Category: CANA News

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Olivia Grange, described Mock Yen as a woman of class who distinguished herself in all of what she did for the many years that she spent in public life.

‘Mrs Mock Yen was also one of the pioneering women in politics with her contribution as a parish councillor for the Jamaica Labour Party. Outstandingly, she was one of the youngest school teachers on record, teaching English Language and Literature at Merl Grove High School at age 14. Recipient of the Musgrave Medal and the Order of Distinction, Mrs. Mock Yen mentored generations of journalists, instilling in them the values of integrity, excellence, and dedication. Her legacy in promoting cultural expression through media will continue to inspire us all,’ Grange said.

In its statement, the PAJ said that the passing of the pioneering Jamaican journalist, broadcaster, and author, ‘represents a significant loss to the profession and to the nation’.

Mock Yen’s career spanned decades, during which she was a broadcaster, lecturer at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication at The University of the West Indies (UWI Mona).

A versatile practitioner, Mock Yen also distinguished herself in dance and theatre. She was an original member of the Ivy Baxter Modern Creative Dance Group, performed in Noel Vaz’s Noah, appeared in pantomimes, and authored books on radio and media practice.

The PAJ said Mock Yen was also a ‘distinguished broadcaster whose voice, intellect, and professionalism helped shape Jamaican broadcast journalism for decades.

‘Alma Mock Yen was a respected and pioneering figure in the media landscape, known for her calm authority, incisive interviewing style, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. Through her work, she set high standards for broadcast journalism and served as a role model for generations of journalists, particularly women entering the profession.’

The PAJ said that her contribution to public discourse was ‘marked by clarity, fairness, and a deep respect for the Jamaican audience.

‘Whether reporting on national affairs or facilitating critical conversations, she brought credibility and gravitas to the airwaves, earning the trust and admiration of listeners across the island,’ it said.

Grange, who extended ‘heartfelt condolences’ to Mock Yen’s son, Shawn, and the rest of her family, friends, and the entire media fraternity, described her as ‘the Doyen of contemporary media’ as her contributions were instrumental in shaping the landscape of media education and practice in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean’.

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) says domestically, the the fluid geopolitical tension between the United States and Venezuela is contributing to building economic uncertainty.

‘Nonetheless, inflation is well contained, credit growth is still reasonable, and liquidity conditions have improved. However, economic growth is somewhat tentative,’ the CBTT said in its Monetary Policy statement issued on Wednesday, the the last working day in 2025. It said that the positive effect of higher energy production in the second quarter of 2025, driven by two new natural gas fields, may be partially offset by a non-energy sector that is losing momentum across several sub-sectors.

‘This suggests that the domestic economy is still in need of support to engender a sustained recovery,’ the CBTT warned.

According to the policy statement, domestically, a boost to natural gas production in the second quarter of 2025, with first gas from bpTT’s Cypre and bpTT/EOG’s Mento fields, underpinned a resurgence in energy sector output 10.4 per cent year-on-year.

According to data from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries for the second quarter of 2025, the production of natural gas rose by 11.7 per cent year-on-year, while crude oil production increased by 8.9 per cent.

The petrochemical industry recorded expansions in ammonia (23.6 per cent) and urea (51.3 per cent), while methanol output continued to decline (-12.7 per cent). Meanwhile, the slowdown in non-energy sector activity is estimated to have persisted during the second quarter of 2025.

‘Indicators monitored by the Central Bank suggest softer performances for the distribution, construction and manufacturing sectors, which countered gains in the finance and utilities sectors.’

The CBTT said that domestic inflation has held firm at the lower end of single digits during the second half of 2025 and that headline inflation, as measured by the Central Statistical Office’s (CSO) Consumer Price Index, measured 0.5 per cent in November 2025 compared with 1.5 per cent in June 2025.

It said core inflation, which excludes food prices, rose by 0.5 per cent while food inflation decelerated to 0.8 per cent, pulled down by lower international food prices and few weather related disruptions to domestic agricultural supplies. Building material price increases slowed to 1.5 per cent year-on-year during the third quarter of 2025 compared with 2.2 per cent the previous quarter.

The CBTT said that domestic financial conditions are finely balanced. It said system liquidity constraints have eased in recent months, despite continued government borrowing activity and notable upticks in interbank and repo market activity.

‘After declining to TT$3.5 billion in October 2025, commercial banks’ excess reserves at the Central Bank averaged TT$4.4 billion in November 2025, and rose further to TT$5.3 billion by mid-December 2025.

‘Conversely, the pace of private sector credit expansion has slowed. Private sector credit rose by 6.3 per cent year-on-year in October 2025, down from growth of 8.6 per cent in June 2025. ‘

The CBTT said that the slowdown was primarily influenced by more modest business credit growth (6.6 per cent in October compared with 11.8 per cent in June 2025). Consumer lending growth slowed to eight per cent from 9.7 per cent over the same period, driven by lower loan demand for credit cards, motor vehicles and bridging finance. Real estate mortgage loans increased by 5.8 per cent.

The CBTT said that its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has noted that global inflationary pressures have fared much better, though not fully contained, than initial expectations when the US reciprocal tariff regime was first announced in April 2025.

The MPC also considered that aggregate demand may increase as household incomes are perched to receive a boost in the coming months.

‘Against this backdrop, given Trinidad and Tobago’s high propensity to import, safeguarding the country’s international reserves becomes paramount. Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign reserves stabilised in recent months, moving from US$4.6 billion in October 2025 to US$5.3 billion as at December 19, 2025. However, conventional international indicators of reserve adequacy suggest close monitoring is warranted,’ the CBTT said.

It said given the softness in the non-energy sector, reflected in part by slowing business credit growth, and in the context of low inflation and the narrowing of the TT-US short term interest rate differential, the MPC agreed to maintain the repo rate at 3.50 per cent.

‘The MPC will actively monitor the likely effects of recent wage adjustments on aggregate demand and import growth in the coming months. The MPC is prepared to take the necessary monetary policy actions to maintain a prudent balance between safeguarding the foreign reserves and fostering favourable funding conditions supportive of domestic economic activity,’ the CBTT said in its policy statement.

West Indies Women wicketkeeper/batsman, Shemaine Campbelle has been appointed captain of Guyana Women’s team which will compete in next year’s Regional Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze tournaments.

However, while they will have the experienced Campbelle at the helm, Guyana will have to do without the services of talented all-rounder Cherry-Ann Fraser, who will miss the tournaments due to injury.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced the squad on Sunday, which will be encamped from January 2-7 under the guidance of head coach Tremaine Smartt and assistant coach/manager, Clive Grimmond.

Guyana will be hoping to defend the T20 Blaze title they won this year, while adding the Super50 trophy to their cabinet.

They play their first match of the T20 Blaze against the Windward Islands on January 13 at Arnos Vale.

Campbelle will have off-spinning all-rounder Ashmini Munisar as her vice-captain in a strong squad that features several other West Indies Women’s players in Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Realeanna Grimmond, Plaffianna Millington and Mandy Mangru.

‘The team, which achieved remarkable success earlier this year by capturing the T20 Blaze Championship, is focused on maintaining its winning form.

‘Preparations have already begun within the GCB to ensure a smooth and effective build-up to the tournaments, emphasising player readiness, strategic planning, and overall team cohesion,’ the GCB said.

‘The GCB is committed to providing the team with the resources and preparation necessary to defend their T20 Blaze crown successfully while aiming to make a strong impact in the Super50 Championship,’

SQUAD

GUYANA WOMEN: Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Ashmini Munisar (vice-captain), alongside Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Realeanna Grimmond, Nyia Latchman, Kaysia Schultz, Laurene Williams, Latoya Williams, Analesia D’Aguiar, Plaffianna Millington, Mandy Mangru, Feona Benjamin and Tremaine Marks.

RESERVES: Cyanna Retemiah, Letisha Jordan, Crystal Durant, Tiea Isaacs, Anastecia Valenzuela, Tifeny La Rose, Sarah Bheir and Nyomi Barkoye.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

GEORGETOWN – St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says recent international developments, including geopolitical tensions in the region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, ‘remind us of a fundamental truth: None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.

ST. GEORGE’S -Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar is due to make an official visit to Grenada early next year, but the dates have yet to be confirmed, a government spokesperson has confirmed.

PARAMARIBO -The state-owned oil and gas company, Staatsolie, says it is entering the new year with confidence, despite forcasts of lower global oil prices and challenging geopolitical conditions.

BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is confident that the sector will enjoy a good winter season with hotels across the island report near-full occupancy and strong forward bookings.

KINGSTON – Jamaica is ending 2025 with a more than 40 per cent reduction in murders as compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

SPORTS:

GEORGETOWN – West Indies Women wicketkeeper/batsman, Shemaine Campbelle has been appointed captain of Guyana Women’s team which will compete in next year’s Regional Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze tournaments.

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday says that his new administration will place emphasis on completing the US$78 million hospital under construction in Arnos Vale on the outskirts of the capital rather than a new parliament building that the former government had proposed to build.

Friday, who led his Unity Labour Party (ULP) to a convincing victory in the November 27 general election, told a radio programme here that national assembly will continue to meet at its current temporary site ‘for the foreseeable future’.

Friday maintained his criticism of the decision by the Ralph Gonsalves government to borrow US$20 million to construct the new parliament building, saying ‘I said this when I was in opposition, that for me, given . the financial situation in the country, I didn’t think that the parliament building, as desirable as it is, [would] have been my number one priority, especially when the whole notion of that came up during the COVID crisis’.

In June 2020, the ULP administration pushed ahead with a US$20 million loan for the construction of a new parliament and courthouse buildings, even as the then NDP opposition withdrew its support, saying that doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic is wrong.

‘And that’s where I said the phrase, . ‘put the money where the pain is’, because people are suffering, and you’re talking about building a parliament building,’ Friday told radio listeners.

The parliament used to meet at a 200-year-old building in Kingstown that also served as a courthouse. However, the last sitting was held there on June 1, 2023, as the two-storey building, located across from the historic Market Square, needed extensive repairs.

The High Court continued to sit in the mouldy, woodlice-infested building through July 2024.

Prime Minister Friday, who is also the Minister of Finance, said his priority now is not building a new parliament building.

I want to be able to . get the hospital completed, so that the people can have basic proper health care.’

In October 2024, the the government broke ground for the hospital with the Taiwanese firm, Overseas Engineering and Construction Company, given 32 months to complete the project.

Friday said his government would also be exploring a proposed national health insurance and that he has already held discussions with the chief executive officer of the National Insurance Services (NIS), insisting that St. Vincent and the Grenadines must have a national health insurance system.

‘I believe we have to do it because the notion that somehow you can’t afford a national health insurance scheme or prom or programme is like saying somebody gets sick, ‘Well, you’re on your own. You die’,’ Friday said, noting that people get sick whether or not there is a health insurance service.

‘So, the question we’re asking ourselves is, how do we manage that? What’s the best way to do it? And for me, and it’s not rocket science,’ he said, noting that other countries have also confronted that question.

‘They say it’s better to do it as a broad base, where the younger help the ones who are more vulnerable now. . it might happen. It might not. At some point, you’re going to need the help.’

Education Minister, Kenson Casimir, Wednesday dismissed social media reports that he had been denied a United States visa, amid calls for Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre to make a statement on the issue.

‘I have never been denied a US visa in my life,’ Casimir said in a Facebook page as he responded to the scial media post that both him and Housing Minister, Richard Frederick, were among several St. Lucians denied visas by the Barbados-based US Embassy.

‘You know most times I do not respond to a lot of things that are said on Facebook, but sometimes it could be so mischievous that you just have to say something,’ Casimir said, insisting that he had never been denied a US visa.

He said he had recently submitted visa applications for his twin girls and that ‘they both got their visas’ on December 30.

Casimir, who was among the successful candidates of the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the December 1 general election, hinted that the allegations were politically motivated by the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) and intended t mislead the population.

‘At the rate they’re going, they will be in opposition for the next 20 years because they think the only way they can ever win something is by lying,’ Casimir said, adding ‘the mood is still red,’ in reference to the colours of the SLP.

A United Nations agency is calling for women’s ‘equal representation’ in the democratic process in Haiti as the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country move towards elections planned for 2026 under a newly-announced electoral calendar.

UN Women Americas and the Caribbean said that initiatives to mobilise women and support their effective participation are ‘critical to ensuring that forthcoming democratic processes promote gender equality.

‘Despite some progress, women’s participation in governance in Haiti remains limited,’ it said, noting that ‘representation of women in key bodies such as the CPT (Transitional Presidential Council) and the government falls below the minimum constitutional quota of 30 per cent.’

The CPT is a nine-member governing body formed in April 2024 after former Prime Minister Ariel Henry was ousted. It is tasked with guiding Haiti through a political crisis, addressing gang violence, and preparing for elections by February 2026.

UN Women said that, currently, women occupy just over 22 per cent of government positions and 11.11 per cent in the CPT, without voting rights. It said at the electoral level, women represent 27 per cent of staff in the Departmental Election Bureau (BED) and the Communal Electoral Office (BEC) offices.

UN Women said that while the Truth, Justice and Reparation Commission comprises 42.85 per cent women, ‘this underrepresentation underscores persistent challenges to achieving gender equality in leadership and decision-making roles’.

It said Haitian women, under the leadership of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) and with the support of UN Women, have been ‘actively engaged in the constitutional review process, advocating for concrete measures to ensure that the constitution’s minimum quota of 30 per cent female representation is achieved and protected.’

UN Women said that though the constitutional review process was suspended by the transitional authorities, ‘the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) made significant efforts to ensure that concrete measures were retained in the draft electoral decree’.

UN Women said these measures include the rejection of any electoral list, with less than 30 percent women; and the establishment of an additional fund to be allocated to political parties that include more than 50 percent of women among their candidates.

Following that achievement, UN Women said it collaborated with the CEP in launching a national campaign in capital Port-au-Prince (West Department) in November 2025, convening around 150 participants from all 10 departments of Haiti, including 63 women from outside of the capital.

‘The campaign aimed to mobilize women for effective political participation, and raise awareness among political parties and the broader population about the transformative role women can play in governance, emphasising the importance of their meaningful representation in the upcoming electoral processes,’ UN Women said.

It said these efforts were further reinforced through the government-supported departmental consultations, held from December 6-10, 2025, and the National Conference on Women’s Political Participation and Electoral Violence, held from December 12- 14, 2025.

UN Women said a key outcome of these collective efforts was the adoption of the Declaration of Haitian Women for Active and Effective Participation, issued during the national conference.

‘This declaration reflects Haitian women’s commitment to fully engaged in the political process and affirms their right to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s future,’ UN Women said.

‘It stands as a testament to their unwavering determination to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to advancing democracy and gender equality,’ it added.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says recent international developments, including geopolitical tensions in the region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, ‘remind us of a fundamental truth: None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.

‘Recent public discussions among member states, reflecting differing national perspectives, have unfolded in a way that has attracted regional and international attention,’ said Prime Minister Drew, who from January 1, next year, replaces Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness as the chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the next six months.

‘While such differences are not unusual in a diverse Community such as ours, they remind us of the importance of managing our dialogue with care, mutual respect, and a resolute sense of regional responsibility,’ said Drew, who said he is assuming the CARICOM chairmanship with ‘optimism and a deep dedication’ to the ideals of the regional integration movement.

Prime Minister Drew was no doubt making reference to the current tensions within CARICOM sparked by recent comments from Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that CARICOM ‘is not a reliable partner’ and ‘has lost its way’.

But he reminded the region that ‘CARICOM was never conceived as a space free of disagreement.

‘It was created as a forum where differences could be addressed constructively, internally, and with the shared understanding that our collective strength is greater than any single issue before us.

‘This reality does not call for isolation, but for stronger coordination, clearer purpose, and deeper solidarity. It requires us to speak louder, speak with conviction, speak with one voice; where our shared interests are concerned, and to act with strategic maturity on the global stage.’

Prime Minister Drew said that as Caribbean leaders, and as citizens of this region, ‘we must recommit to the principles that underpin this Community. We must strengthen our institutions, enhance consultation, and ensure that our engagement reflects the seriousness of the responsibilities entrusted to us by our people.

‘Differences and all, we are one Caribbean people, heirs to a civilization that transformed suffering into strength and adversity into achievement. We have contributed to the world in profound and undeniable ways that continue to shape global culture, sport, intellect, and conscience.

‘Let us therefore move forward with shared purpose, with confidence in our combined capacity, and with faith in the Caribbean project.’

He said St. Kitts and Nevis has already begun preparations to host the CARICOM summit in Basseterre from February 24-27 and that he is ‘cordially’ inviting ‘my colleague heads to join us in active engagement as we consider priority issues and advance the welfare of our people and of our region.

‘CARICOM is and will continue to be a declaration of who we are and who we choose to be,’ he added, saying ‘together, we will strengthen it. Together, we will protect it. Together, we will secure the future of our Caribbean civilization’.

Prime Minister Drew in his message said he is taking up the CARICOM chairman position at ‘a moment that calls for reflection, calm leadership, and renewed commitment to the Caribbean ideal’.

He said CARICOM, established in 1973 through the Treaty of Chaguaramas, was born out of ‘a clear-eyed recognition by our forebears that vulnerable states would face immense challenges in a rapidly changing global order.

‘As such, CARICOM was founded to promote economic integration, coordinate foreign policy, encourage functional cooperation, and amplify the Caribbean’s voice internationally. This was an act of strategic foresight and regional self-belief, one built on the conviction that our collective strength is our greatest asset.’

Prime Minister Drew said that currently, CARICOM comprises sovereign states and associate members ‘bound not by geography alone, but by shared history, values, and destiny’ adding that ‘over time, CARICOM has delivered meaningful benefits to all of our people.

‘Through regional trade and economic cooperation, we have expanded markets, supported local enterprise, and strengthened resilience. Through the movement of skills and labour, Caribbean people have been able to contribute across borders, enriching societies and building shared capacity. Through functional cooperation, we have advanced health systems, disaster response, education, security, and climate advocacy.’

The in-coming CARICOM chairman said ‘in an increasingly uncertain world, regional integration is not optional.

‘It is essential. As a unified body, we will continue to explore viable partnerships to encourage innovative approaches, capacity building, and access to affordable finance that are needed to foster sustainable development’

He reminded that the Caribbean civilization, forged in the crucible of slavery and indentured labour, ‘has produced achievements that far exceed our size’ and that the region’s advocacy for reparatory justice will therefore continue through the work of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and the tenets of the CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice.

Drew said that the situation in Haiti continues to require sustained regional engagement ‘to help our fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters to stabilise and rebuild.

‘We will continue our support, including through the Eminent Persons Group, as Haiti anticipates holding general elections in 2026, and as the UN Security Council Resolution 2793 on the Gang Suppression Force is implemented.’

In his message, Prime Minister Drew said that the region has made profound contributions to literature, economic thought, political philosophy, sports, music, and culture.

He said Caribbean creativity has given the world new musical genres, instruments, literary movements, and intellectual traditions that speak to freedom, dignity, resistance, and hope.

‘We consistently rank among the world’s best, particularly in cricket and track and field, establishing a tradition of excellence that has inspired millions and reshaped global expectations of sporting achievement,’ he said, adding these achievements are not accidents of history, they are the result of resilience, discipline, imagination, and an unyielding belief in possibility.

The Alwin Bully Foundation Inc Wednesday said it plans to stage two major productions in 2026, including one that will continue the observance of the 50th anniversary of a series of plays by Bully, the late Dominican cultural administrator, playwright, actor and artist, who designed the national flag.

The chairman of the Alwin Bully Foundation Inc, Severin McKenzie, said that one of the plays ‘The Ruler,’ is an adaptation of the novel ‘Ruler in Hiroona’ by Vincentian G.C.H. Thomas, and is scheduled for presentation during the 48th independence celebrations on November 3.

He said that the play was originally produced by the People’s Action Theatre (PAT) in 1976 and enjoyed packed audiences in Dominica and other Caribbean islands.

The second production scheduled for 2026 is ‘McBee’ by Bully, a critically acclaimed theatrical work that captivated audiences in Jamaica.

‘Notably, ‘McBee’ has never been staged in Dominica, and the Foundation is excited to bring this masterpiece to local audiences,’ said McKenzie, who said he anticipates a productive new year with increased appreciation for the performing arts, especially theatre.

The Foundation said it was pleased with the successful restaging of Bully’s first full-length theatrical production, ‘STREAK,’ in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

‘This achievement is notable considering the various challenges faced, such as securing a suitable venue and ensuring adequate technical amenities including seating, lighting, and sound,’ McKenzie added.

Bully, who was bestowed with Dominica’s second highest honour, the Sisserou Award of Honour in 1985, also served for 20 years in Jamaica for UNESCO as the Caribbean’s Cultural Advisor, helping Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states to develop their cultural programmes and policies, and also chaired the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) Interim Festival Directorate, before returning to Dominica in 2008

He died on March 10, 2023 at the age of 74.

The state-owned oil and gas company, Staatsolie, says it is entering the new year with confidence, despite forecasts of lower global oil prices and challenging geopolitical conditions.

‘The company is well-prepared to navigate these dynamics, backed by a robust structure, solid financial foundation, and efficient processes. Above all, Staatsolie’s dedicated employees continue to give their best to drive continuous improvement.

‘Through strategic partnerships and a strong focus on growth, Staatsolie remains dedicated to creating lasting value for Suriname and its people, which aligms with with the company’s vision: ‘Energizing a bright future for Suriname,’ the company said in a statement regarding its operations this year.

Staatsolie said it achieved its production and financial targets for 2025 and that offshore developments are progressing according to plan.

The company said that for 2025, it anticipates total revenues of US$802 million, representing the consolidated performance of Staatsolie and its subsidiaries Staatsolie Power Company Suriname N.V. (SPCS) and GOw2.

‘The expected pre-tax profit amounts to US$418 million. Oil production reached 6.35 million barrels, while the refinery produced approximately 3.1 million barrels of high-quality diesel and gasoline. SPCS supplied 1.37 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity, covering 69percent of the energy demand for Paramaribo and surrounding districts,’ Staatsolie said.

The il and energy company said contributions to the state treasury amount to nearly US$387 million, as compared with US$384 million last year, through taxes, dividends, and royalties from Staatsolie’s participation in gold mining.

‘This represents 32 per cent of total government revenue for the year. Staatsolie’s contribution to Suriname’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 was about nine per cent.’

Staatsolie said that two noteworthy offshore achievements include the confirmation of commercial viability for the Sloanea-1 gas field in Block 52 and the launch of the Open-Door Offering. It said development of the GranMorgu project in Block 58 is advancing and remains on schedule.

Staatsolie said Saramacca Crude production met its goal with an estimated 6.35 million barrels, maintaining an average output of 17,400 barrels per day in 2025 due to improved techniques.

The Staatsolie refinery produced approximately 3.1 million barrels of high-quality diesel and gasoline, exceeding the target of three million barrels. The refinery marked a significant milestone in its 10-year history with the first commercial production of sulfuric acid and delivery to Suralco.

SPCS supplied 1.37 million MWh of electricity, meeting 69 per cent of the demand for Paramaribo and nearby districts connected to the so-called EPAR grid, using a mix of thermal and hydroelectric power.

GOw2 continued its multi-year plan to modernize and expand its network of fuel stations, renovating two stations, and opening a new one in Saramacca during 2025.

In 2025, Staatsolie said it focused on funding it’s 20 per cent stake in the GranMorgu project. In March, the Staatsolie bond 2025-2033 was issued, raising US$516 million, US$321 million more than previous bonds.

In May, a US$1.6 billion bank loan has been secured from 18 banks and financial institutions. Combined with reserves and operating income, these funds provide a solid base for Staatsolie’s US$2.4 billion investment in GranMorgu.

Staatsolie said that the successful bond issue and loan reflects strong national and international investor confidence.

The company said that the GranMorgu project is progressing as planned, with overall progress at 25 per cent, and the construction of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) ) halfway completed.

Drilling of production and injection wells, as well as subsea infrastructure installation, is scheduled to begin in 2027, with first oil expected in 2028.

In Novvember, Staatsolie approved the commercial development of the Sloanea-1 gas discovery in Block 52, marking an important step in developing Suriname’s offshore gas reserves in collaboration with PETRONAS Suriname Exploration and Production B.V.

It saif the plans include gas wells, subsea infrastructure, and a floating LNG facility, a first in the region with the final investment decision is expected in 2026, with gas production projected to start in 2030.

Staatsolie also launched the Open-Door Offering in November, opening new offshore exploration opportunities. At the same time, the GeoAtlas of Suriname detailed geological reference, was published.

Staatsolie said exploration activities continue in various offshore blocks, with seismic surveys and drilling in progress and that several wells have been drilled with others planned for the new year.

‘Operations are supported by Surinamese shore bases, boosting local content and creating opportunities for local businesses and suppliers. In the shallow offshore area off the coast of Saramacca and Coronie, a seismic survey has began to map potential oil and gas reserves,’ Staatsolie said.

The company said that in 2025, Staatsolie and the Staatsolie Foundation for Community Development invested approximately US$2.7 million in corporate social responsibility initiatives.

In addition, three million US dollars was allocated for community projects commemorating Staatsolie’s 45th anniversary under the theme ‘Empowering communities and institutions.’ The projects are implemented nationwide, with a particular emphasis on supporting disadvantaged communities, ‘ Staatsolie added.