AGP Executive Report

State Security Probe Expands: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the investigation into an alleged assassination plot against her and the AG now involves multiple foreign intelligence and investigative agencies, with new people and financial institutions identified. Emergency Powers Under Fire: Former PM Dr. Keith Rowley renewed calls to end the State of Emergency, arguing the government is abusing authority and scoring political points, after the release of businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife from PDO detention. Justice & Rights Debate: Attorney Judy Kublalsingh argues Emergency Powers Regulations should be amended or repealed, pointing to constitutional rights concerns after the Hadeed case. Regional Legal Gathering: T&T hosts the CARALL@40 Caribbean Association of Law Libraries conference at the Waterfront Judicial Centre, with the Chief Justice stressing access to legal information and regional collaboration. Tobago Anti-Trafficking Push: The Counter Trafficking Unit highlights sexual exploitation risks in Tobago, urging tourism stakeholders to watch for trafficking patterns and use the hotline. Tobago Skills Boost: 34 Tobagonians graduate from the PLAR programme, earning nationally certified qualifications across trades and services. Crime Operations: TTPS reports a major warrant operation with 32 arrests and 104 warrants executed, alongside a $117k cannabis bust in Gasparillo. Digital Trust Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago’s VerifyTT is highlighted as a trust-first approach to digital public infrastructure, while Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj calls for victim-sensitive strategies against organised crime. Energy & Trade Pressure: The Energy Chamber welcomes US tariff exemptions for key T&T energy exports after the forced-labour Section 301 review.

Preventive Detention Challenge: High Court Justice Vigel Paul ordered 69-year-old cheesemaker Star Sabga released from detention at Golden Grove and placed her under strict house arrest while her constitutional challenge to the PDO proceeds, after the Hadeed couple’s PDOs were revoked. State Security & Rights: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the Hadeed-Sabga probe has widened and now involves multiple foreign agencies, while critics and former security figures continue to question the leaked intercepted-audio basis for detention and the handling of intelligence. Governance Accountability: Homeland Security confirmed key SSA and interception-of-communications annual reports for 2022, 2024 and 2025 are still before Cabinet for approval, leaving a gap in oversight as the audio controversy grows. Industrial Relations: Works’ Credit Union workers in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago begin a 90-day industrial action over wages, seeking 15% over 2023–2025 versus management’s 2% offer. Tourism Leadership: Tourism Trinidad Ltd. appointed a new board chaired by Benedict Hatem as government pushes to double tourism’s GDP contribution to 12% by 2030. International Spotlight: In the US, a federal judge ordered ICE to release a key witness in a deadly Houston ICE shooting within 48 hours, citing due process concerns.

Intercepted Audio Fallout: TTPS has ordered an urgent probe into a leaked audio recording circulating online, alleged to contain intercepted communications, with Assistant Commissioner Andy Teewarie tasked to check authenticity, legality under the Interception of Communications Act, and how it reached the public. Emergency Powers Debate: Former House Speaker Nizam Mohammed urged citizens not to stay silent on the State of Emergency and Preventive Detention Orders, arguing the public must demand accountability as scrutiny grows around the Hadeed case and recent PDO developments. Crime-Response Pushback: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the protective services and intelligence agencies, claiming serious crime is down 15% in 2026 while accusing critics of trying to inflame ethnic tensions and undermine anti-crime efforts. UNC Staff Under Probe: Caroni East MP Rishad Seemcharran says a UNC constituency office employee has been placed on immediate administrative leave pending a TTPS investigation into allegations circulating on social media. Guyana Tragedy Watch: As Guyana’s MV Barima disaster recovery continues, the Government says 30 remain missing and highlights discrepancies in boarding figures, while an international Commission of Inquiry is underway. Labour Action: Works Credit Union workers staged strike action across branches over stalled wage talks and rejected offers, disrupting services in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago.

MV Barima Inquiry: Guyana President Irfaan Ali has named a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima ferry disaster, including Trinidad and Tobago’s Nyree Dawn Alfonso and retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard, tasked with probing negligence, safety failures, and the state’s emergency response. Crime & Policing: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar points to COMPSTAT data showing a 15% decline in serious reported crime, arguing T&T is “becoming safer.” State Interception Powers: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander rejects Opposition claims of abuse after leaked audio involving Genevieve Hadeed and Star Sabga reignited debate over interception legality and how recordings entered public space. Inclusive Education: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says “nothing about us without us” should guide policy, as the Caribbean Deaf Education Conference pushes for stronger access to Trinidad and Tobago sign language. Public Health Flexibility: La Trinidad issued a dengue-linked order allowing learners to skip shorts and skirts while still attending school, alongside “4S” mosquito-control measures. Tobago Security: La Trinidad mayor Roderick Awingan received CCTV cameras to bolster local monitoring and public safety. Regional Legal Politics: The CCJ says it hasn’t yet received a formal Caricom request for an advisory opinion on the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett. Trade Shock: The U.S. imposed new 10%–12.5% forced-labour tariffs affecting Trinidad and Tobago among over 60 partners.

US Tariff Shock for T&T: The US has imposed new forced-labour tariffs of 10%–12.5% on goods from over 60 trading partners, explicitly including Trinidad and Tobago, after the temporary 10% levy expired—raising the stakes for local exporters trying to hold the US market. MV Barima Probe Deepens: Guyana has named a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima ferry disaster, with two Trinidad and Tobago maritime/legal experts among the panel, tasked with pinpointing causes, passenger and cargo handling, safety equipment, and whether negligence or misconduct contributed. Local Security Crackdown: Trinidad and Tobago’s Counter Trafficking Unit says “Operation Iceberg” led to three Preventive Detention Orders, including the detention of a Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force member, after an alleged trafficking network targeting vulnerable people for commercial sexual exploitation. Opposition Tensions Over Leaked Audio: Opposition figures are reacting to a leaked audio involving Star Sabga and Genevieve Hadeed, with police saying the leak will be investigated. Regional Governance & Law: Caribbean legislative drafters made CALC history, with Jamaica’s Michelle Daley elected CALC President and Barbados’ Shaquille Newton elected Americas Representative. Sports (Commonwealth Games): The Silver Ferns beat Jamaica 53-48 in a key netball pool match, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott is among athletes highlighted in Commonwealth Games coverage.

Maritime & Migration Tragedy: A boat allegedly carrying copper illegally to Venezuela overturned off south Trinidad late Friday, killing one Venezuelan man while two survived; it follows days after an overcrowded pirogue capsized in the Columbus Channel, drowning two Venezuelans including a six-year-old. Investor Climate: Grant Thornton Orbit Solutions’ Nicole Lawrence says investor confidence in T&T remains strong despite Nestlé’s plan to sell its local dairy business, framing it as a global exit from milk rather than a retreat from the country. Digital Economy & Data Centres: CAF officials and T&T representatives are pushing “digital embassies” and a broader digital agenda beyond building data centres, while management scientist Dr Kevin Fleary argues data centres could catalyse local manufacturing, engineering, renewables, logistics and high-value tech services. State of Emergency & Rights: Former police commissioner Gary Griffith calls for an independent probe into the leaked audio intercept tied to Star Sabga, warning the bigger issue is how confidential intelligence entered the public domain; meanwhile, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander defends Sabga’s preventive detention using intercepted conversations. Human Trafficking Crackdown: CTU’s Operation Iceberg led to the detention of a TTDF soldier and two others over alleged trafficking and sexual exploitation of a 17-year-old Venezuelan girl, with suspects held under PDOs. Telecom Governance: TSTT loses a second director in three weeks after Nadira Parbhudial resigns, leaving just three board members. Opposition Politics: PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales burns a court order over the Balisier House funding probe, accusing the Government of using State institutions to target the Opposition. US Tariff Update: T&T will keep a lower 10% U.S. tariff rate under the new policy, avoiding the higher 12.5% bracket faced by many other countries.

Workplace Policy: Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe says new legislation is coming in the new parliamentary term to give breastfeeding mothers more time and push employers to become “breastfeeding-friendly,” while discussions to restart a Human Breast Milk Bank with PAHO support are also moving again. Culture & National Identity: The Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village opened at the Queen’s Park Savannah, kicking off Emancipation Day celebrations with African culture, history, music, food, fashion and education. Public Safety & Rights: Homeland Security’s Counter Trafficking Unit says “Operation Iceberg” led to three Preventive Detention Orders, including the detention of a Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force member, after an alleged trafficking network was targeted across Trinidad and Tobago. Governance & Justice: Former national security minister Gary Griffith calls for an independent probe into a purported Star Sabga audio leak, arguing the bigger issue is a breach of SSA intelligence systems. Skills & Industry: The Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) has been formally aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s national apprenticeship framework under the National Apprenticeship Policy. Environment & Local Action: Volunteers and officials joined a coastal clean-up at Cacandee in Chaguanas to protect mangroves and reduce waste that collects and flows toward the sea. Inter-island Transport: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad-Tobago seabridge during routine maintenance, with services expected to continue. Regional Tech Agenda: The Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Forum opened in partnership with UWI and the CTU, launching a Caribbean AI Task Force Report on governance, innovation and resilience.

Inter-Island Shipping: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad–Tobago seabridge during routine maintenance, with services expected to continue and no extra government spend under the charter arrangement. Maritime Tragedy (Regional): Guyana’s MV Barima disaster death toll rose to 73 as search and recovery continues, with PM Mark Phillips noting technical work to reposition the wreck and identify the dead. Trade & Tariffs (Local): Trinidad and Tobago is among countries hit by new US forced-labour tariffs, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo pointing to ongoing talks and legislation efforts, while business leaders urge adaptation to protect export access. Customs & Cost Pressures: Finance Minister Davenrath Tan­coo will meet T&T Automotive Dealers Association representatives over fears a Customs classification ruling could sharply raise costs for mild hybrid vehicles. Governance & Rights (Local Politics): PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales burns a court order tied to Balisier House financing as police probe continues, escalating the political fight over due process and accountability. International Diplomacy: Assistant Foreign Minister Cai Wei met UN Security Council seminar participants in China, including T&T, as non-permanent members prepare for the 2027–2028 term. Public Health (Local): A Chaguanas? (La Trinidad, per report) mayoral order temporarily suspends mandatory school uniforms to reduce dengue risk, pushing long sleeves and mosquito-control measures.

Hadeed Legal Fallout: Tobago PNM leader Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis says the State’s court defeat in the Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed matter will ultimately cost taxpayers, arguing it raises broader questions about citizens’ rights and equal treatment under the State of Emergency. Rule-of-Law Debate: Political scientist Prof Hamid Ghany argues the Hadeed PDOs challenge the perception that some people face different standards, calling it a test of equality before the law. PDO Fairness Case: Star Sabga remains detained as a judge grants the State time to respond to her interim release bid, with her lawyers framing it as an urgent fundamental-rights issue. Crime Data Claim: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar cites new figures showing a nationwide 15% drop in serious crimes (Jan 1–July 20) and links it to progress under the SOE. Cyber Security Push: T&T joins the EU-backed LAC4 partnership to strengthen cyber defences and protect critical infrastructure. US Tariff Shock (Trade): The US imposed new 10% and 12.5% forced-labour tariffs on 60 partners, with T&T listed in the 10% tier—raising new uncertainty for exporters. Regional Disaster Response: Guyana’s ferry tragedy continues with technical salvage at the MV Barima wreck and further body recoveries, while T&T supports the rescue effort.

Hadeed PDOs Revoked: Senior Counsel Faris Al-Rawi says Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed are fully free after the Homeland Security Minister revoked their Preventive Detention Orders, stressing the criminal case remains active but the PDOs “never existed” and carry no conditions. Constitutional Debate: Professor Hamid Ghany discusses the revocations’ legal and governance implications amid State of Emergency scrutiny. Tobago Business Push: Tobago agro-processor Carlon Kennedy says small manufacturers need stronger support to scale production and meet larger regional orders, even as trade show interest grows. US Tariff Shock for T&T: The US imposes new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on 60 economies; Trinidad and Tobago faces a 10% duty as temporary global levies expire. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines announces new non-stop Dominica–Trinidad service from Oct. 5, 2026, twice weekly, boosting Eastern Caribbean links. Public Health: CARPHA launches an Antimicrobial Resistance reference lab in Jamaica to strengthen Caribbean surveillance and diagnostics. Sports & Politics: Curaçao drawn into a Nations League group that includes Trinidad and Tobago, while T&T’s Commonwealth Games campaign continues with gymnast Chane Cumbermack.

Emergency Powers Watch: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked the Preventive Detention Orders against Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed, saying continued detention was no longer necessary or expedient, while insisting the criminal investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and other officials is ongoing; opposition and legal voices are now pushing for deeper scrutiny of how PDOs were used during the 2026 State of Emergency. Political Accountability: PNM is calling for an independent probe into the PDO process, while the Southern Lawyers Association says oversight must continue and warns against prejudging the case. Trade & Rights Abroad: The US finalized new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 countries over forced-labour enforcement gaps, with Trinidad and Tobago named among the affected partners—likely to re-ignite debate about how trade sanctions intersect with human rights. Digital Governance: iGovTT and the global 50-in-5 initiative highlighted VerifyTT as a model for secure digital public services, as the Caribbean AI Forum opened with calls for responsible AI infrastructure. Regional Business: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m financing for ANSA McAL, and Bryden pi plans to relocate to a new Chaguanas distribution hub. Sports & National Pride: T&T marked 50 years since Hasely Crawford’s Montreal ’76 Olympic gold, while 36 athletes lead the country’s Commonwealth Games push in Glasgow.

Maritime Tragedy: The MV Barima ferry disaster toll in Guyana rose to 65, with 44 bodies positively identified and 23 released for burial; 76 survivors remain, as the search expands over about 2,100 sq km using 19 ships, 3 aircraft, and divers from Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, and France. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced nonstop Dominica–Trinidad flights from Oct. 5, 2026 (twice weekly), boosting Eastern Caribbean travel links. Public Health & Labour: NCRHA is weighing legal action against the Trinidad and Tobago National Nurses’ Association after it denied claims of illegal four-hour shifts, while the nurses’ group continues to dispute the authority’s position. Water & Governance: Trinidad city officials approved further Stage III water restrictions amid drought pressure, with enforcement and tourism governance funding also on the agenda. Crime Narrative: Political scientist Dr Maukesh Basdeo backed PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s claim of 118 fewer murders vs 2024, saying the data shows progress even as fear of crime lags. Business & FX: Local business groups welcomed Applebee’s/IHOP arrivals but warned about foreign exchange strain and the “Buy Local” push. Legal/Detention: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander asked the SoE Review Tribunal to withdraw preliminary recommendations on Dominic Hadeed’s continued detention, arguing his right to be heard was breached. Sports Diplomacy: T&T named boxer Nigel Paul and netballer Joelisa Cooper as TeamTTO flag and baton bearers for Glasgow 2026.

Crime & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T recorded 118 fewer murders from Jan 1 to July 20, 2026 (213) than the same period in 2024 (331), crediting TTPS operations and the State of Emergency. Governance & Digital Services: Minister Dominic Smith says VerifyTT is the backbone of T&T’s Digital Public Infrastructure, aiming to cut duplication and speed up secure access to public services, alongside e-ID, interoperability, and CareTT. Public Accountability (AI): The MPAAI rejects a Sunday Guardian claim of an advanced AI data centre, saying it wrongly mixes an older government data-centre plan with a separate commercial AI initiative. Maritime Disaster Oversight: As Guyana’s MV Barima recovery continues, GHRA urges any COI to include consequences for misleading testimony and protect lower-level staff from coercion. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines announces nonstop POS–Dominica (Oct 5, twice weekly) plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St Thomas. Law & Order (Police Ops): TTPS says an escaped immigration detainee was recaptured in Arouca during Operation R.E.S.O.L.U.T.E. SHIELD. Local Economy at Maracas: MTTI begins vendor regularisation at Maracas Beach, focusing on beach-chair, umbrella and tent operators, with verification and relocation steps through Oct 2026. Health Services Dispute: NCRHA denies nurses’ union claims about four-hour shifts, saying it uses eight- and 12-hour shifts with limited flexible arrangements for a small portion of staff. Sports (National Team): Derek King names a 20-man T&T squad for the Concacaf Nations League friendly vs Louisville City FC.

Guyana Ferry Disaster: Trinidad and Tobago has joined the MV Barima search and recovery after the death toll rose to 53, with Prime Minister Mark Phillips saying 76 survivors have been accounted for and an independent Commission of Inquiry will be set up; divers have identified bodies but retrieval remains difficult as the search area widens offshore Essequibo. State of Emergency & Detention: The SoE tribunal has recommended Dominic Hadeed’s release from custody, while his case continues to move through the Privy Council with no hearing date yet—fueling renewed debate over PDOs. Crime & Police Claims: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar points to police statistics showing murders down under the SoE, while the TTPS highlights community partnerships in home-invasion response. Labour Day Arrest Challenge: Natuc says it is awaiting legal advice on whether to challenge the Labour Day arrest of activist Alyssa Phillip. Healthcare Labour Dispute: TTNNA threatens legal action against NCRHA over alleged illegal four-hour shifts for nurses and midwives. AI Data Centre Politics: Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales claims the PNM rejected an AI data centre bid over demands for subsidised water and electricity. Education & Science: Trinidad and Tobago wins its first-ever International Chemistry Olympiad medal, taking bronze through Reginald Mohammed. Flood Fears: Central Trinidad residents in Caroni, St Helena and Kelly Village brace for another rainy season after past devastation.

Crime & Governance: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says murder figures show the State of Emergency is working, citing 213 murders from January to July 20, 2026 versus 331 in the same period of 2024, with the biggest declines in Port-of-Spain, Western and Northern divisions. Judicial Oversight: The Privy Council has listed the State’s appeal in the Hadeed detention fight, but no hearing date is set yet—an outcome that could shape how Preventive Detention Orders are used during the SoE. Human Rights & Accountability: In Houston, a federal judge temporarily blocks ICE from deporting a witness in the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, after passengers disputed ICE’s account of the incident. Disaster Response: Trinidad and Tobago has deployed air and naval support, including divers, to help Guyana’s search and recovery after the MV Barima capsized, with 53 bodies recovered so far. Public Administration & AI Data Centres: The MPAAI rejects claims that a Tier 4 data centre was secretly advanced for AI, insisting a government Tier IV national data centre is separate from proposed commercial AI computing facilities. Local Economy & Business Climate: Chaguanas business leaders call for urgent action on forex shortages, traffic congestion and real estate regulation, urging fixes to Customs processes to get goods to market faster.

Regional Disaster Response: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T has already mobilised Coast Guard and Air Guard assets to help Guyana’s search after the MV Barima ferry capsized, with 27 bodies recovered and 83 still missing. Public Safety & Crime: Deputy Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin says TTPS is holding the murder rate below last year despite a triple killing in Laventille and a double in Siparia, as the country remains under successive States of Emergency. Judiciary Under Scrutiny: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago warns against personal attacks on Court of Appeal judges following the Hadeed ruling, stressing that respectful debate is legitimate but allegations must not undermine judicial independence. Home Invasion Law: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander defends the new home invasion legislation as already deterring break-ins, pointing to arrests and charges. Trade & Agriculture: Farmers’ Union president Shiraz Khan presses for answers over Nestlé’s planned exit from milk collection, while a court challenge to Customs’ valuation process was dismissed.