AGP Executive Report

NGC Credit-Rating Shake-Up: The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is urging continued governance and fiscal discipline at the National Gas Company after NGC moved away from Moody’s while keeping other agencies engaged—warning that investor confidence depends on transparency and consistency. Tobago Development Under Fire: On Rocky Point, EMA’s approval for a Marriott-branded 200-room project is being challenged by marine and conservation experts who say the site is “fundamentally incompatible,” echoing concerns from the Rocky Point Foundation over how conditions protect vulnerable areas. Health System Tensions: NCRHA has rejected claims from the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association, saying patient flow and service delivery have improved despite inherited constraints, while the dispute continues to play out publicly. Public Sector Watch: Analysts are also questioning NGC’s transparency after Moody’s withdrawal, as the company frames the move as a credit framework realignment rather than financial trouble. Sports & Culture: In the background, CPL draft moves keep cricket buzzing, while the National Music School is being rebuilt to expand recording opportunities for local artistes.

NGC–Moody’s Fallout: The National Gas Company says it has ended its relationship with Moody’s as part of a credit-rating realignment, effective Feb. 26, arguing Moody’s didn’t reflect its standalone strength—while analysts are now questioning what it means for investor confidence. Health Authority Pushback: NCRHA rejects claims from the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses’ Association, saying patient-flow and service delivery improved from January to April, including lower deaths and reduced nursing absenteeism. Police & Security: A late-night Arouca shooting left one dead and two injured, with investigators suspecting gang links. Oil Spill Compensation: T&T says it has recovered just over $61m from IOPC clean-up claims tied to the Gulfstream spill, with more time to submit further claims. CPL Cricket Buzz: The CPL draft locks in key local rosters, including Narine’s retention by Trinbago Knight Riders and Motie’s move to Barbados. Regional Cooperation: Jamaica offers to help Tobago tighten jet-ski safety rules after a fatal incident.

Education Focus: The spotlight is on inclusion and access as T&T weighs whether its education system is truly equipping all learners for a fast, tech-driven world. Youth Opportunity: Ecliff Elie’s Spotlight on Youth Potential programme is already changing lives—one Tobago student is set to graduate in a bespoke suit after being selected for the programme. Crime Strategy Debate: Former police commissioner Gary Griffith is pushing back on plans to grow the TTPS from 7,884 to 10,200 officers, arguing accountability and leadership matter more than numbers. State of Emergency Scrutiny: With T&T now deep into 503 days under repeated SoEs over gang threats, questions are resurfacing about how threats are handled and whether public actions match the stated urgency. Tobago Oil Spill Compensation: Government says it has received $61m from the IOPC for the Gulfstream disaster, far short of the $86.3m offer. Child Missing Case: In Tobago, the mother and stepfather of missing toddler Angelo remain in police custody as searches continue. NGC & Moody’s: NGC says Moody’s ratings were withdrawn after a credit-rating realignment—not because of financial trouble—while the debate over the energy sector’s direction continues. CPL Draft Buzz: The CPL draft is locked in locally, with Knight Riders keeping their core and new faces joining squads ahead of the August start.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: The 2026 Republic Bank CPL kicked off with major roster moves, led by Gudakesh Motie leaving Guyana Amazon Warriors for the Barbados Tridents, while Trinbago Knight Riders kept their championship spine via right-to-match options—Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein and Terrance Hinds—plus new faces like Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes. NGC Credit Rating Fallout: National Gas Company says Moody’s withdrawal of its ratings isn’t financial trouble, but a strategic realignment after NGC ended its Moody’s relationship in February—though critics are calling it a serious red flag. Violence in Arouca: Gunmen blocked a car near La Luna Sports Bar, killing one man and injuring two others; police suspect gang-related motives. Healthcare Pressure: NCRHA pool rates were cut then reportedly reverted to address staffing shortages, as nurses warn of dangerous understaffing at key facilities. Public Health & Policy: Government moves to modernise food badge validity to 12 months from issue, and Saint Lucia rolled out rapid PCR testing under CARPHA. Culture & Community: Sagicor’s Mom Masterclass brought Caribbean mothers together on parenting, wellness and financial empowerment.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: Trinbago Knight Riders used right-to-match options to keep their West Indies core for CPL 2026, retaining Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein and Terrance Hinds, while Andre Russell and Rovman Powell switch to Jamaica Kingsmen. Local Cricket Moves: Barbados Tridents landed Gudakesh Motie from Guyana Amazon Warriors and re-drafted Sherfane Rutherford, with Brandon King and others returning via right-to-match. Healthcare Staffing Pressure: NCRHA has reportedly reverted to $75 pool rates after cutting them to $60 in March, as nurses warn of worsening conditions at EWM-SC and Mt Hope. Energy Ratings Debate: NGC says Moody’s withdrawal isn’t a sign of trouble, pointing to a strategic realignment after ending its Moody’s relationship. Public Health Policy: Government plans to modernise food badge renewals so they last 12 months from issue, easing municipal workload. Culture & Tourism Buzz: Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down for today’s R&B Brunch Festival, while NA PA launches NA PA Jazz Fusion 2026 after an operational shake-up. Tobago Search Update: Authorities continue efforts around the disappearance of little Angelo in Goodwood, as residents demand answers.

NGC vs Moody’s: National Gas Company is defending its decision to end its relationship with Moody’s after the agency withdrew NGC’s Ba2 ratings, saying the split reflects “fundamental differences” in how Moody’s treats sovereign links and state-owned firms, while NGC points to a performance “inflection point” and its 2025 profit outlook. Energy & environment: Heritage Petroleum is investigating a new oil spill in Tarouba and says clean-up and monitoring are underway, adding to fresh scrutiny of how spills are handled after an offshore incident near Venezuela. Tobago priorities: The THA is seeking $60m to start Scarborough Secondary, while Chief Sec. Farley Augustine is also pushing for tougher protection of MPs after an alleged threat. Education pay dispute: TTUTA says there’s still no clear timeline for 2020–2023 backpay despite ministry assurances. Tourism pressure: Regional hoteliers are pushing back against Booking.com’s proposed booking commission changes, warning of higher costs. Markets & business: TTSE and PwC sign an SME MoU to boost awareness of the SME market and IPO process.

Energy & Jobs: OWTU has signed a training deal with CENERGY to prepare workers for the Petrotrin refinery restart and wider energy expansion—aiming to turn an “energy and economic boom” into local skills and jobs. Tobago Tourism: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the Rocky Point hotel project only gets his support after four conditions are met, as environmentalists question the scale and reef impact. Child Protection: Augustine says he was shocked by the disappearance of toddler Angelo Tobias and argues the first safety net must be families, while the wider community and State must do more. Sport Funding: Hans Des Vignes is pushing for the Prime Minister’s Sport and Culture Fund board to be appointed, after SporTT’s funding freeze left applicants stuck without approvals. Utilities & Cost of Living: T&TEC has settled COLA backpay with unions, including OWTU, and moved to restore pay parity. Regional Business Travel: Caribbean Airlines launched twice-weekly Port of Spain–Curaçao flights from about US$152, boosting tourism and trade links. Red Cross Governance: Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society appoints Edward Moodie as Acting President, promising transparency as it addresses subvention and audited-statement concerns.

Regional Aviation Boost: Caribbean Airlines launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Curaçao flights, with fares from about US$152, aiming to lift tourism, business travel and cultural links. Energy & Finance: Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo says T&T will negotiate cross-border natural gas fiscal terms to protect the national interest, after critics flagged gaps in existing arrangements. Cost of Living Relief: T&TEC has settled COLA backpay with unions, including agreements covering 2024–2025 and a long-standing salary parity issue. Tourism & Market Pressure: A Caribbean travel trends report highlights T&T’s heavy reliance on hub-based arrivals as regional growth slows and competition for visitors intensifies. Public Safety & Travel Risk: Canada issued new travel advisories warning of violent crime in T&T, citing the March 3 nationwide state of emergency. Housing Governance: NH International accuses HDC of “secretly disbarring” it from tendering, as OPR dismisses its challenge over timing rules.

Budget Pressure: Former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning warns the Government’s mid-year budget review could become a “political platform” for new taxes or fines, arguing citizens are already squeezed by rising costs. Parliament Clash: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander refused to say how many people have been charged under the Anti-Gang Act, using Standing Order 28(3), sparking Opposition claims he’s “hiding behind” procedure. Housing Procurement Fight: NH International’s Emile Elias alleges the HDC “secretly disbarred” it from tendering under the suspended $3.4b housing programme, after an OPR panel dismissed its challenge. Utilities Under Attack: WASA condemned power cable theft at the St. Joseph Booster Station in Mayaro, saying it disrupted water supply and is now under police investigation. CARICOM Tension: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise Dr Carla Barnett as CARICOM SG after August, despite regional claims of reappointment. Energy Policy: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says a new fiscal review committee will map how cross-border gas is taxed and how T&T earns revenue across the full value chain.

CARICOM Standoff: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett after August, even though regional leaders say she’s been reappointed—adding that T&T’s position is “final” and warning CARICOM could expel T&T if it wants. US Talks & Trade/Energy: Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers is in Washington for meetings with the US State Department, Trade Representative, Energy, Defence and the National Security Council, with talks focused on foreign policy, energy security, national security and international trade. Energy Revenue Planning: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says Government is setting up a fiscal review committee to shape how cross-border gas is taxed and how T&T earns revenue across the full gas value chain. Water Infrastructure Hit: WASA condemns sabotage after a power cable was stolen at the St. Joseph Booster Station in Mayaro, disrupting operations and threatening water delivery. Digital Finance Push: TTSEC CEO Kester Guy urges “discipline, credibility and clarity” as the new virtual assets and VASP framework moves into implementation. Procurement Scrutiny: OPR has launched an investigation into LandmarkTT’s $100M-plus housing procurement in Corinth, San Fernando, over claims of selective tendering. Business Watch: Massy reports stronger Barbados revenue and profits for the first half of FY2026, while NIF posted a Q1 net loss of $36.9M.

Parliament on Crime and SoE: MPs are set for a heated House of Representatives sitting earlier than usual, with opposition MPs pressing Government on the effectiveness of the State of Emergency, the rising murder toll, and the Home Invasion (Stand Your Ground) law. MTS Appointment Clash: Marvin Gonzales is expected to renew questions on the recruitment and pay package behind the appointment of MTS CEO Nicholas Khanhai, after Barry Padarath dismissed the Opposition’s concerns as “deflection.” Breakfast Shed Evictions Delayed: An injunction stopping Udecott from evicting vendors at the Breakfast Shed (Femmes du Chalet) has been extended to May 26, with the court ordering $7,000 in legal costs after an adjournment request. Housing Sector Under Fire: Former housing minister Camille Robinson-Regis is calling for David Lee to resign over claims of “compensation” linked to an HDC-related investigative story. Energy and Business Watch: Nutrien’s Trinidad nitrogen shutdown and Methanex’s options review continue to signal uncertainty around gas supply, while the TTCB is reeling after a daylight robbery at its Couva headquarters.

Daylight Crime Shock: Armed bandits stormed the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s Couva headquarters in broad daylight, holding staff at gunpoint and escaping with about TT$15,000 from a safe. Energy & Diplomacy: Trinidad says the Gulf of Paria oil spill was stopped, repaired and back online quickly, even as Venezuela pushes claims of environmental harm. Housing Oversight: The OPR is probing LandmarkTT’s handling of a TT$100m Allamby Residential Development contract, with complaints of selective tendering. Environment Clash in Tobago: The EMA is defending its approval of a Rocky Point hotel project, saying it followed a science-driven review and added stronger coastal protections. Regional Spotlight: T&T’s OTC Pavilion boosted the country’s offshore energy visibility, while Siparia’s mayor vows Borough Day celebrations will go ahead despite council objections. Global Watch: China’s growing influence and US-China tensions stay in focus as Trump heads to Beijing for talks with Xi.

Housing Oversight Under Fire: Former Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis is challenging Housing Minister David Lee over alleged gaps in oversight tied to the suspended HDC housing programme, including claims of “compensation” attempts to suppress reporting—while Lee’s response is being attacked as another “I don’t know” moment. Environmental Watch: The EMA is defending its Certificate of Environmental Clearance for Superior Hotels’ $500M Rocky Point Tobago project, saying it followed a science-driven review and added tougher conditions like a 30m coastal setback and reef/turtle protections. Procurement Scrutiny: The OPR is probing LandmarkTT Properties’ handling of a $100M Alamby Residential Development contract, with complaints alleging selective tendering instead of open bidding. Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says the May 1 oil spill was contained quickly and that there’s ongoing communication with Venezuela. Regional Health Push: CARPHA launched Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, urging source reduction ahead of the rainy season.

Energy & Diplomacy: Trinidad’s offshore oil spill row is still heating up after Venezuela said the spill caused “serious environmental damage” in the Gulf of Paria—while T&T insists it was minor, quickly contained, and handled with response protocols; opposition voices are now questioning delayed disclosure and the strain on ties with Caracas. Environment Oversight: In Tobago, the EMA defended the CEC for the Rocky Point hotel after residents raised concerns about reef and coastal impacts, even as a “red flag” was reported over how the clearance was granted. Agro-Processing Push: TTMA backed the opening of the Brechin Castle agro-processing facility, arguing it can cut post-harvest loss and help farmers move into export-ready products. Health & Social Services: CARPHA launched Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, urging stronger source reduction ahead of the rainy season. Regional Business: Massy Holdings reported higher first-half 2026 revenue and profits, while Agostini’s Presto Fresh expansion signals continued retail investment. Diaspora & Identity: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced Nelson Island will be renamed to honour the “jahaji legacy,” with public input via a new website.

In the last 12 hours, the most prominent business-relevant policy development is the piloting of Trinidad and Tobago’s Victims’ Rights Bill 2026 in the Senate. Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj framed the bill as a “paradigm shift” that would require investigatory and prosecuting agencies to keep victims informed (including bail decisions and proceedings), establish monitoring of how victims are treated, and support victims’ recovery—positioning victims as participants rather than sidelined “instruments of prosecution.” In parallel, coverage also points to broader justice-system accountability themes, with the bill described as the first of its kind in the Caribbean.

Several other last-12-hours items point to governance and operational readiness issues that can affect the business environment. Tobago’s marine-safety debate continues after a fatal Pigeon Point accident, with reef tour operators arguing the THA should accept blame and calling for better consultation around the proposed Buccoo Marine Park Bill and enforcement measures. Separately, the T&T Cycling Federation dispute over funding for the Junior Pan American Cycling Championships shows how administrative decisions and funding approvals can directly disrupt athlete participation and, by extension, sports-related stakeholders and sponsorship expectations. On the public-sector side, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government says it is preparing for the rainy season through municipal corporations’ watercourse clearing, emergency response teams, and coordination with other agencies.

Internationally, last-12-hours coverage includes technology and investment signals tied to the region’s energy outlook. Exxon Mobil says it is using AI and high-performance computing to interpret Guyana seismic data “in days rather than months,” and expects to complete seismic acquisition by year-end while quickly assessing offshore blocks in the Trinidad and Tobago border area—suggesting faster appraisal cycles for exploration activity. There is also a strong diplomatic and regional-relations thread in the same window, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaging Suriname (including a tribute at the “Monument for the Fallen Heroes” and a 9th Joint Commission Meeting covering trade, digital cooperation, defence, energy, and healthcare), which may indirectly support business linkages through bilateral cooperation.

Looking across the wider 7-day range, there is continuity around two themes: (1) environmental governance and rights—including Trinidad and Tobago’s Escazú Agreement entry into force and CANARI’s call for implementation action beyond commitments; and (2) economic diversification and development finance—with reporting that a permanent World Bank office in Port of Spain is expected to act as a “game-changer” for access to financing and private-sector investment. However, the provided evidence for the most recent 12 hours is sparse on hard economic metrics; most of the newest items are policy, institutional, and international engagement rather than direct local market performance.

In the last 12 hours, business and policy coverage in Trinidad and Tobago has been dominated by governance and economic “signals” rather than a single headline event. The Central Bank has begun direct engagement with Republic Bank after the bank’s May 1 fee increases triggered public frustration, with Governor Larry Howai stressing that while the regulator’s statutory authority on fees is limited (e.g., to credit facilities), it will continue to advocate for consumer protection through market conduct expectations. In parallel, a “revolutionary” Victims’ Rights Bill is set to be piloted in the Senate, aiming to formalize victims’ access to compensation and require police and prosecutors to provide structured updates and consultation at key decision points—framed as a response to long-standing complaints about victims being sidelined.

Several developments also point to sector-level pressures and activity. Angostura reported a $19 million profit after tax for Q1 (down 15% year-on-year), attributing the decline to increased excise duties raising production costs and reduced investment income amid global market volatility. There was also a major local incident affecting commerce: firefighters battled a large fire at Globe City Plaza in Chase Village, with the response involving multiple divisions and support from the Water and Sewerage Authority. On the economic development front, Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) described the World Bank’s move toward a permanent Port of Spain office as a potential “jolt,” highlighting expanded access to financing, technical expertise, and private-sector investment pipelines for local businesses.

Beyond domestic business, the most recent coverage includes international and regional themes that intersect with Trinidad and Tobago’s transition agenda. CANARI called for action following Trinidad and Tobago’s entry into force of the Escazú Agreement, arguing that accession must be backed by implementation—particularly around access to environmental information, public participation, access to justice, and recognition of environmental defenders. Another story emphasized the need for countries to back commitments to transition away from fossil fuels with concrete action, following a conference in Santa Marta that did not produce binding outcomes but aimed to create a space for more practical discussions.

Older material in the 7-day window provides continuity on the same policy and economic threads: ongoing discussion of World Bank presence in T&T as a “game-changer,” broader debate around bank fee impacts and regulatory capacity, and repeated attention to energy transition and resilience. However, compared with the dense domestic coverage in the last 12 hours, the older articles are more supportive background than new developments—so the clearest “change” in this rolling window remains the Central Bank’s response to fee hikes, the Victims’ Rights Bill moving through the Senate, and the World Bank office framing as an immediate economic catalyst.