AGP Executive Report

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.

Special Operations Bill Fallout: Political debate over the Special Operations Bill is still boiling after Senate passage, with critics warning it could undermine constitutional rights and supporters arguing it’s needed to curb violent crime. Republic Day & National Awards: Republic Day celebrations in Roxborough and the 2026 National Awards put Senate President Wade Mark, CJ Ronnie Boodoosingh and others in the spotlight, while public questions persist around honours and the Senate vote that broke a 15-15 deadlock. Tobago Oil Spill Compensation: Tobago fisherfolk accuse Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of “betrayal,” saying compensation after the Feb 7, 2024 oil spill is still unresolved and that ITOPF is rejecting claims. Tobago Budget Push: Augustine says Tobago needs about $1B for a construction boom and calls for more capital funding and investment beyond oil and gas. THA Digital Finance: The Tobago House of Assembly moves to digitise accounting and payments, aiming to reduce delays and improve monitoring. Procurement Oversight Warning: The Transparency Institute urges the government to pause the procurement amendments, arguing they weaken independent oversight. Youth Policy Consultations: Government plans to engage young people nationwide to shape a new National Youth Policy through consultations and youth steering committees. International Aviation Links: T&T signs an air services agreement with Chile, building on similar deals with Panama and Ghana. UNGA Security Messaging: UWI political scientist Dr Indira Rampersad says the PM’s UNGA call for international cooperation on firearms and narcotics is strategic. Caribbean Politics Abroad: Venezuela declares Kamla Persad-Bissessar persona grata after UNGA talks with Delcy Rodríguez. Crime & Policing Debate: Professor Hamid Ghany argues “everyday policing” isn’t enough and calls for serious measures to stop crime’s deeper spread.

Special Operations Bill Fallout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar escalated her criticism after nine Independent senators voted against the Special Operations Bill, calling them “satanic” and saying her Government will no longer accept amendments from the Independent bench. Parliamentary Process Clash: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles called the Senate passage “a travesty of parliamentary democracy,” arguing Senate President Wade Mark’s casting vote broke a 15-15 deadlock in a way that undermined constitutional safeguards. Government Defence: Senate Government Leader Darrell Allahar defended Mark’s decision, while former deputy speaker Dr Fuad Khan questioned why Mark used a different principle in a 2025 tied vote. Tobago in the Bill: Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said Tobago’s inclusion as District Seven is needed due to maritime security challenges, though he expects “closed areas” to be used rarely. Diplomacy at UNGA: Dr Indira Rampersad analysed T&T’s UN engagement and the evolving relationship with Venezuela as high-level talks continued. Regional Business Links: Amcham T&T welcomed Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez as a boost for trade, energy, security and air connectivity. Cultural Funding Pressure: Carnival stakeholders again complained about delayed prize-money cheques for Pan Trinbago and the TTCBA, after a promised Wednesday payout failed to happen. National Recognition: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Senate President Wade Mark and Dr Surujrattan Rambachan received ORTT, alongside other 2026 national award announcements. Weather Disruption: Heavy rain and lightning in Sangre Grande blew off at least eight roofs and collapsed a communications tower, knocking out power in parts of Ojoe Road.

T&T–Venezuela Reset: Leaders met in New York and Caracas, reaffirming friendship and confirming Kamla Persad-Bissessar is “persona grata” in Venezuela—now the test is whether talks translate into concrete natural gas cooperation and maritime-field progress. Special Operations Bill: Senate President Wade Mark broke a 15-15 deadlock to pass the Special Operations Bill, while AG John Jeremie defended it as proportionate and not a state-of-emergency substitute; critics continue to warn about political use and rights impacts. Policing After the State of Emergency: TTPS says the end of the 199-day SoE won’t create an “operational vacuum,” with Operation Watchtower maintaining visibility and intensified policing. Road Safety Push: Police report a fatal Guaico Tamana Road crash where a Hilux driver failed a breathalyser after alcohol was detected, as DUI enforcement continues. Domestic Violence Support: A new digital toolkit is meant to make domestic-violence help easier to find, stressing that laws and institutions must be accessible and applied. Hemispheric Security: Guyana and T&T agreed sanctions tied to the Shield of the Americas against Haitian gang Viv Ansamn and other narco-terrorist groups.

Special Operations Bill: Attorney General John Jeremie defended the Special Operations Bill in the Senate, warning drug traffickers to “quit while you are ahead” as the law sets policing districts and allows targeted operations with or without military support, while critics argue it risks constitutional rights and political victimisation. Venezuela reset: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez in New York, with Venezuela now declaring her “persona grata,” signalling a renewed bilateral cooperation agenda after months of diplomatic strain. Regional security push: Guyana joined a U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” push, backing coordinated sanctions and cross-border action against narco-terrorist networks, as leaders meet on UNGA sidelines. Procurement controversy: Debate continues over procurement amendments and the weakening of OPR safeguards, with questions raised about whether changes open the door to corruption and reduced oversight. Finance & energy: NGC and Shell finalised commercial agreements for the Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027, while ProMan says it is cutting headcount amid constrained gas supply. CARICOM diplomacy: CARICOM countries backed India’s UNSC bid for 2028-29, agreeing to deepen cooperation on trade, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. Culture flashpoint: Pan Trinbago accused the Culture Ministry of “vengeance and vindictiveness” after cheque distribution for Carnival 2026 prize monies was blocked again.

UNGA Diplomacy: Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in New York, announcing a “new era” in bilateral ties and confirming Kamla as persona grata, with a joint agenda spanning energy, maritime security, trade, air links, tourism and disaster risk. Regional Security: Trinidad and Tobago joined the US-led “Shield of the Americas” sanctions push, backing coordinated asset freezes, visa/immigration restrictions and criminal liability targeting 24 narco-terrorist organizations. Crime & Rights Debate: Attorney General John Jeremie rejected comparisons of the Special Operations Bill to apartheid as the Senate debate intensified, arguing the law targets gangs and violent crime. Energy Update: NGC said it secured new gas supply arrangements, including term sheets with EOG and bpTT and progress with Shell for the Aphrodite project, with first gas expected in 2027. Public Life: On Republic Day eve, PM Persad-Bissessar urged citizens to put the national interest first and reject corruption and violence in everyday choices. Judicial Integrity: Regional judiciary chiefs raised alarm over leaked CCJ internal communications, calling the breach serious and urging proper handling of the matter.