at the ELM-Diamant complex in Kourou, aiming to boost throughput for PLD’s MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 and create a multi-user gateway for European government and commercial missions. Caribbean Connectivity for Cayenne: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, planning an open-access, carrier-neutral submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029 after converting letters of intent into binding commitments. Space Science Spotlight (Kourou Launch Link): The China-Europe SMILE mission entered regular science operations, releasing first aurora and solar-interaction images and data after launch from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, with more detailed X-ray views of Earth’s magnetopause expected mid-October. Cross-Border Mining Pressure: French Guiana and Suriname tribal leaders met in Maripasula to tackle illegal gold mining, pollution along the Marowijne River, and waste management gaps, agreeing to strengthen ties and coordinate solutions. Illegal Mining Financing Watch: Guyana’s APNU MP Sharma Solomon urged investigations into who finances illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning that criminal groups are shifting cocaine profits into gold mining.

Spaceport Expansion in Kourou: PLD Space and CNES signed a deal to assess adding a second launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre to boost throughput for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 missions, aligning with Europe’s push to diversify access to orbit. Caribbean Connectivity from Cayenne: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, planning an open-access, carrier-neutral fiber route from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and onward to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with service targeted for end-2029. Space Science Milestone (Kourou-launched SMILE): The China-Europe SMILE satellite entered regular science operations, releasing first aurora and early magnetosphere data, with engineers expecting improved X-ray views of Earth’s magnetopause in mid-October. Border & Mining Cooperation: Tribal leaders in French Guiana met in Maripasula to address illegal gold mining, pollution and cross-border issues with Suriname, agreeing to set up joint talks and revive the River Council. Illegal Mining Financing Probe: In Guyana, MP Sharma Solomon urged investigations into who finances illegal gold mining after an INTERPOL warning linking proceeds to cocaine syndicates.

Spaceport & Launch Infrastructure: PLD Space and CNES signed an agreement to expand commercial launch infrastructure at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, aiming to add a second pad at ELM-Diamant to support MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 and boost mission throughput. Connectivity for French Guiana: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, with a Cayenne-to-Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; it targets service by end-2029 after converting letters of intent into binding commitments. Cross-border Mining & Environment: Tribal leaders in French Guiana met in Maripasula to tackle illegal gold mining, pollution and border issues with Suriname, agreeing to set up joint talks and revive the River Council with government participation. Regional Illicit Finance Warning: INTERPOL-linked concerns surfaced again as officials urged investigations into who finances illegal gold mining tied to cocaine profits, highlighting enforcement beyond just seizing dredges or shipments. Space Science Spotlight (Kourou link): The China-Europe SMILE satellite entered regular science operations, releasing first aurora and magnetosphere-related images/data after launch from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou.

Spaceport & Launch Infrastructure: PLD Space and CNES signed an agreement to assess adding a second launch pad at Kourou’s ELM-Diamant complex, aiming to boost throughput for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 missions. Satellite Science from Kourou: The China-Europe SMILE mission has entered science operations, releasing first aurora and space-weather images and data, with more detailed X-ray views of Earth’s magnetopause expected mid-October. Connectivity for French Guiana & the Caribbean: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway (ECG) initiative from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; it’s moving into development with letters of intent turning into binding commitments and a target service date by end-2029. Border & Illegal Mining Cooperation: Tribal leaders in French Guiana met in Maripasula over illegal gold mining, pollution and Marowijne River border issues, agreeing to push for joint talks with Suriname counterparts. Regional Crime Probe Pressure: INTERPOL-linked warnings prompted calls for deeper investigations into who finances illegal gold mining after cocaine profits were reportedly routed into mining. Energy/Defense Industry Watch: Avio USA broke ground in Virginia on a solid rocket motor plant, signaling continued expansion of propulsion capacity tied to missile and munitions production.

Spaceport Expansion in French Guiana: PLD Space and CNES have signed a deal to assess adding a second launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre (ELM-Diamant) to boost throughput for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 missions. Caribbean Connectivity from Cayenne: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, planning a carrier-neutral submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe plus a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with service targeted for end-2029. Border & Mining Cooperation: Tribal leaders in French Guiana met in Maripasula to tackle illegal gold mining, river pollution and cross-border issues with Suriname, agreeing to set up joint talks and revive the River Council. Illicit Finance Crackdown: INTERPOL warned that cocaine profits are being funneled into illegal gold mining across the Americas; Guyana’s Solomon called for investigations into financiers and enforcement details, citing Operation Guyana Shield across Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Space Science Milestone: The China-Europe SMILE mission has entered regular science operations after commissioning, releasing first aurora and early magnetosphere data from Kourou-launched hardware.

Spaceport & Launch Capacity: PLD Space and CNES signed an agreement to assess adding a second launch pad at Kourou’s ELM-Diamant complex, aiming to boost throughput for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 and support both European government and commercial missions. Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, with a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western branch to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; it targets service by end-2029 after converting letters of intent into binding landing-partner deals. Cross-Border Mining & Environment: Tribal leaders in French Guiana met in Maripasula to tackle illegal gold mining, pollution and border issues with Suriname, agreeing to set up a joint meeting to strengthen cooperation on the Marowijne River. Regional Security & Illicit Finance: INTERPOL warned that cocaine profits are increasingly being funneled into illegal gold mining across the Americas, pointing to Operation Guyana Shield as a model for tracing both goods and money. Space Science from Kourou: The China-Europe SMILE mission entered regular science operations, releasing first aurora and other early images/data after commissioning, with more detailed X-ray views expected soon.

Spaceport Expansion in Kourou: PLD Space and CNES signed a deal to assess a second launch pad at the ELM-Diamant complex, aiming to boost throughput for MIURA 5/9 missions and support both European government and commercial constellation launches. Caribbean Connectivity from Cayenne: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, with a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; it targets service by end-2029 after converting letters of intent into binding commitments and closing financing. Border Cooperation on Illegal Gold: Tribal leaders in Maripasula discussed illegal gold mining, pollution and Marowijne River border issues with a push for a joint meeting with Suriname counterparts, including renewed work on the River Council. INTERPOL Crackdown Focus: INTERPOL warned that cocaine profits are increasingly being moved into illegal gold mining; regional authorities cited Operation Guyana Shield as a model for following both goods and money across Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Guyana’s MP Sharma Solomon urged deeper financial probes into illegal gold mining after an INTERPOL warning that cocaine profits are being laundered through mining networks, arguing seizures alone miss the financiers and buyers. Cross-Border Intel Push: Prime Minister Mark Phillips told the INTERPOL Americas conference that delays in sharing intelligence across borders give criminals an edge, citing Operation Guyana Shield’s coordinated checks and arrests across Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Caribbean Connectivity in Cayenne: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, with a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Space Tech from Kourou: The China-Europe SMILE mission entered science operations after commissioning, releasing first aurora and space-weather images; ESA also highlighted new climate-monitoring capacity via Sentinel-3C and FLEX launched from French Guiana. Regional Telecom Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Hon. Phillip Jackson and Konris Maynard’s CTU roles underscored ongoing Caribbean ICT governance momentum during CTU ICT Week in French Guiana.

Space & Tech from Kourou: The China-Europe SMILE satellite—launched May 19 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana—has moved into regular science operations after its in-orbit test review, releasing first aurora and space-weather data from four instruments. Telecom & Connectivity in the region: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, with a new submarine cable system running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe and a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Defense industry supply chain: Avio USA broke ground in Hurt, Virginia, on a solid rocket motor plant expected to create about 1,500 jobs and boost U.S. missile and munitions capacity. Regional security focus: INTERPOL warned at its Americas conference that criminal syndicates are increasingly laundering cocaine profits through illegal gold mining, pointing to coordinated operations involving Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Climate & environment: A new UN-backed legal push aims to protect maritime borders for small island states as sea levels rise, keeping established zones stable even as coastlines shift.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new submarine fibre cable running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire—moving from letters of intent to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Aerospace & Finance: Velocity Composites named Matthew Fowler as group CFO, signaling continued push for growth in integrated aerospace manufacturing and digital supply-chain capabilities. Space from Kourou: ESA’s SMILE mission entered science operations after commissioning, with first observation images and data—launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Earth Observation: ESA boosted climate-monitoring capacity with Teledyne sensor tech for Sentinel-3C and FLEX, launched together on a Vega C rocket from Kourou. Regional Security: INTERPOL warned at its Americas conference that cocaine profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, citing coordinated operations involving French Guiana and neighbors. Cross-Border Policing: Guyana’s PM Mark Phillips stressed faster intelligence sharing across borders, using Operation Guyana Shield as a model for action. Caribbean Digital Governance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines elected CTU vice leadership, while Konris Maynard was elected CTU president during ICT Week 2026 in French Guiana. Defense Industrial Base: Avio USA broke ground in Virginia on a solid rocket motor plant, aiming to expand U.S. missile and munitions production and create about 1,500 jobs.