AGP Executive Report

Crime & Safety: Trinidad and Tobago police say a 58-year-old man was lured outside his home near Cangawood Trace, Forest Park, then attacked by a group of four men—one allegedly armed with a knife—before he fought back with a cutlass; he’s recovering at San Fernando General Hospital. Public Order Debate: Business chambers are urging the Government to back any extension of the state of emergency with clear results, calling for measurable indicators showing crime reductions before emergency powers continue. Poverty Measurement: The CSO is working on the country’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index, moving beyond income-only figures to track gaps in education, health, housing, jobs and access to essential services. Local Business Growth: Canadian BPO firm SinglePoint is expanding in T&T, investing an additional TT$1.1 million and hiring 11 more staff, bringing total investment to TT$5.1 million since operations began in 2025. Regional Sports: WoLF’s Point Pioneers vs Trendsetter Hawks match in Point Fortin ended in a mass brawl after red cards, with one player treated for a cut above the eye. Youth & Community: A record number of young people are being celebrated for Duke of Edinburgh Gold achievements, with awardees recognised for skills, service and adventurous journeys.

Poverty Policy Upgrade: The CSO is developing Trinidad and Tobago’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index, moving beyond income-only measures to track education, health, housing, jobs and access to services. Business Expansion: Canadian BPO firm SinglePoint is expanding in T&T, adding TT$1.1 million and 11 jobs, bringing its total investment to TT$5.1 million since launching in 2025. Child Death Investigation: Autopsy results confirm 12-year-old Mercedez Layne died from blunt force trauma; a 26-year-old man remains in custody as police continue probing how she was killed after being reported missing. State of Emergency Debate: Labour and unions are pushing back on extending the State of Emergency, while Tobago’s hotel and tourism leaders warn MPs against supporting another three-month extension. Regional Trade & Tourism: TTMA leads a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies, and Tobago marks World Oceans Day with renewed focus on marine protection and marine park management. Crime & Security: Police say two officers fired shots during an attempted vehicle break-in at Oropune Gardens; tools were found and investigations continue. Culture & Sports: Pan Trinbago and the wider music community mourn steelpan legend Robert “Robbie” Greenidge, while T&T darts pair Joshua Balfour and James Walklin depart for the World Cup of Darts in Germany.

Citizenship Crackdown (US): The U.S. Justice Department has filed denaturalization actions to strip citizenship from 17 naturalized people accused of serious crimes, including child sexual abuse, drug trafficking and major fraud—arguing they lied or concealed facts during naturalization. Public Safety (T&T): Two men were arrested in Siparia after police seized a firearm and ammunition during a targeted operation, with further searches carried out at their homes. Crime & Community (T&T): Inter-Religious Organisation leader Dr Ellis Burris condemned the theft of two gold-plated monstrances from a St James church, urging respect for sacred places. Politics & Security (T&T): Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the PNM will not support extending the state of emergency, calling it a threat to freedoms. Sports (T&T): Sprinter Jereem Richards opened his 2026 Diamond League campaign with bronze in the 400m in Stockholm. Culture (T&T): Pan Trinbago mourned steelpan virtuoso Robert Greenidge, who died in the United States at 76. Religion & Diplomacy (T&T): A Pope visit to the Caribbean is being discussed after an official invitation was delivered to the Holy See, with the Vatican yet to reject it.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, winning 181 of 191 votes and putting the country back at the centre of global peace and security talks. State of Emergency Extension: Government says it will take the matter to Parliament on Wednesday to extend the State of Emergency for another three months, with the NSC citing local and international threats; the PNM says it will challenge the move. Child Protection Tragedy: A 12-year-old, Mercedez Layne, was found dead in Erin after being reported missing, and police have arrested a 26-year-old man; investigators are still active. Local Governance & Jobs: In Tobago’s Les Coteaux, youths say they feel neglected and want real job opportunities beyond CEPEP/URP promises. Education Under Fire: The Teaching Service Commission is being criticised for harming the education system, with renewed debate over its role and recruitment practices. Infrastructure Update: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is now about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Sports & Community: Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors face Russia in a friendly, while local football and youth development stories continue to build momentum.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago clinched a major diplomatic victory, winning election as a non-permanent member for the 2027–2028 term with 181 votes out of 191, putting the country back at the UN’s top table and sharpening focus on security and global influence. State of Emergency Debate: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says the state of emergency should be extended, arguing crime gains need more time, while independent senators say the Government must show outcomes and data to justify another extension. Local Governance & Media Access: The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) has asked the Prime Minister for a meeting over what it calls limited formal press access to some government events and functions using state resources. Infrastructure Update: The $161m Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is now about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing and street lights expected soon. Public Safety & Food Security: A UN-linked report says hundreds of thousands in T&T cannot afford a healthy meal, while calls continue for stronger child protection after the tragic death of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne. Sports & Culture: Jereem Richards earned a podium finish at the Stockholm Diamond League, and Tobago’s Father’s Day push includes a new guide for first-time dads, “Called to Be Dad.”

UN Security Council Seat: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected as a non-permanent member for 2027–2028, winning 181 votes, but local economists are split on what it will deliver for the economy and development. Food Security: A UN-linked report says about 512,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with major impacts on children and women. State of Emergency & Protests: TTUTA warns proposed parental responsibility rules could expand teachers’ duties, while TTPS reiterates warnings around unauthorised “Walk for Peace” during the SoE. Local Governance & Tobago: Commentators argue Tobago’s future depends on investment, not stagnation, as debate continues over development plans. Business & Trade: AMCHAM T&T raises concerns with a senior US official about tariffs affecting petrochemical exports. Sports & World Cup Build-up: Sports bars are preparing for World Cup crowds, and T&T footballers return ahead of a Russia friendly as the team looks to steady after heavy defeats. Regional Links: China’s Blue Silk Road initiative is opening to the Caribbean, with potential trade and tourism angles.

National Mourning: Pan Trinbago says steelpan pioneer Sterling Betancourt has died at 96, praising his role in taking the instrument from Laventille to global stages, including the 1951 Festival of Britain and later work in the UK. Sports (Youth Football): The Trinidad and Tobago National Showcase League kicked off with Under-14 wins for Maloney Real Footballers and Ultimate Unison. World Cup Shock Story: Curacao becomes the smallest nation ever to qualify for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, with a population of about 156,000. Local Crime & Safety: Police are investigating a targeted Arima store heist at Cellular Planet Limited where thieves cut through the roof and disabled security, stealing TT$18,631. Travel Advisory: The UK Foreign Office warns Brits to exercise caution in T&T after the state of emergency, citing violent crime and possible indiscriminate attacks. Government Finance: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the state will seek an extra $2.93b in supplementary funding to cover wage increases for over 62,000 workers. Business & Trade: AMCHAM T&T CEO Niard Tewarie pressed a US official on petrochemical tariffs affecting exports. Health & Community: YWCA hosts a health fair, while a new training programme aims to equip communities to respond to mental health emergencies.

Tobago Policing Push: Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says police are “running out of excuses” as the Active Directed Grid Patrol system is launched in Tobago, promising faster real-time responses and more data-driven patrols. State of Emergency Debate: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles again rejects any further extension of the SoE, arguing crime gains shouldn’t require permanent emergency powers, while Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says the decision on extending the SoE rests with the country, not the police. Protest Restrictions Row: Guevarro denies claims of bias over “no-protest zones” and 500-metre limits, insisting police intervene only when demonstrations become adversarial or breach emergency rules. Parliament Update: Attorney Dr Margaret Satya Rose is appointed Opposition Senator, replacing Janelle John-Bates, as Parliament’s second session begins with a legislative agenda including social media rules for children under 12. Environment & Waste: UNDP’s Ugo Blanco warns T&T generates about 2.6kg of waste per person daily, urging more responsible consumption. Sports: Soca Warriors coach Derek King names a 21-man squad for a friendly vs Russia, with several key players unavailable.

UN Security Council: Former PM Keith Rowley welcomed Trinidad and Tobago’s election to the UN Security Council, but warned the Government’s conduct abroad will face scrutiny during its term. Diplomacy: The country is set to join Austria, Portugal and Zimbabwe as new non-permanent members for the 2027–2028 term, while Germany failed in its bid. Local Politics: Dr Margaret Rose was sworn in as an Opposition Senator, replacing Janelle John-Bates after the latter’s resignation amid controversy over a witness statement. Public Health/Water: A Texas family says a 16-year-old suffered chemical burns after showering with water from Trinidad, Texas, as residents raise concerns about water quality and notifications. Sports/Business: BYD announced as Official Car Partner of CPL 2026, with activations across Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean markets; Prison Service FC learned its opponents in the CFU Club Shield draw. Culture: Trinidad marked Indian Arrival Day with a Penal re-enactment and procession led by the Prime Minister.

UN Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, winning 181 votes and getting backing from all five permanent members, with Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers calling it a sign of strong Caricom ties. Church & Society: Roman Catholic Archbishop Jason Gordon urged a “change of heart” during Corpus Christi observances, warning materialism and selfishness are weakening the nation’s social fabric, while Anglican Archbishop Philip Wright said the church must reach people facing poverty and addiction. Local Governance & Courts: A Tobago High Court judge rejected E-IDCOT’s attempt to block Freedom of Information requests, ruling the company can’t dodge transparency duties tied to its public function. Politics & Parliament: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to speak as Parliament’s Second Session opens, with attention on whether a mid-year Finance bill and Opposition Senate changes will be revealed. Sports (T&T): The Soca Warriors were thrashed 5-0 by South Korea in a World Cup warm-up, and T&T’s darts pair James Walklin and Joshua Balfour have been drawn for the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt starting June 11. Business & Jobs: The Trinidad Hilton dispute continues as the union warns of possible displacement, while the minister says workers won’t be affected.

UN Security Council: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028, joining Austria, Portugal, Zimbabwe and first-timer Kyrgyzstan after Germany’s bid collapsed in the vote. Sports (T&T football): T&T’s men’s team learned from a 5-0 friendly loss to South Korea in Provo, with captain Son Heung-min scoring twice and new head coach Derek King taking charge for the match. Local crime: A 23-year-old Venezuelan national, Alexis Enrique Pineda, was found dead in Morvant near 1st Caledonia Road; TTPS says investigators believe he may have been killed elsewhere before being dumped. Public service: CXC and the Virgin Islands launched a customer service transformation programme aimed at improving efficiency and accountability across the public service. Health (Tobago): DHW Tobago took part in a personalized health conference in Switzerland to support digital transformation and a Tobago Public Health Observatory. Business/entrepreneurship: Krystle Phillips argues Caribbean entrepreneurs’ stress is often structural—bad systems, unclear roles and broken processes—not personal failure.

UN Security Council: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, but questions linger over Caricom support after nine countries abstained and T&T received 181 votes. Diplomacy: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, T&T and Zimbabwe on their UNSC wins. Crime & safety: Seven homicides in less than 24 hours have shaken the country, including a stabbing, a double homicide and a triple homicide in south Trinidad. State of Emergency & protests: Business groups are urging the Government to justify any extension of the State of Emergency with clear results and safeguards for rights, while unions and opposition leaders continue to challenge protest restrictions. Tobago justice: A Tobago family says it is still awaiting justice after a jet ski tragedy killed a child, with the investigation ongoing. Sports: South Korea edged El Salvador 1-0 in their final World Cup tune-up, after earlier routing Trinidad and Tobago 5-0.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat for 2027–2028, winning 181 votes and returning to the UNSC after more than two decades, with the campaign focused on small-arms trafficking, women and children in peace and security, and AI’s role in global security. Regional Diplomacy: Austria, Portugal and Zimbabwe also won seats, while Germany failed in its bid and Kyrgyzstan edged the Philippines after multiple voting rounds. Weather Watch: A multi-day spell of heavy rainfall is forecast across the Caribbean as an Eastern Pacific cyclone and tropical waves develop, with impacts expected from midweek into the weekend. Public Order Under SoE: The TTPS says no authorisation has been granted for a proposed “Walk for Peace” in Port of Spain today, warning that gatherings and marches are tightly regulated under the State of Emergency. Road Safety: A Venezuelan woman died days after an electric scooter crash in Cunupia; police say the driver was over the legal alcohol limit and the scooter was unlicensed. Tobago Update: Jet ski operators in Tobago say they will comply with new safety rules after a court decision tied to the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.

Maxi Taxi Disruption: The nationwide maxi taxi strike is driving a surge in ride-share demand, with operators cutting commissions and offering discounted fares as commuters struggle to get to work and school. Transport Policy Clash: Former Transport Minister Jack Warner says calls to raise the maxi taxi speed limit from 65 km/h to 80 km/h should be rejected until operators prove they can obey current rules. Government Responsibility Fight: Ministers are trading blame over who handles maxi taxi hub and terminal upgrades, while a “checkered-band” system is being discussed. Protest Restrictions Under Fire: Thirteen unions threaten legal action over State of Emergency no-protest zones, as PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar insists the rules stand and says protests can happen elsewhere. Courts & Police Accountability: The Appeal Court ruled TTPS’s mugshot publication policy unlawful. Crime Update: Police recovered a firearm linked to the San Fernando police station break-in and detained three men. Diaspora Spotlight: US President Donald Trump nominated Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as US Ambassador to T&T. Football: South Korea’s World Cup preparations continue in Utah as defender Cho Yu-min is ruled out with injury, while Son Heung-min faces pressure over a scoring slump.

Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump has nominated Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as the next US ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, with AMCHAM T&T calling it a historic milestone if confirmed. Crime & Security: TTPS says a firearm believed stolen from the San Fernando Police Station has been recovered, with three men detained during an anti-crime operation in St James. Public Safety & Rights: The Joint Trade Union Movement is urging the immediate withdrawal of Legal Notice No. 40 of 2026, which sets 15 no-protest zones under the State of Emergency, while trade unions threaten legal action over the restrictions. Infrastructure & Flooding: Works Minister Jearlean John blamed littering for worsening flooding, as she urged a culture shift on waste disposal and enforcement. Water Update: WASA says it repaired 30,709 pipeline leaks between April 2025 and April 2026, and warns of a Caroni Water Treatment Plant shutdown affecting parts of North, Central and South Trinidad on June 3-4. Sports: Chris Richards Jr dominated the T&T men’s golf national trials; and in football, South Korea’s late World Cup call-up story continues after Cho Yu-min’s injury.

Maxi Taxi Strike Fallout: Police deployed buses to shuttle stranded commuters during the three-day maxi taxi protest, with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar praising TTPS for stepping in to help workers, students and vulnerable citizens. Transport Strain for Everyone: Downtown merchants said 15–20% of commuters were late due to route disruptions, while the Blind Welfare Association warned the strike exposed major barriers for persons with disabilities. Tobago Joins In: Tobago maxi drivers backed the action, citing their own long-running issues including late payments and a lack of proper hubs. Violence in the South: Six people were killed in separate incidents across southern Trinidad, including a triple murder in Ste Madeleine, a double murder in Penal, and a stabbing death in Fyzabad. School Safety Concern: Parents raised alarms after a fight at ASJA Girls’ College, calling for stronger intervention and reassurance. Mental Health Push: The new “I Matter Movement” launched to tackle depression and stigma, offering community-based support. Sports: Cricket West Indies begins a regional fast-bowling assessment camp in Antigua, while South Korea’s World Cup tune-up saw a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago ahead of a final match vs El Salvador.