AGP Executive Report

Labour & Inflation Watch: The Central Bank says unemployment rose to 5.4% in Q1 2026 (from 4.9% a year earlier) while inflation stayed low at 0.6%, alongside softer private credit growth. Budget 2027 Context: Commentary flags a tougher global backdrop—slower growth, higher energy/food pressures and uncertainty—so local policy choices will be tested. Substance & Gambling Law: The Lower House passed the Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21 and setting cannabis and gambling-related limits up to 25, with debate focused on enforceability and youth impact. Social Risk Debate: An economist warns economic change that leaves workers behind could spark unrest, calling for support for displaced people and stronger training. Tourism/Business Pulse: The Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Museum will close its Penny Bank venue from Oct. 1 due to funding gaps, while SouthEx International Expo pushes local firms to keep up with AI and expand markets. Payments Modernisation: T&T is set to roll out India’s UPI-style real-time payments platform. Energy/Workplace Safety: OSHA consults on new oil rig safety rules with unions and industry. Local Disruption: A thunderstorm damaged parts of northwest Trinidad and knocked out power in some areas; motorists were also warned after a tree blocked Pax Vale power lines.

Youth Substance Use: Tobago’s Form Four and Five students show high lifetime alcohol use (34.6%) and lower but notable marijuana use (11.7%), as Government prepares to raise the legal age for alcohol, cannabis and gambling. Oil Rig Safety: OSHA held a stakeholder consultation with Government, the energy sector and unions to shape new oil rig safety rules, stressing accountability and prevention. Remote Gambling: The Lower House passed legislation to regulate online/remote gambling and gaming, with debate over revenue leakage versus social impact. Public Health & Age Limits: Attorney General John Jeremie piloted a bill to tighten age restrictions on alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and gambling, with vaping set to be added and ID checks proposed. Crime, FX Pressure: Economist Marla Dukharan links violent and white-collar crime with weak foreign exchange access, warning the two reinforce each other. Procurement Oversight: A proposed Public Procurement amendment bill is criticised for weakening accountability and making supplier challenges more costly. Business Deals: Massy sold its Caterpillar business in T&T to MA-CORP, with no impact expected on 200 workers; Nestlé also plans a January 2027 distribution shift to Massy. Trade & Investment: Canada is pushing tariff-free access and joint ventures for T&T firms, while the T&T Chamber urges a focused strategy to unlock private investment and jobs. State Funeral for Sparrow: Government will hold a state-assisted funeral for calypso legend Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with condolence books and tribute plans.

Parliament & Governance: A fresh push for stronger scrutiny of executive power is back in focus as independent senators are defended as a necessary check in T&T’s constitutional democracy. Remote Gambling Law: The House has approved legislation to license and regulate remote gambling, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo saying it will bring operators into the formal economy and boost tax revenue, while critics warn about addiction risks for vulnerable youth. Public Utilities & Water: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says US$120m in existing IDB funding for WASA upgrades will be pursued aggressively after the Budget, with treatment plants and mains work slated to begin post-budget. Tourism Jobs & Training: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to create tourism employment pathways for trainees, aiming to reduce duplication across training institutions. Business & Finance: Liberty Caribbean appoints Jason Julien as VP and country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, as it reshapes regional commercial leadership. Corporate Deal: Massy Group confirms it is selling its Caterpillar dealership to MACORP, citing growth opportunities and a specialist dealer platform. Security & Crime: Trinidad and Tobago is among the first Shield of the Americas participants to designate 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations, while TTPS destroyed 8.3 tonnes of illegal narcotics valued at over $1.6b. Energy & Connectivity: EllaLink advances its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, targeting entry into service by end-2029, and the Central Bank reports a 13.8% cut in its carbon footprint since 2019. Culture & Community: State-assisted funeral arrangements are announced for calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with condolence books opening across Trinidad and Tobago.

Trade & Investment Links: Canada is signalling more tariff-free access for Trinidad and Tobago goods, with the High Commissioner saying growing interest is already translating into joint ventures and local investment after a Toronto trade mission. Regional Food Supply: Belize is moving to add value to sugar exports via a new refinery expected to start in October, with refining in Belize and packaging in Trinidad to supply much of CARICOM demand. Water & Industry Disruption: Point Lisas Desalination Plant maintenance will run Sept 28–Oct 4, with possible water interruptions across Central and parts of south-west Trinidad. Procurement & Housing Speed: Tobago’s THA is modernising its 1990 financial rules to align with procurement law, while Housing Minister Phillip Alexander says procurement overhaul and more public-private partnerships should help accelerate HDC housing delivery. Business & Finance Restructuring: ANSA Merchant Bank plans a banking reorganisation under ANSA Financial Holdings, targeting January 1, 2027, and Liberty Caribbean appoints Jason Julien as T&T country manager. Budget Pressure & Growth Focus: Manufacturers’ groups want the 2026/27 budget to clear VAT refund backlogs, improve forex access, and restart stronger SME support under GlobalTT. Crime, Compliance & Public Debate: Opposition leader Pennelope Beckles warns a procurement amendment bill could weaken Treasury safeguards, while business groups push for evidence-based scrutiny of proposed higher alcohol purchase ages.

Tobago Governance & Finance: The Tobago House of Assembly moved to modernise its financial rules after 30 years, passing a motion to update the 1989 framework to better align with current procurement and oversight laws, aiming to cut ambiguity and speed payments. Local Business & Jobs: Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort workers say salaries have been delayed again, with management citing low occupancy and financial constraints. Housing Procurement: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander defended procurement overhaul measures, arguing they’ll remove bottlenecks and help accelerate HDC housing delivery via public-private partnerships. Alcohol Law Debate: The T&T Chamber and Beverage Alcohol Alliance back the goal of protecting young people but want a Joint Select Committee review of the proposed legal age changes, enforcement capacity and unintended consequences. Banking Restructure: ANSA Merchant Bank announced a reorganisation, creating ANSA Financial Holdings and consolidating banking under ANSA Bank, targeting implementation from Jan 1, 2027. Regional Crime & Security: T&T joined the US in designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations as cooperation against narco-terrorism and organised crime deepens. Energy & Investment: Qatar’s UCC Oil and Gas says it’s in talks about entering new Venezuela fields after securing rights tied to the Loran gas project that also extends into T&T waters. Youth & Skills: The Blue Sea Festival highlighted the blue economy through youth training and certifications, including outboard engine repair skills for fisherfolk. Tech for SMEs: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum focused on helping SMEs and creative industries reduce digital risk and protect revenue and reputation.

Cybersecurity for SMEs: UTT hosted a forum, “From Awareness to Action,” with TT-CSIRT and the Police Cyber/Social Media Unit, warning that breaches in the creative and events economy can mean major financial and reputational damage. Social Programme Rollout: The Ministry of the People appointed a steering committee for “Guy Talk Trinidad and Tobago,” a 30-day WhatsApp programme (with IDB support) focused on healthy masculinity, emotional regulation, consent and help-seeking. Energy Deal Progress: NGC executed final commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027 to backfill Atlantic LNG and support downstream activity. Banking Restructure: ANSA Merchant Bank proposed consolidating banking operations under ANSA Bank, with a holding company structure planned for implementation on Jan 1, 2027, pending approvals. Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to adopt India’s UPI, with the High Commissioner saying implementation is being actively pursued under an NIPL and Ministry of Digital Transformation agreement. Youth Protection Laws: Government plans to raise the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21, while cannabis and gambling would go to 25, through amendments tabled in Parliament. Governance Under Scrutiny: A confidential report is spotlighting RDC procurement practices, including a $1.2m security services contract and questions over oversight and approvals.

Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with the High Commissioner saying implementation is being pursued under an agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Ministry of Digital Transformation—positioning T&T as the first Caribbean country to roll out the real-time system. Trade & Investment Links: The UPI drive sits within a wider deepening of ties after PM Modi’s visit, including six MoUs covering people-to-people links, trade, investment and technical cooperation, plus a focus on expanding business engagement beyond India’s big cities. Banking Restructure: ANSA Merchant Bank has announced a proposed reorganisation effective Jan. 1, 2027, consolidating banking operations under ANSA Bank and creating a financial holding company (ANSA Financial Holdings) to centralise governance across the group. Youth Protection Law Changes: Government plans to amend laws on dangerous drugs, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling, with the proposed legal age rising to 21 for alcohol and tobacco and higher thresholds for cannabis and gambling. Governance Tensions: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago urged PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to withdraw disparaging remarks about independent senators after the Special Operations Bill passed 16-15 with a Senate President casting vote.

Consumer Protection & Telecom Regulation: TATT signed an MoU with the Ministry of Trade’s Consumer Affairs Division to strengthen complaint handling, consumer education and guidance for telecom and broadcasting services. Public Utilities & TSTT Business Model: Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says TSTT has returned to profitability but must shift beyond traditional telecoms into broader technology-driven revenue growth. Senate Independence Clash: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) is urging PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to withdraw remarks targeting independent senators, arguing the government’s approach to amendments and Senate votes is undemocratic. Energy & Climate Policy: A UWI-backed report says Trinidad and Tobago should consider a national carbon tax with offset flexibility to protect competitiveness under CBAM exposure, given the economy’s concentration of major emitters. Waste & Methane Reduction: Close the Loop Caribbean is pushing composting to divert organic waste from landfills, aiming to cut methane and landfill-fire risks, while stakeholders question financing and logistics. Regional Sports Governance: TTFA president Kieron Edwards backs FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 election, signaling continued Caribbean support. Cultural Loss: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco), with tributes highlighting his role in carrying Caribbean stories and politics through music.

Energy & Environment: Close the Loop Caribbean is pushing a compost-for-climate project to divert organic waste from T&T landfills, aiming to process nearly 20,000 tonnes annually by 2031, but stakeholders are questioning financing, transport logistics, and whether a local market exists to support expected carbon credits. Telecom Business Model: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says TSTT has returned to profitability since government took office, but insists the next phase is a shift beyond traditional telecom into broader technology services to generate new revenue. Procurement & State Oversight: RDC chairman Raees Patel says full audits are underway into about $33m in contracts awarded before the current administration, including concerns over companies linked through common owners/directors. Tourism Funding Pressure: Tourism operators are calling for more sustained investment in Tobago’s product, arguing current allocations aren’t enough to upgrade accommodation, improve destination marketing, and strengthen tourism data and financing access. Regional Finance & Insurance: General Accident (Jamaica) is seeking a 70% stake in T&T-based Beacon Insurance, a move it says could lift group premiums and expand its footprint across the eastern Caribbean. Sports & Business: TTFA says it has adjusted its process for complimentary tickets at Hasely Crawford Stadium after Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford raised concerns.

Energy & Exploration: ExxonMobil says it could move faster on Trinidad and Tobago’s ultra-deepwater TTUD-1, with seismic imaging expected by end-2026 and a potential drilling start in late 2027/early 2028, citing pace gains versus its Guyana campaign. Tourism Investment: Tourism operators are pushing for a sharper investment focus beyond headline allocations, arguing Tobago in particular needs major reinvestment to upgrade accommodation, improve destination marketing and strengthen tourism data. State Procurement Scrutiny: RDC chairman Raees Patel says full audits are underway into about $33m in contracts awarded before the change in government, including concerns about procurement and lingering relationships after contract expiry. Regional Business & Finance: Caribbean Airlines reports it has cleared a nine-year backlog by completing audited financial statements for 2017–2019, while General Accident eyes expansion via a planned majority stake in Beacon Insurance. Governance & Oversight: Commentary and debate continue around the Special Operations Bill and procurement amendments, with critics warning about weakening oversight and the broader impact on accountability. Public Safety: Police are investigating the deaths of a Penal couple found dead at an apartment, with reports treating it as a possible murder-suicide.

Energy & Diplomacy: The Energy Chamber says a New York meeting between PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez could unlock a “robust” cross-border energy agenda spanning trade, security, disaster risk, environment, agriculture, tourism and air links. Budget & Economy: Commentary on the 2027 Budget highlights the Oct. 30 presentation deadline, pre-budget signals from gas supply deals (NGC arrangements tied to Aphrodite and other developments) and the challenge of sustaining investor confidence. Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil says it’s advancing ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 faster than in Guyana, with seismic results expected by year-end and drilling potentially in late 2027/early 2028. Public Safety & Governance: New police posts in three communities are bringing “some reassurance” to residents, though questions remain on whether visibility will translate into lower crime. Labour & Utilities: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath rejects claims of a 10% TSTT wage offer, saying no such offer was made and accusing the CWU of shifting positions. Politics & Procurement: Debate continues around the Special Operations Bill and wider procurement amendments, with critics warning the “end justifies the means” approach could weaken safeguards. Culture & Business Spotlight: CNC3 marks 21 years, spotlighting its sales team and long-serving broadcast marketing specialists.

Energy & Industry: NGC says it has finalised commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite gas project, with first gas expected in Q2 2027, while also positioning the deal to strengthen downstream supply. Industrial Expansion: Government plans to expand Point Lisas Industrial Estate by 500 acres to boost downstream growth and attract foreign investment. Gas Supply Moves: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen also flagged term-sheet progress to acquire EOG volumes, aiming to add 300 bcf to supply. Public Finance & Oversight: Opposition criticised PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNGA address as missing opportunities on ICC, CARICOM, trade and sovereignty, while a separate report warns procurement reforms may weaken oversight. Tobago Budget Pressure: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the island needs $1B for a construction boom and calls for more capital funding; THA also disbursed $40M to contractors, with $300M+ still owed. Labour & Utilities: CWU says it will not back down on a 10% TSTT wage hike request and wants the PM to intervene directly. Regional Diplomacy: AMCHAM T&T and the Energy Chamber welcomed PM–Venezuela talks, expecting benefits for trade and energy cooperation. Crime & Policing: Tobago gets a new police commander as serious crime concerns remain in focus.

Industrial Expansion: Government plans to expand the Point Lisas Industrial Estate by 500 acres to boost downstream growth and attract foreign investment, with NGC saying the Aphrodite gas development is sanctioned and first gas is expected in Q2 2027. Tobago Budget Pressure: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the island needs $1B for a construction boom and warns THA still faces heavy development funding gaps; THA also disbursed $40M to contractors while over $300M remains owed from older projects. Oil Spill Fallout: Tobago fishermen accuse Chief Secretary Augustine of “breach of contract” over compensation delays after the Feb 7, 2024 oil spill, with Augustine saying ITOPF is not recognising some claims. Public Finance Modernisation: THA is stepping up efforts to digitise accounting and payments via Free Balance to reduce delays and improve monitoring of contractor payments. Governance & Oversight: Transparency Institute warns the Public Procurement and Disposals (Amendment) Bill could widen exemptions and weaken independent oversight. Aviation Connectivity: T&T signed an air services agreement with Chile at UNGA, following similar deals with Panama and Ghana, aiming to support tourism, trade and investment. Crime Policy Debate: Political scientist Hamid Ghany says “everyday policing” is not enough and calls for serious measures after the Special Operations Bill passed in the Senate.

National Awards & Civic Service: Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) founder Vallence Rambharat received the Hummingbird Medal (Gold), praising the group’s long-running volunteer work supporting families of missing persons. Regional Health & Labs: CARPHA and PAHO convened a four-day SARI/respiratory virus surveillance and diagnostics workshop in Trinidad for 11 Caribbean countries, aiming to strengthen early detection and lab capacity for influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Energy & Business Diplomacy: Amcham T&T welcomed PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s New York meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez, saying it could unlock wider cooperation in trade, energy, security, agriculture, tourism and air links. Special Operations Bill Politics: PM Persad-Bissessar attacked Independent senators after all nine voted against the Special Operations Bill, while Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said Tobago’s inclusion is needed for its maritime security realities. Gas Sector & Downstream Planning: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen said the company will adjust its downstream commercial model toward longer-term, more certain gas arrangements to support reliable operations and investment. Food & Manufacturing Transition: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances (CFF) is investing in lab tech to help regional manufacturers shift from synthetic to naturally derived colours, with Trinidad as its biggest market. International MoU: Bangladesh and T&T signed an MoU for regular bilateral consultations, with energy flagged for early technical talks. Governance & Migration Watch: Guyana’s AG Anil Nandlall said the country is reviewing citizenship and non-citizen property rules to tighten controls amid rapid oil-driven growth.

Special Operations Bill: Tobago’s inclusion as District Seven under the Special Operations Bill cleared a Senate deadlock after Wade Mark’s casting vote, with Chief Sec Farley Augustine saying the island’s “marine” geography makes security needs different, though he expects the powers to be used sparingly given low crime beyond robberies. Economic Diversification Debate: A policy push argues Trinidad and Tobago should prioritise non-energy growth and diversified investment, warning that new projects like a steel plant could deepen dependence on constrained natural gas unless deals reduce energy reliance. NGC Downstream Model: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says the company will shift to longer-term, more certain gas arrangements for downstream operators to support reliable operations and investment planning. UNGA & Regional Politics: Opposition senators criticised PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNGA address for missing chances on the ICC and for not engaging CARICOM’s trade role, while the PM defended separate Republic Day messaging to UNC supporters and described her meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez as “very, very emotional,” with plans to deepen trade, energy, security and air connectivity. Shield of the Americas: Trinidad and Tobago is among countries backing a coalition to sanction 24 criminal groups, including FARC dissidents, Clan del Golfo and ELN. Media & Awards: Senate President Wade Mark dedicated his ORTT to working-class citizens, and veteran journalists Omatie Lyder and Ria Taitt received Chaconia Medal (Silver).

Energy & Industry: Proman says it is cutting headcount as Trinidad’s natural gas squeeze limits operations at Point Lisas, with management citing insufficient gas to run plants consistently at full capacity. Gas Project Update: NGC and Shell Trinidad and Tobago have finalised commercial agreements for the Aphrodite offshore gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027 and boosting supply into domestic downstream and Atlantic LNG. Finance Markets: T&T has launched guidelines for issuing green and other labelled bonds (GSS+), creating another financing route for climate and development projects via IDB Invest and the TTSE. Governance & Procurement Debate: Fresh commentary and reactions continue around procurement amendments and whether they weaken safeguards or open space for corruption, with housing delivery and “small man” benefits also in the mix. Regional Security & Diplomacy: PM Persad-Bissessar used UNGA to warn that firearms and narcotics flows are a real threat, while CARICOM backs India’s UNSC bid and India-CARICOM talks flagged trade, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. National Recognition: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Senate President Wade Mark and Dr Surujrattan Rambachan are among 2026 National Award recipients.