AGP Executive Report

Special Operations Bill: Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed Special Operations Bill is sparking fresh public pushback, with residents in Diego Martin and Barrackpore split over expanded police powers, “closed areas,” curfews, and warrantless searches—while Tobago hoteliers warn any restrictions could hit tourism hard. Body cameras debate: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS will “work with what we have” on body cameras, amid concerns about device availability and whether footage will be mandatory during operations. Press freedom concerns: The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) is urging amendments to explicitly protect journalists’ confidential sources and equipment from seizure under the bill. Crime shock in Central Trinidad: Police are investigating seven human cadavers found in a refrigeration unit at a Central Trinidad compound after an EMA request. Joint security moves: A new joint police/army mobile post was operationalised at the Eddie Hart Grounds as authorities signal continued crackdown plans. Local business/tech: IntellicoERP says it will expand internationally with an office in Ghana. Culture & sport: The Caribbean Music Awards head to Trinidad this weekend, and T&T-U.S. talks focus on sports diplomacy and youth programmes.

Sports Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago and the United States are exploring closer collaboration in sport tourism, youth development and people-to-people ties after a meeting between Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts and US Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern, with talks on exchange programmes and a possible joint committee. Beauty Pageants: Vinita Manoo has been appointed Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2026 and will represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe in Puerto Rico in November. Local Innovation in Transport: Proman and Dumore Enterprises have launched four 100% methanol-powered Geely trucks on T&T roads as a pilot, logging 17,000+ kilometres and reporting lower emissions versus diesel. Crime & Policing: Joint police and army posts are now operational as the state of emergency ends, marking the start of “micro police units” in targeted districts. Aviation Update: The Airports Authority says Piarco passenger traffic remains robust, rejecting claims of a drop and citing July international arrivals. Culture & Entertainment: Grenada’s soca acts lead nominations for the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad, with V’ghn among the top contenders.

Education & Jobs: A new academic year is raising alarms over Trinidad and Tobago’s missing manpower plan, with mismatches like oversupplied law graduates and unemployed doctors alongside shortages in key medical areas. Sports Governance: ASATT says the Ministry of Sport’s Discover H₂O Polo programme was rolled out without proper protocols and without the aquatics body’s endorsement. Football Youth: T&T’s U-15s have been drawn into Group S for the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan, facing Cayman Islands, Egypt, Iraq, Macau, China and St Kitts and Nevis. Tobago Carnival Logistics: Authorities say more flights and ferry sailings are coming for Tobago Carnival after early ticketing and schedule concerns. Policing & Courts: As the State of Emergency ends, TTPS operationalised three micro police units, while a criminologist welcomed stronger judicial oversight in the new Special Operations Bill but warned it must also tackle social conditions behind crime. Culture & Film: TTFF marks 20 years of building a Caribbean filmmaking pathway, while Animae Caribe pushes for private-sector investment to grow local animation and digital media jobs. Climate Resilience: A US$12.55m regional fisheries resilience project (CC4FISH-II) is set to support fisherfolk and coastal communities across the Caribbean through 2030.

State of Emergency ends: Trinidad and Tobago wrapped up a long state of emergency, but officials warn the crackdown won’t stop—while activists and lawyers continue to question mass arrests and releases. Special Tribunal push: Industrial Court president Heather Seale says urgent legislative fixes are needed for the Special Tribunal’s rules when tribunal leadership demits office. ZOSO back on the table: The government signals a revised Zones of Special Operations Bill will return to Parliament, with debate focused on powers and citizens’ rights. Drugs bust: Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi hailed a major Coast Guard interception of 440.2kg of cocaine (about TT$204.5m street value), calling it a “huge win” and urging follow-through on prosecutions. Tobago Carnival ferry worries: Port Authority is expected to announce extra Bucco Reef and T&T Spirit sailings for October/November after earlier schedules sparked ticket and travel concerns. Local business & tech: IntellicoERP, launched from T&T, is moving into wider Caribbean partnerships, while DigiCert rolled out an AI Trust Manager aimed at securing AI agents. Culture & sport: A Tobago herb-and-tea house eco-tourism spot opens, and St Kitts’ “Sugar Boyz” U-15 team includes Trinidad & Tobago in a FIFA tournament group.

ZOSO Body Cams: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the revised Zones of Special Operations Bill will return to Parliament tomorrow with amendments and will need only a simple majority in the Senate, as police in special zones will be required to wear body-worn cameras and follow human-rights safeguards as the State of Emergency ends tonight. Tobago Carnival Travel Crunch: Masqueraders are scrambling after ferry tickets sold out within a day and flights to Tobago for key dates are also gone, leaving far fewer sailings than last year and forcing many to rethink plans. Tobago Schoolboy Case Delayed: In Tobago, the autopsy in the death of 70-year-old Leon Scotland has been postponed, leaving the fate of a 15-year-old schoolboy detained after an altercation still uncertain. Public Utilities Clash: Barry Padarath defends TSTT chairman Kern Dass against union allegations of conflict of interest and signals legal action against the Communication Workers’ Union. Super Gas Subsidy: Government faces an extra $318m subsidy bill to keep Super gasoline at $5.97, with the State absorbing the cost rather than raising prices. Health Access Boost: UNFPA donates a mobile health clinic to the Ministry of Health to expand screening and sexual and reproductive health services in underserved communities. Sports & Culture: Caribs Rugby Football Club keeps rolling, winning the League title 32-17 over Harvard, while the St Patrick Education District uses Emancipation events to teach African history and identity through music, dance and storytelling.

Venezuela Diplomacy Clash: Former energy minister Stuart Young challenges UNC claims that Trinidad and Tobago’s relations with Venezuela have been “repaired,” saying the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration is trying to “rewrite history” after comments by Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal. Airport Watch: The Airports Authority says Piarco passenger traffic remains robust, citing July international visitor numbers of 181,411 and pushing back on claims the airport is “significantly emptier,” while pointing to new regional services. Tobago Carnival Travel Crunch: Tobago Carnival masqueraders question ferry capacity after the October schedule lists far fewer sailings than 2025, leaving only limited vessels on the books. Public Safety & Governance: In a separate controversy, Texas ordered the Trinidad, Texas police department to disband after a state finding it failed minimum standards, following the arrest of a mother over social media complaints about dirty drinking water. Local Security & Drugs: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says security forces have seized about $1 billion in illegal drugs since UNC took office, including major cocaine interceptions. Education & Recognition: UWI will award 13 honorary degrees in 2026, spanning sport, music, journalism, diplomacy, medicine, agriculture, law and public service. Environment & Fisheries: Dominica’s Lakeyia Joseph calls for stronger Eastern Caribbean cooperation under a US$12.55m fisheries resilience project. Corruption Warning: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen urges the public to report bribery by building and public health inspectors. New Training Hub: The Chocolate Lab Trinitario Tobago opens in Tobago to expand cocoa-based education, product development and entrepreneurship.

Fete industry accountability: A new legal explainer says a ticket is a contract, and when events fail—overselling, closed gates, early endings, poor access, or a headline artiste not performing—the patron shouldn’t be the default loser. Public health and food environment: The Health Ministry warns one in four children is overweight/obese, as Carnival food events like Flava Village push more eating—raising questions about how to balance culture with nutrition. Sports outreach and student-athletes: Elite gymnast Aliana “Ali” Coles joins 1st Choice Family Services and delivered cooling fans to east Trinidad primary schools; Island Genetics Sports also argues Caribbean student-athletes need real academic support alongside training. Football/Nations League: Derek King names a 25-man Soca Warriors squad including Levi Garcia for matches vs Haiti, DR and Curaçao. Port-of-Spain drainage pressure: Works Minister Jearlean John says businesses are dumping cooking oil and waste into drains, clogging systems and worsening flooding—calling for shared responsibility. Drugs and security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says security services seized about $1B in illegal drugs since UNC took office, citing major September busts. Tobago offshore drilling row: Tobago fishermen demand consultation before EOG Resources begins exploratory drilling in southwest Tobago waters. Economy and investment: AMCHAM’s ESG conference hears calls to use uncertainty to build new industries and keep T&T investment-ready, while Central Bank research flags EU carbon rules could squeeze carbon-intensive exports. Crypto regulation shift: Regulators plan to move T&T’s crypto sector beyond the sandbox toward a permanent framework for payments and remittances. Climate resilience for fisheries: A US$12.55M CC4FISH-II project launches to strengthen disaster and climate resilience for Caribbean fisheries, including Trinidad and Tobago.

Energy & Industry: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says the Government is still working on the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery restart, stressing it is “ticking the boxes” to comply with laws on sale of State assets, while also welcoming Touchstone Exploration’s gas expansion. Diplomacy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to lead T&T’s delegation to the United Nations next week, as officials say work continues to strengthen ties with Venezuela. Crime & Justice: The State has abandoned its appeal against Star Sabga’s release, after Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked her preventive detention order; separately, authorities report a major cocaine bust at sea, seizing about 440kg worth an estimated $204.5m. Public Safety & Prisons: The ECRC was without power for much of Monday night, with prison officers’ concerns raised about lack of backup and outdated infrastructure. Tobago & Tourism: Tobago braces for shortages ahead of October Carnival, with the THA planning for water scarcity; meanwhile, the legal definition of Crown Point airport has been amended to ANR Robinson International Airport. Culture & Media: Carnival Catwalk lands on American Airlines in-flight entertainment, and T&T’s state media scored top honours at the CBU/CCF Caribbean arts journalism awards. Human Rights: T&T remains on Tier 2 watch for human trafficking, with calls for stronger protections.

Tobago Water Watch: Tobago’s chief secretary says drought-like conditions could hit in the next two months, with El Niño and Saharan dust expected to cut rainfall—while tourism officials plan for water scarcity ahead of October Carnival. Airport Update: A legal notice amends the restricted-area definition for the Crown Point airport, replacing the name with ANR Robinson International Airport as the terminal expansion proceeds. Human Trafficking Warning: Trinidad and Tobago remains on the US Tier 2 watchlist, with a 2025 report citing 30 trafficking victims—mostly women and girls, many Venezuelans, including minors—prompting calls for stronger, survivor-centred action. TSTT Labour Tension: Communications Workers’ Union demands a 10% wage increase and hints at protests after the State of Emergency ends, while Minister Barry Padarath rejects the union’s claims as baseless. NIBTT Leadership: NIBTT executive director Niala Persad-Poliah announces early retirement for Dec. 13, with no reason given. Culture & Sports: Pan Yaad lights Government House with steelpan and Caribbean culture, while Tobago cocoa gets a boost via a new chocolate lab for students. International Spotlight: Trinis return from Cuba describing water rationing, blackouts, fuel shortages and food/medical scarcity.

State of Emergency: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the SoE is nearing its Sept. 17 end, calling it “highly successful” while warning criminals the crackdown won’t stop. Crime Law: Barry Padarath urges the public to lobby the Opposition to back the reintroduced ZOSO Bill as a crime-fighting tool that also targets community development. Human Trafficking Watch: T&T keeps its US Tier 2 ranking; a 2025 local report says 30 trafficking victims were identified, all female and sexually exploited. Telecom Accountability: TSTT launches an independent probe into former acting CEO Keino Cox over procurement, governance, conflicts of interest, fraud, and alleged retaliation. Local Business & Trade: TTMA leads a 37-member delegation to Miami to build export links, with a “Doing Business in Miami” seminar and B2B sessions. Environment: Volunteers collect nearly 4,000 pounds of waste in a Port of Spain Foreshore coastal clean-up, feeding into marine debris tracking. Sports: Jereem Richards wins bronze in the 400m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

State of Emergency & ZOSO: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says the Government will bring the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Bill back to Parliament, insisting it’s a “holistic intervention” beyond police detentions, with parts of the approach already practised in Tunapuna. SoE detainees: TTPS says investigations into former preventive detention detainees continue as releases near, while former police commissioner Gary Griffith argues stronger intelligence and criminal justice cooperation are needed for convictions. US military access: Foreign Affairs confirms the US sought permission to operate in T&T airspace and maritime zones last year, but refuses to disclose details despite a FOIA request. Fishermen lawsuit: A US strike death lawsuit by relatives of Trinidad fishermen Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo is stalled pending a local court ruling on declaring them legally deceased. Health regulation: The Medical Board is reviewing doctors’ social media advertising rules, focusing on false outcome claims, named-doctor promotions and undisclosed financial incentives. Environment: Tobago’s Atlantic-facing beaches are reported to be dominated by plastic debris, with currents and winds driving the problem. Education pay: TTUTA says teachers have started receiving $900M backpay via IHIRIS, though it says ministries have not formally communicated. Sports: Jereem Richards won 400m bronze at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest; Keshorn Walcott is among top javelin names set for action there. Business & crime: TTPS White Collar Division is investigating suspected money laundering and illegal gambling linked to some Chinese nationals and businesses.

State of Emergency fallout: Human rights advocates are calling on the Government to apologise to more than 300 detainees freed without charge as the SoE winds down next week, saying the experience was traumatic and prolonged. Policing assurances: The TTPS says it’s ready for the phased release of preventive detention detainees, with intelligence-led operations and increased visibility to keep communities safe. Local governance & environment: Tobago residents are being urged to protect newly planted fruit trees at Palmiste Park after thefts of earlier plantings, while the Planning Minister pushes coastal cleanup-style responsibility to curb litter and single-use plastics. Education: Teachers have started receiving $900M backpay via IHIRIS, and attention remains on school safety and discipline as the new term continues. Economy & jobs: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh says the economy is stabilising with more investor interest, but implementation is the next big test. Sports & culture: TTFA and UWI sign a four-year MOU to link football development with education and research; Tobago’s Shivani Goberdhan returns home to promote watersports access for people with disabilities. Regional security & foreign ties: Government confirms the US sought access to T&T airspace and waters, but details remain undisclosed.

State of Emergency: Security officials say 563 SoE detainees will be released from east Trinidad over a phased six-day period as the current SoE nears expiry on Sept. 17, but relatives complain delays are dragging on. School safety: TTUTA backs teachers at San Juan North Secondary who walked out after an intruder allegedly entered a classroom, confronted a teacher and stole items including a vehicle key; the union says fence breaches and overgrown vegetation have been flagged for years. Freedom of Information: The Senate debates the FOIA (Amendment) Bill 2026, with ministers saying annual public statements can move from newspapers to websites without changing citizens’ access rights. Local governance & jobs: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen says the Rural Development Company must be “cleaned up” before delivering new projects, citing unaccounted funds and staffing issues. Sports funding: SPORTT and TTFA say talks are progressing on funding for Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s Nations League campaign. Media transparency: FOIA changes also spark debate on how public authorities publish statements and how media houses stay viable. Culture & community: The Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago holds outdoor painting and identity-focused exhibitions, while Carnival 2027 momentum continues with new soca releases.

State of Emergency: With the SoE set to expire on Sept. 17, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says threats “don’t go away just like that,” while the Government still hasn’t confirmed whether it will seek an extension—an idea the Opposition says will be challenged in court. Releases: Security officials say 563 SoE detainees will be freed in phases over six days, starting with low-risk releases (phase one Sept. 10–12), as relatives complain delays are stretching patience. FOIA modernisation: The Senate piloted the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2026, allowing public authorities’ annual statements to be published online as well as in newspapers, with ministers insisting access rights won’t be restricted. Local governance & jobs: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen says the NPUPS public-space upkeep programme could resume or expand depending on the 2027 Budget, as it winds down Sept. 13. Sports funding: SPORTT and TTFA say they’re making progress on requested Nations League funding, with “light at the end of the tunnel.” Culture: Artists took painting outdoors in Chaguaramas, while Pan Yaad 2026 (“Fete & Foam”) brings Trinidad’s 868 Ignition to Belize City.

State of Emergency Aftermath: As Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency nears expiry, families outside the ECRC wait anxiously for PDO detainees’ release, with only a handful reportedly freed by yesterday afternoon. Legal Pushback: Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi says the PNM will challenge any move to extend another State of Emergency once the current one ends, after Star Sabga’s PDO was revoked and she was released from house arrest. Medicine Overhaul: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar promises to fix delays in approving cheaper medicines, questioning why local approvals still drag for up to a year when internationally recognised regulators have already cleared drugs. Sports Funding & Discipline: TTFA is seeking a correction from SporTT over a reported “$2.5M setback” in CNL funding, while players have accepted the Nations League invitation after fears of unpaid fees and bonuses. Crime & Safety: Morvant gun violence has claimed four lives in two days, and the Red Cross is appealing for $2.5M for an ambulance plus $500,000 for its Children’s Carnival.

State of Emergency: The National Security Council will decide Thursday on whether Trinidad and Tobago extends the State of Emergency as it nears expiry next week, while Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi warns the PNM will challenge any new extension. Medicine approvals: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says outdated rules and a non-functioning committee are delaying registration of cheaper medicines for up to a year, and promises an overhaul of the approval process. Football funding row: TTFA is asking SporTT to correct the public record over claims it rejected TTFA’s Concacaf Nations League funding request, after players accepted the invitation following payment progress. Violence and safety: Morvant gun violence has claimed four lives in two days, and residents in St James pressed for a stronger police presence at a community town meeting. Tobago youth support: A Tobago teen released from custody after a relative’s death will receive Student Support Services as authorities await the autopsy report. Red Cross push: The Red Cross is seeking $2.5M for an ambulance and $500,000 for its Children’s Carnival, urging stronger donor and corporate backing. Public spaces to food: Government launches Fruit and Food Orchards to turn underused public land into community orchards.