AGP Executive Report

State of Emergency: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the SoE is nearing its Sept. 17 end, calling it “highly successful” while warning criminals the crackdown won’t stop. Crime Law: Barry Padarath urges the public to lobby the Opposition to back the reintroduced ZOSO Bill as a crime-fighting tool that also targets community development. Human Trafficking Watch: T&T keeps its US Tier 2 ranking; a 2025 local report says 30 trafficking victims were identified, all female and sexually exploited. Telecom Accountability: TSTT launches an independent probe into former acting CEO Keino Cox over procurement, governance, conflicts of interest, fraud, and alleged retaliation. Local Business & Trade: TTMA leads a 37-member delegation to Miami to build export links, with a “Doing Business in Miami” seminar and B2B sessions. Environment: Volunteers collect nearly 4,000 pounds of waste in a Port of Spain Foreshore coastal clean-up, feeding into marine debris tracking. Sports: Jereem Richards wins bronze in the 400m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

State of Emergency & ZOSO: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says the Government will bring the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Bill back to Parliament, insisting it’s a “holistic intervention” beyond police detentions, with parts of the approach already practised in Tunapuna. SoE detainees: TTPS says investigations into former preventive detention detainees continue as releases near, while former police commissioner Gary Griffith argues stronger intelligence and criminal justice cooperation are needed for convictions. US military access: Foreign Affairs confirms the US sought permission to operate in T&T airspace and maritime zones last year, but refuses to disclose details despite a FOIA request. Fishermen lawsuit: A US strike death lawsuit by relatives of Trinidad fishermen Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo is stalled pending a local court ruling on declaring them legally deceased. Health regulation: The Medical Board is reviewing doctors’ social media advertising rules, focusing on false outcome claims, named-doctor promotions and undisclosed financial incentives. Environment: Tobago’s Atlantic-facing beaches are reported to be dominated by plastic debris, with currents and winds driving the problem. Education pay: TTUTA says teachers have started receiving $900M backpay via IHIRIS, though it says ministries have not formally communicated. Sports: Jereem Richards won 400m bronze at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest; Keshorn Walcott is among top javelin names set for action there. Business & crime: TTPS White Collar Division is investigating suspected money laundering and illegal gambling linked to some Chinese nationals and businesses.

State of Emergency fallout: Human rights advocates are calling on the Government to apologise to more than 300 detainees freed without charge as the SoE winds down next week, saying the experience was traumatic and prolonged. Policing assurances: The TTPS says it’s ready for the phased release of preventive detention detainees, with intelligence-led operations and increased visibility to keep communities safe. Local governance & environment: Tobago residents are being urged to protect newly planted fruit trees at Palmiste Park after thefts of earlier plantings, while the Planning Minister pushes coastal cleanup-style responsibility to curb litter and single-use plastics. Education: Teachers have started receiving $900M backpay via IHIRIS, and attention remains on school safety and discipline as the new term continues. Economy & jobs: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh says the economy is stabilising with more investor interest, but implementation is the next big test. Sports & culture: TTFA and UWI sign a four-year MOU to link football development with education and research; Tobago’s Shivani Goberdhan returns home to promote watersports access for people with disabilities. Regional security & foreign ties: Government confirms the US sought access to T&T airspace and waters, but details remain undisclosed.

State of Emergency: Security officials say 563 SoE detainees will be released from east Trinidad over a phased six-day period as the current SoE nears expiry on Sept. 17, but relatives complain delays are dragging on. School safety: TTUTA backs teachers at San Juan North Secondary who walked out after an intruder allegedly entered a classroom, confronted a teacher and stole items including a vehicle key; the union says fence breaches and overgrown vegetation have been flagged for years. Freedom of Information: The Senate debates the FOIA (Amendment) Bill 2026, with ministers saying annual public statements can move from newspapers to websites without changing citizens’ access rights. Local governance & jobs: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen says the Rural Development Company must be “cleaned up” before delivering new projects, citing unaccounted funds and staffing issues. Sports funding: SPORTT and TTFA say talks are progressing on funding for Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s Nations League campaign. Media transparency: FOIA changes also spark debate on how public authorities publish statements and how media houses stay viable. Culture & community: The Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago holds outdoor painting and identity-focused exhibitions, while Carnival 2027 momentum continues with new soca releases.

State of Emergency: With the SoE set to expire on Sept. 17, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says threats “don’t go away just like that,” while the Government still hasn’t confirmed whether it will seek an extension—an idea the Opposition says will be challenged in court. Releases: Security officials say 563 SoE detainees will be freed in phases over six days, starting with low-risk releases (phase one Sept. 10–12), as relatives complain delays are stretching patience. FOIA modernisation: The Senate piloted the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2026, allowing public authorities’ annual statements to be published online as well as in newspapers, with ministers insisting access rights won’t be restricted. Local governance & jobs: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen says the NPUPS public-space upkeep programme could resume or expand depending on the 2027 Budget, as it winds down Sept. 13. Sports funding: SPORTT and TTFA say they’re making progress on requested Nations League funding, with “light at the end of the tunnel.” Culture: Artists took painting outdoors in Chaguaramas, while Pan Yaad 2026 (“Fete & Foam”) brings Trinidad’s 868 Ignition to Belize City.

State of Emergency Aftermath: As Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency nears expiry, families outside the ECRC wait anxiously for PDO detainees’ release, with only a handful reportedly freed by yesterday afternoon. Legal Pushback: Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi says the PNM will challenge any move to extend another State of Emergency once the current one ends, after Star Sabga’s PDO was revoked and she was released from house arrest. Medicine Overhaul: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar promises to fix delays in approving cheaper medicines, questioning why local approvals still drag for up to a year when internationally recognised regulators have already cleared drugs. Sports Funding & Discipline: TTFA is seeking a correction from SporTT over a reported “$2.5M setback” in CNL funding, while players have accepted the Nations League invitation after fears of unpaid fees and bonuses. Crime & Safety: Morvant gun violence has claimed four lives in two days, and the Red Cross is appealing for $2.5M for an ambulance plus $500,000 for its Children’s Carnival.

State of Emergency: The National Security Council will decide Thursday on whether Trinidad and Tobago extends the State of Emergency as it nears expiry next week, while Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi warns the PNM will challenge any new extension. Medicine approvals: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says outdated rules and a non-functioning committee are delaying registration of cheaper medicines for up to a year, and promises an overhaul of the approval process. Football funding row: TTFA is asking SporTT to correct the public record over claims it rejected TTFA’s Concacaf Nations League funding request, after players accepted the invitation following payment progress. Violence and safety: Morvant gun violence has claimed four lives in two days, and residents in St James pressed for a stronger police presence at a community town meeting. Tobago youth support: A Tobago teen released from custody after a relative’s death will receive Student Support Services as authorities await the autopsy report. Red Cross push: The Red Cross is seeking $2.5M for an ambulance and $500,000 for its Children’s Carnival, urging stronger donor and corporate backing. Public spaces to food: Government launches Fruit and Food Orchards to turn underused public land into community orchards.

National Security: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the National Security Council will meet Thursday to decide the next step for Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency, which expires Sept. 17 after two earlier extensions. School discipline & parenting: Government is drafting a law to hold parents accountable for children’s behaviour, with consultations and review before it reaches Parliament, as officials back the PM’s push to remove repeat violent or disruptive students from schools. Diplomacy with Venezuela: Persad-Bissessar says she “loves” Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez and expects a possible meeting later this month at the UN General Assembly in New York, alongside renewed talks on cooperation. Youth & skills: NIHERST is putting more emphasis on AI and emerging tech in youth training, building on the Future Leaders Internship Programme. Mental health: Psychologists warn Trinidad and Tobago can no longer ignore a suicide crisis, citing 478 suicides from 2020-2023 and urging open conversation for World Suicide Prevention Day. Business & finance: TTSE launches Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines to attract private capital for climate-resilient and affordable housing projects. Energy & economy: Methanol output rose in Q1, with exports also increasing, while local-content questions are raised around the Manatee gas project. Community & culture: Chef Demetrius Brown opens Heritage, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Summerhill, and Trinidadians in New York get a “parade of sorts” on Sept. 12 at Resorts World NYC.

School Safety & Discipline: Government is drafting a parental responsibility law to hold parents accountable for children’s behaviour, as PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar pushes for tougher action against violent or disruptive students. Justice Access: The Judiciary says it will livestream key court matters starting with the Court of Appeal, alongside plain-language summaries and online publication of judgments. State of Emergency Fallout: PNM says SoE detainees under PDOs will start being released in batches from today, while calling for clarity on numbers, detention periods, and why releases are without charges. Tobago Crime & Courts: A Tobago teen detained over the death of an elderly relative has been released pending an autopsy; police await forensic results. Accident Liability: THA denies liability in the Pigeon Point jet ski death of 7-year-old Angelica Jogie, saying responsibility lies with the operator. Cyber Push: TTPS expands cybercrime response and targets cyberbullying in schools with updated digital forensics and calls for parents to monitor online activity. Sports & Culture: Club Sando eyes the 2026 Caribbean Cup title after reaching the semi-finals; SSFL renames its premier league in honour of Azaad Khan and with SporTT support. Caribbean Spotlight: Miss World Caribbean 2026 winner Georgia-Lee Gill returns home to celebrations, while the Caribbean Music Awards announces its first Trinidad lineup.

Justice Reform: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will back moves to make justice faster, more efficient and more accessible, stressing citizens must feel rights are protected. School Violence Debate: TTUTA warns suspensions and police alone won’t fix school violence, calling for prevention, support and rehabilitation; meanwhile the PM has doubled down on removing violent students and told critics to take them home. Cricket: Cricket West Indies appointed New Zealand coach Bob Carter as batting consultant on a one-year contract, with a regional tour including Trinidad and Tobago ahead of the 2027 World Cup Qualifier. Local Media: TTPBA elected a new 2026–2028 board, keeping media viability and sustainability, plus AI and misinformation concerns, as priorities. Business & Economy: Scotiabank T&T reports $449M after-tax income for nine months to July 2026, citing the impact of the new Total Asset Tax. Environment/Science: Caribbean scientists completed a major deep-sea survey off Trinidad and Tobago, collecting 700+ specimens and mapping cold seep ecosystems. Food & Culture: Applebee’s and IHOP officially opened at Grand Bazaar, Valsayn, while the Caribbean Music Awards announced a Trinidad-based landmark weekend with major honours for Calypso Rose, Patra, Shyne and Alan Cavé.

School Safety Push: Police say reported fights involving schoolchildren are up (27 in 2025 to at least 36 this year) and TTPS will focus on root causes, with more engagement of at-risk students, parents and teachers—not just enforcement. Education Tensions: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar renewed her call for violent, disruptive students to be removed from schools and told critics to take them into their homes; TTUTA rated reopening 6–7/10, citing lingering infrastructure and bat-related issues at some schools. Parliament & Crime: Opposition MPs are pressing the PM to clarify whether the State of Emergency will be extended when Parliament resumes Friday. Tobago Disruption: Smoke and a fire alarm at ANR Robinson Airport’s ATC tower triggered evacuations and delayed domestic flights before operations resumed. Sustainable Finance: The TT Stock Exchange launched GSS+ bond guidelines to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing. Animal Health Tech: Agriculture is rolling out a digital disease surveillance tool to speed outbreak reporting and response. Culture & Tourism: Caribbean Music Awards returns to Trinidad for a landmark weekend celebration, expanding beyond a single evening. Local Crime Alerts: Police launched a search after a video allegedly showed a man in Port of Spain touching women inappropriately on Henry Street.

School Safety & Discipline Debate: Opposition MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly says PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s push to send disruptive students home is “placing a plaster on a sore,” arguing many homes are part of the problem and deeper support is needed. Public Order & Crime: Police are searching for a dreadlocked man caught on video allegedly groping women on Henry Street, Port of Spain, and are urging victims to report. Agriculture & Weather: The Met Office warns of worsening dry conditions, with an agricultural drought watch expected by end of September from Piarco westward across the lower Caroni River basin, threatening farming activity. Sports & Community: WASA won the 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service? (TFCC) futsal corporate title, while TT’s MMA team heads to Colombia for the GAMMA Pan-American Championships. Business & Jobs: iQor launched a global Gaming Center of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago. Culture & Learning: Books Build Bridges and the City of San Fernando kick off International Literacy Day with 10,000 children’s books for local schools.

Education Watch: Tobago schools reopened for the new term despite unfinished repairs, with officials saying work started late due to procurement delays and maintenance continuing on evenings/weekends. School Readiness Clash: In Trinidad, TTUTA says 11 schools still have unresolved issues even after the Ministry’s all-clear, while NPTA and TTUTA push back on the PM’s call to send persistently disruptive students home. Youth in Focus: A Tobago schoolboy, 15, was arrested over a possible capital charge after the death of an elderly relative in Plymouth. Sports & Pride: T&T’s MMA team heads to Bogotá for the GAMMA Pan-American Championships, and football mourns veteran referee/sports administrator Lennox Sirjuesingh. Local Economy: Trade officials and TTCSI renewed the push for a 50-50 export economy by 2030, arguing services must grow exports beyond energy. International Spotlight: India’s High Commissioner urged deeper trade ties with T&T as he prepares to leave post.

Education & School Safety: As teachers return today, TTUTA president Crystal Ashe says schools can’t run effectively while the vacation repair programme is delayed, book grants are outstanding, backpay is unpaid, and support staff contracts remain unresolved—while NPTA also questions whether every school will be fully ready. Police in Schools: TTPS says it will use last year’s school data to target fighting, vaping and marijuana possession as the School-Oriented Policing programme continues at 51 schools. Culture & Music: The Caribbean Music Awards is coming to Trinidad and Tobago on September 19 at NAPA, with regional artistes and a spotlight on local creatives. Sports (T&T in focus): T&T’s national eFootball team finished third in the Console division at the FIFAe Continental Championship in Mexico City. Regional Sports: Trinidad’s Keshorn Walcott won bronze at the Diamond League final in Brussels, while Samuel Badree endorsed the IMC Over-40s Cricket World Cup in Guyana.

School Reopening & Safety: Teachers return to classrooms today as TTUTA warns schools can’t function effectively while repair delays, unpaid backpay, and unresolved support staffing issues linger; School Policing: TTPS says it will keep a presence at 51 schools and use last year’s stats to target fighting, vaping and marijuana possession with more proactive community engagement; Crime & Community: TTPS held talks with Arima residents and leaders, urging “good men” to stand up as police respond to growing concerns about crime and youth culture; Tobago Prison Conditions: A Tobago inmate held in Trinidad alleges isolation and extortion, while relatives call for swifter justice and more humane conditions; Deep-Sea Science: UWI scientists say a month-long Deep Wonders expedition mapped T&T’s deep-sea sites and found life-rich areas that may need protection; Culture & Pride: Machel Montano was honoured in Brooklyn as KestheBand shared the stage with Stevie Wonder at DC JazzFest; Environment & Waste: Beetham Landfill workers say they want job assurances as EMA discusses relocating the dump and addressing methane emissions; Local Business: Arima residents and nearby businesses weigh in on how CPL Oval traffic restrictions are hurting sales and footfall.

Miss World Caribbean: Trinidad and Tobago’s Georgia-Lee Gill was crowned Miss World Caribbean in Vietnam, winning a continental title and a “Beauty With a Purpose” platform after taking the Head-to-Head fast-track spot. Sports & community: Guyana’s Jiaram will represent the country at the Tobago Open World Cup 2026 Draughts Championships, with the event running Sept. 9–18 and featuring tours that could boost tourism. Local crime: Camouflage-clad gunmen robbed casino workers on Lower High Street, escaping with more than TT$17,000; police are investigating links and possible inside involvement. Waste & jobs: Beetham Landfill workers say they support a move toward a separation facility, but want guarantees they’ll be first for jobs as discussions on relocation continue. Business & labour: HRMATT says companies that ignore workplace diversity risk higher turnover and weaker innovation. Culture: Trinidad’s Vaser Claw: King of Clan debuts on Sept. 3 at IMAX, with wider cinema release on Sept. 17.