AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry Dealmaking: Massy Group confirmed it has sold its Caterpillar business in Trinidad and Tobago to Machinery Corporation Motors (MACORP), a local subsidiary of Machinery Corporation of America, saying the move supports growth and keeps workers in mind. Consumer & Distribution: Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago will shift its local distribution model in January 2027, with Massy Distribution Division becoming the main distributor, while Nestlé says the earlier factory sale is separate and consultations with the OWTU are underway. Procurement & Governance: A new push around the Public Procurement and Disposals of Public Property (Amendment) Bill 2026 is raising concerns about weaker accountability, higher costs for suppliers challenging tenders, and reduced scrutiny. Budget Planning: Caribbean Energy Chamber CEO Eugene Tiah argues the 2027 budget must be tied to a long-term economic strategy, not treated as a one-year exercise. Critical Minerals Research: The U.S. DOE awarded US$29.5M to Ames National Laboratory projects under “Mine of the Future” to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals. Trade & Investment Links: Canada is opening doors for tariff-free market access and joint ventures with T&T firms, with a trade mission bringing 30+ local businesses to Toronto. Tourism Jobs: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to create tourism employment pathways for trainees. Digital Payments Policy: Caribbean central banks are moving away from CBDCs toward instant payment systems as adoption remains low. Food & Agriculture: A food industry voice is calling for farmers and producers to get a real share of Carnival and festival revenue so more spending stays local. Creative Economy: The 20th Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival named multiple regional winners, including DANM as Best Film made in T&T.

Parliament & Regulation: The House approved legislation to license and regulate remote gambling, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo saying it will formalise operators and boost tax revenue, while Opposition concerns focus on addiction risks for vulnerable youths. Water & Infrastructure: WASA warned of disruptions as the Point Lisas Desalination Plant (Desalcott) shuts for annual maintenance from Sept 28 to Oct 4, affecting parts of Central and south-west Trinidad. Tourism Jobs: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to place trainees into tourism roles, targeting hotel and related employment needs in both Trinidad and Tobago. Energy & Industry: The Central Bank cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 13.8% since 2019, citing lower electricity use and value-chain reductions. Manufacturing & Trade: Massy confirmed it is selling its Caterpillar dealership to MACORP, a move aimed at strengthening growth and specialist support. Business & Markets: Canada is opening doors for T&T firms, with the High Commissioner highlighting tariff-free access under the trade agreement and growing interest in joint ventures. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, targeting service entry by end-2029. Energy Projects: DOE announced $29.5m for critical mineral supply-chain work in the U.S., underlining the global push to reduce dependence on China.

Air Connectivity for Carnival: Caribbean Airlines says it has added 7,000 seats on the Trinidad–Tobago domestic route for Tobago Carnival, with extra flights running Oct 15–Nov 3, now open for booking. Water Supply Disruption: WASA warns of Central and South Trinidad water interruptions as the Point Lisas Desalination Plant (Desalcott) shuts for annual maintenance from Sept 28 to Oct 4, with full supply restoration expected 24–48 hours after restart. Manufacturing & Services Push: TTMA and TTCSI are urging the 2026/27 budget to tackle VAT refund backlogs, improve foreign-exchange access, and restart stronger SME support under GlobalTT—aimed at boosting production, jobs and diversification. Housing Procurement Overhaul: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander says procurement amendments to the Office of Procurement Regulation will speed HDC housing delivery, including more public-private partnerships. Alcohol Law Scrutiny: The T&T Chamber and Beverage Alcohol Alliance call for a Joint Select Committee review of proposed changes to the legal drinking age, warning enforcement capacity and unintended consequences must be assessed. Energy & Regional Gas Talks: Qatar’s UCC Oil and Gas Holding says it’s in talks about entering new Venezuela fields, including the Loran gas project that extends into Trinidad and Tobago. Security & Business Impact: Owner Dealers Association questions the effectiveness of crime measures and warns movement restrictions could hit already-stressed businesses. Cybersecurity for SMEs: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum for SMEs and creative industries, highlighting growing digital threats and the need for stronger local capacity. Culture & Industry Loss: Calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco dies at 91, leaving a major legacy for Caribbean music and entertainment.

Road & Transport: Four non-fatal crashes triggered major gridlock across east and south Trinidad, with authorities opening the Priority Bus Route that also became congested. Housing Procurement: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander says recently passed procurement reforms to the Office of Procurement Regulation will cut red tape and speed HDC housing delivery, including more public-private partnerships. Energy & Gas: NGC has executed final commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite offshore gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027; meanwhile, Shell’s earlier Aphrodite pause over terms is a reminder of how fast deals can swing timelines. Digital Payments: Trinidad and Tobago is actively pursuing India’s UPI, aiming to be the first Caribbean country to adopt the system under an agreement with NPCI International Payments and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Business & Budget: The CRBC is urging the 2027 budget to move firms from “survival to sustainability,” with measurable support for production, investment, and SMEs. Alcohol Policy: The T&T Chamber and beverage alliance want a Joint Select Committee review of proposed changes to the legal drinking age, pushing for evidence-based, enforceable rules. SME Cybersecurity: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum for SMEs and creative industries, warning that breaches can hit finances, reputation, and even national security. Culture & Industry Talent: The Mighty Sparrow died at 91, while NSSEC’s 10th edition spotlights entrepreneurship training for thousands of students.

Energy & Gas Supply: Shell and Trinidad’s NGC have cleared a pricing dispute for the Aphrodite offshore gas project, paving the way for first gas in Q2 2027 and backfilling Atlantic LNG. Cross-Border Oil & Gas: bp will sponsor Venezuela Energy Week 2027 and push renewed work on the Cocuina-Manakin gas field, a cross-border opportunity tied to Trinidad. Digital Payments & Finance: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to adopt India’s UPI, aiming to build a real-time digital payments ecosystem under an NPCI NIPL and Ministry of Digital Transformation agreement. Regional Payments Infrastructure: CARICOM central banks are advancing the Caricom Payment and Settlement System (CAPSS) for instant cross-border payments in local currencies. Consumer Protection (Telecom): TATT and the Trade Ministry signed an MOU to streamline telecom and broadcasting complaints and boost consumer education. SMEs & Cybersecurity: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum focused on protecting SMEs and creative industries. Agriculture & Wildlife Risk: Tobago’s Cocrico bird is drawing attention for potential impacts on Trinidad’s agricultural sector. Culture: Calypso legend “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco) died at 91, prompting tributes across the Caribbean diaspora.

Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is set to become the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with the High Commissioner saying implementation is actively being pursued under an agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, aiming for a real-time payments ecosystem for person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions. Bilateral Trade & Investment: The UPI move sits within a wider deepening of ties after Prime Minister Modi’s visit, including six MoUs covering trade, investment, people-to-people links and technical cooperation, while the envoy also flags a strategy to court Indian business beyond Mumbai/Delhi and into tier-2 and tier-3 cities via joint ventures. Energy Deal Clears Way: Shell and NGC have agreed Aphrodite gas supply terms, ending a pricing dispute and paving the way for first production expected in Q2 2027. Consumer Protection: T&T’s Trade Ministry and TATT signed an MoU to strengthen telecom and broadcasting consumer protection, streamline complaints and boost public education. Agriculture Watch: Tobago’s Cocrico bird is raising alarm among agricultural producers, with officials calling for studies and a census before any intervention. Culture Loss: Calypso legend “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco) has died at 91, prompting tributes across the Caribbean diaspora.

Consumer Protection & Telecom Regulation: TATT signed an MoU with the Ministry of Trade’s Consumer Affairs Division to strengthen complaint handling, information sharing, consumer education and public campaigns for telecommunications and broadcasting services. Energy & Exploration: ExxonMobil says it could get seismic imaging for TTUD-1 by end-2026 and drill as early as late 2027/early 2028, moving faster than in Guyana; the ultra-deepwater block is linked to Stabroek-style geology but not guaranteed to repeat results. Tourism Investment Push: Tourism operators are urging a major step-up in funding and execution—better financing access, upgrades to aging accommodation, improved destination marketing and stronger tourism data—arguing Tobago needs sustained reinvestment beyond current allocations. Industrial Policy & Carbon Pricing: A UWI report supported by the British High Commission argues Trinidad and Tobago could use a national carbon tax (with offset flexibility) to protect industrial competitiveness under EU CBAM exposure. Culture & Entertainment: Trinidad and Tobago mourns calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who died at 91 in New York, leaving a vast catalogue and a global legacy for the genre.

Prison Closure Moves Ahead: Trinidad and Tobago’s historic Port of Spain Prison is being decommissioned after 268 years, with inmates already transferred in phases and the full shutdown expected by December. Energy & Gas Outlook: ExxonMobil says it could secure seismic imaging by end-2026 and drill the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater well in late 2027/early 2028, while NGC’s Aphrodite gas push and new supply arrangements point to more gas for downstream use. Tourism Investment Pressure: Tourism operators are calling for a major reinvestment push—especially in Tobago—arguing current funding levels aren’t enough to modernise accommodation, improve destination marketing, and strengthen data and financing access. Industrial Services Liquidations: Two Guyana industrial safety/services firms were placed into voluntary liquidation, raising questions for local oil-and-gas support capacity. Regional Security Push: OAS member states urge the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate with full personnel, funding, equipment and logistics for deployment. Culture & Entertainment: The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) has died at 91, prompting tributes across the Caribbean; locally, DJ Ana won Female International DJ of the Year again at the Caribbean Music Awards.

Offshore Energy Watch: ExxonMobil says it could secure seismic imaging for TTUD-1 by end-2026 and drill the first exploration well in late 2027 or early 2028, moving faster than its Guyana pace. Regional Energy & Diplomacy: The Energy Chamber flags a “robust” future after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Venezuela President Delcy Rodríguez agreed a joint work agenda spanning trade, energy, security, agriculture, tourism and air connectivity. Gas-to-Downstream Pipeline: Budget commentary points to NGC securing new gas supply arrangements tied to Aphrodite and other developments, with first gas expected in Q2 2027 and additional supply feeding petrochemicals. Tourism Investment Pressure: Tourism operators are pushing for a sharper investment focus beyond headline allocations, arguing ageing accommodation, financing access and destination marketing need urgent upgrades. Prison Closure Logistics: Port of Spain Prison decommissioning is underway with phased inmate transfers already started, aiming to close the historic facility by December. Local Governance & Procurement Debate: A renewed procurement reform fight is framed around accountability and transparency concerns, with critics warning exemptions could weaken oversight. Industrial Services: Two Guyana-based industrial safety/services firms were placed into voluntary liquidation, with Trinidad-based liquidator appointed. Aviation Compliance: Caribbean Airlines reports completion of audited financial statements for 2017–2019 as it works through a long backlog. Energy Labour Dispute: Government rejects claims of a 10% TSTT wage offer, saying no such negotiation offer was made while talks with the CWU continue.

Energy & Oil (T&T): ExxonMobil says exploration on the ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 block is moving faster than in Guyana, with seismic results due by year-end and drilling expected in late 2027/early 2028. Gas Sector (Pt. Lisas): NGC has finalised commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027 and linking offshore supply to domestic downstream operations. Regional Energy Cooperation: The Energy Chamber points to a “robust” future after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar met Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez in New York, with a joint work agenda spanning trade, energy, security, agriculture, tourism and culture. Governance & Procurement: A commentary warns proposed Public Procurement amendments could weaken accountability by carving out exemptions for major areas like energy, oil and gas, and certain public-private housing deals. Labour/Utilities: Government rejects claims of a 10% TSTT wage offer, with Utilities Minister Barry Padarath saying no such offer was ever on the table. Prison & Public Safety: Port-of-Spain Prison decommissioning is underway, with about 50 inmates already moved as authorities begin a phased closure. Culture & Media: OED adds Trinidad term “hornerman” and other Caribbean words; separately, CNC3 spotlights its sales team and veteran cameraman Ivan Toolsie’s decades of hard-to-reach reporting. Sports (local interest): Tobago native Joshua James returns home after winning the CPL with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.

Energy & Industry: NGC has finalised commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite gas project, with first gas expected in Q2 2027, and says the deal strengthens downstream supply and energy security; Industrial Expansion: Government plans to expand the Point Lisas Industrial Estate by 500 acres to attract foreign investment and boost downstream growth; Tobago Infrastructure Funding: Tobago House of Assembly disbursed $40M to contractors, while Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says Tobago needs about $1B for a construction boom and calls for more capital funding; Governance & Procurement: The Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute urges a pause on the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill, warning it could widen exemptions and weaken independent oversight; Regional Energy/Politics: AMCHAM T&T and the Energy Chamber welcomed PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UN meeting with Venezuela’s acting president, expecting gains for trade and energy cooperation; Maritime Safety: Tobago fishermen accuse THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of “breach of contract” over oil spill compensation after the 2024 Gulfstream spill; Culture & Tourism: Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts won “Music Festival of the Year” at the Caribbean Music Awards in Port of Spain, while Trinidad’s Coutain was named Billboard’s Caribbean Up-And-Comer for September 2026.

Marine Safety & Enforcement: Tobago’s Pigeon Point boat collisions are being called “systemic failure” after another incident injured eight people, reviving calls for tougher enforcement under the Motor Launches Act. Procurement Oversight: The Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute warns the Public Procurement and Disposals (Amendment) Bill could widen exemptions and weaken independent checks, including limits on the OPR’s ability to pause or cancel awards. Tobago Infrastructure Funding: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says Tobago needs about $1B for a construction boom, while Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts reports $40M paid to contractors and still over $300M owed from older projects. Energy & Industry: NGC says it has secured new gas supply arrangements for the Aphrodite project with Shell and bpTT, as Proman moves to reduce headcount amid gas constraints. Regional Diplomacy for Business: Amcham T&T backs the Kamla Persad-Bissessar–Delcy Rodríguez UNGA meeting as a boost for trade, energy, security, agriculture, tourism and air connectivity. Oil Spill Fallout: Tobago fishermen accuse Farley of “betrayal” over lingering compensation after the 2024 oil spill, with ITOPF rejecting some claims. Culture & Media: Photojournalist Andrea De Silva receives the Chaconia Medal (Silver), and Chalkdust reflects on keeping calypso central to Trinbago identity.

Energy & Local Content: Amcham T&T welcomed PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNGA-side meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez, saying talks could unlock deeper cooperation across trade, energy, security, agriculture, tourism, air links and culture. Gas & Downstream Planning: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says the company will shift its commercial model for downstream operators toward longer-term, more certain gas supply at competitive prices to support reliable operations and investment. Security Law Debate: Persad-Bissessar hit out at Independent senators after all nine voted against the Special Operations Bill, warning her government won’t accept their amendments going forward. Tobago in Special Ops District 7: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine welcomed Tobago’s inclusion under the bill, arguing the island’s maritime geography creates security challenges. Food Industry Transition: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances is moving manufacturers toward naturally derived colours, partnering as a regional distributor for Sensient Technologies. Diplomacy Watch: Venezuela declared Persad-Bissessar persona grata after UNGA talks, with both sides agreeing to formal high-level visits and a cooperation agenda. Agriculture & Water: Barbados’ BWA says a $220m South Coast Water Treatment project will start in October, boosting reclaimed water for farmers. Recognition: Dolly Williams, born in T&T, was named to the Top 40 African Diaspora Leaders list at IFAL 2026.

Energy & Industry Diversification: A new commentary argues T&T’s economic focus shouldn’t deepen dependence on constrained natural gas, warning that even “value-chain” projects like data centres must be structured without subsidised power and scarce-water pressure. Tobago Security & Special Ops: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine welcomes the island’s inclusion as District 7 under the Special Operations Bill, saying its marine geography creates security challenges even if the bill won’t be used often. NGC Downstream Model: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says the company will shift to longer-term, more predictable gas arrangements for downstream operators to support planning, maintenance and investment. Finance for Climate Projects: T&T launches GSS+ bond guidelines, creating a clearer framework for green and sustainability-linked financing without new regulation. Regional Diplomacy & Energy Talks: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar describes her meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez as “very, very emotional,” with both sides pushing a renewed agenda spanning trade, energy, security, tourism and agriculture. Shield of the Americas: Trinidad and Tobago joins a regional security push targeting FARC dissidents, ELN and Clan del Golfo as part of coordinated sanctions and enforcement. Agriculture & Seed Policy: Debate continues around a Protection of New Plant Varieties bill, with critics warning it could penalise peasant seed systems and threaten food supply. Media Loss: Searchlight newspaper announces it will close after 31 years.

National Awards & Journalism: Former Trinidad Express editor-in-chief Omatie Lyder and political editor Ria Taitt received the Chaconia Medal (Silver), praising journalism as public service. Public Service Recognition: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Senate President Wade Mark and former minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan are among ORTT recipients ahead of Republic Day. Procurement Reform Fight: Debate over the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill 2026 reignited claims that safeguards are being weakened, with the Government arguing it will help the “small man” and speed delivery. Green Finance Push: T&T launched GSS+ bond guidelines with IDB Invest and TTSE, adding a new labelled-bonds financing pathway for climate and development projects. Energy & Industry: NGC and Shell finalised commercial agreements for the Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027; Pro-man says it’s cutting headcount as gas constraints bite. Regional Diplomacy: India-CARICOM talks backed India’s UNSC bid for 2028-29, while T&T also moved to broaden ties with Kyrgyzstan. Sports & Culture: Reboot signed on as Gold Sponsor for Guyana’s IMC Over-40s World Cup; Habanos unveiled Trinidad Vigía Reserva Cosecha 2022.

Procurement Reform Clash: Opposition and government traded barbs in Parliament over proposed Public Procurement and Disposals amendments, with critics warning the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) safeguards could be weakened, while Finance Minister Dave Tancoo says changes will help the “small man,” streamline processes and restore “operational common sense.” Energy & Industry Moves: NGC says it has secured new gas supply arrangements—term sheets with EOG and bpTT and final commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite project—aimed at protecting downstream operations; meanwhile Proman is cutting headcount at Point Lisas due to constrained gas supply. Water & Drought Pressure: WASA flagged planned Point Lisas desalination maintenance (Sept 28–Oct 4) that may disrupt central and south supply, as TT’s meteorological outlook warns of worsening drought conditions, especially in Tobago. Venezuela Thaw: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is declared persona grata in Venezuela after New York talks with Delcy Rodríguez, with both sides agreeing a broader cooperation agenda across trade, energy, security, agriculture and tourism. Regional Tech & Telecom: Netskope launched Skylight Agent Action Control to block risky AI agent actions, and Konris Maynard was elected CTU president. Tourism Investment Push: PSOTT’s 24-month plan targets transforming 50 tourism sites with private capital and community buy-in. National Recognition: Senate President Wade Mark, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Dr Surujrattan Rambachan among 2026 ORTT awardees ahead of Republic Day.