AGP Executive Report

Special Operations Bill Fallout: Hours after the Bill passed in the Lower House, Port of Spain residents and Tobago stakeholders voiced fears of “closed areas,” curfews and movement restrictions—while PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar insisted communities are free to protest and said she’s “not bothered.” Public Anxiety in Port of Spain: Beetham Gardens and Sea Lots residents said the law feels like a “mental cage,” echoing concerns that small businesses could be hit. Tobago Business Alarm: Bethel residents warned heavy police presence and possible curfews would damage livelihoods, arguing the area is no longer volatile. Police Accountability & Oversight: TTPS said it does not condone excessive force after allegations from a recently released former detainee, while debate continues over body cameras and judicial integrity. TTPS Financial Strain: An audit flagged a $200m loan pressuring the police budget, raising questions about past spending and operational delays. Tobago Safety Watch: Two separate Pigeon Point boating incidents left 8–9 injured, renewing calls for stronger water-safety enforcement. International & Regional: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar departed for UNGA, with a planned meeting with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez amid strained ties.

Maritime Disaster Oversight: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali says “no stone will be left unturned” into the MV Barima tragedy, with an independent Commission of Inquiry named to probe the sinking, rescue response, maritime safety compliance, the vessel’s seaworthiness, and the master and crew’s conduct; Public Safety Law: Trinidad and Tobago’s Special Operations Bill, 2026 has passed the House, setting up “closed areas” powers and enhanced policing without relying on another state of emergency, while Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles warns it could be “worse than the state of emergency”; Crime & Policing Accountability: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she won’t hesitate to call another SoE if threats return, as Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander claims TTPS is burdened by a $550m “black hole” from past mismanagement; Prison Security: Officers at Port of Spain Prison seized a drone carrying contraband after intelligence-led action; Infrastructure Scrutiny: Former UNC/APNU minister Annette Ferguson presses Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill over delays and spending on the $15.8b Haags Bosch Government Office Complex; Health & Community: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says blood drives are being expanded by nearly 50% and urges voluntary donations; Agriculture & Hunting Rules: State game licences for the 2026–2027 hunting season go on sale Sept 21, with iguana hunting ending Dec 31 and restrictions in Port of Spain municipal boundaries.

Special Operations Bill: The House passed the Special Operations Bill, 2026, replacing ZOSO and setting up seven policing districts with powers to declare “closed areas” and impose curfews/searches for limited periods; PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Senate will consider it next and expects no amendments, while Opposition figures warn it could become “worse than the state of emergency” and argue for stronger safeguards and Tobago consultation. SoE Exit & PM Warning: With the State of Emergency ending at midnight Thursday, the PM says she won’t hesitate to declare another SoE if threats return, pointing to thousands charged during the emergency period. TTPS Finance Claims: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS is facing a $550m “black hole,” citing an audit of 2017-22 that found liabilities, questionable contracts and a $200m government-guaranteed loan. Crime & Prisons: Investigators say contraband networks inside prisons are driving a wider probe, with more than 150 people charged over two years, including prison officers. Human Remains Case: Eight bodies were found in a refrigerated unit at an unauthorised Freeport property, triggering a multi-agency investigation. Food Prices Pressure: Analysts warn imported food costs could rise as global freight and supply-chain disruptions continue. Energy/Trade: Pro-man and Dumore pilot methanol-fuel heavy-duty trucks; Heritage Petroleum profit fell to $817m on lower crude prices. Regional Air Link: CAL plans to resume Caracas flights from Oct 17, welcomed by travel stakeholders.

Special Operations Bill: The Lower House has passed the Special Operations Bill 2026, setting up seven policing districts and allowing “closed areas” with enhanced powers; the PM says it will go to the Senate next and is expected to pass without amendments, while the AG argues any constitutional issues could be “reasonable and proportionate.” Constitutional fight: Opposition MPs and critics warn the law could be struck down and may shift power toward the President and away from court oversight. Political pushback: Port-of-Spain South MP Keith Scotland says he’ll mobilise constituents against the bill, calling concerns about searches and property seizure without court intervention a step toward a “police state.” Business backing: Business groups, including the San Juan Business Association, support the bill as a long-overdue tool to tackle crime. Tobago consultation: Tobago West MP Joel Sampson backs the bill but wants the THA’s Chief Secretary consulted before any curfew or “closed area” is declared in Tobago. Protest rules after SoE: With the State of Emergency expired, police say protests will be allowed only within the law after 500-metre no-protest zones ended. Social support grant: The Ministry of the People approved a $38,220 one-off grant for the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation’s enterprise training programme in Chaguanas. Union pressure at TSTT: The Steel Workers Union backs CWU leader Joanne Ogeer amid claims of “personal attacks” tied to governance and expenditure questions at TSTT.

Special Operations Bill showdown: Attorney General John Jeremie says the 2026 Special Operations Bill passed in the House will create seven policing districts and allow “closed areas” with curfews, cordons and other enhanced powers, while insisting any rights limits are “reasonable and proportionate.” Constitutional backlash: Opposition MPs and former security minister Stuart Young warned it could become a “police state,” while Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland called it a “sprawling assault” on constitutional rights. Body-cam fight: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and residents questioned whether body cameras will be mandatory and whether there are enough working devices; Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said the Government will “work with what we have.” Crime case spotlight: Jeremie also disclosed the alleged mastermind behind State prosecutor Randall Hector’s assassination has been in custody since last year. Local impact concerns: Diego Martin and Barrackpore residents voiced fears about heavy-handed policing and restrictions on movement. Tobago tourism worry: Tobago hoteliers fear “closed areas” could disrupt tourism. Regional integration: CARICOM’s Central Bank of T&T-backed CAPSS pilot aims for faster, cheaper cross-border payments in local currencies. Prison contraband: Officers at Maximum Security Prison seized a drone and 30 packs of cigarettes after it crashed on the rooftop.

Special Operations Bill Debate: Opposition MPs and media groups are pushing back hard as Trinidad and Tobago debates the Special Operations Bill, with Pennelope Beckles demanding clarity on whether body cameras will be mandatory and Stuart Young warning the law could create a “police state” by eroding constitutional rights. Press Freedom: The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago says the bill’s seizure powers could leave journalists’ phones, laptops and confidential sources exposed unless protections are made explicit. Government Response: Attorney General John Jeremie and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander argue the bill is temporary and oversight-based, while Alexander says the state will “work with what we have” on body cameras. Local Impact: Barrackpore residents are split on the proposed Special Operations Zones, with some welcoming curfews and warrantless searches as protection, others worried about restrictions. Public Safety Developments: Police are investigating seven human cadavers found in a refrigeration unit at a Central Trinidad compound, and a new joint security post was operationalised at the Eddie Hart Grounds. Diplomacy & Energy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Venezuela talks will resume at UNGA, and Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal met bpTT and NGC on the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project.

State of Emergency Exit & Policing Shift: Trinidad and Tobago’s 199-day State of Emergency ended Thursday night, with 395 PDO detainees released after 569 revocation orders were executed, while police warned released persons they face a “different policing environment.” Micro police units also went live as joint police/army posts opened at Tarouba, Grand Bazaar and Tacarigua, part of a new targeted anti-crime phase. Special Operations Bill Rewrite: The Government is pushing a revised Special Operations Bill, 2026 to replace the earlier ZOSO framework, including seven policing districts, a two-year expiry, and changes to who can declare security areas and curfews—debate begins in the House. Crime, Courts & Oversight: A criminologist welcomed stronger judicial oversight but warned the law could become “crime-suppression” only if social interventions are sidelined. Local Governance & Accountability: Separate from the security push, TTPS says it’s expanded its probe into former TSTT acting CEO Keino Cox, including possible fraud, concealment, conflicts of interest and misuse of executive authority. Social Services: The Ministry of People, Social Development and Family Services made another payment to the Children’s Authority (PAYE deductions), and Cabinet backed a free eye-surgery mission planned for October.

Public Safety & Rights: Trinidad and Tobago ended its state of emergency, but the government says crime-fighting won’t stop—promising a “permanent legal framework” and reintroducing the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) bill with powers like joint police-military operations, 24-hour cordons, curfews and targeted searches. Prison Service Update: The Prison Service reports 569 revocation orders executed and 395 releases, leaving 174 still in custody on other matters. Education & Security: TTUTA says OSHA findings justify teachers’ refusal to work at San Juan North Secondary after a robbery and assault, citing hazardous school perimeter fencing and security gaps. Health Services: NCRHA launched patient care shuttles at EWMSC, using two eight-seater golf carts to move patients across the large campus. Energy & Industry: Government met bpTT and NGC on advancing the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, while TOFCO marked completion of the Manatee platform jacket and piles locally. Crime & Enforcement: Coast Guard interception of a cocaine shipment valued at about $204.5m is hailed as a major win, with calls to follow through on prosecutions.

ZOSO Rewrite: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the revised Zones of Special Operations Bill will return to Parliament with amendments tomorrow and needs only a simple majority in the Senate—plus body-worn cameras and other safeguards for officers operating in closed areas as the State of Emergency ends tonight. Diplomacy Watch: Persad-Bissessar says she is “not worried” about tensions with Venezuela ahead of a planned UNGA meeting with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, after Caracas declared her persona non grata. Governance & Oversight: The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2026 is debated in the House, with Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh arguing it improves access by allowing public authority statements to be published online as well as in newspapers. Public Procurement Scrutiny: OPR’s FY 2024/25 annual report is flagged by the Joint Consultative Council for Construction Industry as showing heavy spending but persistent non-compliance and unfulfilled contracts. Local Political Signals: PM shuts down Cabinet reshuffle rumours, denying any changes “at this time.” Sports-Politics Spillover: A Trinidad Chambliss eligibility story and Lane Kiffin’s legal manoeuvring dominate international headlines, while local football governance continues with Nandlall’s team sweeping Central Zone TTCB elections.

ZOSO Bill Reset: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the revised Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill will return to Parliament with amendments and will need only a simple majority in the Senate, not the earlier three-fifths threshold. Presidential Powers & Body Cameras: A Special Operations Bill draft keeps body-worn camera use “as far as possible” (linked to resources) but expands oversight access to footage for multiple watchdogs, and includes a two-year sunset clause plus new powers for the President. Cabinet Rumours Quashed: Persad-Bissessar denies any imminent Cabinet reshuffle, calling social media “fake news” and stressing there’s “room for improvement” across Government and the media. Venezuela Diplomacy: She says she’s “not worried” about meeting Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez at the UN, noting foreign ministers should handle the persona non grata dispute. Public Accountability Fight: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh defends FOIA changes that shift publication of annual public statements from newspapers to websites, while Stuart Young SC warns it signals less newspaper disclosure. Hospital & Procurement Fallout: Persad-Bissessar calls the Port of Spain General Hospital Central Block’s “practical completion” a “con job,” arguing the block was still a construction site. Utilities & Labour Tension: Barry Padarath rejects conflict-of-interest claims about TSTT chairman Kern Dass and signals legal action against the CWU. Justice System Pressure: The Industrial Court reports a rising caseload and pledges from Government to tackle staffing, infrastructure and technology gaps. Community Services: UNFPA donates a mobile health clinic to the Ministry of Health/FPATT to expand access to screening and emergency care in hard-to-reach areas. Tobago Carnival Strain: Ferry ticket sales for key Tobago Carnival dates sold out within 24 hours, with limited sailings and flights also fully booked for parts of the period. Energy & Cost of Living: Government says an extra $318m subsidy bill is needed to keep Super gasoline reduced, but it will absorb the cost rather than raise pump prices. Water & Safety Lessons: Separate coverage highlights renewed boil-water issues in Trinidad (Texas), underscoring how water quality and public communication can trigger major public-order responses.

Energy & Diplomacy: Former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine says Touchstone’s Cascadura gas uptick is welcome but won’t be transformative until 2027–2028, pointing to Manatee and Venezuelan gas initiatives as the real drivers. Public Administration & Inclusion: The Ministry of Public Administration donated 24 refurbished computers to NGOs for National Literacy Month, boosting access for women, girls and youth. Security & Migration Vetting: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says Interpol is helping screen 24,000+ migrants ahead of registration card distribution next month. Drugs & Crime Finance: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says security forces have seized about $1B in illegal drugs since UNC took office, following major cocaine busts. Governance & Accountability: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen urged the public to report bribery by building and public health inspectors, warning corruption undermines approvals. Port-of-Spain Resilience: Works Minister Jearlean John says businesses are dumping used cooking oil into drains, clogging infrastructure and worsening flooding—calling for shared responsibility. State of Emergency Results: Officials say the SOE is delivering, citing 5,700+ arrests and a 14% decline in serious crimes as it nears expiry. Tobago Energy Tension: Tobago fishermen demand consultation before offshore drilling as EOG Resources prepares exploratory work. Local Institutions: NIBTT sees another leadership change, with a second senior executive retiring early. International Legal/Policy Watch: A Philippines Supreme Court ruling compels Congress to pass an anti-political dynasty law.

State of Emergency results: Trinidad and Tobago’s six-month SOE is set to expire Sept. 17, with officials citing 5,700+ arrests, 318 firearms seized and a reported 14% drop in serious crime, while the Prime Minister says “brutal measures” will continue against gangs. Courts & rights: The High Court ruled the state cannot routinely intercept and record prisoners’ lawyer communications, striking down parts of the Interception of Communications Act as unconstitutional. Crime & enforcement: A major cocaine bust by the Coast Guard in the Gulf of Paria confirmed 440.20kg worth about TT$204.5m, with four arrests. Public works & flooding: Works Minister Jearlean John says Port of Spain drains are being clogged by businesses dumping cooking oil and waste, citing grease-sealed silt traps found during drain-cleaning. Health policy: The Public Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill moved to the Senate, adjusting construction-approval roles for the County Medical Officer of Health while keeping ministerial oversight. Economy & regulation: Central Bank research warns EU carbon border rules may be less than 1% GDP impact short-term but could pressure carbon-intensive exporters; meanwhile, regulators plan to move T&T’s crypto sector from a sandbox to a permanent framework. Energy & investment: Government continues work toward restarting Pointe-a-Pierre and says interest includes major Indian firms; Tobago also eyes exploratory drilling in its waters. International & trade: USTR convened training for forced-labour import prohibitions, noting T&T has adopted measures. Sports: Concacaf Nations League home fixtures for Grenada were relocated to Trinidad and Tobago over pitch concerns.

State of Emergency & Crime Response: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar warns “filthy, greedy” organised-crime figures in wealthy western communities (Westmoorings, St Clair, Federation Park) will face prosecution as the SoE nears expiry on Sept. 17, promising no softening after the crackdown. Drug Interdiction: Coast Guard confirms a major cocaine haul—440.20kg in 394 sealed packages—seized off the north-western coast, valued at about TT$204.5m; four men arrested and handed to law enforcement. ZOSO Debate: Criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad urges mandatory body-worn cameras and stronger safeguards if the Zones of Special Operations bill returns after the SoE ends. Star Sabga Case: The State abandons its appeal against Star Sabga’s release after Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked her PDO; the case has drawn international attention, including coverage by The New York Times. TSTT Employment Dispute: TSTT rejects former acting CEO Keino Cox’s misconduct claims and says his acting appointment expired July 31 with no right to renewal. NIB Leadership: NIB executive director Niala Persad-Poliah confirms early retirement effective Dec. 13. Regional Health Policy: PAHO and UWI complete a Caribbean health policy and systems postgraduate programme, training 11 professionals across eight territories including T&T. Tobago Aviation Law: Legal definition of Crown Point airport updated to ANR Robinson International Airport ahead of terminal expansion. International Spotlight: A Texas probe leads to the shutdown of a Trinidad, Texas police department after standards failures.

ZOSO & policing safeguards: Criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad says body-worn cameras must be mandatory if Zones of Special Operations return, arguing for transparency, clear complaint procedures and judicial oversight as the State of Emergency winds down. SoE fallout & arrests: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar warns the Sept 17 end of the State of Emergency won’t stop the crime fight, citing a “secret” National Security Council submission showing 5,802 arrests and 3,552 charges, plus 574 PDOs executed. Star Sabga case: The State withdraws its Star Sabga house-arrest appeal, leaving costs to the Court of Appeal; the case has drawn international attention, including reporting by The New York Times. Teachers’ pay: TTUTA says teachers have started receiving outstanding 2020–2023 backpay (about TT$900m) via IHRIS, calling it a victory after months of advocacy. TSTT labour standoff: CWU demands a 10% wage increase and hints at protest after SoE ends, while Minister Barry Padarath dismisses the union’s claims as baseless. School security: After a teacher robbery at San Juan North Secondary, TTPS and Education/Home Affairs stakeholders plan upgrades like lighting, fencing repairs, CCTV and clearing undergrowth. Crime & borders: Coast Guard intercepts a pirogue in the Gulf of Paria with suspected narcotics, handing suspects and packages to law enforcement.

State of Emergency Fallout: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Sept. 17 end won’t soften the crime fight, citing SoE arrests and charges (5,802 arrested; 3,552 charged) and warning criminals and their supporters that “harsh and brutal measures” will continue. Crime & Security Policy: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says the Government will revive the ZOSO Bill, framing it as a “holistic” community intervention, with Tunapuna offered as a model of skills and social support alongside policing. Human Trafficking Watch: Trinidad and Tobago retains US Tier 2 status in the Trafficking in Persons Report; the US urges more investigations and prosecutions, better victim protection and shelters, and faster court outcomes. Public Sector Pay: TTUTA reports teachers have started receiving 2020–2023 backpay via IHIRIS, calling it a victory after sustained advocacy. TSTT Governance Fight: Former acting CEO Keino Cox threatens legal action; TSTT has launched an independent investigation into alleged procurement and governance breaches tied to Cox’s tenure. Organised Crime Allegations: New claims point to Chinese-linked networks allegedly tied to drugs, trafficking and money flows—raising fresh pressure on intelligence and financial enforcement. Mental Health Crisis: Two young women deaths by suicide in Trinidad have renewed calls for stronger mental health support and awareness. Sports & Society: TTFA and UWI sign a four-year MOU including an Azaad Mohammed-Khan scholarship, while TTUTA and school safety concerns keep the education debate hot.

TSTT Governance Clash: Former acting CEO Keino Cox is threatening legal action after the board placed him on administrative leave and didn’t renew his acting role, while TSTT has launched an independent probe into his conduct, procurement breaches and alleged conflicts involving eight companies. Human Trafficking Watch: Trinidad and Tobago remains on the US State Department’s Tier 2 watchlist, with 2025 findings citing 30 identified female victims of sexual exploitation and calls for stronger investigations, prosecutions and victim protection. ZOSO Bill Push: Government Leader of Business Barry Padarath urges the public to pressure the Opposition to back the reintroduced Zones of Special Operations Bill, framing it as more than arrests and detention. Security After State of Emergency: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says ZOSO-style interventions are already being practised in Tunapuna, combining community development with crime-fighting as the SoE nears its Sept 17 end. Terror Designations Debate: A Muslim group renews calls for the PM to reverse T&T’s terrorist designations covering Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran’s IRGC, warning against complacency as radicalisation risks persist. Crime, Money and Courts: TTPS scrutiny continues into alleged Chinese-linked money laundering and illegal gambling, while a US strike death lawsuit by relatives of missing fishermen Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo is stalled pending a local court ruling. Public Health Oversight: The Medical Board is reviewing guidelines on doctors’ social media advertising, focusing on misleading claims and undisclosed inducements. Local Development: RDC rehabilitation work is set to begin on a major Mayaro landslip at Charuma Junction Trace, with more infrastructure requests flagged across the constituency. Trade and Diplomacy: TTMA leads a 37-member business delegation to Miami, and an outgoing Indian High Commissioner is honoured at Ganesh Chaturthi events in Couva South. Environment Data Drive: Volunteers collected nearly 4,000 pounds of waste in a Port of Spain foreshore coastal clean-up, feeding into marine debris tracking. Sports: Jereem Richards won bronze in the men’s 400m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.