AGP Executive Report

Regional Legal/Extradition: The CCJ has lifted an interim stay and cleared the way for the U.S. extradition case against Guyana opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and businessman Nazar “Shell” Mohamed to proceed in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Water & Household Spending: With ongoing water quality worries, retailers report rising demand for home filtration systems, especially whole-house units, as households seek cleaner, consistent water and protect plumbing and appliances. Trade & Investment (Africa): Trinidad and Tobago’s Ghana partnership is moving from talks to deals, including a reported US$25m battery manufacturing investment, with plans for a charter flight to support more direct business links. Public Safety/Agri-Biosecurity: The Agriculture Ministry completed a national bird flu (HPAI) simulation exercise with FAO support, testing field response, lab procedures, communications and coordination across agencies. Crime & Privacy: Businessman Gerald Aboud is questioning privacy rights amid the leak of a purported Sabga family voice note, while police investigate the incident. Community & Education: Three Fulbright scholars were announced, with Education Minister Dowlath urging them to return and help build local research and training links.

Disaster Relief & Housing: The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services marked its 40th Disaster Relief and Home Repair Grant Distribution, sending TT$936,045 in grants to 70 households (223 people) in Tunapuna/Piarco and Arima—44 disaster general assistance grants (TT$397,923) and 26 home repair grants (TT$538,122). Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and Ernesto Kesar met U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern to push cooperation on energy, economic security, trade and investment. Industrial Push: Trade Minister Ka­ma Ma­haraj said Government signed an MOU to restart a long-idled steel mill, targeting US$1.5B annually and creating a market for scrap iron and discarded tyres. Pensions Tax Clarity: Sagicor told customers that qualifying pension income will be exempt from income tax from August 1, while ATTIC warned corporate deferred annuities may not qualify. Labour Talks: PSA president Felisha Thomas says civil service settlement talks are stalled as the CPO reviews the union’s counter proposal, delaying backpay negotiations. Human Trafficking Watch: Tobago’s Counter Trafficking Unit says 2%–3% of reported trafficking cases originate in Tobago and is stepping up enforcement during peak tourism. Security & Courts: The probe into an alleged assassination plot against PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar has expanded to foreign jurisdictions; meanwhile, defence lawyers deny they leaked the Hadeed-Star Sabga audio, saying they only received 13 short clips.

Housing & Land Administration: Six months after the Government handed out 200+ residential leases, dozens of recipients in Couva’s Exchange II and elsewhere still can’t build because lot boundaries haven’t been demarcated. Public Safety & Crime: Ten people were detained under Preventive Detention Orders tied to alleged organised crime, including firearms offences, extortion, violent robberies, human trafficking and planned attacks, with targets across Tobago and central Trinidad. Politics, Rights & Polarisation: Former UNC minister Vasant Bharath and analyst Bishnu Ragoonath say the Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed/Star Sabga matters have become highly politicised, raising fears about balancing security with civil liberties and judicial independence. Community Tensions: Businessman Gary Aboud alleges “hate campaigns” and an “ominous cloud of suspicion” around the Syrian-Lebanese community, after Sabga was placed under house arrest while still under a PDO. Digital Economy & Trust: Trinidad and Tobago is building digital trust via VerifyTT, a national digital credential verification platform, as the country shifts from “identity deployment” to governance and adoption. Trade & Energy: The Energy Chamber welcomed US Section 301 tariff exemptions for key T&T energy exports, noting 95% of shipments to the US are concentrated in a small set of commodities. Business & Finance: Methanex reported strong Q2 results, including higher realised prices and cash generation, while also announcing indefinite idling and restructuring at its Trinidad plant. Regional Expansion: T&T’s Africa push gained momentum with a new Ghana partnership focused on energy collaboration.

Cloud & Telecom: Liberty Business and Amazon Web Services launched enterprise-grade cloud services in T&T, urging local firms to speed up digital transformation amid cyber and data pressures. Industrial Relations: Works’ Credit Union workers in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago are set for a 90-day strike over a wage dispute, with BIGWU pushing for 15% over three years versus management’s 2% offer. Tourism Strategy: Tourism Trinidad Ltd. named a new board chaired by Benedict Hatem, with a push to double tourism’s GDP contribution to 12% by 2030. Business & Trade: BYD and Lafast Motors opened a second showroom in South Trinidad, aiming to improve access as electric mobility expands. Public Safety & Crime: TTPS’ Operation TRIPOD in Central Trinidad seized a suspected firearm, 240 rounds of high-powered ammunition and drugs, arresting priority offenders. Legal/Business Fallout: Cheesemaker Star Sabga was released from detention under strict house arrest after a constitutional challenge related to a Preventive Detention Order. Sports Business: CPL confirmed all five Trinbago Knight Riders group-stage matches at Queen’s Park Oval.

Hadeed Case & Governance: Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed are released after their Preventive Detention Orders were revoked, while Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the murder-plot probe has widened to multiple foreign jurisdictions; Attorney General John Jeremie insists the State still acted in the public interest. Rule of Law Scrutiny: TTPS has launched an urgent probe into a leaked audio recording circulating online, to check authenticity and whether interception and disclosure rules under the Interception of Communications Act were followed. Crime-Fight Politics: The PM accuses critics of stoking ethnic hatred to undermine the anti-crime drive, while also claiming serious crime fell 15% in 2026 amid increased U.S. support. Rights & International Confidence: Experts warn T&T’s vote against extending the UN human rights chief’s mandate could affect confidence with international partners. Business & Economy: Nestlé’s strategic review of its Trinidad operations has reignited calls for locals to consider owning the Valsayn factory; meanwhile, BYD opened a second showroom in South Trinidad. Labour: Works Credit Union employees staged strikes across branches over stalled wage talks.

US Tariff Shock: The U.S. has rolled out new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, hitting Trinidad and Tobago (and other CARICOM states) with a 12.5% rate on affected imports, just as earlier temporary levies expired. Maritime Accountability: President Irfaan Ali named a five-member Commission of Inquiry to determine whether negligence or institutional failures contributed to the MV Barima disaster, with a panel spanning maritime engineering, naval architecture, admiralty law and compliance. Local Governance & Crime Politics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar accused critics of fuelling racial division amid controversy over interception powers and an anti-crime campaign. Trade Compliance Watch: South Africa’s trade minister says the country will seek feedback on rules to ban forced- and child-labour goods after the U.S. imposed Section 301 duties. Business & Investment: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m in financing with ANSA McAL to back Caribbean manufacturing, logistics, recycling and supply-chain projects. Skills & Industry: The Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) was formally aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s national apprenticeship policy. Transport & Logistics: The MV Golden Carrier began its maiden voyage to replace MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad–Tobago seabridge, with commercial sailing expected soon.

US Tariff Shock (T&T in focus): The US rolled out forced-labour tariffs on 60 trading partners, with Trinidad and Tobago among those hit at 12.5%—a move the Foreign Ministry says is being misreported locally, insisting no new tariff was applied and the rate was reduced. Maritime & Trade Logistics: MV Golden Carrier began its maiden inter-island cargo seabridge run to replace MV Blue Wave Harmony during maintenance, with NIDCO saying services won’t be disrupted. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Homeland Security’s Counter Trafficking Unit carried out Operation Iceberg, detaining three under PDOs, including a T&T Defence Force member, targeting an alleged sex exploitation network. Tobago Tourism Skills: The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute urged hospitality certification as the island readies for a tourism surge tied to the new ANR Robinson airport terminal. Regional Business & Policy: TSTT posted its highest profit in 17 years (TT$214m) and the Point Lisas Apprenticeship Programme gained formal alignment under the national apprenticeship framework. Caribbean AI Push: The Caribbean AI Forum opened in T&T with a task force report on governance, innovation and resilience.

Maritime Accountability: President Irfaan Ali appointed Senior Attorney-at-Law Nyree Dawn Alfonso and retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard to a five-member COI into the MV Barima tragedy, underscoring a push for specialist scrutiny of maritime safety and public responsibility. US Tariffs & Exports: T&T will keep the lower 10% U.S. tariff rate under the new Section 301 forced-labour regime, while business groups welcomed the relief but urged close monitoring as global trade rules stay volatile. Telecoms Profit Push: TSTT posted its strongest results in 17 years, with after-tax profit of TT$214 million, as the CWU presses for long-delayed wage talks. Fraud Warning: TTPS warned businesses about a fraudulent cheque scam targeting high-value purchases, urging firms to hold goods until cheques fully clear. Data Centres Debate: Policy and expert commentary continues around T&T’s bid to become a regional data centre hub, with arguments that it should drive broader industrial growth, not just infrastructure. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Homeland Security’s Counter Trafficking Unit detained three suspects, including a TTDF soldier, in “Operation Iceberg,” alleging exploitation of a Venezuelan minor. Workplace Reform: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe said breastfeeding-friendly workplace support legislation is coming, alongside renewed steps toward a human breast milk bank.

TSTT Earnings Boost: TSTT says it posted its strongest profit in 17 years, with after-tax earnings of TT$214 million for the year ended March 31, 2026, up 103%, as revenue rose 9.2% to TT$2.17 billion; the CWU is now pushing the company to turn results into long-delayed wage settlements. US Tariff Shock (Local Impact): Business groups welcomed confirmation that T&T’s exports qualify for the lower US 10% tariff under Section 301, but warned firms must stay alert as global trade rules stay volatile. Forced Labour Probe: The US launched a Section 301 investigation covering 60 economies, including T&T, over forced-labour enforcement gaps—raising the stakes for exporters and compliance. Inter-Island Shipping Continuity: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the cargo seabridge during maintenance, with passenger and cargo services expected to continue. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: The Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) has been formally aligned with T&T’s national apprenticeship framework, strengthening links between training and workforce needs. Human Trafficking Crackdown: CTU’s Operation Iceberg led to three Preventive Detention Orders, including the detention of a T&T Defence Force member, targeting an alleged trafficking network. Workplace Reform: The Health Minister says breastfeeding-friendly workplace measures are coming, including additional time for mothers, alongside renewed steps toward a human breast milk bank.

Inter-island shipping: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad–Tobago cargo seabridge during routine maintenance, with passenger and cargo services expected to continue without extra cost to Government. US tariffs impact: Trinidad and Tobago is among 17 economies facing a 10% US tariff under the new Section 301 forced-labour regime, while the wider 60-country action sets 10% or 12.5% rates depending on each country’s forced-labour measures; Finance Minister Tan­coo says Government is in talks and had addressed the issue in the Finance Bill 2026. Local business pressure: Tancoo is set to meet car dealers over fears a Customs and Excise classification ruling could hike costs for mild hybrid vehicles by more than $50,000. Governance debate: The Hadeed PDO revocation continues to spark criticism, with analysts calling it a “crisis of governance” and raising questions about emergency powers and citizens’ rights. Regional tragedy: Guyana’s MV Barima disaster death toll rises to 73 as search and recovery continues. Connectivity: Contour Airlines announces nonstop Piarco–Dominica service from October 5, aiming to boost regional business and tourism links.

US Tariffs & T&T Exports: The US imposed new 10% and 12.5% Section 301 tariffs on 60 trading partners over forced-labour claims, and Trinidad and Tobago says it was not hit at 12.5%—its rate was reduced to 10% after engagement, replacing a higher 15% level. Legal & Governance Fallout: The Hadeed preventive detention fight is reigniting debate on citizens’ rights and separation of powers, with analysts calling it a “crisis of governance” after PDOs were revoked. Inter-Island Logistics: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the cargo sea bridge during maintenance, with no extra cost to the State. Cyber Resilience: T&T joined the LAC4 partnership to strengthen cyber defences and protect critical infrastructure. Business Safety Alert: TTPS warned businesses about a fraudulent cheque scheme targeting high-value purchases. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines plans nonstop Dominica–T&T service from Oct. 5 and also announced new San Juan–T&T flights. Environment & Culture: A Caribbean Parrot Conservation Summit in T&T warned the pet trade is pushing native parrots toward extinction.

US Tariff Shock: The Trump administration has imposed new Section 301 tariffs on 60 trading partners, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, replacing an expiring temporary 10% levy. Rates range from 10% to 12.5% tied to alleged failures to ban forced-labour imports; Trinidad and Tobago is listed at 10% while other countries face 12.5%. Local Business & Trade: The TTADA is pushing for urgent talks with Finance Minister Tancoo after Customs moved overnight to tax mild hybrid vehicles previously treated as tax-exempt, with dealers saying some shipments are stuck pending new payments. Inter-Island Logistics: NIDCO says the M.V. Golden Carrier will replace Blue Wave Harmony on the cargo seabridge during maintenance and upgrades, with no added cost to the State. Legal/Detention Update: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked the Preventive Detention Orders against Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed, while the criminal investigation continues. Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines announced a new non-stop Dominica–Trinidad route starting Oct. 5, 2026. Regional Industry: A Tobago agro-processor says small manufacturers need policy and support to scale up for larger regional orders.

US Tariff Shock for T&T: The Trump administration will impose new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 economies from Friday under Section 301, citing forced-labour enforcement. Local Exposure: Trinidad and Tobago is listed in the 10% band, alongside Canada, India, Malaysia, Mexico and others, as the US replaces expiring temporary global duties. Business Impact Watch: The move covers about 99.4% of US imports and includes product exemptions (like oil and gas), but it could still ripple through trade costs and supply chains for regional exporters. Regional Finance Boost: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m financing for ANSA McAL, with an initial US$200m package, aimed at strengthening manufacturing, logistics and supply chains across the Caribbean. SME Market Momentum: West Indian Traders became the fifth company listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s SME Market, signalling renewed investor confidence. Corporate/Operations: TSTT’s board shrank to three directors after Nadirah Prabhudial resigned, while NIDCO said a new inter-island cargo vessel (M.V. Golden Carrier) will join the seabridge during maintenance.

Regional Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines says it will launch a new non-stop Dominica–Trinidad route from October 5, 2026, running twice weekly between Douglas-Charles (DOM) and Piarco (POS), with one-stop same-plane connections via San Juan and St. Thomas—aimed at boosting Eastern Caribbean tourism and business travel. Credit & Macroeconomy: S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s investment-grade BBB- rating, keeping the country’s status intact while pointing to weak growth, thin fiscal/external buffers, and ongoing dependence on volatile energy revenues. Business Finance: Development Finance Ltd (DFL) says small and medium businesses are being held back more by weak business models than by lack of funding, as it signs another US$10m CDB line of credit for projects across manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Local Economy Pressure: Arima businesses report a sales drag linked to job concerns and ongoing foreign exchange constraints, while some operators struggle to find skilled staff. Energy/Trade Risk: A GECF report highlights how LNG shipping routes hinge on a few choke points (Strait of Hormuz, Suez, Panama), meaning disruptions can quickly raise costs and threaten supply resilience. Infrastructure & Services: A new push for digital TVET delivery is reported as CARICOM closes a project that improved regional capacity and reduced reliance on external support. Public Debate—AI Data Centres: Commentaries continue to question whether proposed AI data centres will deliver lasting local value or simply consume resources, calling for clearer definitions and accountability. Maritime Tragedy: Recovery efforts for the MV Barima capsizing in Guyana continue as the death toll rises to 65, with T&T and Brazilian assets joining the search and recovery. Transport Stakeholders: Trinidad and Tobago Seabridge Truckers’ Limited calls for stronger coordination among port and inter-island stakeholders to improve seabridge operations. Education & Skills: THTI opens enrolment for its August/September intake, promoting practical hospitality and tourism training in Tobago. Food Security/Industry: Analysts and officials discuss Nestlé’s dairy and juice review and what it could mean for Valsayn, farmers, workers and consumers, as the dairy sector faces wider transition pressures. Governance & Rights: The State of Emergency Review Tribunal is challenged over alleged procedural unfairness in the continued detention of businessman Dominic Hadeed and others, with the minister arguing his right to be heard was breached.

Credit Outlook: S&P Global reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s investment-grade rating at BBB-, with a negative outlook tied to weak growth, thinner fiscal/external buffers, limited diversification and reliance on volatile energy revenues. Public Service Tech: Minister Dominic Smith says VerifyTT is set to anchor Trinidad and Tobago’s Digital Public Infrastructure, aiming for faster, more secure access to government services for citizens and businesses. Tourism & Trade: Tourism Trinidad finally got an 11-member board to steer Visit Trinidad’s global push. Aviation Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced non-stop POS–DOM service from Oct 5, 2026 (twice weekly) plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St Thomas. Market Access: Caribbean Airlines launched Travel Tuesday fares for Trinidad–Toronto in August, with discounted one-way pricing and added baggage/mileage benefits. Local Economy Regulation: Government started a vendor regularisation exercise at Maracas Beach for beach-chair/umbrella/tent operators, running to Oct 2026. Regional Skills: CARICOM’s digitalisation push for TVET says pilot countries integrated solutions into local platforms.

Tourism & Aviation: Caribbean Airlines launched “Travel Tuesday” one-way fares between Trinidad and Toronto for August 2026, with prices from US$452 (Trinidad→Toronto) and CAD$446 (Toronto→Trinidad), including a free checked bag, carry-on, mileage benefits and Business Class upgrade options. Tourism Governance: Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL) finally received its 11-member board of directors after nearly 15 months without one, tasked with driving Visit Trinidad and Tobago’s global growth. Maritime Disaster (Regional): Guyana’s Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the state assumed the financial risk for the uninsured MV Barima after it capsized, raising questions about costs and compensation; Trinidad and Tobago’s TTDF also joined search and recovery efforts as the toll climbed. Labour & Courts: Natuc says it’s awaiting legal advice on whether to challenge Alyssa Phillip’s Labour Day arrest; meanwhile, Dominic Hadeed’s detention case is now before the Privy Council, with no hearing date yet. Labour Relations (Health Sector): TTNNA threatens legal action against NCRHA over alleged illegal four-hour shifts for nurses and midwives. Business & Industry: Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales claims PNM rejected an AI data centre bid over subsidised water and electricity concerns, while local stakeholders continue pushing for clarity on forex, traffic and real estate regulation. Education & Science: Trinidad and Tobago won its first-ever medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad, with Reginald Mohammed taking bronze. Security & Crime: Police probe the alleged shooting death of a Parts World employee in Barataria, with reports linking it to an ongoing gang feud.