AGP Executive Report

Special Operations Bill fallout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says special operations will be limited to UNC-held constituencies and local government districts, plus two Tobago People’s Party areas (with consultation), as Pan Trinbago and cultural groups seek clarity on how “closed areas,” permits, curfews and movement rules could affect pan yards, rehearsals and Carnival-related activity. Public sector bargaining: The Chief Personnel Officer’s office tells unionised workers the State’s responsibility extends beyond any single group as negotiations continue over billions in backpay arrears, with the Government proposing 40% cash/60% non-cash while the PSA wants the reverse. Public health permitting reform: A Public Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill passed in Parliament would remove the County Medical Officer of Health as a routine approval point in construction permitting, aiming to cut long referral delays. Digital policy push: CTU President Dominic Smith urged Caribbean states to coordinate AI and data governance rather than pursue disconnected digital transformations. Business & tech: DigiCert launched AI Trust Manager to help organisations identify and control AI agents via signed “AI Passport” credentials and policy-based permissions. Regional finance idea: CARICOM central banks are moving toward a regional payment system pilot to speed cross-border payments in local currencies. Local economy & jobs: WITCO says it’s continuing its A.I.M. internship programme to develop young talent.

Public Finance Watch: An audit has red-flagged a TTPS $200m loan, saying debt servicing is squeezing policing budgets, delaying procurement and limiting operational flexibility, with a large repayment due in 2028. Security vs. Business: As the Special Operations Bill moves forward, Port of Spain residents and Tobago business owners are split—some fear “closed areas” and curfews will hurt small trade, while others back the tougher crime-fighting powers. Energy & Cost of Living: Economist Marla Dukharan urges the Caribbean to push harder for energy sovereignty, warning that oil-market volatility and petropolitical shocks keep prices and foreign-exchange losses high. Tourism & Agribusiness: Tobago’s chocolate push gets a boost as the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute partners with Trinitario to launch a chocolate lab, aiming to turn cocoa into culinary tourism and new business opportunities. Regional Business: Guyana’s ANSA McAL reports a strong first-half jump in profit and revenue, driven by trading gains and lower finance costs.

Special Operations Bill fallout: After the bill passed in the House, residents in Port-of-Spain communities like Beetham Gardens and Sea Lots say they feel “caged” again, fearing curfews, warrantless searches and “closed areas” could hit livelihoods. Tobago business anxiety: Bethel residents and shop owners warn Tobago’s inclusion could mean heavy police presence and curfews that would damage sales. Telecom cost pressure: Digicel says it will raise prices on several prepaid plans from Oct. 19, with discounted renewal rates for auto-renewing customers. Alternative fuels push: Pro-man and Dumore launched four methanol-powered Geely trucks in Trinidad in a $7m pilot to test whether locally produced methanol can become commercially viable for heavy-duty transport. Regional air connectivity: Caribbean Airlines plans to resume Caracas flights from Oct. 17, welcomed by travel agents as a boost for business and leisure travel. CPL business of sport: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons won the CPL final, while Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were named the inaugural CPL Hall of Fame inductees.

Illegal Gambling Crackdown: Gaming bodies say tougher penalties for illegal Play Whe and “Play Whe” operators haven’t boosted legitimate sales, with industry leaders warning illicit operators are still piggybacking on NLCB-linked activity. Public Safety Law: The House has passed the Special Operations Bill, creating seven policing districts and allowing “closed areas” with enhanced powers; business groups back it while protesters and opposition warn it could be “worse than the state of emergency.” Police Finances: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander claims TTPS faces a $550m “black hole” tied to past liabilities and a large government-guaranteed loan. Crime & Contraband: Investigators say contraband networks inside prisons are driven by supply chains, not just seizures, with more than 150 people charged over two years. Energy & Transport: Pro-man and Dumore pilot methanol-fuel heavy trucks after a ~$7m investment, aiming to test commercial viability. Trade & Prices: Analysts warn imported food prices may rise as global freight costs stay elevated. Aviation Link: Caribbean Airlines plans to resume Caracas flights on Oct 17, welcomed by travel agents for business and leisure travel. Local Business/Finance: Heritage Petroleum profit fell to $817m for FY ended Sept 30, 2025, blamed on lower crude prices. Sports Betting (Local angle): Major promos and odds coverage continue around LSU-Ole Miss, with Trinidad Chambliss highlighted in betting chatter.

Special Operations Bill & SoE stance: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she won’t hesitate to declare another State of Emergency if threats to safety and security return, as the House passes the Special Operations Bill creating seven policing districts and allowing “closed areas” with enhanced powers for limited periods, with Senate review expected to follow. Protest rules after SoE: With the SoE expiring Thursday, activists and union leaders say they’re ready to return to the streets, while police say demonstrations will be managed within the law after the 500-metre protest restrictions around key sites ended. Business backs crime crackdown: San Juan Business Association president Abrahim Ali applauds the Bill as “long overdue,” arguing drastic tools are needed to curb crime and protect business confidence. Insurance fraud allegation: A former insurance agent on a state board faces accusations from investors of defrauding them of more than $1.5M tied to Guardian Life of the Caribbean, including claims of forged signatures and fake invoices. Community support grant: The Ministry of the People approved a $38,220 one-off grant to the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation for a three-month Power Stitch SEEW programme in Enterprise, Chaguanas, training unemployed and underemployed participants for self-employment. Local crime incidents: Police report separate robberies in Trincity and Port of Spain totaling about $37,000 in cash taken, including an attack outside East Gates Mall.

Crime & Rights Debate: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the end of the State of Emergency won’t stop targeted operations against gangs and illegal firearms, while Attorney General John Jeremie argues the Special Operations Bill is “reasonable and proportionate” despite possible constitutional impacts. Public Concerns on Policing Powers: Residents in Diego Martin and Barrackpore say they’re uneasy about “closed areas,” curfews and warrantless searches, even as supporters point to rising robberies and home invasions. Press Freedom Watch: The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago wants amendments to explicitly protect journalists’ confidential sources and equipment from police seizure. Tourism Risk in Tobago: Tobago hoteliers and business groups fear Special Operations Zones could restrict movement and hurt tourism if “closed areas” cover the island. Business & Finance: Republic Life Insurance MD Robert Soverall retires effective Sept. 30, with leadership changes at Republic Financial Holdings and Republic Bank. Regional Payments Push: CARICOM’s CAPSS aims to enable faster, cheaper cross-border payments in local currencies, with lessons from Africa’s PAPSS. Tech & Trade: IntellicoERP expansion includes a planned office in Ghana as T&T-Ghana trade grows. Local Markets/Corporate: TSL sale to help with forex challenges as Produc­tive Business Solutions’ Eastern Caribbean cluster completes acquisition.

Special Operations Bill debate: In Parliament, Port-of-Spain South MP Keith Scotland called the Special Operations Bill a “sprawling assault” on constitutional rights, warning it could turn Trinidad and Tobago into a “police state,” while Attorney General John Jeremie defended it as a limited, temporary alternative to a state of emergency with oversight. Body cameras and press freedom: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said TTPS will “work with what we have” on body cameras, as concerns grow about device availability and whether use will be mandatory; meanwhile, MATT wants explicit safeguards so police can’t seize journalists’ confidential sources, devices, or equipment. Community pushback: Diego Martin residents remain wary despite proposed body-cam provisions, citing past “heavy-handed” tactics; Barrackpore residents are split on “closed area” restrictions like curfews and warrantless searches. Tourism risk in Tobago: Tobago hoteliers and business leaders fear “closed areas” could disrupt movement and hurt tourism. Crime enforcement: TTPS reported arrests and gun seizures during anti-crime exercises, including a home-made shotgun discovery in Central Trinidad. Energy and business ties: Energy talks advanced on the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project with bpTT and NGC, and IntellicoERP plans to expand into Ghana. Sports diplomacy: Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts met the US chargé d’affaires to explore joint work on sport tourism, youth development and exchange programmes.

Crime & Security: Six robbery suspects were arrested and a home-made shotgun with ammunition seized during anti-crime operations in Central and North Central Trinidad, with police also running a roving road check after reports of wanted suspects near Scott Street, St Augustine. Public Safety Law: With the State of Emergency ending, the Government is pushing ahead with a rewritten Special Operations Bill to replace ZOSO, expanding targeted powers in designated policing districts with curfews, cordons and enhanced searches under judicial oversight. Energy & Industry: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal met bpTT and NGC on the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, while Proman and Dumore launched methanol-powered trucks on T&T roads as a pilot for cleaner transport. Transport & Tourism: Tobago Carnival travel is set to get relief with additional ferry sailings and more airbridge seats as demand spikes. Telecom Governance: TSTT widened its probe into former acting CEO Keino Cox, adding allegations tied to Humminbird Holdings’ proposed acquisition of Liberty’s 49% stake. Business & Markets: Cra-paud Foot Restaurant in St James has closed and is being offered for sale, including the brand and concept. Health Services: NCRHA launched patient care shuttles at the EWMSC, using two eight-seater golf carts to move patients across the large campus.

Special Operations Bill: Government has rewritten the ZOSO framework into a new Special Operations Bill for today’s debate, including a two-year expiry and new policing districts, aiming to expand powers while adding safeguards and oversight. Police Accountability: TTPS says Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro’s August overseas trip was for “personal reasons” and not state-funded, after earlier explanations tied it to security information. Body Cam Capacity: TTPS also faces scrutiny over body-worn cameras, with claims current units have limited battery life and questions about missing/unused devices. State of Emergency Ends: Trinidad and Tobago has ended the long state of emergency, with activists and lawyers warning of a possible surge in violence and concerns that thousands arrested may not be charged. Energy & Industry: Talks continue with bpTT and NGC on the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, while TOFCO marks completion of the Manatee platform jacket and piles. Regional Climate Funding: A US$12.55m GEF-backed fisheries resilience project (CC4FISH-II) gets underway across the Eastern Caribbean, including T&T. Tobago Carnival Travel: Port Authority and Caribbean Airlines are expected to add ferry sailings and flights for October Carnival after initial schedules sparked booking concerns. NIB & Social Payments: MPSDFS confirms cheque production and continued social assistance delivery via NIBTT, including $2.55m for key grants and pensions. Local Business/Innovation: Animae Caribe pushes for private-sector investment to grow Trinidad and Tobago’s animation/digital media ecosystem and local IP.

Tobago Carnival travel: The Tobago Inter-Island Ferry service is expected to add more sailings for the Bucoo Reef and T&T Spirit for October/November, after concerns that the initial schedule left travellers stranded. Industrial Court pressure: Industrial Court president Heather Seale says urgent legislative fixes are needed for the Special Tribunal’s legal gaps and how reserved matters are handled when the chairman demits office. Drug busts and security push: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says security forces have seized about TT$1 billion in illegal drugs since the UNC took office, citing major cocaine hauls and linking the push to a revised Special Operations Bill. Procurement scrutiny: The OPR’s FY 2024/25 report flags heavy public spending but persistent non-compliance, with millions tied up in unfulfilled contracts and variations. Telecom governance fight: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath rejects conflict-of-interest claims against TSTT chairman Kern Dass and says legal action against the CWU is imminent. Energy and costs: Government says it will absorb an extra $318m subsidy bill to keep reduced Super gasoline prices, to protect transport and food costs. Trade support for SMEs: ITC and DHL renewed a partnership to help small businesses trade across borders, including exports and logistics support. Local business and services: TTC-SI marks National Services Week with a push for growth beyond energy, while a new visitor app initiative signs up Trinidad businesses to boost tourism visibility.

Telecom Tensions: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath rejects claims of conflict of interest around TSTT chairman Kern Dass and says legal action against the Communication Workers’ Union is imminent. Industrial Justice: The Industrial Court reports a rising caseload (876 new cases in the year to Sept 14, 2026) while improving its clearance rate to 115.75%, as government pledges support for staffing, infrastructure and more tech use. Energy Outlook: Former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine welcomes Touchstone’s Cascadura gas uptick but says bigger, sustained recovery likely won’t be felt until 2027–2028, with Manatee and other projects key. Gas Infrastructure: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says Manatee Plus can support up to 604 million scf/day and that Trinidad has processing capacity for up to one billion scf/day. Fuel Subsidy: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh says the reduced Super gasoline price will cost an extra $318m in fiscal 2026, with government absorbing the increase to protect consumers. Security & Drugs: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says security forces have seized about $1b in illegal drugs since UNC took office, citing major cocaine hauls. Governance & Corruption: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen urges reporting bribery in building and public health inspections, warning corruption undermines approvals. Environment & City Care: Works Minister Jearlean John calls for businesses and citizens to stop grease and waste clogging Port-of-Spain drains, saying public resources are being drained by indiscipline. Water Safety: A boil water notice is back in Trinidad (Texas), linked to low pressure and low chlorine residual, with no end date given. Training & Regional Capacity: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados strengthens lab networking and preparedness across the Caribbean, including Trinidad’s participation. Tobago Cocoa & Skills: A new Trinitario Chocolate Lab opens in Tobago, expanding training and entrepreneurship opportunities around cocoa.

Energy Outlook: Former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine welcomed Touchstone Exploration’s higher Cascadura gas output but said a truly transformative recovery likely won’t be felt until 2027–2028 as larger projects like Manatee and other 2027 production ramp up. Security & Economy: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said security forces have seized about $1 billion in illegal drugs since the UNC took office, including a 440.2kg cocaine haul worth an estimated $204.5m. Governance & Corruption: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen urged the public to report bribery by building and public health inspectors, warning shortages and weak oversight are enabling corrupt approvals. Infrastructure & ESG: Works Minister Jearlean John said Port-of-Spain flooding is worsened by businesses dumping used cooking oil and waste into drains, calling for real responsibility from the private sector and citizens. Business & Skills: Tobago’s Trinitario Chocolate Lab opened at THTI to push value-added cocoa processing, training and agritourism. Finance & Trade Policy: Central Bank research warned EU carbon border rules may be a short-term hit of under 1% to T&T GDP, but could intensify pressure on carbon-intensive exporters. Digital Finance: T&T is preparing to move its crypto sector beyond the sandbox, with regulators and industry pointing to uses in remittances and cross-border payments. Regional Climate Funding: A US$12.55m fisheries resilience project (CC4FISH-II) got underway in Dominica, with Trinidad and Tobago among beneficiaries. Public Health Law: The Public Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill moved in the Senate, adjusting construction-permitting roles while keeping health oversight. NIB Leadership: A second senior executive at NIBTT, Andy Edwards, announced early retirement effective Dec 13, 2026.

Port-of-Spain ESG push: Works Minister Jearlean John says businesses are worsening flooding by dumping cooking oil, grease and waste into drains, pointing to clogged silt traps and “sealed” drainage systems after cleanup work on South Quay. Investment & competitiveness: At AMCHAM’s ESG conference, John also urged government, citizens and firms to protect infrastructure and environment to keep T&T attractive to investors amid global uncertainty. Crypto regulation shift: The Central Bank is moving the virtual asset sector from a sandbox to a permanent framework, with fintech leaders arguing crypto could improve cross-border payments and remittances and support a more inclusive financial system. Trade risk from climate rules: A Central Bank paper warns EU carbon border rules may hit T&T’s carbon-intensive exporters more than the overall economy, even if the short-term GDP impact is under 1%. Fuel subsidy maintained: Finance Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh says the reduced super gasoline price will continue, with an estimated TT$318m extra subsidy cost for fiscal 2026. Tobago fisheries & energy: Tobago fishermen are demanding consultation before EOG Resources begins exploratory drilling off the island. Regional climate funding: A US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project will support climate and disaster resilience for fisheries and coastal communities across five countries including T&T. Business & crime: Two men face murder charges in the Fyzabad killings; police also report TT$17,011 missing from a Tobago health centre cafeteria vault.

Tobago Energy Push: EOG Resources is set to begin exploratory drilling about 22km off southwest Tobago from mid-October, with one well using a mobile rig, as the THA seeks clearer maritime boundaries and more local control over potential hydrocarbon benefits. TSTT Labour & Governance Clash: Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) rejected former acting CEO Keino Cox’s misconduct claims, while Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath dismissed the CWU’s criticisms as “bogeys” and the union renewed its demand for a 10% wage increase when talks resume after the State of Emergency ends. NIB Leadership Change: Niala Persad-Poliah confirmed early retirement as executive director of the National Insurance Board, effective December 13, with no stated reason. Crime & Security: Authorities seized 440.20kg of cocaine off Trinidad’s north-west coast in a major bust valued at about $204.5m, and PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar warned wealthy citizens allegedly tied to organised crime will face prosecution as the SoE winds down. Tobago Cocoa Value-Add: A new chocolate lab and MoU aim to help students turn Trinitario beans into higher-value products, linking training to tourism and export opportunities.

TSTT Labour Tension: Communications Workers’ Union is pushing for a 10% wage increase at TSTT when talks resume, warning of protests after the State of Emergency ends on Thursday, while Utilities Politics: Minister Barry Padarath rejects the union’s claims as “weekly bogeys,” defending TSTT leadership and insisting Maritime has no role in TSTT’s finances. Tobago Cocoa Boost: Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute and Trinitario launch a chocolate lab with Mt St George School, aiming to add value to local beans and build export-ready products. NIBTT Leadership Change: NIBTT executive director Niala Persad-Poliah announces early retirement for Dec 13, with no stated reason, as governance questions surface. Energy & Industry: Touchstone Exploration advances drilling and optimisation across WD-4, Ortoire and Central blocks, while Cuba Trade Shock: EU/US sanctions freeze payments in the Cuban cigars supply chain, disrupting distribution networks. Regional Business Signals: General Accident Jamaica reports its highest-ever 2025 revenue and profit rebound despite Hurricane Melissa. Education Backpay: TTUTA says teachers’ 2020-2023 arrears are being paid via IHRIS, with payments expected in September.

Teachers’ Backpay: TTUTA says teachers will receive outstanding arrears for 2020–2023 in September, estimated at about TT$900 million, with payments reflected via IHRIS payslip access after months of advocacy. Telecom Governance Clash: TSTT has launched an independent investigation into former acting CEO Keino Cox, while Cox threatens legal action over non-renewal and alleged retaliation, with both sides pointing to procurement and governance issues. Crime & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the SoE ends Sept. 17 but the fight continues, citing arrests and charges during the SoE and warning against “wealthy drug mafia” networks. Local Business & Trade: TTMA leads a 37-member manufacturing delegation to Miami (Sept. 13–18) to build export links, with a “Doing Business in Miami” seminar and B2B sessions. Infrastructure Works: RDC rehabilitation begins on the Charuma Junction landslip in Mayaro, with more road and community repairs flagged across the constituency. Regional/Global Watch: Authorities face allegations of Chinese-linked organised crime siphoning funds from T&T, while the world warns of a potential “Super El Niño” that could disrupt weather and agriculture.