AGP Executive Report

Parliament Agenda: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar outlined a Second Session legislative push including social media regulation for children under 12, plus a medical malpractice court, no-fault compensation, parental responsibility to tackle school violence, and updates to the Education Act and firearms/fire safety rules. Energy Investment: ExxonMobil’s fast-tracked seismic work in Block TTUD1 is about 85% complete, and the government has approved Occidental (Oxy) to farm in with 10% participation—signalling renewed international interest. Agriculture & Food Security: The Trinidad and Tobago–India Business Federation renewed calls for stronger, flexible agricultural financing (patient capital, credit guarantees, insurance) to boost food security and foreign exchange. Environment & Forestry: On World Environment Day, EMA and the Forestry Division marked combined service milestones with 156 trees planted in North Caura, while Tobago’s reforestation programme ran a community “Hike and Plant” in Les Coteaux. Local Farming Push: Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen distributed about 3,000 vegetable plants ahead of Corpus Christi to encourage greener practices and home-grown produce.

Oil & Growth Watch: Guyana’s oil boom is set to get a fresh boost from higher crude prices tied to the Iran conflict, but the windfall also raises pressure to avoid “ghost town” outcomes and spread gains beyond crude. Caribbean Energy Risks: A new NGO report warns offshore oil and gas expansion could damage marine ecosystems across multiple countries, with protected areas and biodiversity hotspots overlapping planned blocks. Local Energy Governance: Trinidad and Tobago’s quarry sector gets a clearer path as Energy Minister Moonilal meets TTAPA on hold-over letters, while an “open day” is planned to bring regulators and stakeholders together. Tourism & Brand Moves: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across Trinidad and Tobago and other markets. Hospitality Jobs: Trinidad Hilton labour concerns surface as union claims of possible displacement are denied by the minister overseeing eTeck. Food Policy: Caribbean healthy food policy momentum is highlighted as NCD prevention targets lag and stakeholders push for stronger action. Transport Shock: The maxi-taxi shutdown again spotlights T&T’s over-reliance on one transport mode and the need for resilient mass transit planning. Governance & Transparency: A Tobago court rejects E-IDCOT’s bid to escape FOIA duties, ordering reconsideration of information requests. Rum Industry Tech: AI is gaining traction in the rum sector after a Trinidad conference drew producers and tech suppliers.

Hotel & Tourism Shock: Meliá says it will stop managing 15 of its 34 Cuba hotels, citing sanctions tied to a Trump executive order—part of a wider pullback by major chains. World Cup Media & Culture: Rush Sports promises a fuller Caribbean viewing experience with rights across 13 markets, while Curacao fans brand their debut as “The Blue Wave.” Rum Industry Tech: Trinidad’s rum sector is leaning into AI, with West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association highlighting AI focus at a Trinidad conference. Tobago Transparency Fight: A court rejects E-IDCOT’s bid to be exempt from FOIA, pushing the agency to reconsider disclosure tied to the Manta Lodge franchise. Energy & Mining Governance: TTAPA backs the Ministry of Energy’s hold-over letters for quarry operators and supports a framework for new licence applicants. Transport Pressure Point: The maxi-taxi strike reignites calls for resilient mass transit and work-from-home options as commuters face major disruption. Trade & Cost Watch: The U.S. proposes Section 301 forced-labour tariffs that could lift prices across consumer goods. Business Leadership: TDC Group appoints Trinidadian Christopher Lewis as CFOO, signalling regional corporate strengthening. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York gathers tourism ministers to market the region amid shifting travel preferences.

Maxi taxi strike fallout: Trinidad and Tobago’s three-day maxi-taxi shutdown exposed how fragile the transport system is when it depends on one operator group, with commuters gridlocked and renewed calls for resilient mass transit and clearer state responsibility. Energy & mining continuity: The Ministry of Energy says “hold-over letters” for quarry operators are a necessary stopgap to keep mining and processing legal while licensing delays are cleared, with the Aggregate Producers Association backing the approach. Forced-labour tariffs: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour findings, with Trinidad and Tobago listed among 60 economies flagged—raising the stakes for importers and supply chains. Business climate debate: Local business groups urge the Government to justify any extension of the State of Emergency with clear results and safeguards for rights, warning against using emergency powers as a long-term crime strategy. Productivity focus: Commentary argues T&T’s real challenge is productivity, not just working harder—linking slow output growth to systems, scaling, and execution gaps. Regional trade ties: Canada’s High Commissioner highlights growing T&T–Canada cooperation in trade, education, security and downstream energy-linked business. Finance industry honours: CFA Society T&T’s 25th anniversary gala spotlights leadership in investment standards, with awards to First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves. Tourism & culture: Caribbean Week in New York brings tourism ministers together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” while an island food festival heads to Toronto’s Mel Lastman Square.

SoE & Business Confidence: Business groups are urging the Government to justify any extension of Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency with clear results, transparency from law enforcement, and safeguards for constitutional rights—warning prolonged emergency powers can’t replace a long-term crime plan. Maxi Taxi Disruption: Despite the maxi taxi strike, south businesses reported little disruption, citing police transport support and expanded PTSC services, while debate continues over protest restrictions and responsibility for taxi hubs. Energy & Mining Supply: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says “holdover letters” keep quarry operations running legally while licensing delays are addressed, as aggregate demand rises for major construction and export earnings. Quarry Sector Pushback: The Mining and Processing of Aggregates Association challenges the holdover letters as having no legal basis under mining laws, calling for withdrawal. Finance & Trade Links: Cayman Islands’ Premier André Ebanks highlighted regional cooperation at CFATF meetings in Port of Spain and met T&T officials and industry groups in New York to explore trade and economic synergies. Forced-Labour Tariffs Watch: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement failures, listing Trinidad and Tobago among 60 economies under review. CFA Awards: First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves were honoured at CFA Society T&T’s 25th anniversary gala. Health as a Business Asset: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce argues companies should treat employee health as core to productivity and economic resilience.

CFA Awards & Finance: First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves were honoured at the CFA Society T&T 25th anniversary gala, with Julien taking the Gold Standard Award and Rodriguez-Greaves the Visionary Award. Health as Business Asset: The T&T Chamber’s Healthcare Committee argues health must be treated as core to business continuity and economic resilience, not just a personal matter. Energy Project Funding: A look at what makes an energy project “bankable,” focusing on lenders’ risk checks like offtake deals and cash-flow certainty. Cuba Tourism Shock: Meliá says it will suspend management of 15 hotels in Cuba as US sanctions tighten, while Visa/Mastercard services are set to pause. SoE Protest Rules: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says no-protest zones under the state of emergency will stay, even as unions push for repeal. Maxi Taxi Disruption: The strike continues to reshape commuting, with ride-share demand up and operators citing illegal competition, speed limits, and hub/terminal upgrades. Agriculture Push: MP Khadijah Ameen and the Rural Development ministry promote kitchen gardening and local buying via seedling distribution for Corpus Christi. Forced Labour Tariffs: The US proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement failures, listing Trinidad among affected economies. Skills & TVET Digitisation: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised TVET courses under a CARICOM TVET digitalisation pilot, expanding access across member institutions. Mining Compliance Clash: MPAATT challenges the Energy Ministry’s hold-over letters to quarry operators, saying they lack legal basis under mining laws.

Maxi Taxi Disruption: A nationwide maxi taxi strike is driving a surge in ride-share demand, with operators and platforms cutting commissions and offering discounted fares as commuters struggle to get to work and school. Policy Pressure on Transport: Former Transport Minister Jack Warner urges the Government to reject calls to raise the maxi taxi speed limit from 65 km/h to 80 km/h, arguing many operators already exceed the current limit. Who Owns the Hubs: Government ministries are trading responsibility for maxi taxi hub upgrades and terminals, while transport officials discuss a proposed “checkered-band” system to formalise services. Industrial Action Fallout: Some maxi operators say they support the issues but can’t afford to stop earning, while unions also threaten legal action over State of Emergency protest restrictions. Diplomacy & Business Ties: AMCHAM T&T welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s nomination of Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Security & Consumer Safety: Police seized 2,700+ illicit and unsafe items in South Oropouche, including counterfeit clothing and unregistered male enhancement products. Disaster Readiness: A Port of Spain disaster simulation is underway to test coordination and preparedness ahead of hurricane season.

US-Diaspora Diplomacy: Trump has nominated Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as the next U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, with AMCHAM T&T calling it a sign of the enduring business and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Transport & Cost of Living: A three-day maxi-taxi strike has disrupted commuting nationwide, with business groups warning of productivity hits and added financial pressure; police buses were deployed to move stranded elderly and students, while PH taxi drivers reported higher demand. Flood Risk & Waste: Works Minister Jearlean John says littering is still a major driver of flooding, arguing that disaster outcomes are shaped by weak enforcement and poor waste disposal habits. Security & Consumer Protection: “DUNWICH 5/2026” netted 2,700+ illicit items in South Oropouche, including unregistered pharmaceuticals, male enhancement products, counterfeit clothing and unsafe electrical goods. Energy & Finance: Trinidad and Tobago NGL Limited returned to profitability in 2025, reporting an after-tax profit of TT$224.3m, helped by improved earnings at Phoenix Park Gas Processors and a reversal of impairment provisions. Governance & Transparency (Tobago): The High Court ruled E-IDCOT is not exempt from FOIA, ordering it to reconsider disclosure requests tied to Manta Lodge procurement and a franchise arrangement. Tourism & Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean-to-Europe travel easier with single-ticket booking and through-checked luggage.

Maxi Taxi Disruption: Trinidad and Tobago’s three-day “rest and reflection” maxi taxi action is already snarling commutes, with downtown merchants estimating 15–20% of commuters arriving late and delays of 30 minutes to an hour, while City Gate and key hubs see near-empty stands and traffic slowdowns. Accessibility Pressure: The Blind Welfare Association says the strike exposes how public transport failures hit persons with disabilities hardest, turning transport into a life-line issue, not a convenience. Police Contingency: TTPS Commissioner Allister Guevarro ordered police buses to move stranded elderly and students home, though demand outstripped available resources. Industry Fallout: Private hire drivers report higher demand as they expand into maxi routes, while Tobago maxi operators back the protest and cite their own problems like late payments and lack of hubs. Governance & Transparency: A High Court ruling says Tobago’s E-IDCOT is not exempt from FOIA, ordering reconsideration of a request tied to Manta Lodge procurement and a franchise arrangement. Regional Mobility Deal: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement letting travellers book with one ticket, check luggage through, and connect across the English, French and Dutch Caribbean to Paris Orly. Tourism & Sport: TG Titans Cricket Team heads to Tobago (June 3–8) for matches against Club Crusoe Cuzins and Tobago Legends, using cricket to market Guyana.

UWI Appointments: The University of the West Indies promoted eight senior lecturers to Professor ranks across areas like veterinary public health, econometrics, international relations, applied mathematics and music. Infrastructure & Resilience: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says T&T’s Revitalisation Blueprint is a “contract with the future,” tying resilience to procurement standards, design safeguards and nature-based solutions. Tobago Transparency Fight: A High Court ruled Tobago’s Eco-Industrial Development Company (E-IDCOT) is not exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, ordering reconsideration of a request tied to Manta Lodge’s management and franchise arrangements. Maxi Taxi Disruption: Maxi taxi operators begin a planned three-day “rest and reflection” shutdown, with business groups warning of knock-on effects for workers, students and essential services. Food Security Push: CARDI and partners showcased a successful black-eyed peas pilot harvest, pointing to fast growth and strong germination as a practical boost for local production and school feeding. Youth Vaping Alarm: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights a fast-growing nicotine crisis among Caribbean youth, calling out flavours and online marketing that make vapes seem harmless. Energy Update: Touchstone Exploration reported new Trinidad development wells placed on production and noted Atlantic LNG Train 4 maintenance, with gas volumes redirected to support pricing. Industry Leadership: National Flour Mills appointed Terrence Kalloo as CEO, aiming to regain shareholder confidence and strengthen food security through quality supply and pricing.

Maxi-taxi disruption: Maxi-taxi operators in Trinidad and Tobago are set to begin a planned three-day “rest and reflection” action from today, with more than 5,000 operators expected to stay off the roads, raising fears of widespread strain on workers, students and businesses. Airport naming push: The National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) is calling to rename Piarco’s Basdeo Panday International Airport, framing it as a youth-inspiring tribute to the former prime minister. Food security in focus: CARDI, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, says its Black-Eyed Peas Pilot Project in Warrenville has delivered strong results (over 96% germination, harvest in about 56–60 days), positioning the crop for local food security and school feeding. State sector leadership: National Flour Mills (NFM) has appointed Terrence Kalloo as CEO, aiming to regain shareholder confidence and support national food security. Tourism tech push: YTEPP and TIATT discussed how AI and digital transformation can improve tourism operations, customer engagement and workforce training. Vaping warning: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights concerns that Caribbean youth are increasingly targeted by vape marketing and flavours, with calls for stronger policy responses. Energy update: Touchstone Exploration reports oil output growth from two Trinidad development wells and notes Atlantic LNG Train 4 maintenance, with gas volumes redirected during the shutdown. Export drive debate: Economist Vaalmikki Arjoon backs the government’s non-energy export push as “economically necessary,” but stresses reforms must move fast. Green Fund access gap: A report says less than 1% of the Green Fund was disbursed over a decade, leaving NGOs and community groups struggling to access funding. Regional aviation realignment: Commentary points to a structural shift in Caribbean airline connectivity, with new interline moves and market exits reshaping routes. Cultural industry spotlight: Indian Arrival Day events also featured business and government leaders discussing future India–T&T opportunities, including potential pharma manufacturing and digital payments links.

India-Trinidad Business Push: Indian Arrival Day events spotlighted new trade and investment angles, including an MOU on a pharmaceutical corporation and calls to use digital payments to position T&T as a fintech gateway for the Caribbean. Food Security in Action: CARDI and the Ministry of Agriculture showcased a black-eyed peas pilot in Warrenville, reporting 96%+ germination and harvest in about 56–60 days, aimed at cutting imports and supporting school feeding. Tobago Temple Milestone: Tobago’s first Hindu temple at Signal Hill is nearing completion at 85%, adding a major cultural and tourism landmark. Export Plan Scrutiny: Chamber of Industry and Commerce business leader Diane Hadad says the government’s non-energy export drive is promising but still lacks the depth businesses need for implementation. Green Fund Funding Gap: Despite a $12.9B Green Fund balance, FOIA shows under 1% disbursed over a decade, with NGOs warning of possible closures. Vaping Alarm: Caribbean youth vaping is outpacing policy, with concerns over nicotine addiction and “nicotine-free” products normalising vaping. Local Transport Pressure: Maxi-taxi operators warn of a June 1–3 “rest and reflect” shutdown over long-running industry issues. Banking Deal: Butterfield agreed to buy CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.79B transaction, setting up a larger regional banking group.

Higher Ed & Skills: Economist Dr Anthony Gonzales says UWI’s student decline is being driven by poverty and a growing “menu” of university-level options, warning education is now a competitive product. Trade & Exports: Chamber figure Diane Hadad calls the Government’s non-energy export push promising but too light on detail, while economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon says the forex drive is “economically necessary” as energy earnings wobble. SME & Distribution: West Indian Traders Ltd opens an IPO aimed at boosting its balance sheet and expanding into chilled and frozen goods. Banking Deal: Butterfield agrees to buy CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.79b deal, setting up a larger regional banking group. Transport Disruption: Maxi taxi operators confirm a three-day “rest and reflect” shutdown from June 1, citing long-running unresolved industry issues. Construction & Local Content: San Fernando contractors demand a “fair share” of work at the Allamby housing project, alleging sidelining of local firms. Environment Funding: Green Fund disbursement remains critically low—under 1% over a decade—fueling NGO funding fears. Energy/Industry: T&T Aggregate Producers Association meets Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal to discuss licensing, royalties and sustainability after “hold over” letters. Culture & Tourism: Tobago kicks off its fifth annual Carnival (Oct 30–Nov 1) with a “Mud, Mas and Music” launch at Pigeon Point.

Banking Deal: Butterfield has agreed to buy CIBC’s controlling stake in CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.79b transaction, aiming to build a regional banking and wealth platform with about US$29b in assets, with completion targeted for H1 2027. Public Transport Disruption: Maxi taxi operators say they’ll begin a nationwide “rest and reflect” shutdown from June 1–3 unless written commitments address long-running route, licensing and speed-limit issues. Energy & Industry: T&T Aggregate Producers Association will meet Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal Monday on licensing, royalties and processing-liquor fairness after “hold over” letters were issued to keep operations running. Food Security Push: CARDI’s black-eyed peas pilot in Warrenville shows strong local viability, supporting plans to cut food import reliance and boost feed and possible processing. Crime & Safety: A Proman Trinidad procurement manager was shot dead in Couva, while police also seized 2,700 illicit consumer and pharmaceutical items in an anti-illicit trade sweep. Local Governance: Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales alleges TTPS electric patrol vehicles were leased via a newly incorporated firm, while NATUC condemns “no-protest zones” under the State of Emergency. Tourism Tech: TIATT and YTEPP discussed using AI and digital tools to modernize tourism operations and training.

Construction & Minerals: The Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association (TTAPA) will meet Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal on Monday to press for a fair, transparent framework for sand and gravel processing licences, following “hold over” letters issued to 25 minerals operators as licence reviews continue. Banking & Finance: The Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) says it welcomes fresh talks among Government, the Central Bank and the banking sector to strengthen the financial system and support economic development. Food & Manufacturing: National Flour Mills (NFM) has appointed Terrence Kalloo as CEO effective June 1, replacing Ian Mitchell, as the state-linked food manufacturer continues its leadership transition. Transport & Labour: Maxi taxi operators confirm a nationwide shutdown from Monday after talks with Government failed to deliver written commitments on long-running sector concerns. Local Industry & Trade: Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram highlights a corn-for-animal-feed pilot aimed at cutting the $256m annual corn import bill, while CARDI’s black-eyed peas pilot in Warrenville shows strong germination and fast harvest potential for food security and school nutrition. Consumer Safety: Police seized 2,700 illicit and unsafe items in South Oropouche, including illegal male enhancement pharmaceuticals, counterfeit branded clothing and illicit cigarettes. Tourism Tech: YTEPP met TIATT to push digital transformation and AI tools for tourism operations, alongside workforce training and certification. Regional Business: Butterfield signed to acquire CIBC Caribbean Bank in a US$1.8bn deal, with plans to list shares in multiple Caribbean markets including Trinidad.

Energy Deal: Occidental buys a 10% stake in Exxon’s deepwater offshore Trinidad block, adding momentum for Trinidad’s Atlantic LNG rebuild and petrochemical push. Oil & Gas Ops: Touchstone says two Trinidad wells are now on production and notes Atlantic LNG Train 4 is in a planned maintenance shutdown, with gas flows rerouted during outages. Banking & Finance: N.T. Butterfield & Son agrees to acquire CIBC Caribbean Bank (91.7% stake) in a US$1.794b deal, with plans to list locally in Trinidad and expand digital and cross-border wealth services. Trade & Exports: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the non-energy push targets higher export and forex generation, backed by stronger public-private coordination and tourism expansion. Agriculture & Food Security: CARDI’s black-eyed peas pilot in Warrenville shows strong local viability, supporting food security and school nutrition plans. Industry Expansion: Sanmerna Paper Products seeks land for a bigger factory to re-enter regional export markets. Tech for Tourism: YTEPP and TIATT discuss using AI and digital tools to boost tourism efficiency, customer service, and training needs. Governance & Appointments: Paria Fuel chair Nyree Alfonzo resigns, ending her tenure at the state-owned energy firm. Regional Policy: Trinidad abstains from CARICOM’s latest Cuba sanctions statement, reserving its position.