AGP Executive Report

Independence Security & Leadership: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar backed Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, saying crime has dropped and promising more legislation, police posts and recruitment ahead of Parliament’s return. Independence Day Mood in T&T & Tobago: The 64th celebrations brought culture and patriotism to the Queen’s Park Savannah and Tobago’s Claude Noel Highway, though some spectators complained about parade timing and venue changes. Political Reactions to PM’s Messages: Opposition figures criticised Persad-Bissessar’s Independence remarks as divisive, while analysts defended them as a call for reflection and unity. Moody’s on T&T Finances: The Finance Ministry says Moody’s highlighted strong fiscal buffers and expects a gas-sector recovery by end-2027, improving near-term external prospects. Budget Pressure Calls: Stakeholders urged strategic shifts and targeted support ahead of the 2026 budget. Sports & Culture: Queen’s Park Oval renamed stands for Bravo, Pollard and Narine; Defence Force meet Club Sando in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup; and Straker’s Records founder Granville Straker has died at 86.

Independence Politics: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar told UNC members “do not crawl on your belly for anyone,” urging the party and the country to choose peace and confront the post-Independence record instead of blaming the colonial past. Independence Diplomacy: King Charles sent Trinidad and Tobago Independence greetings, calling the UK–T&T relationship an “enduring partnership” and pointing to shared climate and biodiversity work. Diaspora & Culture: In Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Public Library opened “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition,” celebrating Machel Montano’s rise and his long ties to the borough. Public Safety & Crime: Police are investigating the death of 49-year-old Mirissia Weekes, shot in the head at Dundonald Hill, St James, with a suspect detained. Sports: Trinbago Knight Riders host Guyana Amazon Warriors tonight at Queen’s Park Oval in a CPL clash, while TKR also retired Dwayne Bravo’s No. 47 jersey. Community & Health: The amended Children’s Life Fund Act enabled an international specialist to carry out a specialised procedure locally, avoiding overseas treatment.

Independence & Security: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says Independence Day celebrations will proceed safely after an “unverified threat,” with cybercrime agents probing possible social media links behind recent bomb scares. National Governance: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles urges “discipline” in governance, citing “reported 24 departures” from state boards and questioning what T&T is getting from major US-Venezuela energy moves. Post-Independence Debate: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar argues T&T must stop blaming the colonial past and own post-1962 decisions—prompting pushback from a historian and reparations advocate. Health Milestone: The amended Children’s Life Fund Act enabled an international specialist to carry out a specialised procedure locally, marking the first such case under the new law. Schools: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath warns bullying and vaping remain major concerns, urging students to speak out. Climate Watch: CIMH and UWI warn of worsening drought and heat risks into 2027, with Trinidad and Tobago facing more hot-spell days. Sports & Culture: Trinbago Knight Riders retire Dwayne Bravo’s No. 47 jersey; Tyrese Spicer scores again in MLS; and Tobago’s Shania Phillips eyes a regional tourism youth title. Business & Investment: Finance Minister Tancoo meets Scotiabank executives to discuss investment opportunities and strengthening ties.

Independence Day Message: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged Trinidad and Tobago to “put country first” and stop blaming the colonial past, saying the nation had a strong start in 1962 but must own post-Independence decisions. Children’s Life Fund Milestone: The CLFA marked progress after July 2025 amendments, enabling a specialist procedure to be done locally at EWMSC for a child with life-limiting illness. Independence Security Boost: TTPS and partners heightened measures after an unverified late-Friday threat report, with extra patrols and counter-drone steps planned for Port-of-Spain and other no-fly zones. Drones Banned: TTCAA reminded the public that drones are prohibited in designated areas and around airports, helipads, crowds and public events. Tobago Fireworks: Tobago’s THA-funded Independence fireworks were delayed by procurement issues, but private sponsors will cover a show. CPL & Local Sports: Trinbago Knight Riders retired Dwayne Bravo’s No. 47 jersey, honouring his CPL legacy as player and coach. Business & Tourism: CGA highlighted its long-running coconut-based manufacturing roots as T&T marks 64 years; Tobago’s Frankie Tours boat that sank will return only after a new survey. Regional Watch: Floods and landslides in the Philippines have killed over 30, while a tropical wave near the Caribbean is expected to bring downpours.

Independence Security: With just a day to go to T&T’s 64th Independence Day, TTPS has boosted security after an unverified threat report targeting embassies, diplomatic facilities and government buildings, with senior officers told to step up patrols and work with intelligence partners. Drone Crackdown: The TTCAA has reiterated that drones are banned in Port-of-Spain and other designated no-fly zones, including strict distance and altitude limits, while TTPS will run counter-drone measures for the parade, cultural show and fireworks. Tobago Fireworks: Tobago’s THA-funded fireworks display has been cancelled due to procurement delays, but private sponsors have stepped in to fund a “grand” show. Water Woes Debate: East Trinidad communities facing unreliable water supply are reigniting arguments over whether the problem is political victimisation or long-running WASA failures. Food Import Pressure: As the food import bill sits near $7 billion, three youth agri programmes have been left idle after being discontinued, leaving nearly 1,500 graduates uncertain. Legal T&TEC Move: T&TEC has filed a lawsuit against Port-of-Spain South MP Keith Scotland and a chamber attorney over alleged professional negligence tied to efforts to recover unpaid electricity charges. Sport: Tyriq Springer thanks supporters after a historic UCI downhill ride, and Kale Dalla Costa adds another ITF gold with a dominant singles win.

Independence Security: Police say Monday’s 64th Independence Day celebrations have a “very low” threat level, with 222 officers on the parade and 400+ on contingency support, plus a cultural programme and silent fireworks. Budget 2026/27: Government remains tight-lipped on the Budget date and details, while stakeholders push for a cautious, stability-focused plan. Local Politics: Keith Rowley urges “common sense” and a speedy fix to the PNM’s San Fernando East dispute. Prison Crackdown: Officers at the Maximum Security Prison seized 14 phones, 285 packs of cigarettes and plant-like contraband, with investigations ongoing. Food Fraud: Three men were arrested over a $41,000 sausage scam after posing as supermarket representatives. Environment & Community: Planning Minister Swaratsingh backs continued funding for the annual International Coastal Clean-Up. Sports & Culture: Tobago U-16s and PowerGen share honours in the Global Cricket Series; T&T mourns steelpan icons Sterling Betancourt and Robbie Greenidge.

Independence Day Security: Police and Defence Force leaders say threat levels are “very low” ahead of Monday’s 64th Independence Day, with 222 officers on parade and 400+ more on standby, plus traffic and parking restrictions and a cultural programme including steelpan, tassa and silent fireworks. Budget Watch: Government kept the 2026/27 Budget date and details under wraps, with stakeholders pushing for controlled spending and more focus on non-energy growth and easier business conditions. CARICOM Row: CARICOM Chair PM Philip J. Pierre updated progress in the dispute over the CARICOM Secretary-General appointment process, with leaders seeking a legal advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice. Tobago Policing Boost: Three new joint police-military security posts are being welcomed in Plymouth, Signal Hill and Goodwood, aimed at improving response times and community safety. Local Business & Tech: Ocho Rios entrepreneur Kingsley Jair Harrison’s AI-powered SnapTap platform is gaining traction across 10 countries, helping small businesses manage marketing, sales and customer services in one place. Sports: Trinbago Knight Riders’ CPL start worsened after a 36-run loss to St Lucia Kings. Environment & Coastlines: Young volunteers joined a Chaguaramas clean-up, urging beachgoers to properly dispose of garbage to protect marine life. Earthquake: A 4.6 magnitude quake was recorded northeast of Trinidad and Tobago with no immediate damage reported.

CPL & Sport Development: Sport Minister Phillip Watts met TKR and CPL chiefs to strengthen cricket’s role in youth engagement, national pride and tourism, with matches continuing at the Queen’s Park Oval. Public Safety & Security: TTPrS intercepted a throw-over at Port of Spain Prison, finding plant-like material resembling marijuana, cigarette lighters and wrapping papers; investigations continue. Major Disruption Alert: Police will strictly enforce no-parking around the Queen’s Park Savannah for Independence Day parade and celebrations, with motorists warned and routes/park-and-ride options being explored. T&T in the Region: A 4.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded northeast of Trinidad and Tobago at about 45 km depth, with no immediate damage reports. Crime & Justice: Scarborough Magistrates’ Court was evacuated after a bomb threat later confirmed false, as police investigate links to earlier threats. Economy & Tech: Opposition ex-finance minister Colm Imbert warned government wage promises could strain public finances, while an AI agency, Intel­liCo, launched an ERP platform aimed at making Caribbean firms more competitive. Culture & Community: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” turns CPL moments into donations and support for local causes, including TT$200 per TKR six for persons with disabilities.

Public Safety: Scarborough Magistrates’ Court in Tobago was evacuated after a second bomb threat in just over a week; police later said it was false, with investigations continuing into threats reportedly sent via the same email. Crime & Justice: Government says it will deploy new technology to intensify the fight against child pornography, aiming to identify people involved in viewing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Infrastructure Watch: The Revitalisation Blueprint is still stuck in procurement, despite earlier promises of some projects starting in August 2026. Water & Utilities: Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales alleges WASA quietly hiked plumbing inspectorate fees by up to 700% effective July 1, while also challenging PolSC over failure to recommend an acting Commissioner of Police during the CoP’s absence. Sports & Events: GT3 cars return to Bushy Park for the first head-to-head racing weekend; Trinidad and Tobago also finished 11th in both boys’ U19 and U15 table tennis events at the ITTF-Americas Youth Championships. Culture & Diaspora: Brooklyn’s Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day parade was cancelled days before it was set to march, after NYPD denied the permit. Tourism & Travel: Caribbean Airlines finalised a direct Toronto-to-Tobago flight, timed to begin after the new ANR Robinson Airport terminal opens.

Caribbean Culture Abroad: Buju Banton and Trinidad’s soca star Kes Dieffenthaller have been named honorary grand marshals for New York’s 59th Caribbean Carnival Week and Parade on Labour Day, Sept. 7, in Brooklyn under the “One Caribbean” theme. Local Governance & Services: Tobago’s school repair programme is under fire after the Chief Secretary said the Division of Education is moving too late, with work not clearly started despite released funds. Disaster & Agriculture: Storm impacts from Luis, Maymay and Neneng, worsened by the southwest monsoon, have pushed agricultural losses to P2.32B and affected nearly 70,000 farmers. Energy Outlook: Energy economist Gregory McGuire says T&T could see a more meaningful natural gas turnaround in 2027, but not a quick return to peak levels. SME & Money Skills: A new push highlights how leadership mindset affects SME financing growth, while another guide explains practical ways to receive money from abroad using PayPal-linked Wam/Sen­dana setups. Infrastructure & Jobs (Tobago): THA has terminated contracts for over 1,000 ten-on, ten-off infrastructure workers, with the Chief Secretary pointing to staffing gaps and a push to fill vacancies.

Independence 64th Parade: Trinidad and Tobago’s 64th Independence celebrations will feature about 500 synchronised drones, a military parade and silent fireworks at the Queen’s Park Savannah, with police warning of traffic restrictions and urging a proud, violence-free celebration. Local Emergency Services: Princes Town Fire Station has reopened at 12–14 King Street, restoring 24-hour fire and emergency response for 56 communities after more than two years offline. School Support Pressure: Parents say the school supplies and book grant is still stuck in processing as the September 7 term start nears, with no clear payment date given. Politics & Allegations: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says he has “shocking” documents tied to PNM corruption claims but won’t say how he got them, as the San Fernando East dispute heats up. Tobago Labour Impact: THA scraps the 10-days work programme, sending 1,000 ten-on/ten-off workers home, while officials cite staffing and vacancy issues. Sports & Culture: Trinidad and Tobago’s young athletes shone at the World Masters in South Korea, while Flow’s CPL “Every Six Gives Back” initiative turns sixes into community support. Public Safety: Police are investigating burnt skeletal remains found near Longdenville, with gold teeth among key identification clues.

Police Investigation: Burnt skeletal remains were found in dense bushland near Sewa Drive, Todd’s Road, Longdenville, with investigators asking the public to help identify the person; police say gold teeth and items including footwear and tyre parts were recovered. Aviation Update: Caribbean Airlines will stop direct Trinidad/Tobago–Barbados return flights from September 2, with booked passengers re-accommodated on alternative same-day connections. Regional Trade: A new study says Curaçao–T&T trade is still under 1% of Curaçao’s total, but both sides see room to expand via a possible new trade agreement. Business & Healthcare: Lord’s Mark Industries and ARKALL Holdings plan pathology labs and healthcare expansion across 28 Caribbean markets, starting with Trinidad and Tobago. Culture & Tourism: Trinidad & Tobago’s film and creative push is highlighted during a Carnival Catwalk master class on taking local content to international audiences. Sports Spotlight: Stern John has been appointed Grenada’s senior men’s coach, with his first match set for September 25.

Tobago Cepep Shift: Community-based environmental workers in Tobago are demanding higher pay as the programme transitions from park beautification to farming, with staff complaining about limited communication and uncertainty over salary changes. PNM Corruption Claims: Government ministers say police should look into corruption allegations raised by San Fernando East MP Brian Manning against PNM figures, arguing the claims shouldn’t be treated as internal party matters. Local Sports Milestones: Aubrey David marked his 100th appearance for Guatemalan champions CSD Municipal, while Marcus Joseph has joined India’s Real Kashmir for a third spell. Banking Stability: S&P Global reaffirmed First Citizens’ investment-grade rating, citing strong capital and liquidity despite Trinidad and Tobago’s fragile recovery. Land Digitisation: The Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs is moving to digitise land services with UNDP support to speed up access to ownership, valuation and transaction information. Independence & Utilities Row: Former minister Marvin Gonzales criticised T&TEC’s plan for employees to wear yellow polo shirts days before Independence Day. Weather Impacts: A storm in southwest Trinidad damaged homes, with roofs reportedly blown off in Siparia. Regional Tech Push: A regional AI specialist urged Caribbean leaders to adopt AI for public safety, education and streamlined services.

Local Crime: Police are investigating the early Monday killing of 49-year-old Kumar Balkissoon in Wallerfield, Arima, after 9mm cartridge casings were recovered at the scene. Education & Safety: TTUTA Tobago says there’s little sign repairs have started at several schools despite the new term set to begin in under two weeks. Defence Force Discipline: The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force will hold its first court martial in four years, tied to a revived cold case of alleged sexual misconduct involving a corporal. Politics: The PNM’s San Fernando East constituency executive has resigned amid internal tensions, with party leaders moving to set interim arrangements and elections. Labour & Industry: OWTU’s UTT branch is calling for the removal of UTT executive chairman Prof Selwyn Cudjoe over wage settlement comments, while NATUC urges the PM to reconsider refusing talks with the steel workers’ union over the Point Lisas reopening. Energy & Economy: Shell has shelved its Aphrodite offshore gas project after failing to agree commercial terms with NGC, even as T&T’s forex reserves reportedly hit a 25-month high. Tourism & Public Life: Tourism says road signage will be improved to help locals and visitors find attractions, hospitals and key sites. Independence Concerns: Animal rights groups are urging zoo management to speak out about fireworks during Independence Day celebrations and the parade’s planned relocation closer to the zoo.

Independence & Public Safety: TTPS says bomb threats across Trinidad and Tobago have prompted stepped-up security at courts and government sites, with EDDU teams checking locations named in the latest reports. Labour & Industry: NATUC is urging the PM to reconsider refusing talks with the Steel Workers’ Union over the Point Lisas ArcelorMittal restart, arguing organised labour must be consulted. Education & Tobago Schools: TTUTA Tobago says it has seen no evidence of repairs at Tobago schools ahead of the Sept 7 reopening. University Workers: OWTU’s UTT branch calls for executive chairman Prof Selwyn Cudjoe’s removal over the wage dispute and his comments about UTT’s finances. Politics: PNM deputy leader Sanjiv Boodhu says no evidence was presented to support corruption allegations in the San Fernando East dispute involving Brian Manning and Patricia Alexis. Culture & Community: Fireworks Use Sufferers urges Zoo management to speak out on Independence fireworks and questions moving the parade closer to the zoo. International Spotlight: Canada tightens visa scrutiny for Caribbean CBI passport holders, stressing document accuracy and stronger identity checks. Sports & Pride: Miss World T&T Georgia-Lee Gill secures a Top 40 spot after winning the Americas and Caribbean Head-to-Head challenge.

Public Safety: TTPS says it’s on high alert after multiple bomb threats across Trinidad and Tobago, with security boosted at courts and government buildings and EDDU teams checking reported sites. Fireworks Rules: With Independence Day near, police remind the public that permits are required, scratch bombs are banned, and fireworks are only allowed on Aug. 31 between 8pm–9pm—outside that window fines can reach $450, while scratch-bomb penalties are far higher. Tobago Death Investigation: A 45-year-old man, Ravi Seelochan, was found floating near Nylon Pool and taken to Scarborough Mortuary for an autopsy; police are investigating, with reports he was last seen intoxicated at No Man’s Land. Weather & Landslides: MGB warns 106 Cordillera barangays are at high landslide risk as heavy rain continues, urging monitoring and possible evacuations. Water Security (Regional): St Kitts and Nevis reports a major breakthrough after drilling a new groundwater well in Saddlers, with safe-yield testing underway. Trade & Tourism: Minister Satyakama Maharaj leads a 25-company T&T delegation to Canada for the Beyond Borders trade and investment mission. Culture & Diaspora: Spotify launches “Carnival Sounds Live” with Notting Hill Carnival, while Machel Montano’s Brooklyn Public Library exhibition celebrates his soca legacy. Sports: Rio Cardines impresses on his Bristol City debut, and Tobago’s darts and football stories continue to draw local attention.