AGP Executive Report

Energy Deal: BP has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso deepwater gas project offshore Trinidad and Tobago, moving to 100% ownership and operatorship; the deal is expected to close by end-2026, subject to approvals. Local Governance & Security: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Government won’t be deterred after workers were reportedly stopped from building a joint army-police post at Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua; TPRC officials say they were not informed. AI & Land Use: Residents near former Caroni lands in St Madeleine to Picton are alarmed by ongoing clearing and speculation about an AI data centre versus residential development for former workers. Business & Regional Trade: Jamaica’s Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) Limited is leaning on exports and retail as tourism lags after Hurricane Melissa disruptions. Road Safety (Construction/Industry): IDB highlights Cemex’s road-safety programme, including in Trinidad and Tobago, as a regional model after reporting a 54% drop in accidents linked to its operations over six years. Sports Media: Republic Bank CPL confirms broadcast partners and expands to seven teams for 2026.

Energy & Gas Deal: bp has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso deepwater gas project offshore Trinidad and Tobago, taking 100% ownership and operatorship; the deal is expected to close by end-2026, subject to approvals, as Trinidad’s gas shortage continues to hit LNG and petrochemical output. Local Security & Governance: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation representatives for allegedly stopping workers building a police post at Eddie Hart Grounds, calling it a PNM move that undermines public safety. Power & Renewables: T&TEC reportedly stopped absorbing electricity from the 92MW Brechin Castle Solar farm, drawing criticism that planning and contract issues are derailing Trinidad’s energy transition. Tourism & Hospitality: Hilton Trinidad lease talks remain uncertain, with tourism stakeholders warning delays could damage confidence and bookings. Business & Services: Flow launched its “We Live For This” campaign for the 2026 Republic Bank CPL, linking telecoms marketing to cricket culture. Digital Economy: Tobago Information Technology Limited is set to host an AI Ready Tobago symposium aimed at helping businesses and the public sector prepare for AI adoption.

Energy Policy Shock: T&TEC has stopped absorbing electricity from the 92MW Brechin Castle Solar farm, ending grid feed at end-January and sparking fresh criticism over planning and contract failures that could derail T&T’s energy transition. Investor Confidence: Analysts warn that race-charged political rhetoric is becoming a real economic risk, threatening foreign investment and domestic productivity amid FX and revenue pressures. Execution Deficit: A new critique argues T&T’s biggest problem isn’t ideas or budgets, but the gap between announcements and completion—hurting growth in a slow economy. Hilton Uncertainty: Hilton International says it may not operate beyond Sept. 18 without a long-term lease deal, raising alarms for tourism planning and jobs. Labour & Jobs: Trade unions react to CSO data showing nearly 6,000 job losses in Q1 2026 and demand assurances for Hilton workers. AI for Business: Tobago is set to host an AI Ready Tobago symposium aimed at helping firms, the public sector and educators adopt AI responsibly. Corporate Governance: PAAC questions the Health Ministry’s role in deciding which pharma suppliers were paid via NIPDEC, amid concerns over independence and prioritisation. Fertiliser Outlook: Nutrien misses profit estimates as lower potash and nitrogen volumes offset firmer prices, with Trinidad operations shutdown costs weighing results. Water Woes: Residents in parts of Arima report weeks of dry taps and low pressure, with accusations of political victimisation. Business Diplomacy: T&T’s High Commissioner to India urges local firms to tap India-linked B2B and contract-manufacturing opportunities. Sports & Media: Flow launches its “We Live For This” CPL campaign across the Caribbean, while local cinema sees a pre-COVID style surge with Spider-Man demand.

CPL & Sponsorship: Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) locked in bpTT as a key sponsor for the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, boosting local backing as the five-time champions chase a sixth title. Sports & Media: Flow rolled out its “We Live For This” campaign across the Caribbean to celebrate CPL passion and fan culture. Hospitality & Jobs: Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre says it may have to stop operating after Sept. 18 unless a new long-term lease deal is reached with the Government, warning it could affect 250+ jobs. Public Safety & Labour: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says convicted offenders could be reintroduced to “hard labour” through public clean-up programmes. Local Business Expansion: RM De Souza Funeral Home opened a new crematorium in Diego Martin, expanding end-of-life services for West Trinidad residents. Roads & Construction Tech: New Wave Road Solutions via EZ Street Caribbean is promoting polymer-modified cold asphalt for faster pothole repairs with minimal disruption. Real Estate & Approvals: A local explainer breaks down how development approvals work in Trinidad and Tobago, including Town and Country vs Regional Corporation steps. Maritime Disaster Update: Guyana’s Government called off active search and recovery for MV Barima victims, while forensic teams continue identifying recovered bodies. Energy & Industry: T&T Manufacturers’ Association CEO Ramesh Ramdeen backs the 30 joint army-police posts idea but says it must deliver results for crime, tourism, and investment.

MV Barima Disaster: Trinidad and Tobago’s regional tragedy update: the government has called off the active search and recovery for MV Barima victims, while the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre stays on to log reports from passing vessels; forensic teams continue identifying recovered bodies and families will be notified once positive matches are made. Local Governance & Public Safety: Police Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin says the planned rollout of 30 police-army posts is meant to boost community visibility and make reporting easier, with Defence Force support to avoid extra burden on officers. Retail & Consumer Markets: Trincity Mall has unveiled a multi-phase “Trincity Mall Reimagined” restructuring plan following the opening of Pennywise Plaza at the Trincity Industrial Estate. Energy & Industry: TOSL Engineering Ltd appoints Lisa Mohammed as managing director, framing the next phase around evolving energy and industrial demands. Weather & Water: TTMS forecasts hotter-than-normal conditions through October, with Tobago facing below-normal rainfall and both islands warned about flash-flood risk from short heavy bursts. Motorsport Sustainability: TTASA earns FIA one-star environmental accreditation for new waste, recycling, fluids-handling and energy-efficiency initiatives at Wallerfield Raceway.

Community & Jobs: A new report on Icacos spotlights how stunning scenery sits beside chronic unemployment and limited opportunities, with many families relying on income linked to Venezuelan arrivals and coconut processing. Local Industry & Environment: TTASA earns an FIA one-star environmental accreditation for upgrades at Wallerfield Raceway, including waste, recycling, safer fluid handling and energy efficiency. Prison Security: Suspected marijuana and a cellphone were seized at Golden Grove Prison during routine duties, with items handed to police for forensic analysis. Energy & Finance: Diesel subsidy payments total $293.26M for 2026 so far, while GraceKennedy (T&T) is registered as a payment service provider, expanding regulated bill payment services. Climate & Water Risk: The TT Meteorological Service warns of hotter-than-normal conditions through October, with Tobago facing below-normal rainfall and both islands still vulnerable to flash flooding from heavy bursts. Tourism & Culture: Applejack’s Winnie’s opens at Sydney Opera House, named for Trinidad-born pianist Winifred Atwell—another example of T&T talent and heritage reaching global audiences.

Labour Market Scrutiny: The Ministry of Planning urged careful interpretation of the CSO Labour Force Survey, warning against comparing the wrong quarters and stressing seasonal patterns that can make Q4 job numbers look lower than Q1. Integrity & Governance: The Integrity Commission published names of parliamentarians and others who allegedly failed to file income and asset declarations for 2024 and 2025, renewing pressure on transparency. Media Funding Pressure: Journalists and publishers warned that a government advertising freeze is compounding the financial strain on independent newsrooms, risking weaker accountability. Banking & Payments: Central Bank registration confirms GraceKennedy (T&T) as a payment service provider, expanding regulated bill payment services. Energy Costs: Diesel subsidy payments for 2026 total $293.26M, per an FOIA response. Renewables Push: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, with a Sept 1 deadline. Maritime & Migration: A migrant boat capsized near Trinidad, killing a five-year-old girl and an adult man, highlighting ongoing sea-crossing risks. Business Climate: Chambers warned campaign finance disclosure rules could expose firms to retaliation, while employment data showed nearly 6,000 jobs lost in Q1 2026.

Campaign Finance Reform: Business groups are warning that proposed political donation disclosure rules could expose firms to retaliation, reigniting debate after court action tied to the PNM’s Balisier House funding. Banking Leadership: First Citizens Group CEO Jason Julien has resigned, effective August 31, saying the move is voluntary for a new Nasdaq-listed US role. Jobs & Economy: Trade unions and economists are alarmed by CSO data showing nearly 6,000 jobs lost in Q1 2026, arguing the employment squeeze is hitting households beyond the official numbers. US Tariffs & Trade: Caribbean exporters, including T&T, face new US Section 301 forced-labour import tariffs, raising fears of export disruption amid visa and market pressures. Automotive Policy: TTADA says mild hybrid vehicle tax exemptions are restored after Customs reclassification concerns, keeping import costs down for qualifying models. Steel & Scrap Industry: Scrap dealers back the steel mill restart but warn against monopoly pricing and insist the state must buy scrap at international rates. Energy/Offshore Ops: Valaris’ 2001-built jack-up rig completed a BP offshore Trinidad campaign ahead of schedule, with next work lined up for Shell. Food & Hospitality: WOFEX 2026 spotlights Mindanao representation via Global Pacific, underscoring regional supply-chain and kitchen trends. Culture & Tourism: Caribbean Music Awards expands to Trinidad & Tobago with a multi-day Elite Weekend Experience in September. Maritime Safety: A migrant boat capsizing near Trinidad killed a five-year-old Venezuelan girl and an adult man, highlighting ongoing sea-crossing risks.

AI & Outsourcing Costs: A new wave of “labor savings” is getting eaten by rising AI compute and maintenance bills, with firms shifting spend from wages to infrastructure instead of cutting costs. Auto Industry & Taxes: TTADA says mild hybrid vehicle tax exemptions are restored after technical talks with Finance Minister Dave Tancoo and Customs, keeping import costs stable for qualifying models. Steel & Scrap Supply: Scrap dealers back the planned steel mill restart but warn against a monopoly—state buyers must pay international scrap prices and allow continued exports. Business Strategy Under FX Strain: Local consultants argue Trinidad and Tobago firms can’t rely on the domestic market alone; AI plus overseas expansion is being pitched as the practical route to earn foreign currency. Weather & Planning: The Met Service forecasts near-normal rainfall in early August, with wetter spells expected Aug. 2 and Aug. 6–9, supporting short-term agro and logistics planning. Cyber/Smart Cities Talks: T&T and Israel begin discussions on cybersecurity and smart cities, alongside agriculture and healthcare projects. Culture & Industry: Caribbean Music Awards is moving its 2026 ceremony to Trinidad and Tobago and launching a multi-day Elite Weekend Experience in September.

Steel & Scrap Policy: Scrap dealers back the planned restart of Trinidad and Tobago’s steel mill, but warn the Government must keep paying international scrap prices and avoid a monopoly by forcing all exports to stop. Vehicle Tax Relief: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo restored tax exemptions for qualifying mild hybrid imports after Customs reclassification sparked fears of higher prices—dealers say vehicles can now clear without the added taxes. Retail & FX Pressure: Pennywise opened its biggest plaza and standalone store at Trincity Industrial Estate, with management linking the move toward manufacturing to ongoing foreign exchange shortages. Trade Facilitation for Yachting: The SailClear electronic clearance system is set to cut yacht processing from hours to about 15 minutes, with rollout expected after Cabinet approval. Business Strategy Under Strain: A business consultant argues T&T firms must earn foreign currency overseas and adopt AI to stay competitive amid FX shortages and a limited local market. Security & Smart Partnerships: T&T and Israel began talks on cybersecurity and smart cities, alongside agriculture and healthcare projects. Environment & Enforcement: Two men were arrested in Tobago for alleged sea turtle poaching, including meat and eggs taken from a nesting site. Weather Outlook: Meteorological updates call for near-normal rainfall in early August, with wetter spells expected on Aug. 2 and Aug. 6–9. Health Angle: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe cited rising childhood overweight/obesity risks, pointing to the need for more physical activity in schools.

Retail & Manufacturing Push: Pennywise opened its biggest plaza and stand-alone store at Trincity Industrial Estate, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo calling it a confidence signal, while company leaders pointed to foreign exchange strain as the reason they’re moving into manufacturing. Business Strategy: Consultant Gerald Llanos says T&T firms must chase forex and adopt AI to stay competitive, not just depend on the local market. Risk & Resilience: TTRMI CEO Ken Hackshaw urged better disaster readiness after a Venezuela earthquake highlighted how regional hazards can hit T&T’s south coast. Energy/Industry Watch: A refinery restart faces scepticism from industry voices, with concerns tied to contract and restructuring conditions. Digital Trade Facilitation: SailClear’s electronic yacht clearance system is set for rollout after Cabinet approval, cutting clearance from hours to about 15 minutes to boost regional yachting. Weather Outlook: Meteorological Service forecasts near-normal rainfall in early August, with wetter spells on Aug 2 and Aug 6–9. Governance & Media: Government’s near 12-week gap in post-Cabinet briefings is drawing criticism over accountability and access. Culture & Unity Debate: UTT’s Emancipation Day programme sparked backlash over East Indian performances, while the Emancipation Support Committee got fresh backing from Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin.

Digital Trade & Tourism: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the new SailClear electronic clearance system for yachts is ready to roll out, cutting processing from about four hours to 15 minutes, with Cabinet approval expected in weeks as yacht arrivals climb (500+ already this year). Retail & Local Industry Signals: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo points to the opening of Pennywise’s new Trincity Plaza as a sign of growing private-sector confidence and continued support for locally made products. Labour Market Pressure: CSO data shows nearly 6,000 job losses in Q1 2026, with employment down to 564,000 and unemployment rising as the economy sheds jobs across sectors. Marine Protection Enforcement: Tobago wildlife officers arrested two men after suspected sea turtle poaching at Lambeau Beach, seizing turtle remains, eggs and meat; authorities warn penalties are steep. Governance & Accountability: A report highlights the Government’s 12-week gap without post-Cabinet media briefings, raising questions on public access to decisions. Community & Culture: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin pledges support to clear Emancipation Support Committee debts and strengthen African Emancipation Day celebrations. Sports & Brand Partnerships: UTC renews its partnership with Trinbago Knight Riders for CPL 2026, launching a nationwide 360 campaign and adding financial well-being sessions for players.

Maritime Trade Boost: Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the new SailClear electronic clearance system for yachts is ready to roll out, cutting clearance from four hours to 15 minutes and expected to win Cabinet approval in weeks as yacht arrivals rise. Retail & Local Industry Confidence: Finance Minister Dr. Devendranath Tancoo points to the opening of Pennywise Plaza in Trincity as a sign businesses are regaining confidence, with the new hub already generating 200+ jobs and expected to pull more activity into the non-energy sector. Tobago Wildlife Enforcement: Two men were arrested on Lambeau Beach after officers found suspected poached sea turtle remains, eggs and meat; authorities stress sea turtles are fully protected and offences carry heavy penalties. Politics & Transparency: A High Court decision outlines why it granted a preliminary Unexplained Wealth Order against PNM trustees over the Balisier House redevelopment, while another report flags the government’s 12-week gap without post-Cabinet briefings. Education & Skills: UTT’s African Emancipation Day event sparked debate online over a tassa and classical dance segment, as the programme also highlighted shared histories shaping national identity. Regional Education/Industrial Relations: The Caribbean Union of Teachers concluded its 2026 executive meeting, electing a new First Vice President and signing an MoU with Cipriani College to strengthen labour and co-operative training across the region.

Government Media Access: A minister defended the lack of post-Cabinet briefings, saying the weekly news conferences haven’t happened for 12 weeks and accountability can’t be judged by one event. UTT Emancipation Debate: UTT’s “Uhuru: Celebrating Freedom” event sparked online debate after it featured a tassa performance and classical Indian dance, with officials arguing the programme reflects shared histories of emancipation and indentureship. Retail & Jobs: Pennywise Plaza opened in Trincity, already creating 200+ jobs and expected to pull more businesses into one of T&T’s fastest-growing commercial hubs. Local Industry & Food: Nestlé’s exit from the local juice and milk market is prompting calls for dairy and stakeholders to focus on strengthening homegrown production. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. finalized Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on imports from 60 countries, with exemptions for some goods and manufacturing inputs. Maritime Safety Watch: Guyana swore in the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry, with local media absent from the swearing-in ceremony. Wildlife Enforcement: Two men were arrested in Tobago after suspected poached sea turtle remains, eggs and meat were found at Lambeau Beach.

Deep-Sea Governance & Mining: ISA deep-sea dialogues brought science, economics and ocean rules into focus, with live participation from near Trinidad and Tobago as experts discussed how to manage the “Area” and its resources. Tobago Conservation Enforcement: DECRE says two men were arrested after wildlife officers found suspected poached sea turtle remains, eggs and meat at Lambeau Beach; sea turtles are protected and penalties can reach TT$100,000 and two years. Maritime Safety & Media Access: Guyana’s MV Barima Commission of Inquiry commissioners were sworn in, but local media were notably excluded and the ceremony was streamed via social channels, sparking transparency concerns. Local Business & Food Industry: Nestlé Trinidad’s exit from the local juice and milk market is prompting calls to keep dairy and related stakeholders focused on strengthening the local industry. Energy & Finance: JMMB’s DR arm placed US$11m into solar and wind via a Sustainable Energy Fund, while Cemex received regional recognition for road safety practices that cut accidents involving its operations. Transport Policy: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says hybrid vehicle duty relief remains in place after a mild-hybrid classification ruling.

US-T&T Security Signals: US ambassador nominee Jennifer Johnson-Carroll told a Senate hearing that T&T’s repeated States of Emergency “doesn’t bode well” for the country’s crime fight, while also flagging porous borders and energy output as key issues shaping cooperation. Hybrid Vehicle Tax Clarity: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says a Customs classification ruling on mild-hybrid vehicles doesn’t change existing relief under Legal Notice 247 of 2024, after meetings with the automotive dealers’ association. Energy & Trade Watch: New data shows T&T LNG exports edged up in 2025 to 10.7 bcm, with South and Central America the top destination. Solar Grid Friction: T&TEC is not absorbing power from Brechin Castle Solar Ltd, with the minister citing planning gaps and lack of battery backup. Maritime Safety Focus (Guyana): Guyana swore in an international MV Barima Commission of Inquiry, tasked with uncovering causes and compliance failures; Trinidad and Tobago is represented on the panel. Business & Industry Links: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction across the region. Hospitality Appointments: Park Hyatt St. Kitts and Hyatt Regency Trinidad named Marissa Diaz Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing. Food Tourism Angle: A Trinidadian food-tourism piece highlights how roti and local flavours are drawing interest abroad. Agriculture Training: BIOREACH Farmer Field Schools are helping farmers cut costs by learning to spot beneficial insects and make safer input decisions.