AGP Executive Report

UN Security Council: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected to the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, but local economists are urging caution on what the seat will realistically deliver for the economy and development. Tobago Development: A push for investment over stagnation is reigniting debate on Tobago’s future, including concerns around how proposed projects could affect long-term growth. Chaguaramas Trade Facilitation: Stakeholders are looking to SailClear, the planned electronic clearance system, to cut yacht and marine vessel processing from hours to about 15 minutes and boost competitiveness. Finance Bill 2026: As fines rise under Finance Bill 2026, economists say the move is driven by revenue pressure, while business groups question the lack of consultation. Food Security: A UN-linked report says nearly 513,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition and obesity both highlighted. Protest & Emergency Powers: Nurses and other groups are weighing options as State of Emergency restrictions limit demonstrations, raising fresh questions about rule-of-law and public pressure. Caribbean Economy & Mobility: New research presented regionally points to major productivity losses from traffic congestion, including estimates for T&T. Caribbean Media & Tourism: The CTO honoured Caribbean journalists in New York and launched CTO TV to expand tourism storytelling beyond traditional promotion.

Food Security Push: Trinidad and Tobago is spending over US$1 billion a year importing food, and economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon is urging a national shift to treat agriculture as a serious economic sector. Wages & Budget Moves: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will seek an extra $2.93b supplementary appropriation to fund increased wages for more than 62,000 workers, with the Finance Bill set for June 10. Tobago Finance Calendar: The THA will present its 2027 budget request on June 22, with debate on June 25, alongside plans including arrears for teachers and funding for the new Scarborough Secondary School. Trade Pressure on Petrochemicals: AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie met a USDA official at the Business Future of the Americas conference in Quito to press for a review of US tariffs affecting Trinidad and Tobago’s petrochemical exports. Crime Response & Protest Debate: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine launched a national Active Directed Grid Patrol system, while Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles again warned the PNM will not support any further extension of the State of Emergency and called the PM’s protest stance a threat. Governance & Oversight: Attorney Dr Margaret Satya Rose has replaced Janelle John-Bates as an Opposition Senator, as the PNM reshuffles its bench.

State of Emergency showdown: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the PNM will not support any further extension of the SoE, arguing crime-fighting measures are already showing reductions and that “a perpetual State of Emergency” can’t run the country. Policing and accountability: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine backed the launch of a national Active Directed Grid Patrol system, while commentary and calls for stronger police oversight continue, including demands to give the Police Complaints Authority real “teeth.” Parliament and governance: Dr Margaret Satya Rose was sworn in as an Opposition Senator, replacing Janelle John-Bates, as the Opposition reshuffles its bench. UN diplomacy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hailed T&T’s UNSC seat as a vote of confidence, while Beckles noted the country was also on the Council in 1985. Tobago budget date: The THA will present its 2027 budget on June 22, with debate set for June 25. Environment and waste: UNDP’s Ugo Blanco warned T&T produces about 2.6kg of waste per person daily, urging more responsible consumption.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected to the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, joining Austria, Portugal, Kyrgyzstan and Zimbabwe, with the seats starting Jan. 1, 2027. Local Politics: Opposition Senator Dr Margaret Rose was sworn in to replace John-Bates after the resignation that followed backlash over ghost-editing a parliamentary witness statement. Water Safety Alarm: A Texas family says their 16-year-old was chemically burned after showering in Trinidad, pointing to alleged water quality problems and sharing test results with their lawyer. Caribbean Business & Travel: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to improve seamless Caribbean–Europe connectivity, including single-ticket travel options. Sports & Culture: BYD was announced as Official Car Partner of CPL 2026, rolling out cricket-themed activations across multiple Caribbean markets including T&T. Energy Watch: A report warns offshore oil and gas expansion could threaten marine ecosystems across multiple countries.

UN Security Council Win: Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Kyrgyzstan and Zimbabwe were elected to the UN Security Council for the 2027–28 term, with T&T’s seat described as a major diplomatic milestone for the region. Local Politics & Media: The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago is pushing for formal post-Cabinet press availability after a year without a PM media briefing. Parliament Opens: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to speak as the Second Session begins, with expectations around a mid-year budget review and possible Senate Opposition changes. Labour & Tourism: Hilton workers face uncertainty as unions warn of possible displacement, while the minister says arrangements are not affecting workers. Disaster Risk & Behaviour: Works Minister Jearlean John says resilience must show up in drainage, roads and coastal works—and also in changing habits that worsen flood risk. Sports & Culture: UWI Games 2026 ends with Mona defending the title; meanwhile, Trinidad’s football team takes lessons from a 5-0 friendly loss to South Korea. Business & Tech: AI is being pushed into the rum industry, with Trinidad hosting a major technical conference.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028, with Austria, Portugal and Zimbabwe also elected, while Germany suffered a setback—an outcome that underscores how global politics can shift fast. Maxi-Taxi Fallout: The week’s maxi-taxi strike is being blamed for exposing how T&T’s transport system leans too heavily on one mode, leaving commuters scrambling and reigniting calls for resilient planning and better work options. Public Service Upgrade: CXC and the Government of the Virgin Islands launched a customer service transformation programme, with Trinidad-based Customer 1st Caribbean involved—aimed at training staff from front line to leadership. Sports Spotlight: T&T’s men’s football team took a 5-0 friendly loss to South Korea as Derek King began his official head-coach role, while South Korea heads into the World Cup with momentum. Business & Governance: Former AG Faris Al-Rawi is urging full activation of T&T’s unexplained wealth and civil asset recovery laws, arguing it can strengthen the fight against corruption and organised crime. Health & Tech: Tobago’s DHW delegation joined a personalized health conference in Switzerland to push AI, digital health and a Tobago Public Health Observatory.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, winning the Latin American and Caribbean seat unopposed with 181 votes, but questions linger over Caricom support after nine countries abstained. Diplomacy Round-Up: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated the other incoming members—Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, and Zimbabwe—while Germany suffered a rare setback, failing to secure a seat after losing to Austria and Portugal. State of Emergency Debate: Business groups are urging the Government to justify any extension of the State of Emergency with clear results, transparency from law enforcement, and safeguards for constitutional rights. Protest Restrictions Pushback: Trade unions, including the CWU, are calling the protest limits “draconian,” warning against restricting peaceful dissent during the SOE. Crime Shock: A violent night in south Trinidad left six people dead across three incidents, with police investigating multiple homicides.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected to the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, winning the GRULAC seat with 181 votes, while Zimbabwe also secured its seat and Germany failed in its bid. Diplomacy Fallout: Germany’s foreign minister blamed Russia for stirring opposition and pointed to Berlin’s support for Ukraine and Israel as possible vote costs. Regional Seats: Austria and Portugal won the Western European seats, and Kyrgyzstan beat the Philippines for the Asia-Pacific spot. Finance & Standards: CFA Society T&T honoured First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves at its 25th anniversary gala. Business & Health: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce urged companies to treat employee health as a strategic business asset, not a private issue. Energy & Investment: A local explainer broke down what makes an energy project “bankable” for lenders. Local History: A look at how Trinidad lost its railway, with reminders of the old network’s reach and legacy. Food Policy Push: Caribbean youth and civil society called for urgent action to ban ultra-processed food marketing around schools. Forced Labour Tariffs: The US proposed Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, including Trinidad and Tobago, over forced-labour enforcement failures.

Maxi-taxi disruption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will assist drivers “in any way possible” as the nationwide shutdown and industrial action continue, while the TTPS prepares for a possible third day of reduced services and says it’s supporting the PTSC and commuters. Protest restrictions: Thirteen unions are threatening to go to court over State of Emergency rules that limit protests to 15 no-protest zones, with the PM insisting people can protest elsewhere and citing security concerns. Transport blame game: Maxi operators say they want upgrades to hubs and terminals, but ministers are trading responsibility between Transport and Works and Infrastructure, as police also push compliance under a proposed “checkered-band” system. US diplomacy: Trump has nominated Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as US ambassador to T&T, with AMCHAM calling it a historic milestone. Trade and tariffs: The US proposes extra duties tied to forced-labour trade findings, naming India among affected economies. World Cup build-up: South Korea’s camp in Utah has trained together for the first time, but defender Cho Yu-min has left the squad injured, while Son’s scoring slump raises questions ahead of the tournament.

Diplomacy & Diaspora: Trump has nominated Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as the next U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, with AMCHAM T&T calling it a historic milestone for the diaspora. Local Justice & Governance: Attorney-General senator John Jeremie met senior legal officials during a visit tied to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force meetings. Protest Rights: JTUM is demanding the immediate withdrawal of Legal Notice No. 40, which sets 15 no-protest zones under the State of Emergency, saying it overreaches and threatens lawful protest. Disaster Preparedness: A disaster simulation is underway in Port of Spain ahead of hurricane season, while Works Minister Jearlean John blamed littering and weak enforcement for worsening flood impacts. Policing Modernisation: TTPS has issued an Expression of Interest for body-worn cameras with GPS/Bluetooth and live-streaming, plus a video management and archiving platform. Transport Disruption: Maxi-taxi operators remain dissatisfied after talks with Transport Minister Eli Zakour, with another day of “rest and reflection” agreed. Public Safety & Economy: Over 2,700 illicit items were seized in South Oropouche, including unregistered pharmaceuticals and male enhancement products; TTNGL also reported a return to profitability in 2025.

Maxi taxi strike hits commuters: A three-day “rest and reflection” shutdown by private bus drivers and maxi taxi operators left thousands scrambling for transport, with downtown businesses reporting 15–20% of commuters arriving late and delays of 30 minutes to an hour; Tobago drivers say they back the action too, while private hire “PH” taxis report higher demand as people look for alternatives. Violence spikes in south Trinidad: Six people were killed in separate incidents over a violent night, including a triple murder in Ste Madeleine, a double shooting in Penal, and a stabbing death in Fyzabad. Gangs and protests under fire: Criminologist Dr Daurius Figueira says gangs that threaten to “unite” against law enforcement should be named, after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar linked protesters to calls for gang unity. Aviation deal for T&T: Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic signed a new air services agreement to expand overflight and landing rights and boost tourism and business links. Regional travel boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket Caribbean-to-Europe journeys via Paris Orly.

UWI Promotions: The UWI has promoted eight senior lecturers to Professor, including five from St Augustine—Jeannine Remy (Music), Karla Georges (Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology), Theodor Tudoroiu (International Relations), Preeya Mohan (Environment & Development Economics), plus retroactive psychiatry promotion for Nelleen Baboolal. Violence Update: Southern Trinidad saw six deaths in overnight attacks, including a Ste Madeleine triple murder and killings in Penal and Fyzabad. Drive-by Shooting: Sea Lots residents reported a white Honda City opening fire early Saturday; Christopher Sampson died and a 21-year-old woman was injured, with dozens of shell casings recovered. Public Safety & Protest Climate: Minister Jearlean John says infrastructure policy must serve future generations, while TT’s “no-protest zones” and police-related tensions continue to draw criticism. Transport Disruption: Maxi-taxi operators begin a three-day “rest and reflection” shutdown from today, expected to hit thousands of commuters. Health & Youth: A new push highlights the youth vaping surge and the need for Caribbean policy to catch up.

Maxi Taxi Strike: More than 5,000 maxi-taxi operators are set to begin a planned three-day “rest and reflection” shutdown from today, with thousands of commuters expected to feel the impact as businesses and schools brace for disruption. Police Threat Probe: The TTPS is investigating a viral social media video in which a man claims he’s a police officer and says he received threats tied to a court matter, including bullets shown in the clip. Judicial Independence: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh told Indian Arrival Day celebrations that the courts must remain independent and apply the law without fear or favour. UN Security Council Bid: Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers says Trinidad and Tobago is confident it has done enough diplomatic work to secure votes for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat. Tourism & Tech: YTEPP and TIATT discussed pushing the tourism sector toward AI and digital transformation, alongside workforce training. Food Security/Business: National Flour Mills CEO Terrence Kalloo was appointed, with a focus on restoring shareholder confidence and supporting national food security. Sports: Keshorn Walcott opened his 2026 season with Diamond League javelin bronze in Rabat.

Indian Arrival Day & trade links: T&T business and government leaders used Indian Arrival Day to push deeper India ties, including a signed pharma MOU and hopes for digital payments and diaspora engagement. Local governance & accountability: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hit out at “sick and evil” rhetoric calling for gangs to unite against police, while separate legal controversy continues around parliamentary witness statement edits. Public safety: A 70-year-old man, Nanlal Bickram, was found dead in a concrete drain in Marabella after family members reported he was missing. Education & youth: UWI faces criticism over enrolment dips and competition for students, while a spotlight on youth vaping warns Caribbean policy is lagging behind fast-growing nicotine use. Food security: CARDI and the Ministry of Agriculture showcased a successful black-eyed peas pilot, pointing to faster harvest and potential for school feeding support. Regional business: Diane Hadad says export and diversification plans sound promising but still lack detail for the business community. Sports: Korea routed T&T 5-0 in a World Cup warm-up in Utah, with Son Heung-min starring.

Public Order Clash: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hit back at “sick and evil” calls for gangs to unite against law enforcement, after a video urged “revolution” and referenced “Rasta City” and “Muslim City,” as she vowed zero tolerance and backed police action. Legal/Parliament Fight: Former House Speaker Nizam Mohammed is pressing LATT to act over allegations involving Opposition senators Faris Al-Rawi and Janelle John-Bates tied to edits in a witness statement before the PAAC probe. University Pressure: UWI faces competition for students, with analysts pointing to poverty and the spread of other degree-granting options as enrolment dips. Trade Push Questioned: Economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon says the push to double non-energy exports is “economically necessary,” but business leader Diane Hadad warns the government’s plan still lacks detail for real implementation. Green Fund Red Flag: Despite a $12.9b Green Fund balance, less than 1% has been disbursed over a decade, with NGOs warning of funding crunches. Citizens Stuck in Passport Lines: People report waiting hours for e-appointment access, with the process potentially taking months. Sports: South Korea thrashed T&T 5-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Utah, with Son Heung-min and Cho Gue-sung scoring twice each. Earthquake: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, including T&T, with no immediate damage reported.

Indian Arrival Day: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar marks May 30 with tributes to the 181-year journey of indentured Indians, recalling the hardship of the “kala pani” crossings and their lasting impact on T&T’s culture and development. Public Order & Protests: Police Commissioner Alister Guevarro’s 15 “no-protest zones” near key state institutions sparks union backlash, with critics warning it threatens constitutional freedoms as the State of Emergency continues. Transport Disruption: Maxi taxi operators confirm a nationwide shutdown from Monday after talks with government officials failed to deliver written commitments on long-running sector concerns. Police Procurement Allegations: Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales alleges TTPS leased 51 new electric patrol vehicles through a newly formed company linked to government contracts, calling for scrutiny. Earthquake Update: A moderate 5.0 quake was felt across Trinidad and as far as Grenada; authorities report no injuries or damage. Banking Deal: Butterfield agrees to acquire CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.8b transaction, setting up a larger regional banking group. Tourism & Airlift: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines cut St Kitts routes without consulting the government, while talks continue with other carriers. Sports (T&T): South Korea vs Trinidad and Tobago is listed among World Cup tune-up friendlies today, with match viewing details circulating.