AGP Executive Report

Police & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander push ahead with a network of joint army-police posts, but the plan is tangled in a fresh row after the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation allegedly stopped construction at Eddie Hart Grounds, with Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles disputing approvals and the Government calling it political sabotage. Energy & Jobs: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says the downstream gas sector was “crippled” by the previous administration and signals major energy announcements next week, while BP moves to take full control of the Calypso gas project by buying Woodside’s 70% stake. Land & Assets: The State vests title for the Beachfield gas facility in NGC, and Government also says it’s moving to monetise over 100 underutilised state assets. Climate & Water: Government activates drought and El Niño planning, with reservoir levels a key concern, as heavy rains and storm impacts continue regionally. Local Governance & Welfare: The Ministry of the People delivers SEED grants and disability support in South Trinidad communities. Public Debate: TTPS defends mobile police units as an upgraded, existing anti-crime tool amid criticism.

Joint Army-Police Posts: Criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad says the planned 30 joint security posts must go beyond visible policing, pairing enforcement with community trust and longer-term social fixes. Public Safety & Disaster Response: In the Philippines, Tropical Depression “Maymay” and the habagat have triggered landslides and floods, with PNP boosting patrols and advisories in vulnerable areas after multiple deaths. Energy Sector: BP agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso offshore gas project, moving toward full ownership and operator status pending approvals, with development expected to close by end-2026. Local Governance & Identity Law: Government is moving ahead with a proposed ID requirement for citizens aged 16+ but is keeping details and penalties unclear. Police Recruitment: TTPS recruitment drive draws close to 10,000 applicants, with thousands processed and next steps including exams and medical checks. Hilton Uncertainty: Hilton International Trinidad negotiations are “advanced,” but workers remain anxious after warnings tied to a September 18 lease deadline. Racial Tensions: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine urges restraint amid rising racial rhetoric between government and opposition.

Public ID Push: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says Cabinet is moving toward legislation requiring people aged 16 and over (and foreign nationals) to carry valid ID in public, with details on penalties still being worked out. Crime & Security Clash: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation representatives for stopping workers building a police post at Eddie Hart Grounds, calling it PNM “vile” interference amid a wider rollout of joint army-police posts. Police-Arm Debate: Tobago Police Division has flagged Shirvan Road as a preferred site for a community police post, while discussions continue and no final decision is set. Violence Warning: The PM urged citizens to “let love triumph over anger,” citing 82 murders in 2026 that she says could have been avoided through better emotional control; she also pointed to gang-murder declines. Regional Security Link: The US says it’s strengthening intelligence sharing, maritime patrols and joint operations with Caribbean partners including Trinidad and Tobago to target drug trafficking and organised crime. Energy Deal: bp agreed to acquire Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso deepwater gas project offshore Trinidad, expected to close by end-2026 subject to approvals. Weather/Disaster (International): Tropical Depression Maymay (Kujira) has killed at least six in the Philippines, with PNP deploying officers for patrols, evacuations and rescue.

Joint Security Push: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged citizens to help reduce crime as Government rolls out 30 joint police-army posts, with residents in Morvant and other communities backing the plan. Racial Tension & Economy: Tobago Chief Sec. Farley Augustine warned that racism is damaging tourism, unity and investor confidence, as analysts say divisive rhetoric is becoming a material economic risk. Crime & Corrections Debate: Security experts welcomed the idea of using inmates for public clean-ups, but stressed it must be paired with rehabilitation, careful selection and strong safeguards. Parliament Oversight: PAAC questioned the Health Ministry’s role in prioritising NIPDEC payments to pharmaceutical suppliers, raising concerns about independence and fairness. Hilton Uncertainty: Tourism and business voices warned that delays in finalising the Hilton Trinidad lease/exit timeline are hurting confidence and planning. Foreign Policy Watch: Palestinian officials said they’re alarmed by growing T&T-Israel engagement, while urging continued support for Gaza and international law. Disaster Response (Regional): Tropical Depression Maymay’s aftermath in the Philippines left multiple deaths and widespread disruption, with emergency deployments and evacuations reported.

Education & Skills: Government says thousands of Trinidad and Tobago school leavers are exiting without full CXC/CSEC credentials, with officials pointing to earlier drop-offs and outlining a plan to upskill technical-vocational subjects in selected secondary schools. Crime & Policing: Tobago police report rising murders and home invasions, and have launched 24/7 Active Directive Patrols while detailing increases in break-ins. Anti-Crime Politics: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles trade barbs over the planned 30 joint army-police posts, with the PM also accusing the PNM of ignoring “drug blocks” run by allies. Security Strategy: Government says the counter-terrorism push will lean more on financial oversight, border controls and inter-agency coordination. Public Safety & Scams: TTPS and the Judiciary warn of a fake speeding fine text scam using lookalike payment links. Labour & Business: Hilton Trinidad warns it may not operate past Sept 18 without a new long-term lease deal, putting 250+ jobs at risk. Environment: EMA commends Tobago enforcement after suspected sea turtle poaching, including arrests tied to a dead turtle and removed eggs/meat. Culture & Unity: UTT leadership defends cross-cultural elements in Emancipation events amid renewed criticism, while the Emancipation Support Committee says it won’t get pulled into political back-and-forth. Justice & International Links: Minister of Justice Devesh Maharaj meets US embassy officials to discuss modernising the criminal justice system and law-enforcement cooperation.

Joint Security Push: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirms 30 joint army–police posts to roll out over four months under the State of Emergency, aiming to boost visibility and faster response; Political Fallout: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles and others challenge legality, funding and effectiveness, while Defence Minister Wayne Sturge rejects claims the plan is a “ZOSO” revival; Police Response Debate: Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin says the posts won’t burden police and will improve community reporting and accommodation; Crime Measures: Government also moves to deploy convicted inmates on hard-labour public clean-ups, and the Gazette lists five people under Preventive Detention Orders including alleged gang leader Shakyl O’Neil; Emancipation Tensions: ESCTT rejects PM Kamla’s criticism over how Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin was treated during Emancipation Day, saying she was not abused or put at risk; Workplace Uncertainty: Hilton Trinidad warns it may stop operating after Sept 18 unless a lease agreement with eTeCK is finalised, putting 300+ workers at risk.

Joint Security Rollout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says 30 joint army-police posts will be set up across Trinidad and Tobago within four months, with communities urged to “adopt and support” the sites as murder figures show a slight year-on-year dip. Opposition Pushback: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles warns the plan could be a “backdoor” revival of ZOSO, questioning locations, funding, and whether Defence Force personnel will get policing powers. Prison Labour Debate: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander proposes using convicted inmates sentenced to hard labour to help maintain public spaces as CEPEP replacement work begins, while the Prison Officers’ Association says public deployment must be tightly controlled and properly resourced. Hilton Talks: eTeck says negotiations with Hilton International Trinidad Limited are still active and in final stages, with no decision yet to permanently discontinue operations. Labour Data Context: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh urges proper interpretation of the CSO Labour Force Survey, warning against comparing the wrong quarters. Public Health & Sport: CPL will offer free health screenings at all eight host venues, while TTASA earns a one-star FIA environmental accreditation. Emancipation Tensions: Beckles and other voices continue trading barbs over Emancipation-era race and governance rhetoric.

Crime & Security: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the government’s new joint police-army posts are a “knee-jerk” attempt to revive the ZOSO idea, raising questions about funding, timing and military roles, while criminologist Dr Daurius Figueira warns the plan clashes with TTPS claims that serious crime is declining. Integrity & Governance: The Integrity Commission published names of parliamentarians and others who allegedly failed to file income and asset declarations for 2024 and 2025, including Housing Minister David Lee and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers. Media Freedom: RSF warns Trinidad and Tobago’s independent journalism is under growing financial pressure as government advertising remains suspended, threatening newsroom capacity and accountability reporting. Politics & Race: After African Emancipation Day booing and “curse Kamla” talk, religious leaders urged tolerance and said the quarrel is “pure politics,” as PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar vowed “round two” at Independence Day. Energy & Cost of Living: Diesel subsidies hit $293.26M for 2026 so far, while the government’s fuel-subsidy figures were disclosed via a Freedom of Information response. Regional/Foreign Affairs: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy projects across the Caribbean and Central America, including Trinidad and Tobago.

Security Rollout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced 30 joint army-police posts to be rolled out nationwide over four months, with 24 locations already identified, aiming to boost visible protection and help communities reclaim public spaces; Local Response: Ministers Roger Alexander (Tunapuna) and Nicholas Morris (Mayaro) welcomed the plan, saying it’s part of a broader anti-crime package; Emancipation Fallout: Attorney General John Jeremie rejected claims that the Emancipation programme led by Selwyn Cudjoe was racist or divisive, while UNC Women’s Arm condemned attacks on women leaders during Emancipation events; Race & Unity Row: A fresh dispute erupted between PM Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles over Emancipation Day attendance and “unity”; Rights vs Emergency Powers: Beckles warned the state of emergency is being used as “a weapon against citizens,” citing preventative detention orders and an Unexplained Wealth Order; Legal/Finance Governance: President Christine Kangaloo proclaimed FATF compliance measures to strengthen anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and financial oversight; Counter-Terrorism: Government says it will tighten counter-terrorism after US discussions, including stronger laws, intelligence-sharing and financial monitoring; Trade Pressure: Caribbean states including T&T face US Section 301 forced-labour import tariffs, raising export concerns; Sports & National Pride: Jereem Richards won men’s 400m silver and Shaniqua Bascombe won women’s 200m silver at the Commonwealth Games; Migration Tragedy: A Venezuelan migrant boat capsized near Trinidad, killing a five-year-old girl and an adult man.

Emancipation Day Political Fallout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s absence from the Emancipation Support Committee’s African Emancipation Village sparked a fresh political fight, with the PNM accusing her of “running” from backlash while she insists she never committed to attend and says the attacks are meant to deepen racial division. Culture & Community Tensions: The row also escalated after Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin and UTT chairman Selwyn Cudjoe faced abuse during Emancipation weekend, prompting the PM to condemn the behaviour as hateful and racist. Housing Oversight: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander flagged concerns at an HDC development in Port of Spain, including illegal occupation and unauthorized electricity connections, with further investigation promised. Tax Relief for Mild Hybrids: TTADA says technical talks—not social media pressure—led to restored tax exemptions for qualifying mild hybrid vehicles after a Customs reclassification threatened higher costs. Energy Sector Watch: Woodside cast doubt on the Calypso deepwater gas project after reporting a $160m–$200m impairment loss and reassessing its value in the portfolio. Local Relief Story: A family in need of electricity for decades finally received help after a community kindness effort installed the necessary power equipment.

Emancipation Politics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she never committed to attending African Emancipation Day at the Queen’s Park Savannah, after PNM figures accused her of “running” and Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin faced heckling; Government Response: the PM condemned the abuse and “racist, divisive” behaviour toward Benjamin and UTT chairman Selwyn Cudjoe; Transport & Taxes: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo restored tax exemptions for qualifying mild hybrid vehicles after Customs reclassification sparked fears of higher prices; Industry & Competition: scrap dealers back the steel mill revival but warn against a monopoly if the state forces all scrap to one buyer; International Tribute: Trinidad-born US Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad, killed in Jordan, was laid to rest in New York with full military honours; Public Health: La Trinidad reinstated minimum COVID-19 protocols amid a rise in cases; Tech & Diplomacy: T&T and Israel began talks on cybersecurity and smart-city projects; LGBTQ+ Rights: Pride Month closed with calls for visibility and equality, including reference to the Privy Council challenge to colonial-era buggery laws.

Autonomy Debate: Cordillera leaders say President Marcos Jr. sidestepped the long-running push for an autonomous region in his SONA, reigniting frustration over constitutional promises. Public Safety & Crime: Colorado’s CBI is probing a Trinidad homicide after Dominic Garcia was fatally shot; Atilano Diaz is in custody. Economic Pressure: CSO data shows nearly 6,000 job losses in T&T’s first quarter of 2026, with unemployment rising as employment dipped. Infrastructure/Payments: First Citizens raises questions about adding entities to the U-Turn online payment system, warning it could affect transaction costs. Energy/Industry: Former Petrotrin chair Wilfred Espinet remains sceptical about a refinery restart, pointing to contract and union terms. Politics & Emancipation: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she never committed to attend African Emancipation Day events, after boos and backlash; Housing Minister David Lee urged unity amid race-divide rhetoric. International Ties: T&T and Israel begin talks on cybersecurity and smart cities. Sports Spotlight: Shaniqua Bascombe wins silver for T&T at the Commonwealth Games; Jereem Richards also takes silver.

African Emancipation Day: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Kangaloo used the national observance to push unity, justice and “mental emancipation,” with Kangaloo urging Trinidad and Tobago to reject racism and exclusion. Culture & Community: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin pledged to help settle Emancipation Support Committee debts and promised stronger support for future celebrations, while also addressing public concern over cultural icon Ms. Ella Andall’s care. Public Health Policy: Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to develop a national roadmap to accelerate elimination of communicable diseases, with PAHO support. Human Trafficking Oversight: The Counter Trafficking Unit said it is reviewing allegations made by self-confessed former trafficker Alex Philip after media interviews claimed Venezuelan women were brought via illegal maritime routes for exploitation. Maritime & Trade Facilitation: Trade Minister Satyakam Maharaj said the SailClear electronic clearance system is ready for rollout, aiming to cut yacht clearance times from hours to 15 minutes after Cabinet approval. Local Governance/Crime: Authorities reported a fatal Trinidad homicide under CBI lead, and separately a manhunt ended with the fatal police shooting of escaped murder accused Robby Khadoo in Vistabella. Environment & Enforcement: Two men were arrested in Tobago for alleged sea turtle poaching after wildlife officers found turtle remains, meat and eggs.

MV Barima Inquiry: Trinidad and Tobago’s COE commissioners received their instruments of appointment to begin Guyana’s independent probe into the MV Barima ferry disaster, as a separate audit is also set to examine future prevention. Legal-Professional Conduct: PNM chairman attorney Marvin Gonzales’ burning of a High Court order has been referred to the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago for possible ethical breaches, raising questions that go beyond politics into court respect. State Media Access: Government ministers have gone nearly 12 weeks without post-Cabinet briefings, with the PM’s office defending the communications approach while critics point to reduced accountability. Surveillance Debate: The PM dismissed public concerns about phone taps, arguing only criminals and people with “paranoia” worry about interception. Counter-Trafficking: The Counter Trafficking Unit says it is reviewing Guardian Media allegations from a former trafficker’s interview, with possible investigative action under the Trafficking in Persons Act. African Emancipation Day Politics: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Kangaloo used Emancipation Day messages to push unity, justice and “mental emancipation,” while the PM condemned racist attacks and political hostility. Economy Signal: Finance Minister Tancoo pointed to the opening of Pennywise’s Trincity plaza as evidence of growing business confidence ahead of Budget 2026/27. Tobago Wildlife Crime: Two men were arrested after wildlife officers found sea turtle remains, meat and eggs on Lambeau Beach, with authorities stressing strict protections for marine turtles.

Racial Unity Row: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says racist remarks “deeply affected” her, but warns Trinidad and Tobago can’t survive “the language of division,” as opposition senator Camille Robinson-Regis accepts the PM’s apology for earlier race-linked comments. Budget Signal: Finance Minister Tancoo says Budget 2026/27 will stay people-centred, targeting citizens’ livelihoods despite revenue constraints. Local Economy: Pennywise Plaza opens in Trincity, already creating 200+ jobs and boosting the non-energy retail push. Human Trafficking Watch: Home Affairs’ Counter Trafficking Unit says it’s reviewing Guardian allegations from a former trafficker interview, with possible investigative action under the Trafficking in Persons Act. Tobago Wildlife Enforcement: Two men arrested after suspected sea turtle poaching at Lambeau Beach; authorities warn of fines up to TT$100,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. International Diplomacy: Trump’s nominee Jennifer Johnson-Carroll, Trinidad-born, goes before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the next ambassador post. US Immigration Courts: A deported T&T permanent resident, Elton Purvis, seeks US$10m over alleged ICE medical neglect, while a Houston ICE shooting witness remains at the centre of federal court fights.

Tobago Wildlife Crackdown: Two men were arrested at Lambeau Beach after officers found a sea turtle carcass plus turtle meat and eggs allegedly taken from a nesting site, with investigations ongoing and penalties highlighted under protected-species laws. MV Barima Probe Under Fire: Guyana’s five-member international Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster was sworn in, but local media were notably excluded from the ceremony, which was streamed instead—raising fresh transparency concerns. T&T Politics—Petitions Midway: In St Vincent and the Grenadines, PM Godwin Friday says his election eligibility petition is at the halfway mark and he’s upbeat as the dual-citizenship challenge continues. TSTT Governance: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath denied board resignations at TSTT were linked to internal fallout, saying they were driven by directors’ outside commitments, while the bank also reported a major profit jump. CDAP Shortage Worries: TTARP says it has not received complaints from members about Chronic Disease Assistance Programme medication access, despite health officials acknowledging supply-chain and distribution challenges. Crime and Security: Two people were placed under Preventive Detention Orders in Tobago over alleged human trafficking for sexual exploitation, while Padarath also insisted threats against him won’t stop him attending public duties. Business/Finance: NCB Merchant Bank CEO Marli Creese resigned, with Mahalia Alleyne named acting CEO from August 1. Court Watch: A promoter’s lawsuit tied to the failed Burna Boy concert was thrown out on legal standing grounds.