AGP Executive Report

Energy and Venezuela: US Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern says Trinidad and Tobago could help Venezuela rebuild its energy sector, citing local expertise, infrastructure and proximity. TSTT Fire: A suspected arson attack at the Laventille compound destroyed copper cables preliminarily valued at more than $20 million. Three people are assisting police, while investigators examine possible involvement by insiders and outsiders. Tobago Budget: The THA is responding to cuts affecting health, tourism and culture; Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo described the health allocation shortfall as an error. Netball: Maikea Bramble scored 87 goals from 90 attempts as T&T crushed the British Virgin Islands 106–17 in World Cup qualifying. Culture and Carnival: Tobago Carnival should showcase local talent and strengthen the island’s distinct identity, a commentator says. Ramleela organisers are also urging greater State support for community celebrations, saying this year’s production was funded through local fundraising.

TSTT Fire: Investigators are probing whether insiders and outsiders were involved in a suspected arson attack at the company’s Laventille compound. Millions of dollars in losses are feared. Angostura thanked emergency crews for containing the blaze at its neighbouring site. Tobago Budget: Health, tourism and culture funding, along with grants for children, were cut in the 2027 budget. The THA says it is responding to a health shortfall that Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo called an error. Telecoms Finances: TSTT is seeking to raise up to $1.156 billion from local investors as part of a bond offering to refinance debt and ease financial pressure. Census Plans: The 2027 census will collect data on migrants, people living on the streets and crime for the first time. Nationwide fieldwork is expected to begin next June, with 3,500 temporary jobs planned. Crime: Reported robberies fell 30.1 per cent in the first four months of 2026, from 605 cases to 423, police figures show. Carnival Debate: Beenie Man apologised to Trinidad and Tobago after getting Carnival’s history wrong, saying he confused Byron Lee’s role in Jamaican Carnival with the festival’s wider origins.

Cultural Legacy: Tributes to Mighty Sparrow continue to revisit how his calypso tackled everyday issues, while Brother Valentino’s funeral is set for October 29. Foreign Affairs: Foreign Minister Sean Sobers told Parliament T&T has no ambassadors in Washington, Venezuela or China, and no high commissioner in London. Census: The 2027 census will, for the first time, collect data on migrants, street dwellers and crime; nationwide fieldwork is expected to start next June, with 3,500 temporary jobs planned. Economy and Health: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles wants a clear government response to economists’ recession claims. A health budget rising to about TT$7.47 billion also faces calls for transparent reporting on what spending delivers for patients. Jobs and Safety: More than 800 workers have been retrenched since September, with some facing serious emotional and health pressures. Meanwhile, families of two missing Tobago fishermen are seeking DNA tests after bodies were found in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Youth Football: T&T’s Under-15 team opened its FIFA festival campaign with a 3-1 win over St Kitts and Nevis.

Tobago Budget: Tourism and hospitality support for the Tobago House of Assembly is set to fall 80 per cent, from $5 million to $1 million in 2027. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says last year’s funding paid for completed initiatives, while opposition MPs warn the cut could hurt Tobago’s tourism economy. Culture and Heritage: National festival funding, including support for Divali and Indian Arrival Day, will rise to $4 million. President Christine Kangaloo urged young people to keep traditions alive as schoolchildren brought Ramleela to life at President’s House. Energy: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal welcomed the loadout of the Coconut gas project’s jacket, with first gas expected in 2027 to support local industry. Tobago Fishermen: Families of two men missing since October 9 are seeking DNA tests after two bodies were found in St Vincent and the Grenadines; neither has been identified as the missing fishermen. Cricket: Trinidadian Kieron Pollard has been appointed head coach of the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2027 IPL season.

Tobago Search: Families of two fishermen missing since October 9 are seeking DNA tests after two bodies were found in waters off St Vincent and the Grenadines. Tobago Budget: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo admitted an error left the Tobago Regional Health Authority with a sharply reduced 2027 allocation, and said it would receive enough to cover operating costs. Tourism and hospitality support was also cut from $5 million to $1 million. Public Safety: Goodwood’s newly opened police post was evacuated after soil erosion exposed foundation steel; remedial work is expected to start next week. Regional Ties: A Venezuelan delegation arrives Monday to explore trade, investment and cultural partnerships with T&T. Culture: Brother Valentino’s funeral is set for October 29 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain.

Tobago Carnival: Caribbean Airlines is adding flights for the October 30–November 1 festivities, while the Works Ministry warns travellers against informal rides and unregulated party boats. Housing: Habitat for Humanity International’s CEO says housing costs are rising far faster than incomes, deepening an affordability crisis in Trinidad and Tobago and worldwide. Culture: Blue Waters has increased its Divali Nagar sponsorship as several state agencies withdraw support. The country is also mourning calypso icon Brother Valentino, who died at 85. Tobago Health: Opposition Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman says the Tobago Regional Health Authority’s 2027 allocation is more than 68% lower than this year’s, raising concerns about services. Digital Development: TATT and iGovTT have signed an agreement to advance digital inclusion, broadband access, cybersecurity and emerging-technology policy. Justice: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh says the Judiciary is working to reduce backlogs, with a goal of resolving criminal cases within one to three years.

Justice: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh wants criminal cases resolved within one to three years, with court upgrades and tighter case management aimed at reducing delays. Tobago Carnival Safety: Authorities warn Toco residents against informal rides to Tobago and say party boats remain a serious concern. Public Services: Unions plan an October 30 protest over wage talks, salary arrears and displaced workers. Policing: A new Goodwood police post was closed a day after opening because of soil erosion and other infrastructure problems. Culture: Calypso icon Brother Valentino has died at 85, while debate grows over state companies withdrawing support from cultural groups. Football: Club Sando lost 2-0 to Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant, missing the Caribbean Cup final but earning a chance to reach the Champions Cup through the third-place playoff. Environment: Advocates say Trinidad and Tobago’s Scarlet Ibis management plan must be put into action to protect wetlands.

Union Protest: Trinidad and Tobago unions plan an October 30 march over stalled wage talks, unpaid arrears and displaced workers, rejecting a government proposal to pay some arrears partly through non-cash benefits. Climate Risk: Central Bank Governor Larry Howai warned that extreme weather threatens economic and financial stability, driving up food prices and damaging homes, infrastructure and supply chains. South Trinidad Crime: A school principal was beaten, tied up and robbed of jewellery and a vehicle in a Cedar Hill, Princes Town attack. Calypso: Brother Valentino, the Grenada-born “People’s Calypsonian” whose songs championed equality and working people, has died at 85. Public Finances: Energy state companies helped lift the non-financial public sector’s operating surplus to $1.27 billion in the first eight months of fiscal 2026, but economist Roger Hosein warned deficits could persist until 2040. Tobago Carnival: Police have deployed 100 additional officers to the island ahead of celebrations expected to draw about 60,000 revellers.

Culture: Calypso icon Brother Valentino, known as “The People’s Calypsonian” for songs championing equality and ordinary people, has died at 85. Tobago Carnival: With about 60,000 revellers expected, 100 additional police officers have been deployed from Trinidad. More than 50 events are planned, with mud set to feature prominently. Utilities: The Government has not ruled out raising electricity rates as it tackles T&TEC’s nearly $10 billion debt to NGC. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath also says privatisation or a public-private partnership for SWMCOL remains an option. Football: Club Sando takes on Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant tonight after a 1-1 first-leg draw, with a place in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final at stake. Travel: Arajet says scheduled flights between the Dominican Republic and Trinidad are unlikely before 2028, pending delivery of more aircraft.

Calypso: Brother Valentino, the “People’s Calypsonian,” has died at 85. The Grenada-born artist made Trinidad his home and was celebrated for songs championing equality, Black identity and ordinary people. Judiciary: Police searched Acting Chief Magistrate Brian Dabideen’s home and seized electronic devices as part of a wider investigation. He denies wrongdoing, and his lawyers stress that a search warrant does not establish guilt. Tobago Safety: The theft and vandalism of $400,000 in marine safety equipment at Pigeon Point has prompted calls for those responsible to be prosecuted and barred from Tobago’s marine space. Jobs and Business: Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago confirmed 46 job cuts as it transfers distribution to Massy. Meanwhile, EximBank has confirmed Tracy Tobias as its new CEO, with a mandate to expand trade financing and support diversification. Culture and Community: Cultural groups in Felicity welcome bmobile funding for local Divali celebrations, while Dr Suruj Rambachan says the Nagar can support both cultural life and small businesses. Air Links: Arajet says scheduled flights between Trinidad and the Dominican Republic are unlikely before 2028, as it awaits more aircraft.

Judicial Probe: Police searched Acting Chief Magistrate Brian Dabideen’s home and took electronic devices, which his lawyer says he handed over voluntarily. The Judiciary stressed due process; no charges have been announced. Tobago Beach Safety: Buoys and marine anchors marking Pigeon Point’s bathing area have been stolen, renewing concerns after a fatal jet-ski incident there. The THA says safety equipment worth $400,000 was installed at three beaches. Economy and Jobs: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar rejected claims that T&T is in recession, saying the country is progressing and defending plans to divest loss-making state companies. Separately, Nestlé says 46 local sales and warehouse workers are affected by a shift to third-party distribution; 16 were retrenched and 30 accepted voluntary separation. Digital Infrastructure: TSTT’s Mausica Data Centre has become the first in the Caribbean to earn ISO/IEC 22237 certification, adding to four international certifications. Tourism: A new commentary says visitors need clearer information on how to find, book and pay for local experiences, or interest in T&T may not translate into income.

Judicial Probe: Police searched Chief Magistrate Brian Debideen’s home and seized electronic devices under warrant. His lawyer says Debideen cooperated; no charges have been announced. The Judiciary stressed due process and the presumption of innocence. Tobago Safety: Thieves have taken 19 marine anchors and sections of safety buoys from Pigeon Point, undermining measures to mark bathing areas. Energy and Jobs: Shell’s 4,600-tonne Manatee platform has arrived in T&T, a milestone for the gas project targeting a 2027 start-up. Studley Park quarry has also received licences to expand operations in Tobago. Economic Outlook: The Government says T&T is progressing, while economists describe the economy as being in a slump, keeping the recession debate alive amid Budget 2027 scrutiny. Culture: Ramleela performances are underway across the country, while Panorama 2027 will honour calypso icon Mighty Sparrow and put the focus on youth.

Economy and Budget: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar rejected claims that Trinidad and Tobago is in recession, citing projected growth of 0.8% this year and 3% in 2027. Economists have described the economy as slumping, keeping the debate over the 2027 Budget lively. State Assets: Plans to sell or divest several State-owned businesses, including Hilton Trinidad and Magdalena Grand, have raised concerns about a possible “fire sale” and the future of workers. Governance: The Attorney General’s Office will probe a Chaguaramas land lease involving a company whose director is a former PNM treasurer; he disputes the Government’s account of the deal. Culture: Panorama 2027 will honour Mighty Sparrow, with Pan Trinbago highlighting youth and steelpan’s role in communities. The Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand is also set to be named for the calypso legend. Tobago: Carnival preparations are underway, while the Blue Food Festival showcased dasheen-based dishes and local talent. Public Safety: Police are reviewing locations for planned community posts and seeking help identifying seven bodies found in North Central Trinidad.

Workplace Safety: Three Aronco workers injured in a vehicle accident near Claxton Bay are recovering. The company has asked the public to stop sharing video of the men and respect their privacy. Public Safety: Police are seeking help identifying seven bodies and sets of remains found in North Central between 2021 and 2026. Economy: Economists are divided on whether Trinidad and Tobago is in recession or a deeper energy-driven slump, as the 2027 budget faces scrutiny. Tobago: The island’s two MPs say they will work with the Government despite a reduced budget allocation of about $2.76 billion. Water Services: Former utilities minister Marvin Gonzales has called for a criminal investigation into alleged water-trucking corruption at WASA; the claims have not been established. Culture: The Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand is to be refurbished and renamed in honour of the Mighty Sparrow, following the calypso legend’s funeral. Public Services: Layoff notices for 124 SWRHA workers have been recalled, while the Education Minister has promised to restore confidential support services for teachers.

Economic Outlook: Economists disagree on whether Trinidad and Tobago is in a technical recession or a deeper energy-led slump. Dr Ronald Ramkissoon says two quarters of negative growth meet the standard definition, while a broader assessment should also consider jobs, business activity and foreign exchange. Tobago Budget: Tobago’s MPs say they will work with the Government despite the island’s direct allocation falling to $2.756 billion, from $2.96 billion last year. Refinery Restart: OWTU president Ancel Roget says Patriotic Energy will be involved in any arrangement to reopen Pointe-a-Pierre, with an announcement expected soon. WASA Probe: Former utilities minister Marvin Gonzales is calling for a criminal investigation into alleged water-trucking profiteering, claiming some communities are being deprived of piped water to create business for contractors. Energy Safety: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal met Perenco officials after a crane collapse injured a worker at the Samaan Alpha platform; the company has paused crane operations for safety checks. Tourism and Culture: Hundreds visited Tobago’s Blue Food Festival to sample dasheen dishes, while the Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand is to be renamed for Mighty Sparrow, whose funeral drew a national celebration. State Assets: The Government is seeking investors for Hilton Trinidad and Magdalena Grand, which have reportedly recorded $246 million in losses over a decade.

Sparrow’s Farewell: Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow was buried in Port of Spain on Saturday, after a state-assisted funeral filled with music and tributes. Calls are growing to teach his songs in schools and keep his work alive for younger generations. Budget Debate: Former finance minister Colm Imbert warned Parliament that T&T could face a deeper economic crisis, while rejecting the Government’s budget projections and calling the plan inadequate for businesses. Child Protection: Opposition MP Camille Robinson-Regis alleged sexual abuse and racial discrimination at some State-supported children’s homes, and raised concerns about cuts to the Children’s Authority. Separately, a report says police could not locate a file on an investigation into online groups sharing child sexual abuse material. Malick Fire: Police are investigating the deaths of a mother and her 17-year-old daughter after a house fire; a male relative was detained for questioning, but no charges have been confirmed. Tourism: An industry leader says the budget’s allocation for tourism leaves too little for marketing, training and development, undermining promises to diversify beyond oil and gas.