AGP Executive Report

CCJ/Extradition Fallout: Guyana’s Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says the CCJ dismissal of his family’s appeal won’t change the path back to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for committal hearings under the Fugitive Offenders Act. Public Inquiry & Media Access: Guyana’s MV Barima Commission of Inquiry panel was sworn in, but local press were notably absent, with the event streamed via official channels—raising transparency concerns. Banking Leadership: NCB Merchant Bank CEO Marli Creese resigned, effective June 30, with Mahalia Alleyne named acting CEO from August 1, amid an ongoing investigation into a US$2m cash seizure at Piarco. Telecom Governance: TSTT board director resignations were denied as linked to internal fallout; Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath pointed to workload and substantive job conflicts, while highlighting TSTT’s TT$214m after-tax profit for FY ended March 31, 2026. Transport/Tax: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says a mild-hybrid classification ruling doesn’t remove existing hybrid duty relief for vehicles meeting Legal Notice No. 247 of 2024 criteria. Social & Business Opportunities: EU-LAC Social Accelerator opened a Caribbean social startup pitch competition, with four country winners earning sponsored participation in CIF 2026. Culture & Commerce: Emancipation Village vendors report improving foot traffic and sales as African Emancipation Day approaches.

US–T&T Security Concerns: US ambassador nominee Jennifer Johnson-Carroll told a Senate hearing that T&T’s repeated States of Emergency “doesn’t bode well” for the country’s crime fight, while also flagging border security and declining energy output as key issues. Tax & Auto Policy: Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo says hybrid vehicle duty relief remains in place after a Customs classification ruling, stressing Legal Notice 247 of 2024 still applies for qualifying vehicles. Healthcare Supply Pressure: Calls are growing for urgent action on CDAP shortages, warning the chronic disease drug programme is critical to social stability. Banking Leadership: NCB Merchant Bank (T&T) named Mahalia Alleyne as Acting CEO from August 1, ensuring continuity after Marli Creese’s resignation. Energy Grid Reliability: T&TEC is not absorbing power from Brechin Castle Solar Farm, with officials citing earlier planning gaps and lack of battery backup. Business & Trade Networks: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as chair, aiming to push trade facilitation, advocacy and disaster risk reduction across a network representing 100,000+ businesses. Regional Maritime Accountability: Guyana swore in a Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster, seeking a full account and reforms to prevent repeat tragedies.

Banking Leadership: NCB Merchant Bank (T&T) Limited named Mahalia Alleyne as Acting CEO from August 1, following Marli Creese’s resignation effective July 30, aiming to keep operations steady while the board searches for a permanent chief executive. Energy & Power Reliability: T&TEC has stopped taking electricity from the Brechin Castle solar farm, with the Energy Minister citing earlier planning gaps and noting the issue is under review, including the lack of battery backup. Public Finance Risk: Former finance minister Colm Imbert warned Trinidad and Tobago faces a higher risk of a sovereign credit downgrade, pointing to S&P’s negative outlook and concerns over public finances and external strength. AI & Business Growth: Gregory Fernandez launched Intellico AI Agency Limited, pitching a multi-territory software suite for global operations and aiming to compete internationally. Trade & Investment Outlook: A former foreign affairs minister said the country’s UN Security Council seat may boost exposure but is unlikely to directly translate into more FDI, with investor confidence tied more to credit and enterprise ratings. LNG Exports: T&T’s LNG exports edged up in 2025 to 10.7 bcm, supported by a modest recovery in domestic production and shifting regional demand patterns. Local Enterprise & Skills: A new commercial kitchen and culinary rental facility in Tunapuna is expanding options for chefs and food entrepreneurs, reflecting growing demand for industrial-grade kitchen access. Fraud & Compliance: WiPay rejected claims it mishandled government funds, saying it is only a software provider and that payments go directly into approved bank accounts. Health Workforce: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe said Trinidad and Tobago faces a nurse shortage, with plans to expand training for nursing assistants starting September and January. Security & Crime: A police constable was shot dead in Caroni during an attempted robbery, with investigators reporting his licensed firearm was taken.

Regional Legal/Extradition: The CCJ has lifted an interim stay and cleared the way for the U.S. extradition case against Guyana opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and businessman Nazar “Shell” Mohamed to proceed in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Water & Household Spending: With ongoing water quality worries, retailers report rising demand for home filtration systems, especially whole-house units, as households seek cleaner, consistent water and protect plumbing and appliances. Trade & Investment (Africa): Trinidad and Tobago’s Ghana partnership is moving from talks to deals, including a reported US$25m battery manufacturing investment, with plans for a charter flight to support more direct business links. Public Safety/Agri-Biosecurity: The Agriculture Ministry completed a national bird flu (HPAI) simulation exercise with FAO support, testing field response, lab procedures, communications and coordination across agencies. Crime & Privacy: Businessman Gerald Aboud is questioning privacy rights amid the leak of a purported Sabga family voice note, while police investigate the incident. Community & Education: Three Fulbright scholars were announced, with Education Minister Dowlath urging them to return and help build local research and training links.

Disaster Relief & Housing: The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services marked its 40th Disaster Relief and Home Repair Grant Distribution, sending TT$936,045 in grants to 70 households (223 people) in Tunapuna/Piarco and Arima—44 disaster general assistance grants (TT$397,923) and 26 home repair grants (TT$538,122). Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and Ernesto Kesar met U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern to push cooperation on energy, economic security, trade and investment. Industrial Push: Trade Minister Ka­ma Ma­haraj said Government signed an MOU to restart a long-idled steel mill, targeting US$1.5B annually and creating a market for scrap iron and discarded tyres. Pensions Tax Clarity: Sagicor told customers that qualifying pension income will be exempt from income tax from August 1, while ATTIC warned corporate deferred annuities may not qualify. Labour Talks: PSA president Felisha Thomas says civil service settlement talks are stalled as the CPO reviews the union’s counter proposal, delaying backpay negotiations. Human Trafficking Watch: Tobago’s Counter Trafficking Unit says 2%–3% of reported trafficking cases originate in Tobago and is stepping up enforcement during peak tourism. Security & Courts: The probe into an alleged assassination plot against PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar has expanded to foreign jurisdictions; meanwhile, defence lawyers deny they leaked the Hadeed-Star Sabga audio, saying they only received 13 short clips.

Housing & Land Administration: Six months after the Government handed out 200+ residential leases, dozens of recipients in Couva’s Exchange II and elsewhere still can’t build because lot boundaries haven’t been demarcated. Public Safety & Crime: Ten people were detained under Preventive Detention Orders tied to alleged organised crime, including firearms offences, extortion, violent robberies, human trafficking and planned attacks, with targets across Tobago and central Trinidad. Politics, Rights & Polarisation: Former UNC minister Vasant Bharath and analyst Bishnu Ragoonath say the Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed/Star Sabga matters have become highly politicised, raising fears about balancing security with civil liberties and judicial independence. Community Tensions: Businessman Gary Aboud alleges “hate campaigns” and an “ominous cloud of suspicion” around the Syrian-Lebanese community, after Sabga was placed under house arrest while still under a PDO. Digital Economy & Trust: Trinidad and Tobago is building digital trust via VerifyTT, a national digital credential verification platform, as the country shifts from “identity deployment” to governance and adoption. Trade & Energy: The Energy Chamber welcomed US Section 301 tariff exemptions for key T&T energy exports, noting 95% of shipments to the US are concentrated in a small set of commodities. Business & Finance: Methanex reported strong Q2 results, including higher realised prices and cash generation, while also announcing indefinite idling and restructuring at its Trinidad plant. Regional Expansion: T&T’s Africa push gained momentum with a new Ghana partnership focused on energy collaboration.

Cloud & Telecom: Liberty Business and Amazon Web Services launched enterprise-grade cloud services in T&T, urging local firms to speed up digital transformation amid cyber and data pressures. Industrial Relations: Works’ Credit Union workers in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago are set for a 90-day strike over a wage dispute, with BIGWU pushing for 15% over three years versus management’s 2% offer. Tourism Strategy: Tourism Trinidad Ltd. named a new board chaired by Benedict Hatem, with a push to double tourism’s GDP contribution to 12% by 2030. Business & Trade: BYD and Lafast Motors opened a second showroom in South Trinidad, aiming to improve access as electric mobility expands. Public Safety & Crime: TTPS’ Operation TRIPOD in Central Trinidad seized a suspected firearm, 240 rounds of high-powered ammunition and drugs, arresting priority offenders. Legal/Business Fallout: Cheesemaker Star Sabga was released from detention under strict house arrest after a constitutional challenge related to a Preventive Detention Order. Sports Business: CPL confirmed all five Trinbago Knight Riders group-stage matches at Queen’s Park Oval.

Hadeed Case & Governance: Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed are released after their Preventive Detention Orders were revoked, while Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the murder-plot probe has widened to multiple foreign jurisdictions; Attorney General John Jeremie insists the State still acted in the public interest. Rule of Law Scrutiny: TTPS has launched an urgent probe into a leaked audio recording circulating online, to check authenticity and whether interception and disclosure rules under the Interception of Communications Act were followed. Crime-Fight Politics: The PM accuses critics of stoking ethnic hatred to undermine the anti-crime drive, while also claiming serious crime fell 15% in 2026 amid increased U.S. support. Rights & International Confidence: Experts warn T&T’s vote against extending the UN human rights chief’s mandate could affect confidence with international partners. Business & Economy: Nestlé’s strategic review of its Trinidad operations has reignited calls for locals to consider owning the Valsayn factory; meanwhile, BYD opened a second showroom in South Trinidad. Labour: Works Credit Union employees staged strikes across branches over stalled wage talks.

US Tariff Shock: The U.S. has rolled out new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, hitting Trinidad and Tobago (and other CARICOM states) with a 12.5% rate on affected imports, just as earlier temporary levies expired. Maritime Accountability: President Irfaan Ali named a five-member Commission of Inquiry to determine whether negligence or institutional failures contributed to the MV Barima disaster, with a panel spanning maritime engineering, naval architecture, admiralty law and compliance. Local Governance & Crime Politics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar accused critics of fuelling racial division amid controversy over interception powers and an anti-crime campaign. Trade Compliance Watch: South Africa’s trade minister says the country will seek feedback on rules to ban forced- and child-labour goods after the U.S. imposed Section 301 duties. Business & Investment: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m in financing with ANSA McAL to back Caribbean manufacturing, logistics, recycling and supply-chain projects. Skills & Industry: The Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) was formally aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s national apprenticeship policy. Transport & Logistics: The MV Golden Carrier began its maiden voyage to replace MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad–Tobago seabridge, with commercial sailing expected soon.

US Tariff Shock (T&T in focus): The US rolled out forced-labour tariffs on 60 trading partners, with Trinidad and Tobago among those hit at 12.5%—a move the Foreign Ministry says is being misreported locally, insisting no new tariff was applied and the rate was reduced. Maritime & Trade Logistics: MV Golden Carrier began its maiden inter-island cargo seabridge run to replace MV Blue Wave Harmony during maintenance, with NIDCO saying services won’t be disrupted. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Homeland Security’s Counter Trafficking Unit carried out Operation Iceberg, detaining three under PDOs, including a T&T Defence Force member, targeting an alleged sex exploitation network. Tobago Tourism Skills: The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute urged hospitality certification as the island readies for a tourism surge tied to the new ANR Robinson airport terminal. Regional Business & Policy: TSTT posted its highest profit in 17 years (TT$214m) and the Point Lisas Apprenticeship Programme gained formal alignment under the national apprenticeship framework. Caribbean AI Push: The Caribbean AI Forum opened in T&T with a task force report on governance, innovation and resilience.

Maritime Accountability: President Irfaan Ali appointed Senior Attorney-at-Law Nyree Dawn Alfonso and retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard to a five-member COI into the MV Barima tragedy, underscoring a push for specialist scrutiny of maritime safety and public responsibility. US Tariffs & Exports: T&T will keep the lower 10% U.S. tariff rate under the new Section 301 forced-labour regime, while business groups welcomed the relief but urged close monitoring as global trade rules stay volatile. Telecoms Profit Push: TSTT posted its strongest results in 17 years, with after-tax profit of TT$214 million, as the CWU presses for long-delayed wage talks. Fraud Warning: TTPS warned businesses about a fraudulent cheque scam targeting high-value purchases, urging firms to hold goods until cheques fully clear. Data Centres Debate: Policy and expert commentary continues around T&T’s bid to become a regional data centre hub, with arguments that it should drive broader industrial growth, not just infrastructure. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Homeland Security’s Counter Trafficking Unit detained three suspects, including a TTDF soldier, in “Operation Iceberg,” alleging exploitation of a Venezuelan minor. Workplace Reform: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe said breastfeeding-friendly workplace support legislation is coming, alongside renewed steps toward a human breast milk bank.

TSTT Earnings Boost: TSTT says it posted its strongest profit in 17 years, with after-tax earnings of TT$214 million for the year ended March 31, 2026, up 103%, as revenue rose 9.2% to TT$2.17 billion; the CWU is now pushing the company to turn results into long-delayed wage settlements. US Tariff Shock (Local Impact): Business groups welcomed confirmation that T&T’s exports qualify for the lower US 10% tariff under Section 301, but warned firms must stay alert as global trade rules stay volatile. Forced Labour Probe: The US launched a Section 301 investigation covering 60 economies, including T&T, over forced-labour enforcement gaps—raising the stakes for exporters and compliance. Inter-Island Shipping Continuity: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the cargo seabridge during maintenance, with passenger and cargo services expected to continue. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: The Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) has been formally aligned with T&T’s national apprenticeship framework, strengthening links between training and workforce needs. Human Trafficking Crackdown: CTU’s Operation Iceberg led to three Preventive Detention Orders, including the detention of a T&T Defence Force member, targeting an alleged trafficking network. Workplace Reform: The Health Minister says breastfeeding-friendly workplace measures are coming, including additional time for mothers, alongside renewed steps toward a human breast milk bank.

Inter-island shipping: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will temporarily replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the Trinidad–Tobago cargo seabridge during routine maintenance, with passenger and cargo services expected to continue without extra cost to Government. US tariffs impact: Trinidad and Tobago is among 17 economies facing a 10% US tariff under the new Section 301 forced-labour regime, while the wider 60-country action sets 10% or 12.5% rates depending on each country’s forced-labour measures; Finance Minister Tan­coo says Government is in talks and had addressed the issue in the Finance Bill 2026. Local business pressure: Tancoo is set to meet car dealers over fears a Customs and Excise classification ruling could hike costs for mild hybrid vehicles by more than $50,000. Governance debate: The Hadeed PDO revocation continues to spark criticism, with analysts calling it a “crisis of governance” and raising questions about emergency powers and citizens’ rights. Regional tragedy: Guyana’s MV Barima disaster death toll rises to 73 as search and recovery continues. Connectivity: Contour Airlines announces nonstop Piarco–Dominica service from October 5, aiming to boost regional business and tourism links.

US Tariffs & T&T Exports: The US imposed new 10% and 12.5% Section 301 tariffs on 60 trading partners over forced-labour claims, and Trinidad and Tobago says it was not hit at 12.5%—its rate was reduced to 10% after engagement, replacing a higher 15% level. Legal & Governance Fallout: The Hadeed preventive detention fight is reigniting debate on citizens’ rights and separation of powers, with analysts calling it a “crisis of governance” after PDOs were revoked. Inter-Island Logistics: NIDCO says the MV Golden Carrier will replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the cargo sea bridge during maintenance, with no extra cost to the State. Cyber Resilience: T&T joined the LAC4 partnership to strengthen cyber defences and protect critical infrastructure. Business Safety Alert: TTPS warned businesses about a fraudulent cheque scheme targeting high-value purchases. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines plans nonstop Dominica–T&T service from Oct. 5 and also announced new San Juan–T&T flights. Environment & Culture: A Caribbean Parrot Conservation Summit in T&T warned the pet trade is pushing native parrots toward extinction.

US Tariff Shock: The Trump administration has imposed new Section 301 tariffs on 60 trading partners, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, replacing an expiring temporary 10% levy. Rates range from 10% to 12.5% tied to alleged failures to ban forced-labour imports; Trinidad and Tobago is listed at 10% while other countries face 12.5%. Local Business & Trade: The TTADA is pushing for urgent talks with Finance Minister Tancoo after Customs moved overnight to tax mild hybrid vehicles previously treated as tax-exempt, with dealers saying some shipments are stuck pending new payments. Inter-Island Logistics: NIDCO says the M.V. Golden Carrier will replace Blue Wave Harmony on the cargo seabridge during maintenance and upgrades, with no added cost to the State. Legal/Detention Update: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked the Preventive Detention Orders against Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed, while the criminal investigation continues. Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines announced a new non-stop Dominica–Trinidad route starting Oct. 5, 2026. Regional Industry: A Tobago agro-processor says small manufacturers need policy and support to scale up for larger regional orders.

US Tariff Shock for T&T: The Trump administration will impose new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 economies from Friday under Section 301, citing forced-labour enforcement. Local Exposure: Trinidad and Tobago is listed in the 10% band, alongside Canada, India, Malaysia, Mexico and others, as the US replaces expiring temporary global duties. Business Impact Watch: The move covers about 99.4% of US imports and includes product exemptions (like oil and gas), but it could still ripple through trade costs and supply chains for regional exporters. Regional Finance Boost: IDB Invest approved up to US$500m financing for ANSA McAL, with an initial US$200m package, aimed at strengthening manufacturing, logistics and supply chains across the Caribbean. SME Market Momentum: West Indian Traders became the fifth company listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s SME Market, signalling renewed investor confidence. Corporate/Operations: TSTT’s board shrank to three directors after Nadirah Prabhudial resigned, while NIDCO said a new inter-island cargo vessel (M.V. Golden Carrier) will join the seabridge during maintenance.