AGP Executive Report

CPL Tonight: Trinbago Knight Riders host Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Queen’s Park Oval (7:00 pm AST) in Match 24, with TKR still mathematically in the playoff hunt and needing wins to stay alive. Local Sports: TKR’s Independence Day clash and CPL form continue to shape the playoff race, with fans watching whether the side can turn pressure into points at home. Business Leadership: Guardian Holdings Limited has appointed Dominic Rampersad as its new chairman, effective Oct. 1, succeeding Robert Almeida. Banking & Housing Costs: Scotiabank says Caribbean mortgage impairments rose slightly on a sequential basis, with credit-loss provisions increasing in the region. Tobago Social Policy: Tobago launches a $500 baby grant under its Universal Child Benefit Programme as birthrates fall, with applications opening and support running until age five. Child Safety Enforcement: La Trinidad authorities shut down a billiard hall after minors were found on-site during class hours, citing juvenile welfare rules. Independence Day Aftermath: Concerns were raised about post-event clean-up at Queen’s Park Savannah, with officials pointing to stray dogs tearing open garbage bags.

Independence Day Politics: Former PM Keith Rowley is demanding an apology from PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar after her Independence message to UNC supporters, saying it stokes racial division and threatens social harmony. Police & Crime: Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith says anti-gang laws are too weak for police to act on gang intelligence, while Downtown Owners’ and Merchants Association (DOMA) warns copper thefts worth over $2M in eight weeks are disrupting business in Port of Spain. Tobago Social Policy: Tobago launches a $500 monthly baby grant under its Universal Child Benefit Programme as the birthrate drops by more than 50%, with applications opening and support running until age five. Local Governance & Services: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen blamed stray dogs for post-parade garbage issues at the Queen’s Park Savannah, after Independence celebrations. Business & Energy: First Citizens appoints Sana Ragbir as acting Group CEO following Jason Julien’s resignation, and ReLeaf TT begins a forest restoration pilot aiming to plant 236,000 trees across 102 hectares. Sports: Trinbago Knight Riders’ playoff hopes hinge on a must-win CPL clash, while Navin Bidaisee’s viral diving catch dismissed Quinton de Kock in another CPL game.

Education Payments: The Ministry of Education says 2026 school supplies and book grant payments move into the disbursement phase and will start from Wednesday, with approved applicants emailed and cheque collections handled at Education District Offices nationwide from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tobago Digital Services: The Tobago House of Assembly has launched Tobago ID, a digital platform to track services online, and says the $500 monthly baby grant takes effect today and is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026. Independence Politics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Independence messages drew sharp reactions—critics say her party-focused UNC address was divisive, while others defended it as reflection on the country’s direction. Credit Outlook: The Finance Ministry says Moody’s highlighted T&T’s fiscal buffers and expects a natural gas recovery, pointing to stronger near-term external position and support for budget financing. CPL Cricket: Shimron Hetmyer powered Guyana Amazon Warriors to a nine-run win over Trinbago Knight Riders with an unbeaten 111 off 43 balls, reaching 7,000 T20 runs in the process.

Independence Day politics: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar used her 64th anniversary messages to urge Trinidad and Tobago to stop blaming the colonial past and to back party unity, drawing sharp criticism from Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles and others who called the remarks divisive. Independence Day celebrations: Spectators enjoyed a bigger cultural showcase at the military parade, featuring Red Devils, Moko Jumbies, tassa, chutney and steelpan, while some complained about the parade’s new venue and late start. Tobago autonomy: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine told citizens they have “nothing to fear” as the island pushes for greater autonomy, stressing economic independence and urging Trinidad to see the bigger picture. Finance & credit: The Finance Ministry says Moody’s sees stronger fiscal buffers and a gas-sector recovery, citing the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund and Treasury cash. CPL cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors spoiled TKR’s Independence Day party with a rain-affected DLS win, powered by Shimron Hetmyer’s record-equalling 111. Security: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarra said bomb hoax threats are low and assured celebrations will proceed safely.

Independence Security: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarra says bomb-threat hoaxes linked to Independence celebrations are low risk, urging unity as TTPS vows to pursue leads and prosecute those behind the threats. Independence Politics: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar tells the nation to stop blaming colonial history and “grow up,” arguing accountability for post-1962 decisions is now the priority amid ongoing worries over diversification, crime and public services. Diaspora & Culture: In Brooklyn, a Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day parade permit was reportedly cancelled, leaving Pastor Louis Straker “torn” over what it signals for Caribbean community challenges. Regional Solidarity: St Kitts and Nevis congratulates T&T on its 64th Independence anniversary, citing shared CARICOM ties and hopes for peace and progress. Sports (CPL): Trinbago Knight Riders host Guyana Amazon Warriors at Queen’s Park Oval tonight, while Jamaica Kingsmen beat TKR by seven runs via DLS in rain-affected action. Local Crime: A 49-year-old woman, Mirissia Weekes, died after being shot in the head at Dundonald Hill, with police detaining a suspect known as “Mannie.”

Independence Day politics and public mood: President Christine Kangaloo urged citizens to confront the country’s crime and violence crisis with “freedom from fear,” while PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar sparked backlash by saying T&T should stop blaming colonial history and own post-Independence decisions. Police and social fabric: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarra saluted women officers marking 71 years since women first became constables, as the TTPS continues expanding roles across divisions. Labour and governance tensions: The CWU is calling for TSTT chairman Kern Dass to be removed over the governance of a proposed $49m call-centre contract, while the PSA rejected claims of preferential treatment as unions push for wage deals. CPL and sport as national identity: Trinbago Knight Riders face Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Oval on Independence Day after a rain-affected, tough start; separately, TKR retired Dwayne Bravo’s No. 47 jersey. Local boxing and youth spotlight: Shantelle Adams weighed in at 138 pounds ahead of her bout in Caracas, and Tobago’s Shania Phillips eyes a regional tourism youth title after local success. Climate pressure: CIMH/UWI warn the Caribbean could face worsening drought and heat into 2027, with Trinidad and Tobago at risk from expanding hot-spell days. Business and investment: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo met Scotiabank executives to discuss investment opportunities and strengthening ties with the local economy.

Independence & accountability: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T must stop blaming the colonial past and honestly confront what the country failed to do over 64 years, arguing it entered Independence with strong institutions and resources but was later overtaken by others. Children’s healthcare milestone: The Children’s Life Fund Authority marks a major win after July 2025 amendments, enabling an international specialist to deliver a specialised procedure locally at EWMSC for a life-limiting illness beneficiary. Electricity debt in court: T&TEC files a High Court lawsuit against Senior Counsel Keith Scotland and attorney Keisha Kydd-Hannibal over a $2.39m debt-recovery matter involving Flavorite Foods, alleging breach of contract and negligence. CPL cricket & local pride: Trinbago Knight Riders retire Dwayne Bravo’s No. 47 jersey in recognition of his CPL and T&T contributions, while Narine’s all-round dominance helps TKR beat Barbados Tridents by seven wickets. Tobago Independence fireworks: Tobago’s THA says Independence Day fireworks won’t be funded due to procurement delays, but private sponsors will cover a show. Diaspora culture clash: NYC’s Trinidad and Tobago Parade is cancelled after organizers say their permit was denied, with NYPD claiming no approved permit was ever held. Business & MSMEs: GCash for Business partners with the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar to boost cashless payments for 200+ local artisans and MSMEs across Ayala Malls.

Anti-crime and detention powers: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked a Preventive Detention Order against dancehall artiste Joseph “Medz Boss” Oliviere, ending nearly six months of administrative detention and reigniting debate over the Government’s reliance on emergency powers for crime-fighting. Legal accountability: T&TEC has filed suit against Port-of-Spain South MP Keith Scotland and attorney Keisha Kydd-Han­nibal over alleged mishandling of litigation tied to about $2.4 million in unpaid electricity charges. Water and politics: East Trinidad residents in Maloney, Arouca and Arima are split on whether unreliable water supply is political victimisation or long-running failures by WASA, with businesses and households demanding reliable service. Tobago Independence Day: Tobago’s House of Assembly-funded fireworks display was cancelled due to procurement delays, but private sponsors have stepped in so celebrations can still go ahead. Food security pressure: With T&T’s food import bill hovering near $7 billion, three youth agriculture programmes have been abandoned, leaving about 1,500 graduates facing uncertainty. Economy watch: Former finance minister Colm Imbert says recent results at First Citizens, TTMB and Republic Bank point to economic slowdown under the UNC, citing weaker profits and reduced mortgage lending. Sports: Trinbago Knight Riders’ CPL struggles continued as rain ended their match with Jamaica Kingsmen via DLS, while Tyriq Springer marked a historic UCI downhill appearance and Shan­telle Adams prepares for another pro bout in Venezuela. Fraud trends: Fraud Squad reports fell 32.7% from January to July, but losses reported jumped 227.2% to $167.37 million.

Fraud Watch: Trinidad and Tobago’s Fraud Squad logged 551 reports from January to July, down 32.7%, but losses jumped 227.2% to $167.37 million—charges rose to 141. The biggest spike was fraudulent/forged cheques, up from 4 to 32. Budget 2027 Mood: As Budget 2027 nears, government is keeping the date and details tight-lipped, while stakeholders push for a cautious, stability-first package. Tobago Security: Three new joint police-military security posts are being rolled out in Plymouth, Signal Hill and Goodwood to improve response times, with more facilities urged. CPL Cricket: Trinbago Knight Riders crushed the Barbados Tridents by seven wickets at Queen’s Park Oval, with Sunil Narine starring. Sports Milestone: Tyriq Springer made history as the first Trinidad and Tobago (and Caribbean) rider to compete in downhill at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, for potential financing support. Local Business/Community: A back-to-school initiative backed by the Lennox Stewart Foundation helped more than 40 students ahead of the new term.

AI for MSMEs: Ocho Rios entrepreneur Kingsley Jair Harrison’s SnapTap is an AI-powered all-in-one platform for marketing, sales, payments and customer management, already used by 500+ businesses across 10 countries including Trinidad and Tobago. Tobago Security: Three new joint police-military security posts are being rolled out in Plymouth, Signal Hill and Goodwood to strengthen community presence and speed up police response times. CPL Cricket: Trinbago Knight Riders beat Barbados Tridents by seven wickets at Queen’s Park Oval, with Sunil Narine starring as both batter and bowler. Belize Court Case: Trinidadian Rubindra Rampersad walked free after 92 days in jail over an $11,470.24 Golden Bay Hotel bill, after a mediation agreement confirmed the amount was paid. Budget Watch: Government remains tight-lipped on the 2026/2027 Budget date, while stakeholders push for stability, controlled spending and support for non-energy growth. Politics & Party Tensions: Keith Rowley urges “common sense” and a speedy resolution to the PNM’s San Fernando East dispute. Energy & Climate Policy: Climate and renewable energy experts back calls to update policies to boost solar uptake, citing gaps in the enabling environment. Food Safety Training: UWI St. Augustine interns get advanced ServSafe food safety training via CARPHA. Earthquake: A 4.6 magnitude quake was recorded off the northeast coast of Trinidad and Tobago with no immediate damage reports.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.6 quake was recorded northeast of Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday morning (about 8:58 a.m.), at roughly 45 km deep, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Cost of Living & Public Services: Former finance minister Colm Imbert says government wage promises could balloon the public-sector wage and back-pay bill beyond $25 billion, warning that cash pressure may force cuts to essentials like garbage collection and water trucking. Local Economy: Trinidad Cement Limited reported 1H26 profit rising to TT$62.1m, up from TT$22m, as gross profit jumped and Jamaica helped offset weaker local conditions and higher fuel and gas costs. Sports (CPL): Trinbago Knight Riders are off to their worst CPL start since 2013 after a 36-run loss to St Lucia Kings, leaving fans worried about form early in the season. Tech & Business: Intel­liCo AI Agency launched an AI ERP platform aimed at helping Trinidad and Caribbean firms scale abroad at lower cost. Regional & Community: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” initiative will turn CPL sixes into support for education, sport, health and community projects across multiple islands, including TT.

Flood Chaos: Heavy early-morning rains flooded Port of Spain and parts of central and south Trinidad, stranding commuters and disrupting school-supplies shopping, with calls for stronger drainage and anti-litter action. Tobago Jobs & Procurement: Tobago House of Assembly ended the 10-on/10-off programme, releasing 1,000+ workers, while the THA Chief Secretary warned procurement delays are also leaving vacancies unfilled and school repairs slow. Revitalisation Blueprint: The Government’s Revitalisation Blueprint is still stuck in procurement, with the Works Minister saying updates will come in about two weeks. Independence & Diaspora Culture: Brooklyn’s Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day parade was cancelled days before it was due to start, after NYPD denied the permit and cited traffic and staffing concerns. Youth, Tech & Education: Minister Nicholas Morris backed a Trinity East teen’s market-vendor app solution, and Al-Ihsaan Institute pushed formal ECCE qualifications for early childhood workers. Sports & Spotlight: Keshorn Walcott placed fourth in Zurich; Neeraj Chopra qualified for the Diamond League Finals; and Southside Elite opened the EIG Elite Basketball League with a win over TTPS. Business & Finance: JMMB Bank increased MSME lending in the June quarter, while Trinidad Cement Limited reported improved local results despite weaker conditions.

Governance & Schools: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the Division of Education’s school repair programme is running too late, with $13.7m of a $20m budget released since May, and orders an islandwide tour ahead of schools reopening on Sept. 7. Energy & Economy: Energy economist Gregory McGuire warns T&T’s gas recovery in 2027 is “credible, but conditional,” after Point Lisas setbacks and job losses tied to major petrochemical idling. Finance & Business: A legal fight is brewing between NPICTT and WiPay over a government digital payments deal, with WiPay threatening a TT$4.4b claim. SMEs & Growth: A business piece argues SME financing in T&T depends heavily on leaders’ mindset and how they choose instruments to grow. Energy Snapshot: T&T ranked sixth globally for energy supply per capita in 2025, though supply fell 7.1% from 2024. Community & Culture: Trinidaddio Blues Fest returns to downtown Trinidad after a four-year hiatus, with free entry Aug. 28-29. Sports: Saint Lucia Kings beat Trinbago Knight Riders by 36 runs in CPL, led by Tim Seifert’s unbeaten 105. Weather: Storms Thursday may weaken, with drier conditions building into a hot, drier Friday.

Police & Procurement: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander again refused to disclose the projected cost and contractors for 30 planned police posts, saying details will come later to avoid “drama,” even as the Office of Procurement Regulation is being asked to investigate the procurement process. PNM Fallout: Alexander also claimed he has “shocking” documents tied to corruption allegations in the San Fernando East dispute involving PNM figures, but would not say how he obtained them. Education Delays: With the new school term nearing, parents are still waiting on the school supplies and book grant, with no clear public date for disbursements. Tobago Work Programme Cut: THA terminated contracts for more than 1,000 ten-on, ten-off infrastructure workers, leaving uncertainty over vacancies and permanent placements. Weather & Water: Tobago faces drought-like conditions from late September into October, while skywatchers are urged to look up for a near-total lunar eclipse tonight. Transport: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from September 2, rerouting passengers on same-day alternatives. Crime & Fraud: TT Police Fraud Squad reports show fewer fraud reports but a surge in losses to over TT$167 million, driven by fraudulent cheques and cyber-enabled scams. Energy Signal: ExxonMobil’s first major seismic results for Block TTUD-1 are expected by end of August, after a 3D survey off the east coast. Business & Community: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” turns CPL sixes into support for education, sport, health and inclusion across multiple Caribbean markets, including Trinidad.

Local Economy & Trade: A new study by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten and the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago says bilateral trade is still tiny—less than 1% of Curaçao’s merchandise trade involves T&T—despite big potential in chemicals, fuels and financial services on the T&T side and processed foods, medical instruments and digital services for Curaçao; both sides are exploring a new trade agreement to cut barriers. Government Digital Services: The Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs and UNDP have signed an MoU to speed up the digital transformation of T&T’s land systems and services, aiming to make access easier and reduce administrative bottlenecks. Finance & Business: Massy reports continued profit from Barbados operations, while JMMB Group says it earned $2.1 billion in net profits for the quarter ended June 30, with Trinidad contributing 15% of operating revenues. Regional Governance: CARICOM has hired external counsel to respond to T&T’s challenge to the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, as the matter moves toward an advisory opinion at the CCJ. Sports (CPL): Nicholas Pooran says TKR will use home advantage in the Trinidad leg starting tonight at Queen’s Park Oval against St Lucia Kings.

Police Oversight: The Police Complaints Authority says 31 people have been killed by police in 26 incidents since the start of the year, including the Morvant shooting of Keebedy “Rhino” Perpignac during a PDO operation. Tobago Jobs & Pay: Cepep workers in Tobago are demanding higher compensation as the programme shifts from park beautification to agriculture under the THA’s Food Security division. Politics & Allegations: Government ministers say corruption claims by San Fernando East MP Brian Manning against PNM figures should not be treated as “internal party business,” as the dispute deepens. Education Policy: CTEC is back in the spotlight after a Trinidad Express editorial urged caution over innovation in CXC-linked qualifications, with officials arguing success and standards can both be protected. Public Services Upgrade: The Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs is moving to digitise land transactions, aiming to let people check ownership, size and valuation online to speed deals and attract investment. Independence Culture Clash: Former minister Marvin Gonzales criticises T&TEC’s plan for staff to wear yellow polos on Aug. 28, arguing it clashes with national-colour tradition ahead of Aug. 31. Business & Finance: S&P reaffirms First Citizens’ investment-grade rating, citing capital and liquidity support amid T&T’s fragile recovery. Women’s Health: Government commits $5m to a Women’s Health Fund to tackle period poverty, including menstrual kits for schools.