AGP Executive Report

Energy & Regional Deals: Trinidad and Tobago is set to deepen energy security after Venezuela-approved natural gas exploration licences tied to the Loran-Manatee cross-border field, with bpTT and XRG among the partners—aimed at using existing T&T infrastructure to process offshore gas. Local Industry Policy: Government says it will restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Telecom Labour Tensions: TSTT warns the Communications Workers’ Union that any industrial action over a disputed 10% wage increase would be illegal, as the company cites strong recent profitability. Food & Agriculture Pressure: Farmers report a poultry and egg cost squeeze and call for stronger local production support; separately, vegetable growers in the region face low prices and weak buyer demand after monsoon disruptions. Infrastructure & Services: Police say new posts are ready to open (including Tacarigua), while flood-control and road-clearing efforts continue amid heavy rain threats. Steelpan & Culture-to-Economy: World Steelpan Day coverage spotlights pan’s global impact and pushes for turning cultural success into lasting social and economic value. Business & Growth Signals: Commentary highlights renewed investment momentum—from Point Lisas steel revival talk to data centres and AI-linked activity.

Energy & Local Industry: Govt says it will restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, aiming to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Regional Gas Deals: New Venezuelan gas licences are framed as a boost to T&T’s energy security and downstream plans, with experts pointing to more pipeline gas options and work for local service firms. Oil & Gas Investment: BP moves to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso deepwater project, taking operatorship and 100% ownership as Woodside exits the Caribbean. Steel & Nearshoring: Commentary and business analysis argue a Pt Lisas steel revival could help position T&T as a higher-value nearshoring hub for the US, including vanadium-linked production. Governance & Procurement: OPR flags flaws in how HDC handled its cancelled $3.4B housing project, citing supplier identification and due diligence gaps. Labour & Essential Services: TSTT warns CWU that telecom industrial action is illegal under the Industrial Relations Act, while a separate WASA wage dispute also looms. Culture & IP: Pan Trinbago creates a Steelpan Geographical Indication board to protect and certify authentic T&T steelpans. Food & Supply Chain: Farmers and unions warn the poultry and egg squeeze is driving up costs and could worsen without stronger local production support. Infrastructure & Roads: New Wave Road Solutions pitches EZ Street cold-mix asphalt as a faster pothole repair fix for T&T and the wider Caribbean. Heritage Watch: National Trust demands full restoration of the historic Cabildo fountain after damage concerns. Trade & Banking: Vincy traders complain about banking hurdles in converting and accessing funds in T&T-linked trade flows.

Energy Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s energy security gets a boost as Venezuela signs Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana licences, with bp, XRG and UCC moving in—potentially sending about 7 Tcf of gas for processing at T&T’s LNG and petrochemical plants. Oil & Gas Dealmaking: BP also buys Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso deepwater gas project, taking operatorship and full ownership as Woodside exits the Caribbean. Local Industry & Jobs: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says residents in Debe are lining up for work at a planned AI data centre, expecting jobs and spin-off business activity. Agriculture Pressure: The Trinidad and Tobago Farmers Union warns the poultry and egg supply squeeze is driving up costs and urges stronger support for local production and hatchery capacity. Roads & Construction: New Wave Road Solutions pushes EZ Street cold-mix asphalt for faster pothole repairs, aiming to expand across the Caribbean. Governance & Procurement: OPR flags flaws in HDC’s cancelled $3.4B housing procurement, citing supplier identification and due diligence gaps. State Sector Shake-up: A review finds 67 people leaving state boards and public offices in 14 months, including senior roles at CAL, TSTT, FCB and NGC. Culture-Industry Link: Pan Trinbago creates a Steelpan Geographical Indication board to protect and certify authentic Trinidad and Tobago steelpans.

Energy & Gas Deals: Trinidad and Tobago is set to benefit from Venezuela’s renewed push on hydrocarbons, with licences signed for Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana—potentially sending about 7 Tcf of gas to T&T for LNG and petrochemical processing, while bp, XRG and UCC join the mix. Oil & Gas Investment: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says T&T expects stronger gas output by 2027 and is also moving to revive oil production, alongside a US$1 billion programme to repair ageing offshore and onshore pipelines. Local Industry & Jobs: Moonilal also confirmed government plans for a data centre in Golconda/Debe, pitching it as a catalyst for South Trinidad jobs and spin-off businesses. Procurement Watch: OPR flagged flaws in HDC’s cancelled US$3.4B housing project, citing gaps in supplier identification and due diligence. Public Sector Shake-up: A review found 67 people leaving State boards or public offices in 14 months, including senior roles at major entities like CAL, TSTT, FCB and NGC. Food Supply Pressure: Chicken depot owners report smaller birds and higher prices amid the ongoing chicken shortage, with some limiting sales.

Cross-Border Energy Deals: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar congratulated Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez on signing Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana hydrocarbon licences, with the push expected to send about 7 Tcf of gas to Trinidad for processing. Gas & LNG Pipeline Momentum: bp will operate Loran Phase 2 with equal stakes alongside XRG and UCC, building on Shell’s Phase 1 and Manatee work on the T&T side. Local Energy Leadership: Dr Priya Marajh has been appointed substantive president and CEO of the Energy Chamber, tasked with continuing advocacy and regional partnerships. Oil & Gas Infrastructure Spend: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says T&T will invest US$1 billion-plus to repair ageing offshore and onshore pipelines after years of disrepair. Industrial Revival Watch: Opposition figure Stuart Young is demanding transparency on the Point Lisas steel plant reopening, questioning concessions, tax breaks, duties and union engagement. Food Supply Pressure: Poultry depots report the chicken shortage is still biting, with smaller birds and higher prices forcing reduced sales. Digital & Data Centres: Government confirms a data centre planned for Golconda in the Debe Special Economic Zone, pitched as a jobs and industrial catalyst for south Trinidad.

Energy & Gas Deals: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says new Venezuela hydrocarbon licences will boost T&T’s gas security, with Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana adding to the cross-border Loran-Manatee project; BP is operator with XRG and UCC as partners, while Shell continues Manatee development toward first gas in 2027. Pipeline Repair Push: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal puts planned oil-and-gas pipeline repairs at US$1 billion, targeting leaks and ageing offshore infrastructure to protect operations and revenue. Oil & Gas Investment Outlook: Moonilal expects economic benefits from expanded gas production by 2027 and says Government is also pushing oil recovery after years of underinvestment. Local Industry Jobs & Infrastructure: Moonilal confirms a data centre planned for Golconda in the Debe Special Economic Zone, positioning it as a jobs and spin-off driver for south Trinidad. Food Supply Risk: Farmers’ Union warns the chicken shortage could return in 6–12 months unless poultry sector issues are fixed, citing rising costs, heavy reliance on imported inputs, and biosecurity strain. Disaster Preparedness: A chartered engineer urges Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen earthquake readiness after deadly quakes in the region, stressing preparedness across utilities, telecoms, hospitals and communities. Culture & Creative Industries: A Trafrobeat project from Princes Town artist MR DSJ frames a new sound that brings Trinidadian dialect and storytelling into Afrobeats; steelpan fraternity and Emancipation parade coverage also keep the spotlight on local music ecosystems.

Energy & Investment: Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister met ExxonMobil’s TT operations manager, Dr Bram Willemsen, who praised how quickly the company secured approvals for seismic work and said ExxonMobil is optimistic its technical efforts could lead to a hydrocarbon discovery. Regional Gas Deal: Venezuela signed the Phase 2 licence for the Loran offshore gas field, with BP as operator alongside Abu Dhabi’s XRG and Qatar’s UCC, a move aimed at accelerating gas production off the maritime boundary that links to Trinidad’s Manatee infrastructure. LNG Supply Chain: Calmarí LNG marked its 200th cargo into Colombia, with the shipment arriving from Trinidad & Tobago and lifting 2026 imports to about 30% of Colombia’s gas supply. Steel & Industrial Revival: The US deputy secretary of state visited Trinidad as part of plans to revive the Point Lisas steel plant, framed as a major industrial and jobs push. Food & Agriculture: Farmers’ Union warns chicken shortages could return in 6–12 months unless poultry sector issues are fixed; meanwhile the Agriculture Ministry says the current retail shortage is weather-driven and expects relief as supplies move through the production pipeline. Disaster Preparedness: A Trinidadian chartered engineer urges stronger earthquake readiness after deadly storms and monsoon impacts elsewhere in the region.

Energy & Investment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar met ExxonMobil’s Dr Bram Willemsen as the company praised fast approvals for seismic work and renewed optimism about a potential hydrocarbon find. Gas Development: Venezuela’s President in Charge Delcy Rodríguez hailed the signing of Phase 2 gas production licensing for the Loran Field, with BP, XRG and UCC—positioning the project as a boost to regional gas output. Local Energy Deals: NGC is set to take a 20% interest in bpTT’s Manakin/Block 5(b) as part of the wider push to strengthen gas supply and energy security. Poultry & Food Security: Trinidad faces a chicken shortage linked to searing heat and reduced bird placement; Farmers’ Union warns it could return in 6–12 months without long-term fixes. Hatchery Plan: Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram says a PPP-backed government hatchery is being pursued to secure fertilised eggs and day-old chicks locally, while adding the Netherlands as an approved source alongside the US. Trade & Growth: Trade Ministry targets US$9bn in national investment by 2030, with a push to grow non-energy exports and expand market access.

Point Lisas Steel Revival: Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium plans to restart the long-idled Point Lisas steel plant with a US$250m investment (potentially US$750m), targeting first production by end-2027 and aiming to produce vanadium as a new critical-minerals play; Policy Scrutiny: Opposition MP Stuart Young and the T&T Chamber of Commerce are pushing for full deal details and clear natural gas allocation rules from NGC, warning that investor confidence hinges on transparency and reliable energy supply; Energy Deal Updates: BP’s agreement to buy Woodside’s 70% Calypso stake would take the project to 100% ownership, while NGC’s move to take a 20% interest in the Manakin field strengthens the cross-border gas framework; Agri & Food Security: Tobago’s Cepep workers are beginning a transition into farming to lift agricultural output, while poultry operators report a supply shortfall cutting bird numbers by up to 50% and driving chicken prices higher; Digital & Telecom: CAN’T0 warns the Caribbean’s digital gap could slow AI and fintech progress, with Trinidad and Tobago facing affordability and connectivity barriers; Jobs & Youth: An ILO report flags rising youth unemployment pressures across parts of the Caribbean, with T&T among countries showing elevated youth joblessness; Security Infrastructure: Government’s police-army post rollout faces calls for smarter placement and measurable results, not just construction.

Steel Revival Watch: Economist Dr Marlene Attzs says the US$750m Point Lisas steel plant revival could boost T&T’s economy, but success hinges on the lasting benefits it delivers. Deal Transparency: Former Energy Minister Stuart Young demands more details on concessions, gas pricing and utility costs, and urges engagement with SWUTT before claims of up to 1,000 jobs are treated as settled. Energy Supply Clarity: The T&T Chamber wants NGC to spell out how constrained natural gas will be allocated for new and existing industrial projects, warning that a fair, transparent framework is key to investor confidence. Energy Sector Momentum: NGC Chairman Gerald Ramdeen says the Manakin cross-border gas stake (20%) signals an “energy revolution” and renewed investor interest, while blaming past contract issues for downstream supply problems. Food & Poultry Pressure: South Trinidad poultry operators report up to 50% fewer birds, pushing chicken prices from about $5.99 to as high as $9 per pound and forcing some businesses to cut staff or close. Tobago Agriculture Push: Cepep workers in Tobago are transitioning from sanitation and landscaping to farming to lift agricultural output and raise agri GDP contribution. Net-Zero Planning: T&T launched Pathways to Net Zero for Waste and Agriculture/Forestry/Other Land Use to guide emissions cuts and spur new low-carbon industries. Innovation for Farmers: Young innovators at CARIRI’s Power Up competition showcased Venda TT, a mobile app linking farmers with buyers to reduce reliance on costly imports. Labour Market Snapshot: Economist Prof Roger Hosein says labour market stability has returned, but structural weakness still limits sustained job growth.

Energy Deal & Security: BP’s move to assign NGC a 20% stake in the Manakin block (Cocuina–Manakin cross-border gas) is being framed as a major step for T&T’s long-term gas supply and energy security, with the Energy Chamber calling it a boost for the unified field’s development. Industrial Revival: The Point Lisas steel mill is reopening as Ibis Steel Company of T&T, with US$250m initial investment over two years and up to US$750m planned, aiming for first production by end-2027 and up to 1,000 jobs—while economists warn the “fine print” matters for whether benefits really stick. Local Manufacturing & Jobs: The Energy Chamber also welcomed the reopening as a pathway to position T&T as a vanadium producer, but analysts question raw material and energy capacity. Tobago Agriculture Finance: TobaGrow launches Tobago loans up to $100,000 (with cash-collateral rules and repayment flexibility) for farmers and fishers via ADB and the THA. Culture & Youth Industry: World Steelpan Day coverage highlights calls to refurbish panyards and treat steelpan as a youth and cultural-industry pipeline. Diplomacy & Business Climate: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers says T&T is “hot” internationally as US ties deepen, with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit tied to energy and industrial cooperation.

TobaGrow Financing Push for Tobago Agriculture: The THA and ADB launched TobaGrow loans for farmers, fisherfolk and agro-processors, with up to TT$100,000 for returning borrowers (10% cash collateral) and up to TT$50,000 for first-timers (20% cash collateral), plus repayment flexibility and possible six-month moratoriums. Point Lisas Steel Revival Watch: After a decade idle, the former ArcelorMittal plant at Point Lisas is reopening under Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium via Ibis Steel, with US$750m planned and up to 1,000 jobs; economists are urging the Govt to scrutinise the “fine print” and vanadium supply/energy assumptions. NGC Locks In Manakin-Cocuina Gas Stake: BP agreed to sell NGC a 20% interest in the Manakin Field block, strengthening cross-border gas development and long-term energy security. Steelpan as Industry and Youth Engine: World Steelpan Day coverage highlighted pan’s role in youth development and cultural growth, alongside MITTCO’s push to expand steelpan’s global market reach. Tobago Independence Tech Plans: Minister Ravi Ratiram says a drone show is planned for Independence Day, with fireworks not confirmed amid past noise concerns. Energy/Trade Signals from the US: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau backed investor confidence in T&T, linking energy deals to supply-chain and investment cooperation. Regional Tech and Drones: DronTech Asia 2026 in Thailand points to fast-growing drone/AI/robotics markets across Asia. Weather Disruptions: Storm and monsoon impacts in the region continue to drive deaths and displacement, underscoring resilience needs.

Point Lisas Steel Revival: Ibis Steel Company of Trinidad and Tobago (backed by Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium) officially kicked off refurbishment of the former ArcelorMittal plant, targeting US$750m investment and up to 1,000 jobs, with first production aimed for end-2027. Critical Minerals Push: The same project is positioned to make T&T a major vanadium producer, with claims it could supply about half of US vanadium needs and reduce reliance on China and Russia. Energy Deal Updates: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar highlighted renewed confidence from US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit, including NGC-bpTT progress on Manakin-Cocuina and bp’s moves around Calypso. Water Security: Government says it has boosted desalinated water output via Desalcott ahead of El Niño, with possible short- to medium-term mobile desalination for Tobago. Security Posts: Tobago police leadership says Plymouth will only proceed after consultation, while Couva South officials discuss Carli Bay as a possible location amid gang and piracy concerns. Weather Disruption (Regional): Extreme monsoon and cyclones in the wider region have driven rising death tolls and large-scale displacement, underscoring climate and disaster risk for Caribbean operations. Corporate Watch: A.S. Bryden & Sons reports a steep first-half 2026 profit decline, citing softer demand in Trinidad and slower tourism recovery in Jamaica.

Energy & Investment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit helped unlock fresh deals, including Curlew Midstream’s Point Lisas fuel-storage/bunkering push, Pinnacle Steel’s restart of the former ISCOTT site, and NGC-BP progress on the Manakin-Cocuina cross-border gas field. Oil & Gas Deals: BP agreed to sell NGC a 20% stake in the Trinidad portion of the Cocuina-Manakin gas field, with final investment decisions expected later this year, while the wider Manakin-Cocuina unitisation remains a key driver for energy security. Industrial Revival: Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium Company kicked off refurbishment of the shuttered Point Lisas steel plant, now Ibis Steel Company, with a planned US$750M investment and ambitions to position T&T as a major vanadium producer. Critical Minerals: Separate coverage frames the vanadium goal as supplying a large share of US demand and reducing reliance on China and Russia. Water Security: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says desalinated water production has been ramped up to ease shortages ahead of El Niño, including exploring a mobile desalination option for Tobago. Public Safety & Security: Police post plans are still stirring debate, with consultation promised for Plymouth in Tobago and Carli Bay among locations being considered in Couva South. Weather & Disruption: Extreme weather coverage shows deaths and widespread impacts in the region, underscoring the pressure on disaster response and infrastructure.

US–T&T Security & Energy Talks: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrives for a two-day visit, meeting Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on shared security, counter-narcotics, border issues, and energy cooperation. Police Post Controversy: The Eddie Hart Grounds police-army post in Tacarigua is installed despite disputes over whether it was built over an NGC gas pipeline, with ministers and agencies trading blame while residents demand safety and accountability. Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is set to launch a real-time payments platform based on India’s UPI, aiming to cut cash use and payment costs while boosting interoperability. Energy Sector Deal: bp agrees to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso deepwater gas project, moving toward full ownership and operatorship by end-2026. Eco-Tourism Rules Under Pressure: Caroni Bird Sanctuary boat tours are drawing complaints over alcohol, noise, and litter, prompting calls for clearer rules and stronger enforcement. Caribbean Industry Spotlight: ATL Automotive expands its Caribbean automotive distribution and support hub across 21 territories. Climate Disruption Watch: Philippines’ habagat and cyclones Luis/Maymay have killed at least 13 and affected over 1.3 million, with agriculture hit across multiple regions.

US-T&T diplomacy: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad and Tobago (Aug 9–12) to push shared energy and security priorities and expand economic cooperation, before heading to Guyana for talks on energy and critical minerals. Digital payments push: Trinidad and Tobago is moving toward launching an India-based UPI payment system, aiming to cut cash use and payment costs while improving accessibility and interoperability. Energy deal: bp has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso offshore gas project, moving bp to full control and operatorship, with closing expected by end-2026. Eco-tourism rules under pressure: Caroni Bird Sanctuary operators are facing calls for clearer limits after complaints about alcohol, noise and litter tied to on-water dining experiences. Stormwater and resilience: A local water engineering expert warns that weak stormwater management can quickly turn extreme weather into major business and infrastructure damage. Public safety logistics: TTPS defends new mobile “micro-police” units as a faster, tech-enabled response model. Infrastructure continuity: Tobago airport terminal works are said not to be delayed by landslip and slope stabilisation efforts. Regional disaster watch: Philippines monsoon and cyclones Luis and Maymay have affected about 382,000 people, with deaths and injuries reported across multiple provinces.