AGP Executive Report

Regional Security: Trinidad and Tobago’s reported participation in a US-led Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere has split opinion among criminologists, with supporters pointing to better intelligence-sharing and maritime protection, while critics warn of legal and diplomatic risks. Police Posts & Governance: The Government’s plan for 30 police posts is driving fresh political friction, including a standoff at Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua where the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation says it was not consulted and alleges construction over an NGC gas pipeline; ministers and the Police Commissioner defend the initiative as lawful and necessary. Civil Liberties & IDs: A proposal to require valid identification for everyone 16+ in public is being debated as a balance between faster policing and protecting individual liberty. Energy & Investment: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says major energy announcements are coming next week, while BP agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso gas field, potentially accelerating development. Downstream Gas & Assets: NGC also says past policies “crippled” downstream operations and welcomed the transfer of title for the Beachfield facility, while Government moves to monetise 100+ underutilised state assets. Food & Water: SEED grants and wheelchairs were delivered to South Trinidad communities, Tobago’s food security division targets higher agricultural participation, and El Niño drought planning is underway.

Energy Deal: BP has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso offshore gas project (Block TTDAA 14), moving to 100% ownership and operatorship, with completion expected by year-end subject to approvals—an update energy experts say could finally push the long-delayed project toward development. Public Safety & Local Politics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her Government won’t be “distracted or deterred” as construction of joint army-police posts continues, but the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation dispute over a police post at Eddie Hart Grounds has sparked fresh political heat. Identity & Compliance: Pan Trinbago’s Clyde Telemaque supports a planned ID requirement for citizens 16 and over in public spaces, arguing it will make youth remuneration easier—while the Government is still tight-lipped on penalties and details. Community & Business: Malabar South Council’s 2nd Annual Emancipation Entrepreneurs Market spotlights local small businesses and culture. Transport & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines says it carried 66,814 passengers on the Trinidad-Tobago airbridge in July after adding flights for peak demand. Regional Security Climate: Tobago religious leaders are calling for an end to divisive racial statements, warning of economic and social fallout.

Energy & Investment: bp has agreed to acquire Woodside’s 70% interest in the Calypso deepwater gas project off Trinidad and Tobago, moving bp to 100% ownership and operatorship; the 3.5-trillion-cubic-foot discovery is pitched as help for the country’s worsening gas shortage, with the deal expected to close by end-2026 subject to approvals. Local Economy & Jobs: Caribbean Airlines says 66,814 passengers used the domestic airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago in July, citing added flights to meet peak summer demand and support tourism and business travel. Governance & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned an incident at Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation where workers building a police post were reportedly chased off, while the government pushes ahead with plans for 30 joint army-police posts. Public Services & Tech: Tobago’s Go-4 rideshare is getting technical support from TITL to improve driver/passenger accountability and safety, including tracking rides. Policy Watch: Government’s proposed ID law for over-16s is confirmed as real, but officials declined to share details on penalties and enforcement. Business Climate & Unity: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and faith leaders urged leaders to cool racial rhetoric, warning it could deter tourists and investors. Sports & Brand Partnerships: Flow launched its “We Live For This” campaign for the Republic Bank CPL, tying cricket passion to regional marketing.

Hilton uncertainty hits tourism plans: Tourism officials and economists are warning that delays in finalising the Hilton Trinidad lease agreement are hurting business confidence, conference bookings and the country’s international reputation, with workers and event organisers seeking clarity. Energy transition setback: Criticism is growing after T&TEC stopped absorbing power from the 92MW Brechin Castle Solar farm, raising fears the move undermines T&T’s energy transition and wastes a major renewables investment. Solar debate: Analysts push back on the “no batteries needed” solar approach, arguing policy choices could slow progress on grid reliability. Investor confidence and race rhetoric: Tobago’s Chamber leadership is denying any racial divide, while officials and international relations experts warn that divisive rhetoric is becoming an economic risk by deterring tourists and investors. Execution deficit: A new commentary argues T&T’s real problem is not ideas but delivery—projects and programmes are taking too long to complete, dragging growth. AI for business: A business-focused piece warns AI is already shaping customer decisions before firms even know they’re being “sold to,” while Tobago prepares for an AI-ready push. Security and jobs: Government is moving to strengthen counter-terrorism and expand joint police-army posts, as unions react to reported job losses and demand assurances for Hilton workers.

Counter-terrorism push: Trinidad and Tobago is tightening its 2025 counter-terrorism strategy with more focus on financial oversight, border controls and inter-agency coordination, as Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says disrupting illicit money flows is key to stopping attacks. Public finance scrutiny: The PAAC is questioning the Ministry of Health’s role in how pharmaceutical suppliers were paid via NIPDEC, including concerns about former health minister Terence Deyalsingh’s involvement in a process meant to be independent. Crime and security staffing: Government plans to roll out 30 joint police-army posts over four months, with residents in Morvant and Tobago welcoming added resources, while security experts say any use of inmates for public works must be tied to rehabilitation and safeguards. Hilton uncertainty: Hilton International warns it may not be able to keep operating the Hilton Trinidad beyond Sept. 18 unless a long-term lease is finalised, putting more than 250 jobs at risk. Financial sector regulation: Business groups welcome FATF-related legal changes, and GraceKennedy’s Trinidad unit gets Central Bank approval to expand regulated payment services. Trade and ports: The IDB backs a PPP to modernise Port of Spain cargo operations, aiming to draw over US$200m in private investment. Local business & consumer life: Proton reports 1,398 car exports in July, its best month in 13 years, while Trincity Mall announces a restructuring plan.

Real Estate & Approvals: A new explainer breaks down how development approvals work in Trinidad and Tobago, including the differences between Town and Country and Regional Corporation permissions and the steps buyers and builders need to follow. Financial Services Expansion: The Central Bank has registered GraceKennedy Trinidad & Tobago as a Payment Service Provider, expanding its regulated payment services (including bill payments) beyond its existing bureau de change and Western Union agency role. Retail Restructuring: Trincity Mall has unveiled a multi-phase “Trincity Reimagined” restructuring plan following the opening of Pennywise Plaza at Trincity Industrial Estate. Tourism & Business Growth: Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre talks are still in final stages, with the operator warning it could stop beyond Sept. 18 if a replacement agreement isn’t finalised. Security & Community Support: Government says it will roll out 30 joint army-police posts across communities within four months under the State of Emergency, aiming to boost safety and restore public space use. Sports & Health: The Republic Bank CPL will offer free fan health screenings at all eight host venues, targeting early detection of non-communicable diseases. AI & Jobs: A local AI firm, Intellico AI Agency Ltd, says it plans to export AI-driven technology and services globally, with an ERP suite scheduled for an Aug. 26 launch. Regional Economy: IDB data shows Caribbean remittance growth cooled in Q1 2026, with Trinidad and Tobago’s inflows rising 2.1% year-on-year.

Security Rollout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the State of Emergency will be backed by 30 joint army-police posts across communities within four months, aiming to boost safety and help residents reclaim public spaces. Opposition Pushback: Pennelope Beckles attacks the move as a “calculated” distraction and questions legality, funding and effectiveness, while also alleging it revives the earlier ZOSO concept. Hotel Jobs at Risk: Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre warns it may stop operating after Sept. 18 unless a replacement lease agreement is finalised with state-linked eTeck, putting more than 300 workers in limbo. Crime & Politics: Beckles and the PM clash again over the joint posts as debate continues over crime-fighting strategy and military involvement. Banking & Payments: GraceKennedy (T&T) is registered as a Payment Service Provider, expanding regulated payment services beyond its bureau de change role. Public Health via Sport: Republic Bank CPL will offer free health screenings at all eight host venues, targeting non-communicable diseases with checks including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing. Labour Data Context: The planning ministry urges proper interpretation of CSO labour force survey figures, stressing comparisons to the same quarter last year and seasonal patterns. Energy Costs: Diesel subsidy payments for 2026 total $293.26M, disclosed via an FOIA response. Local Economy & Tourism: Port of Spain is flagged by a major travel creator as among the Caribbean’s most dangerous cities, while Applejack’s Winnie’s opens at the Sydney Opera House, spotlighting Trinidad-born Winifred Atwell.

Banking & Payments: Central Bank registers GraceKennedy T&T as a Payment Service Provider, expanding its regulated payments (including bill pay) beyond its earlier bill-payment licence. Labour Market Watch: Planning Ministry urges proper interpretation of CSO Labour Force Survey data, stressing comparisons with the same quarter last year and seasonal patterns. Jobs & Economy: Trade unions and economists warn employment is under strain after CSO figures showed nearly 6,000 jobs lost in Q1 2026. Energy Costs: FOIA response says diesel subsidies total $293.26m for 2026 to date. Security & Business Climate: PM announces 30 joint army-police posts nationwide ahead of the SoE end; opposition questions funding, locations and the plan’s intent. Media Funding: RSF warns independent journalism faces growing financial pressure as government advertising remains suspended. Public Health & Sport: CPL partners with health authorities for free fan screenings at all eight host venues. Renewables Pipeline: IRENA opens funding calls for renewable projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago. Regional Business/Industry: Valaris completes a BP offshore Trinidad workover ahead of schedule; IDB study flags Bahamas among leaders on maritime energy transition readiness. Tourism Risk Perception: Port of Spain named among Caribbean’s most dangerous cities by travel creator Drew Binsky, citing street crime and carjackings.

Security & Governance: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says 30 joint army-police posts will be rolled out across Trinidad and Tobago over four months to boost safety under the State of Emergency, with 24 locations already named. Labour & Economy: The CSO reports nearly 6,000 jobs lost in Q1 2026, with employment down to 564,000, prompting unions and economists to warn the slowdown is spreading beyond the labour market. Banking & Corporate: First Citizens Group CEO Jason Julien resigns effective August 31, while Grace Kennedy T&T is upgraded by the Central Bank to a Payment Service Provider from August 1. Trade & Cost Pressures: The US Section 301 forced-labour tariffs expand to 60 economies, and Caribbean countries including T&T face new import tariff hits, raising export and compliance concerns. Media & Business Climate: Reporters Without Borders warns independent media is under growing financial pressure as government advertising remains suspended. Regional Diplomacy: OECS and Dominica assume CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, with Trinidad and Tobago among the missions coordinating positions. Culture & Community: Port-of-Spain’s Oxford Street renamed Kwame Ture Street, and the Prison Service hosts a curry duck fundraiser to support ill officers.

Trade & Investment: The TT Chamber is leading a trade and investment mission to Canada (Aug 27–Sep 2) to help local firms expand and build partnerships. Automotive Policy: The Trinidad and Tobago Automotive Dealers Association says mild hybrid vehicle tax exemptions are restored after Customs reclassification concerns. Energy Watch: Woodside has taken a $160m–$200m impairment tied to its Calypso deepwater gas project, reassessing its value in the portfolio. Business & FX/AI: Local businesses are being urged to “future proof” with AI and overseas revenue as foreign exchange pressures persist. Local Industry: Scrap iron dealers back the steel mill restart but warn against monopoly buying and insist on international pricing. Governance/Politics: Opposition and government figures clash over the PM’s absence from Emancipation Support Committee events, reigniting debate on race and respect. Regional Spotlight: A Trinidad-born U.S. ambassador nominee—Jennifer Carroll—has been nominated by Trump. Culture & Commerce: Pennywise is opening a major new plaza in Trincity and signals a push into manufacturing amid FX strain.

Hybrid Tax Break: TTADA says technical talks—not social media pressure—led Finance Minister Dave Tancoo to restore tax exemptions for mild hybrid vehicles after a Customs reclassification threatened higher costs, with qualifying models cleared without paying taxes. Steel Mill Revival: Scrap dealers back the planned restart but warn against a monopoly, arguing the State must buy scrap at international prices and keep export options open to protect competition. U-Turn Payments Scrutiny: First Citizens Bank raises concerns about adding WiPay and NPICTT to the U-Turn online traffic-fines system, questioning who pays transaction fees and how accountability will work. Labour Market Pressure: CSO data shows nearly 6,000 job losses in Q1 2026, with employment down to 564,000 and unemployment rising to 31,900. Business Strategy & FX: A consultant urges firms to “future proof” by earning foreign currency and using AI, as FX shortages and a limited local market squeeze competitiveness. Risk & Resilience: TTRMI CEO Ken Hackshaw points to the Venezuela earthquake as a reminder that regional hazards can hit Trinidad’s coasts, strengthening the case for enterprise risk management.

Retail & Manufacturing Push: Pennywise opened its biggest plaza and standalone store at Trincity Industrial Estate, but the bigger signal is a pivot toward manufacturing driven by ongoing foreign exchange pressure and premium bank rates. Business Resilience & AI: Consultant Gerald Llanos says T&T firms can’t rely only on the local market; earning forex overseas and using AI are becoming survival tools, not optional upgrades. Insurance Consolidation: General Accident Insurance (Trinidad and Tobago) is set to merge with Beacon Insurance, with Beacon as the surviving entity, aiming to strengthen scale in the local general insurance market. Public Finance Systems: First Citizens Bank raised questions about adding NPICTT and WiPay to the U-Turn online payment system, warning it could affect transaction costs for citizens. Jobs Snapshot: CSO data shows nearly 6,000 job losses in Q1 2026, with employment down and unemployment rising. Health Policy: T&T is developing a national roadmap with PAHO to accelerate elimination of communicable diseases, targeting progress on more than 30 conditions. Emancipation & Unity: African Emancipation Day events drew calls for reparations and unity, but also political tension and public debate over follow-through.

Refinery Restart Watch: Former Petrotrin chair Wilfred Espinet says the Pointe-a-Pierre restart faces “predetermined” hurdles, warning the June 17 Heritage Petro­leum/Paria Fuel/Guaracara amendment could make takeover terms too hard to unwind. Digital Payments Scrutiny: First Citizens Bank questions why WiPay and NPICTT were added to the U-Turn online traffic-fines system just before launch, warning it could raise transaction costs and blur fee responsibility. Jobs Data: The CSO reports nearly 6,000 job losses in Q1 2026, with employment down to 564,000 and unemployment rising to 31,900. Budget Signals: Finance Minister Tancoo says Budget 2026/27 will keep prioritising livelihoods despite tight revenues, pointing to Pennywise’s new Trincity plaza as proof of business confidence. Yachting Trade Facilitation: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the SailClear digital clearance system is ready, cutting yacht processing from hours to 15 minutes pending Cabinet approval. Health Policy: PAHO-backed work begins on a national roadmap to accelerate elimination of communicable diseases, aiming to tackle 30+ conditions by 2030. Labour & Justice: A High Court UWO compels PNM trustees to explain unexplained wealth tied to Balisier House redevelopment; separately, LATT referral follows Marvin Gonzales burning a court order.

CARICOM Diplomacy: OECS and Dominica have taken over the rotating CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, positioning the bloc’s missions to better coordinate positions at the UN and WTO. Budget & Retail Confidence: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo links the opening of Pennywise Plaza in Trincity to improving business confidence, while saying Budget 2026/27 will keep prioritising livelihoods despite revenue constraints. Trade Facilitation for Yachting: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the new SailClear electronic clearance system is ready to cut yacht processing from hours to about 15 minutes, pending Cabinet approval. Human Trafficking Watch: The Counter Trafficking Unit is reviewing allegations from a former trafficker about Venezuelan women being moved into Trinidad for brothel exploitation. Legal/Politics: A High Court UWO process continues around PNM Balisier House financing, and a separate complaint has been referred to LATT over PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales burning a court order. Cross-Border Business: A regional pitch competition under the EU-LAC Social Accelerator is open, offering social startups from TT and other islands sponsored access to CIF 2026 in Barbados.

Government Access & Accountability: The PM’s office says ministers still follow the communications strategy despite no post-Cabinet news briefings for 12 weeks, as critics point to public concerns ranging from procurement and passport shortages to data centres and the State of Emergency. Privacy & Security Debate: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar rejects claims of phone surveillance, saying only criminals and those with “paranoia” are worried, amid heightened debate over interception powers. Labour & Pay: The Amalgamated Workers’ Union demands salary increases and backpay for Port-of-Spain City Corporation workers, citing budget promises and stalled wage settlements. Trade & Tariffs Watch: New U.S. Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on 60 countries take effect, with exemptions and knock-on compliance pressures for regional exporters. Local Business Growth: Pennywise Plaza in Trincity opens, already creating 200+ jobs and boosting activity in one of T&T’s fastest-growing commercial hubs. Education & Partnerships: UTT’s African Emancipation Day programming sparks online debate, while the Caribbean Union of Teachers highlights regional leadership and a new MoU with Cipriani College. Sports & Regional Events: Caribbean Music Awards is set to return to Trinidad for 2026, and the EU-LAC Social Accelerator opens a pitch competition for social startups aiming at CIF 2026 access.

CCJ/Extradition Fallout: Guyana’s Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says the CCJ dismissal of his family’s appeal won’t change the path back to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for committal hearings under the Fugitive Offenders Act. Public Inquiry & Media Access: Guyana’s MV Barima Commission of Inquiry panel was sworn in, but local press were notably absent, with the event streamed via official channels—raising transparency concerns. Banking Leadership: NCB Merchant Bank CEO Marli Creese resigned, effective June 30, with Mahalia Alleyne named acting CEO from August 1, amid an ongoing investigation into a US$2m cash seizure at Piarco. Telecom Governance: TSTT board director resignations were denied as linked to internal fallout; Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath pointed to workload and substantive job conflicts, while highlighting TSTT’s TT$214m after-tax profit for FY ended March 31, 2026. Transport/Tax: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says a mild-hybrid classification ruling doesn’t remove existing hybrid duty relief for vehicles meeting Legal Notice No. 247 of 2024 criteria. Social & Business Opportunities: EU-LAC Social Accelerator opened a Caribbean social startup pitch competition, with four country winners earning sponsored participation in CIF 2026. Culture & Commerce: Emancipation Village vendors report improving foot traffic and sales as African Emancipation Day approaches.