AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity Boost: Caribbean Airlines will add a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service from Oct. 25 and resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct. 31, with further charter activity to Panama—aimed at lifting tourism, business travel and regional links. Budget Pressure Points: With the Oct. 12 budget looming, economists and a business voice are urging a serious look at whether the T&T dollar is appropriately valued amid persistent FX shortages, warning devaluation alone won’t fix access to US dollars and could hit essentials. Food Security Focus: An agriculture consultant says the 2027 budget must measure whether agri-spend actually raises production and farm viability, while a supermarket boss points to external shocks—fuel, shipping, geopolitics and freight disruptions—driving food price volatility. Renewables Reality Check: A new Ember report estimates the Caribbean installed far more solar than official stats, but says policy and regulation bottlenecks are slowing the shift away from imported fossil fuels. Corporate Moves: Massy Holdings is selling its Trinidad Caterpillar business for US$16m, expecting a US$9.8m loss tied largely to severance, as it redeploys capital. Innovation Push: The Innovation Association calls for stronger coordination and investment in R&D and entrepreneurship to build a more effective national innovation ecosystem.

Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines says it will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights on Oct. 31 and launch a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service from Oct. 25, plus Trinidad–Panama charters from Dec. 1—moves aimed at boosting tourism, trade and connectivity. Public Finance & Labour: Unions are pressing for 2027 Budget support on wage settlements, backpay and jobs, with economists warning another deficit could strain the economy; the Budget is set for Oct. 12. Government Operations: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s latest cabinet realignment took effect Sept. 30, shifting major housing and self-help programmes to Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein. Education Funding: Tertiary Education Minister Prakash Persad says Government is considering funding to expand the GATE tuition assistance programme after last year’s $450m spend. Food & Consumer Watch: GraceKennedy Foods recalls specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch in T&T and other Caribbean markets, saying it’s a quality issue, not a safety concern. Business & Trade Diversification: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the push is to diversify beyond oil and gas through trade, investment and tourism, with Government acting as facilitator for private sector growth. Crime & Security: A Guardian review of US ATF tracing data reports nearly three-quarters of firearms recovered in T&T and submitted for tracing in 2025 were linked to the US market. Corporate Moves: Massy Holdings expects an accounting loss of about US$9.8m tied to its Caterpillar business sale, even as it expects about US$16m in gross cash proceeds.

Cabinet & Governance: Opposition figure Mickela Panday questioned the rationale behind PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Sept. 30 ministerial portfolio realignment, including new housing, disaster management and state-enterprise responsibilities. Aviation & Trade Links: Caribbean Airlines will restart Trinidad–Caracas commercial flights on Oct. 31 and launch a weekly Tobago–Toronto nonstop from Oct. 25, plus Trinidad–Panama charters from Dec. 1—moves aimed at boosting business travel and tourism. Remote Gambling Legal Push: The Senate unanimously cleared the Remote Gambling Order, setting up licensed online gambling, with lawmakers flagging regulation, consumer protection and rollout timing (with key provisions expected by Jan. 1, 2027). Energy & Business Outlook: ProMan says it remains “quite optimistic” on improved natural gas supply ahead of the Oct. 12 Budget, after workforce reductions tied to gas shortages. Finance & Jobs: Central Bank data shows unemployment rising to 5.4% in Q1 2026, while economists warn there’s likely no “windfall” in the Oct. 12 Budget. International Diplomacy: T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, with officials citing investment and trade benefits. Public Safety: Police searched Claxton Bay after buckets of alleged human body parts were found at the landfill.

Parliament & Governance: The Senate unanimously cleared the way for licensed remote online gambling, with the Attorney General saying key provisions should be in place by Jan 1, 2027, while senators flagged concerns on regulation, consumer protection and foreign exchange. Budget Watch: Economists say there’s unlikely to be a “windfall” in the Oct 12 Budget as wage and debt obligations mount, with the Central Bank also pointing to a weaker labour picture. Economy & Jobs: T&T’s unemployment rate rose to 5.4% in Q1 2026 (from 4.9% a year earlier), as some sectors slowed even as manufacturing grew. Energy & Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers announced T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for Couva Children’s Hospital, while economists and lawmakers continue pushing for stronger gas and trade ties with Venezuela. Transport & Trade Links: Caribbean Airlines will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct 31 and launch a Tobago–Toronto nonstop from Oct 25, boosting business and tourism connectivity. Local Business & Finance: JMMB reported $4.1b operating profit for the year ended March 31, driven by income diversification, including growth in its Trinidad operations. Public Services: A water-supply motion in the House failed to proceed after a procedural misstep, underscoring ongoing disruption concerns. Culture & Tourism: The Carnival Museum’s closure has triggered a push to reopen it, while the state-assisted funeral plans for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow are moving ahead.

Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines will boost regional connectivity with a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service starting Oct. 25, resuming Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct. 31, and adding charter links to Panama from Dec. 1 through Feb. 9—aimed at supporting tourism and business travel. Budget & Economy: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed the 2026/27 national budget will be presented Oct. 12, with focus on energy deals and domestic gas supply. Jobs & Growth Watch: The Central Bank says Trinidad and Tobago’s unemployment rose to 5.4% in Q1 2026 (from 4.9%), with labour demand softening and mixed sector performance. Energy/Business Deal: Massy expects an accounting loss of about US$9.8m from selling its Caterpillar-related line in T&T for about US$16m, with severance a major cost. SME Financing: NEDCO is pushing expansion loans and mentorship for micro and small entrepreneurs, including links to international markets like Canada. Youth & Social Policy: The Lower House passed a bill raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21, while the Social Development minister says dozens of minors are already in state substance-abuse intervention. Crime & Governance: Trinidad and Tobago became the first Shield of the Americas member to adopt Washington’s list of 25 “narco-terrorist” organisations. Local Markets: La Trinidad’s mayor ordered crackdowns on smuggled vegetables at markets, including inspections, confiscations and possible prosecution.

Labour & Inflation Watch: The Central Bank says unemployment rose to 5.4% in Q1 2026 (from 4.9% a year earlier) while inflation stayed low at 0.6%, alongside softer private credit growth. Budget 2027 Context: Commentary flags a tougher global backdrop—slower growth, higher energy/food pressures and uncertainty—so local policy choices will be tested. Substance & Gambling Law: The Lower House passed the Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21 and setting cannabis and gambling-related limits up to 25, with debate focused on enforceability and youth impact. Social Risk Debate: An economist warns economic change that leaves workers behind could spark unrest, calling for support for displaced people and stronger training. Tourism/Business Pulse: The Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Museum will close its Penny Bank venue from Oct. 1 due to funding gaps, while SouthEx International Expo pushes local firms to keep up with AI and expand markets. Payments Modernisation: T&T is set to roll out India’s UPI-style real-time payments platform. Energy/Workplace Safety: OSHA consults on new oil rig safety rules with unions and industry. Local Disruption: A thunderstorm damaged parts of northwest Trinidad and knocked out power in some areas; motorists were also warned after a tree blocked Pax Vale power lines.

Youth Substance Use: Tobago’s Form Four and Five students show high lifetime alcohol use (34.6%) and lower but notable marijuana use (11.7%), as Government prepares to raise the legal age for alcohol, cannabis and gambling. Oil Rig Safety: OSHA held a stakeholder consultation with Government, the energy sector and unions to shape new oil rig safety rules, stressing accountability and prevention. Remote Gambling: The Lower House passed legislation to regulate online/remote gambling and gaming, with debate over revenue leakage versus social impact. Public Health & Age Limits: Attorney General John Jeremie piloted a bill to tighten age restrictions on alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and gambling, with vaping set to be added and ID checks proposed. Crime, FX Pressure: Economist Marla Dukharan links violent and white-collar crime with weak foreign exchange access, warning the two reinforce each other. Procurement Oversight: A proposed Public Procurement amendment bill is criticised for weakening accountability and making supplier challenges more costly. Business Deals: Massy sold its Caterpillar business in T&T to MA-CORP, with no impact expected on 200 workers; Nestlé also plans a January 2027 distribution shift to Massy. Trade & Investment: Canada is pushing tariff-free access and joint ventures for T&T firms, while the T&T Chamber urges a focused strategy to unlock private investment and jobs. State Funeral for Sparrow: Government will hold a state-assisted funeral for calypso legend Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with condolence books and tribute plans.

Parliament & Governance: A fresh push for stronger scrutiny of executive power is back in focus as independent senators are defended as a necessary check in T&T’s constitutional democracy. Remote Gambling Law: The House has approved legislation to license and regulate remote gambling, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo saying it will bring operators into the formal economy and boost tax revenue, while critics warn about addiction risks for vulnerable youth. Public Utilities & Water: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says US$120m in existing IDB funding for WASA upgrades will be pursued aggressively after the Budget, with treatment plants and mains work slated to begin post-budget. Tourism Jobs & Training: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to create tourism employment pathways for trainees, aiming to reduce duplication across training institutions. Business & Finance: Liberty Caribbean appoints Jason Julien as VP and country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, as it reshapes regional commercial leadership. Corporate Deal: Massy Group confirms it is selling its Caterpillar dealership to MACORP, citing growth opportunities and a specialist dealer platform. Security & Crime: Trinidad and Tobago is among the first Shield of the Americas participants to designate 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations, while TTPS destroyed 8.3 tonnes of illegal narcotics valued at over $1.6b. Energy & Connectivity: EllaLink advances its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, targeting entry into service by end-2029, and the Central Bank reports a 13.8% cut in its carbon footprint since 2019. Culture & Community: State-assisted funeral arrangements are announced for calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with condolence books opening across Trinidad and Tobago.

Trade & Investment Links: Canada is signalling more tariff-free access for Trinidad and Tobago goods, with the High Commissioner saying growing interest is already translating into joint ventures and local investment after a Toronto trade mission. Regional Food Supply: Belize is moving to add value to sugar exports via a new refinery expected to start in October, with refining in Belize and packaging in Trinidad to supply much of CARICOM demand. Water & Industry Disruption: Point Lisas Desalination Plant maintenance will run Sept 28–Oct 4, with possible water interruptions across Central and parts of south-west Trinidad. Procurement & Housing Speed: Tobago’s THA is modernising its 1990 financial rules to align with procurement law, while Housing Minister Phillip Alexander says procurement overhaul and more public-private partnerships should help accelerate HDC housing delivery. Business & Finance Restructuring: ANSA Merchant Bank plans a banking reorganisation under ANSA Financial Holdings, targeting January 1, 2027, and Liberty Caribbean appoints Jason Julien as T&T country manager. Budget Pressure & Growth Focus: Manufacturers’ groups want the 2026/27 budget to clear VAT refund backlogs, improve forex access, and restart stronger SME support under GlobalTT. Crime, Compliance & Public Debate: Opposition leader Pennelope Beckles warns a procurement amendment bill could weaken Treasury safeguards, while business groups push for evidence-based scrutiny of proposed higher alcohol purchase ages.

Tobago Governance & Finance: The Tobago House of Assembly moved to modernise its financial rules after 30 years, passing a motion to update the 1989 framework to better align with current procurement and oversight laws, aiming to cut ambiguity and speed payments. Local Business & Jobs: Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort workers say salaries have been delayed again, with management citing low occupancy and financial constraints. Housing Procurement: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander defended procurement overhaul measures, arguing they’ll remove bottlenecks and help accelerate HDC housing delivery via public-private partnerships. Alcohol Law Debate: The T&T Chamber and Beverage Alcohol Alliance back the goal of protecting young people but want a Joint Select Committee review of the proposed legal age changes, enforcement capacity and unintended consequences. Banking Restructure: ANSA Merchant Bank announced a reorganisation, creating ANSA Financial Holdings and consolidating banking under ANSA Bank, targeting implementation from Jan 1, 2027. Regional Crime & Security: T&T joined the US in designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations as cooperation against narco-terrorism and organised crime deepens. Energy & Investment: Qatar’s UCC Oil and Gas says it’s in talks about entering new Venezuela fields after securing rights tied to the Loran gas project that also extends into T&T waters. Youth & Skills: The Blue Sea Festival highlighted the blue economy through youth training and certifications, including outboard engine repair skills for fisherfolk. Tech for SMEs: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum focused on helping SMEs and creative industries reduce digital risk and protect revenue and reputation.

Cybersecurity for SMEs: UTT hosted a forum, “From Awareness to Action,” with TT-CSIRT and the Police Cyber/Social Media Unit, warning that breaches in the creative and events economy can mean major financial and reputational damage. Social Programme Rollout: The Ministry of the People appointed a steering committee for “Guy Talk Trinidad and Tobago,” a 30-day WhatsApp programme (with IDB support) focused on healthy masculinity, emotional regulation, consent and help-seeking. Energy Deal Progress: NGC executed final commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027 to backfill Atlantic LNG and support downstream activity. Banking Restructure: ANSA Merchant Bank proposed consolidating banking operations under ANSA Bank, with a holding company structure planned for implementation on Jan 1, 2027, pending approvals. Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to adopt India’s UPI, with the High Commissioner saying implementation is being actively pursued under an NIPL and Ministry of Digital Transformation agreement. Youth Protection Laws: Government plans to raise the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21, while cannabis and gambling would go to 25, through amendments tabled in Parliament. Governance Under Scrutiny: A confidential report is spotlighting RDC procurement practices, including a $1.2m security services contract and questions over oversight and approvals.

Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with the High Commissioner saying implementation is being pursued under an agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Ministry of Digital Transformation—positioning T&T as the first Caribbean country to roll out the real-time system. Trade & Investment Links: The UPI drive sits within a wider deepening of ties after PM Modi’s visit, including six MoUs covering people-to-people links, trade, investment and technical cooperation, plus a focus on expanding business engagement beyond India’s big cities. Banking Restructure: ANSA Merchant Bank has announced a proposed reorganisation effective Jan. 1, 2027, consolidating banking operations under ANSA Bank and creating a financial holding company (ANSA Financial Holdings) to centralise governance across the group. Youth Protection Law Changes: Government plans to amend laws on dangerous drugs, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling, with the proposed legal age rising to 21 for alcohol and tobacco and higher thresholds for cannabis and gambling. Governance Tensions: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago urged PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to withdraw disparaging remarks about independent senators after the Special Operations Bill passed 16-15 with a Senate President casting vote.

Consumer Protection & Telecom Regulation: TATT signed an MoU with the Ministry of Trade’s Consumer Affairs Division to strengthen complaint handling, consumer education and guidance for telecom and broadcasting services. Public Utilities & TSTT Business Model: Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says TSTT has returned to profitability but must shift beyond traditional telecoms into broader technology-driven revenue growth. Senate Independence Clash: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) is urging PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to withdraw remarks targeting independent senators, arguing the government’s approach to amendments and Senate votes is undemocratic. Energy & Climate Policy: A UWI-backed report says Trinidad and Tobago should consider a national carbon tax with offset flexibility to protect competitiveness under CBAM exposure, given the economy’s concentration of major emitters. Waste & Methane Reduction: Close the Loop Caribbean is pushing composting to divert organic waste from landfills, aiming to cut methane and landfill-fire risks, while stakeholders question financing and logistics. Regional Sports Governance: TTFA president Kieron Edwards backs FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 election, signaling continued Caribbean support. Cultural Loss: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco), with tributes highlighting his role in carrying Caribbean stories and politics through music.

Energy & Environment: Close the Loop Caribbean is pushing a compost-for-climate project to divert organic waste from T&T landfills, aiming to process nearly 20,000 tonnes annually by 2031, but stakeholders are questioning financing, transport logistics, and whether a local market exists to support expected carbon credits. Telecom Business Model: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says TSTT has returned to profitability since government took office, but insists the next phase is a shift beyond traditional telecom into broader technology services to generate new revenue. Procurement & State Oversight: RDC chairman Raees Patel says full audits are underway into about $33m in contracts awarded before the current administration, including concerns over companies linked through common owners/directors. Tourism Funding Pressure: Tourism operators are calling for more sustained investment in Tobago’s product, arguing current allocations aren’t enough to upgrade accommodation, improve destination marketing, and strengthen tourism data and financing access. Regional Finance & Insurance: General Accident (Jamaica) is seeking a 70% stake in T&T-based Beacon Insurance, a move it says could lift group premiums and expand its footprint across the eastern Caribbean. Sports & Business: TTFA says it has adjusted its process for complimentary tickets at Hasely Crawford Stadium after Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford raised concerns.

Energy & Exploration: ExxonMobil says it could move faster on Trinidad and Tobago’s ultra-deepwater TTUD-1, with seismic imaging expected by end-2026 and a potential drilling start in late 2027/early 2028, citing pace gains versus its Guyana campaign. Tourism Investment: Tourism operators are pushing for a sharper investment focus beyond headline allocations, arguing Tobago in particular needs major reinvestment to upgrade accommodation, improve destination marketing and strengthen tourism data. State Procurement Scrutiny: RDC chairman Raees Patel says full audits are underway into about $33m in contracts awarded before the change in government, including concerns about procurement and lingering relationships after contract expiry. Regional Business & Finance: Caribbean Airlines reports it has cleared a nine-year backlog by completing audited financial statements for 2017–2019, while General Accident eyes expansion via a planned majority stake in Beacon Insurance. Governance & Oversight: Commentary and debate continue around the Special Operations Bill and procurement amendments, with critics warning about weakening oversight and the broader impact on accountability. Public Safety: Police are investigating the deaths of a Penal couple found dead at an apartment, with reports treating it as a possible murder-suicide.

Energy & Diplomacy: The Energy Chamber says a New York meeting between PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez could unlock a “robust” cross-border energy agenda spanning trade, security, disaster risk, environment, agriculture, tourism and air links. Budget & Economy: Commentary on the 2027 Budget highlights the Oct. 30 presentation deadline, pre-budget signals from gas supply deals (NGC arrangements tied to Aphrodite and other developments) and the challenge of sustaining investor confidence. Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil says it’s advancing ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 faster than in Guyana, with seismic results expected by year-end and drilling potentially in late 2027/early 2028. Public Safety & Governance: New police posts in three communities are bringing “some reassurance” to residents, though questions remain on whether visibility will translate into lower crime. Labour & Utilities: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath rejects claims of a 10% TSTT wage offer, saying no such offer was made and accusing the CWU of shifting positions. Politics & Procurement: Debate continues around the Special Operations Bill and wider procurement amendments, with critics warning the “end justifies the means” approach could weaken safeguards. Culture & Business Spotlight: CNC3 marks 21 years, spotlighting its sales team and long-serving broadcast marketing specialists.