AGP Executive Report

TT-Venezuela reset: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith and PM’s office Minister Darrel Allahar say Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s “I love her” line about Delcy Rodríguez reflects changing circumstances, not a shift in energy-driven interest. Football industry ties: TTFA and UWI St Augustine signed a four-year MOU to link football development with education, research, coaching and youth pathways. Marine plastics in Tobago: A new study finds 97% of debris on Tobago’s Atlantic-facing beaches is plastic, with currents and winds driving where it lands. Manufacturing loss: The business community mourns Churchill Azad Akaloo, managing director of Sheik Lisha Ltd, a major local producer of flour, vermicelli, split peas powder and curry powders. Local food security push: Palmiste Park fruit trees are being protected after thefts; residents are urged to stay vigilant and not sell fruit. Power reliability: T&TEC reports a brief 10-second power dip caused by an opossum on the Bamboo/Orange Grove 66kV circuit, affecting parts of Diego Martin and some industrial customers. Construction approvals integrity: Minister Khadijah Ameen warns corruption in construction permitting will not be tolerated, citing extortion and delays. Sustainable finance: RFHL expands sustainable finance commitments to US$750m by 2030, targeting climate resilience and SME inclusion.

Energy & Utilities: T&TEC says a brief 10-second power dip around 8pm Thursday was caused by an opossum on the Bamboo/Orange Grove 66kV sub-transmission circuit, affecting spots in Diego Martin and short interruptions for some industrial customers, with supply restored quickly. Governance & Media: A FOIA Amendment Bill 2026 in the Senate would let public authorities post annual statements online instead of only in daily newspapers, with ministers saying it won’t change citizens’ access rights. Construction Oversight: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen warned the Government won’t tolerate corruption in construction approvals, alleging some officers “factor” extortion and delays into the cost of getting permits. Insurance Industry: T&T Insurance (Tatil) and Colonial Fire & General Insurance (Colfire) seek Central Bank approval to amalgamate into one company from Jan 1, 2027, aiming for stronger stability and better claims service. Regional Energy Diplomacy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s “I love Delcy” remarks and expected UNGA meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez are drawing fresh debate over T&T’s energy negotiating position. Food & Trade: Omni Industries says it’s pushing to lift export revenue share to 10% in five years and is in talks with a major Trinidad bakery to supply baking trays.

FOIA & Media Viability: The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2026 is set to let public authorities publish annual statements online instead of in daily newspapers, with ministers saying it won’t change citizens’ access rights. Construction Approvals & Corruption: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen warned the government will not tolerate corruption in construction permitting, alleging some officers “factor” bribes into approval costs and urging public reporting. Power Reliability: T&TEC said a brief power dip around 8pm on Sept. 10 affected parts of Diego Martin and some industrial customers, blaming an opposum fault on the Bamboo/Orange Grove 66kV circuit and stressing monitoring continues. Insurance Industry Consolidation: Tatil and Colfire are moving toward an amalgamation into T&T Insurance Ltd effective Jan. 1, 2027, pending Central Bank approval, while keeping both brands visible. Regional Energy Diplomacy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar signalled a push to meet Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez, with energy consultant commentary raising questions about T&T’s negotiating posture for natural gas access. Food Security & Local Production: Government launched Public Fruit and Food Orchards to convert underused public spaces into community orchards, using GIS mapping to track and manage sites. Export Push (Manufacturing): Omni Industries says it’s targeting exports to reach 10% of revenue in five years and is in talks with a major Trinidad bakery manufacturer to supply baking trays. Finance for SMEs: RFHL expanded its sustainable finance commitment to US$750 million by 2030, aiming at climate resilience and SME inclusion across the Caribbean and Ghana. Tobago Agriculture: Tobago farmers’ groups say campaign promises are moving too slowly, with the Tobago Agricultural Society calling out delays in policy delivery. Vehicle Forex Pressure: TTADA wants more forex access for vehicle dealers as budget planning ramps up, citing recent Central Bank forex changes and the need to keep hybrid tax arrangements stable.

Power Reliability Watch: T&TEC says another manikou (opossum) caused a brief 10-second power dip around 8pm Thursday, affecting residential areas in Diego Martin (Madras Road, Chin Chin Road, St Lucien Road) and short interruptions for some industrial customers; the fault traced to the Bamboo/Orange Grove 66kV sub-transmission circuit and supply was normalised quickly. Sustainable Finance Push: Republic Financial Holdings (RFHL) expanded its sustainable finance commitment by an additional US$550m, lifting total climate and inclusion financing to US$750m by 2030, with focus on climate resilience, SME inclusion, food security and entrepreneurship. Insurance Sector Consolidation: Tatil and Colfire are seeking Central Bank approval to amalgamate into a single T&T Insurance Ltd entity effective Jan 1, 2027, while keeping both brands visible in the market. Food Security at Community Level: Government launched the Public Fruit and Food Orchards initiative to turn underutilised public spaces into productive community orchards using GIS mapping to support local fruit access and agricultural education. Regional Trade & Manufacturing: Omni Industries targets raising export revenue share to 10% within five years and is in talks with a major Trinidad bakery manufacturer to supply baking trays. T&T–Venezuela Energy Reset: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she expects to meet Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez later this month at the UNGA, with renewed focus on trade and natural gas access. Vehicle Dealers Seek Forex: TTADA is urging more foreign exchange access for vehicle dealers as dealers report difficulties after recent Central Bank forex changes, while asking that hybrid tax arrangements remain in place. Local Market Boost: Plymouth/Black Rock’s electoral district launched a monthly farmers’ market at Adventure Mall, giving local vendors a platform for produce, spices and crafts—aimed at supporting Tobago’s food security push. Energy Exploration Signals: United Oil & Gas hired NRG Well Management to study offshore drilling rig availability and costs for potential exploration off Jamaica, including the Colibre and Thunderball prospects, with logistics support across the Caribbean including Trinidad and Tobago.

T&T–Venezuela Energy Reset: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she “loves” interim President Delcy Rodríguez and expects talks to culminate in a possible UN General Assembly meeting later this month, as renewed engagement follows Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ Caracas visit and a push for a joint commission on trade and energy. Local Bargaining Watch: A Venezuelan energy consultant argues the tone signals pragmatism and urgent gas access, but questions whether T&T is sending the right level of energy delegation and what Caracas is willing to do to move beyond past tensions. Food Security Push: Government launched Public Fruit and Food Orchards to turn underused public spaces into community orchards, using GIS mapping to monitor and support local production. Export Manufacturing Drive: Omni Industries targets raising export revenue share from about 3.5% to 10% over five years, including expanding capacity to fulfil larger bakery tray orders. Energy Industry Numbers: Methanol output closed Q1 with 1.13m metric tonnes and exports rose 8% to 1.15m tonnes. Finance for Resilience: TTSE rolled out Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines to attract private capital for renewables, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing. Vehicle Forex Pressure: TTADA wants easier forex access for vehicle dealers ahead of the 2026–2027 budget, warning dealers are struggling despite a 15,000 foreign-used vehicle quota. Offshore Drilling Prep: United Oil & Gas hired NRG Well Management to study rig availability and costs for potential offshore Jamaica drilling tied to the Walton-Morant licence.

T&T–Venezuela Reset: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says plans are in motion for a meeting with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez on the sidelines of UNGA in late September, adding confidence that Venezuelan natural gas will reach T&T within a year. Energy & Exports: Methanol output strengthened in Q1 2026, with exports up 8% to 1.15m tonnes as production rose across several facilities. Sustainable Finance: TTSE launched Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines, while a panel backed the new GSS+ framework as a way to unlock localised climate-resilience, transition and blue-financing capital. Housing & Infrastructure: A housing forum argued T&T needs integrated planning that links where people live, work, and invest—pushing for better coordination across agencies. Aviation & Connectivity: Contour Airlines is set to start POS–Dominica service, aiming to succeed where CAL struggled, with implications for regional travel and business links. Local Business Stakes: A Manatee gas project panel heard T&T could capture up to US$500m locally, but only if local-content rules are enforced. Media & China: TTT’s chairman called for deeper media cooperation with China to support balanced coverage and future collaboration. Digital & Industry: TTCSI and TTSE moves (data hub and bond guidelines) signal a push to strengthen T&T’s export economy and market readiness.

T&T–Venezuela Reset: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says plans are being made for a meeting with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez on the sidelines of UNGA in New York, with Sept. 25 flagged as a target—an upbeat shift after last year’s diplomatic rupture. Energy & Industry Finance: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange launched Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS+) Bond Guidelines to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing, stressing success will be judged by deals that follow. Climate Pressure on Food Prices: With Trinidad and Tobago on drought watch, farmers and market vendors warn of higher produce and meat prices as hot spells and declining soil moisture threaten crops and livestock. Agriculture Tech: The Agriculture Ministry is moving to digital tools to track animal diseases, strengthening surveillance as weather and biosecurity risks rise. Deep-Sea Science: Caribbean scientists completed a major deep-ocean survey off T&T, collecting 700+ specimens and mapping cold seep ecosystems—aimed at better stewardship of waters under pressure from drilling and pollution. Media Sector Leadership: TTPBA elected a new 2026–2028 board, keeping media viability and sustainability, plus AI-driven misinformation concerns, at the top of its agenda. Prison Oversight: A High Court award to a former woman prisoner over alleged sexual abuse should trigger a wider review of prison record-keeping and administration, the POATT says. Tourism & Business Signals: Cuba unveiled a tourism regulatory overhaul allowing more private management and foreign investment options, including in Trinidad—useful for regional operators watching cross-border opportunities. Cultural Economy: The Caribbean Music Awards returns to Trinidad for a landmark weekend, expanding beyond a single ceremony into networking and industry discussions. Business Moves: PBS Group completed its acquisition of full control of Trinidad Systems Limited, with TSL’s CEO taking on a wider Eastern Caribbean role.

Sustainable Finance: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange launched its Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS+) Bond Guidelines, aiming to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing, with success measured by follow-on deals. Animal Health Tech: The Agriculture Ministry is rolling out FAO’s EMA-i+ smartphone app to speed up animal disease reporting and geo-tag outbreaks, feeding into the EMPRES-i+ national platform. Energy & Industry Strategy: A nuclear-energy pitch argues Trinidad and Tobago should consider a compact “energy hub” approach for electricity, industrial heat and desalination, while TT’s broader push for resilience and investment continues. Climate & Food Prices: With drought watch conditions, farmers in Aranjuez are urging faster water and irrigation planning as heat and irregular rainfall threaten crops and livestock, raising expectations of higher produce and meat prices. Governance & Prisons: A High Court ruling awarding over $2.5m to a former woman prisoner is prompting a wider prison records and administration review. Maritime & Culture: PBS Group completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, while the Caribbean Music Awards returns to Trinidad for a landmark weekend. Science Spotlight: Caribbean scientists mapped deep-sea waters off Trinidad and Tobago, collecting 700+ specimens and identifying 25 cold seep ecosystems.

Sustainable Finance Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange rolled out new Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS+) Bond Guidelines to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing, with success measured by follow-on deals. Animal Health Tech: The Agriculture Ministry is training field staff on the FAO-backed EMA-i+ smartphone app to report animal disease events in real time, feeding data into the EM-PRES-i+ platform for faster outbreak response. Capital Markets Update: TTSEC also launched a data hub and issued GSS+ guidance, aiming to boost transparency and investor confidence in local market financing. Energy Debate: A fresh argument for a nuclear “energy hub” model for electricity, industrial heat and desalination adds fuel to T&T’s power and gas-value discussions. Agri Under Pressure: The Met Office warned of worsening agricultural drought risk in September, with dry conditions expected from Piarco westward across the lower Caroni River basin, threatening farm activity. Business & Jobs: iQor opened a global Gaming Center of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago, expanding specialized player support and trust-and-safety operations. Trade & Investment: The TT Chamber’s Toronto mission focused on turning Canada ties into measurable exports and partnerships across food, tourism, technology and construction. Services Exports Goal: TTCSI heard that services must scale up export earnings to help meet the 50-50 export economy target by 2030.

Services Export Push: T&T’s services sector is being urged to do more for the “50-50 by 2030” export goal, with PS Abigail Bynoe saying services are 59.2% of GDP but only about US$1.27b in exports, and digital deliverable services are a key growth area. Gaming BPO Expansion: iQor launched a global Gaming Center of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago, positioning it as a hub for player support and trust/safety operations for live-service game publishers. Energy & Refining Reality Check: An energy expert says Guyana may not benefit most from using an idle Trinidad refinery for crude refining, noting the importance of long-term supply contracts and how crude redirection affects yields and margins. Weather & Agriculture Risk: The TT Meteorological Service issued drought watch conditions for September and warning conditions expected by October, with heat stress already affecting the country and agricultural drought possible from Piarco westwards. School Reopening Strain: South Trinidad families report uneven readiness as schools reopen, including unresolved repairs and temporary arrangements, while Tobago schools reopened despite ongoing maintenance. Labour & Hotel Jobs: Hilton workers are seeking clarity on severance after a town hall with management, with union leaders raising concerns about whether expected payments will still be honoured. Urban Development: A Chinese construction group is eyeing expansion of the Phoenix Industrial Park as part of a broader Couva integrated urban plan linking transport, housing, industry and public services. Diplomacy Reset: Renewed TT–Venezuela engagement is back in focus, with critics arguing earlier political reversals carry real economic and investor costs.

Housing & Public Sector Appointments: Former PNM senator Ronald Huggins has been named managing director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), with the Government stressing his leadership experience and dismissing concerns tied to his political past. School Readiness in Tobago: Tobago schools reopened despite ongoing repairs, but TTUTA says some maintenance issues—mould, termites and bathroom facilities—remain unresolved and need earlier engagement with schools. Services Exports Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) renewed its “50-50 by 2030” push, arguing services must become a bigger export earner alongside energy. Trade Policy Focus: Permanent Secretary Abigail Bynoe said services are 59.2% of GDP but only about US$1.27b in exports, with transport and travel dominating and digital deliverable services showing growth. China-Backed Urban Development: Beijing Construction Engineering Group is eyeing expansion of the Phoenix Industrial Park as part of a wider Couva integrated urban plan linking transport, housing and industry. Energy & Diplomacy Context: Commentary continues around the T&T–Venezuela reset, with calls for accountability and faster follow-through on energy opportunities.

Energy & Industry: Trinidad and Tobago’s ammonia output rose, even as broader sector pressures persist, while Shell put its Aphrodite natural gas project on hold—another reminder of how volatile upstream decisions can ripple through local production and jobs. Deep-Sea Science: UWI researchers say a month-long Deep Wonders expedition found deep-sea sites in T&T’s waters that may warrant protection, with next steps focused on analysis and possible conservation. Mining & Infrastructure: A “mud volcano” story from Penal/Debe spotlights development concerns near Digity’s geological hazard zone, raising questions for planning around legacy oilfield landscapes. Regional Business & Trade: T&T’s push to reset ties with Venezuela continues, with renewed engagement framed around energy opportunities and investor confidence. Governance & Social Policy: Tobago’s proposed baby grant faces scepticism amid cost-of-living strain, while Tobago inmates held in Trinidad report isolation and family disruption. Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines rolls out a transformation push after the summer travel season, including new duty-free and gift options. Sports (Local Interest): Ole Miss survived Louisville 41-38 in the Music City Kickoff, with Trinidad Chambliss starring—plus T&T midfielder Nathaniel James eyes CONCACAF Nations League action.

Energy & Industry: Shell has frozen its Aphrodite natural gas project after failing to agree sales terms with NGC, putting the 2027 first-gas target and rig plans in doubt. Oil & Refining: An analyst says any access to Venezuelan crude for T&T’s long-stalled Pointe-a-Pierre refinery depends on US interests and commercial priorities, not automatic supply. Local Economy & Jobs: Workers at Beetham Landfill want guarantees they’ll get first dibs on jobs if the dump is turned into a separation facility as Trinidad pushes net-zero goals. Governance & Labour: CWU says e TecK has formally assured Hilton Trinidad staff on continuity of service, pay/benefits, union representation and hotel operations after the acquisition. Tobago Social Services: Tobago inmates held in Trinidad complain of isolation and family strain, with calls for a modern Tobago prison facility. Environment & Science: A month-long deep-sea expedition led by local scientists documented 20 potential new species and argues some sites may need protection. Tech Diplomacy: China’s embassy rejects US warnings about Chinese technology suppliers in T&T, while accusing Washington of surveillance. Business Climate: HRMATT says workplace diversity should be treated as a core business issue, not just compliance.

CPL Spotlight: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League roared back at Kensington Oval as Barbados Tridents hosted Trinbago Knight Riders, with a sea of red and blue-and-yellow fans turning the rivalry into a full-on business-and-tourism buzz for the island economy. THA Baby Grant Debate: Tobago’s proposed $500 baby grant is drawing scepticism from economists and business voices, with critics saying a cash boost won’t fix the deeper affordability and jobs pressures shaping birth-rate decisions. Steel Industry Watch: As details emerge around the proposed Ibis Steel Plant, attention is on how gas supply, power pricing, port fees and incentives could make or break the project’s long-term value for Trinidad and Tobago. Workplace Diversity: HRMATT is pushing DEI as a core competitiveness issue, warning that ignoring diverse workers can raise turnover and hurt innovation. Energy & Jobs: Shell has put its Aphrodite natural gas project on hold after failing to agree sales terms with NGC, raising questions for downstream planning. Venezuela Reset: AMCHAM T&T and TTMA are urging renewed non-energy trade and investment ties with Venezuela, aiming to unlock export and manufacturing opportunities. Waste to Work: Beetham landfill workers say they’ll support a separation facility only if they get first access to the new jobs. Deep-Sea Science: A Trinidad-and-Tobago-led deep-sea survey reported 20 potential new species, feeding research capacity at UWI and strengthening marine stewardship.

T&T–Venezuela Reset: The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce welcomed renewed direct dialogue with Venezuela after Foreign Minister Sean Sobers’ visit, but urged a shift from diplomacy to delivery—specifically pushing energy cooperation on the Dragon field, Loran-Manatee resource and Manakin-Cocuina cross-border gas. Business Advocacy: AMCHAM T&T and TTMA also backed the engagement, calling for practical trade and investment steps, including a dedicated non-energy trade protocol to cut delays and non-tariff barriers for local manufacturers and exporters. Hilton Jobs Secured: Workers at Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre received formal assurances after e TecK completed its acquisition and signed a new hotel management agreement—promising no break in employment, no disruption to operations, and continued Hilton management. Labour Politics Pressure Test: A report says labour’s collective voice is being tested as unions split on whether political ties helped workers or weakened unions’ independence. Agri Livelihoods: Residents in Plum Mitan say the closure/decline of Marp­er Farm’s propagation work has contributed to job losses and wider community strain. Consumer/Local Business Friction: A consumer-rights complaint flags retailers keeping small change despite Central Bank rounding rules.

Hilton Jobs Secured: The Communication Workers’ Union says Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre staff have received formal assurances that the hotel’s ownership change won’t cut jobs, salaries, or existing industrial relations, and that Hilton will keep operating beyond Sept. 18. T&T–Venezuela Reset: Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ Venezuela push is shifting from diplomacy to delivery, with the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce urging action on gas projects like Dragon, Loran-Manatee and Manakin-Cocuina. Energy Diplomacy Debate: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles questions what T&T gained from Sobers’ trip and why the PM hasn’t met Venezuela’s acting president. Local Governance Tech: Tobago launched a sub-national digital ID (“Tobago ID”) to streamline access to THA services, including permits and the new baby grant requirements. Crime & Business Risk: A $193.5M cocaine seizure in Chaguanas has the business community calling for stronger property checks and a zero-tolerance stance. Tobago Infrastructure Watch: The Tobago Convict Prison’s structural integrity remains a concern after coastal erosion issues resurfaced.