AGP Executive Report

Water Security Disrupted: WASA says a second brazen attack on its infrastructure in under 24 hours—this time at the Tabaquite Booster Station—forced an immediate shutdown and left thousands with low pressure or no water, following a similar Biche Booster Station vandalism that stole critical electrical wiring. Education & Research Partnerships: UWI St. Augustine and UTT signed MOUs to expand applied research and training across engineering, energy/environment, biosciences and veterinary medicine. Trade Finance Boost: CDB and IDB Invest launched a US$25m trade finance facility to improve access to guarantees for Caribbean importers and exporters. Banking Digital Push: CIBC Caribbean rolled out Google Wallet support for Visa and Mastercard cards in the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago. Labour & Policy Tension: A coalition of 13 independent unions has requested an urgent meeting with the PM over State of Emergency protest limits, as Parliament prepares to debate a three-month SoE extension and a Finance Bill. Local Business Leadership: ANSA Merchant announced a new head of Treasury and Foreign Exchange, with Reaaz Shah resigning effective June 1. Regional Tourism Connectivity: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urged T&T to reconsider withdrawal of some Caribbean airline routes, warning it could hurt multi-destination travel.

State of Emergency & Finance Bill: Trinidad and Tobago heads back to Parliament for debate on the Finance Bill 2026 and a push to extend the State of Emergency for three more months, with unions and business groups pressing for clearer results and dialogue as protest restrictions remain contentious. Labour & Protest Rights: A coalition of 13 independent unions has requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister over the 500-metre exclusion zone limiting demonstrations, arguing it undermines workers’ ability to be heard. Business Pushback on SoE: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce says any extension should be backed by evidence showing tangible crime reductions, so businesses and investors can plan with confidence. US Citizenship Revocation (Local Link): The US Justice Department moves to denaturalise 17 people, including a Trinidadian convicted of statutory rape, as part of a broader crackdown on naturalised citizens accused of serious offences. Regional Investment/Trade: Trinidad-based Seprod-owned A.S. Bryden & Sons expands in the Eastern Caribbean, buying stakes in Barbados firms for about US$3.6m. Caribbean Violence Report: UNDP flags a structural disconnect behind Caribbean crime and violence, noting Trinidad and Tobago’s homicide rate rose in 2022.

Energy Deal: T&T’s Energy Minister signed a production sharing contract for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater block with ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum, a push to advance upstream activity. Local Business & Jobs: Canadian BPO firm SinglePoint expanded in T&T, adding TT$1.1m investment and 11 jobs, bringing total investment to TT$5.1m since starting operations in 2025. Trade & Growth: The TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming for new customers, market entry and investment links. Policy Pressure on Crime Response: Business chambers say any extension of the state of emergency must be backed by clear results, measurable indicators and transparent reporting. Poverty Measurement: The CSO is working on T&T’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index to improve evidence-based policy beyond income-only figures. US Citizenship Moves: DOJ denaturalisation actions include a Trinidad and Tobago national among 17 foreigners facing revocation in US courts.

Mid-Year Budget Push: PSOTT is urging a more balanced allocation of the “economic pie” in the upcoming mid-year budget review, arguing the business community should get a fairer share as T&T navigates recovery and growth. Regional Trade Drive: The TTMA is sending 38 companies and 58 participants on a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14), with B2B meetings, seminars and market research aimed at new customers, investment and sourcing opportunities. Energy Sector Milestone: ExxonMobil and Occidental (Oxy) have signed a production sharing contract for the TTUD-1 Block, marking a key step for upstream investment momentum. Public Sector Wage Clarity: Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste says the $2.8B wage injection in the mid-year review is for salary increases tied to already-settled union negotiations, not new settlements. State of Emergency Debate: Opposition and unions are challenging the planned extension of the SOE, with critics warning it’s becoming a long-term fix rather than addressing crime drivers. FIUTT Fraud Alert: FIUTT warns of fake ID cards using CBTT/FIUTT/FIB logos, urging the public not to share money or personal details with anyone presenting them. Tobago Marine Focus: World Oceans Day spotlights stronger marine protection, with Tobago considering how marine park rules and carrying capacity are managed.

State of Emergency extension: Trinidad and Tobago’s Government is set to take the State of Emergency (SoE) extension to Parliament on Wednesday, keeping it in place until September after the current order was due to end on June 17—sparking renewed political pushback and debate over whether crime control is improving enough to justify continued emergency powers. Energy investment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Energy Ministry has approved a farm-in for Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) into Block TTUD-1, adding another major foreign player to T&T’s ultra-deep prospects as the Government points to faster permitting and renewed momentum in the sector. Local trade push: The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) launched a dual-country trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming to open B2B partnerships and investment opportunities. Financial crime warning: FIUTT issued an urgent public alert about fraudsters using fake IDs bearing CBTT/FIUTT/FIB logos, warning the cards are unauthorised and urging the public not to share money or personal details. Infrastructure progress: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is reported at about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works advancing as the corridor nears completion. Global trade shock: USTR proposed new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on imports from 60 economies, with rates of 10% or 12.5% depending on each jurisdiction’s progress—raising compliance and cost risks for regional exporters and importers.

Roadworks Update: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is now about 90% complete, with drainage works around 70% done and electrical installation underway, as contractors push ahead in sections despite weather. Energy & Investment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Energy Ministry has approved Occidental Petroleum’s farm-in to Block TTUD-1, adding to recent momentum in the ultra-deep sector. Fiscal Watch: Government is set to extend the State of Emergency to September and will take the extension to Parliament on Wednesday, while the Finance Ministry prepares for the June 15 Mid-Year Budget Review and possible supplementary spending. Wage Boost: A $2.93b supplementary budget request for public-sector wage commitments is being framed as a near-term boost for consumer spending, though questions remain on long-term fiscal planning. Local Business & Trade: Chaguaramas stakeholders are looking to SailClear to cut yacht/vessel clearance times from hours to about 15 minutes, aiming to strengthen the marine services hub. Governance & Economy: Economists say T&T’s UN Security Council seat may not translate into direct economic gains without measurable domestic diversification. Food Security: A UN-linked report highlights that about 512,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, underscoring pressure on food policy.

SoE Extension Debate: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says Trinidad and Tobago can govern without a state of emergency, but “not at this time,” arguing crime gains need more time to consolidate—while the PNM signals it won’t back another extension. Wage Boost & Fiscal Pressure: Government’s $2.93b supplementary request to meet public-sector wage commitments is welcomed by business as a near-term retail boost, but economists and chambers are pressing for clearer mid-year budget plans and fiscal sustainability. Roads & Mobility: The $161m Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing—promising smoother commutes. Trade & Tariffs: AMCHAM T&T raised concerns with a senior US official about tariffs affecting T&T petrochemical exports, seeking a review to protect the bilateral supply chain. UN Security Council Seat: T&T’s election to the UNSC for 2027–2028 is being framed as a global influence win, though local economists question the direct economic payoff. Business Confidence Call: Private sector groups urge the mid-year review to deliver measurable results, especially on diversification beyond energy. Food Security: A UN-linked report highlights that about 513,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition and obesity burdens persisting. Regional Airlift: New airline interline partnerships aim to reduce fragmented Caribbean travel and make island-hopping cheaper and easier. Governance Risk Watch: Transparency International’s CPI again flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean, underscoring investor concerns about corruption and institutional trust.

Tobago Development Debate: A Tobago Estates Agency voice warns that opposing major projects like a Rocky Point hotel risks locking the island into stagnation, arguing tourism and investment are key as oil and gas can’t be relied on long term. World Cup Economy: Sports bars across T&T are gearing up for the expanded 48-team World Cup, using table reservations and spend packages to manage demand and boost match-day revenue. Trade Facilitation: Chaguaramas yacht and marine businesses are watching SailClear’s near launch, saying the electronic clearance system could cut vessel processing from hours to about 15 minutes and lift competitiveness. UN Security Council: T&T’s election to the UNSC for 2027–2028 is celebrated locally, but economists question what economic gains will actually follow. Food Security Pressure: A UN-backed report says about 513,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition, stunting and obesity all present. Finance Bill 2026 Fines: Business groups question rising fines under the Finance Bill 2026, while an economist links the move to the Government’s need for more revenue. Tariff Talks: AMCHAM T&T raised concerns with a US trade official over petrochemical export tariffs, seeking a review to protect bilateral trade benefits. Traffic as a Drag: CDB research flags congestion as a development issue, estimating T&T commuters lose 793 hours annually and about 1.37% of GDP to gridlock. Restructuring at NCSHL: The Self Help Commission is sending contract workers home in batches, with claims of preferential treatment for newer hires. Healthy Food Costs: T&T imports of food exceed $1b annually, prompting calls to treat agriculture as a serious economic sector.

Food Security Push: Trinidad and Tobago is spending over US$1bn a year importing food, and economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon is urging a national shift to treat agriculture as a serious economic sector. Wage Bill Update: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will seek an extra TT$2.93bn supplementary appropriation to fund increased wages for 62,000+ workers, with the Finance Bill set for June 10. Tobago Budget Calendar: Tobago’s House of Assembly will present its fiscal 2027 budget on June 22, with debate on June 25, alongside plans tied to its 2026-2030 prosperity blueprint. Energy Investment Signal: ExxonMobil’s seismic programme is about 85% complete, and the Government says Occidental (Oxy) has secured a 10% farm-in in Block TTUD1, boosting international interest. Trade & Tariffs: AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie met a USDA official at the Business Future of the Americas conference to press on US petrochemical export tariffs. Caribbean Banking Lens: A market analysis piece argues the ECCU’s “cost of money” and high lending rates are shaping growth decisions across the region. Local Business Spotlight: Callaloo Corner won medals at the European Hot Sauce Awards, reinforcing premium Caribbean food exports.

Tobago Budget Calendar: The Tobago House of Assembly will present its FY2027 budget on June 22, with debate set for June 25, as it lines up funding for schools, arrears for teachers, and operationalisation of the ANR Robinson International Airport. Public Safety Tech Push: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says police are “running out of excuses” as the Active Directed Grid Patrol system is launched, aiming for faster, more data-driven responses using tools like facial/vehicle recognition and CCTV. UNDP Waste Warning: UNDP’s Ugo Blanco says Trinidad and Tobago generates about 2.6kg of waste per person daily—double the Caribbean average—urging more responsible consumption. Local Agriculture Boost: Ahead of Corpus Christi, Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen distributed about 3,000 vegetable plants to promote greener practices and homegrown food. Protest Rules Under Scrutiny: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro rejects claims of bias over State of Emergency “no-protest zones,” while Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles calls the PM’s stance a “threat.” Energy Investment Signal: ExxonMobil’s seismic work in TTUD1 is about 85% complete, and the government says Occidental has secured a 10% farm-in. Food Security Financing Call: The Trinidad and Tobago–India Business Federation urges more patient, flexible financing for farmers, arguing current bank products don’t fit harvest-based income. Diplomacy & UNSC: PM Persad-Bissessar frames T&T’s UNSC seat as a vote of confidence, while critics note the country held a seat in 1985 as well.

UN Security Council Seats: Zimbabwe won a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027-28 with 182 of 190 votes, while Austria, Portugal and Trinidad & Tobago also secured seats—an international win with potential knock-on effects for diplomacy and economic partnerships. Local Governance & Transparency: Tobago’s E-IDCOT lost an attempt to block Freedom of Information Act requests, with a High Court ruling saying the company can’t dodge disclosure duties tied to public functions. Tourism & Hospitality: Trinidad Hilton workers face uncertainty after union claims of possible displacement; the minister says arrangements are not affecting workers, as government continues talks with Hilton. Energy & Environment: A report warns offshore oil and gas expansion could threaten marine ecosystems across multiple countries, raising pressure on regulators and investors. Capital Markets: Purebond subscribed for most of Touchstone Exploration’s $10.9m AIM fundraising, with listings expected around 10 June. Business & Tech: Mastercard is preparing for agentic AI in payments, focusing on rules and security for transactions initiated by AI assistants. Sports Sponsorship: BYD named official car sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across Trinidad & Tobago and other markets.

Hotel Sector Watch: Trinidad Hilton staff fear job losses if Hilton exits the country, as the CWU warns about potential displacement of about 300 workers; the Works and Land and Legal Affairs minister says arrangements are “not affecting the workers,” while negotiations continue on upgrades and infrastructure. Governance & Transparency: A Tobago High Court judge rejected E-IDCOT’s bid to be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, ordering it to reconsider disclosure requests tied to the Manta Lodge Hotel and Dive Centre franchise agreement. Disaster Risk & Behaviour: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John told a Disaster Risk Management conference that resilience must show up in maintained roads, drainage and coastal works, and also in changing flood-prone habits. UN Spotlight for T&T: Trinidad and Tobago was elected to the UN Security Council for 2027–28, with local officials framing it as a platform with real implications for peace, security and development. Global Trade Pressure: The US USTR proposed Section 301 forced-labour tariffs affecting dozens of economies, a reminder of how trade rules can quickly reshape import costs and supply chains. Corporate Leadership: TDC Group named Trinidad business executive Christopher Lewis as Chief Financial and Operations Officer, a regional management boost for the St Kitts-based group.

UN Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago won a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, beating the odds with 181 countries backing the bid; the election also saw Austria, Portugal, Zimbabwe and first-time member Kyrgyzstan take seats, while Germany suffered a rare defeat. Local Governance & Transport: The maxi-taxi shutdown again exposed how fragile T&T’s transport system is when it leans too heavily on one operator group, with commuters and businesses hit by gridlock and lost productivity, reigniting calls for resilient mass transit planning. Business & Policy: Former attorney general Faris Al-Rawi urged the Government to fully activate the Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth Act after a Privy Council win, saying it should be used aggressively to tackle unexplained wealth and corruption-linked crime. Energy & Industry: The Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association backed the Ministry of Energy’s hold-over letters for quarry operators, aiming to keep the sector running while licensing bottlenecks are addressed. Entrepreneurship: Trinidad-based consultant Krystle Phillips argues many business stress issues are structural—broken systems, unclear roles and inefficient processes—not personal failure.

UN Security Council: Trinidad and Tobago won the Latin America/Caribbean seat for 2027–28 with 181 votes, while Germany’s bid failed as Portugal (134) and Austria (131) took the Western Europe seats; Kyrgyzstan beat the Philippines for Asia. State of Emergency & protests: Business groups are urging the Government to justify any SoE extension with clear results and safeguards for rights, as unions and opposition leaders push back against no-protest zones. Maxi-taxi disruption: South businesses report limited impact during the maxi-taxi protest, citing support measures for commuters. Banking & investment industry: CIBC launched its 2026 Unsung Heroes Programme, and CFA Society T&T honoured First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves. Regional economic cooperation: Premier André Ebanks highlighted CFATF-focused anti-money laundering cooperation and meetings with T&T officials and industry on trade and health-linked resilience. Public safety & crime: A violent night in south Trinidad left multiple victims dead across separate incidents, with police investigating simultaneously.

UN Security Council Seat: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected unopposed as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027-28 term, joining Zimbabwe, while Portugal and Austria won the Western Europe seats and Germany lost its bid. Local Governance & Protest Rules: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says no rescinding of State of Emergency no-protest zones is planned, even as unions push for removal and a national shutdown call. Public Order: The TTPS says it has not authorised a proposed “Walk for Peace” in Port of Spain and warns unauthorised marches could breach SoE rules. Banking & Finance Recognition: CFA Society T&T honoured First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves at its 25th anniversary gala, spotlighting professional standards in investments. Business & Labour Disruption: Maxi-taxi strike fallout continues to hit commuters and businesses, with government and unions trading blame over transport hubs and protest restrictions. Trade Policy Shock: The US proposes Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 economies, including Trinidad and Tobago, tied to forced-labour enforcement failures—raising the stakes for exporters and importers. Energy/Industry Regulation: The Aggregates Association is challenging the Ministry of Energy’s hold-over letters to quarry operators, arguing they lack legal basis under mining laws. Tourism Sanctions Impact: Meliá is suspending management of 15 hotels in Cuba as US sanctions tighten, while Cuba faces payment disruptions as Visa and Mastercard operations wind down.

Maxi-taxi disruption: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service says it’s preparing for a possible third day of reduced maxi-taxi services, while ride-share firms report a surge in demand and offer lower commissions/discount codes to help commuters. Transport policy fight: Former transport minister Jack Warner rejects calls to raise the maxi-taxi speed limit from 65 km/h to 80 km/h, arguing operators already exceed the current limit; meanwhile, operators say the strike is also about illegal competition and promised hub/terminal upgrades. Government responsibility dispute: Officials trade blame over which ministry handles maxi-taxi hub upgrades, with Transport and Works/Infrastructure pointing at each other. Protest restrictions under SOE: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar defends 15 “no-protest zones” despite union threats of legal action, while trade unions and JTUM argue the limits undermine constitutional and labour rights. US-T&T business/diplomacy: AMCHAM T&T welcomes Trump’s nomination of Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as US ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, pending US Senate confirmation. Trade and tariffs watch: The US proposes extra duties tied to forced-labour enforcement, naming India among affected economies. Public safety: TTPS investigates a double homicide in Penal after police-issued ammunition was found at the scene.