AGP Executive Report

Special Operations Bill: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says special operations will be authorised only in UNC-held constituencies and local government electoral districts, after consultation with Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, as debate heads to the Senate and critics warn about movement restrictions. Marine Safety: Two boats collided off Pigeon Point, Tobago, injuring nine people including foreign nationals; speed and navigation misjudgments are blamed, renewing calls for stronger marine safety laws. Public Sector Pay Talks: The CPO’s Office tells unionised workers the State must balance backpay arrears with wider national needs, as PSA and government differ on the cash vs non-cash settlement split. National Security & Community Impact: Residents in Port of Spain weigh in on potential “closed areas” and permit-based movement under the Bill, with concerns about small businesses and daily life. Digital & AI Governance: DigiCert launches AI Trust Manager to help organisations identify and control AI agents via cryptographically signed “AI passports” and policy permissions. Regional Health Infrastructure: Region One bids invited for $37.8M in new health facilities, including a health post and prefabricated health hut, to expand access in remote areas. Retail Leadership: SATT elects a new 2026–2028 board with Kevin Kissoon as president, focusing on advocacy and industry development. AI & Digital Policy: Minister Dominic Smith urges Caribbean states to coordinate AI and data governance at CTU ICT Week 2026. Tobago Cocoa to Chocolate: THIT and Trinitario partner to launch a chocolate lab at Mt St George School, pushing culinary tourism and skills for students.

Tobago Cocoa & Tourism: The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, via Mt St George School, has partnered with Trinitario to launch a dedicated chocolate lab—turning local cocoa into premium bars and building culinary tourism. Public Safety & Community Impact: After the Special Operations Bill passed, residents in Beetham Gardens and Sea Lots say they feel “caged,” with fears that “closed areas” could restrict movement and hurt small businesses. Energy & Transport Innovation: Pro-man and Dumore Enterprises have rolled out a pilot of 100% methanol-fuelled heavy-duty Geely trucks, backed by about $7m, to test whether locally produced methanol can scale for road transport. Telecom Costs: Digicel will raise prices on several prepaid plans from Oct. 19, with discounted renewal rates for eligible auto-renew customers. Wildlife Rules: State Game Licences go on sale Sept. 21 for the Oct. 1–Feb. 28 season, with iguana hunting restrictions and fines reiterated. Regional Business: Guyana’s ANSA McAL reports a 44% jump in first-half profit as revenues rise across most markets.

Youth Crime Prevention: As anti-crime rhetoric hardens, police are pushing “Flip the Script” to intervene early and steer vulnerable youths away from gangs. Civil Liberties Debate: After the Special Operations Bill passed, residents in Beetham Gardens and Sea Lots say they feel “caged,” reviving fears of another era of confinement. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: State game licences go on sale today ahead of the Oct. 1 season opening; iguana hunting is banned Jan–Mar with fines up to $10,000. Telecom Costs: Digicel prepaid plans rise from Oct. 19, with discounted renewal rates for eligible auto-renew customers. Energy & Transport Innovation: Pro-man and Dumore pilot methanol-powered heavy trucks on T&T roads, aiming to test commercial viability of locally produced fuel. Logistics & Food Prices: Ramps Logistics links higher China freight rates to rising consumer costs, while analysts warn imported food prices could climb. Regional Air Links: Caribbean Airlines plans to resume Caracas flights from Oct. 17, welcomed by travel operators. Public Works Watch: Annette Ferguson presses Bishop Juan Edghill over the slow progress and spending on the $15.8B Haags Bosch office complex. Sports (Local Pride): Trinidad QB Trinidad Chambliss starred as Ole Miss beat LSU 32-24 in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford.

Methanol for Heavy Trucks: Pro-man and Dumore Enterprises launched a pilot using 100% methanol-powered Geely trucks on Trinidad roads, with about $7m invested and local data gathered to test commercial viability. Freight Costs & Food Prices: Ramps Logistics says China freight rates nearly doubled in six months, pushing up consumer prices; analysts warn T&T could face higher imported food costs as supply-chain shocks persist. Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines (CAL) plans to resume Caracas flights from Oct 17, welcomed by travel agents as a boost for business and leisure travel. Energy & Profit Pressure: Heritage Petroleum reported profit of $817m for the year ended Sept 30, 2025, down from $940.3m in 2024, citing lower crude prices. Governance & Justice Delays: Relatives of MV Barima victims say the COI’s start date remains unclear nearly two months after it was announced. Insurance Probe: A former insurance agent on a State board faces allegations from investors of defrauding them of over $1.5m while at Guardian Life of the Caribbean. Regional Health Risk: PAHO warns El Niño is strengthening, raising drought, food insecurity and health risks across the Americas. Culture & Industry: The Ministry of the People granted $38,220 to the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation for garment and enterprise training in Chaguanas.

Business & Trade: Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is urging Budget 2026/2027 to fix the business environment, unlock private investment and create jobs, arguing government can’t carry development alone. Regional Payments: CARICOM is moving toward a regional payments and settlement system (CAPSS) for faster, cheaper cross-border payments in local currencies, with T&T’s central bank sharing progress and PAPSS lessons from Africa. Energy & Gas: bpTT and NGC are in talks on the cross-border Manakin/Cocuina gas project, while reports also point to methanol fuel and methanol-powered trucks hitting T&T roads. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO and 4-H T&T will supply hydroponic systems to 45 schools to boost modern crop-growing skills, and a New Plant Varieties Bill aims to strengthen breeder rights and expand access to climate-resilient crops. Tourism & Security: Tobago hotel and tourism operators fear the Special Operations Bill could restrict movement and hurt business if “closed areas” are applied across the island. Skills & Enterprise: A $38,220 one-off grant backs Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation’s Power Stitch SEEW programme in Chaguanas, training unemployed and underemployed participants in garment construction and business planning. Culture & Industry: The Caribbean Music Awards returns to Trinidad and Tobago at NAPA, with CMA nominations and industry networking events drawing regional attention.

Budget 2026/27 Watch: The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce wants Budget 2026/2027 to fix the business environment, unlock private investment and drive jobs, arguing Government can’t carry development alone. Regional Payments: CARICOM is moving toward a faster, cheaper regional payments system in local currencies, with a CAPSS pilot expected after consultations, and T&T officials meeting PAPSS experts. Energy & Gas: Energy Ministry talks with bpTT and NGC advance the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, aiming to strengthen T&T’s gas sector through collaboration. Tech for Business: IntellicoERP, an AI-native enterprise system from Trinidad and Tobago, prepares to expand into Ghana as it scales internationally. Agriculture Policy: A New Plant Varieties Bill amendment would broaden protection for plant breeders and boost access to climate-resilient crops. Transport Decarbonisation: ProMan and Dumore Enterprises launch methanol-powered Geely trucks on T&T roads, touting lower emissions versus diesel. Security Debate: The Special Operations Bill faces pushback, with concerns it could restrict movement and harm Tobago’s tourism. Culture & Awards: The Caribbean Music Awards return to Trinidad and Tobago for the first time, with Lady Lava leading nominations and calypso advocates calling for a dedicated category.

Special Operations Bill: Tobago hoteliers and business leaders warn the proposed “closed areas” could disrupt movement and hurt tourism, with critics also saying the bill’s rushed passage risks constitutional overreach and a “police state.” Police safeguards: A dispute over TTPS body-cam capacity has raised fresh questions about oversight, with the Police Commissioner citing just over 100 working cameras while critics challenge battery limits and the fate of earlier purchases. Energy & gas: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal met bpTT and NGC on the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, focusing on status and next steps for the Trinidad–Venezuela resource. Transport fuels: Proman and Dumore launched four 100% methanol-powered heavy trucks on T&T roads, positioning methanol as a cleaner transport fuel after a pilot using local production. Tourism logistics: With October Carnival travel demand rising, the Port Authority and Caribbean Airlines are expected to add inter-island sailings and flights to Tobago. Manpower planning: An opinion piece argues T&T lacks a clear manpower plan, leaving employers unable to find skills while graduates face oversupply and unemployment. Tech expansion: IntellicoERP plans to expand into Ghana as it pushes an AI-native enterprise platform beyond T&T. Regional fisheries resilience: A US$12.55m GEF-backed project will strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030.

Cross-Border Energy Talks: Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries met bpTT and NGC on the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, focusing on the field’s status and how to push development forward. Clean Transport Push: Pro-man and Dumore Enterprises launched four methanol-powered Geely trucks on T&T roads after Transporation Commission approval, citing lower emissions versus diesel and a pilot already racking up thousands of kilometres. Energy Services Milestone: TOFCO completed the Manatee platform jacket and piles locally for Shell, underlining local fabrication capacity as T&T positions itself as a regional energy hub. Industry Planning Gap: A local op-ed argues T&T lacks a manpower plan tied to development goals, leaving employers unable to find skills while graduates in areas like law and medicine face mismatches. Social Protection Payments: The People, Social Development and Family Services Ministry says it continues cheque production via NIBTT for senior citizens’ pension and disability/public assistance, while expanding direct deposit for new applicants. Regional Fisheries Resilience: A US$12.55m GEF/FAO-backed CC4FISH-II initiative was launched to strengthen climate resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030, benefiting fisherfolk and coastal communities across multiple islands including T&T. Trade & Logistics Support: ITC and DHL renewed an MoU to help SMEs trade across borders, pairing market support with DHL’s logistics network for exports and supply chains.

Tobago Carnival travel relief: Port Authority and Caribbean Airlines say more Bucco Reef and T&T Spirit sailings, plus extra CAL flights, are being added after revellers complained the initial inter-island schedule left gaps. Police accountability and tech limits: As Parliament debates the Special Operations Bill, TTPS body-cam capacity is under scrutiny, with claims of short battery life and questions about cameras bought but not in service. Energy and local industry: Government is engaging bpTT and NGC on advancing the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, while TOFCO marks completion of the Manatee platform jacket and piles for Shell. Regional fisheries resilience: A US$12.55m GEF/FAO-backed CC4FISH-II push launched across Caribbean states to help fisherfolk and coastal communities adapt through 2030. Business climate signal: Economist commentary suggests letting the State of Emergency lapse could improve investor confidence. Procurement pressure: OPR’s FY 2024/25 report flags big spending but persistent non-compliance and contract issues. Digital and logistics growth: IntellicoERP goes global from T&T, and ITC/DHL renew support for cross-border SME trade. Creative economy: Animae Caribe urges private-sector investment to build local animation IP and jobs.

Industrial Justice Reform: Industrial Court president Heather Seale says the law on the Special Tribunal needs urgent fixing after gaps arise when the Essential Services Division chairman demits office, leaving reserved matters hanging. Trade & SME Support: ITC and DHL renewed their partnership to help small and women-led businesses trade across borders, using logistics plus market intelligence and SheTrades-style support. Public Procurement Pressure: The OPR’s 2024/25 report flags $15.97bn in awards across 141,479 transactions but warns of non-compliance, weak responsiveness and lost value from unfulfilled contracts—prompting calls for tighter, risk-based oversight. Business Confidence Signal: Economist Jeremy Stephen says letting the State of Emergency expire could reassure investors and reduce the “pause” effect on business planning. Energy & Industry: Touchstone’s Cascadura gas gains are welcomed, but broader recovery is expected only by 2027–2028; meanwhile Manatee Plus is positioned to add major gas processing capacity for manufacturing and jobs. Security for AI: DigiCert launched DigiCert AI Trust Manager to verify AI agents’ identity/permissions and enable rapid revocation via a kill switch. Local Market Watch: New Chinese vehicle brands are reshaping T&T’s car market, with dealers citing tougher competition and incomplete sales reporting. Construction & Delivery: 13 contractors bid to complete Guyana’s 58 Miles Primary School project, with bids ranging from $12.6m to $17.9m. Hospital Operations: A faulty AC unit at PoS General Hospital’s maternity ward triggered evacuation after smoke set off fire alarms; no injuries reported.

Energy & Jobs: Manatee Plus milestone puts Trinidad and Tobago on track for first gas, with Minister Roodal Moonilal saying the country can process 604 million scf/day and that the project should support manufacturing, jobs and foreign exchange as mature-field output declines. Fuel Subsidy: Government says the reduced Super gasoline price will cost an extra $318m in fiscal 2026, but it will absorb the hit to protect transport and food prices. Regional Fisheries Resilience: A US$12.55m CC4FISH-II project begins in Dominica, targeting climate-proofing for fisheries and coastal livelihoods across five countries including T&T. Local Governance & Corruption: Rural Development minister Khadijah Ameen warns of bribe-taking by building and public health inspectors, urging the public to report offenders. Construction Oversight: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar calls the POSGH Central Block “practical completion” a “con job,” saying the block was still a construction site and promising it will near readiness with staffing and outfitting plans. Industrial Relations: Industrial Court reports a rising caseload (876 new cases) and pledges to improve operations with more staffing, infrastructure and technology. Business & Trade: AMCHAM urges T&T to use uncertainty to strengthen and build industries, while T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce pushes Canada ties via an investor roundtable in Toronto. Policy & Media Access: Freedom of Information Amendment Bill debate pits Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh’s transparency case against Stuart Young’s warning that newspaper publication requirements may be diluted. Digital Finance: Central Bank seminar highlights plans to move crypto from sandbox to a permanent framework, with speakers pointing to remittances and cross-border payments benefits. Tobago Energy Tension: Tobago fishermen demand consultation before EOG Resources’ exploratory drilling off southwest Tobago.

Energy & Gas Recovery: Former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine says Touchstone Exploration’s Cascadura gas uptick is welcome, but a real turnaround for T&T’s gas output is more likely in 2027–2028 as Manatee and other projects come on stream. Refinery Restart: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says work continues on the Pointe-a-Pierre restart, with the process being handled to comply with State asset sale rules, while also flagging progress on the Manatee project. Tobago Offshore Drilling: EOG Resources is set to begin exploratory drilling off southwest Tobago from mid-October; Tobago fishermen are calling for consultation, and local leaders want clear benefits and re-engagement with affected communities. Air Connectivity: Airports Authority reports Piarco passenger traffic remains robust, with July international numbers peaking at 181,411, and more regional services expected in October. Climate & Fisheries Resilience: A US$12.55m GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project launched in Dominica will support climate-disaster resilience for fisheries across five countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. Business Policy & Corruption: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen pushes for reporting bribery in construction and public health inspections as the Senate debates the Public Health (Amendment) Bill. Crypto Regulation Shift: Central Bank work to move the crypto sector from a sandbox to permanent rules is framed as a way to improve remittances and cross-border payments. Trade & Investment: AMCHAM urges T&T to use uncertainty to build new industries; Chamber of Industry and Commerce highlights Canada investment ties via a Toronto roundtable. Carbon Border Risk: Central Bank research warns EU carbon border rules may be less than 1% to GDP short-term, but could hit carbon-intensive export sectors harder. Super Gasoline Subsidy: Finance Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh says Government will maintain the reduced super gasoline price despite higher global costs, budgeting for an added fiscal 2026 subsidy.

Offshore Energy & Tobago Jobs: Tobago fishermen are demanding consultation before EOG Resources begins exploratory drilling off southwest Tobago from mid-October, with officials saying one well will be drilled and the THA has 3–4 years to prepare if hydrocarbons are found. Energy Policy & Fiscal Relief: Government says it will absorb an increased fuel subsidy as global prices push up costs, keeping the reduced super gasoline price in place to protect transport and the cost of living. Refining Restart Watch: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says work continues on the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery restart while ensuring the asset sale process follows the rules, with Touchstone also reporting gas output gains. ESG & Investment Climate: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John argues T&T must protect infrastructure and the environment to stay competitive for investors, while AMCHAM’s ESG conference urged using uncertainty to build new industries. Crypto Regulation Shift: Central Bank discussions point to moving T&T’s crypto sector beyond the sandbox toward a permanent framework, with speakers highlighting potential benefits for remittances and cross-border payments. Trade Risk From Carbon Rules: A Central Bank paper warns EU carbon border rules may be under 1% to GDP short-term, but could still squeeze carbon-intensive export sectors. Climate Resilience for Fisheries: A US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project launched to help fisherfolk and coastal communities across the region, including T&T, adapt to climate and disaster shocks. Labour & Telecoms: CWU is pressing for a 10% wage increase for TSTT workers and hints at protests once the State of Emergency ends. Public Health Law Change: Public Health (Amendment) Bill moves in the Senate, adjusting construction approval roles while keeping ministerial oversight. Tobago Cocoa Value-Add: A new chocolate lab and training push aims to help students turn Trinitario beans into higher-value products for hotels, restaurants and exports.

Energy & Drilling: EOG Resources says it will start exploratory drilling off Tobago from mid-October, with one well about 22 km southwest using a mobile rig, while the THA pushes for clearer maritime boundaries and better local preparedness. Gas Output: Touchstone Exploration reports Cascadura natural gas output rising to 12.6 MMcf/d in August after a booster compressor start-up, alongside a new two-well WD-4 campaign and optimisation work. Labour & Telecoms: The CWU is demanding a 10% wage increase for TSTT workers when talks resume, warning of protests once the state of emergency ends. Water & Tourism Planning: Tobago braces for drought-like conditions ahead of October Carnival, with the THA planning water retention steps including dam dredging and desalination support. Agri-Food Value-Add: A Tobago chocolate lab and MoU with Mt St George School and Trinitario aims to build skills in processing, recipes and premium products for hotels and exports. Business & Culture Loss: Sheik Lisha founder Akaloo is mourned, with officials praising his humility and focus on affordable, reliable food supply. Creative Industries: “Carnival Catwalk” lands on American Airlines’ in-flight entertainment, extending Trinidad & Tobago fashion content to international audiences. Safety & Crime: A 71-year-old man was allegedly forced at gunpoint to drive with his 3-year-old grandson during a $7,400 robbery in Santa Cruz.

Water & Drought Preparedness: Tobago is bracing for drought-like conditions as El Niño and Sahara dust cut rainfall, with the THA planning water retention work (including dam dredging) and tourism-led planning to protect hotel and restaurant operations ahead of October Carnival. Cuba Travel Fallout: Two Trinidadians returning from Cuba described rationed water, prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and food/medical supply gaps—casting a harsh light on the island’s tourism image. Telecom Industrial Action: The Communication Workers’ Union says it will push for a 10% wage increase at TSTT and is ready to protest once the State of Emergency ends. Cocoa Value-Add in Tobago: A new chocolate lab and MoU between THIT, Mt St George School and Trinitario aims to train students to process local cocoa into premium products for hotels, restaurants and export. Oil & Gas Operations: Touchstone Exploration is advancing workover and production optimization across WD-4 blocks in Trinidad, with a mid-September well start and further October activities. Trade & Manufacturing Push: TTMA leads a 37-member delegation to Miami to build export links across food, tech, beauty and other manufacturing services. Football Development Deal: TTFA and UWI St Augustine sign a four-year MOU with a scholarship named for late football administrator Azaad Mohammed-Khan. Culture & Creative Exports: NCBA explores Carnival collaboration with Nigeria, while THE LOST TRIBE brings Trinidad mas to New York Fashion Week. Space STEM Spotlight: Medical student Kaitlyn Sahatoo says her international satellite programme could help put T&T’s flag on a lunar mission launch in October.

TTMA trade push: The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association leads a 37-member delegation to Miami (Sept 13–18) to grow export links, with a “Doing Business in Miami” seminar and B2B sessions aimed at manufacturers and services firms. Manufacturing loss: Sheik Lisha managing director Churchill Azad Akaloo has died; TTMA says he leaves an enduring legacy in T&T’s manufacturing sector. Football development: TTFA and UWI St Augustine sign a four-year MOU plus an Azaad Mohammed-Khan scholarship to link football development with education, research, sports science and youth pathways. Agriculture & infrastructure: RDC will rehabilitate the Charuma Junction landslip in Mayaro, with wider road and community support flagged. Marine & plastics: A new Tobago study finds 97% of Atlantic-facing beach debris is plastic, pointing to ocean currents and waves as key drivers. Health regulation: MBTT is reviewing guidelines on doctors’ social media advertising, focusing on misleading claims and undisclosed financial incentives. Energy & weather watch: Warnings grow around a possible “Super El Niño” and its knock-on risks for agriculture and water. Space inspiration: A Trinidadian medical student says a lunar mission could launch Oct 11, with T&T representation in the programme.