AGP Executive Report

Central Bank Clarifies USD Exports: The Central Bank says authorised dealers can legally export US currency notes under the Exchange Control Act, even as an investigation continues into a US$2m cash seizure linked to NCB Merchant Bank at Piarco. Energy & Transparency: The NGC–Methanex standoff over idling the Titan methanol plant has reignited calls for greater transparency on how gas prices from state suppliers are set, with NGC saying the dispute is about price secrecy. Public Finance & Compliance: NCB Merchant Bank insists the seized US$2m was couriered in the normal course of business and is awaiting clearance, while Customs flagged documentation issues. Crime, Security & Business Risk: Judges approved 314 interception warrants since 2020, including ten in early 2026, as TTPS ramps recruitment to 10,200 officers. Detention & Human Costs: The Hadeed PDO case is again raising old concerns about prison conditions and medical support. Trade & Standards: CARICOM standards work is highlighted as a driver of safer cross-border trade and consumer protection. Regional Business Outlook: Massy urges Caribbean firms to pair AI investment with workforce readiness and responsible governance. Local Safety Incident: A missing Diego Martin woman, Shahnaaz Ali, was found alive in Mayaro after being tied to a coconut tree.

FX & Central Banking: The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago clarified that authorised dealers and licensed institutions can export US currency notes that are (or have been) legal tender, stressing that shipments are typically matched by wired credits back into T&T and sold locally—so there’s no net export—while it continues to cooperate with an ongoing investigation. Banking Dispute: NCB Merchant Bank also pushed back on reports about a US$2m cash seizure at Piarco, saying the money was its property and part of a routine inter-institutional transfer, with the bank awaiting clearance and continuing full cooperation with authorities in T&T and Jamaica. Corporate Watch: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Government will engage Nestlé after the company began a strategic review of its local operations, with Finance and Agriculture officials seeking assurances on jobs and support for the dairy sector. Energy & Jobs: Economist Mariano Browne warned that gas supply constraints could drive further industrial disruption, as business groups brace for impacts from Methanex’s planned idling of its Titan plant. Regional Health Security: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to strengthen coordinated public health emergency response across 26 member states. Education & Youth: Concern is growing after the suspension of MiLAT, with educators and youth advocates warning vulnerable young men could lose a key crime-prevention and academic pathway. Scams & Seniors: BATT ran a “Banking for Seniors” session in Santa Cruz to help older adults spot digital banking scams and fraud tactics, including those made harder to detect with AI. Diplomatic Passports: The Government announced a review of diplomatic passports after reports of abuse, with former PMs Dr Keith Rowley and Stuart Young expected to surrender diplomatic passports for official ones. Local Safety: A 31-year-old Diego Martin woman, Shahnaaz Ali, was reported missing after leaving work, with police and Hunters Search and Rescue appealing for public help.

Nestlé Watch: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she has directed the Trade and Foreign Affairs ministers to meet Nestlé reps after the company began a strategic review of its Trinidad and Tobago operations, with workers told jobs and factory operations will be preserved while dairy and juice options are assessed. Banking & Compliance: NCB Merchant Bank insists the US$2m cash seized at Piarco was a legitimate inter-institutional transaction under its procedures, while the matter remains under review. Energy & Jobs: Economist Mariano Browne warns gas supply constraints could drive further industrial disruption, as business groups flag potential job impacts from Methanex idling its Titan plant. Diplomatic Passports: Government moves to tighten diplomatic passport issuance after concerns from foreign partners, with former PMs Keith Rowley and Stuart Young expected to surrender their diplomatic passports. Youth & Crime Prevention: MiLAT’s suspension is drawing concern from educators and youth advocates, who fear vulnerable young men could lose a key pathway against crime and social exclusion. Regional Health Security: CARPHA opens a Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain to strengthen Caribbean public health emergency coordination. Financial Literacy: BATT and TTARP run a “Banking for Seniors” workshop in Santa Cruz to help older adults spot digital banking scams and fraud.

Emergency Detentions & Rule of Law: Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and Star Sabga are being held in Trinidad and Tobago under Preventive Detention Orders tied to a state of emergency, with UK barrister Sir James Eadie brought in to prosecute after intelligence allegations of a plot to assassinate senior officials. Banking & Customs Scrutiny: NCB Merchant Bank says a seized US$2m cash shipment at Piarco was a legitimate inter-institution transaction, pushing back on claims of “transactional and accountability deficiencies.” Public Finance: Government moves to borrow up to US$750m on the international capital market for general development or refinancing, with JP Morgan Securities and Citibank named as joint lead managers. Corporate Restructuring: Nestlé begins a strategic review of its T&T dairy and juices operations, exploring options including a possible sale while aiming to preserve jobs. Local Payments Upgrade: Caribbean Airlines will let customers pay for domestic flights in T&T dollars across its digital channels, expanding beyond USD reliance. Food Security Pressure: A chicken shortage is spotlighting structural weaknesses in the poultry sector, including overreliance on imported broiler eggs. Regional Health Preparedness: CARPHA opens a Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to strengthen Caribbean disaster and outbreak response. Venezuela Quake Relief: T&T coordinates corporate and public donations for Venezuela earthquake victims via municipal collection points and logistics support.

Tourism & Trade Facilitation: Trade and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj says yacht clearance has been cut to 15 minutes to attract higher-value visitors, with 500 yachts expected annually. Creative Industries Push: Maharaj also framed culture as an economic “industry,” launching Amalgamation to position T&T as a creative hub and grow year-round tourism-linked jobs. Public Finance: Government moves to borrow up to US$750 million on the international market for general development and refinancing, with JP Morgan Securities and Citibank named as joint lead managers. Corporate Restructuring: Nestlé has started a strategic review of its Trinidad operations, exploring options including a potential sale of its dairy and juices business, with no timeline given. Food Security Shock: A chicken shortage is exposing structural weaknesses in the poultry sector, with analysts pointing to overreliance on imported broiler eggs and supply-chain vulnerabilities. Legal/Accountability: Preventive detention orders against Dominic Hadeed, Genevieve Hadeed and Star Sabga have been published, alleging an alleged conspiracy to assassinate senior government figures. Business & Compliance: NCB Merchant Bank says the seized US$2m cash at Piarco belongs to the bank and was couriered in the ordinary course, while authorities investigate “transactional and accountability deficiencies.” Social Impact: Courts Optical and United Way expand “United for Vision,” screening students and aiming to provide prescription glasses to remove barriers to learning.

Eye Health & Education: United Way T&T and Courts Optical’s “United for Vision” has screened 207 students since June, with 183 referred for further exams and up to 250 expected to get prescription glasses, aiming to remove barriers to reading and classroom performance. Tourism & Creative Economy: Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj says Trinidad can become the Caribbean’s creative hub, using culture as an industry to drive year-round tourism, jobs and foreign exchange, including a transatlantic gateway concept linking Africa and Asia to the region. Security & Legal Process: Gazetted preventive detention orders for business executives Dominic Hadeed, Genevieve Hadeed and Star Sabga outline allegations of an ongoing conspiracy to assassinate government members, with details published under Emergency Powers. Public Finance & Social Services: The Ministry of People, Social Development and Family Services settled TT$36.04m in audited Children’s Authority debts for security, works at the National Care and Empowerment Centre, and janitorial services, to prevent litigation and support care delivery. Business Climate: The T&T Chamber’s CEO warns directors to prepare for continued volatility as uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, cyber threats and climate risk reshape governance and decision-making. Tobago Safety Impact: A crime economist links Tobago’s robbery surge to wider economic and tourism risks, arguing safety improvements are key to investor confidence.

Poultry Costs Watch: Trinidad’s Consumer Affairs Division is urging shoppers to compare poultry prices after a slight rise in live chicken prices and processing fees, while reminding buyers to prioritise food safety. Utility Management: T&TEC appointed two new managers the same day it dismissed two executives—Aniel Jairam (internal audit) and Bisnath Maharaj (security). Business Sentiment: Chaguanas businesses report falling sales and rising costs as consumers cut back, with owners saying relief from the Mid-Year Budget Review may not reach small firms fast enough. Corporate Earnings: Endeavour Holdings (EHL) posted a 52.4% drop in after-tax profit to $22.93m for the year ended April 30, with contract revenue down 10%. Education Equity Debate: SEA results show “significant improvement,” but a UNESCO report says the exam still sorts children too early, potentially reinforcing inequality. Legal/Media: TV6/One Caribbean Media ordered to pay over $350,000 in a defamation case involving allegations linking a customs officer to ISIS. Youth Programme Shock: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles is calling for MiLAT’s suspension to be reversed, arguing it harms youth development and crime prevention. Energy Outlook: Heritage Petroleum says oil production is set to recover under its expansion plan, while the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery restart roadmap is expected by end-2026. Finance/Payments: Sendana is promoting a digital US$ platform for Caribbean users, aiming to reduce delays, FX shortages and withdrawal friction. Revolving Credit: Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) secured a $100m revolving loan from ScotiaBank T&T for general corporate purposes.

Energy & Industry: Methanex has started the process to indefinitely idle its 860,000 mt/year methanol plant in Trinidad and Tobago after failing to agree a new natural gas contract, citing tight gas supply making operations commercially unviable. Business & Markets: AS Bryden & Sons Holdings appointed Shelley Sylvester as Group CFO effective July 1, as the group reported weaker first-quarter 2026 results. Public Finance & Infrastructure: The Port of Spain General Hospital’s Central Block is reported 97% complete, with a projected substantial completion date of July 14 and handover to the Ministry of Health. Trade & Regional Integration: Trinidad and Tobago moved closer to associate membership in Mercosur, with the application advancing after high-level talks, pointing to opportunities for local manufacturing. Youth & Social Programmes: Opposition leader Penelope Beckles urged the government to reverse the suspension of MiLAT, while Defence Minister Wayne Sturge said it was suspended temporarily pending a review of financial viability. Digital Economy: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith said T&T’s digital transformation can’t be driven by government alone and must involve business and citizens. Legal & Media: TV6 was ordered to pay more than TT$350,000 in compensation to a customs officer it accused of terrorism-linked ties to ISIS. Crime & Security: TTPS reported anti-crime operations under the State of Emergency leading to arrests and cannabis seizures across eastern and northern Trinidad. International Relations: Attorney General John Jeremie received a courtesy call from Singapore’s ambassador to discuss technical and economic cooperation.

Methanex–NGC Gas Pricing Clash: NGC says Methanex’s decision to indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant is driven mainly by disagreement over gas pricing, not supply volumes, after talks failed to reach a commercially viable deal. Energy & Jobs Watch: Former UNC minister Vasant Bharath warns the exit could hit exports, foreign exchange earnings, jobs and investor confidence, while Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says the door remains open for a restart if gas conditions improve. Legal/Detention Developments: Two UK barristers were admitted to practise in Trinidad and Tobago to represent the State in the ongoing Hadeed case as Dominic Hadeed and his wife challenge their detention under the State of Emergency. Court Protects Local Business: The High Court ordered that the Breakfast Shed can stay open pending a full trial in January 2027, keeping vendors and patrons in place while the dispute with UDeCOTT continues. Public Administration & Defence Training: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says MiLAT has not been closed but temporarily suspended as Government reviews financial viability, amid concerns for nearly 200 trainees. Digital Economy Push: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith says T&T’s digital transformation can’t be government-led alone, while an AWS AI specialist urged businesses to adopt AI to avoid falling behind. Regional Trade Move: T&T moved closer to Mercosur associate membership after talks with South American leaders, with potential upside for local manufacturing. Water Restrictions: Trinidad moved to Stage III water restrictions due to drought, with scheduled outdoor watering limits and fines for violations. Crime & Security: New Preventive Detention Orders target alleged gang-linked suspects, including claims of bank-customer follow-and-robbery activity. Local Economy & Culture: Dove’s Dirt Oven Delights announced it will close its doors for health reasons, while a robotics tournament at NIHERST highlighted growing youth engineering participation.

Energy & Industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after failing to agree a new natural gas contract; NGC Response: NGC counters that the dispute is about gas pricing, not supply volumes, and says it offered contracted volumes and could consider increases. Business Continuity: Despite arrests tied to alleged murder conspiracy, Blue Waters distribution operations are said to be continuing normally, with deliveries and sales reps still active. Corporate Moves: Three T&T-listed firms announced board and senior management changes, including director appointments at Angostura and First Citizens, and a finance leadership shift at WITCO. Digital Economy: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith pushed AI-driven transformation at AMCHAM, highlighting VerifyTT and plans to digitise high-demand services. Public Finance & Crime Risk: UK-led FATF presidency begins with a fraud-fighting roadmap, while a Chaguanas chamber leader says a UK Home Office gangs report shows crime is hurting business and investor confidence. Legal & Trade Environment: High Court allows the Breakfast Shed to stay open pending trial, and a judge dismissed a habeas corpus bid by businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife. UWI Integrity: The UWI warns of an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data. Social Support: Central Trinidad families received over $462,000 in disaster relief and home repair grants.

Energy & Industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after failing to secure a new natural gas contract; the Titan gas deal expires in September, and the company will move into preservation while it monitors conditions for a possible restart. Business & Markets: Three major T&T-listed firms announced board and senior management changes, including director appointments at Angostura Holdings and First Citizens Group Financial Holdings, plus a finance leadership move at WITCO. Crime & Investment Climate: The UK’s reported gang figures are reigniting debate locally, with the Chaguanas Chamber warning that crime is a direct “tax” on business through security costs, insurance and reduced hiring—hurting investor confidence. Public Safety & Governance: Preventive detention orders tied to businessman Dominic Hadeed and others continue to draw scrutiny, including claims about how Parliament statements and alleged intelligence links fed into the case. Humanitarian & Regional Trade: Trinidad and Tobago launched a nationwide relief drive for Venezuela earthquake victims, with collection points at Point Lisas and a disaster relief fund for public and corporate donations. Environment & Agribusiness: A local environmental group is pitching a “sargassum-to-wealth” processing approach, arguing harvested seaweed could be turned into fertiliser and other farm products to support food security.

Gas & Industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant in Trinidad and Tobago after failing to secure a new natural gas contract; the current gas deal expires in Q3 2026, with the company preserving the facility for a possible restart. Disaster Response: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a nationwide relief drive for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with collection points and a disaster relief fund for public and corporate donations. Environment & Agriculture: A local environmental group is pitching a “blue gold” plan to turn harvested sargassum into fertiliser and other farm products, arguing new beach-clearing equipment can support a local processing industry. Coastal Impact: Geologists report Venezuela’s twin quakes lifted part of Trinidad’s south-western coast by nearly 20 feet, trapping marine life and exposing pools of natural oil along the Galfa coastline. Security & Courts: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged the public to let police complete the Hadeed probe, while separate reporting details detention conditions concerns for the businessman and his wife. Fraud Watch: UWI warns the public about an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data. Local Crime: A Chaguanas businessman, Gregory Reece, was fatally stabbed; a 25-year-old woman has been detained. Tech & Jobs: AMCHAM T&T promotes its Tech Hub Islands Summit, pushing higher-value BPO and AI/cybersecurity exports. Banking & Labour: UNI Global Union warns fintech firms entering Caribbean banking may be undercutting traditional banks without the same taxes and protections for workers.

Preventive Detention & Rule of Law: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged the public to let police finish their work into the detention of businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and Star Sabga, after claims of an alleged plot to assassinate senior Government officials; courts also moved as Justice Frank Seepersad dismissed a habeas corpus bid and ordered clarification on whether the trio are held under a PDO. Prison Conditions: Separate reporting and legal arguments say detainees have faced degrading conditions at police stations, renewing pressure on humane custody standards. Gangs & Public Messaging: Alexander pushed back on a UK report that put T&T’s gang numbers at 186, saying local intelligence figures differ. Tobago Health & Capacity: THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor said off-island referrals can distort perceptions, arguing Tobago’s system needs strengthening to reduce delays. Fintech & Banking Fairness: UNI Global Union warned that fintech firms are expanding in Caribbean banking with lighter tax/regulatory burdens than traditional banks, raising concerns for workers and fair competition. Coastal & Disaster Fallout: Geologists linked Trinidad’s Galfa coastline uplift—nearly 20 feet—to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with marine life trapped along the raised shore. Local Business & Security Anxiety: Business groups flagged shootings near commercial areas as a growing worry for employers, customers and investors. Tech & Exports: AMCHAM T&T previewed its Tech Hub Islands Summit, pitching higher-value BPO/AI and cybersecurity exports across the region. THA Hiring Freeze Debate: Tobago’s THA is considering a future hiring freeze amid a rising wage bill, with opposition warning of political backlash.

Tobago Business Spotlight: A new wave of textile creativity is taking shape in Tobago as Tufting by Tinzz, run by self-taught artist Tinille Meyers, expands workshops and take-home kits and plans a storefront to scale the craft beyond “screens.” Caribbean Trade & Finance: A market analysis piece in the Caribbean banking series asks who really benefits from regional banking access, as Scotiabank’s Jamaica move also underlines how cross-border ownership is reshaping local finance. Local Business & Exports: Eye See You Ophthalmics says it turned pandemic visibility into regional export growth, now supplying more than 13 territories despite ongoing foreign exchange and banking constraints. Energy Sector Policy: The Energy Chamber says it is ending its Safe To Work (STOW) programme, arguing the certification had become a barrier for smaller operators even as it insists safety remains a priority. Governance & Rule of Law: The Hadeed detention probe continues to draw investor-confidence debate, with experts split on whether the high-profile case will deter business or mainly raise due-process questions. Disaster & Economy Link: Reports say Venezuela’s earthquakes lifted parts of Trinidad’s Galfa coastline by nearly 20 feet, a reminder of regional risk that also feeds into preparedness and resilience planning. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership, with ministers pointing to security, climate resilience and trade as the next action-plan priorities.

Export Pressure: Eye See You Ophthalmics says foreign exchange shortages, supply-chain snags and banking constraints are still slowing its regional push, even as it now exports to 13+ Caribbean territories. AI Governance: Criminologist-turned-AI policy professor Renée Cummings is drafting GOVERN™ to push Trinidad and Tobago toward responsible AI oversight inside every organisation. Legal & Business Climate: Dominic Hadeed and family are detained under Preventive Detention Orders tied to a probe into an alleged conspiracy to murder; experts say the case is unlikely to deter investors for now, but due process concerns are front and centre. TTSEC Scam Alert: The securities regulator warns of rising social-media and messaging-app investment scams, urging people to verify offers and avoid “guaranteed” high returns. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank holds the repo rate at 3.5% amid global uncertainty and subdued local inflation. Food Costs: A chicken shortage is hitting depots, with prices rising from $8 to $9.50 per pound as suppliers cite foreign exchange challenges. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renew a strategic partnership focused on security, climate resilience and trade, with a results-focused action plan and measurable targets. Venezuela Quakes Impact: Twin earthquakes have lifted parts of Trinidad’s south-west coastline by nearly 20 feet, while T&T continues humanitarian relief efforts for Venezuela.

AI & Productivity Push: Jamaica’s PM Holness announced a National AI Lab at UTech to drive baseline productivity and digital efficiency—an example of how regional governments are betting on skills and tech to stay competitive. Hadeed Detention Under Scrutiny: Trinidad’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged no interference in police and court processes after businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife, and a relative were detained in a probe tied to national security claims. Central Bank Stance: The CBTT kept the repo rate at 3.5%, citing global uncertainty, slower domestic activity, and subdued inflation. TTSEC Scam Warning: The TTSEC flagged a rise in sophisticated investment scams using fake profiles and messaging apps, warning the public to verify offers and avoid guaranteed high returns. Local Government Pay Crisis: Port-of-Spain City Corporation failed to pay June salaries after budget shortfalls, triggering calls for urgent central government funding. BPO Expansion: Bill Gosling Outsourcing opened a purpose-built office in Trincity, adding 200 jobs and signaling further growth in T&T’s nearshore services. Tobago Airport Upgrade: THA committed $10m to outfit the ANR International Airport terminal to boost tourism and local micro-enterprise sales. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad launched a coordinated national relief effort for quake-hit Venezuela, while activists urged a halt to deportations amid the humanitarian fallout. Corporate Moves: Agostini took effective control of Prestige Holdings after extending its bid and closing the takeover process. Financial Safety Net (Regional): Barbados passed a deposit protection bill for credit union savers, noting Trinidad already has similar protection.