AGP Executive Report

Electricity Woes: Opposition former minister Marvin Gonzales is demanding answers from T&TEC and the Government after reports of electricity dips and fluctuations, warning of damage to household appliances and calling for a clear explanation and fixes. Venezuela Reset: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s “love” comments about interim President Delcy Rodríguez and talk of a UN meeting are drawing scrutiny, with analysts and Venezuelan voices reading the shift as pragmatism to secure energy cooperation—especially natural gas. State of Emergency Fallout: Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi says the PNM will challenge any move to extend the State of Emergency after it expires next week, as families wait anxiously at the ECRC and Star Sabga’s PDO was revoked, ending her house arrest. Medicines Approval Overhaul: The PM promises to overhaul Trinidad and Tobago’s outdated medication approval system after reports of delays holding up cheaper drugs for up to a year. School Violence: Police warn that students involved in school fights could face criminal charges, depending on investigations. Sports Governance: TTFA is pressing SporTT to correct the public record over a reported $2.5M Nations League funding setback, while players have accepted call-ups after payment concerns.

School Violence & Discipline: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar doubled down on removing persistently disruptive students, urging teachers to send them home and parents to take charge, while also saying unions and parent groups haven’t done enough to protect schools. Parental Responsibility Law: Government is drafting legislation to hold parents accountable for children’s behaviour, with consultations and Law Review Commission scrutiny before it reaches Parliament. Public Service Leadership: PM congratulated 24 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the THA Chief Administrator, stressing stability, professionalism, and faster delivery of government programmes. State of Emergency: National Security Council to decide the next step for the SoE as it nears expiry on Sept. 17. Justice System Capacity: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh announced measures to cut criminal backlog and expand court capacity, citing infrastructure and staffing problems. Digital Finance Regulation: Central Bank seminar brought regulators and Virtual Asset Service Providers together to balance innovation with financial security and compliance. Food Security Push: Government launched Public Fruit and Food Orchards to turn underused public spaces into community orchards. T&T–Venezuela Talks: PM said plans are being explored for a possible meeting with Delcy Rodríguez later this month at UNGA, alongside renewed diplomatic engagement. THA Jet Ski Case: THA and Pigeon Point Heritage Park Ltd rejected liability in the April 8 jet ski collision death of Angelica Jogie. Forex for Vehicle Imports: TTADA renewed calls for easier forex access for vehicle dealers ahead of the 2026-2027 budget. Mental Health Warning: Psychologists’ association says T&T can no longer ignore a suicide crisis, citing 478 suicides from 2020-2023.

Venezuela Talks: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she expects to meet Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez later this month, likely in New York at UNGA, while also expressing confidence that Venezuelan natural gas will reach T&T within a year. Justice Push: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh used the 2026-2027 law term opening to outline measures to cut the criminal backlog, citing court infrastructure, staffing and case-management problems. Public Service Bargaining: Government has given the PSA two weeks to respond to its “final offer” on outstanding salary periods from 2014-2019, proposing 40% cash and 60% non-cash, with arrears payable monthly over three years. School Violence & Discipline: Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath confirmed draft legislation to hold parents accountable for children’s behaviour, aligning with the PM’s stance that repeat violent or disruptive students should be removed from schools. Tobago Jet Ski Case: The THA and Pigeon Point Heritage Park Ltd rejected liability in the April 8 jet ski collision that killed seven-year-old Angelica Jogie, arguing responsibility rests with the operator. Health Digitisation: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says discussions with the IDB could lead to wider digitisation of patient health records, alongside efforts to improve reporting and waiting times. Energy Diplomacy Debate: Former planning minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie says engagement with Venezuela should usher in a “new era” of cooperation, while critics warn T&T must secure value, not just access to gas.

Judiciary Transparency Push: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh says the Court of Appeal will begin livestreaming key cases, alongside online plain-language summaries and easier public access to judgments. Justice System Modernisation: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar reiterated government support for faster, more efficient, more accessible justice as the 2026/2027 Law Term opens, pointing to legal digitisation and civil justice reforms. School Violence & Discipline Fight: Government Business Barry Padarath confirmed parental responsibility legislation is being developed as PM Persad-Bissessar doubles down on removing violent or disruptive students; TTUTA warns suspensions and police alone won’t fix school violence. Police Digital Upgrade: TTPS is expanding cybercrime response with digital forensics and social media investigations, reporting rising cyberbullying cases and urging parents to monitor online activity. Tobago Safety & Liability: THA denies liability in the fatal Pigeon Point jet ski accident involving 7-year-old Angelica Jogie, arguing the claim should focus on the operator. Regional Diplomacy: PM says a meeting with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez is being explored for UNGA later this month. EU Rights Funding: EU grants of TT$6.2m back migrant/refugee protection and GBV prevention via TTRCS and CADV. Sports & Appointments: Cricket West Indies appoints New Zealand batting consultant Bob Carter for one year, with a regional tour including Trinidad and Tobago.

School Discipline Clash: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar escalated her fight over school expulsions, telling critics to “take them into your own homes” and arguing that violence and bullying are harming students’ mental health and learning; the stance follows a Sangre Grande fight that led to suspensions and renewed debate over whether sending disruptive students home is enough. Police Shift to Prevention: TTPS says reported school fights have risen (27 in 2025 to at least 36 this year) and is moving beyond enforcement toward social intervention, deeper engagement with at-risk students and families, and addressing online disputes that spill into streets. Parliament Pressure: Opposition PNM leaders are pressing the PM to clarify whether the State of Emergency will be extended when Parliament resumes Friday, calling it a “failed constitutional albatross.” Prisons Oversight: A High Court award over alleged sexual abuse is prompting a review of prison records, with the Prison Officers’ Association urging scrutiny of administrative systems and documentation. Regional Judiciary Row: Antigua PM Gaston Browne doubled down on criticism of the regional judiciary and threats to deport a sitting judge, drawing pushback from women judges’ associations. Tobago Airport Disruption: A fire alarm at ANR Robinson Airport’s ATC tower triggered evacuations and delayed flights before operations resumed. Finance & Governance: TTSE launched GSS+ bond guidelines to channel private capital into climate resilience, affordable housing and other public priorities, while Scotiabank T&T reported $449m after-tax profit for nine months, down 15% on the Total Asset Tax.

Sustainable Finance Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange launched its Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS+) Bond Guidelines, aiming to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, and social services—success, TTSE CEO Eva Mitchell says, will be judged by follow-on deals, not just the document. School Violence & Discipline: TTPS Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin says reported student fights rose from 27 (2025) to at least 36 so far this year, with clashes increasingly spilling onto streets; the response will focus on root causes and stronger engagement with students, parents, and teachers, not just enforcement. Education Reopening Reality Check: While the Ministry says all 777 schools reopened, TTUTA rated the start 6–7/10, citing problems at a few schools including infrastructure and safety concerns. Opposition Presses SoE Clarity: PNM MPs are demanding Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirm whether the State of Emergency will be extended when Parliament resumes Friday. Judiciary Clash Escalates: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne doubled down on criticism of sentencing, drawing pushback from regional women judges. Tobago Airport Delays: Smoke and a fire alarm at ANR Robinson Airport’s ATC tower triggered evacuations and delayed domestic flights before operations resumed. Agriculture Goes Digital: The Agriculture Ministry is rolling out EMA-i+ to improve real-time reporting and monitoring of animal disease events nationwide.

Education Discipline Clash: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged teachers to send persistently disruptive students home, but Opposition MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and parent/teacher groups say it’s a “plaster on a sore” that ignores root causes and support gaps. School Reopening Reality Check: The Ministry says all 777 government and government-assisted schools reopened, yet TTUTA reports unresolved issues at 11 schools (maintenance, pests, furniture, water pump problems), with at least one school forced into rotation. Sedition Probe Call: First Wave Movement has asked the Police Commissioner to investigate the PM’s Independence Day remarks, arguing they cross into incitement under the Sedition Act. Housing Leadership: Former PNM senator Ronald Huggins has been appointed Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation, with the State stressing delivery over political history. Judicial Transparency: A High Court judge ordered the Teaching Service Commission to release FOIA records, warning public bodies can’t hide behind “administrative convenience.” Labour at Hilton: Hilton Trinidad workers are seeking clarity on severance after a town hall with management. Regional Diplomacy: Renewed TT–Venezuela engagement is back in focus, with economists weighing implications for energy security and investment.

Education & Governance: Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Education says all 777 government and government-assisted schools (including ECCE) opened on Monday for the 2026/27 academic year, with Minister Michael Dowlath urging attendance, discipline and parental responsibility, and reiterating programmes like school nutrition, supplies and book grants plus laptop distribution for Form 1 in Term I. Public Safety in Schools: The Ministry also says the Police in Schools programme will continue, with officer deployment assessed for effectiveness, alongside a zero-tolerance approach to safety issues. Sports Diplomacy & National Pride: T&T’s MMA team has departed for Colombia for the 2026 GAMMA Pan-American Championships, aiming to build on last year’s medal haul, while FIFA assistant referee Caleb Wales lands another international assignment in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. Economic Diversification Push: TTCSI renews its “50-50 by 2030” push, calling for non-energy services to match energy exports by 2030 to strengthen foreign exchange and resilience. Regional Politics Watch: Dominica’s Roseau North by-election is won by DLP’s Ashma McDougall, handing the ruling party the seat and leaving the UWP without parliamentary representation.

Education & School Safety: As teachers return today, TTUTA president Crystal Ashe says schools can’t function effectively while repairs, book grants, teacher backpay, and support staff contracts remain unresolved, while the National Parent Teacher Association warns some schools may not be fully ready but must provide safe, comfortable classrooms. School Policing: The TTPS says it will use last year’s school data to target fighting, vaping and marijuana possession this term, with 51 schools still on the School-Oriented Policing programme and community officers engaging at-risk students. Political Debate on Independence Messaging: Former UNC founder Trevor Sudama criticises PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Independence messages as political point-scoring and says the “new era” with Venezuela can’t erase the earlier diplomatic costs. Foreign Policy & Venezuela: Vasant Bharath also argues the Sobers Venezuela visit must be “more than an embarrassing retreat,” calling for accountability for earlier decisions. Tobago Justice & Prisons: Tobago inmates held in Trinidad say isolation from families is harming rehabilitation, with relatives appealing for swifter, more humane conditions and a modern Tobago prison facility. Sports (T&T): T&T’s national eFootball team places third at the FIFAe Continental Championship, and footballer Nathaniel James looks ahead to the CONCACAF Nations League opener away to Haiti on Sept. 24.

Education & Discipline: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged students to take school seriously, warning that bad behaviour and disrespect can lead to failure and a lifetime of low-paying work, while also pushing teachers and principals toward “zero-tolerance” for misbehaviour and parents to stop “dumping” responsibility. Tobago Baby Grant: Commentary and reporting around Tobago’s $500 baby grant spotlight growing scepticism that a cash boost alone can reverse the birthrate decline without wider fixes like housing, stable jobs, and community support. Tobago Governance Debate: A Tobago-focused political commentary revisits ANR Robinson’s 1986 parliamentary dominance and argues the criticism of his approach to Act 37 was politically effective but not historically complete. Waste & Jobs: Beetham Landfill workers say they support moving toward a separation facility, but want guarantees they’ll get first access to the new jobs. Energy & Venezuela: An energy expert warns any benefit from US moves involving Venezuelan oil—and potential feedstock for Pointe-a-Pierre—depends on US commercial priorities and politics, not automatic access for T&T. Crime & Courts: A Venezuelan woman in South Oropouche is expected in court after police say her “abandoned baby” report was false and the newborn was her own child; she faces charges including wasting police time and cruelty to a child. International Security Lens: A wider analysis argues US militarisation in Latin America, under the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition, risks undermining democracy and increasing violence rather than improving security.

Miss World Caribbean Win: Trinidad and Tobago’s Georgia-Lee Gill has been crowned Miss World Caribbean in Vietnam, adding a major international spotlight to her advocacy work. US–Latin America Security: A new report argues the US is expanding militarisation across Latin America under the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition, raising concerns for democracy and regional stability, with Trinidad and Tobago named among participating states. Tobago Baby Grant Debate: Commentary on the Tobago House of Assembly’s $500 baby grant says it may not reverse the birthrate decline without deeper fixes like housing, stable jobs, and community support. Energy & Industry: Shell has frozen its Aphrodite natural gas project after failing to agree sales terms with state-linked NGC, while analysts say any access to Venezuelan oil for T&T’s Pointe-a-Pierre refinery depends on US commercial and political priorities. Local Governance & Jobs: Beetham Landfill workers say they’ll support a move to a separation facility only if they’re first in line for jobs. Legal/Constitutional: A land surveyor challenges a Privy Council ruling on adverse possession, arguing the court’s approach is misaligned with local realities. Labour Politics: A labour-focused report examines how political ties are testing unions’ collective voice after election gains.

Hilton Trinidad labour stability: The Communication Workers’ Union says e TecK has formally confirmed Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre’s new state-owned, Hilton-managed model, with assurances on continuity of service, salaries/benefits, union representation, and no break in operations beyond Sept. 18—though the union vows to stay vigilant. T&T–Venezuela reset: Foreign Minister Sean Sobers says both countries will set up a joint commission with a technical working team to unblock “dormant” issues and move cooperation forward across ministries, with an invitation extended for Venezuela’s Felix Plasencia to visit T&T. Education reopening logistics: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says all schools will open on Monday despite ongoing repairs, while parents get a two-week grace period after delayed book grant distribution. Local governance & oversight: The Ministry of the People is strengthening collaboration with the Ombudsman’s Office to speed up pending social service complaints via standardised workflows and better case tracking. Tech diplomacy row: The Chinese Embassy rejects US warnings about Chinese technology suppliers in T&T, accusing Washington of political interference while defending compliance with local laws. Crime & justice (diaspora): A Trinidadian in New York, Chad Barclay, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and admitted kidnapping six additional women. Sports culture: Miss World Caribbean titleholder Georgia-Lee Gill celebrates her continental win, while Trinidad’s media scholar Prof Hamid Ghany reflects on how social media has reshaped politics in T&T.

Hilton Trinidad rescue: The Government has finalised a new ownership and management arrangement for the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre, with state-owned eTeCK taking ownership through a renamed subsidiary while Hilton continues to operate the hotel—removing the looming Sept. 18 shutdown threat and easing worker anxiety. Education reopening pressure: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says all schools will open as scheduled on Monday, while parents get a two-week grace period after late book grant distribution; TTUTA warns low turnout and ongoing hardship for families relying on grants. T&T–Venezuela reset, but critics want delivery: Foreign Minister Sean Sobers’ Caracas talks have been welcomed by business groups as a chance to advance energy cooperation, but Opposition Penelope Beckles and others question what T&T has actually gained and why the Prime Minister hasn’t met Venezuela’s acting president. Tobago goes digital: The THA launched Tobago ID to let residents access public services online and track applications, with early sign-ups exceeding 1,000. Crime and governance watch: As the Sept. 17 State of Emergency deadline nears, the Opposition says it won’t support another extension and wants independent verification of claimed crime gains. Chaguanas drug bust: A $193.5M cocaine seizure has sparked renewed calls for tougher property checks and zero tolerance as concerns grow about organised trafficking networks.

State of Emergency debate: With the Sept. 17 expiry of Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency (SoE) looming, the Government is being pressed to explain whether crime gains came from emergency powers or better policing, as the Opposition says it won’t support another extension without independent verification. Tobago prisons under scrutiny: Acting Prisons Commissioner Elvin Scanterbury says the Tobago Convict Prison’s structural integrity remains a concern after coastal erosion issues, with discussions on the way forward reportedly underway. Hilton Trinidad saved—state takes ownership: The Government has moved to secure Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre by shifting to a state-owned, Hilton-operated model, ending the old landlord-tenant setup and giving staff job reassurance while renovations and long-term plans are reviewed. Education reopening plan: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says schools will reopen as scheduled despite ongoing repairs, highlighting washrooms, sewer systems, electrical works, water storage, and roofs as key focus areas. Book grant payments: More than half of this year’s approved book grants have already been distributed, with the Minister saying delays won’t penalise students. Finance pressure warning: PNM Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul warns the next budget could see a deficit near $10 billion, citing borrowing for recurrent spending and postponed revenue projects. Independence message backlash: Ministers defend Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Independence Day message to UNC supporters amid renewed accusations of divisive rhetoric. Foreign relations: Foreign Minister Sean Sobers’ Caracas talks with Venezuela’s Félix Plasencia are framed as a “new era” for bilateral cooperation. Tobago governance tech: Tobago launches a sub-national digital ID (“Tobago ID”) to streamline access to THA services, including the new baby grant requirements. Regional energy update: OLACDE reports Latin America and the Caribbean oil output rose 10% in April 2026, with Trinidad and Tobago among key gas producers.

High Court Ruling: Tobago House of Assembly Secretary Zorisha Hackett says she’s “vindicated” after the High Court found police search warrants in the audiogate probe unlawful, arbitrary and disproportionate, including searches at her home and a Division of Education office. Education & Labour: TTUTA warns the Ministry of Education’s plan to replace BOAs with on-the-job trainees could overload principals and compromise confidentiality, calling the proposed training inadequate. Justice & Security: A TTDF corporal was convicted by court martial over an alleged sexual assault of a subordinate at the TTDF Reserves in Chaguaramas. Prison Contraband: Two women were among four placed under preventive detention orders after police said contraband was smuggled into Port of Spain Prison hidden inside apples. Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela announced a “new era” roadmap after talks in Caracas covering energy, trade, agriculture, culture and collective security, with Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Delcy Rodríguez to lead. Regulation & Markets: TTSEC launched an online data hub to make securities and market statistics more accessible and interactive. Tobago Social Policy: THA says it will pay retroactive backpay under the $500 baby grant programme, with payments going to eligible Tobago parents via the Tobago ID platform. Crime Update: Police seized about 416.5kg of cocaine worth an estimated $193.5m concealed in backhoe tyres at a Longdenville business place, arresting three foreign nationals.

Diplomacy Reset with Venezuela: Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ Caracas talks with Félix Plasencia signal a thaw after years of strain, with both sides agreeing a new work agenda covering trade, energy, agriculture, culture and security—while analysts urge PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to keep her public comments measured as ties rebuild. Independence Day Political Fallout: Couva South MP Barry Padarath defended the PM’s Independence message after former senator Sunity Maharaj and SDMS criticised it as divisive and racially charged, escalating the debate over tone and national unity. Tobago Education Pressure: Parents in Tobago questioned late book grant payments and slow updates, while TTUTA inspected schools and warned of late vacation repairs and gaps from non-renewed support staff contracts, arguing OJTs can’t replace trained personnel. THA “Audio-gate” Court Win: The High Court ruled police searches of THA secretary Zorisha Hackett’s home and office unlawful and ordered seized items returned, adding fresh heat to the wider probe. Crime and Security: TTPS reported a major cocaine seizure—416.5kg worth about TT$193.5m—after arrests including two Saint Lucians; meanwhile Valencia farmers welcomed planned Mounted Police patrols to curb praedial larceny.