AGP Executive Report

Preventive Detention Orders: Trinidad and Tobago has published the gazetted grounds for the Preventive Detention Orders against business executives Dominic Hadeed, Genevieve Hadeed and Star Sabga, alleging an ongoing conspiracy to assassinate senior government figures and warning of threats to public safety during the State of Emergency. Children’s Authority Debt Settlement: The Ministry of People, Social Development and Family Services says it has paid audited outstanding Children’s Authority invoices totalling TT$36.04m, including security, works at the National Care and Empowerment Centre, and janitorial services, to reduce inherited-debt fallout and prevent litigation. Emergency Powers and Free Expression: Christopher Samaroo, father of Joshua Samaroo, was released on $100,000 bail after more than a week in custody under Emergency Powers Regulation 11(a) tied to comments allegedly made during a radio interview. T&TEC Management Changes: T&TEC dismissed two senior managers and appointed two replacements—Aniel Jairam as internal audit manager and Bisnath Maharaj as head of security—effective immediately and August 1 respectively. CARICOM Rastafari Rights Push: CARICOM governments plan a regional meeting with Rastafarian representatives to address long-running marginalisation, with Prime Minister Terrance Drew set to chair a new CARICOM committee on Rastafarian issues as Philip Pierre takes over CARICOM chairmanship. Digital Cooperation: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith met Singapore’s CARICOM ambassador to discuss deeper collaboration on digital transformation, AI governance, cybersecurity and public-sector innovation. Energy Security Warning: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says recovery in the energy sector is underway, but pipeline sabotage remains a major risk to planned gains.

Education & Equity: SEA results are out, with Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath calling “significant improvement,” while a UNESCO report warns the exam still sorts children too early and can reproduce inequality in school placement. Crime & Policing: Northern Division police say serious reported crimes fell 32%, murders dropped from 43 to 26, and active gangs fell from 16 to 11 after targeted investigations and community-linked intelligence. Youth Policy Clash: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles urges Government to reverse the temporary suspension of MiLAT, arguing it’s a major setback for youth and crime prevention; Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says it’s not shut down and a restructuring review is underway. Courts & Accountability: High Court orders TV6/One Caribbean Media to pay over $350,000 for defamation over an ISIS-linked report about a customs officer; in another ruling, the State is ordered to pay more than $2.5M over failure to protect a domestic violence victim. Energy & Security: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says T&T is working toward a Pointe-a-Pierre refinery restart by end-2026 and warns of sabotage after a pipeline cut released about 416 barrels of crude into the environment. Regional Governance: CARICOM will convene a meeting to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians across the region, including establishing a committee with Trinidad and Tobago among member states.

MiLAT Fight: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles is demanding the Government reverse the suspension of the Military-Led Academic Training (MiLAT) programme, calling it a blow to youth development and crime prevention, while Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says MiLAT was only temporarily suspended for a financial viability review and restructuring. Migration Delays: Migrant and human rights advocate Sofia Figueroa-Leon says Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s explanation for delays in migration and residency processing “makes absolutely no sense,” arguing migrants who followed the process shouldn’t be punished for others entering illegally. CARICOM Rights Push: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting and committee work on issues affecting Rastafarians, citing ongoing discrimination in education, employment and public life; political scientist Prof Hamid Ghany meanwhile warns CARICOM must “clean up its act” over governance concerns. Security & Courts: A High Court ordered TV6/One Caribbean Media to pay $350,000 in a defamation case over allegations linking a customs officer to ISIS; separately, police recovered a firearm and police-issued items in an intelligence-led Couva anti-crime exercise. Energy Pressure: Energy analysts warn petrochemical shutdowns could cost T&T hundreds of millions in annual foreign exchange earnings, as the sector faces declining gas supplies and contract expiries. Regional Diplomacy: Attorney General John Jeremie received Singapore’s CARICOM ambassador for talks on technical and economic cooperation.

CARICOM Regional Rights: CARICOM will convene a meeting of member-state representatives and stakeholders to tackle persistent discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, including exclusion in education, employment and public life, and will set up a committee with Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago to advance the issue regionally and internationally. Energy & Industry: Trinidad and Tobago moved closer to Mercosur associate membership as Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers said the application is advancing after high-level talks, with hopes for manufacturing opportunities; meanwhile, Methanex’s decision to indefinitely idle its Titan plant is being framed by the Government as a gas-pricing negotiation breakdown, with the door left open for future restart if conditions improve. Public Works & Health Services: The Port of Spain General Hospital Central Block is reported 97% complete, targeting substantial completion by 14 July, as Works and Udecott prepare for handover to the Ministry of Health. State of Emergency & Detention Politics: Opposition figures renewed pressure over the use of executive detention powers after the High Court kept Dominic Hadeed and his wife in custody, while the Government continues to defend the approach. Local Governance & Services: Tobago’s Electoral District Fund is now launched, with THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine saying it will speed up small community projects without long delays. Security & Crime: New PDOs under the Emergency Powers Regulations include allegations tied to organised crime and bank-customer robberies, adding to the week’s detention and policing debate. Tech & Economy: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith told business leaders the digital economy can’t be built by Government alone, calling for real collaboration with citizens and the private sector.

Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: Lawyers rallied to defend an acting chief magistrate after reports of an imminent arrest over alleged bribes for favourable rulings, as the legal community pushes back on claims circulating in the public domain. Municipal Policing Reform: The Municipal Police Service moved to modernise with a new Public Information and Communications Unit, while government is also examining legislation to incorporate municipal police into the TTPS. Homeland Security & Court Process: Minister Roger Alexander says he will issue a permit to let deported blogger “Chris Must List” return for his sedition trial on July 22, pointing to an administrative oversight that left the case in an awkward position. UWI Fraud Warning: The UWI issued a public alert about an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data, urging people to verify only through official channels. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM announced a special meeting and a committee involving Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians. Disaster Relief at Home: Central Trinidad households received over $462,000 in disaster relief and minor home repair grants, with the ministry framing the support as practical reassurance ahead of the next rainy season. Energy Shock to Industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant in Point Lisas after failing to agree a new natural gas contract, citing tight gas supply and commercial unviability.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad and Tobago launched a nationwide humanitarian drive for quake-hit Venezuela, setting up collection points (including Point Lisas sheds) and a public-private relief fund after a joint meeting involving Foreign Affairs, Rural Development, Defence, Health and Homeland Security. Municipal Policing Upgrade: The Municipal Police Service rolled out a Public Information and Communications Unit to boost two-way engagement with communities, with Municipal Police leaders stressing transparency and faster public updates. Crime, Gangs, and Business Impact: A UK Home Office assessment estimating 186 gangs in T&T drew fresh pushback from local officials, while the Chaguanas Chamber warned crime is now a direct drag on the economy and investor confidence. Hadeed Detention Fight: Details continue to surface around Preventive Detention Orders tied to Dominic Hadeed and others, as legal challenges press for due process and clearer grounds for detention. Energy and Jobs: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant after failing to secure a new natural gas contract, citing tight gas supply and commercial unviability. Public Safety and Preparedness: SEWA TT renewed calls for more voluntary blood donations as part of disaster readiness, and hurricane shelter readiness was reported as strengthened ahead of the season. Port of Spain Local Governance: Coverage also flags ongoing pressure around Port of Spain City Corporation staffing and pay constraints, with the Mayor acknowledging serious financial limits.

Preventive Detention Orders and “rule of law” row: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander defended PDOs tied to businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve and Star Sabga, saying the process is intelligence-led and legally reviewed, while urging the public to avoid “trial by social media.” Gang funding and political heat: Attorney General John Jeremie reiterated vows to target “1% gangs” funding linked to the PNM, keeping pressure on the government’s anti-gang drive. Courts and alleged judiciary compromise: A report claims an imminent arrest of a sitting magistrate over allegations of bribery and money laundering connected to favourable court rulings. Energy and jobs: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant after failing to secure a new gas contract, citing tight gas supply; separately, Minister Deodat Indar says the Wales gas-to-energy project is set to start up in December. Local governance: Port of Spain City Corporation wage strain remains in focus as Mayor Chinua Alleyne faces mounting questions. Public safety: Police recovered a stolen vehicle in Valencia and arrested a suspect after a roadcheck. Community resilience: SEWA TT renewed calls for more voluntary blood donations as part of disaster preparedness. UWI fraud warning: The university warned of an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data.

Emergency Powers & Detentions: Businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and her aunt Star Sabga remain in custody under Preventive Detention Orders tied to an alleged conspiracy to assassinate senior government figures, including PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar; Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander insists the matter is intelligence-led, while legal challenges continue over due process and detention conditions. PNM Internal Politics: With a special PNM General Council meeting underway, former executive elections candidate Krys tle Horwood is pushing for constituency polls to be postponed and for an independent audit of the party’s membership register amid confidence concerns. Tobago Fiscal Debate: THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor defends the administration’s consideration of a future hiring freeze as wage pressures rise, while opposition parties warn of backlash and demand a clearer private-sector development plan. Public Safety & Gangs: Homeland Security Minister Alexander disputes a UK Visas and Immigration gang count, saying local intelligence figures differ, as business leaders report anxiety after shootings near commercial areas. Seismic Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urges residents to stay prepared after major Venezuela quakes and encourages the public to report tremors via its “Did You Feel It?” tool to improve regional shake mapping. Regional Response to Venezuela Quakes: CAF launched a Venezuela Recovery and Reconstruction Fund to coordinate public, private and international contributions for rebuilding, alongside ongoing relief efforts and the continued return of T&T nationals. Tech & Jobs: AMCHAM T&T calls for higher-value BPO growth and highlights fintech’s uneven playing field, while Education Minister Dowlath promotes expanded STEM, robotics and AI in schools.

STEM Push: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath unveiled plans to expand STEM in schools, using robotics and FIRST Tech Challenge as a springboard for digital tech, robotics and AI. Public Safety & Justice: A suspended TTPS constable was arrested over alleged kidnapping and sexual offences tied to a June 3 incident, with expected charges including grievous sexual assault and kidnapping. Rule of Law Debate: The detention of businessman Dominic Hadeed and family continues to spark arguments over due process and whether the case is politically motivated, as courts weigh habeas-related matters. Ombudsman vs Secrecy: The Ombudsman upheld the Civil Aviation Ministry’s refusal to disclose US military flight records, citing no basis for FOIA disclosure. Housing/THA Politics: People’s Social Development Minister Vandana Mohit said the South Quay assessment centre and temporary housing facility is under Cabinet review after Opposition pressure. Regional Response: Trinidad and Tobago is collecting relief supplies for earthquake-hit Venezuela, while UWI Seismic Research Centre urged preparedness after major quakes. Tobago Loss: Tobago mourns Oscar B, the famed singer of the Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires era.

State of Emergency & Due Process: The Ombudsman has upheld the Civil Aviation Ministry’s refusal to disclose US military flight records, saying there’s no basis to recommend release under the Freedom of Information Act—though Guardian Media can still seek judicial review. Hadeed Probe: Businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and Star Sabga remain in custody after search warrants tied to an alleged conspiracy to murder; habeas corpus and detention-condition complaints are now in play, with experts split on whether the case will deter investors. One Per Cent Debate: Faith leaders are urging the “one per cent” discussion to stay grounded in law and fairness, warning against turning a political label into community division. Homelessness & Housing: People’s Social Development Minister Vandana Mohit says the under-construction Assessment Centre and Temporary Housing Facility for the socially displaced on South Quay is being reviewed with Cabinet priorities, after Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles pressed for updates. Regional Disaster Response: T&T is mobilising relief for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers saying supplies are being collected for shipment as the death toll climbs. Tobago Fiscal Signals: Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says THA will not hire in the foreseeable future, framing it as a push to build industries beyond the THA.

Emergency Powers Detention Fight: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander is expected to sign preventive detention orders for businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and relative Star Sabga under the state of emergency, with claims of unlawful detention and degrading conditions now heading to court via a habeas corpus writ. Police Accountability & Due Process: Alexander also urged the public to let police and courts work without interference, while Joshua Samaroo’s father was hospitalised under police guard after complaining of illness, raising fresh questions about custody and legal process. Local Government Cash Crunch: Port-of-Spain City Corporation failed to pay June salaries to civil servants, with Mayor Chinua Alleyne warning the fiscal crisis is now “here” and calling on the finance and local government ministries to intervene. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Rawdon Turner and incoming CDEMA chair Roger Alexander pushed for stronger Caribbean coordination on rainy-season hazards and disaster readiness, with T&T signalling it will respond to any Venezuela assistance request. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank held the repo rate at 3.5%, citing global uncertainty and subdued inflation. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed cooperation at the OAS margins, prioritising security, Haiti, climate resilience, and economic action. Tobago Budget: Ashworth Jack backed the THA’s fiscal 2027 direction as a step toward digital transformation and long-term development.

Local Government Pay Dispute: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen says Port of Spain City Corporation has no basis to threaten workers over salaries, pointing to Finance Ministry confirmation that funds were released after the Mid-Year Budget Review. Tobago Budget Tensions: Political analyst Shane Mohammed warns THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine that a planned hiring freeze could trigger backlash if the timeline and details aren’t shared clearly. THA Airport Build-Out: THA says it’s investing $10M to outfit the ANR International Airport terminal, after requesting Central Government support for interior fit-out but receiving none. Nursing Overtime Fight: NCRHA chair Dr Tim Gopeesingh says overtime has been cut from about $40M to under $4M, while TTNNA president Idi Stuart rejects fraud claims, saying overtime stems from staffing shortages. Hadeed Probe Politics Denied: Government rejects claims that the detention of Dominic Hadeed and his wife is politically motivated, insisting TTPS independence and rule of law. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Government launches a nationwide relief drive for earthquake-hit Venezuela, coordinating state agencies, private sector and municipal bodies. Regional Security Move: CARICOM IMPACS hosts plans for a Caribbean police network to tackle transnational environmental crime. PNM Unity Push: Marvin Gonzales urges PNM members to set aside internal divisions ahead of local government elections.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a coordinated humanitarian relief drive for quake-hit Venezuela, with a public-private stakeholder meeting chaired by Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Rural Development/Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen. Donations are being directed to Port of Point Lisas warehouses, while a national collection drive across all municipal corporations is set to run daily from June 29 (8am–4pm), with the Disaster Relief Fund–Venezuela at First Citizens. Regional Disaster Coordination: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander told CDEMA ministers Trinidad and Tobago is ready to act on requests for assistance, as the death toll in Venezuela continues to climb. Crime & Governance Clash: Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales hit back at PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar over claims about US Navy SEAL support, while Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander disputed a UK report alleging more than 180 active gangs, saying local figures differ. Legal Rights Under State of Emergency: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago urged the government to revisit the protest ban under the SoE, warning emergency powers can’t become a permanent governance tool. Local Accountability & Investigations: Police detained a third person in the Hadeed probe as searches continued, while PNM figures questioned whether the detention is linked to criticism of government tax policy. Economy Watch: The Central Bank kept the repo rate steady at 3.50%, citing low domestic inflation but a deteriorating global outlook.

Disaster Response & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar pledged Trinidad and Tobago’s humanitarian support to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela after back-to-back quakes, while the Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Ministry said T&T nationals were safe and the embassy in Caracas suffered only superficial damage but remains inaccessible due to road closures. Public Order & Rights: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) challenged the State of Emergency’s “no-protest zone,” arguing the 500-metre ban around key institutions is too broad and undermines protest effectiveness, as the SoE is extended. Local Governance & Procurement: Mayor Roderick Awingan backed procurement training for municipal personnel under the New Government Procurement Act, pushing for more transparent, efficient public spending. Tobago Autonomy: Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announced an August convention to kick off the autonomy process, with a proposed $10m budget and calls for broad public agreement. Energy & Infrastructure: The energy minister is set to name five priority power-line projects for federal backing, aimed at improving cross-region electricity sharing. Justice & Accountability: A woman charged in an alleged TT$20m fraudulent cheque scheme was granted TT$6m bail and ordered to surrender her passport pending court proceedings. Security & Politics: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles questioned whether the government was aware of a UK assessment estimating 186 gangs operating in T&T, while also pressing for due process in the Hadeed investigation after arrests with no charges yet. Procurement Litigation: T&TEC won a procurement challenge over a surveillance upgrade, with a panel dismissing a bid dispute.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended condolences and pledged Trinidad and Tobago’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance as a 7.2 quake followed by a 7.5 quake devastated parts of Venezuela; the Foreign Ministry says four T&T athletes are safe and consular channels are active. Tobago Autonomy Push: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announced a Tobago-wide convention in August to kick-start the autonomy process, with a proposed $10m budget and broad consultations across parties, NGOs and communities. Court & Governance: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago questioned the constitutionality of the State of Emergency protest ban, while an independent legal opinion argues CARICOM’s reappointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett may be legally invalid due to procedural flaws. Public Order & Rights: Activist “Jesus” Johann Harry was named in 14 preventive detention orders over alleged hate speech and threats during the State of Public Emergency. Local Justice & Accountability: T&TEC threatened to sue MP Keith Scotland and attorney Keisha Kydd-Hannibal over a Flavorite Foods debt recovery case, and a contractor’s $90m claim against the THA was dismissed with costs. Crime & Security: Police detained Dominic Hadeed and his wife after searches at their home and business, and a UK Home Office report says more than 180 gangs operate in T&T, concentrated around Port of Spain and the East-West Corridor. Economy & Development: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj urged businesses to modernise and expand internationally as the T&T Chamber’s Champions of Business Awards launch rolled out a regional category. Social Support: MPSDFS distributed disaster relief and home repair grants in Port of Spain and Diego Martin to vulnerable households.

Earthquake Response: Trinidad and Tobago says it stands ready to support Venezuela after two powerful quakes struck off the coast, with Caracas reporting building collapses and emergency deployments. Public Safety & Crime: Foreign Office-linked UK reporting on gangs in T&T is back in the spotlight, with a criminologist urging readers to treat it as guidance for asylum decisions rather than a travel warning. Police Morale: The TTPSSWA warns of burnout, staffing shortages and promotion delays, saying legal disputes have effectively frozen parts of the promotion process and are damaging morale. Local Governance Friction: Works Ministry technical officers say they’re facing hostility from some local government officials during road-repair coordination, with calls for a dedicated technical forum to reduce tension. Youth Employment: The Employers’ Consultative Association urges structured school-to-work training to tackle youth unemployment and underemployment, pointing to skills mismatches and weak transitions from education to work. Caricom Legal Challenge: A UWI law professor says there may be a legal basis to challenge CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s 2026 reappointment ahead of leaders’ talks. Energy & Accountability: T&TEC threatens legal action over a Flavourite Foods electricity-debt case, while debate continues over the commission’s “protected list” and public accountability concerns. Regional Security: Foreign Minister Nicholas Morris tells the OAS in Panama that trafficking in firearms, narcotics and persons is a major threat to T&T’s stability.