AGP Executive Report

Poultry Costs Watch: Trinidad’s Consumer Affairs Division is urging shoppers to compare poultry prices after a slight rise in live chicken prices and processing fees, while reminding buyers to prioritise food safety. Utility Management: T&TEC appointed two new managers the same day it dismissed two executives—Aniel Jairam (internal audit) and Bisnath Maharaj (security). Business Sentiment: Chaguanas businesses report falling sales and rising costs as consumers cut back, with owners saying relief from the Mid-Year Budget Review may not reach small firms fast enough. Corporate Earnings: Endeavour Holdings (EHL) posted a 52.4% drop in after-tax profit to $22.93m for the year ended April 30, with contract revenue down 10%. Education Equity Debate: SEA results show “significant improvement,” but a UNESCO report says the exam still sorts children too early, potentially reinforcing inequality. Legal/Media: TV6/One Caribbean Media ordered to pay over $350,000 in a defamation case involving allegations linking a customs officer to ISIS. Youth Programme Shock: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles is calling for MiLAT’s suspension to be reversed, arguing it harms youth development and crime prevention. Energy Outlook: Heritage Petroleum says oil production is set to recover under its expansion plan, while the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery restart roadmap is expected by end-2026. Finance/Payments: Sendana is promoting a digital US$ platform for Caribbean users, aiming to reduce delays, FX shortages and withdrawal friction. Revolving Credit: Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) secured a $100m revolving loan from ScotiaBank T&T for general corporate purposes.

Energy & Industry: Methanex has started the process to indefinitely idle its 860,000 mt/year methanol plant in Trinidad and Tobago after failing to agree a new natural gas contract, citing tight gas supply making operations commercially unviable. Business & Markets: AS Bryden & Sons Holdings appointed Shelley Sylvester as Group CFO effective July 1, as the group reported weaker first-quarter 2026 results. Public Finance & Infrastructure: The Port of Spain General Hospital’s Central Block is reported 97% complete, with a projected substantial completion date of July 14 and handover to the Ministry of Health. Trade & Regional Integration: Trinidad and Tobago moved closer to associate membership in Mercosur, with the application advancing after high-level talks, pointing to opportunities for local manufacturing. Youth & Social Programmes: Opposition leader Penelope Beckles urged the government to reverse the suspension of MiLAT, while Defence Minister Wayne Sturge said it was suspended temporarily pending a review of financial viability. Digital Economy: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith said T&T’s digital transformation can’t be driven by government alone and must involve business and citizens. Legal & Media: TV6 was ordered to pay more than TT$350,000 in compensation to a customs officer it accused of terrorism-linked ties to ISIS. Crime & Security: TTPS reported anti-crime operations under the State of Emergency leading to arrests and cannabis seizures across eastern and northern Trinidad. International Relations: Attorney General John Jeremie received a courtesy call from Singapore’s ambassador to discuss technical and economic cooperation.

Methanex–NGC Gas Pricing Clash: NGC says Methanex’s decision to indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant is driven mainly by disagreement over gas pricing, not supply volumes, after talks failed to reach a commercially viable deal. Energy & Jobs Watch: Former UNC minister Vasant Bharath warns the exit could hit exports, foreign exchange earnings, jobs and investor confidence, while Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says the door remains open for a restart if gas conditions improve. Legal/Detention Developments: Two UK barristers were admitted to practise in Trinidad and Tobago to represent the State in the ongoing Hadeed case as Dominic Hadeed and his wife challenge their detention under the State of Emergency. Court Protects Local Business: The High Court ordered that the Breakfast Shed can stay open pending a full trial in January 2027, keeping vendors and patrons in place while the dispute with UDeCOTT continues. Public Administration & Defence Training: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says MiLAT has not been closed but temporarily suspended as Government reviews financial viability, amid concerns for nearly 200 trainees. Digital Economy Push: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith says T&T’s digital transformation can’t be government-led alone, while an AWS AI specialist urged businesses to adopt AI to avoid falling behind. Regional Trade Move: T&T moved closer to Mercosur associate membership after talks with South American leaders, with potential upside for local manufacturing. Water Restrictions: Trinidad moved to Stage III water restrictions due to drought, with scheduled outdoor watering limits and fines for violations. Crime & Security: New Preventive Detention Orders target alleged gang-linked suspects, including claims of bank-customer follow-and-robbery activity. Local Economy & Culture: Dove’s Dirt Oven Delights announced it will close its doors for health reasons, while a robotics tournament at NIHERST highlighted growing youth engineering participation.

Energy & Industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after failing to agree a new natural gas contract; NGC Response: NGC counters that the dispute is about gas pricing, not supply volumes, and says it offered contracted volumes and could consider increases. Business Continuity: Despite arrests tied to alleged murder conspiracy, Blue Waters distribution operations are said to be continuing normally, with deliveries and sales reps still active. Corporate Moves: Three T&T-listed firms announced board and senior management changes, including director appointments at Angostura and First Citizens, and a finance leadership shift at WITCO. Digital Economy: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith pushed AI-driven transformation at AMCHAM, highlighting VerifyTT and plans to digitise high-demand services. Public Finance & Crime Risk: UK-led FATF presidency begins with a fraud-fighting roadmap, while a Chaguanas chamber leader says a UK Home Office gangs report shows crime is hurting business and investor confidence. Legal & Trade Environment: High Court allows the Breakfast Shed to stay open pending trial, and a judge dismissed a habeas corpus bid by businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife. UWI Integrity: The UWI warns of an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data. Social Support: Central Trinidad families received over $462,000 in disaster relief and home repair grants.

Energy & Industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after failing to secure a new natural gas contract; the Titan gas deal expires in September, and the company will move into preservation while it monitors conditions for a possible restart. Business & Markets: Three major T&T-listed firms announced board and senior management changes, including director appointments at Angostura Holdings and First Citizens Group Financial Holdings, plus a finance leadership move at WITCO. Crime & Investment Climate: The UK’s reported gang figures are reigniting debate locally, with the Chaguanas Chamber warning that crime is a direct “tax” on business through security costs, insurance and reduced hiring—hurting investor confidence. Public Safety & Governance: Preventive detention orders tied to businessman Dominic Hadeed and others continue to draw scrutiny, including claims about how Parliament statements and alleged intelligence links fed into the case. Humanitarian & Regional Trade: Trinidad and Tobago launched a nationwide relief drive for Venezuela earthquake victims, with collection points at Point Lisas and a disaster relief fund for public and corporate donations. Environment & Agribusiness: A local environmental group is pitching a “sargassum-to-wealth” processing approach, arguing harvested seaweed could be turned into fertiliser and other farm products to support food security.

Gas & Industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant in Trinidad and Tobago after failing to secure a new natural gas contract; the current gas deal expires in Q3 2026, with the company preserving the facility for a possible restart. Disaster Response: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a nationwide relief drive for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with collection points and a disaster relief fund for public and corporate donations. Environment & Agriculture: A local environmental group is pitching a “blue gold” plan to turn harvested sargassum into fertiliser and other farm products, arguing new beach-clearing equipment can support a local processing industry. Coastal Impact: Geologists report Venezuela’s twin quakes lifted part of Trinidad’s south-western coast by nearly 20 feet, trapping marine life and exposing pools of natural oil along the Galfa coastline. Security & Courts: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged the public to let police complete the Hadeed probe, while separate reporting details detention conditions concerns for the businessman and his wife. Fraud Watch: UWI warns the public about an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data. Local Crime: A Chaguanas businessman, Gregory Reece, was fatally stabbed; a 25-year-old woman has been detained. Tech & Jobs: AMCHAM T&T promotes its Tech Hub Islands Summit, pushing higher-value BPO and AI/cybersecurity exports. Banking & Labour: UNI Global Union warns fintech firms entering Caribbean banking may be undercutting traditional banks without the same taxes and protections for workers.

Preventive Detention & Rule of Law: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged the public to let police finish their work into the detention of businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and Star Sabga, after claims of an alleged plot to assassinate senior Government officials; courts also moved as Justice Frank Seepersad dismissed a habeas corpus bid and ordered clarification on whether the trio are held under a PDO. Prison Conditions: Separate reporting and legal arguments say detainees have faced degrading conditions at police stations, renewing pressure on humane custody standards. Gangs & Public Messaging: Alexander pushed back on a UK report that put T&T’s gang numbers at 186, saying local intelligence figures differ. Tobago Health & Capacity: THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor said off-island referrals can distort perceptions, arguing Tobago’s system needs strengthening to reduce delays. Fintech & Banking Fairness: UNI Global Union warned that fintech firms are expanding in Caribbean banking with lighter tax/regulatory burdens than traditional banks, raising concerns for workers and fair competition. Coastal & Disaster Fallout: Geologists linked Trinidad’s Galfa coastline uplift—nearly 20 feet—to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with marine life trapped along the raised shore. Local Business & Security Anxiety: Business groups flagged shootings near commercial areas as a growing worry for employers, customers and investors. Tech & Exports: AMCHAM T&T previewed its Tech Hub Islands Summit, pitching higher-value BPO/AI and cybersecurity exports across the region. THA Hiring Freeze Debate: Tobago’s THA is considering a future hiring freeze amid a rising wage bill, with opposition warning of political backlash.

Tobago Business Spotlight: A new wave of textile creativity is taking shape in Tobago as Tufting by Tinzz, run by self-taught artist Tinille Meyers, expands workshops and take-home kits and plans a storefront to scale the craft beyond “screens.” Caribbean Trade & Finance: A market analysis piece in the Caribbean banking series asks who really benefits from regional banking access, as Scotiabank’s Jamaica move also underlines how cross-border ownership is reshaping local finance. Local Business & Exports: Eye See You Ophthalmics says it turned pandemic visibility into regional export growth, now supplying more than 13 territories despite ongoing foreign exchange and banking constraints. Energy Sector Policy: The Energy Chamber says it is ending its Safe To Work (STOW) programme, arguing the certification had become a barrier for smaller operators even as it insists safety remains a priority. Governance & Rule of Law: The Hadeed detention probe continues to draw investor-confidence debate, with experts split on whether the high-profile case will deter business or mainly raise due-process questions. Disaster & Economy Link: Reports say Venezuela’s earthquakes lifted parts of Trinidad’s Galfa coastline by nearly 20 feet, a reminder of regional risk that also feeds into preparedness and resilience planning. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership, with ministers pointing to security, climate resilience and trade as the next action-plan priorities.

Export Pressure: Eye See You Ophthalmics says foreign exchange shortages, supply-chain snags and banking constraints are still slowing its regional push, even as it now exports to 13+ Caribbean territories. AI Governance: Criminologist-turned-AI policy professor Renée Cummings is drafting GOVERN™ to push Trinidad and Tobago toward responsible AI oversight inside every organisation. Legal & Business Climate: Dominic Hadeed and family are detained under Preventive Detention Orders tied to a probe into an alleged conspiracy to murder; experts say the case is unlikely to deter investors for now, but due process concerns are front and centre. TTSEC Scam Alert: The securities regulator warns of rising social-media and messaging-app investment scams, urging people to verify offers and avoid “guaranteed” high returns. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank holds the repo rate at 3.5% amid global uncertainty and subdued local inflation. Food Costs: A chicken shortage is hitting depots, with prices rising from $8 to $9.50 per pound as suppliers cite foreign exchange challenges. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renew a strategic partnership focused on security, climate resilience and trade, with a results-focused action plan and measurable targets. Venezuela Quakes Impact: Twin earthquakes have lifted parts of Trinidad’s south-west coastline by nearly 20 feet, while T&T continues humanitarian relief efforts for Venezuela.

AI & Productivity Push: Jamaica’s PM Holness announced a National AI Lab at UTech to drive baseline productivity and digital efficiency—an example of how regional governments are betting on skills and tech to stay competitive. Hadeed Detention Under Scrutiny: Trinidad’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged no interference in police and court processes after businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife, and a relative were detained in a probe tied to national security claims. Central Bank Stance: The CBTT kept the repo rate at 3.5%, citing global uncertainty, slower domestic activity, and subdued inflation. TTSEC Scam Warning: The TTSEC flagged a rise in sophisticated investment scams using fake profiles and messaging apps, warning the public to verify offers and avoid guaranteed high returns. Local Government Pay Crisis: Port-of-Spain City Corporation failed to pay June salaries after budget shortfalls, triggering calls for urgent central government funding. BPO Expansion: Bill Gosling Outsourcing opened a purpose-built office in Trincity, adding 200 jobs and signaling further growth in T&T’s nearshore services. Tobago Airport Upgrade: THA committed $10m to outfit the ANR International Airport terminal to boost tourism and local micro-enterprise sales. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad launched a coordinated national relief effort for quake-hit Venezuela, while activists urged a halt to deportations amid the humanitarian fallout. Corporate Moves: Agostini took effective control of Prestige Holdings after extending its bid and closing the takeover process. Financial Safety Net (Regional): Barbados passed a deposit protection bill for credit union savers, noting Trinidad already has similar protection.

BPO Jobs Push: Bill Gosling Outsourcing (BGO) opened a purpose-built office at Trinity, Port of Spain, creating 200 new jobs and signalling further expansion in Trinidad’s growing nearshore BPO sector. Tobago Airport Makeover: The THA says it will spend $10 million to outfit the new ANR International Airport terminal, aiming to turn the “blank shell” into a culture-led gateway after Central Government funding was not allocated. Tobago Hiring Freeze Warning: Political analyst Shane Mohammed warns Chief Secretary Farley Augustine that a future THA hiring freeze could trigger backlash if timelines and details aren’t shared. Nursing Overtime Fight: NCRHA chair Dr Tim Gopeesingh says the nursing overtime bill was cut from about $40m to under $4m, while the TTNNA disputes fraud claims and argues overtime reflects staffing shortages. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad and Tobago launched a coordinated national relief drive for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with public-private donations and a collection schedule starting June 29. Investment Scam Alert: TTSEC renewed warnings about rising social-media investment scams, urging people to verify offers and avoid guaranteed high returns. Corporate Takeover: Agostini Ltd completed its Prestige Holdings takeover bid, securing about 96.8% tendered shares and saying it will not pursue a squeeze-out after the compulsory acquisition window elapsed. Climate Resilience Budgeting: THA budget debate highlighted plans for environmental compliance frameworks and carbon data collection to unlock climate finance, including a CAF loan for coastal protection. Regional Security for Waste Crime: CARICOM IMPACS hosted talks to set up a Caribbean police network to tackle transnational environmental crime and waste trafficking.

Central Bank Watch: The Central Bank kept the repo rate steady at 3.50%, citing global turbulence and low domestic inflation. Venezuela Relief & Trade Links: Trinidad and Tobago launched a coordinated humanitarian response for earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, with public-private collection points at Port of Point Lisas and a national drive across municipalities. Capital Markets & Scams: TTSEC warned of rising investment scams using AI-made fake endorsements and urged people to verify directly with named individuals. Business Recognition: The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce launched the 2026 Champions of Business Awards, spotlighting entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability and internationalisation. Energy & Procurement: T&TEC won a procurement challenge over its video surveillance upgrade, while separate reports highlight ongoing electricity reliability pressures. Security & Business Climate: Police detained suspects after a botched ATM backhoe robbery in Plymouth, and investigations continued in the Hadeed matter involving a business couple. Sports & Draft Economy: Malique Lewis was drafted by the Wizards and traded to the Bucks, adding another T&T talent to the NBA pipeline.

Tobago Budget Tightens Hiring: Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the wage bill is squeezing development and signals a future hiring freeze, with THA’s 2026/27 request of $4.12bn heavily weighted to recurrent spending. Public Procurement Watch: T&TEC won a procurement challenge over its video surveillance upgrade, with a panel dismissing Class One Systems’ bid after delays in raising the issue. Fraud Case in Court: Jackqui Watson, accused in a TT$20m fraudulent cheque scheme, was granted TT$6m bail and ordered to surrender her passport pending hearings. Crime Update: Police continue hunting after a botched Plymouth, Tobago ATM heist where suspects used a stolen backhoe but fled empty-handed; one suspect was held. Business & Trade Push: The Trade Minister urged firms to modernise and expand internationally, while the T&T Chamber’s Champions of Business Awards aims to lift standards and grow exports. Entrepreneur Support: REACH workshops in Tobago provided technical assistance and business management training for micro and small entrepreneurs. Regional Finance Snapshot: CARISTATS says only four CARICOM economies (including T&T) ran current-account surpluses in 2025, mainly driven by oil, gas or remittances. Earthquake Aid: Despite political tensions, PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar pledged humanitarian support to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela.

Tobago Autonomy Push: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says Tobago is entering a “new era” and announced an August 10 Shaw Park convention to kick off the autonomy drive, with a proposed $10m budget and broad consultations. THA Budget Pressure: Augustine also warned the THA may have to freeze future hirings as recurrent spending climbs, citing 3,146 new hires from 2022 to 2026, while the THA seeks $4.12b from Central Government. Entrepreneur Support: REACH workshops in Tobago are giving micro and small business owners practical training on management, finances and marketing, while a new Aranguez/St Joseph programme with NEDCO aims to turn ideas into scalable enterprises. Trade & Competitiveness: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj urged local firms to modernise and expand internationally as the T&T Chamber launches its 2026 Champions of Business Awards, adding a regional export category. IDB Knowledge Week: The IDB launched Knowledge Week 2026 in Port of Spain, pushing stakeholders to “put knowledge to work” across health, energy and agriculture. Legal/Finance Watch: A High Court judge dismissed a $90m claim against the THA over an old road project, and T&TEC has threatened legal action over a $2.39m electricity debt recovery case. Regional/Geopolitics: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo attended the OPEC Fund Development Forum in Austria, highlighting resilience and development partnerships.

Court & Contracts: A High Court judge has dismissed a $90m claim against the Tobago House of Assembly by Raghunath Singh and Company over an old road project, citing late filing and contract non-compliance. Tobago Budget: Tobago’s $4.12bn budget request is drawing pushback as economists and stakeholders question whether higher funding will translate into visible results. THA Funding Debate: The THA’s bid for a bigger allocation is reigniting arguments about execution pace and accountability, especially for agriculture and fisheries. Energy & Jobs: Shell says advertised senior vacancies are not tied to its Manatee project, pointing to standard resourcing and local compliance. Regional Security: Foreign Affairs Minister Nicholas Morris told the OAS that trafficking of firearms, narcotics and persons is a major threat to stability and is being tackled through multilateral cooperation. Power & Governance: T&TEC has threatened legal action over a $2.4m unpaid charges dispute, while separate commentary continues to question whether a “protected list” distorts who pays electricity bills. Youth & Work: The Employers’ Consultative Association urges structured school-to-work training to tackle youth unemployment and underemployment. Crime & Business Impact: Police are investigating a fatal shooting at an insurance company car park, and Tobago residents were shaken by a failed ATM heist using a backhoe. Infrastructure Risk: A new focus on flood resilience highlights how drainage planning and land use have left Port-of-Spain vulnerable to recurring inundation. Labour Modernisation: A regional union leader says Caribbean labour laws and union outreach must catch up with technology and younger workers’ expectations.

Prison Reform Partnership: Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service renewed its MoU with COSTAATT to shift from a prison-focused model to correction and rehabilitation, aiming to reduce reoffending and strengthen public safety. Youth Employment Pressure: Employers’ Consultative Association urged a study to track how government youth programmes—especially On-the-Job Training—translate into real skills and better job outcomes. Energy & Legal Tension: T&TEC threatened to sue MP Keith Scotland and a chamber colleague over claims tied to a bid to recover about TT$2.4m in unpaid electricity charges from Flavorite Foods. Seismic & Offshore Work: TDI-Brooks completed a high-resolution seismic survey off Trinidad and Tobago, part of ongoing oceanographic and energy exploration activity. Banking Governance: First Citizens shareholders elected two new directors and approved audited financial statements and auditors at the bank’s annual meeting. Digital Public Service Push: Minister Dominic Smith said the Government is advancing a “Future Ready TT” initiative to build digital and AI skills across students, educators and public officers. Crime & Business Scrutiny: Police detained a prominent businessman and wife after court-authorised searches in Westmoorings and Trincity, with laptops and devices seized; no charges were laid at the time. Regional Trade/Investment Angle: Tobago business voices warned the island can’t rely on Trinidad for financing and called for stronger foreign direct investment as Tobago’s 2027 fiscal package is debated. Security Outlook: A UK report says more than 180 gangs operate in Trinidad and Tobago, linking them to a significant share of murders and serious crimes.