AGP Executive Report

Education & Discipline: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged parents to take responsibility for misbehaving students, warning teachers not to “dump” the problem on schools and saying disruptive children should be sent home. Opposition MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly hit back, arguing home can be the problem and the approach is a “plaster on a sore.” Schools Reopen: The Ministry of Education says all 777 government and government-assisted schools reopened for the 2026/27 academic year, though reports point to early closures and rotation systems in some places. Sports Funding Crunch: SporTT declined the TTFA’s $2.5m request for the men’s Nations League, citing an embargo tied to outstanding expenditure reports, leaving the campaign under fresh pressure. Football & Business: Hilton Trinidad workers raised severance concerns after a town hall, while Solis reported a 29% jump in after-tax profit to $1.57m for the quarter ended July 31. Deep-Sea Research: SpeSeas mapped over 11,000 sq km of Trinidad and Tobago’s deep sea, documenting new species and ecosystems. Local Culture & Community: Books Build Bridges and the City of San Fernando launched an International Literacy Day initiative distributing 10,000 children’s books to schools.

Education & Schools: Trinidad and Tobago’s new academic year opened with all schools reported as ready, but TTUTA says 11 schools still have unresolved issues—from missing furniture to pest problems and faulty water systems—while in South Trinidad some reopening was delayed by unfinished preparations. Tobago Schools: Tobago schools reopened despite ongoing repairs, with officials saying maintenance will continue through term one and beyond, but TTUTA is pushing for fixes to mould, termites and bathroom facilities. School Discipline Debate: NPTA and TTUTA are pushing back on the PM’s call to send persistently disruptive students home, arguing it won’t tackle root causes and could worsen challenges for children and parents. Tobago Crime & Youth: A 15-year-old Tobago schoolboy remains in custody after police investigated the killing of an elderly relative in Plymouth. Housing Appointments: Former PNM senator Ronald Huggins has been appointed managing director of the Housing Development Corporation. Economy & Exports: Trade officials and TTCSI renewed the push for a 50-50 export economy by 2030, saying services must better convert domestic strength into export earnings. Financial Literacy: TTSEC will host a National Investing Debate Competition with 22 secondary schools to boost investment awareness and financial literacy.

Local Sports: Just For Fun (JFF) Vikings surged to the top of the TTDA National Mickey Mouse League of Darts A Division after beating defending champions E-Z Lines 6-4 at the Kosmos Club, while Game Shot stunned DOGS with a late comeback to earn a 5-5 draw. Education & Safety: The Education Ministry says all 777 Government and Government-Assisted schools (including ECCE centres) were open on Monday for the 2026/2027 school year, with laptops expected for incoming Form 1 students in Term I and the Police in Schools programme continuing where safety concerns are heightened. International Spotlight (T&T): Trinidad and Tobago’s Asia Rose Simpson was eliminated from Miss World 2026 in the Top 12, with the Dominican Republic taking the crown. Football (T&T connection): Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Nathaniel James says he’s ready to switch focus back to the Warriors for the CONCACAF Nations League, starting away to Haiti on Sept. 24. Business/Finance (global): AK&M reports a busy M&A digest across oil and gas, including Serica Energy’s bid for Pharos Energy and BP’s stake sale plans.

Local Education & Safety: Teachers return to classrooms today as TTUTA warns schools can’t function effectively while repairs, book grants, teacher backpay and support staff contracts remain unresolved; meanwhile police say they’ll keep a presence at 51 schools under the School-Oriented Policing programme, targeting fighting, vaping and marijuana possession using last year’s stats. Tobago Justice & Prisons: Tobago inmates held in Trinidad say isolation and disconnection from families are worsening, with relatives appealing for swifter justice and more humane conditions as the Tobago Convict Prison faces coastal erosion concerns. Science & Environment: A month-long Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago expedition has mapped deep-sea sites and highlighted the need for further analysis before protecting areas teeming with life. Politics: San Fernando East MP Brian Manning rejects claims of declining support after a PNM internal report suggested the constituency’s stronghold may be under threat. International Tech Tensions: China warns the US not to interfere in Trinidad and Tobago’s technology partnerships with Chinese companies, escalating a diplomatic dispute over security concerns. Sports (T&T connection): Trinidad-born Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss helped the Rebels beat Louisville 41-38 in Nashville, with Lucas Carneiro’s 48-yard winner as time expired.

Cocaine Bust: Police detained a BVI businessman and two Saint Lucians after a TT$193.5m cocaine seizure in Longdenville, where officers found 420 packages concealed in backhoe tyres during an intelligence-led operation. Tobago Baby Grant Debate: A new THA baby grant is being framed as relief for parents, but critics say it won’t reverse the deeper birthrate decline without affordable housing, stable jobs and stronger community support. Hilton Trinidad Shift: Government moves Hilton Trinidad to a state-owned, Hilton-operated model, with new ownership and management announced to keep the hotel operating. Venezuela Oil Link: An energy analyst warns any access to Venezuelan crude for T&T’s Pointe-a-Pierre refinery depends on US interests and company priorities, not automatic supply. Business & Markets: Agostini has offered minority shareholders $12.15 per share to buy out Prestige Holdings, but a dissenting shareholder calls the price “woefully inadequate.” Sports (Local Interest): CPL returns to Kensington Oval with TKR’s campaign under pressure, while Trinidad’s Georgia-Lee Gill wins Miss World Caribbean in Vietnam. Arts & Culture: Vaser Claw: King of Clan debuts on Sept. 3, moving from TV episodes to the big screen.

Diamond League Glory: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage made history by becoming the first from his country to win the Diamond League Final in Brussels, throwing 89.04m in difficult conditions; Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott took bronze with 83.99m. Local Education Support: Xtra Foods employees and community partners painted Mon Repos RC School ahead of the new term, while the Hum­mingbird House Foundation distributed backpacks and supplies to more than 200 children, pairing the handouts with activities and self-care. Inclusive Learning: Deaf students at Cascade School for the Deaf and Audrey Jeffers School for the Deaf will receive Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language-adapted “Republic Readers” books for the September 9 school start. Politics & Independence Debate: Professor Hamid Ghany weighed in on how Independence Day messaging is being read differently depending on whether it’s aimed at the nation or party, as debate continues over the PM’s approach. Law & Land: Land surveyor Fitzherbert Reyes argues the Privy Council was wrong on a Churchill-Roosevelt Highway land dispute involving adverse possession claims. Regional Diplomacy: AMCHAM T&T welcomed renewed engagement with Venezuela after Foreign Minister Sean Sobers’ visit, pointing to trade, energy and security cooperation. Carnival Cash Crunch: Carnival stakeholders say about $9m in 2026 prize money is still unpaid, with a September deadline looming. Tech Tensions: The Chinese Embassy pushed back against US warnings about Chinese technology in T&T, rejecting claims of security risks and accusing Washington of interference.

Hilton Crisis Averted: The Government has finalised a new ownership and management arrangement for Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre, with state-owned eTeCK taking over the outstanding shares and keeping Hilton as the operator—removing the threat of shutdown and easing uncertainty for more than 300 workers. Education Update: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says all schools will open as scheduled on Monday, even as repairs continue, with 350-plus projects underway and safety work cordoned off. Book Grant Delay Fallout: TTUTA warns parents may face a low student turnout in the first week because book grant distribution and processing were delayed, leaving families scrambling for supplies. T&T-Venezuela Reset: Business groups welcome renewed dialogue with Venezuela, but say the focus must shift from diplomacy to implementation—especially energy projects—while opposition figures question what tangible gains T&T has secured. Crime Watch: A $193.5m cocaine seizure in Chaguanas has raised alarms about organised networks using legitimate properties to move drugs. Sports: Diamond League finals in Brussels saw Caribbean stars Oblique Seville and Julien Alfred win on opening day, while Tobago’s youth hockey saw Magnolia dominate in Hockey 5s.

Hilton Trinidad: Workers get a six-month reprieve after Government finalised a new ownership and management deal, keeping the Hilton brand on the State-owned property while a longer-term solution is developed. T&T–Venezuela reset: The business community welcomes renewed direct dialogue after Foreign Minister Sean Sobers’ Caracas visit, but says the next step must be implementation—especially energy projects like Dragon, Loran-Manatee and Manakin-Cocuina. Political heat over the trip: Opposition leader Penelope Beckles questions what T&T actually gained and why PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hasn’t met Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Chaguanas cocaine shock: A $193.5m cocaine seizure has alarmed local business leaders, who warn organised crime is using legitimate properties and urge landlords to tighten tenant checks. Education and book grants: TTUTA expects low student turnout for the opening week, blaming delays and issues with book grant processing. Tobago prisons: Acting Prisons Commissioner Elvin Scanterbury says the Tobago Convict Prison’s structural integrity remains a concern after coastal erosion. Sports & culture: Basketball Fiesta ends after a week of local competition, while the Caribbean Music Awards announces Billboard as global media partner for T&T’s debut on Sept 19 at NAPA.

Tobago Crime: An 81-year-old man was robbed and assaulted after withdrawing TT$2,500 from Republic Bank in Scarborough; police say a bandit grabbed him in a chokehold, stole the cash and a Samsung phone, while officers also investigated a separate break-in at Phoebe’s Variety Store. Education & Youth Support: The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago urged families to prepare children for the new academic year not just academically, but spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Tobago Digital Services: Tobago ID has launched to streamline access to THA services, including permits, healthcare access and residency verification, with the baby grant requiring the digital credential. Government & Hospitality: The State has finalised a new ownership and management structure for Hilton Trinidad: e Teck (via HotelTT Asset Management) now owns the asset, while Hilton continues operating under a hotel management agreement. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela says Minister Sean Sobers’ Caracas visit marks a “new era” in T&T relations, while energy experts welcome the thaw. Financial Crime Watch: Curaçao claims “significant progress” on money laundering and terrorist financing, but says the CFATF follow-up report has not yet been published. Workplace Concerns: TTUTA warns the Ministry of Education’s plan to replace BOAs with OJTs could overload principals and risks inadequate training. Sports (Local Interest): College football Week 1 is underway, with Trinidad Chambliss starring for Ole Miss and Austin Simmons debuting for Missouri. Tech & Markets: TTSEC launched a new data hub for financial and market statistics, moving beyond static downloads.

T&T–Venezuela Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have agreed a “new chapter” roadmap after talks in Caracas, setting out a work agenda to boost cooperation on trade, energy, agriculture, environmental protection, culture and collective security, with both sides stressing permanent channels of communication. Tobago Baby Grant: The THA will pay over $600,000 in retroactive Tobago Baby Grant backpay to parents, starting with $500 monthly support until age five, with applications handled online via the new Tobago ID platform. Court Ruling: The High Court ruled police searches of THA executive member Zorisha Hackett’s home and office unlawful, ordering seized items returned and awarding costs. Education Watch: TTUTA visited schools ahead of the new academic year, criticising late repairs, non-renewal of support staff contracts and the use of OJTs as a substitute for trained personnel. Sports & Culture: Jereem “The Dream” Richards and Keshorn Walcott will represent T&T at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels, while Digicel Foundation backs Jamaica’s 2026 Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games after T&T hosted the inaugural event in 2024.

Diplomacy: Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has arrived in Venezuela for high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, regional security and economic cooperation, after months of strained relations. Markets & Finance: TTSEC has launched an online Data Hub to make securities and financial market statistics easier to access, replacing reliance on spreadsheets and its semi-annual bulletin. Public Finance & Work: FOIA disclosures show 234 workers lost jobs through corporate retrenchment between January and July 2026, with Teleperformance T&T the biggest single cut. Economy & Energy: Ammonia output rose 9.7% in Q1 2026 as some plants recovered from Nutrien’s Point Lisas shutdown, though overall output was still down year-on-year. Education & Readiness: Tobago’s Assembly Member Orlando Kerr says school reopening preparations are on track, with after-hours repairs extended to December and a new facilities management plan. Tobago Birth Support: Tobago is rolling out a $500 baby grant under its Universal Child Benefit Programme, with regional comparisons sparking debate on newborn support. Sports: Trinbago Knight Riders face a must-win push in CPL playoff qualification after an 8-run loss to Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. Politics: Former PM Keith Rowley renewed calls for PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to apologise over what he calls divisive, racist Independence messages, while the PM says she stands by her words.

Education Readiness in Tobago: TTUTA Tobago says teachers will not enter mouldy classrooms as the new term begins, warning of lingering plumbing and furniture issues despite released repair funds. School Maintenance Alarm: TTUTA president Crystal Ashe also complains repairs started late and some schools still lack safe, usable facilities. Independence Message Fallout: Critics say PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s separate UNC Independence Day message risks deepening racial divisions, while others defend it as a “motherly” call for resilience. UNC Internal Politics: UNC National Executive elections are still unclear after the two-year term expired, with officials staying tight-lipped. State of Emergency Standoff: PNM says it won’t support further extension of the SoE beyond Sept. 17, arguing civil liberties are worsening. Crime, Courts & Prisons: PDOs continue under SoE as a woman was detained for allegedly smuggling drugs into prison in apples. Public Health Workplace Claims: PNM’s Marvin Gonzales distances the party from NCRHA gang allegations amid reports of bullying and extortion. Digital Payments Scrutiny: Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales demands answers over a reported $4.4B WiPay contract tied to a state payments company. Tobago Birthrate Push: THA launches a $500 monthly baby grant via Tobago ID as births reportedly fall sharply. CPL Cricket: Trinbago Knight Riders lose to Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by eight runs as the CPL playoff race tightens.

CPL Tonight: Trinbago Knight Riders host Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Queen’s Park Oval (7:00 pm AST) in Match 24, with TKR still mathematically in the playoff hunt and needing wins to stay alive. Local Sports: TKR’s Independence Day clash and CPL form continue to shape the playoff race, with fans watching whether the side can turn pressure into points at home. Business Leadership: Guardian Holdings Limited has appointed Dominic Rampersad as its new chairman, effective Oct. 1, succeeding Robert Almeida. Banking & Housing Costs: Scotiabank says Caribbean mortgage impairments rose slightly on a sequential basis, with credit-loss provisions increasing in the region. Tobago Social Policy: Tobago launches a $500 baby grant under its Universal Child Benefit Programme as birthrates fall, with applications opening and support running until age five. Child Safety Enforcement: La Trinidad authorities shut down a billiard hall after minors were found on-site during class hours, citing juvenile welfare rules. Independence Day Aftermath: Concerns were raised about post-event clean-up at Queen’s Park Savannah, with officials pointing to stray dogs tearing open garbage bags.

Independence Day Politics: Former PM Keith Rowley is demanding an apology from PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar after her Independence message to UNC supporters, saying it stokes racial division and threatens social harmony. Police & Crime: Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith says anti-gang laws are too weak for police to act on gang intelligence, while Downtown Owners’ and Merchants Association (DOMA) warns copper thefts worth over $2M in eight weeks are disrupting business in Port of Spain. Tobago Social Policy: Tobago launches a $500 monthly baby grant under its Universal Child Benefit Programme as the birthrate drops by more than 50%, with applications opening and support running until age five. Local Governance & Services: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen blamed stray dogs for post-parade garbage issues at the Queen’s Park Savannah, after Independence celebrations. Business & Energy: First Citizens appoints Sana Ragbir as acting Group CEO following Jason Julien’s resignation, and ReLeaf TT begins a forest restoration pilot aiming to plant 236,000 trees across 102 hectares. Sports: Trinbago Knight Riders’ playoff hopes hinge on a must-win CPL clash, while Navin Bidaisee’s viral diving catch dismissed Quinton de Kock in another CPL game.

Education Payments: The Ministry of Education says 2026 school supplies and book grant payments move into the disbursement phase and will start from Wednesday, with approved applicants emailed and cheque collections handled at Education District Offices nationwide from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tobago Digital Services: The Tobago House of Assembly has launched Tobago ID, a digital platform to track services online, and says the $500 monthly baby grant takes effect today and is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026. Independence Politics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Independence messages drew sharp reactions—critics say her party-focused UNC address was divisive, while others defended it as reflection on the country’s direction. Credit Outlook: The Finance Ministry says Moody’s highlighted T&T’s fiscal buffers and expects a natural gas recovery, pointing to stronger near-term external position and support for budget financing. CPL Cricket: Shimron Hetmyer powered Guyana Amazon Warriors to a nine-run win over Trinbago Knight Riders with an unbeaten 111 off 43 balls, reaching 7,000 T20 runs in the process.

Independence Day politics: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar used her 64th anniversary messages to urge Trinidad and Tobago to stop blaming the colonial past and to back party unity, drawing sharp criticism from Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles and others who called the remarks divisive. Independence Day celebrations: Spectators enjoyed a bigger cultural showcase at the military parade, featuring Red Devils, Moko Jumbies, tassa, chutney and steelpan, while some complained about the parade’s new venue and late start. Tobago autonomy: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine told citizens they have “nothing to fear” as the island pushes for greater autonomy, stressing economic independence and urging Trinidad to see the bigger picture. Finance & credit: The Finance Ministry says Moody’s sees stronger fiscal buffers and a gas-sector recovery, citing the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund and Treasury cash. CPL cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors spoiled TKR’s Independence Day party with a rain-affected DLS win, powered by Shimron Hetmyer’s record-equalling 111. Security: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarra said bomb hoax threats are low and assured celebrations will proceed safely.