AGP Executive Report

Moody’s Upgrade: Moody’s lifted Trinidad and Tobago’s outlook from negative to stable, affirming the Ba2 rating and pointing to stronger external prospects, reserves, and debt-management steps ahead of the mid-year budget review. Energy Diplomacy: AMCHAM’s president urged unity as Venezuela’s Loran gas licence for Shell moves forward, warning that political division could blunt the economic upside. Oil-Spill Row: Venezuela escalated its claims of a second spill, while T&T says it’s running joint sea and drone checks to identify the substance and its source. AI in Courts: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh warned that generative AI must not replace human judgment as the judiciary finalises court-use rules. Parliament Audio Chaos: Couva South MP Barry Padarath denied intimidation claims after a mic-muting row, while a parliamentary expert called the incident unprecedented and urged the Speaker to reassure staff. Race Politics Flashpoint: NJAC condemned Kareem Marcelle’s divisive remarks at a PNM meeting; PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hit back, accusing the Opposition of race-grifting. Crime & Emergency Debate: Commentary questions whether the State of Emergency is losing effectiveness, as protest restrictions and murder figures come under scrutiny. Health Push: NBTS warned against illegal blood selling as a national donation drive ramps up, alongside a new MOU with Starkey Hearing Foundation to expand hearing-health services.

Race Row in Parliament: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hit back at Opposition MP Kareem Marcelle over “race” remarks, saying he appears to be “suffering from a non-functional brain” and accusing the PNM of “race-grifting.” Vigil for Missing Child: In Tobago, family and residents held a candlelight vigil for Angelo Tobias, one month after he was reported missing, with hopes for “justice.” Oil Spill Dispute: Trinidad and Tobago launched a joint operation to identify the source of a substance after Venezuela alleged a second, larger spill confirmed by satellite imagery; Heritage Petroleum says there’s no evidence of large hydrocarbons. Parliament Staff Probe: The PNM called for a criminal investigation into Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath after complaints of muted microphones and an alleged photo of a parliamentary audio technician, warning of intimidation. SoE/“1%” Backlash: Amcham T&T urged government to avoid attacks on groups without proof amid the AG’s “1%” claims and the PM’s defence of the State of Emergency. Economy Watch: Moody’s revised T&T’s sovereign outlook to stable, citing growing confidence while keeping the Ba2 rating.

State of Emergency Numbers: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander told Parliament that since the SoE began there have been 7,174 police-led operations, 3,211 arrests, 698 charges, 465 PDOs approved, and 184 firearms removed. Justice System Reform: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh used the LATT Biennial Law Conference to push for a more accessible, fair, and timely judiciary, warning against AI abuse by attorneys. AG Fees Scrutiny: Attorney General John Jeremie said his office is vetting invoices after flagging about $34m in legal fee claims, amid wider questions over spending. Crime vs Rights Debate: Opposition and unions renewed calls to justify any further SoE extension and the no-protest zones, arguing freedoms can’t be suspended indefinitely. Education Funding Clarification: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath said a $127.8m supplemental allocation does not include outstanding teacher backpay. Oil Spill Row: Heritage Petroleum reported no evidence of a major hydrocarbon spill after Venezuela raised alarms; authorities are still investigating. Economy Signal: Moody’s upgraded T&T’s outlook to Stable, citing improved fiscal direction and buffers. Digital Government Moves: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj outlined digital reforms to cut red tape, including SeaClear and TTBizLink, plus a forced-labour import ban proposal. Local Politics: Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle defended remarks after backlash, saying they targeted the UNC, not any ethnic group.

State of Emergency politics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the three-month SoE extension, saying it won’t last her full term and insisting “no one is above the law,” while Opposition MPs and unions push back on protest limits and “rolling over” claims. Parliamentary “1%” row: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles challenged the Government to take any claims about the “1%” to police after the AG said some visas were revoked by the US; the PM said Trinidad has no role in US visa decisions and that the law applies equally. Crime and policing: New preventive detention orders were published for alleged gang-linked suspects, as the Government also highlighted anti-crime measures and forensic upgrades. Judiciary reform: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh called for modern, accessible court reform and warned against over-reliance on AI in legal decision-making. Emergency services: Four repaired ambulances were handed back to the Fire Service to restore emergency response capacity. Tobago governance: Tobago’s budget focus for 2027 was outlined as development-minded and “international standards” oriented. Regional flashpoint—oil spill: Venezuela renewed accusations of a new hydrocarbon spill from Trinidad and Tobago, while T&T said it deployed coast and air units to verify the source. Child protection activism: Goodwood students in Tobago held a walkathon after the disappearance and death case involving Angelo Tobias-Plaza.

State of Emergency Showdown: Opposition and unions are pushing back hard as PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar defends a further three-month SoE extension, arguing the anti-crime plan is already delivering results while criminal syndicates remain organised. PNM vs Govt on Crime: PNM leader Penelope Beckles says cooperation is possible, but Government has not shown enough proof that emergency powers are the answer. “One per cent” Rhetoric Sparks Backlash: The AG and PM warn no one is beyond the law, including alleged white-collar links to drug money laundering—sparking fresh concern about racial/class targeting. Tobago MPs Split: Tobago PM-supporters face criticism from Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, who calls them “blind puppets,” while David Thomas says there’s no formal alliance. Copper Theft Pressure: Scrap iron dealers want centralised scrap-yard control and a temporary copper ban after theft and vandalism hit T&TEC infrastructure. Regional/International Watch: Venezuela moves ahead with Shell on the cross-border Loran gas field, with Trinidad linked to processing and export plans. Justice System Capacity: PACE Justice Project workshops in the region focus on better police-prosecutor coordination to reduce backlogs and pre-trial detention.

State of Emergency Budget Push: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended a three-month SoE extension, saying no rights are absolute and restrictions like no-protest zones are constitutional and necessary to protect national security. Crime & Police Funding: Finance supplemental funding of TT$2.93b is set for debate, including TT$5m for rental vehicles for covert SoE specialist operations, plus Defence hosting costs and allocations for WASA and regional bodies. Parliamentary Clash Over Finance Bill: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says the Finance Bill 2026 passed with no new taxes on citizens, while Opposition MPs dispute the impact; energy minister Roodal Moonilal also framed the Bill as supporting recovery in oil and gas. Energy Diplomacy: Moonilal dismissed criticism over engagement with Venezuela, insisting talks continue and cross-border gas projects remain on track. Tobago Development Blueprint: Tobago House of Assembly officials outlined a four-year “Pathway for Prosperity” blueprint starting with resilience, digitisation/AI in public service, and climate adaptation, alongside expectations for mid-year teacher arrears payments. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop in Port of Spain. Tourism Win: Two Tobago/Trinidad tourism properties earned major Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice recognition, boosting the case for regenerative tourism.

State of Emergency Debate: Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales says the SoE extension is a “national sham” and demands a workable crime plan, while Attorney General John Jeremie argues enforcement must also target “big fish” and facilitators of organised crime, not just street gangs. Finance Bill Fight: Finance (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed after Dave Tan­coo defended it as not adding new taxes for citizens, while Colm Imbert accused it of punishing the poor and small businesses and Imbert’s side framed it as “promise kept” for protective services. Public Safety & Crime: A home invasion in South Trinidad left a pensioner and her daughter traumatised, with calls for tougher action; meanwhile, a judge in a separate Trinidad, Texas case said police misled him when approving a warrant tied to a Facebook post about water fears. Border Health: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe announced Ebola precautions, advising against travel to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and introducing enhanced screening for arrivals. Water Infrastructure Sabotage: WASA condemned a second attack on booster-station infrastructure in 24 hours, disrupting supply in Tabaquite and surrounding areas. Energy & Investment: T&T signed a production-sharing deal for TTUD-1 with ExxonMobil and Occidental, pitching it as a milestone for upstream growth. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe won a UN Security Council seat with 182 votes, set to represent Africa.

WASA Infrastructure Sabotage: WASA says a second brazen attack on its Tabaquite booster station—after a similar Biche incident—forced an immediate shutdown and disrupted water service for thousands, with repairs underway and T&TEC notified. Ebola Travel Advisory: The Health Ministry urges Trinidad and Tobago nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan due to an Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, with enhanced screening for returning travellers and extra caution for other listed high-risk countries. SoE Extension Fight: As Government moves to extend the State of Emergency for three more months, the PNM warns of a constitutional “loop” that could prolong emergency powers, while the PM dismisses the criticism. Finance Bill in Parliament: A marathon debate is set in the House on the Finance Bill 2026, including changes to fines and penalties and provisions tied to the 2026 Budget, followed by the SoE motion. Child Safety and Social Climate: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says society has become “hyper-sexualised” and “hyper-aggressive,” pointing to pornography, substance abuse and weak parental responsibility as factors leaving children vulnerable, alongside police in schools and parental responsibility legislation. Regional Security Workshop: Defence and CARICOM IMPACS, with U.S. support, launched a five-day regional workshop on firearms trafficking, focusing on intelligence sharing and building prosecutable cases. Tourism Connectivity Pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urges T&T to reconsider withdrawal of Caribbean airline services to some destinations, warning it could damage multi-destination tourism and inter-island travel. Registrar General Office Tensions (Tobago): Workers in Tobago’s Registrar General’s office call for PM and THA intervention over longstanding workplace issues tied to transfers and resignations. UN Security Council Seat Politics: PM and Opposition figures continue sparring over how T&T should use its UN Security Council seat, with calls to uphold principles and concerns about protest handling. Caribbean Music Awards Buzz: Lady Lava leads nominations for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, with Machel Montano and Ayetian close behind, as the awards expand categories across genres.

State of Emergency in Parliament: The UNC Government heads back to the House to seek a three-month extension of the State of Emergency, with the Prime Minister arguing it’s temporary but necessary to stop violent crime, while the Opposition warns the country could be kept under emergency powers via constitutional “loops.” Police under SoE: Police say 332 Preventive Detention Orders have been executed since March 3, as debate intensifies over whether the SoE is delivering results. Protest restrictions under fire: A coalition of 13 independent unions has requested an urgent meeting with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar over the 500-metre exclusion zone limiting demonstrations near designated locations. Justice and transparency clash: A constitutional showdown is brewing after a local activist sued the Attorney General over alleged paralysis of transparency laws tied to the Ombudsman’s vacancy. US citizenship revocation hits region: The US Justice Department moves to denaturalize 17 people, including a Trinidad and Tobago man convicted of statutory rape. Local governance & history: A new archival recap spotlights historian Angelo Bissessarsingh’s work, while a Tobago-focused piece reflects on Les Coteaux folk traditions and community change.

State of Emergency Debate: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce says any extension of the state of emergency must be backed by evidence and measurable results, warning against indefinite emergency powers and urging transparent reporting to show sustained crime reductions. Energy & Investment: The Energy Minister has signed a production sharing contract for ultra-deepwater exploration with ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum, a push to advance T&T’s upstream sector. Public Services Under Strain: WASA condemns vandalism at the Biche Booster Station after thieves stole electrical wiring, triggering a power outage and water disruptions for communities including Charuma, Biche and Plum Mitan. US Citizenship Revocation Watch: US DOJ has filed denaturalisation actions targeting 17 people, including four Caribbean nationals—among them a Trinidad and Tobago man—accused of serious crimes including sexual abuse, fraud and drug offences. Regional Security Training: St Kitts and Nevis’ 2Lt Jelani Griffin was named best student after completing a joint operations planning course delivered in Trinidad and Tobago. CARICOM Sports Calendar: CARICOM’s 19th Road Run/Walk is set for 5 July in Saint Lucia, with elite and open events tied to the CARICOM Heads’ meeting. Local Football Flashpoint: A WoLF match between Point Pioneers and Trendsetter Hawks ended in a mass brawl after red cards, with at least one player injured and taken to hospital.

State of Emergency politics: Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste says the $2.8B mid-year wage injection is for public workers whose unions already settled deals, not fresh settlements—while the Government heads back to Parliament to seek another 3-month SoE extension, with Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association chief Reginald Mac Lean warning MPs against voting for it and NATUC demanding clear, transparent reasons for continuing emergency powers. Public safety and policing: Homeland Security issued 40 Preventive Detention Orders under the Emergency Powers Regulations, alleging links to gang networks and firearm violence; separately, TTPS reported two men arrested in Siparia after a firearm and ammunition were seized during a targeted operation. Child protection pressure: Child rights advocate Marcus Kissoon urged PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to return to a child-centred development framework and consider a dedicated child ministry, as the country mourns 12-year-old Mercedez Layne after an autopsy confirmed she was beaten to death. Energy and investment: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and partners signed the Production Sharing Contract for the TTUD-1 Block with ExxonMobil and Occidental, signalling momentum in upstream exploration. Regional business push: TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming to expand exports and investment ties. Culture and community: Steelpan icon Robert “Robbie” Greenidge has died, prompting tributes across the music sector.

State of Emergency Clash: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the PNM will not support extending Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency, calling it an “admission of failure” and warning the UNC is restricting freedoms while arresting dissenters. Public Safety Debate: Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith argues the SOE extension shows police leadership can’t control crime, contrasting it with earlier crime-reduction efforts that didn’t rely on emergency powers. Crime and Community Shock: MP Clyde Elder visited the family of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne after her body was found near an oil pipeline in Erin; police have a suspect in custody as the investigation continues. Religious Freedom: IRO president Dr Ellis Burris condemned the theft of two sacred gold-plated monstrances from St Mary’s RC Church, urging respect for places of worship. Diplomacy and Regional Trade: Trinidad and Tobago’s UNSC election for 2027–28 is framed as a diplomatic milestone, while TTMA launches a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname to deepen business links. International Pressure on Citizenship and Trade: US DOJ moves to denaturalize 17 people over alleged serious crimes, and USTR proposes new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs affecting dozens of economies.

State of Emergency Extension: Trinidad and Tobago’s Government will seek Parliament approval on Wednesday to extend the current State of Emergency for another three months, with the Attorney General citing NSC-reviewed reports on local and international threats and “meaningful disruptions” in security-related datasets; Political Pushback: Opposition figures, including PNM leader Pennelope Beckles, say the extension was predictable and signal legal challenges, while independent senator Anthony Vieira argues the Government now has a “burden of proof” and should present outcomes and data; Public Order & Protests: Labour pressure is building as the Trinidad and Tobago National Nurses’ Association weighs protest options amid SoE restrictions, and Government House leader Barry Padarath warns of threats tied to racism and prejudice around protests outside ministers’ homes; Education & Governance: Criticism continues over the Teaching Service Commission’s handling of denominational education boards, with claims of unfairness and constitutional tension; Infrastructure & Economy: The US$161M Soesdyke-Linden Highway project is reported about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works advancing; Energy Investment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Occidental Petroleum has secured a farm-in to TTUD-1, signalling renewed energy interest; Public Safety Tragedy: A 12-year-old, Mercedez Layne, was found dead after being reported missing, with a 26-year-old held in police custody as investigations continue.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago clinched a major diplomatic victory, winning election as a non-permanent UNSC member for 2027–2028 with 181 of 191 votes, positioning the country at the centre of global peace and security discussions. State of Emergency Debate: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says the SoE should be extended for three more months, arguing crime gains need consolidation, while Independent senators say the Government must show outcomes and data to justify any extension. Press Freedom Tension: MATT has written to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar asking for a meeting over alleged gaps in formal press access to certain government events and functions using state resources. Public Finance & Wages: Government seeks a $2.93b supplementary budget to meet wage commitments for 62,000-plus public servants, with business groups welcoming the near-term boost but urging clarity on fiscal sustainability. Crime, Children & Public Safety: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles mourned the death of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne and renewed calls for stronger child protection and better public safety systems. Local Governance: Tobago’s future depends on investment, not stagnation, as debate continues around development priorities. Infrastructure Update: The $161m Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is reported at about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Regional Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 CPI highlights weak governance across parts of the Caribbean, with Haiti at the bottom of the regional table.

UN Security Council Seat: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat for 2027–2028, with local commentary stressing what it means for small states and the diplomatic work ahead. Opposition Bench Shake-up: Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates has been replaced by attorney Dr Margaret Satya Rose, as the party moves to reset its Senate bench after earlier controversy. Finance Bill 2026: Stakeholders are questioning a lack of consultation as fines rise across multiple categories, while economists frame the move as revenue-raising amid fiscal pressure. Public Order & Protests: Nurses’ leaders warn they may protest at ministers’ homes if State of Emergency restrictions block usual routes, as debate continues over protest limits and policing under emergency rules. Food Security: A UN-backed report says nearly 513,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernourishment and child nutrition risks highlighted. Local Governance & Economy: Business groups are urging results from the Mid-Year Review, pushing faster action on diversification and private-sector confidence. Regional Spotlight: T&T joins a regional call for stability in Bolivia amid unrest and road blockades.

UN Security Council: Former PM Keith Rowley welcomed Trinidad and Tobago’s election to the UNSC, warning the country’s conduct will now face tighter scrutiny. State of Emergency & protests: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles again said the PNM will not support any further extension of the State of Emergency, arguing crime-fighting measures and “no protest zones” haven’t justified indefinite emergency rule. Parliament & appointments: Attorney Dr Margaret Satya Rose was sworn in as Opposition Senator, replacing Janelle John-Bates after the latter’s controversy over editing a witness statement involving former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh. Public finance: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced Government will seek a $2.93b supplementary appropriation to fund wage increases for 62,000+ workers. Policing & Tobago: Chief Sec Farley Augustine launched the TTPS Active Directed Grid Patrol system, while the Police Commissioner said the force is ready for ongoing disruption management. Crime & safety: A Princes Town home invasion suspect was remanded after a knife attack; in Arima, a store burglary netted TT$18,631. International travel warning: The UK Foreign Office updated advice urging Britons to exercise caution in T&T amid the SoE and violent crime concerns.