AGP Executive Report

National Security: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says an arrest is “imminent” in the bomb threat investigation after threats triggered heightened checks across courts, a ministry and a shopping plaza. Independence Day Watch: The EMA says there was no breach in Savannah parade site works, including temporary ramps and three Bailey bridges, after public concerns were raised. Housing & Procurement: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander questions the $191M Citrus Close HDC contract, alleging special treatment and arguing the per-apartment cost makes the project financially unsustainable. Child Protection: The Children’s Authority recorded 2,700 child abuse and maltreatment reports in the first half of 2026, down 11.9% from last year, with verbal abuse still flagged. Culture & Community: Tobago youth secretary Keigon DeNoon urges Trini-bad artistes to use music to promote positivity, while Pan on D’Avenue XII is cancelled for now due to funding gaps. Sports & Business: Massy Finance Remittances signs a three-year CPL partnership with Republic Bank MoneyGram, and T&T Under-12 girls win the ITF/COTECC Sub-Region 4 title.

Police & Security: TTPS is investigating multiple bomb threats across courts, a ministry and Valpark Shopping Plaza, with Independence Day parade plans still going ahead as authorities urge calm. Crime & Safety: Police report 210 home invasions this year after three attacks in hours, including a Tobago businessman assaulted during a home invasion. Economy & Finance: Finance Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh says government expects another difficult year while assessing the full extent of indebtedness and funding pressures. Culture & Media: Trinidad’s Carnival Catwalk won Best Entertainment Programme Television at the 57th CBU Awards, with the show also airing on Peacock in the US. Arts & Education: UTT will honour artist Willi Chen posthumously with an honorary doctorate at its November graduation. Local Business: Runway Hotel in Piarco is on the market for $45m. Aviation: A passenger was charged after Customs found a firearm and ammunition at Piarco. Sports (Youth): T&T girls win the ITF/COTECC U-12 sub-region 4 title, booking the next round in Mexico.

Public Safety: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged calm after bomb threats hit 11 locations across Trinidad and Tobago, including eight magistrates’ courts, the Judicial Complex and a shopping plaza, while TTPS and TTFS responded and the Independence Day Parade was confirmed to proceed. Police Leadership: Persad-Bissessar said Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro’s emergency leave was for national security reasons, but she declined to explain further, citing confidentiality. Crime Watch: Police reported 210 home invasions this year after three incidents in hours, including a Tobago businessman assaulted during a home invasion. Immigration Update: 8,000 new passport booklets have arrived early to ease a depleted stock, but delays are expected to continue with some applicants waiting up to ten weeks. Local Culture & Media: UTT will honour cultural icon William “Willi” Chen with a posthumous honorary doctorate, and Guardian Media journalists picked up major recognition at the CBU Media Awards. Sports & Youth: Trinidad and Tobago girls won the ITF/COTECC U-12 final, and the Goodwill Swimming Championships will return to T&T in 2027. Economy & Food Security: Government is moving to boost local poultry breeding and hatchery capacity to reduce reliance on imported chicks and hatching eggs.

Police-Education Partnerships: The TTPS renewed partnership agreements with UWI and the University of the Southern Caribbean, focusing on education, professional development, research and capacity building. Standards & Trade: The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism appointed a new Board for the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, led by Prem Nandlal, to strengthen quality infrastructure and boost competitiveness. World Bank Leadership: Juan Carlos Alvarez was named World Bank country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, tasked with coordinating IBRD, IFC and MIGA work to support jobs and national priorities. Jobs Debate: Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo pushed back on claims of mass unemployment, citing Central Statistical Office figures showing more people employed in Q1 under the UNC than under the PNM. Labour Backpay: NUGFW says about 20,000 daily-rated workers are moving toward wage backpay after Cabinet ratified a 10% wage agreement, with workers expecting payments by December. Tobago Carnival Music Rules: Tobago Promoters Association says the Carnival 2026 ban on songs that glorify gang culture isn’t aimed at any specific genre, but targets violent and gang-promoting content. Education Repairs & Reopening: TTUTA warns school repairs ahead of Sept 7 reopening were too late and questions the criteria used, while backpay owed to teachers adds pressure. Sports & Culture: Valley Boys over-50 cricket club heads to Guyana for friendly matches; and CPL confirmed Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as inaugural Hall of Fame inductees in September. Media Recognition: TTT won awards and special mentions at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union Media Awards for coverage of Caribbean arts and culture.

Education & Backpay: TTUTA says the Ministry “dropped the ball” on school repairs ahead of Sept 7 reopening, while also warning reopening will be “very interesting” amid outstanding teacher backpay. Workers’ Pay: NUGFW president says about 20,000 daily-rated workers are “ecstatic” after Cabinet cleared a 10% wage agreement, but frustration remains over unpaid backpay timing. Politics & Courts: PNM trustees were served court documents as a police probe into Balisier House funding continues under a Preliminary Unexplained Wealth Order. Security Alert: TTPS confirmed bomb threats at eight locations, including courts and Kent House, with evacuations and checks underway. Independence Day Parade: Concerns grow over last-minute changes to the Queen’s Park Savannah parade area and the lack of clear public consultation. Tobago Carnival Rules: Promoters say the Tobago Carnival music ban targets violent/gang content, not any specific genre. Transport: Minister Eli Zakour announced a new road safety campaign and a 2,000km risk-mapping programme, plus a new airline set to start in October. Economy Watch: IDB expects T&T growth to stay subdued in 2026.

CPL Spotlight: Kirk McKenzie blasted 69 off 25 as Jamaica Kingsmen beat Trinbago Knight Riders by five wickets in the Republic Bank CPL, while the league also confirmed Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as the inaugural CPL Hall of Fame inductees ahead of a Sept 15 gala in Barbados. Local Sports: New Chapter Academy Warriors opened the Loloy Youth Classic with a big win over Antigua’s Pitbulls, and T&T’s Under-12 tennis teams advanced to semis at the ITF/COTECC sub-region 4 tournament in Tacarigua. Court & Governance: Attorneys for Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazaar Mohamed urged CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson to recuse himself, citing leaked internal communications and alleged political maneuvering. Public Services: TSTT appointed Reza Hosein as acting CEO after a board review, and the board ordered an immediate review of a management decision affecting about 150 Amplia call-centre workers. Education: Minister Dowlath and TTUTA said there were no major issues reported with CSEC/CAPE results access online, as Naparima College student Reginald Mohammed added five CAPE distinctions after his chemistry Olympiad bronze. Business & Economy: WGM Group warned heat, shipping disruptions and weaker hatchery-egg supplies are pressuring T&T’s chicken availability nationwide. Weather & Safety: A Belize–T&T funded project will improve weather forecasting and early warnings, while Tobago Carnival will not feature artistes promoting gun-violence lyrics.

TSTT Leadership Shake-Up: TSTT has named Reza Hosein as acting CEO, replacing Keino Cox after a board review, as the company faces fresh scrutiny. Call Centre Fallout: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says the TSTT board ordered an immediate review of a management decision affecting about 150 Amplia call-centre workers, with contracts reportedly ending by Sept. 30. Education Results Calm: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath and TTUTA say there are no major issues with CSEC and CAPE results access. Judiciary Moves Back In-Person: Magistrates’/District Courts will resume in-person hearings from Sept. 1, with Port-of-Spain and Scarborough expected to return next year. Visa Row: Opposition and government officials trade accusations over alleged US visa revocations, with Rowley demanding the specific offences involved. Weather Watch: TTMS issued drought watch for Trinidad (Sept) and drought warning for Tobago (Oct), urging water conservation. Youth & Jobs: A Blue Economy Youth Empowerment Project targets fisheries and maritime careers, while NGC wrapped up its 2026 undergraduate internship programme. Sports & Culture: T&T U-12 tennis teams advance to semis; Couva Carnival Committee celebrates 2026 winners; Tobago Carnival bans “Trinibad” songs.

Local Politics & Governance: Queen’s Hall rejects PNM claims it reversed approval for the party’s November 22 convention, saying neither date was formally approved and pointing to booking records. Tobago Autonomy: IDA is demanding answers from the THA over why its August 10 islandwide autonomy convention never happened, accusing the administration of “grand announcements” without follow-through. Regional Court Watch: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she hopes the CCJ leadership controversy “sorts itself out soon,” but won’t comment on confidence in the court handling the reappointment dispute involving CARICOM SG Dr Carla Bar­nett. Labour & Jobs: CWU’s Joanne Ogeer urges unions to put politics aside as about 150 call-centre workers face 30-day termination notices tied to the Am­plia/TSTT arrangement; Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says no decision has been taken. Food Prices: Agricultural Society director Dr Donny Rogers links poultry shortages to climate and supply gaps, calling for a national agriculture census to guide policy. Health & Community: Trinidadian cancer patient Dinesh Gadraj dies in India after treatment, following a CAR T-cell therapy and bone marrow transplant. Sports: West Indies’ Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews win ICC Player of the Month awards for July, completing a rare regional double.

Energy & Jobs: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T’s energy sector is picking up, with higher oil output, better LNG exports and new gas supplies, as major firms return and Point Lisas is positioned for growth. Politics & Justice: The PM says she hopes the CCJ leadership dispute “sorts itself out soon,” while she declines to say if Government is confident the court will fairly handle the Carla Barentt reappointment fight. Courts & Governance: Queen’s Hall rejects PNM claims it reversed a booking for its convention and carnival, saying neither date was formally approved. Local Government: IDA questions THA over a cancelled Tobago autonomy convention, saying the island was invited but the event never happened. Labour & Economy: CWU leader Joanne Ogeer urges unions to set aside political loyalties as workers face job losses, including concerns over Amplia call-centre staff in limbo. Crime & Safety: Police killed two men in a raid in La Romaine after officers said suspects raised firearms. Sports: SporTT and the Sport Ministry clarify their role in SSFL funding and Tobago teams’ participation; T&T also names a cycling squad for UCI Junior Worlds in Belgium. Culture & Community: Steelpan Month kicks off in Tobago with Buccoo Sunday School steel orchestras, while MCCD’s Trinbago Talent: Uncovered crowns Shemic St. Hillaire.

Energy Update: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector is rebounding, citing higher oil output, improved LNG exports and fresh gas supply deals, with major international firms returning and Point Lisas positioned for new growth. Home Invasion Law: TTPS reminds residents that “stand your ground” under the 2025 Home Invasion Act allows only reasonable, proportionate force—no “license to kill,” and limits apply if the person is engaged in criminal activity or has lawful rights to be there. Police Posts: Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin says TTPS is eager to open new police posts, including Tacarigua’s Eddie Hart Savannah site, while local officials allege the construction violated procedures. Labour Pressure: The SWWTU is demanding $337M in Port Authority backpay and overtime, warning of escalation if the PATT Board doesn’t respond by Wednesday. Local Content Push: Energy Minister Ernesto Kesar says the Local Content Committee will restart after a three-year gap to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Sports: Trinidad and Tobago swimmers set six new Goodwill meet records, led by Nathaniel St Louis, as T&T finished second behind the Bahamas. Culture & Community: Super Wings NY’s Caribbean debut launches at Soca Island in Point Fortin during Emancipation Weekend, partnering with Angostura for new food creations.

Port Workers’ Backpay Pressure: SWWTU is demanding the remaining 80% of about $337M in outstanding backpay and overtime from the Port Authority, warning it could escalate if the board doesn’t respond by Wednesday. Energy & Local Industry: Government says it will restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, as Nutrien’s Point Lisas review continues with third-party site visits. Local Governance & Courts: The CCJ president hit back hard at leaked confidential messages and panel-fixing claims, while a retired police officer says TTPS still hasn’t paid benefits despite a court order. Culture & Community: PanTrinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore criticised police handling of the Silver Stars clash, and the Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan GI Board was announced to protect certified local steelpan makers. Health & Tragedy: Family members await an autopsy after an 18-year-old dancer’s sudden death, and a former Shiva Boys student has died in India after cancer treatment. Weather: Thunderstorm chances are easing, but alerts remain in the region.

Flood Response: Government teams are stepping up flood control and road-clearing as monsoon rains threaten communities, with DPWH ordered to fast-track critical works and keep anti-flood facilities running. Energy Diplomacy: T&T is set to deepen gas ties with Venezuela after new Venezuelan licences tied to the Loran-Manatee cross-border field, with bp and XRG among major players and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar calling it a boost to energy security. Crime & Prisons: Siparia residents joined a peace walk after a spike in gun violence, while prison officers seized contraband after cigarettes, marijuana and a cellphone were thrown over the Port-of-Spain Prison wall. Governance & Procurement: OPR flagged flaws in how HDC selected and checked companies for a cancelled $3.4B housing project, and a separate report says 67 people have left State boards and public offices in 14 months. Local Economy & Culture: Digicel says it’s increasing investment in T&T, while Pan Trinbago announced a new steelpan GI board and T&T will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on Sept. 19. Food & Community: Farmers are urging stronger support for local poultry as costs rise, and a travel agent dispute has left five Tobago families out more than $100,000.

Police & Politics: PNM leader Marvin Gonzales is pressing the Government for answers after reports that Police Commissioner Allister Guevarra left the jurisdiction, questioning whether an acting commissioner was properly appointed. Crime & Community: In Siparia, residents joined a peace walk after a spike in gun violence; police declared Siparia and surrounding areas a “no-crime zone,” with officers saying resources have been moved in. Prison Security: Port-of-Spain Prison officers seized contraband after items were thrown over the wall—two cartons of cigarettes, marijuana and a cellphone—detaining two inmates for trafficking charges. Energy & Regional Deals: T&T is set to see more gas by 2027 as Venezuela’s Loran Phase 2 licences move forward, with bp, XRG and UCC involved; officials say it could strengthen Atlantic LNG supply. Governance & Procurement: The OPR says there were flaws in how HDC selected and checked companies for a cancelled $3.4B housing project, citing procedural gaps and due diligence shortcomings. Public Service Shake-up: A review finds 67 people have left State boards or public offices in 14 months, including senior departures at major entities. Weather & Events: The Great Race went ahead despite rough seas under a yellow alert; Heatwave won after several boats were unable to finish. Culture & Youth: Char lize Ragoonath, 12, is building a theatre and vocal profile in South Trinidad, while a regional anthology project gathers young voices on what CARICOM means to them.

Education Support: Acting Education Minister Barry Padarath says the $20M book grant payments for vulnerable families could start by Aug. 24, with approvals expected to be finalised early next week before funds move to Accounts. Prison Security: Port of Spain Prison officers seized contraband after items were thrown over the wall—two cartons of cigarettes, marijuana and a cellphone—leading to the detention of two inmates for alleged trafficking. Weather & Safety: Trinidad and Tobago is under a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert (midnight to 5pm Sat) as a tropical wave brings isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms, possible gusts up to 50 km/h, and choppy seas; residents are urged to monitor updates. CCJ Crisis: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson broke his silence, denying “panel fixing” and influence over rulings, while condemning leaked internal emails as a serious breach that erodes public trust. Energy & Regional Ties: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar congratulated Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez on signing Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana licences, saying T&T stands to benefit from about 7 Tcf of gas for processing. Tobago Travel: Tobago House of Assembly awaits Cabinet direction on opening the new ANR Robinson airport terminal, expected about a month away. Local Economy: Poultry depot owners warn the chicken shortage is still driving up prices, with smaller birds and reduced sales.

CCJ Crisis: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson broke his silence, condemning the leak of internal emails and denying he manipulated panels in the Mohamed extradition case, while admitting mishandling other matters as regional jurists call for probes into the court’s governance. Energy & Gas Deals: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad will benefit from new Venezuela licences tied to the Loran-Manatee gas field, with about 7 Tcf expected for processing, as Energy Minister Moonilal also flags oil recovery and a US$1B pipeline repair push. Tobago Security: Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announced a joint Coast Guard–police unit base near Gibson Jetty, but stakeholders warn the real challenge is maintaining assets, not just acquiring them. Tobago Great Race & Wildlife: At Store Bay, a leatherback turtle nest has sparked calls for stronger protection ahead of today’s Great Race as crowds arrive. Education Support: In Debe, children received book bags and stationery, while Acting Education Minister Padarath says $20M in book grant payments could start next week. Weather Alert: TTMS issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert as a tropical wave brings isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms, gusts up to 50 km/h, and possible flash flooding. Culture & Sports: Steelpan fraternity bid farewell to Robbie Greenidge; and the Nations Cup Caribbean junior karting event kicks off in Wallerfield this weekend.

Energy & Investment: ExxonMobil met PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to discuss hydrocarbon opportunities, with the company praising how quickly it secured approvals for seismic work and saying it’s optimistic about a possible discovery. Regional Gas Deal: Venezuela signed a licence for Loran Phase 2 with BP as operator, alongside XRG (ADNOC) and Qatar’s UCC, in a move that links resources across the Trinidad–Tobago maritime boundary. Local Economy Watch: A commentary argues T&T’s gas, Point Lisas steel revival and data-centre plans could reshape the economy, but near-term gains will be mostly construction and services while bigger benefits come after production ramps up. Food Security: Farmers’ Union president Shiraz Khan warns the chicken shortage could return in 6–12 months unless long-running poultry issues are tackled, citing rising costs and reliance on imported eggs and birds. Tobago Development: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the new Tobago airport terminal is expected to open before October, with build-out in its second phase. Sports & Culture: FC Ginga celebrates international youth football success, while Trinidad’s steelpan community marks World Steelpan Day with stories of youth and global reach.