AGP Executive Report

Missing Fishermen: Families are clinging to hope a week after Tobago fishermen David McLean and Kester Alexander disappeared at sea; local-water searches have been called off, and their boat remains missing. Health Services: Nurses warn they may take action without notice over unpaid wage arrears, while other Regional Health Authority workers say they are still on 2013 salaries. Public Services: Security firms say WASA owes them $75 million and warn they cannot guarantee officers will keep working without pay. State Assets: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is defending plans to sell or divest four state enterprises, citing Lake Asphalt’s decline; critics are calling for a clear case for sale over restructuring. Scrap Metal: Yards have been told to suspend operations after the industry’s temporary legal extension expired, leaving workers and businesses awaiting new licensing rules. Tobago Carnival: Pan Trinbago has ended its boycott after the THA settled outstanding payments; its October 31 event will honour Mighty Sparrow. Sparrow’s Farewell: A public procession and national tribute for the calypso legend take place in Port of Spain today. Tobago Policing: Goodwood Micro Police Post has closed temporarily over an infrastructure problem, just one day after its official opening.

Budget and Economy: Economists questioned the 2027 Budget’s projections as businesses called for delivery on its promises. A warning that new gas projects alone will not end the foreign-exchange shortage renewed calls to diversify exports. Tobago Tourism: The new ANR Robinson terminal is open, while the THA expects 60,000 Carnival visitors and says it has reduced festival debt to about $5 million. The Tobago Chamber welcomed a fairer funding formula but urged transparent spending. State Assets: The Government plans to seek proposals for the Hilton Trinidad, Magdalena resort and National Quarries, saying the State cannot keep subsidising loss-making companies. It says the refinery has a strategic role and remains on track for a phased restart. Energy Safety: A crane operator was discharged from hospital after Wednesday’s incident at Perenco’s Samaan Alpha platform. Business: Republic Financial Holdings vice-president Richard Sammy has left the group, weeks before he was due to become its CEO. Culture: Trinidad and Tobago prepares to bid farewell to the Mighty Sparrow at his state-assisted funeral on Friday.

Offshore Fatality: A worker died after a crane collapsed at Perenco’s Samaan field. Operations were suspended as the incident is investigated. State Asset Sales: Plans to sell Hilton Trinidad, Magdalena, National Quarries and LABIDCO have raised fears of a “fire sale”; Hilton workers say they are anxious about their jobs and conditions. Tobago Tourism: Passengers praised the new ANR Robinson Airport terminal, while stakeholders welcomed a planned $500 million Marriott resort expected to create more than 500 jobs. Tobago Representation: Two senators have questioned the Government’s proposal to guarantee Tobago two independent Senate seats, including its timing and motives. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sean Sobers is representing T&T at US–Caricom talks in Washington amid debate over the region’s ties with major powers. Economic Diversification: Economists say T&T must grow non-energy exports, tourism and local production rather than rely on gas alone. Sparrow’s Legacy: Fans and diplomats paid tribute to the calypso legend at NAPA ahead of Friday’s state-assisted funeral.

Tobago Airport: The new $1.2 billion ANR Robinson International Airport terminal has opened, with Caribbean Airlines moving Tobago flights to the facility and hopes high for tourism growth. Budget and Refinery: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s $63.4 billion Budget 2027 proposes a phased restart of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery and VAT on foreign streaming services. Tobago’s reduced allocation has drawn criticism from THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, while the Prime Minister proposes guaranteeing Tobago two Independent Senate seats. Manufacturing: The TTMA welcomed the budget’s focus on exports and diversification but says delayed VAT refunds are tying up funds businesses need to invest and grow. Maritime Safety: An inquiry heard the sunken MV Barima’s emergency beacon was not registered with the satellite search-and-rescue system, leaving officials unable to identify the vessel or contact its owner promptly.

Budget and Bills: Trinidad and Tobago’s TT$63.4 billion 2027 budget has prompted debate over a proposed 12.5% VAT on foreign digital services from March 2027 and a five-cent electricity surcharge for households using more than 3,000 kWh. Experts say consumers may face higher subscription costs, while the Opposition questions the surcharge’s legality. Tobago Development: The new East Terminal at A.N.R. Robinson International Airport has opened, with capacity for up to three million passengers a year. A privately financed TT$500 million Marriott resort is also planned at Rocky Point, with completion expected by 2029 and hundreds of jobs projected. Energy: The Government says it is assessing investor proposals for a phased restart of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, while ExxonMobil has completed its ultra-deepwater seismic survey and is analysing potential drilling targets. Labour: Angostura workers rejected a 4% wage offer, and union leaders are pressing ahead with an October 30 march over pay disputes and unresolved backpay. Community Safety: Three new police posts in Tobago, at Signal Hill, Goodwood and Plymouth, are now operational.

2027 Budget: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled a TT$63.4 billion plan, forecasting a TT$3.64 billion deficit. It includes TT$250 increases to grants for pensioners, people with disabilities and public-assistance families, but education funding falls by TT$743 million. Business groups welcomed some measures but said delivery will matter. New Charges: From 2027, households using more than 3,000 kWh per two-month billing period will pay a surcharge; a 12.5% VAT on foreign digital services, including streaming subscriptions, is planned for March 1. Energy: Government plans to reopen the Petrotrin refinery, closed in 2018 after heavy losses and debt, with the finance minister presenting it as a source of jobs and fuel security. Tobago Travel: Caribbean Airlines shifts all Tobago flights to ANR Robinson Airport’s new East Terminal from October 14; passengers must follow new liquid limits for hand luggage. Mighty Sparrow: Public viewings for the calypso legend begin at SAPA today and continue at NAPA on October 14, ahead of his national farewell on October 16.

2027 Budget: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled a $63.368 billion spending plan, with a projected $3.639 billion deficit. Senior citizens, disability and public assistance grants rise by $250 a month from January, while a proposed 12.5% VAT on foreign digital services could raise streaming costs from March. Tobago Funding: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the island’s allocation falls to $2.756 billion, with capital development funding cut by a quarter to $150 million. Public Services: Education funding drops by $743 million to $8.033 billion, and nurses’ representatives say the budget offers no clarity on promised wage increases or arrears. Tobago Airport: Caribbean Airlines flights move to ANR Robinson’s new East Terminal from October 14; passengers should check in there. Child Protection: The 13-year-old found after going missing is now in Children’s Authority care, as police urge the public to remove a video identifying her. Trade: A new online ePhyto service aims to cut agricultural export certificate processing times by about 60%.

Missing Child: The Children’s Authority has taken charge of the 13-year-old girl found after 26 days missing, while police investigate the publication of a video that showed her identity. Tobago Airport: The new $1.2 billion ANR Robinson East Terminal opens Tuesday and begins flights Wednesday; Caribbean Airlines says all Tobago services will move there, with new check-in and liquid-screening rules. Search at Sea: Relatives are seeking more help as the search enters its third day for two Tobago fishermen who failed to return from a trip. 2027 Budget: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is due to present a budget estimated at about $63 billion, up from $59.2 billion, amid debate over jobs, living costs and the country’s economic direction. Trade and Agriculture: A new online ePhyto service is expected to cut export certificate processing time by 60 per cent and support non-energy exports. Weather: Heavy showers have brought flooding and wind damage, but drought watches remain as below-average rainfall is forecast. Energy: EnerMech has won a Subsea7 contract for pre-commissioning work on the Ginger offshore development, using locally based staff and equipment.

Budget 2027: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is due to present an estimated $63-billion budget today, up from $59.2 billion. Officials say no fuel-price increase is expected. Unemployed young people and business leaders want more immediate jobs and training as layoffs fuel concern; opposition figures question the Government’s job promises. Disaster Readiness: Flood-affected families say they still face the threat of unsafe homes and costly repeat rebuilding, raising questions about disaster resilience. Tobago: Ahead of the new airport terminal’s opening, a 72-year-old woman displaced by the project says poor construction and financial hardship have left her struggling. Water: Residents say tap water has cleared in Belmont, Woodbrook, St James and San Juan after days of discolouration. Cycling: Jadien Neaves won under-23 gold at the Caribbean road championships, adding to his time-trial silver; three T&T elite riders failed to finish after mechanical problems. Mighty Sparrow: Public viewings are set for October 13 and 14, ahead of the calypsonian’s state-assisted farewell on October 16.

Budget Watch: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is due to present the 2027 budget on Monday, as businesses urge the Government to use any energy windfall for lasting economic gains. The Prime Minister has promised investment and jobs, but workers face fresh uncertainty. Energy and Jobs: Nutrien’s Point Lisas ammonia operations are idle, and Proman’s restructuring has added to job-loss fears. Industry stakeholders are pressing for better gas-supply terms and a plan to revive the sector. Search at Sea: A helicopter has joined the search for two Tobago fishermen missing since Friday after their pirogue was last tracked southwest of the island. Tobago Tourism: The new airport terminal and a sod-turning for a planned 200-room Marriott resort are both scheduled for Tuesday, as officials look to expand visitor capacity. Public Safety: The Police Complaints Authority says it often learns of police shootings through news reports rather than required official notifications. Cultural Farewell: Trinidad and Tobago will honour Mighty Sparrow with public viewings on October 13 and 14 and a state-assisted funeral on October 16.

Tobago Search: A helicopter has joined the search for two fishermen missing since Friday after their boat was last tracked south-west of Tobago; relatives say the Coast Guard had no vessel available. Energy and Jobs: Proman has sent 100 workers home as Nutrien’s Point Lisas ammonia operations remain shut, prompting warnings about the energy sector. EnerMech, meanwhile, has won a subsea services contract for the Ginger offshore project. Public Spending: Aggregate producers urge Government to use expected energy revenues for lasting economic gains, while scrutiny continues over nearly $800 million in police overtime. Policing: The Special Operations rollout depends on human-rights and de-escalation training, and the Police Complaints Authority says it often learns of police shootings through the media. Tobago Development: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is due to open the new airport terminal and attend the start of work on a 200-room Marriott resort. Sparrow Farewell: Trinidad and Tobago will hold a state-assisted funeral for the Mighty Sparrow on October 16.

Fishermen Missing: A private helicopter has joined the search for Tobago fishermen David McLean and Kester Alexander, whose boat was last tracked Friday. Relatives are urging authorities and other fishers to help. Child Safety: Police say a missing girl has been found and is safe. The TTPS is asking the public to remove a video identifying her, warning that sharing it could harm the child and breach the law. Local Government: The Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill has passed the House, proposing new boroughs and city status for Chaguanas. The PNM says it would repeal the law if returned to office. Jobs & Energy: Proman Trinidad has laid off about 100 workers, or 9 per cent of its local workforce, amid wider pressure on the energy sector. Water Supply: Residents continue to report discoloured water. Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales is calling for compensation, while Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath denies claims that treatment-chemical supplies were disrupted. Mighty Sparrow: The calypso icon’s state-assisted funeral is set for October 16 at NAPA, with public viewings October 13 in San Fernando and October 14 in Port of Spain. Unions have moved their planned march to October 23. Food Security: A US-facilitated regional roundtable aims to attract investment in local food production, storage and transport as Trinidad and Tobago seeks to reduce its import bill.

Water Crisis: Residents across Trinidad and Tobago report days of discoloured tap water, with complaints of damaged appliances and laundry. Opposition Whip Marvin Gonzales is calling for compensation; WASA says the water is safe for domestic use, a claim residents dispute. Energy Jobs: Proman Trinidad has cut about 100 jobs, adding to concern over the sector as gas shortages weigh on Point Lisas operations. Police Spending: The TTPS and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defend nearly $800 million in police overtime, citing staffing shortages and crime-fighting efforts; the spending is drawing scrutiny. Political Tensions: The PNM says it would repeal four laws if returned to office, including measures on police operations and municipal government. Persad-Bissessar accuses the Opposition of putting communities at risk. T&T Nationals Abroad: The Foreign Ministry says 110 nationals were affected by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Panama; a Trinidadian couple described escaping a shaking mall. Sparrow Tribute: Mighty Sparrow’s state-assisted funeral is set for October 16, with public viewings in San Fernando and Port of Spain on October 13 and 14. Unions have moved their planned march to October 23.

Mighty Sparrow’s Farewell: The calypso legend’s Celebration of Life is set for October 16 at NAPA, with public viewings at SAPA on October 13 and NAPA on October 14. Enterprise Killing: A 36-year-old man was fatally stabbed after a dispute in Enterprise; police arrested a 40-year-old suspect. Air Links: InterCaribbean Airways plans to increase Trinidad service from four flights a week to daily and add a larger aircraft ahead of Carnival, boosting seats by about 50 per cent. Police Spending: The Commissioner of Police defended the force’s $800 million overtime bill as opposition figures questioned whether the spending is delivering value. Nutrien Shutdown: Workers at the Point Lisas facility are weighing legal action over severance after the fertiliser company announced an indefinite closure. New Age Limits: The Senate passed a bill raising age limits for alcohol, tobacco, gambling and cannabis by a 15–12 vote.

Police Spending: The TTPS paid nearly $794 million in overtime from January 2024 to August 2026, with this year’s bill already topping 2025’s. Commissioner Allister Guevarro says staff shortages drive the cost; critics question the value to taxpayers. Tobago Crime: Five men broke into former tourism secretary Hilton Sandy’s Bacolet Gardens home, stealing cash and other items. The 80-year-old was unharmed; police are investigating. Water Concerns: Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales challenged Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath to drink discoloured WASA water. Padarath accepted, while WASA says the supply is safe for domestic use. Health Services: Scarborough General Hospital has temporarily disrupted surgical services while repairs continue to its operating-theatre cooling system, with work scheduled through October 18. Jobs: Nutrien’s Point Lisas shutdown puts about 350 jobs at risk and raises concerns over exports and State revenue. Cricket: Trinidadian Nicholas Pooran was named Player of the Tournament after a match-winning 67 helped Toronto Sixers claim the Canada Super60 men’s title; Kieron Pollard captained and coached the team.

Health Services: Scarborough General Hospital has suspended elective surgeries after a cooling-system failure left only one of three general operating theatres working. Repairs are under way and are expected to continue through October 18. New Age Limits: The Senate approved raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco use to 21, and gambling and cannabis use to 25. The bill passed 15-12, with support only from Government senators. Water Concerns: Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales challenged the Government’s assurance that discoloured tap water is safe, demanding test results and urging the minister to drink it. Jobs and Energy: Nutrien’s shutdown of its Point Lisas operations puts about 350 jobs at risk and renews concerns about gas supply and the wider energy sector. Local Government: The Government’s plan to redraw municipal boundaries and create smaller authorities faces accusations of political advantage, while ministers say the reforms will improve accountability. Regional Travel: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly direct flights between Trinidad and Dominica, strengthening links for tourism and business. Culture and Creativity: South Florida entrepreneurs have opened businesses in Trinidad to support local artists and connect them with diaspora markets; meanwhile, Leeann Dass won the Woman of the Universe Elite 2026 title in South Korea.