AGP Executive Report

PNM Tobago: Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis warns there’s “no room for complacency” after Nicole Henry-Waldrond quit as PNM Tobago Council chair and renounced membership, with Petal Daniel-Benoit set to take over. Cabinet realignment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Sept. 30 portfolio changes, published in the Gazette, shift major responsibilities—especially adding housing and land-related functions to Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein—while Persad says the move aims to boost efficiency. Budget pressure: Ahead of the Oct. 12 budget, unions are pushing for wage settlements and backpay, while economists and business voices urge action on the FX shortage and a review of whether the T&T dollar is appropriately valued. Cost of living & food prices: Stakeholders say external shocks are driving grocery volatility, and a consultant calls for measuring how agriculture spending translates into real production gains. Public procurement debate: Opposition and commentators question proposed procurement law changes that could weaken safeguards around public money to speed delivery. Parliament: An Opposition water-supply motion collapsed after a procedural misstep by Marvin Gonzales. Road safety: In the Senate, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS is expanding speed enforcement with new laser devices and upgrading breathalysers. Tourism & air links: Tobago gets a new CAL Toronto–Tobago weekly flight and more seats for Tobago Carnival travel as demand stays exceptionally strong. Culture: Tributes continue following the death of calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with public celebrations in San Fernando and across the country.

State Funeral for Mighty Sparrow: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin says Trinidad and Tobago will accord calypso icon Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco an official state-assisted funeral, with a committee set to coordinate with his family and books of condolences opening across the country. Road Safety Push: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander told the Senate TTPS is stepping up speed and impaired-driving enforcement, including new laser speed detectors, more operators, upgraded breathalysers, and planned camera systems. Cabinet Realignment: Opposition leader Mickela Panday questions the rationale behind the Sept. 30 portfolio reshuffle, while Tertiary Education Minister Prakash Persad says he’s unbothered by the changes affecting the On-the-Job Training Programme and other responsibilities. Water Motion Fails Procedurally: An Opposition water-supply motion collapsed in the Lower House after Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales failed to say “I beg to move,” with Speaker Jagdeo Singh citing a procedural error. Aviation Expansion: Caribbean Airlines will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights on Oct. 31 and launch a weekly Tobago–Toronto nonstop from Oct. 25, plus Trinidad–Panama charters. Remote Gambling Legalised: The Senate unanimously passed the Remote Gambling Order, setting a legal framework for online betting from Jan 2027. US Gun Traces Rise: A Guardian review of ATF data finds nearly three-quarters of firearms traced from T&T in 2025 were linked to the US market. Economy & Diversification: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the 2026/27 fiscal push will back diversification beyond oil and gas, while Transport Minister Eli Zakour says talks with foreign carriers aim to grow air connectivity and tourism.

Ministerial Shake-Up: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar realigned portfolios in the Gazette, shifting key responsibilities across housing, state enterprises, and national security/disaster management. Public Safety & Police Integrity: TTPS says it’s widening speed enforcement with new laser devices and upgraded breathalysers, while also tightening recruit screening with polygraph tests, psychological checks, drug testing, and stronger background verification. Remote Gambling Legalised: The Senate unanimously approved the Remote Gambling Order, creating a licensed framework for online betting, with senators raising concerns about regulation and consumer protection. Budget Pressure: Economists say there’s unlikely to be a “windfall” in the Oct. 12 Budget as obligations mount, while Pro-man remains optimistic on improved gas supply. Diplomacy & Trade: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers announced T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside UNGA outreach and a UAE grant for Couva Children’s Hospital equipment. Crime & Investigation: Police searched the Claxton Bay landfill after buckets of what appeared to be human body parts were found. Culture: Government confirmed a state-assisted funeral for calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, as Carnival 2027’s “Fantastic Friday” returns with International Soca Monarch set to honour him.

Budget & Governance: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed the 2026/27 national budget will be presented Oct. 12, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo set to deliver it in Parliament at 1:30 p.m., as Government promises “brighter days” and points to energy deals and improved gas supply planning. Legislation & Youth Protection: The Lower House passed the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, raising legal ages (alcohol/tobacco to 21; cannabis to 25) and extending enforcement rules; police training leaders say officers may face new limits, while a psychologist argues age changes won’t fix addiction without education and early intervention. Parliamentary Procedure Clash: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles accuses Government of arrogance and rushed consultation on major bills, while debate continues over the Special Operations Bill after a tight Senate vote was broken by the Senate President’s casting vote. Crime & Regional Security: Trinidad and Tobago’s UN push highlights stronger international cooperation against illicit firearms and narcotics, aligning with hemispheric efforts under the “Shield of the Americas” framework. Local Economy & Jobs: NEDCO says it’s expanding support for micro and small entrepreneurs, including loan financing up to $250,000 and mentorship aimed at regional and international market access. Public Safety & Disruption: A thunderstorm in northwest Trinidad damaged property and knocked out power to hundreds, while the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission worked on repairs and road blockages. Culture & Heritage: The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum closed its Penny Bank venue due to funding shortfalls, even as calypso figures continue tributes following the death of Mighty Sparrow.

Crime & Security: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar used the UN to push stronger regional action against illicit firearms and narcotics, linking it to Trinidad and Tobago’s Special Operations push and wider anti-crime strategy. Public Finance & Jobs: The Central Bank reported the unemployment rate rising to 5.4% in Q1 2026, with inflation at 0.6%, as activity showed mixed movement and private credit growth softened. Youth Substance Controls: The Lower House passed the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, setting 21 as the legal age for alcohol and tobacco and 25 for cannabis, with police training and implementation plans already being discussed. Business Impact: San Fernando bar owners warned the new age rules and steep penalties could hit sales, even as officials argue the measures are meant to protect young people. Police & Community Trust: Tobago’s new ACP Anand Ramesar urged better communication and accountability after residents raised concerns about responsiveness and confidentiality. Local Governance & Services: The TTPS Special Operations Bill is moving into implementation planning, while a road blockage in Pax Vale (tree on power lines) disrupted travel and prompted safety advisories. Culture & State Ceremonies: The Government will hold a state-assisted funeral for calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, with condolence books opening across Trinidad and Tobago.

State Funeral for Mighty Sparrow: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin announced the Government will hold an official state-assisted funeral for calypso legend Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with a committee already set up and dates/arrangements to be confirmed, alongside condolence books and a Calypso History Month tribute. Presidential Pushback on Political Tone: President Christine Kangaloo told the IWFTT Inspirational Women Awards Gala that public discourse has become “harsher, coarser, and more inflammatory,” arguing restraint is sometimes necessary but dignity must also be defended. Procurement Bill Accountability Debate: Commentary and analysis focused on the Public Procurement and Disposals (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that widened exemptions and cost-shifting could make it harder to challenge wrongdoing and weaken value-for-money scrutiny. Vaping and Age-Restriction Law Moves: Attorney General John Jeremie piloted the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026, signaling amendments to include vaping and stricter ID rules for purchases and entry. Security and Crime-Economy Link: Economist Marla Dukharan argued crime and foreign-exchange shortages reinforce each other, while the Government’s security posture remains under pressure. Business and Jobs Watch: Massy Group sold its Caterpillar business in T&T to MA-CORP (workers reportedly not affected), and Nestlé said Massy Distribution Division will become its main local distributor from January 2027, with union consultations underway. Public Mood on Cost of Living: A consumer-focused report highlighted how grocery “value” promotions are meeting a tougher reality as prices for key items rise. Regional/International Security: A U.S.-led security initiative and related concerns about state powers were raised in coverage, alongside OAS calls for full deployment of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force.

Police & Governance: The House approved acting appointments for Junior Benjamin as Commissioner of Police and Anand Ramesar as Deputy Commissioner, covering the period while Allister Guevarro is out. Public Safety & Crime: TTPS destroyed 8.3+ tonnes of illegal narcotics (mostly cocaine) at Caroni, while PM vowed a wider fight against the “local drug mafia.” Legislation Watch: MPs passed a framework to license and regulate remote gambling, bringing operators into the formal economy for tax purposes. Parliament & Appointments: Lower House also approved Acting TTPS appointments, with debate focused on readiness to lead during an interim period. Water Infrastructure: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said Government will push to unlock US$120m in existing IDB funding for WASA upgrades post-Budget 27. Youth & Jobs: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to create tourism employment pathways for trainees. Health Policy: A psychologist backed proposed increases to the legal age for alcohol and drugs, citing adolescent brain development research. Culture & National Mourning: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin announced a state-assisted funeral for calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, plus condolence books and national tribute plans. Regional/International: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, aiming to connect multiple islands and improve routes to Europe and North America. Opposition Pushback: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles warned a procurement amendment bill could enable “gutting of the Treasury” without enough safeguards.

Parliament & Oversight: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026 could enable “gutting of the Treasury,” arguing safeguards and accountability are too weak and pointing to past procurement scandals. Housing Delivery: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John and Housing Minister Phillip Alexander defend procurement changes as a way to speed HDC housing construction, with Alexander pushing public-private partnerships to unlock faster builds. Senate Clash: John also accuses the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago of trying to curtail the Prime Minister’s free speech amid the Special Operations Bill fight with Independent Senators. Crime & Business Impact: The Owner Dealers Association questions whether new crime measures will work, warning movement restrictions could hit already-stressed businesses and raise anxiety around the Special Operations Bill’s policing zones. US Visa Pressure: The US expands visa restrictions under its “Shield of the Americas” push against alleged transnational criminal networks; Home Affairs Minister Roger Alexander says T&T won’t recommend anyone be blacklisted. Roads & Commuters: Four early-morning crashes triggered major gridlock into Port of Spain, prompting temporary use of the Priority Bus Route. Regional/International: Caribbean Airlines adds 7,000 seats for Tobago Carnival; PM Friday and Bramble face cross-examination in St Vincent’s dual-citizenship election petition. Culture: Tributes continue for calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, with parliament and international figures marking his legacy.

Special Operations Bill Fallout: A fresh push for the Special Operations Bill (ZOSO) is drawing renewed fire, with critics warning that even with added safeguards, the detention framework and the way dissenting senators were attacked (“demonic”/“satanic”) risks deepening political division. Justice System Backlog: Government welcomed a new DPP policy on plea discussions and plea agreements, backed by UNDP and EU funding, aimed at speeding prosecutions and easing court congestion. Public Administration & Digital: Tobago House of Assembly moved to update financial rules dating back to 1990 to align with modern procurement and clarify spending sign-offs. Social Policy: The Ministry of the People appointed a steering committee for “Guy Talk,” a 30-day WhatsApp programme promoting healthy masculinity and support for men. Cybersecurity for SMEs: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum focused on protecting SMEs and creative industries from growing digital threats. Alcohol Legislation Review: The Chamber and beverage alliance urged a Joint Select Committee review of proposed changes to the legal drinking age, stressing evidence-based enforcement and avoiding unintended spillover to illicit sales. Business & Finance: ANSA Merchant Bank announced a restructure to consolidate banking under ANSA Bank and create a new holding company for wealth and insurance. Energy/Regional Context: Shell paused Aphrodite gas development after failing to reach commercial terms with NGC, while other projects are still expected to support Trinidad’s gas outlook. Prison Security: Officers intercepted another prohibited items package thrown over Port of Spain Prison’s perimeter wall. Culture: Trinidad and the region mourned calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, with tributes highlighting his role in giving the Caribbean a shared voice.

Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling age limits: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says a new bill will raise the legal age for alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21, while cannabis and gambling would rise from 18 to 25, with the stated aim of protecting young people from substance harm and gambling risks. Parliament and Senate tensions: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) is urging the PM to withdraw disparaging remarks about Independent Senators after their unanimous rejection of the Special Operations Bill, arguing the Constitution protects the Senate’s independent role. Procurement under scrutiny: A confidential governance report flags RDC procurement practices, including a $1.2m security services contract, raising questions about oversight and approvals. Crime-fighting cooperation: The US Embassy says T&T has joined the US in designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations under the Shield of the Americas push against narco-terrorism. Maritime enforcement: The Defence Force intercepted a vessel and seized 11 crocus bags of marijuana, arresting three Venezuelans. Energy update: NGC says it has executed final commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027. Tobago travel relief: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says additional October fast-ferry sailings are being added to protect Tobago Carnival travel capacity. Regional culture: CARICOM leaders and T&T figures continue tributes after the death of calypso icon Mighty Sparrow at 91.

Constitutional Court Fight: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is set to testify Tuesday in the constitutional election petitions trial, with cross-examination continuing after expert Joel Goberman’s evidence on citizenship oath rules and dual nationality. Parliament & Crime Policy: The Special Operations Bill remains the flashpoint: LATT is urging the PM to withdraw “satanic” remarks about independent senators, while Fitzgerald Hinds says the PNM should petition President Christine Kangaloo to withhold assent. Youth Protection Laws: Government moves to raise legal ages for alcohol and tobacco to 21, with further proposals for gambling and cannabis, as the UNC prepares amendments to multiple statutes. Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is pursuing adoption of India’s UPI, aiming to be the first Caribbean country to implement the real-time payments system under an agreement with NIPL and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. International Security: The US commended T&T for designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations under the Shield of the Americas. Finance & Governance: ANSA Merchant Bank announced a major banking reorganisation, consolidating operations under ANSA Bank and creating a financial holding structure for 2027. Culture: The Senate observed a minute’s silence for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with tributes highlighting his role as a defining voice for T&T and the wider Caribbean.

Special Operations Bill Fallout: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and former PM Dr Keith Rowley condemned PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s attacks on Independent Senators after the Senate passed the Special Operations Bill on a 15-15 tie broken by Senate President Wade Mark’s casting vote, with Rowley warning the government is trying to “neuter” the constitutional role of Independents. Senate Procedure Debate: Former Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith weighed in on the casting vote controversy, saying the Constitution requires a tie-break but doesn’t specify whether it must be for or against a bill, pointing to UK House of Commons practice. US-T&T Security Move: The US Embassy says Trinidad and Tobago has joined the Shield of the Americas by designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations, calling it a major step against narco-terrorism. T&T Governance & Crime Fight: Fitzgerald Hinds urged the PNM to mobilise supporters to petition President Christine Kangaloo to withhold assent to the Bill, arguing the government lost the Senate without Independent support. Regional Diplomacy: Lavrov’s UNGA week highlighted Russia’s broad outreach, including meetings with T&T, while CARICOM and others continue pushing regional positions at the UN. Culture & Politics in Mourning: The Caribbean mourns calypso icon Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), with tributes pouring in from T&T leaders and across the region.

Haiti Security Push: All 32 OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully fund, equip and deploy it, stressing Haitian-led solutions and that a mandate alone won’t deliver results. Tobago Autonomy Debate: A fresh commentary keeps the spotlight on the Tobago autonomy question, arguing for “nudging” Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on how she measures up on the island’s constitutional journey. Public Safety—Online Challenge: TTPS warned students over a dangerous social-media “road challenge” that involves sitting in the path of oncoming vehicles before running away, saying offenders face the full force of the law. Government Business Model for TSTT: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said TSTT is back in profit but must shift beyond traditional telecom into broader technology-driven revenue. Culture—Mighty Sparrow Dies: Trinidad and the region mourn calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who died in New York at 91; PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and CARICOM led tributes. Sports Governance: TTFA clarified its process for complimentary tickets at Hasely Crawford Stadium after concerns raised by Hasely Crawford.

Special Operations Bill Fallout: Government MPs are again attacking Independent Senators after the Senate passed the Special Operations Bill following a 15-15 deadlock broken by Senate President Wade Mark, with former House speaker Nizam Mohammed arguing the casting vote is being misread and that earlier casting votes were only procedural. Parliament & Democracy Row: Housing Minister David Lee backed PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s criticism of Independent Senators, while political debate continues over whether the Senate President’s vote should be treated differently from other senators. Prison Closure: Port of Spain Prison on Frederick Street is being decommissioned as inmates are moved in phases, with transfers already underway and the historic facility set to close permanently by December. RDC Contracts Under Audit: Rural Development Company chair Raees Patel says about $33m in contracts are under full audit, including scrutiny of procurement and a security contract that allegedly continued past its expiry. Crime & Community Policing: New police posts in three communities are bringing some reassurance, though residents question whether visibility will translate into lower crime. Domestic Violence Warning: A Penal murder-suicide involving a young couple has reignited calls for families to act on early signs of abuse. Energy & Diplomacy: T&T is pushing stronger international partnerships after UNGA engagements, including a new air services agreement with Ghana and renewed Venezuela engagement, while energy groups highlight potential cooperation with Venezuela. Sports & National Pride: T&T hosts the Dominican Republic in Nations League action as local football politics and public access issues also flare up.

Special Operations Bill Fallout: As Trinidad and Tobago marked 50 years as a republic, the Special Operations Bill, 2026, passed the Senate after a 15-15 deadlock was broken by Senate President Wade Mark, with all Government senators backing it and Opposition and Independent senators voting against—prompting Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to blast Independent senators as effectively “relegated” to irrelevance and to say her Government will not accept their amendments going forward; Independent Senator Anthony Vieira hit back, saying independents vote on judgment and the national interest. Government vs. TSTT Workers: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath rejected claims of a 10% wage offer to TSTT workers, saying no such offer was ever on the table and that Government will not be “bullied” by the Communication Workers Union during ongoing negotiations. UN Security Council Readiness: Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers told FOCUS that T&T will take UN Security Council observership status in October, then join as an elected member in January 2027—its first seat in 40 years—framing it as a diplomacy test T&T is ready to meet. Energy & Security Watch: ExxonMobil says it is moving faster on T&T’s ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 block than it did in Guyana, with seismic results expected by year-end; separately, OAS member states urged renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, calling for sustained funding and support. Public Safety: A suspected murder-suicide in Penal left a 23-year-old woman dead and police treating the case as murder-suicide; and in St Vincent and the Grenadines, a shooting left four dead and police launched a manhunt amid ongoing gang violence concerns.

Special Operations Bill Fallout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says “law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear” as the Special Operations framework moves toward activation, while Opposition and critics continue to attack the PM’s language after Independent Senators voted against the bill and Senate President Wade Mark broke a 15-15 deadlock. Parliament & Democracy Row: Opposition Senator Amery Browne brands the PM a “clear and present danger” to democracy, arguing her “satanic” rhetoric is escalating political hostility and undermining constitutional institutions. UNGA Diplomacy: T&T stayed in the UN hall during Netanyahu’s address, reaffirming a two-state policy, even as Opposition says the PM missed chances on the ICC, CARICOM and sovereignty. Venezuela Rapprochement: Mixed reactions in Venezuela follow Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNGA meeting with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, with energy and trade cooperation highlighted. Tobago Budget Pressure: Chief Secretary Farley Augustine calls for $1B for Tobago’s construction boom and says compensation disputes over the 2024 oil spill remain unresolved. Energy & Industry: NGC confirms Aphrodite gas commercial agreements with Shell, targeting first gas in Q2 2027, while Government plans to expand Point Lisas by 500 acres to boost downstream investment. Labour & Public Services: CWU protests TSTT’s stalled wage talks, warning workers could be “weaponised,” and bomb threats shut four secondary schools, prompting police sweeps. Sports & National Pride: Soca Warriors’ Nations League hopes take a hit with Tyrese Spicer ruled out, and Tobago native Joshua James returns as CPL champion amid a major homecoming reception.