AGP Executive Report

Police Accountability & Protest Rules: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar backed TTPS after it secured the DPP’s office during Wednesday’s protest, while a Legal Notice now bars demonstrations within 500 metres of 15 sensitive state sites under the State of Emergency. Public Safety Tech: TTPS says it supports body cameras and has begun procurement for more, with about 120 active units currently. Tobago Tourism Under Court Order: A court lifted a five-week jet ski ban in Buccoo Reef Marine Park but kept tight limits—no Ny lon Pool use, no touting at Pigeon Point, speed and distance rules, no minors, and no stunts. Regional Politics on Cuba: CARICOM condemned intensified US sanctions on Cuba, but Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago reserved their positions. Finance & Business: Butterfield Bank agreed to buy CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.8bn deal, and Sagicor Group Caribbean plans to head to capital markets to fund its merger. World Cup Build-Up: Korea’s pre-World Cup camp in Utah includes a friendly vs Trinidad and Tobago, with altitude adaptation a key focus.

Protest Policing: TTPS has issued a legal notice restricting public protests within 500 metres of key public buildings, citing safety during the State of Emergency. Energy & Industry: Touchstone says two Trinidad wells are now producing about 175 barrels per day, while Atlantic LNG Train 4 is in a planned shutdown and gas flows are being redirected. Foreign Policy & Cuba: A sanctioned Russian diesel tanker reportedly diverted south after weeks at sea, raising questions about fuel shipments to Cuba. AI Push: Government launched the “Future Ready TT” AI programme, partnering with tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly for education and public service efficiency, with human oversight stressed. Money Laundering Focus: AG Anil Nandlall told CFATF that conviction rates and forfeiture of proceeds from money laundering are too low across the region, calling for stronger judiciary training. Disaster Readiness: TEMA warns disaster recovery can take years without proper planning and savings, pointing to long-running cases from past hurricanes. Agriculture & Food Security: Minister Ravi Ratiram highlighted women’s role across the agri value chain at a Mother’s Day event. Labour Education: New Board of Governors appointed for Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies as it marks 60 years. Trade & Forex: Trade Ministry targets a major jump in non-energy exports and forex earnings, while exporters push for direct engagement. Business & Finance: Butterfield agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean Bank in a $1.8bn deal, and IDB Invest approved up to $30m for Trinidad Tissues’ regional expansion. Local Life: A Chaguanas café profile and a viral $100 chow story show how food culture is driving attention and debate. Sports: West Indies will host Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan in 2026, with Tests against Pakistan in Trinidad and at Queen’s Park Oval.

Caricom–Cuba Rift: Trinidad and Tobago has reserved its position on COFCOR’s Cuba statement, joining Guyana in distancing itself from the bloc’s alarm over intensified U.S. measures—highlighting growing fractures in regional solidarity. Local Economy & Trade: The IMF says T&T’s outlook is only marginally better, but structural weaknesses remain: energy contraction drags while non-energy must carry growth. Shipping Costs: The Couva/Point Lisas Chamber is calling for a state probe into shipping agents charging local fees in US dollars amid a forex shortage, arguing it breaches Central Bank rules. Public Sector Pay Dispute: The PSA rejects the State’s 40% cash/60% non-cash backpay plan, insisting wages must be paid in cash. Tobago Jet Ski Rules: A judge urged jet ski operators to seek alternatives to Pigeon Point Heritage Park, pushing them to modernise how they attract customers. Sports: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season—Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan—with Tests for SL and Pakistan, including matches in Trinidad & Tobago. Culture & Community: SAPA launched a heritage exhibition honouring East Indian ancestors, while a first-ever WCA-sanctioned Rubik’s speedcubing event in T&T earned official world rankings.

CARICOM–Cuba Rift: Trinidad and Tobago abstained from a COFCOR statement condemning US threats and intensifying measures against Cuba, while Guyana and T&T “reserved” their positions—keeping the region’s Cuba debate tense. Central Bank & Tobago Business: The Central Bank met Tobago Chamber leaders on forex access, banking services, financial literacy, and Tobago’s economic priorities ahead of the Payment Systems and Services Bill. Payment Systems Bill Consultations: Tobagonians questioned cross-border currency conversion; the Central Bank said foreign-currency transfers would be handled via licensed services like Western Union/MoneyGram. Tobago Jet Ski Court Move: A judge urged jet ski operators to consider locations beyond Pigeon Point Heritage Park after a fatal April accident and a temporary injunction. Sports: T&T Red Force won the West Indies Championship title, beating Guyana by 141 runs. Culture & Faith: Ifa Orisha Council renewed calls for a national public holiday for inclusion and curriculum recognition.

Banking Talks: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo met the Bankers Association and Central Bank officials to deepen economic collaboration, financial-sector reform and market stability. Landlord Surcharge: The Inland Revenue deadline for mandatory Landlord Business Surcharge registration has been pushed to June 30, 2026, with a $2,500 one-time fee and quarterly rates. Ozone Progress: Trinidad and Tobago says it’s at 78% of its HCFC phase-out target for 2025 and is on track for 97.5% by 2027 under the Montreal Protocol. Energy/Industry: NGC reports it has renewed 100% of downstream gas contracts, including a new agreement supporting Methanol Holdings’ methanol operations at Point Lisas. Education Arrears: TTUTA president Crystal Ashe calls for a “reasonable solution” in the PSA–CPO arrears impasse, after PSA rejected a CPO backpay proposal. Minerals Sector: Quarry operators warn of an aggregate shortfall after hold-over licences were issued, saying demand may outstrip production capacity. Regional Travel: Sean Sobers says T&T is not considering ID-card travel for CARICOM at this time. Weather Warnings: Forecasters in T&T are working to improve early warning systems with more impact-focused guidance for farmers, fishermen and commuters.

Food Security Milestone: Trinidad and Tobago’s agri-diversification push scored a win with the successful black eye bean harvest under a Ministry of Agriculture pilot, alongside corn and soya, aimed at cutting import dependence and boosting resilience. Regional Finance & Trade: Attorney General John Jeremie SC met Cayman Premier André Ebanks in Port of Spain to explore deeper trade links and strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation under CFATF. CWI Under Pressure: Cricket West Indies president Dr Kishore Shallow says the region’s cricket body is navigating serious budget strain while planning a packed home schedule. Health Access Upgrade: Arima’s new Accident and Emergency Department at Arima General Hospital has officially opened, moving emergency services closer to key support units. Economy Talks: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo met the Bankers Association to align on market stability, confidence, and proposed banking reforms. Politics Watch: Sources say Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault is set to resign from Canada’s Parliament. Culture & Community: Honey Fest 2026 brought crowds for a day of honey, education, and culture, while Sagicor marked its 185th anniversary by planting 185 trees in Chaguaramas.

CCJ Victory for Derek Ramsamooj: The Caribbean Court of Justice has ordered Suriname to pay Trinidad-based political analyst Derek Ramsamooj US$30,000 after ruling his detention breached CARICOM treaty rights, including unlawful limits on access to legal counsel during the investigative stage. Public Sector Pay Standoff: Finance Minister Davenrath Tancoo says the Government’s 60-40 PSA backpay offer is final, as the union rejects both earlier and revised proposals over arrears covering 2014-2016 and 2017-2019. Growing Skills Push: Tertiary Education Minister Prakash Persad warns a “social crisis” is building as young men fall behind, launching a regional skills initiative aimed at apprenticeships, entrepreneurship and digital learning. Regional Security and Diplomacy: Cayman’s Premier heads to Trinidad and New York for regulatory talks tied to anti-money laundering and virtual assets. Tobago Weather Watch: Meteorologists warn drought conditions are likely to intensify in coming months. Sports: AC PoS stays on top in the Women’s League after Aaliyah Prince’s hat-trick; South Korea midfielder Hwang In-beom says he’s nearly match-ready for the World Cup.

Tobago Murder Charge: A 24-year-old man from Goodwood, Tobago, Shannon Miller, has been charged with the murder of 2-year-old Angelo Plaza after the child’s disappearance on 11 May triggered a major multi-agency search; police say the case was advanced following advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Kaia Sealy Protests: In Port of Spain, supporters staged fresh demonstrations against the manslaughter and shooting-with-intent charges against Kaia Sealy tied to the January 20 shooting of Joshua Samaroo, with protesters demanding accountability and calling for charges to be dropped. Public Service Pay Talks: The PSA says it rejected the Chief Personnel Officer’s arrears proposal and will push a new offer of 60% cash and 40% deferred cash for periods covering 2014-2019. Regional Security Shift: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a prevention-focused framework treating crime and violence as a public health issue. Agriculture Calendar: IICA says Jamaica will host the 2026 Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Kingston, running 27 Sept–2 Oct, with a focus on food systems, climate-smart tech and export growth.

Kaia Sealy case heats up: Supporters staged a “standstill” protest outside the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain, denouncing the manslaughter and shooting-with-intent charges tied to the January killing of her husband Joshua Samaroo, while a reported family reversal adds fresh fuel to the public anger. Police accountability pressure: Civil groups and CAFRA TT are calling for clearer explanations and a transparent, impartial process after video raised questions about what happened during the police operation. PSA vs CPO pay talks: The Public Services Association says it rejected the Chief Personnel Officer’s arrears proposal and will push a new plan for 60% cash and 40% deferred cash. Regional security shift: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a prevention-focused framework treating crime and violence as a public health issue. Aviation shake-up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes, including Dominica and St. Kitts, after losses linked to its 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion. Economy signal: TTMA says IMF praise for manufacturing supports T&T’s non-energy growth push.

Kaia Sealy Standstill: Supporters of Kaia Sealy plan a “standstill protest” outside the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain today at 3 p.m., as the police-involved killing of her husband Joshua Samaroo spirals into a wider fight over accountability after arrest warrants were issued for Sealy on manslaughter and shooting-with-intent charges. Family Twist: Samaroo’s family has publicly reversed earlier positions, with new statements backing allegations against Kaia, adding fuel to the anger. Regional Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes after losses tied to its 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, including discontinuing Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname service from June 1, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe flights to twice weekly—sparking fresh debate over who will fill the gap. Tobago Toddler Case: In Tobago, the stepfather has confessed in the Angelo Tobias Plaza murder case as the search for the body continues. Oil Spill Tension: Venezuela is pressing T&T for compensation over an oil spill, while T&T says damage is being downplayed.

Immigration Corruption Probe: Police allege immigration officers ran a racket selling preferential treatment for citizenship, residency, work permits and even passport appointments—some deals reportedly costing up to $90,000—prompting a shake-up that sent several officials on leave. Passport Backlog: Citizens are now facing months-long waits for online passport appointments, with the earliest dates pushed to November, forcing more people to crowd walk-in offices. Public Sector Pay Fight: The PSA has rejected the government’s “best and final offer” on arrears, pushing for 80% cash settlement for retirees instead of mixed cash/non-cash options. Justice Under Fire: The Kaia Sealy case keeps shifting in public view after Joshua Samaroo’s family reversed positions following explanations of the charges. Road Safety: DUI arrests hit a new high in 2025, with 709 people taken in for DUI offences. Health Access: A cataract surgery mission says thousands of elderly patients still face preventable blindness due to cost and slow access to surgery. Airline Cuts: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue or reduce several routes from June 1, citing sustained losses and a push for reliability. AI Writing Storm: A Trinidad-linked Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner is under scrutiny after claims the work may have been AI-assisted.

Airline Cuts: Caribbean Airlines will stop flying to Dominica and St Kitts, end its non-stop Guyana–Suriname route, and cut Martinique/Guadeloupe service to twice weekly from June 1, after losses tied to its 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion. Police Recognition: TTPS officers brought home major regional awards at the ACCP conference in Suriname, with Inspector Tricia Smith named Top Caribbean Crime Fighter and Sergeant Jacey Small winning Top Caribbean Community Policing Officer. Anti-Drug Raid: Two national footballers were detained in Cunupia during a targeted anti-drug operation, with identities and drug details withheld pending charges. Crime, Politics, Trust: Opposition leaders are pushing for stronger Police Complaints Authority powers after the Kaia Sealy–Joshua Samaroo case sparked public confusion over how and when warrants were announced. Public Health Approach: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launched a regional framework to treat crime and violence as a public health emergency. AI Writing Row: A Trinidad-linked Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner is facing fresh scrutiny over claims a chatbot may have been used. Sports & Culture: Marchin Patriots set up the CPL/TKR T20 final after a big semi-final win; and the Red Force’s West Indies Championship triumph continues to draw national praise.

Jobs Pressure: Youth leaders warned that unemployment and underemployment are pushing young people away from financial independence, home ownership and even starting families, with the concerns raised before a Joint Select Committee. Tourism Integration: Edmund Bartlett renewed calls for Caribbean countries to work together to protect tourism, while Jamaica’s push to modernise its tourism laws is being watched for how it could deepen regional economic links. Red Force Moment: Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force won the West Indies Championship after a 20-year wait, and calls are growing to honour the team like last year’s CPL champions. Samaroo Case Fallout: Opposition figures and legal voices are reacting to the sudden charges against Kaia Sealy in the Joshua Samaroo probe, while critics say police communications have fuelled confusion and trust issues. Police Complaints Authority Push: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is urging urgent PCA powers reform as public outrage mounts. Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce frequencies from June 1, citing sustained losses. Weather Warning: Meteorologists warn T&T may face “weather whiplash,” with dry spells and flash floods hitting in the same season. Security Law Update: The DNA Bill was approved in the Senate to strengthen national security, including DNA testing for suspected terrorists. AI Writing Row: A Trinidadian writer’s Commonwealth Short Story Prize win is under scrutiny after allegations of AI involvement.

Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut key intra-Caribbean routes starting June 1, ending Dominica–Suriname and St Kitts–Suriname service, plus reducing links to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice-weekly flights—making it harder for business travellers and the diaspora to move between the Eastern Caribbean and northern South America. Tobago Search: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says it would take a “miracle” to recover missing two-year-old Angelo Tobias Plaza after a sea sighting was lost to seaweed and time, while police work continues toward closure. Football Prep: T&T men’s coach Derek King adds friendlies against El Salvador (June 3) and Russia (June 9) after matches vs South Korea (May 30) as the Nations League build-up ramps up. Culture & Controversy: A Trinidad and Tobago writer tied to the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is facing AI-writing allegations after a publisher’s AI check raised questions about the story’s authorship. Business/Policy: PriceSmart wins a tax case against the BIR over how foreign exchange losses are treated, while Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says Ampliа could face major restructuring pending an investigation.

Child Safety Crisis: A fresh spotlight is on the disappearance of 2-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza in Tobago, adding to a string of shocking incidents involving children across T&T—injuries, killings, and abductions—raising urgent questions about how safe kids really are at home, on the road, and even during family time. Oil & Gas Watch: Chevron has moved to expand its Venezuela operations, boosting its stake and folding a long-dormant block into Petropiar—an energy deal that could ripple into fuel costs. Politics & Appointments: Minister Barry Padarath rejects Opposition claims over Landmark TT appointments, saying projects will proceed through due process. Diplomacy: T&T and Türkiye have signed a framework for regular foreign-ministry consultations. Regional Stability: T&T joins a Shield of the Americas call for calm amid Bolivia protests. Weather: Showery conditions are expected to return Friday afternoon. Sports: Red Force celebrates a historic West Indies Championship win, while TTCB president Azim Bassarath calls for a national award for the team.

Water Safety Lawsuit: In Trinidad, Texas, Jennifer Combs says her arrest over a Facebook warning about murky tap water was political retaliation, after she spent a night in jail and later filed a federal lawsuit against local authorities—turning a community health alert into a fight over public speech and accountability. Police Probe Death: In Manzanilla, Trinidad and Tobago, police are investigating a burnt-out vehicle and an unidentified decomposing body found near a beach access road, with post-mortem results expected to say whether foul play was involved. Crime Update (Tobago): Tobago’s Angelo Tobias Plaza case is back in the spotlight after a minister said a breakthrough confession has been made and charges are expected. Economy/IMF Noise: Trinidad and Tobago’s IMF Article IV review is fueling fresh political sparring over whether the economy is stabilising or sliding toward FX strain. Sports: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force won the West Indies Championship title after a dominant bowling display. Payments Reform: The Central Bank is seeking feedback on a draft Payment Services and Systems Bill and regulations. Culture/AI Row: A Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner is at the centre of an AI-writing scandal, with readers accusing at least one author of using machine help.