AGP Executive Report

Teachers’ Backpay: TTUTA says teachers will receive outstanding arrears for 2020–2023 in September, estimated at about TT$900 million, with payments reflected via IHRIS payslip access after months of advocacy. Telecom Governance Clash: TSTT has launched an independent investigation into former acting CEO Keino Cox, while Cox threatens legal action over non-renewal and alleged retaliation, with both sides pointing to procurement and governance issues. Crime & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the SoE ends Sept. 17 but the fight continues, citing arrests and charges during the SoE and warning against “wealthy drug mafia” networks. Local Business & Trade: TTMA leads a 37-member manufacturing delegation to Miami (Sept. 13–18) to build export links, with a “Doing Business in Miami” seminar and B2B sessions. Infrastructure Works: RDC rehabilitation begins on the Charuma Junction landslip in Mayaro, with more road and community repairs flagged across the constituency. Regional/Global Watch: Authorities face allegations of Chinese-linked organised crime siphoning funds from T&T, while the world warns of a potential “Super El Niño” that could disrupt weather and agriculture.

Telecom Governance Clash: TSTT has launched an independent investigation into former acting CEO Keino Cox, while Cox threatens legal action over his non-renewal and administrative leave, with the probe set to scrutinise procurement and conflicts tied to eight firms including Hummingbird Holdings and WiPay. Crime & Finance: TTPS is probing suspected money laundering and illegal gambling linked to parts of the Chinese business community, while separate reporting alleges Chinese-linked criminal networks are siphoning hundreds of millions via front businesses and trade invoice tactics. Trade & Exports: TTMA leads a 37-member manufacturing delegation to Miami (Sept 13–18) to build export links, with a “Doing Business in Miami” seminar and B2B meetings. Infrastructure Works: RDC will begin rehabilitation of the Charuma Junction landslip in Mayaro, part of wider road and landslip repairs across the constituency. Environment & Resilience: Scientists warn T&T to prepare for a potentially “Super El Niño” as El Niño strengthens into 2027, and a Port of Spain foreshore clean-up logged nearly 4,000 pounds of marine debris. Business Community: TTMA mourns Sheik Lisha founder Churchill Azad Akaloo, praising decades of manufacturing growth and community support.

Banking Fraud: A woman was arrested after allegedly trying to withdraw TT$85,000 from a Republic Bank branch in St James using a fake national ID linked to another person, after bank staff verified the mismatch via WhatsApp video call. Legal/US-Local Courts: The ACLU says a lawsuit by relatives of Trinidadian fishermen Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo against the US over a Caribbean Sea strike is stalled pending a Trinidad and Tobago court hearing to declare them legally deceased. Health Regulation: The Medical Board of T&T is reviewing guidelines on doctors’ social media advertising, focusing on claims of false outcomes, named-doctor promotions, and undisclosed financial incentives. Business & Culture: Organisers of the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad say the event could boost the “orange economy” through tourism and regional market-building. Public Procurement Watch: The Office of Procurement Regulation flags $16B in awards for FY 2024/25 but warns of weak reporting, limited competition, and about $3B in unfulfilled contracts. Education Pay: TTUTA says teachers have started receiving $900M in backpay for 2020–2023 via IHIRIS, though it says government ministries have not formally communicated. Environment: Tobago’s plastic-heavy coastal debris findings highlight that ocean currents and waves, not just local population, drive where litter accumulates.

Procurement Watch: The Office of Procurement Regulation flags a procurement “inflection point” after public bodies reported $16B in awards for 2024/25, but warned of weak reporting, limited competition and about $3B in unfulfilled contracts. Public Finance & Education: TTUTA says teachers have started receiving $900M backpay for 2020–2023 via IHIRIS, while officials have yet to formally communicate details. Public Safety Law: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says ZOSO legislation will return to Parliament when PM and AG decide, after the first bid collapsed in the Senate. Foreign Affairs: The foreign ministry confirms the US sought clearance to use T&T airspace and maritime zones last year, but refuses to disclose what was requested or when. Local Governance & Environment: EMA and the Planning Minister urge better waste disposal after International Coastal Cleanup; Tobago also faces a plastic-heavy debris problem on Atlantic shores. Business & Industry: PBS Group takes full ownership of Trinidad Systems Ltd, expanding regional operations. Telecom Dispute: Ex–TSTT acting CEO Keino Cox challenges his “forced” exit and non-renewal. Community & Culture: Palmiste Park fruit trees face theft; residents are urged to protect the new orchard. Crime & Courts: Two men face charges over a $1.1M Tobago marijuana haul; and a major business community mourns Sheik Lisha founder Churchill Azad Akaloo.

State of Emergency & Security Rollout: Trinidad and Tobago says the SoE ends Sept. 17 as required by law, while crime-fighting continues; officials also outlined a phased release of 563 SoE detainees over six days, with 31 freed so far (mostly from Golden Grove). Parliament & Governance: The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2026 is being piloted in the Senate, with ministers saying it modernises how public authorities publish annual statements online without changing citizens’ access rights. Public Services & Accountability: Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen says the Rural Development Company must be “cleaned up” before delivering projects, citing unaccounted funds and staffing issues, while also warning corruption in construction approvals won’t be tolerated. Local Business & Regional Deals: PBS Group completes full ownership of Trinidad Systems Ltd, positioning it to expand integrated solutions across Central and South America. Transport & Trade Links: T&T’s Kia dealer says the brand stayed number one in new car sales in 2025 and is aiming to repeat in 2026 amid rising competition. Sports Funding: SPORTT and TTFA say progress is being made on funding for the men’s Concacaf Nations League campaign, with “light at the end of the tunnel.” Education Safety: TTUTA backs San Juan North Secondary teachers after an intruder stole from a teacher; the union says the perimeter fence and overgrown areas remain key risks.

State of Emergency & PDO releases: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says the SoE is ending because the law requires it, not because the threat is gone, as 563 SoE detainees are set to be released in phased batches over six days before the Sept. 17 expiry. Local governance & corruption controls: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen says the Rural Development Company must be “cleaned up” before new projects, while warning the construction approvals process won’t tolerate corruption or extortion. FOIA modernisation debate: A Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2026 sparks pushback as it would let public authorities publish annual statements online instead of in newspapers, with ministers insisting access rights won’t change. Sports funding & national teams: SPORTT and TTFA discuss Concacaf Nations League funding, with SPORTT chair Kester Lendor saying there’s “light at the end of the tunnel.” SME finance: EXIMBANK backs T&T SMEs with a $5m financing boost. Trade & diplomacy: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath defends PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s softer Venezuela approach, citing changing circumstances. Tobago enterprise push: Plymouth’s monthly farmers’ market at Adventure Micro Mall gives small entrepreneurs a platform. Utilities disruption: WASA reports temporary Cunupia repairs at the Caroni Water Treatment Plant, with supply normalisation expected within 12 hours. Regional finance forum: ECCB hosts a regional central bank communications conference in St Kitts.

Power Reliability: T&TEC says another maniacou (opossum) caused a brief 10-second power dip around 8 p.m. Thursday, affecting homes in Diego Martin and some industrial customers, with supply restored after teams traced the fault to the Bamboo/Orange Grove 66kV sub-transmission circuit. Water Supply Disruption: WASA reports an urgent temporary shutdown at the Caroni Water Treatment Plant on Thursday 10 p.m. for critical repairs at Bridal Road Jerningham Junction, Cunupia, with restart Friday 11 at 4:30 a.m.; normalisation may take up to 12 hours across a wide swath of Trinidad and parts of the south. SME Finance: EXIMBANK is providing a $5 million financing boost aimed at helping Trinidad and Tobago SMEs unlock growth and access needed funding. Insurance Sector Move: Tatil and Colfire have proposed an amalgamation into a single company from January 1, 2027, pending Central Bank approval, while keeping both brands visible. Regional Business & Trade: Omni Industries says it’s targeting 10% of revenue from exports within five years and is in talks with a major local baked-goods manufacturer to supply baking trays to Trinidad. Diplomacy With Economic Stakes: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she expects to meet Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez later this month, with analysts linking the reset to trade and energy access. Public Funding Push: The T&T Red Cross is appealing for $2.5 million for an ambulance and $500,000 for its 71st Children’s Carnival, urging stronger corporate and donor support.

Medicine Approval Overhaul: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the drug registration system is outdated, with some applications for cheaper medicines reportedly delayed for up to a year, and promises an overhaul. Sports Funding Row: TTFA is asking SporTT to correct the public record after an Express headline said SporTT rejected TTFA’s $2.5M Concacaf Nations League funding request. Red Cross Fundraising: Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross seeks $2.5M—$2M for a new ambulance and $500,000 for its Children’s Carnival—urging stronger corporate/donor support as costs rise. Venezuela Diplomacy & Energy: PM says she “loves” Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez and is exploring a UNGA meeting; analysts call it a pragmatic reset aimed at unlocking natural gas cooperation. State of Emergency Watch: Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi warns PNM will challenge any move to extend the State of Emergency after it expires next week; families outside ECRC report anxious waits for PDO detainee releases. Vehicle Forex Pressure: TTADA wants easier forex access for vehicle dealers as the Central Bank’s recent forex changes squeeze operations, despite a 15,000-vehicle import ceiling. Insurance Deal: COLFIRE and TATIL propose amalgamation into one insurer, pending Central Bank approval, with policyholders told coverage terms will remain unchanged.

Insurance consolidation: COLFIRE and TATIL are proposing to amalgamate into a single Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Limited, with the Central Bank’s approval needed; brands stay visible and policyholders’ coverage and claims are said to remain unchanged, with a target start date of Jan. 1, 2027. Public sector pay talks: The Government has given the PSA two weeks to respond to a final offer of 40% cash and 60% non-cash for 2014–2019 salary arrears, with an option to pay arrears monthly over three years. Tobago liability dispute: THA and Pigeon Point Heritage Park Ltd rejected liability in the April 8 jet ski collision that killed seven-year-old Angelica Jogie, arguing they did not accept alleged governance and marine safety failures. Diplomacy with Venezuela: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she expects to meet Delcy Rodríguez later this month at UNGA in New York and also reiterated confidence that Venezuelan natural gas will flow to T&T within a year. Sustainable finance push: The TTSE launched Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines to help unlock private capital for renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing. Energy & industry: Methanol output ended Q1 2026 with three straight months of growth, reaching 1.13 million metric tonnes, while exports rose 8% to 1.15 million tonnes. Local business opportunity: A panel on the Manatee gas project says T&T could capture up to US$500m locally, but only if local-content rules are enforced so domestic firms win more of the work. Health digitisation: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says discussions with the IDB could lead to wider digitisation of public patient records. Parental responsibility law: Government is drafting legislation to hold parents accountable for children’s behaviour, with consultations before it reaches Parliament.

Public Health Digitisation: Health Minister Dr Lackram Boodoe says the Government is in talks with the IDB on an integrated health services programme that could digitise public patient records and cut reporting and waiting times, as TTWiFi is launched at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. School Discipline Push: Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath confirms draft parental responsibility legislation is being prepared, with consultations and legal review before it reaches Parliament, as the Government backs PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s stance on removing repeat violent or disruptive students. SoE Releases: PNM Whip Marvin Gonzales says PDO detainees under the State of Emergency are expected to start being released in batches of 15 from today, raising questions about why people are freed without charges. T&T–Venezuela Reset: PM Persad-Bissessar signals a possible meeting with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez on the sidelines of UNGA in late September, after a period of strained relations. Sports Funding & Football: SporTT-backed changes help keep the SSFL season on track, while T&T’s CONCACAF Nations League participation is expected to proceed after outstanding player payments and Government funding issues were resolved. Business Moves: PBS Group completes its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, taking full ownership while keeping TSL as a separate brand. Banking Results: Scotiabank T&T reports TT$449m after-tax profit for nine months to July 2026, down 15% year-on-year, citing the new Total Asset Tax. EU Grants for Protection: The EU provides TT$6.2m to Trinidad and Tobago civil society groups to support migrants/refugees and prevent/respond to gender-based violence. Caribbean Culture: Caribbean Music Awards announces its first 2026 performer lineup for the Trinidad ceremony on Sept. 19.

Media Governance: TTPBA has elected a new board for 2026-2028, with media viability and sustainability front and centre as outlets face economic, tech and regulatory pressure. Education & Safety: TTUTA says arrests and suspensions won’t fix school violence, calling instead for stronger prevention, intervention, support and rehabilitation systems. Banking Results: Scotiabank T&T reported $449M after-tax profit for nine months to July 2026, down 15% year-on-year, largely tied to the Total Asset Tax introduced in January. Sustainable Finance: The TTSE launched GSS+ bond guidelines to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing, stressing transparency and measurable impact. Local Business & Trade: PBS Group completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, taking full control while keeping TSL’s brand and support arrangements intact. Youth Crime Prevention: Homeland Security launched the “Resilient Youth” campaign to steer young people toward support and interventions rather than crime. Housing & Climate Resilience: Housing Minister David Lee urged a shift to resilient, affordable communities and smart infrastructure as part of urban transformation. Food Prices Watch: Agricultural Society and market vendors warn of higher produce and meat prices amid drought conditions. Tourism & Investment: Cuba introduced new tourism rules to expand private management and foreign investment, including options for leasing and real estate in key destinations like Trinidad. Regional Digital Trade: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report warns Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade frameworks—an issue with lessons for the wider region. Sports Business Pulse: Applebee’s and IHOP opened in Trinidad at Grand Bazaar, Valsayn, bringing the franchises under one roof.

Sustainable Finance Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange launched its Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS+) Bond Guidelines, aiming to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing, with success measured by follow-on deals rather than the document itself. Local Capital Markets: TTSE also moved to formalise the next step for fixed-income issuance with Stock Exchange GSS+ Bond guidelines, aligning reporting and governance with international standards. Youth & Crime Response: The Ministry of Homeland Security rolled out the Resilient Youth campaign to steer young people toward support, mentorship and school-based interventions, shifting focus from simply suppressing behaviour to addressing drivers of youth violence. Prison Smuggling Probe: Two prison officers were placed under Preventive Detention Orders over alleged contraband smuggling into Golden Grove Prison, including cigarettes and marijuana, tied to WhatsApp communications and alleged efforts to delete messages. Parliament & State of Emergency: Opposition PNM figures pressed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to clarify whether the State of Emergency will be extended when Parliament resumes Friday, warning the public needs answers on crime plans. Trade & Investment Link: The TT Chamber’s Toronto mission sought to convert Canada ties into measurable exports and partnerships across sectors including food, tourism, technology and construction. Business Growth Spotlight: Omega Pest Management shared its reinvention story as it expanded from a small operation into a multi-sector firm with 20+ full-time staff. Energy Debate: An op-ed argued for considering a nuclear “shared energy hub” concept for electricity, industrial heat and desalination, weighing land constraints against compact generation potential. Sports Funding Pressure: SporTT declined the TTFA’s $2.5m request for Nations League expenses, citing an embargo linked to outstanding expenditure reports. Corporate Expansion: iQor announced a global Gaming Center of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago, positioning the country as a hub for gaming player support and trust-and-safety operations.

Sports Funding Crunch: SporTT has declined the TTFA’s $2.505m request for the 2026 Concacaf Nations League, citing an existing funding embargo tied to outstanding expenditure reports, leaving the men’s campaign under fresh financial pressure. Corporate Expansion: iQor launched a global Gaming Center of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago, positioning the new hub as a player-support and trust/safety operations base for gaming delivery. Housing Leadership: Former PNM senator Ronald Huggins was appointed managing director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), effective Sept 1, as the state housing agency moves to “execute with purpose” on its mandate. Education & Access: A High Court ruling ordered the Teaching Service Commission to release FOIA documents, while separate coverage highlights ongoing school readiness and concerns about discipline and inclusive education for children with disabilities. Trade & Diversification: TTCSI renewed its push for a “50-50 by 2030” export economy, arguing services must better convert domestic strength into foreign exchange. Local Business Performance: TTSE-listed Solis reported a 29% jump in after-tax profit to $1.57m for the quarter ended July 31, alongside an interim dividend plan. Community Literacy: Books Build Bridges and the City of San Fernando launched a child-friendly literacy drive with 10,000 donated books for schools.

Housing & Appointments: Former PNM senator Ronald Huggins was named managing director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), effective Sept. 1, as the state moves to keep the agency delivering homes. Education & Accountability: A High Court judge ordered the Teaching Service Commission to release FOIA-requested records, backing a teacher’s bid for transparency in disciplinary matters. School Readiness: Students returned across Trinidad and Tobago as the Ministry confirmed all government and government-assisted schools opened, though South Trinidad families reported lingering concerns like unfinished work and temporary arrangements. Export Push: The services sector is being urged to drive a “50-50 by 2030” export economy, with officials citing the gap between services’ GDP share and its relatively modest export receipts. Investor Literacy: TTSEC will host a National Investing Debate Competition with 22 secondary schools, aiming to build financial literacy and investor protection awareness. International Trade Ties: India’s outgoing High Commissioner called for deeper trade and commercial engagement with T&T beyond cultural links. Regional Diplomacy: Opposition figures warned that T&T’s Venezuela reset must come with accountability for earlier foreign-policy missteps.

Education & Workforce Readiness: The Education Ministry says all 777 Government and Government-Assisted schools (including ECCE centres) opened Monday 7 Sept 2026 for the 2026/2027 academic year, with laptops for incoming Form 1 students expected in Term I and safety support continuing via the Police in Schools programme. Labour & Public Services: TTUTA warns schools can’t function effectively while repair work, book grants, teacher backpay and staffing contracts remain unresolved as teachers return to classrooms. Oil & Gas Dealflow: An AK&M digest highlights major global M&A in oil and gas, including Serica Energy’s bid for Pharos Energy and BP’s moves in North Sea assets and refinery sales. Energy & Diplomacy: China warns the US against interfering in Trinidad and Tobago’s technology partnerships with Chinese firms, as T&T’s ties with Venezuela continue to reset after high-level talks. Regional Business & Travel: Caribbean Airlines says it’s pushing a transformation programme and introduces new duty-free and gift-card options, while St Vincent and the Grenadines’ passport ranks 48th globally for visa-free access. Sports & Local Interest: Trinidad Chambliss’ Ole Miss begins its season with a big win over Louisville in the Music City Kickoff, keeping the spotlight on T&T talent.

Education & Labour Readiness: TTUTA says schools can’t function effectively as teachers return today unless delayed repairs, outstanding book grants, unpaid backpay, and contract renewals for key support staff are resolved, while parents and the NPTA question whether every school will be fully prepared. Tobago Justice & Corrections: Tobago inmates held in Trinidad complain of isolation and family disruption, with relatives and the Prison Officers Association calling for a modern Tobago facility to reduce burdens on families and improve conditions for those awaiting trial. Energy & Economic Outlook: A commentary argues T&T’s post-2014 slowdown stems from a weakened energy sector, noting LNG and gas production declines and warning that short-lived commodity boosts won’t deliver a lasting turnaround. Geology & Tourism Risk: A feature revisits Digity’s “mud volcano” history and raises concerns about development near the site, questioning approvals given potential damage risks. US–China Tech Tensions: China warns the US against interfering in Trinidad and Tobago’s technology partnerships with Chinese firms, escalating a wider diplomatic dispute over security and influence in the Caribbean. Business & Markets: Agostini has offered to buy remaining minority shares in Prestige Holdings at $12.15 cash per share, but a dissenting shareholder says the valuation is inadequate and wants it reconsidered.