AGP Executive Report

Local Government Reform: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles accuses the Government of trying to “steal an election” by redrawing municipal boundaries as legislation moves to create three new boroughs in UNC strongholds and adjust PNM-controlled areas. Municipal Push: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the changes are needed to modernise local government and better match today’s communities, with three new municipalities proposed for Barataria, St Augustine and Couva, and Chaguanas eyed for city status. Jobs at Risk: Nutrien says it will indefinitely shut its Point Lisas nitrogen operations, citing natural gas constraints and uncertainty, while the Energy Chamber warns of major job losses, export and revenue impacts. Labour Pressure: Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots’ Association demands over $20m owed to pilots ahead of Budget 2027. Sports & Culture: Pan Trinbago threatens to boycott Tobago Carnival over a $1.7m debt, while T&T’s Soca Warriors are confirmed relegated to League B after a 1-1 draw with Curaçao. Community & Youth: Three innovation groups sign the “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter, and young people gain hands-on agricultural skills through the AFRHA programme. International: The US and partners, including Trinidad and Tobago, accuse Iran and proxies of terrorist and malign activities across the Western Hemisphere.

Local Flooding & Displacement: Heavy rains hit Cedros, leaving residents marooned and losing belongings as floodwaters surged fast. Homelessness in Public Spaces: More people are sleeping rough in Port of Spain and San Fernando, with no clear new statistics but growing visibility. Local Government Overhaul: Government plans to expand municipal corporations from 14 to 17, creating new boroughs including Barataria, St Augustine and Couva. CONCACAF Nations League Fallout: T&T drew Curaçao 1-1 but were relegated to League B again, with Luke Phillip scoring in a depleted squad. Sports Injuries: Tyrese Spicer’s successful foot surgery adds to T&T’s injury woes ahead of further Nations League matches. Defamation Ruling: Guardian Media ordered to pay over $327,000 to Tobago businessman Allan Warner and his son after a defamatory quarrying article. Weather Alert: TTMS issued a Yellow-Level adverse weather alert for western Trinidad for heavy showers, flash flooding and gusty winds. Energy & Jobs: Nutrien is shutting down Point Lisas nitrogen operations, with retrenchment expected to begin. Business & Investment: BancAtlantic Capital will hold a Caribbean outreach event in T&T on Oct 7, as SLB remains optimistic about the energy sector. Culture & Mourning: The Mighty Sparrow is being honoured in New York and Trinidad with state-assisted funeral plans.

Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Hundreds gathered in Queens, New York, to celebrate the life of calypso legend Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died at 91, as family and Caribbean figures reflected on his humility and global impact. PNM Tobago Politics: The PNM Tobago Council is rocked by resignations after chairman Nicole Henry-Waldron quit the party and youth officer Carlesia McEwen stepped down, citing internal divisions and a damaging “ripple effect” on supporters. Cabinet Portfolio Reassignment: Reactions are mixed to the Prime Minister’s ministerial reassignments, with former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine calling it routine portfolio optimisation, not a demotion. Cycling Selection Fix: The Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation reversed an earlier decision and named Teniel Campbell for the women’s Points Race at the 2026 Track World Championships in Shanghai. Public Health Reality Check: A new discussion challenges “move more” messaging, arguing physical activity advice often ignores the difference between leisure choice and work-related necessity. CARICOM Free Movement: Regional leaders warn small states face real hurdles in implementing full freedom of movement, citing capacity limits and border-control anxieties. Air Connectivity Boost: Caribbean Airlines announced a new Tobago–Toronto non-stop service and the resumption of Trinidad–Caracas flights.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Caribbean Airlines will launch a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service from Oct. 25 and resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct. 31, adding more regional connectivity ahead of the winter travel rush. PNM Tobago Politics: PNM Tobago Council leader Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis urged “no room for complacency” after Nicole Henry-Waldron quit the party and stepped down as chairman, with Petal Daniel-Benoit set to take over. Budget Pressure Points: As the Oct. 12 National Budget nears, unions are pushing for wage settlements and backpay while economists warn deficits could worsen strain; agriculture consultants also want spending judged by results, not just allocations. Food Prices & FX Debate: Analysts are calling for an exchange-rate review amid ongoing foreign-currency shortages, with retailers pointing to external shocks driving grocery costs. Crime & Security: A new review of US ATF tracing data says nearly three-quarters of firearms recovered in T&T and submitted for tracing in 2025 were linked to the US market. Culture: Trinidad and Tobago continues tributes to Mighty Sparrow, with state-assisted funeral plans and public celebrations in San Fernando.

Cabinet Realignment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Sep. 30 portfolio changes aim to boost efficiency and cut costs, with key responsibilities shifting to Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein, including housing programmes and hydrographic surveys. Tobago Politics: PNM Tobago chairman Nicole Henry-Waldrond has quit the party, with Petal Daniel-Benoit set to take over as chair. Budget Pressure on Workers: Unions are pushing wage settlements, back-pay and job support ahead of the Oct. 12 budget, even as economists warn another deficit could strain the economy. Aviation & Tourism Boost: Caribbean Airlines will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights on Oct. 31 and launch a weekly Tobago–Toronto service from Oct. 25, plus Panama charters. Gambling Legal Step: The Senate unanimously passed the Remote Gambling Order, creating a legal framework for remote betting. Culture & Mourning: Trinidad will hold a state-assisted funeral for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with condolences books opening nationwide. Crime & Safety: Police searched a Claxton Bay landfill after buckets of what appeared to be human body parts were found.

Cabinet Watch: Patriotic Front leader Mickela Panday is questioning the rationale behind Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Sept. 30 Cabinet portfolio realignment, saying it’s a “Cabinet re-alignment” not a reshuffle, with housing and state entities among the major shifts. Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines says it will resume Trinidad–Caracas commercial flights on Oct. 31, and launch a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service from Oct. 25, plus Trinidad–Panama charters from Dec. 1—moves aimed at boosting travel, trade and passenger choice. Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers announced T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for Couva Children’s Hospital equipment. Gambling Law: The Senate unanimously cleared legislation to allow licensed remote gambling, setting up a regulated online framework. Culture: The Government confirmed a state-assisted funeral for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with condolence books opening across T&T. Public Safety: Police are investigating buckets of what appeared to be human body parts found at the Claxton Bay landfill.

Diplomacy & Security: Former T&T high commissioner Dave Persad says PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is “grovelling” too far in courting the US, warning pragmatism must not come at the country’s dignity. Oil & Safety: OSHA is consulting government, employers and unions on new oil rig safety rules covering integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence. Parliament & Economy: The Senate unanimously cleared legislation paving the way for licensed remote online gambling, while economists warn there’s likely no “windfall” in the Oct. 12 Budget as wage and debt obligations mount. Culture & National Mourning: The government confirmed a state-assisted funeral for calypso icon the Mighty Sparrow, with Calypso History Month set to begin in his memory and condolence books opening nationwide. Transport & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct. 31 and launch a weekly Tobago–Toronto nonstop from Oct. 25. Crime: A WPC was arrested after an alleged $100,000 cash robbery linked to deposits at the Treasury. Sports & Society: Hailey Pysadee won Miss India Worldwide 2026 on home soil, while Guyana’s delegates also swept top-three finishes at the Miss, Mrs & Teen India Worldwide 2026 pageant in T&T.

Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines will add a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service from Oct. 25, resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct. 31, and run charter flights to Panama from Dec. 1 to Feb. 9—boosting winter travel and business links. Public Safety & Crime: Police in North Central Division report rising murders, sexual offences, home invasions and fraud since the start of the year, urging residents to take precautions and work with station councils. Gender-Based Violence: Dwayne Bravo called on men in T&T to speak out against abuse of women after a viral video showed a man attacking a woman in a vehicle. Environment & Youth: Scouts recycled nearly 100,000 plastic bottles into 10 park benches across north-west Trinidad, turning waste into durable public seating. Culture & Community: Jade Monkey Carnival cancelled its Tobago Carnival J’ouvert presentation “Rise of the Empire,” citing climate and operational challenges, while confirming it will still contribute through its main event. International Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago became the first Shield of the Americas member to adopt Washington’s list of 25 “narco-terrorist” organisations.

Public Safety & Crime: Police in the North Central Division say murders, sexual offences, home invasions and fraud are up this year, urging residents to stay alert after a body was found on Trantrill Road, St Augustine. Violence & Recovery: In Tobago, relatives of Nicoya Bernard-Paul say her disabled son has been discharged after the Signal Hill attack and fire that also claimed the stepfather’s life; counselling is being sought. Weather Disruption: A thunderstorm battered northwest Trinidad, downing trees, damaging roofs and knocking out power in parts of the country; crews are working to restore full service. Local Governance: La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan has banned smuggled vegetables at markets after illegally imported broccoli was found, with inspections, confiscations and possible prosecutions. Economy & Jobs: Massy is selling its Caterpillar line of business in T&T in a US$16m deal, citing a strategic fit for the buyer but warning of a major loss tied largely to severance. Culture: The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum is closing its Penny Bank venue from Oct 1 due to funding shortfalls, while calypso fraternity leaders continue tributes to the Mighty Sparrow. Labour Market: The Central Bank reports unemployment rising to 5.4% in Q1 2026 and notes mixed sector performance. Digital Payments: T&T is set to roll out India’s UPI-style real-time payments platform. Sports & Society: Bars in San Fernando are bracing for sales impacts from proposed age-limit and penalty changes for alcohol, gambling and cannabis.

Substance Use in Tobago: New research says 34.6% of Form Four and Five students in Tobago reported lifetime alcohol use, with 11.7% reporting marijuana use, as Government moves to raise the legal age for alcohol, cannabis and gambling. Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Condolence books are open across T&T for calypso legend Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, and the State will provide an official state-assisted funeral, with dates and details to be set. Climate Writing Win: Trinidad and Tobago’s Priya Ramdeo placed second in a CARICOM youth climate short story competition for “Mas For The Living Sea.” Oil Rig Safety Rules: OSHA held consultations with Government, the energy sector and unions to shape new oil rig safety regulations. Vaping Age Restrictions: Attorney General John Jeremie piloted a bill that would add vaping to tighter age rules and require IDs for tobacco and alcohol, plus limits on club membership and under-25 gambling. Business & Jobs: Massy sold its Caterpillar business in T&T to MA-CORP, and Nestlé will shift its local distribution model in January 2027 with Massy Distribution Division becoming its main distributor. Cost of Living: A review of grocery pricing suggests some supermarket promotions are not delivering the same savings as before, with notable increases in items like juices and soda.

State Funeral for Mighty Sparrow: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin says calypso legend Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco will get a state-assisted funeral, with condolence books opening across Trinidad and Tobago and a national tribute planned. Domestic Abuse Crackdown: TTPS is investigating a viral video showing alleged abuse and urges the public not to share it; a psychologist warns abuse is never “ordinary relationship conflict.” Parliament Moves on Youth Laws: The Miscellaneous Provisions Bill passed in the House includes remote gambling changes and raises alcohol, cannabis and tobacco age limits, with Attorney General John Jeremie outlining proposed ID requirements for purchases and entry to gambling spots. Remote Gambling Order: Finance Minister Daven­d­ranath Tancoo says the Remote Gambling Order 2026 passed with Government and Opposition support, while critics warn of addiction risks. Tourism Jobs for Trainees: YTEPP and TIATT sign an MOU to place trainees into tourism work. Regional Security Push: OAS calls for full deployment of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, with Trinidad and Tobago among signatories. Business & Connectivity: EllaLink advances its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, aiming to link islands via a carrier-neutral submarine system. Local Safety Incident: A Signal Hill woman is recovering after an alleged neck attack and house fire that killed her husband; her disabled son was rescued.

Drug Policy & Youth Health: Psychologist Sarah Subhan backs the Government’s proposed rise in the legal age for alcohol and drug use, saying it aligns with research on adolescent brain development and decision-making. Crime & Security: TTPS destroyed 8.3 tonnes of illegal narcotics worth over $1.6 billion, while PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar vowed to target the “local drug mafia” and disrupt their financial and distribution networks. Terror Designations: Under the US-led Shield of the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago has been named as the first Caribbean country to designate 25 criminal groups as foreign terrorist organisations. Local Governance & Accountability: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles warns the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill could weaken safeguards and “gut the Treasury.” Business & Jobs: Owner Dealers Association questions whether crime measures will work, warning movement restrictions could hit already-strained businesses. Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines adds 7,000 seats for Tobago Carnival, and tourism winter season expectations point to stronger airlift. Regional & Culture: Tributes continue for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, described as the region’s “voice” and cultural compass. International Trade: Canada says tariff-free access is opening doors for more T&T businesses. Sports: Liberty Caribbean appoints Jason Julien as Trinidad and Tobago country manager and VP.

Calypso & Culture: Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the death of calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco at 91, with tributes spanning Parliament, Tobago’s community memories, and cultural groups reflecting on his lasting impact on Caribbean music and identity. Public Safety & Policing: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarra says since new micro-policing units launched, 8 people have been arrested and 387 mobile patrols plus 78 foot patrols were carried out, alongside drug destruction at Caroni. Politics & Governance: UWI law professor Rajendra Ramlogan questions whether T&T still needs an appointed Senate, as debate continues over the role of independent senators and government stance after recent Upper House controversy. Court Watch: PM Dr Godwin Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Bramble faced cross-examination over dual citizenship eligibility in election petition hearings. Economy & Business: ANSA Merchant Bank announced a restructuring to consolidate banking under ANSA Bank and create a holding company for wealth and insurance. Tobago Tourism & Labour: Magdalena Grand workers report frustration over repeated salary delays. Youth, Health & Skills: DCDSP and UNFPA launched a CSE train-the-trainer workshop in Tobago to strengthen local capacity for sexuality education.

Business Leadership: Jason Julien has been appointed Vice President and T&T Country Manager for Liberty Caribbean, tasked with driving the company’s commercial and financial performance in its second-largest market. Workplace & Safety Culture: AMCHAM T&T is marking 30 years of HSSE advocacy with its 30th annual HSSE Conference and Exhibition on Oct. 27-28, with cyber and tech-responsibility now firmly in the mix. Digital Security for Local Firms: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum for SMEs and creative industries, warning that breaches can hit finances, reputations and even national security. Social Programme Rollout: The Ministry of the People has set up a steering committee for Guy Talk Trinidad and Tobago, a 30-day WhatsApp programme promoting healthy masculinity and support for men. Youth Protection Law Moves: Government proposes raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21, while cannabis and gambling would rise to 25. Energy Update: NGC says it has executed final agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in 2Q 2027. Regional Security: T&T has joined the US in designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations under the Shield of the Americas. Culture & National Mourning: Tributes continue for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with regional leaders and Parliament recalling his unifying impact. Sports: Caribbean teams finished lower than hoped at the 46th Chess Olympiad, with Trinidad and Tobago placing 123rd in the Open.

Flooding & weather: Torrential rain hit Port-of-Spain and western Trinidad, triggering street flooding and traffic slowdowns as TTMS keeps a hot spell alert through Oct. 31. Drugs & security: The Defence Force intercepted a boat and seized 11 bags of marijuana, arresting three Venezuelans. Terror-listing move: The US Embassy says T&T is the first Shield of the Americas country to designate 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations. Politics & Senate row: LATT urged PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to withdraw “satanic” remarks about independent senators after the Special Operations Bill passed 16-15 on Wade Mark’s casting vote; Senator Phillip Alexander pushed back on LATT’s call. Culture: Senators marked the death of calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco with a minute’s silence, while Gypsy Peters called for an official funeral. Digital payments: T&T is set to become the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s UPI, with implementation being pursued under an agreement with India’s payments body. Business: ANSA Merchant Bank announced a restructure plan targeting Jan. 1, 2027.

National Security & Crime Fight: TTDF intercepted a local vessel off Barranconnes Point carrying 11 crocus bags of suspected plant-like material, with support from intelligence, immigration and customs. Parliament Watch: Bridgid Annisette-George rejected claims that her 2017 casting votes set a precedent for Senate President Wade Mark’s deciding vote on the Special Operations Bill. Road Safety: TTPS warned against the “dare” trend where schoolchildren sit in roadways, saying it’s reckless and will be investigated. Consumer Protection: Trade Ministry and TATT signed an MoU to streamline telecom and broadcasting complaints, share complaint trends, and run public education campaigns. Regional Payments: CARICOM central banks advanced the Caricom Payment and Settlement System (CAPSS) for faster cross-border payments in local currencies. Diplomacy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said further engagement with Venezuela will include reciprocal visits and delegations on trade, energy, culture and tourism. Culture: Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean mourned calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who died at 91 in New York, prompting tributes from leaders and artists.