AGP Executive Report

Oil Spill Fallout: Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yvan Gil, is demanding compensation from Trinidad and Tobago over a Gulf of Paria spill, warning it could affect 1,625 sq km and the livelihoods of hundreds of fishermen, while T&T’s energy minister previously downplayed it as “minor” and put the spill at about 10 barrels. Flood Control Push: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says nationwide desilting and drainage work is ongoing, citing Couva’s main road clean-up as part of a wider effort to stop rapid flooding after heavy rain. Legal Aid Overhaul: Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj has appointed a new board to the Legal Aid & Advisory Authority, as the agency nears 50 years of service, with a focus on better governance and access to justice. Search for Baby Angelo: Tobago’s Hunters Search and Rescue says the search continues and will expand again today after a Studley Park landfill tip. Weather Watch: A frost advisory/freeeze warning is in effect in parts of the region, with advice to protect sensitive plants and avoid sprinkler use.

Tobago Search Update: Hunters Search and Rescue has expanded the search for missing baby Angelo Tobias, with teams widening coverage after a tip pointed to the Studley Park Landfill area following Mother’s Day. Music & Culture: In the diaspora spotlight, Trinidadian Nailah Blackman kicked off her B.A.D. (Born a Diamond) Tour at Toronto’s History with Destra Garcia, Kes and other soca royalty. Energy & Governance: Venezuela is demanding compensation from Trinidad and Tobago over the Gulf of Paria oil spill, while locally the National Gas Company’s credit-rating shake-up continues to spark questions about transparency and investor confidence. Sports: Sunil Narine’s IPL masterclass is drawing big praise, and Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme is back for another grassroots push across the region. Health & Community: The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society mourns the death of its president, Anne-Marie Quammie-Alleyne, as the organisation moves toward renewed stability and accountability.

Netball Shock: Melbourne Vixens’ nine-week unbeaten run ended when injuries hit hard—Hannah Mundy, Rudi Ellis and Em Mannix were out—and Sunshine Coast Lightning seized the moment with a 66-56 win. Milestone Moment: West Coast Fever celebrated Romelda Aiken-George’s 255th national league appearance, setting a new record. Tobago Spotlight: Rocky Point’s 200-room Marriott plan is under fresh pressure after experts told EMA the development is “fundamentally incompatible” with the site, raising renewed questions about how the CEC protects vulnerable areas. Governance & Business: The T&T Chamber urged continued transparency and sound governance at NGC after Moody’s exit and credit-rating realignment sparked analyst concerns. Health System Fight: NCRHA rejected claims from the nurses’ association, saying patient flow improvements and better outcomes are already showing. Cricket Build-Up: Guyana Harpy Eagles took first-day honours over T&T Red Force in the West Indies 4-Day final, setting up a tense Day 2.

Caroni’s Great Bird Show: Scarlet ibis return to Trinidad’s Caroni Swamp every evening, turning mangrove islands crimson as thousands fly in to roost—an easy, unforgettable nature spectacle timed for sunset boat tours. Health System Clash: The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has rejected claims from the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA), saying patient flow and service delivery have measurably improved despite inherited financial and operational problems. Credit Rating Shock: Analysts are questioning NGC’s transparency after the state energy company said it discontinued its relationship with Moody’s, following Moody’s withdrawal tied to NGC’s decision to stop participating in the rating process. Tobago Jet-Ski Safety: Jamaica has offered help to Tobago after the death of a child in a jet-ski incident, pointing to its own long-running restrictions on personal watercraft rentals. Sports Spotlight: Sunil Narine’s IPL milestone 200th appearance came with another match-winning spell, while Trinidad & Tobago Red Force’s Anderson Phillip eyes a title decider against Guyana.

Education Spotlight: A Tobago student, Ecliff Elie’s Spotlight on Youth Potential programme, is being suited up for a milestone graduation after the family’s finances looked too tight to attend. Crime Strategy Debate: Former police commissioner Gary Griffith is pushing back on the Government’s plan to grow the TTPS from 7,884 to 10,200 officers, arguing accountability and leadership—not just more manpower—are the real gaps. State of Emergency Questions: With T&T now 503 days into the SoE over gang threats, a fresh concern is raised over whether arrests and published detention orders are keeping pace with claims of imminent danger. Tobago Child Search: Missing toddler Angelo Tobias Plaza’s mother and stepfather remain in police custody in Tobago as investigators continue questioning. Oil Spill Money: Government says it has received $61M in compensation from the IOPC for the Gulfstream disaster, with more claims still possible until Feb 2027. Procurement Scrutiny: LandmarkTT’s hiring and contracts are under renewed scrutiny after questions over how it handled procurement. UWI Tuition: MTEST welcomes UWI’s decision not to increase St Augustine tuition fees.

CPL Draft Fallout: The Republic Bank CPL 2026 player draft is already reshaping the league, with Trinbago Knight Riders keeping their championship core via right-to-match—Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein and Terrance Hinds—while adding fresh faces like Jyd Goolie, Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes. Cricket Spotlight: In the build-up to regional glory, Anderson Phillip is in career-best form for Red Force, sitting as the leading T20 fast bowler heading into the West Indies Championship final against Guyana. Health & Care: Tobago’s health authority is pushing back on early screen habits after free speech and language screenings, while Sagicor’s “Mom Masterclass” brought Caribbean mothers together on parenting, wellness and money. Energy & Economy: NGC says Moody’s exit is a strategic ratings realignment, not financial trouble. Water Woes: Tobago’s water strain continues, with desalination plans and conservation urged as dry conditions linger. Culture & Community: Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down for the R&B Brunch Festival, and Professor Selwyn Cudjoe warned T&T risks losing its reading culture without reconnecting youth to local history.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: Trinbago Knight Riders locked in their West Indian core for CPL 2026, using right-to-match options to keep Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein, while Andre Russell and Rovman Powell move to the new Jamaica Kingsmen franchise. NGC vs Moody’s: National Gas Company says Moody’s withdrawal isn’t a sign of trouble, but a strategic realignment after it ended its Moody’s relationship in February. Nurses’ Pool Rates Back in Focus: NCRHA has reportedly reverted to earlier pool rates after cutting them in March, as the nursing union warns staffing shortages are still pushing hospitals “at breaking point.” Victims’ Rights Bill Debate: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge insists the Victims’ Rights Bill must pass despite concerns, arguing delays keep victims “invisible” in the system. Public Health Push: CARPHA wrapped Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week and is now launching a regional Instagram Reel competition to drive source reduction. Tobago Water Strain: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine warns shortages are worsening and says desalination may be needed. UWI Fees Halted: Government welcomes UWI’s decision not to increase tuition fees at St Augustine.

NGC vs Moody’s: The National Gas Company says it’s ending its relationship with Moody’s as part of a “strategic re-alignment” to secure a rating that better matches its standalone strength, after Moody’s withdrew NGC’s Ba2 ratings citing “inadequate information” to monitor once NGC stopped participating. Tobago school funding: Tobago House of Assembly is asking for about TT$60 million to start building Scarborough Secondary, with consultations and tendering expected to follow once money is approved. Teachers’ backpay standoff: TTUTA says there’s still no clear timeline for 2020–2023 salary arrears and backpay, despite ministry assurances—union claims no funds have been released or identified. MP security debate: Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says threats against MPs must be treated seriously, while questions linger over how much security staff were actually told. Energy jobs push: OWTU signed a training deal aimed at preparing workers for a proposed Petrotrin refinery restart. Tourism governance: Tobago’s tourism leaders stress continuity of plans beyond party politics, while Rocky Point hotel support hinges on four conditions. Sports & culture: CPL draft reshuffled rosters; Shakira and Burna Boy released the official World Cup song “Dai Dai.”

Crime & State of Emergency: Attorney General John Jeremie says Trinidad and Tobago is “at war” with criminals after a Belmont gang-linked incident, but police sources claim Parliament security threats weren’t clearly communicated—fueling fresh questions about whether the response matches the rhetoric. Belmont Tragedy: The grandfather of slain toddler Akini Kafi says only God can help the country overcome crime after the May 7 triple shooting. Labour & Energy: OWTU signed a training deal with CENERGY to prepare workers for a Petrotrin refinery restart and broader energy expansion. Tobago Tourism: Tobago’s tourism leadership is pushing for continuity and long-term planning, while Chief Sec. Farley Augustine says support for the Rocky Point hotel project depends on four conditions. Red Cross Accountability: The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross appoints Edward Moodie as Acting President, promising transparency over subvention and audited-statement issues. Regional Travel: Caribbean Airlines launches twice-weekly Port of Spain–Curaçao flights from about US$152. Sports: Red Force and Barbados Pride set for the West Indies Championship playoff final after strong tournament runs.

Caribbean Airlift Boost: Caribbean Airlines has launched twice-weekly flights between Port of Spain and Curaçao, with fares from about US$152, aiming to lift tourism, business travel and cultural exchange. Gas Diplomacy: Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo says T&T will negotiate cross-border natural gas terms with Venezuela to close a “serious gap” in fiscal arrangements. Security & Politics: Attorney General John Jeremie revealed MPs and officials received extra protection after a security incident linked to a gang member, as the Government frames the fight against gangs as a “war” amid the renewed state of emergency. Regional Labour Talks: A Haiti delegation met T&T’s labour ministry, unions and the ILO to discuss labour market challenges and social dialogue. Tobago Loss: Tourism pioneer George Stanley Beard has died at 79, remembered for shaping Tobago’s heritage and festivals. Business & Culture: A Great Greek Mediterranean Grill master franchise deal could bring the brand to Guyana and seven Caribbean countries including T&T.

Parliament Under Pressure: Attorney General John Jeremie says a security incident linked to a gang member last Friday triggered extra protection for MPs, as the House debated a parole bill and Opposition MPs traded accusations over crime and the State of Emergency. MPs’ Security Clash: Opposition leader Penelope Beckles’ camp also claims Defence Minister Wayne Sturge’s remarks are being used to deflect from the Belmont/Morvant murders—while the AG frames the “war” as targeting gangs. Water Woes, Wet Season No Relief Yet: WASA confirms reduced production in North-East Trinidad after low river levels hit the North Oropouche and Quare plants, leaving communities facing continued supply cuts even as the rains arrive. CARICOM Standoff: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise Dr Carla Barnett as CARICOM Secretary General after August, despite regional claims of reappointment. Budget Anxiety: Brian Manning warns the mid-year budget review could bring new taxes or fines as uncertainty grows. Local Life: Holy Name Convent launches an independent investigation into allegations against its newly appointed principal after a petition from more than 1,000 people.

CARICOM Standoff: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett after August 2026, even if other leaders insist she was reappointed—“This is our final position.” Regional Context: The dispute follows a reported five-hour CARICOM leaders’ discussion over Trinidad’s concerns about the reappointment process. Tourism Benchmark: A new report flags Curaçao as a Caribbean model for stable year-round tourism, citing diversified South American demand and consistent air links—while it lists Trinidad among destinations with higher seasonality. Finance & Policy: Government is setting up a new fiscal review committee to shape how cross-border gas is taxed and how T&T earns revenue across the full gas value chain. Digital Finance: TTSEC CEO Kester Guy urges “discipline, credibility and clarity” as the virtual assets framework moves from law to implementation. Elsewhere: Gunshots erupted at the Philippine Senate during a standoff involving an ICC-wanted politician.

House Showdown: MPs are set for a heated House debate on the State of Emergency, the rising murder toll, and a report on a PNM senator’s continued role on the National Security Parliamentary Committee, with Opposition Whip Marvin Gonzales pressing again on SoE effectiveness and the “Home Invasion (Stand Your Ground)” law. MTS Appointment Fire: The latest clash follows last Friday’s fight between Gonzales and Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath over the recruitment and pay package for MTS CEO Nicholas Khanhai—Padarath calls the Opposition’s claims a “deflection.” Crime Case Update: Four people are expected to face charges over the murders of Kenneth Gill and Bernard Mahabir, whose burnt bodies were found in a vehicle trunk in Valencia. Water Stress: WASA says reduced river flows are cutting production at the North Oropouche and Quare plants, affecting parts of North-East Trinidad. Energy/Industry Watch: Nutrien is moving to sell its Trinidad assets while Methanex weighs options amid uncertain gas talks with NGC. Sports: Pride’s Joshua Bishop’s heroics set up a final-day showdown against T&T’s Red Force in the West Indies Championship playoff.

Water Crisis: WASA says North-East Trinidad is facing reduced supply because river levels are still too low after a dry season, even though the wet season officially began May 5; the North Oropouche plant is down to 16 million imperial gallons per day and the Quare plant has also cut output, with affected areas including parts of Arima, Sangre Grande, and Valencia, and full production expected once river flows recover. Crime Watch: Armed bandits stormed TTCB headquarters in Couva in daylight, escaping with about TT$15,000 after forcing open a safe. Health & Prevention: CARPHA launched Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, pushing source reduction to cut dengue and zika risk, with school-focused activities across the region. Local Violence: Police report a woman stabbed during a domestic dispute in Arima. Sport: Ekesa reclaimed the Midnight Marathon title, while T&T’s fast bowlers put Pride on the back foot in the West Indies Championship playoff. Diplomacy/Regional: India says it will follow up on a possible line of credit after Jaishankar’s visit.

Housing & procurement pressure: The Office of Procurement Regulation is probing LandmarkTT Properties over a $100M Alamby Residential Development contract, with complaints alleging selective tendering instead of open bidding. Environment in focus: EMA is defending its Certificate of Environmental Clearance for Rocky Point’s $500M Tobago hotel, saying it followed a science-driven review and added tougher coastal setback and reef/turtle protections. Governance & accountability: Former Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis is pushing back hard on Housing Minister David Lee, accusing him of poor oversight amid the HDC housing programme controversy. Public health push: CARPHA is urging source reduction as Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2026 kicks off, warning dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases keep straining health systems. Diplomacy & development: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will follow up on India’s offer of a line of credit after S. Jaishankar’s visit, while the Nelson Island renaming debate heats up between historians and Indigenous leaders. Sports: West Indies 4-Day action continues with Matthew Nandu’s unbeaten hundred keeping Guyana in the hunt.

Energy & Environment: A fresh red flag is being raised over Tobago’s Rocky Point hotel after the EMA defended the CEC approval process, while critics warn the standards may not be tight enough for a “fragile reef.” Agro-Processing Push: The TTMA is backing the opening of the Brechin Castle agro-processing facility in Couva, saying it can boost SMEs, cut post-harvest losses, and strengthen food security and exports. Public Health: CARPHA has launched Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2026, urging communities to tackle standing water ahead of the rainy season as dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses keep straining health systems. Health Access: NIHERST has named Dr Indira Rampersad as chair of its new board, tasked with steering science, tech, innovation and research. Regional Watch: Jamaica’s republic plans are stuck on constitutional sticking points, while The Bahamas got a Moody’s upgrade to a more positive outlook. Business: Massy Holdings reports higher first-half revenue and profits, despite FX pressure and regional uncertainty.