AGP Executive Report

Energy Diplomacy: T&T is set to deepen its energy security after new Venezuelan gas exploration licences for the Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana areas, with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar saying the deals could help keep Atlantic LNG running and strengthen T&T’s role as a regional energy hub. Local Economy & Telecoms: Digicel says it’s increasing investment in T&T—expanding fibre, boosting mobile capacity, and adding security infrastructure—while hiring more staff as demand grows. Governance & Procurement: The Office of Procurement Regulation flagged problems in how the Housing Development Corporation handled its cancelled $3.4B housing project, citing gaps in supplier identification and due diligence. Public Safety: In Siparia, police declared Sen(n)on Village and environs a “no-crime zone” after a spike in gun violence, with residents joining a peace walk and candlelight vigil. Culture & Community: Pan Trinbago announced a new steelpan Geographical Indication board to protect and certify authentic Trinidad and Tobago steelpans, while T&T will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on September 19 at NAPA.

CCJ Crisis: Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Vincent Anderson has broken his silence, condemning the leak and publication of confidential internal correspondence and denying claims of “panel fixing” or influencing rulings, as public debate intensifies across the region. Public Procurement: The Office of Procurement Regulation says it found flaws in how the Housing Development Corporation selected and checked companies for its cancelled $3.4B housing project, pointing to gaps in due diligence and supplier identification. Crime & Community Response: In Siparia, police declared Sennon Village a “no-crime zone” after a spike in gun violence, as residents and community groups held a peace walk and vigil. Energy & Regional Deals: Trinidad and Tobago could gain a new pipeline gas lifeline as Venezuelan licences move forward for Loran Phase 2, with experts saying Lo ran-Manatee developments may support Atlantic LNG and create work for local service firms. State Sector Shake-up: A review finds 67 people have left State boards or public offices in 14 months, including senior departures at Caribbean Airlines and other major entities. Tobago Tech Push: Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal says residents are lining up for jobs at the proposed Debe AI data centre, hoping it will spur broader industrial activity. Weather & Events: A yellow alert in T&T is tied to possible heavy showers and localised flooding, while the Great Race powerboat event went ahead despite rough seas and a heatwave that still won the day.

CCJ Crisis: Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Winston Anderson has broken his silence, denying he manipulated panels or influenced rulings, while condemning the leaked internal emails as the “most troubling” part of the dispute and warning it erodes public trust. Education Support: Acting Education Minister Barry Padarath says the $20M book grant payments for families could start as early as August 24, with approvals expected to be finalised by early next week ahead of the September 7 school reopening. Sports Administration: The Secondary Schools Football League is set to revisit its 2026 Premier Division format after the Ministry of Sport stepped in to cover inter-island travel concerns, with a rubber-stamp meeting expected Wednesday. Tobago Watch: Ahead of Tobago’s Great Race, stakeholders at Store Bay are urging authorities to better protect a leatherback turtle nest from possible crowd trampling. Energy & Economy: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says Government plans to invest over US$1B to repair oil and gas pipelines, while also pointing to expected economic benefits from expanded gas production by 2027. Weather Alerts: A tropical wave has triggered flash flood watches across parts of the Lesser Antilles, and Trinidad and Tobago has issued an Adverse Weather Alert for isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms and possible localised street or flash flooding. Business & Dividends: NGL Ltd reports that 81% of shareholders chose US$ dividends in its special interim payout, with US$18.5M distributed to investors.

CCJ Fallout: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson broke his silence, denying panel-fixing and influence allegations while condemning leaked internal emails and saying the Mohamed extradition ruling was unanimous. Human Rights/Detention: A High Court judge dismissed businessman Lloyd Sealey’s challenge to a PDO detention tied to allegations of running a brothel and human trafficking. Energy & Investment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hailed new Venezuela gas licences (Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana) with BP, XRG and UCC, while Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said Government expects oil revenue gains by 2027 and is investing about US$1B to repair damaged pipelines. Tobago Development: THA outlined a digital and AI-powered vision for Tobago, including a Tobago ID to modernise public services. Education Support: Acting Education Minister Barry Padarath said $20M in book grant payments could start next week ahead of the Sept 7 school reopening. Tobago Events/Environment: Stakeholders at Store Bay are concerned about a leatherback turtle nest ahead of today’s Great Race. Sports Administration: SSFL may revert to a 17-school Boys’ Premier Division after Sport Ministry intervention over Tobago travel costs; Tobago Classic cycling event cancelled again.

Energy & Investment: ExxonMobil says it moved fast on approvals for seismic work in Trinidad and Tobago and is “optimistic” its technical efforts could lead to a hydrocarbon discovery—PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar met the company’s T&T operations manager, Dr Bram Willemsen, alongside energy and foreign affairs ministers. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM chair Philip J Pierre updated the PM on seeking a CCJ advisory opinion tied to the appointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, as regional cooperation and crime-fighting ties were also discussed. Caribbean Court of Justice: The CCJ leadership row keeps widening, with calls for urgent probe and speedy resolution after leaked internal emails raised questions about judicial dress, panel conduct, and independence. Tobago Infrastructure: Tobago’s new ANR Robinson airport terminal is expected to open before October, with THA saying the build-out is in its second phase and works won’t delay operations. Culture & Sports: World Steelpan Day celebrations continue to spotlight pan’s role in youth and community development, while a GBA international certification programme for boxing referees and judges begins tomorrow in Guyana, led by Trinidad and Tobago’s James Beckles. Weather: Monsoon-driven showers and thunderstorms are expected to affect the region, with storm risks and possible flash flooding flagged in some areas.

Tobago Airport Upgrade: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the new ANR Robinson terminal should be ready within a month, with a full opening expected before October’s Carnival rush. Energy & Investment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar met ExxonMobil’s Dr Bram Willemsen, who praised fast approvals for seismic work and said the company is optimistic about a possible hydrocarbon find; separately, the Trade Ministry set a US$9 billion national investment target by 2030 to grow non-energy exports. Food Security & Poultry: The Agriculture Ministry is moving to build a local poultry breeding and hatchery facility via an Expression of Interest, while adding approved egg/chick sources to reduce supply shocks. Regional Governance: CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre updated the PM on seeking a CCJ advisory opinion over the appointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, as the CCJ leadership row continues to ripple. Independence Day Planning: Government confirmed a mix of traditional and low-noise fireworks plus a drone display for Aug. 31, with CANP criticising high-noise plans near sensitive sites. Community Safety: THA welcomed police posts as a crime-fighting tool, pointing to Tobago’s recent experience with reduced activity. Local Economy Support: The Ministry of the People awarded a $10,000 one-off grant to The Rose Foundation for a La Brea micro-enterprise programme for vulnerable women.

CCJ Crisis Fallout: Trinidad’s role in a wider regional judicial storm is back in the spotlight after leaked internal CCJ correspondence triggered calls for an internal probe, with Guyana’s GTUC demanding action over allegations of authoritarian leadership and interference. US-T&T Relations: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says ties with the United States are at a “historic high,” pointing to cooperation on energy, critical minerals, trade, and security. Energy & Industry: BP’s move to take full control of the Calypso gas project and new Point Lisas steel revival plans—linked to vanadium—are framed as major economic signals, but critics are urging “fine print” scrutiny. Food & Farming Support: ADB’s TobaGrow loan product is rolling out to improve financing access for Tobago farmers, fisherfolk and agro-processors. Security Posts Debate: Government’s push for police-army posts faces renewed calls for smarter deployment, not just construction. Local Governance: Residents question Trinidad’s drought rules after seeing the city golf course stay green while homeowners face tighter watering limits. Regional Business Climate: Opposition MP Stuart Young flags profit declines at state-controlled firms like First Citizens Bank and Angostura, blaming possible policy impacts. Sports & Culture: Nations Cup Caribbean junior karting begins at Wallerfield today, while World Steelpan Day celebrations continue to spotlight pan’s youth and cultural value.

CCJ Confidence Amid Leak Fallout: Heads of judiciary across the region backed the Caribbean Court of Justice after reports of internal divisions and leaked emails, stressing the court’s importance to regional justice and public trust. Tobago Food Push: Cepep workers in Tobago have started transitioning from sanitation and landscaping to farming, with the THA aiming to lift agricultural output and boost GDP contribution. Point Lisas Steel Debate: Economists and former energy minister Stuart Young say the US$750m Point Lisas revival could help, but insist on transparency—gas allocation, concessions, and lasting benefits must be clearly explained. Poultry Shortfall Hits South: Poultry operators report up to 50% fewer birds reaching markets, forcing some closures and driving chicken prices from about $5.99 to as high as $9 per pound. East Port-of-Spain Pressure: Laven­tille West MP Kareem Mar­celle alleges the East Port-of-Spain Development Company is operating with a reduced workforce amid delays in appointing a board and releasing funds. Food Insecurity, Nutrition Gap: UWI research highlights that T&T’s food challenge is not just affordability, but access to healthy, nutritious diets. Net Zero Planning: T&T launched a Pathways to Net Zero report for waste and agriculture/forestry/other land use to guide emissions cuts. Earthquake Report: A 5.1 magnitude quake shook Trinidad; no immediate damage or injuries were reported.

US–T&T Economic Push: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau told business leaders the US wants to back private-sector investment in Trinidad and Tobago, linking trade and energy cooperation to “Next Chapter” supply-chain security. CCJ Crisis: Caribbean judiciaries across the region rallied behind the CCJ as internal rifts surfaced, with leaked emails alleging interference and “dictatorial” leadership by CCJ president Winston Anderson—while Guyana’s AG condemned a “cockroach” style attack on Anderson. Energy & Industry: The Energy Chamber welcomed BP’s move to give NGC a 20% stake in the Cocuina–Manakin gas field, and US officials marked the reopening of Ibis Steel at Point Lisas as a jobs-and-growth signal. Earthquake & Weather: A 5.1 quake jolted Trinidad with no immediate damage reports, while hot, stormy conditions and monsoonal moisture are expected to bring more rain later in the week. Culture & Community: TT Film Festival’s 20th anniversary opens with DANM, a Trinidad-shot horror reworking La Diablesse, and Pan Trinbago leaders renewed calls to refurbish panyards for youth. Sports: Clarien Bank joined sponsors for Carifta Triathlon/Aquathlon, and T&T’s Rising Stars Under-19 women stayed unbeaten with a 10-wicket win over the Windward Islands.

Steel Revival Watch: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau backed the US$750m restart of the former ArcelorMittal plant at Point Lisas, saying it could bring back hundreds of jobs and boost the economy, while Economy & Energy Scrutiny: economists warn the “fine print” matters—especially raw materials, vanadium supply and energy capacity—before T&T bets big on the new industrial push. Tobago Loans: The THA and ADB launched the TobaGrow Loan, offering up to TT$100,000 for Tobago farmers, fisherfolk and agro-processors, with flexible repayment and support for equipment and expansion. Independence Noise Debate: Ahead of Independence Day, CANPTT is urging controlled, time-limited fireworks (or tech alternatives), as officials also float a possible drone show. Sports & Accountability: In Jamaica, Wavell Hinds demanded transparency from Olivia Grange after the National Stadium track was missing from World Athletics’ certified list. CCJ Integrity Row: Attorney Bert Samuels said CCJ allegations are being used as “fodder” against the court, while regional heads of judiciary reiterated support for judicial independence. Culture & Youth: World Steelpan Day celebrations included an ancestral walk and renewed push to use steelpan for youth development and cultural growth. Cricket: T&T’s Rising Stars Under-19 Women stayed perfect with a 10-wicket win over the Windward Islands, while Jamaica beat Guyana in another match.

US-T&T Energy Deal: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says agreements from US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit will unlock investment and energy security, including a fuel-storage and bunkering terminal at Point Lisas, plans to restart the former ISCOTT plant, and BP-linked progress on the Manakin-Cocuina cross-border gas field. Steel Jobs Boost: Business leaders and officials hailed the “resurrection” of the Point Lisas steel plant as Ibis Steel kicks off refurbishment, with an overall US$750 million plan and potential for up to 1,000 permanent jobs. Climate Resilience: The CDB is financing a US$27.1 million initiative to strengthen hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. World Steelpan Day: The Prime Minister and Acting President Wade Mark marked World Steelpan Day with tributes to the steelpan’s creativity and its role in youth development and global culture. Police Posts Debate: Tobago’s Plymouth residents will be consulted before any police post proceeds, while in Trinidad, officials discuss possible locations including Carli Bay amid gang and piracy concerns. Labour Pressure: The CWU warns it may shut down TSTT operations over a disputed 10% wage increase, and also presses for clarity on Hilton Trinidad workers’ job security as the lease nears expiry. Regional Court Tensions: Guyanese opposition figures express alarm over the CCJ’s administration after reports of internal judge disputes.

Energy & Industry: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit unlocked fresh confidence for investment, energy security and industrial growth, pointing to Curlew Midstream at Point Lisas, Pinnacle Steel’s restart of the former ISCOTT site, and BP/National Gas Company agreements on the Manakin-Cocuina cross-border gas field. Critical Minerals: Ibis Steel Company of T&T is set to recommission at Point Lisas with a US$750M plan aimed at positioning T&T as a major vanadium producer, targeting up to half of US vanadium consumption and thousands of jobs. Security Posts: Tobago police chief Rodhill Kirk says Plymouth residents and stakeholders will be consulted before any police post goes ahead, while Couva South MP Barry Padarath says a Carli Bay location is under consideration amid gang and piracy concerns. Crime & Emergency: A criminologist warns the new 30-police-post push could face its biggest test when the State of Emergency ends in mid-September, as gang-related homicides may rebound. Labour & Telecoms: CWU threatens to shut down TSTT if a 10% wage deal is not honoured, and also presses for clarity on Hilton Trinidad workers’ job security as severance notices loom ahead of the September 18 lease expiry. Sports & Culture: World Steelpan Day is marked with calls to expand pan beyond Carnival and Panorama into education, youth empowerment and national development. Local Crime: Two men were killed in an early-morning Calvary Hill, Arima shooting captured on CCTV.

Violence in Arima: Two men were killed in an early-morning shooting at Calvary Hill after gunmen reportedly intercepted their vehicle; CCTV captured the attack and escape as police investigate. Roads and spending row: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed called the US$161M Linden–Soesdyke Highway rehabilitation “highway robbery,” questioning the pricing versus the scope of work and demanding a clearer breakdown of costs. Police post controversy: Despite a dispute over whether the Eddie Hart Grounds police-army post was built over an NGC gas pipeline, the prefabricated structure has been installed, with ministers and officials trading blame. CCJ independence under strain: New concerns swirl around the Caribbean Court of Justice after leaked emails allegedly raise alarms about internal leadership and panel manipulation; the court says allegations need context and reaffirms judicial independence. Indigenous recognition: First Peoples chief Eric Lewis urged greater visibility and government support for Indigenous communities as Trinidad and Tobago marked the UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Sport—youth and medals: T&T’s U-19 women beat Guyana in the Rising Stars Championship, while Makae len Woods narrowly missed bronze in the men’s 200m U-20 final. Culture—steelpan spotlight: World Steelpan Day 2026 celebrations are set for Tuesday with performances and an ancestral walk at Queen’s Park Savannah.

CCJ Independence Under Fire: Five of the CCJ’s six sitting judges accuse President Justice Winston Anderson of “authoritarian” and “dictatorial” leadership, including alleged panel fixing and attempts to influence rulings tied to the Mohamed vs MOHA extradition matter; the CCJ says the claims risk misunderstanding without full context. US-TT-Guyana Diplomacy: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau heads to Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana (Aug 9-12) to meet PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Irfaan Ali, with talks on shared energy, security, and investment. Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is set to launch an India-based UPI real-time payments platform, aiming to cut cash use and payment costs while boosting access and interoperability. Safe Sport Call: TTFA and UWI marked Safe Sport Day 2026 with a “Stand Up. Speak Out. Play Your Part” push for safeguarding, abuse prevention, and athlete-centred environments. Eco-Tourism Warning: Tourism operators and environmentalists are urging tighter rules for Caroni Bird Sanctuary tours after complaints about alcohol, noise, litter, and visitor behaviour. Weather Watch: Rain chances are rising again, with heat advisories and storm risks flagged for the coming days. Sport Highlights: T&T’s U-19 women start strong with a win over Guyana; Makaelen Woods narrowly misses U-20 200m bronze at Worlds.

CCJ Crisis: CCJ president Justice Winston Anderson faces a serious row after fellow judges accused him of “dictatorial” leadership, panel fixing, and trying to influence decisions, sparked by his removal of Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji from a case panel. US-TT Security & Energy: US envoy nominee Jennifer Johnson-Carroll flagged T&T’s states of emergency as she targets crime-fighting cooperation, while US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar on energy, security, and economic ties. Digital Payments: T&T is set to launch an India-based UPI real-time payments system, aiming to cut cash use and lower payment costs. Energy Deal: bp has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso gas project, moving toward full control. Eco-Tourism Rules: Caroni Bird Sanctuary boat tours are under fire over alcohol, noise, and litter, with calls for clear rules and stronger enforcement. Education Focus: Literacy advocate Nicole Phillip says one in three students are not reading at grade level and calls for a coordinated national response. Sports: Club Sando begin their CONCACAF Caribbean Cup run with a win, but face a huge derby vs Defence Force next; T&T women’s U-19 started with a dominant win over Jamaica.

Police-Army Posts Clash: UDeCOTT has stepped into the Eddie Hart mobile police post dispute, saying it will meet TPRC officials as questions linger over whether the unit was actually installed after construction was said to be “completed.” Public Safety vs Politics: Residents in Tarouba are split but many welcome the new joint post, while critics say consultation and trust are being undermined. Racial Tensions Debate: Historians and advocates weigh in after renewed use of a colonial-era slur and Emancipation Day fallout, with warnings that racism is reaching a breaking point and could fuel further division. Noise Pollution Warning: CANPTT says excessive noise is escalating into violence, citing past incidents where loud-music disputes ended in serious harm. Tobago Airport Update: Officials say landslip/slope stabilisation won’t delay the new Tobago terminal, with outfitting work continuing. Energy Push: NGC says PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to make major energy announcements soon, after land vesting for the Beachfield facility. Sports: T&T Women and Leeward Islands Women made winning starts in the CWI Rising Stars U-19 Championship in Antigua. Aviation Numbers: Caribbean Airlines carried 66,814 passengers on the Trinidad–Tobago airbridge in July.