AGP Executive Report

Labour & Jobs: The CWU is urging unions to drop political loyalties as wage pressure mounts in the TSTT dispute, while reports say about 150 call-centre workers tied to Amplia could face contract non-renewals by Sept. 30, raising fears of job losses and pay cuts. Energy Outlook: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says oil production is rising, LNG exports are improving and new gas supplies are being secured, with major international firms returning and Point Lisas positioned for growth. Regional Courts: The CCJ leadership fight continues, with the PM saying she hopes the court “sort themselves out soon” while declining to comment on confidence in how it will handle the Carla Bar­nett dispute. Tobago Governance: IDA is demanding answers from the THA over why an islandwide autonomy convention scheduled for Aug. 10 never took place. Sport Funding: SporTT and the Sports Ministry clarified their role in SSFL Tobago travel after media reports, saying support was pledged to keep Tobago teams in the 2026 league. Blue Economy Skills: Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram met CFTDI youth on the Blue Economy project, pushing fisheries and maritime career pathways. Local Business/Community: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation begins clean-up work at Carli Bay after illegal dumping.

Energy Outlook: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector is “rebounding” with higher oil production, improved LNG exports and new gas supply deals, with major international firms returning and Point Lisas positioned for growth. Local Content Push: Ernesto Kesar says Government will restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, aiming to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Insurance Deal Scrutiny (US): Delaware’s Insurance Department says it’s reviewing Aquarian Capital’s proposed acquisition of Brighthouse Life via a formal “Form A” process, using outside specialists to protect policyholders. Telecom Labour Standoff: TSTT warns CWU that any industrial action over a disputed 10% wage increase would be illegal as telecommunications is an essential service, while the union insists it will act within the law. Port Workers Backpay Pressure: SWWTU demands about $337m in outstanding backpay and overtime for Port Authority workers and threatens escalation if the PATT Board doesn’t respond by Wednesday. Food/Agri Risk: Nutrien’s Trinidad nitrogen review continues, with third-party site visits expected at Point Lisas as the company evaluates “all strategic options,” including a possible sale. Energy Investment (Regional): XRG says it has entered Venezuela’s offshore Loran gas licence alongside bp and UCC, with the project tied to the Loran-Manatee accumulation spanning the Trinidad and Tobago maritime boundary.

Energy & Trade: Trinidad and Tobago is set to deepen energy security after new Venezuelan natural gas exploration licences, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar saying the deals let T&T use existing infrastructure to process offshore resources from the Loran-Manatee cross-border field, while critics question the state’s role in negotiations. Local Content Push: Ernesto Kesar says the Government will restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, aiming to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Port Labour Pressure: SWWTU is demanding about $337 million in port workers’ backpay and overtime and warns it could escalate if the PATT Board doesn’t respond by Wednesday. Industrial Relations: TSTT and the CWU remain locked in a wage dispute; TSTT warns any industrial action would be illegal because telecoms is an essential service. Corporate/Industry Watch: Nutrien’s Trinidad nitrogen review continues, with third-party site visits planned at Point Lisas as the plant remains shut since last year. Governance & Procurement: OPR flags flaws in HDC’s cancelled $3.4B housing project procurement, citing gaps in supplier identification and due diligence. Business & Culture: Pan Trinbago announces a Trinidad and Tobago steelpan Geographical Indication (GI) board to protect and certify authentic local steelpans.

Energy & Diplomacy: T&T is set to strengthen energy security after Venezuela approved new Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana licences, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar saying the deals could unlock about 7 trillion cubic feet of gas for processing at T&T’s LNG and petrochemical plants. Oil & Gas Deals: bp has moved to acquire Woodside’s 70% stake in Trinidad’s Calypso project, taking operatorship and full ownership as Woodside exits the Caribbean. Local Governance & Procurement: The OPR flagged flaws in how HDC selected and checked suppliers for its cancelled $3.4B housing project, citing gaps in due diligence and compliance. Public Sector Turnover: A report says 67 people have left State boards or public offices in 14 months, including senior roles at CAL, TSTT, FCB and NGC. Crime & Security: Siparia residents joined a peace walk as police declared Sennon Village and environs a “no-crime zone,” while Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander outlined a broader anti-crime rollout including mobile units and immigration changes. Telecom Investment: Digicel says it’s increasing investment in T&T—expanding fibre, mobile capacity and security infrastructure—while hiring more staff as demand rises. Business & Industry: New Wave Road Solutions is pushing EZ Street cold-mix pothole repairs across the Caribbean. Culture with Economic Angle: Pan Trinbago announced a Steelpan GI Board to protect and certify authentic Trinidad and Tobago steelpans, and T&T will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on Sept. 19 at NAPA. Sports & Events: The Great Race went ahead despite rough seas and a yellow alert, with Heatwave winning “First to Tobago” and “Fastest to Tobago.” Local Economy & Jobs: Education book grant payments are expected to begin after Aug. 24, ahead of schools reopening Sept. 7. AI & Skills: Tobago held an AI symposium focused on data, cyber security and future job shifts, while Debe residents are lining up for potential work linked to a planned AI data centre.

Energy & Trade: Venezuela’s new Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana hydrocarbon licences could open fresh gas supply options for T&T, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar saying the deals may support energy security and regional development. Oil & Gas Outlook: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says T&T expects an uptick in gas generation by 2027, alongside efforts to rejuvenate mature fields and boost oil output. Procurement Watch: The OPR flagged flaws in how HDC selected and checked companies for its cancelled $3.4B housing project, citing gaps in due diligence and supplier identification. Public Sector Shake-up: A report says 67 people have left State boards or public offices in 14 months, including senior roles across major entities. Anti-Crime Rollout: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says the anti-crime strategy is moving ahead with more law-enforcement presence, mobile units, and changes aimed at deportation loopholes. CCJ Integrity Row: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson condemned leaked confidential internal correspondence and denied claims of panel fixing, as public debate continues. Local Business & Jobs: Moonilal says residents are lining up for work linked to a planned AI data centre in Golconda/Debe, while book grant payments are expected to begin soon. Food Prices: Poultry depots warn the ongoing chicken shortage is forcing smaller birds and higher prices.

CCJ Integrity Row: CCJ President Winston Anderson issued a forceful statement denying “panel fixing” and rejecting claims he influenced outcomes, while condemning leaked internal deliberations and addressing a dispute over judicial attire. Energy Diplomacy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hailed Venezuela’s signing of Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana licences, positioning the deals to boost T&T’s gas supply and energy security alongside bp, XRG and UCC. Gas Outlook: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal said economic benefits from expanded gas production are expected to be felt by 2027, with oil recovery efforts also targeted. Local Business & Food: Chicken shortages are pushing up poultry depot prices as suppliers report smaller birds and reduced sales. Education Support: Acting Education Minister Barry Padarath said $20M in book grant payments could start next week as approvals are finalised ahead of school reopening. Digital Push (Tobago): THA plans for digital and AI-powered services were outlined, with connectivity and a Tobago ID flagged as key steps. Sports Funding: The SSFL is set to revisit a 17-school Premier Division format after Sport Ministry support to address Tobago travel costs. Tobago Security: Stakeholders welcomed plans for a joint Coast Guard-police unit base near Gibson Jetty, but raised concerns about asset maintenance and consistency.

Energy & Trade: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says new Venezuela hydrocarbon licences will boost T&T’s gas security, with BP, XRG and UCC backing Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana—aimed at feeding existing T&T processing infrastructure. Oil & Gas Outlook: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal expects economic benefits from expanded gas by 2027 and renewed oil recovery efforts. Digital Economy: Government confirms a data centre for Golconda in the Debe Special Economic Zone, pitched as a jobs and industrial revival spark for south Trinidad. Education Support: Acting Education Minister Barry Padarath says $20M in book grant payments could start next week ahead of the Sept 7 school reopening. Tobago Security: Stakeholders welcome plans for a joint Coast Guard-police unit base in Tobago, but warn maintenance and consistency are the real test. Sports Funding: SSFL travel issues for Tobago teams appear resolved after Sport Ministry intervention, with plans to revisit the 17-school Premier Division format. Local Business/Community: Debe children received school supplies as part of a wider return-to-school support programme. Governance & Courts: CCJ president Winston Anderson rejects claims of improper leadership after leaked internal correspondence; meanwhile a businessman’s challenge to a PDO detention was dismissed by the High Court. Environment & Tourism: Store Bay stakeholders urge stronger protection for a leatherback turtle nest ahead of today’s Great Race. Regional Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago explores a football development partnership with Mexico. Visa Pressure: Reports of a U.S. visa crackdown are sending shockwaves through the Caribbean entertainment industry.

CCJ Integrity Under Fire: OECSBA and OCCBA are calling for an investigation into leaked internal CCJ judge emails and urging urgent IT security fixes at the Trinidad-headquartered court, as judicial dress and leadership tensions continue to spill into public view. Venezuela Energy Deal: BP has secured the Loran Phase 2 offshore gas licence with XRG (UAE) and UCC (Qatar), holding equal interests and operating the project, in a move aimed at accelerating gas output off the T&T maritime boundary. Local Energy Engagement: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met ExxonMobil’s T&T operations manager, who praised fast approvals for seismic work and flagged optimism for a potential hydrocarbon discovery. Poultry Supply Pressure: Heat has cut local chicken production by about 20%, triggering retail shortages; Government says relief is coming as supplies enter the pipeline, while it pushes a local hatchery/breeding plan to reduce reliance on imports. Trade & Investment Push: The Trade Ministry set a US$9bn national investment target by 2030, with non-energy export growth goals and renewed focus on “Buy Local Build Trinbago.” Tobago Airport Update: THA says the new ANR Robinson terminal is on track to open before October, with works continuing without delaying the timeline. Sports Funding & Operations: Sport authorities intervened to clear SSFL teams to travel for Tobago matches, while CHASE Fund backed health screening for the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games. Business/Community Support: The Ministry of the People approved a $10,000 one-off grant for a La Brea micro-enterprise programme targeting vulnerable women.

Energy & Investment: ExxonMobil says it secured approvals fastest in any jurisdiction to start seismic work in T&T, with hopes technical activity could lead to a hydrocarbon find; PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar met the company’s operations manager to discuss next steps. Regional Gas Deals: Venezuela’s President in charge hailed the signing of the Phase 2 Loran Field gas licence involving BP, XRG and UCC, noting the project sits alongside Trinidad-linked Manatee gas plans. Trade & Growth: The Trade Ministry set a US$9 billion national investment target by 2030, aiming to lift non-energy exports by US$2b by 2027 and US$5b by 2030. Poultry Supply Crunch: Heat has cut local chicken production by 20%, triggering retail shortages; Government is moving to build a local poultry breeding and hatchery via a public-private partnership, with the Netherlands added as an approved source for hatching eggs/chicks. Local Business Support: The Ministry of the People awarded a $10,000 one-off grant to The Rose Foundation for a La Brea micro-enterprise programme for vulnerable women. Telecoms: Digicel services were restored after a Thursday morning outage. Judiciary Watch: CCJ judicial dress disputes surfaced in leaked emails, adding pressure to the court’s internal governance. Tobago Development: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the new Tobago airport terminal is expected to open before October.

Point Lisas Steel Revival: US-backed plans for the long-idled Point Lisas steel plant are back in focus, with debate over whether the US$750m restart will deliver lasting benefits and real job gains, as Young and others demand more deal details and engagement with SWUTT. Energy & Critical Minerals: BP’s move to buy Woodside’s 70% Calypso stake (to 100%) and assign 20% of the Manakin field to NGC keeps T&T’s gas and vanadium ambitions in the spotlight, alongside calls to revisit the natural gas master plan. Tobago Farming Finance: The ADB’s new TobaGrow loan product aims to ease financial access for Tobago’s farmers, fisherfolk and agro-processors, shifting Cepep workers toward farming. Local Business & Payments: A Tobago/Trinidad dog-boutique entrepreneur is offering TT-dollar payments online to reduce forex friction for customers. Telecoms & Digital Divide: CAN’T0 warns the Caribbean’s digital gap could hurt AI and fintech competitiveness, with Agard flagging lagging 5G rollout and affordability barriers. Jobs & Youth: An ILO report shows youth unemployment rising in most Caribbean countries, with T&T among those at a decade-long high for 20–24-year-olds. Flooding Disruptions: Heavy rain triggered severe flooding in parts of Trinidad’s Couva area, prompting sandbag distribution and disaster response. Food Prices Pressure: Poultry operators report a major bird shortfall, pushing chicken prices up and forcing some businesses to cut staff or close. Security Posts Debate: Business groups and commentators back joint police-army posts, but stress smarter deployment over construction alone.

Tobago Agriculture Push: Cepep workers in Tobago are starting a transition from sanitation and landscaping to farming, with THA aiming to lift agricultural output and double agri’s GDP contribution. East Port-of-Spain Governance: Laven­tille West MP Kareem Marcelle says the East Port-of-Spain Development Company has been operating without a board for nearly 18 months, alleging staff cuts and delayed funding. Point Lisas Steel Scrutiny: Economist Dr Marlene Attzs backs the US$750m Point Lisas revival as potentially meaningful for jobs and investor confidence, but former energy minister Stuart Young and the T&T Chamber want full deal details—especially gas allocation, concessions, and electricity pricing. Poultry Supply Strain: South Trinidad poultry operators report up to 50% fewer birds, pushing chicken prices from about $5.99 to as high as $9 per pound and forcing some businesses to cut staff or close. Food Security Beyond Calories: UWI’s Mark Wuddivira highlights a nutrition access gap—more than half a million people can’t afford a healthy diet—shifting the debate from availability to nutritious affordability. Energy Sector Signals: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says the Manakin stake deal and downstream gas fixes could spark an “energy revolution,” while the Energy Chamber calls it a step toward long-term energy security. Climate Resilience Funding: CDB and the GCF are financing a US$27.1m push for early warning systems in Belize and T&T to reduce loss from extreme weather. Regional Legal Tensions: GTUC urges CARICOM and the RJLSC to investigate reported divisions within the CCJ, amid renewed public concern over court management. Food Aid Partnership: Brunswick donated 2,500 cans to SEWA International and the T&T Food Bank as part of its Colour Dash 5K drive.

Energy & Investment: NGC has welcomed BP’s move to assign it a 20% stake in the Manakin block, giving the company equity across the unitised Cocuina–Manakin field for the first time and strengthening T&T’s position on gas supply and energy security. Industrial Revival: The Point Lisas steel restart is being pitched as a jobs and industrial boost, but economists are urging the Government to scrutinise the “fine print” on the US$750m plan—especially how vanadium ambitions will work in practice. Vanadium Reality Check: A metallurgist warns T&T likely lacks the raw-material capacity to produce vanadium domestically, implying imports may be needed before any local processing. Local Finance & Growth: Tobago’s TobaGrow loan initiative launches with financing up to $100,000 for farmers, fishers and agro-businesses, with flexible repayment and a possible six-month moratorium. Trade, Jobs & Community: The Energy Chamber backs the Ibis Steel reopening and its vanadium angle, while Pan Trinbago calls for panyard refurbishments to keep youth engaged and protect the cultural industry. US Visa Policy: The US makes its visa bond program permanent, affecting Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica and Grenada, while T&T nationals are also among those reporting revoked US visas. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sean Sobers says T&T is “hot” with deeper US engagement, pointing to Landau’s visit and renewed energy and security cooperation. Sports & Culture: Clarien Bank joins sponsors for the Carifta Triathlon and Aquathlon, and the Caribbean Music Awards names Shyne, Patra, Alan Cavé and Calypso Rose for Sept. 19 honours in Port-of-Spain.

Steel Revival Watch: Trinidad and Tobago’s Point Lisas steel plant refurbishment is back on track after years of inactivity, with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau attending the ribbon-cutting; the US$750m restart is pitched to bring up to 1,000 jobs, but economists are urging the Government to scrutinise the deal’s “fine print” and risks. Energy Security Deal: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says BP has agreed to sell a 20% stake in the Manakin-Cocuina cross-border gas field to NGC, strengthening T&T’s long-term gas position and supporting industrial renewal. Vanadium Reality Check: Questions are mounting over T&T’s vanadium ambitions tied to the steel revival—experts warn the country may lack raw material capacity and could need imports, alongside energy and supply concerns. Tobago Finance Push: The THA and Agricultural Development Bank launched the TobaGrow Loan, offering up to TT$100,000 for farmers, fisherfolk and agro-processors, with flexible repayment and moratorium options. Labour vs Rehabilitation: NATUC warns against using prisoners as “cheap labour” under the NPUPS upkeep of public spaces, saying work must be tied to real rehabilitation. Community & Culture: World Steelpan Day coverage highlights steelpan as both youth development and a cultural-enterprise engine, while Independence fireworks and the parade are set to return after last year’s State of Emergency cancellations. Telecom Governance: Minister Padarath installed a new TSTT board director, while TSTT says CWU negotiations are ongoing with no agreement yet.

Energy & Investment: BP has agreed to sell a 20% stake in the Trinidad portion of the Cocuina-Manakin gas field to state-owned NGC, with the deal tied to marketing 70% of gas to Atlantic LNG and aiming to clear the way for development decisions. Industrial Revival: Ibis Steel (at the former ArcelorMittal Point Lisas site) officially kicked off refurbishment, with Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium targeting US$250m initial investment and up to 1,000 jobs, positioning T&T for vanadium production. Labour & Hospitality: Hilton’s lease is set to end Sept. 18 unless a long-term deal is reached; workers are anxious as the CWU says severance calculations are being issued despite assurances. Telecoms Pressure: The CWU threatens to shut down TSTT operations if a 10% wage increase deal is not honoured. Business Performance: A.S. Bryden & Sons reports a steep first-half 2026 profit drop, citing softer demand and a slow tourism recovery in Jamaica. Security Planning: Tobago’s Plymouth police post proposal will face consultation before proceeding, while criminologists warn the new police posts may be tested after the State of Emergency ends. Climate Risk: NOAA cut its 2026 Atlantic storm outlook to 7–13 named storms, but says the peak risk period is starting now.

Vanadium push at Point Lisas: Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium has kicked off a US$750m refurbishment of the former ArcelorMittal site at Point Lisas, now Ibis Steel, aiming to position T&T as a major vanadium producer and cut reliance on China and Russia, with plans for up to 1,000 jobs. Energy deal momentum: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit helped unlock investment and energy security, highlighting Curlew Midstream’s Point Lisas bunkering plans, the Ibis steel restart, and BP/NGC agreements on the Cocuina-Manakin cross-border gas field. BP stake sale: BP agreed to sell a 20% stake in the Trinidad portion of Cocuina-Manakin to NGC, with 70% of output targeted for Atlantic LNG. Hilton uncertainty: Hilton says it’s actively negotiating to “continue legacy” at the State-owned Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, but the lease is set to end Sept. 18 unless a long-term deal is reached; CWU is pressing for job security as workers receive severance calculations. Security posts debate: Government’s plan for 30 police posts is drawing support from business groups, while residents and stakeholders push for consultation, including in Tobago’s Plymouth and Couva South/Carli Bay; analysts warn the biggest test may come when the State of Emergency ends. Labour pressure at TSTT: CWU threatens to shut down TSTT operations if a 10% wage deal isn’t honoured, citing strong company profits. Education support: RBC donates TT$15,000 in school vouchers for books and uniforms via the Saidwan Foundation.

US–T&T Security & Energy Talks: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad and Tobago to deepen security cooperation and advance economic ties, with energy and regional energy resilience high on the agenda. CCJ Governance Under Fire: New reporting and judge-to-judge correspondence have intensified scrutiny of the Caribbean Court of Justice, with allegations aimed at CCJ president Winston Anderson and disputes over panel changes and judicial independence. Police Post Controversy: The Eddie Hart Savannah police-army post in Tacarigua has been installed despite public safety and planning concerns, including claims it was built over an NGC gas pipeline, sparking political back-and-forth. Indigenous Visibility Push: First Peoples leaders marked the UN Indigenous Peoples Day calling for stronger government recognition and policy support for Indigenous communities. Industrial Revival Plan: Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium Company says it will refurbish a former steel facility to restart vanadium production, positioning T&T for a bigger manufacturing role. Crime Snapshot: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad recorded 10 consecutive days without a murder, though a killing was later reported.