AGP Executive Report

Cloud & Enterprise IT: Liberty Business and Amazon Web Services are deepening their partnership to push enterprise-grade cloud services into Trinidad and Tobago, with Flow T&T’s enterprise arm positioned to help local firms speed up digital transformation and data-residency compliance. Industrial Relations: Works Credit Union workers in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago begin a 90-day industrial action over a wage dispute, with union leaders saying offers of 1%–4% don’t match the credit union’s earnings. Tourism Governance: Tourism Trinidad Ltd. appoints a new board chaired by Benedict Hatem, aiming to lift tourism’s GDP contribution from 6% to 12% by 2030, with focus on business tourism, ecotourism, entertainment/culture, sports tourism and yachting. Skills & Youth Pipeline: UWI-ROYTEC’s Pathway to Success programme is guiding CSEC/CAPE students into higher education and careers, with workshops and industry interaction across IT, finance, marketing, HR and entrepreneurship. Brewing Skills Export: Carib Brewery sponsors three brewers from Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and St Kitts & Nevis to earn World Brewing Academy diplomas in Germany, building advanced brewing science and production know-how.

Maritime Accountability: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has named a five-member international Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima ferry disaster, with Trinidad and Tobago maritime law specialist Nyree Dawn Alfonso among the commissioners, aiming to pin down negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty and institutional failures. Local Governance & Labour: Works Credit Union workers staged strikes across branches in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago, rejecting wage offers of 1%–4% and accusing management of stalling talks for nearly three years. Food & Manufacturing: Nestlé has begun a strategic review of its Trinidad operations, with talk of a possible sale of the Valsayn factory that employs 200 workers and buys milk from 100+ local dairy farmers. Trade & Industry Pressure: The U.S. finalized Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on 60 trading partners, replacing expiring global duties—an update that could ripple through regional supply chains. Energy Policy Watch: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos floated revisiting nuclear power amid high electricity costs, keeping nuclear on the policy radar. Health & Culture: A local Alcoholics Anonymous representative highlights early signs of alcoholism, while a separate piece spotlights UNDP support for Moko Jumbie youth development.

Caribbean AI & Data Centres: Trinidad and Tobago’s AI push is moving from deals to delivery, with signed MoUs for major data centre projects and a steel revival raising big questions about power and water capacity. Maritime Safety & Accountability: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali named a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster, including Trinidad and Tobago maritime law expert Nyree Dawn Alfonso and retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard, to examine negligence, vessel safety, loading, and the search-and-rescue response. Tobago Tourism Skills: The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) is urging hospitality certification as the island prepares for a visitor surge tied to the new ANR Robinson terminal. Workforce & Industry Training: The Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) has been formally aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s national apprenticeship framework, strengthening education-to-industry links. Local Environment & Community: Volunteers removed 1,022 pounds of waste from the Cunupia River mangroves, while another coastal clean-up in Chaguanas highlighted mangroves’ role in filtering pollution and supporting eco-tourism. Trade Shockwatch: The U.S. imposed new forced-labour tariffs affecting Trinidad and Tobago among 60+ partners, with importers facing 10%–12.5% duties depending on product carve-outs.

MV Barima Inquiry: Guyana named a five-member international Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 MV Barima ferry disaster, with Trinidad and Tobago maritime and legal experts Nyree Dawn Alfonso and retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard on the panel, tasked with probing causes, loading and boarding procedures, onboard conditions, and the search-and-rescue response. Inter-island Shipping: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad–Tobago seabridge during routine maintenance, with cargo and passenger services expected to continue. Hospitality & Skills: Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) is pushing hospitality certification ahead of a tourism surge tied to the new ANR Robinson airport terminal, while the Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) gained formal alignment with the national apprenticeship framework. Local Food & Business: A Fruit Festival spotlighted local produce and small entrepreneurs, promoting chemical-free fruit and value-added products like beverages and preserves. US Tariffs Shock: The US imposed new 10%–12.5% forced-labour tariffs affecting Trinidad and Tobago and over 60 trading partners, raising pressure on local exporters and importers. Community Safety: Morvant residents fear a gang war and are calling for community-based youth interventions alongside policing. Tourism Culture: Tobago’s Fog Angels Mas is marketing its 2026 “Fantasy Island” presentation as a premium masquerader experience.

Maritime Accountability: President Irfaan Ali appointed Trinidad and Tobago Senior Attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso and Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard to a five-member COI into the MV Barima tragedy, underscoring a push for stronger maritime safety and legal scrutiny. Investor Sentiment: Grant Thornton Orbit Solutions’ Nicole Lawrence says investor confidence in T&T remains intact despite Nestlé’s plan to seek a local buyer for its dairy business, framing it as a global business shift rather than an exit. Digital Infrastructure: CAF says T&T could become a regional home for “digital embassies,” while management scientist Dr Kevin Fleary argues data centres can catalyse manufacturing, engineering, renewables, construction and logistics—not just IT. AI Governance: The Caribbean AI Forum (CTU/UWI/AIIC) opened with a push for responsible AI governance, cybersecurity, data sovereignty and a regional AI task force report. Agri-Industry Skills: Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) gained formal alignment with T&T’s national apprenticeship policy, strengthening education-to-industry workforce links. Trade Winds: T&T’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce welcomed lower US Section 301 tariffs on local exports, but urged firms to stay alert as global trade rules stay volatile. Environment & Coastal Livelihoods: Volunteers joined a mangrove clean-up in Chaguanas to protect natural coastal filters and support marine life and eco-tourism.

Trade & Tariffs: T&T’s top business bodies welcomed lower US tariff treatment for local exports under Section 301, while urging firms to stay alert as global trade rules keep shifting. Industry Skills: The Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) has been formally aligned with T&T’s national apprenticeship framework, strengthening the education-to-workforce pipeline. Shipping & Logistics: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the T&T seabridge during maintenance, with cargo and passenger services expected to continue. AI & Digital Policy: The Caribbean AI Forum opened in partnership with UWI and the AI Innovation Centre, pushing for responsible AI governance, data sovereignty and regional cooperation. Environment & Coastal Services: Volunteers joined a mangrove-focused coastal clean-up in Chaguanas to tackle waste and protect natural coastal filters. Agri & Local Markets: A fresh spotlight on farmers’ frustration as public events keep displacing market vendors, hurting sales when customers can’t find them. Health & Public Safety: In Benguet’s La Trinidad, uniform rules were temporarily eased to reduce dengue risk—an example of how local policy can respond fast to outbreaks.

Inter-Island Shipping: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad–Tobago seabridge during routine maintenance, with cargo and passenger services expected to continue uninterrupted under the existing charter arrangement. Customs & Auto Trade: Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo will meet Trinidad and Tobago Automotive Dealers Association reps after a Customs and Excise classification ruling raised fears of steep cost increases for mild hybrid vehicles. Parliamentary Oversight: PAAC chair Jagdeo Singh accuses former health minister Terence Deyalsingh of trying to dictate terms for a parliamentary inquiry into state pharmaceutical acquisitions, after Deyalsingh skipped a hearing. Dengue Prevention in Schools: Benguet’s La Trinidad mayor issued an order pausing mandatory standard uniforms for a month to reduce dengue risk, pushing long sleeves and stronger mosquito control. US Tariff Shock for Trade: The US began imposing 10%–12.5% Section 301 tariffs on 60 trading partners over forced-labour claims, with Trinidad and Tobago listed in the 10% bracket—prompting calls for local exporters to adapt.

US Tariff Shock (Forced Labour): The Trump administration has started a new Section 301 tariff regime, replacing the expiring temporary 10% global levy, with duties of 10% or 12.5% on 60 trading partners over forced-labour claims; the US says the move covers 99.4% of imports and targets countries that fail to ban and enforce forced-labour import prohibitions. Caribbean Impact: Trinidad and Tobago is listed in the 10% tier, while other Caribbean states face 12.5%; Guyana says the action is not a new burden and will lobby for exemptions. Local Industry Angle: Tobago agro-processor Carlon Kennedy says small manufacturers need policy and scaling support to meet larger regional orders, not just trade-show leads. Skills for Industry: Brightstar’s Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp ran across T&T and the region, training students to build AI models and robots. T&T Culture & Heritage: A new steelpan theatre production, The Day The Pan Sailed, marks the 1951 voyage that carried the instrument beyond T&T. Sports: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Chane Cumbermack booked the Commonwealth Games men’s all-around final in Glasgow.

US Tariff Shock for T&T: The Trump administration has imposed new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on 60 economies, with Trinidad and Tobago listed for a 10% rate (alongside several others) as temporary global levies expire at 12:01 a.m. Friday; the US says the move targets countries that fail to ban and enforce forced-labour imports, with exemptions noted for items like oil, gas, fertilizer and some foods. Tobago Manufacturing Push: Agro-processor Carlon Kennedy says Tobago small manufacturers need policy reform and stronger support to scale up and meet bigger regional orders, even when trade-show interest is high. IDB Invest x ANSA McAL Deal: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m (initial US$200m) for ANSA McAL, aiming to boost manufacturing, logistics, distribution and supply chains across the region. TSTT Board Update: TSTT confirmed a board change, with Nadirah Parbhdial resigning effective July 22, leaving the state-owned telecoms board at three directors. Culture & Industry Events: The Amalgamation Gala Caribbean Tour lands in T&T on Aug 23, while PJIA’s air traffic training milestone highlights continued investment in aviation operations skills.

US Tariffs & Forced Labour: The Trump administration has finalized new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, including Trinidad and Tobago, replacing expiring emergency duties and targeting countries accused of weak enforcement of forced-labour import bans; critics call it a political move, while the US says it’s a human-rights and trade-fairness push. AI Infrastructure Push: At the Caribbean AI Forum, Trinidad and Tobago officials argued that a dedicated AI data centre (explored for Debe) could help the country compete digitally—while broader debate continues over strategy, power, and water needs. IDB Invest–ANSA McAL Deal: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m financing for ANSA McAL, with an initial US$200m commitment, aimed at boosting manufacturing, logistics, distribution and supply chains across the region. SME Capital Markets: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s SME Market gained momentum with West Indian Traders becoming the fifth listing, expanding equity access for small and medium businesses. Logistics Expansion: Bryden pi plans to relocate warehouse operations to the Brydens Group’s new 250,000 sq ft Chaguanas distribution hub, supporting a third-party logistics model for regional pharma distribution. Trade Links: Minister Satyakama Maharaj said T&T exports to Ghana surged more than tenfold in 2025, with a reciprocal investment protection agreement in final stages. Local Dairy Watch: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh said Nestlé’s dairy/juice divestment could create opportunities for the local dairy industry as the government engages stakeholders.

AI Data Centres & Governance: The MPAAI says a Sunday Guardian report claiming Government had advanced infrastructure for an AI data centre is “patently false,” arguing it wrongly mixes an old Phoenix Park Tier IV government data-centre plan with a separate commercial AI initiative. Energy & Shipping: A GECF report flags LNG shipping routes as a key energy-security risk, pointing to choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, Suez and Panama. Credit & Investment Climate: S&P Global reaffirms T&T’s investment-grade BBB- rating, citing favourable external position and national assets, while noting weak growth and limited diversification. Productivity & Services Push: TTC-SI’s National Services Week 2026 (theme: “Mapping Growth Beyond Energy: 50/50 by 2030”) spotlights services-led diversification, while commentary warns T&T’s productivity deficit is driven by slow systems and leakage of effort. Agriculture & Food Industry: The Future of T&T’s dairy industry is in focus as Nestlé reviews local dairy and juice operations, with implications for farmers, workers and food security. Disaster Preparedness (Tobago): The US Embassy donates over US$265,000 in warehouse and emergency equipment to TEMA, boosting response capacity. Tourism & Hospitality Training: THTI opens enrolment for its August/September intake, promoting practical hospitality career pathways. Local Business Sentiment: Arima businesses link weak sales to job shortages and FX constraints, while DFL argues financing access improves only when business models are fixed.

Credit & Finance: S&P Global has reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s investment-grade BBB- with a negative outlook, pointing to weak growth, thinner fiscal/external buffers, and lingering dependence on volatile energy revenues—while the Government frames the rating as a foundation for a “path forward.” AI Governance: The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence denied a Sunday Guardian claim of a “hidden” AI data centre, saying it wrongly blended an unfinished former Tier IV government data-centre plan with a separate commercial AI initiative now being explored. Energy & Trade: With Middle East tensions lifting oil prices, reporting highlights Brazil’s accelerating oil and gas output and stronger Asian demand—while separate coverage notes India rerouting LNG and other energy imports away from the Strait of Hormuz, including Trinidad-linked supply. Disaster Response: Guyana’s MV Barima recovery operation is intensifying as the death toll rises and authorities plan a more technical lift using specialised equipment. Regional Skills: CARICOM’s digitalisation push for TVET delivery is rolling out online learning units and instructor training across member states, including Trinidad and Tobago. Industry Watch: TTNNA threatens legal action against NCRHA over alleged illegal four-hour shifts for nursing and midwifery staff.

AI Data Centres Debate: Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales says the PNM rejected an AI data centre bid because the company wanted to benefit from Trinidad and Tobago’s subsidised water and electricity rates. Government Response: The MPAAI also pushed back on claims of a completed “Tier 4” government data centre, saying the report is “patently false” and mixing up a past government plan with separate commercial AI infrastructure. Healthcare Labour Action: TTNNA threatens legal action against NCRHA over alleged illegal four-hour shifts for nursing and midwifery staff, saying directives were issued without union consultation. Food & Distribution Industry: West Indian Traders’ Jake Gillette says it’s optimistic about Nestlé’s local operations sale and would be interested in buying the Val­sayn plant if approached. Renewables & Finance: MPC Caribbean Clean Energy shareholders will vote Aug 11 on selling its 6.4MWp San Isidro solar park, but the AGM notice doesn’t name the buyer or price. Business Climate: Chaguanas chambers call for urgent fixes to Customs, forex shortages, traffic congestion, and stronger real estate regulation. Transport & Trade: Freight disruptions tied to West Asia conflict are driving port congestion and higher sea freight rates, squeezing exporters’ schedules and costs. Agriculture: Farmers are being encouraged to adopt more efficient fertiliser practices using the “four Rs” approach. Infrastructure Works: Trinidad Weigh Station WIM equipment is being replaced July 22–24, with lane closures on I-25.

Data Centres & Governance: Trinidad and Tobago’s MPAAI pushed back hard on a Sunday Guardian claim that a Tier 4 data centre is already operating for AI, saying the report is “patently false” and mixing up a former PNM government plan for secure government storage with a separate commercial AI infrastructure effort. Trade & Business Climate: Chaguanas firms are urging urgent action on FX shortages, Customs delays and traffic, while also calling for tighter real estate regulation to curb money-laundering risks and cut compliance waste. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers are being encouraged to adopt more efficient fertiliser practices via “four Rs” training, while the Farmers’ Union presses Nestlé for clearer answers on its planned exit from local milk collection. Fisheries & Maritime Safety: The search continues for the missing TT-registered vessel ST VINCENT VII and its six-man crew, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries saying monitoring remains a national priority after reports of a fire and no formal distress alert. Infrastructure Works: Colorado’s DOT is replacing aging Weigh-In-Motion equipment at the Trinidad Weigh Station, with lane closures on I-25 planned for July 22–24.

Nestlé Dairy Fallout: Trinidad and Tobago dairy farmers are pushing for urgent, face-to-face talks with Government and Nestlé after the company’s planned milk-collection exit left producers “kept in the dark,” with the Farm­ers’ Union calling last week’s consultation more political spin than real dialogue. Transition Timeline: A meeting with stakeholders suggests Nestlé’s transition could be extended from six months to as much as one year, giving farmers more time to adjust and find alternative buyers. Agri-Exports Reality Check: Regional agri-MSMEs say training isn’t the bottleneck—shipping, freight reliability, cold-chain gaps, customs friction, and weak buyer links are keeping Caribbean products off shelves. Tobago Airport Update: Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says a flight simulation will be held before the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal is officially opened, with commissioning and a public use date expected this week. Energy & Industry Investment: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m for ANSA McAL to expand industrial capacity and strengthen supply chains across the Caribbean. Nuclear for Data Centres: Terra Innovatum says Waiken ILW selected its SOLO microreactor platform for up to 8 MWe behind-the-meter power for DIRECTV Latin America and SKY Brasil data centres. Market Pulse: The TTSE reports improving investor confidence and welcomes West Indian Traders to the SME Market after its IPO.

AI Data Centres & Governance: PNM says the Government should hit pause on proposed AI data centres until more public information and consultation are provided, after claims that key details are being treated like a done deal. Digital Hub Push: The US DFC says T&T’s people and leadership must decide what kind and how many data centres they want, while backing the country’s digital hub ambitions. Local Energy & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries reports a successful corn harvest under its pilot programme, aimed at boosting domestic feed grain and reducing import dependence. Dairy Industry Transition: Nestlé’s planned T&T transition timeline may be extended from six months to up to one year, giving dairy farmers more time to adjust and find alternative markets. Agri-Exports Logistics: Caribbean agri-firms at an IICA-CDB forum say training isn’t enough—buyers, freight reliability, cold-chain and distribution links are the real bottlenecks. Industrial Finance: ANSA McAL secures up to US$500m financing via IDB Invest to expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen regional supply chains. Subsea Energy Build: Navantia UK delivers Trinidad-bound subsea structures for McDermott’s major gas field development. Nuclear Power for Infrastructure: Terra Innovatum signs a commercial LOI for SOLO microreactors to support DIRECTV Latin America and SKY Brasil data centres, up to 8 MWe behind-the-meter.