AGP Executive Report

State of Emergency debate: Opposition and unions are pushing back hard on the Government’s push to extend the SoE, arguing it restricts democratic protest and that officials have not shown enough results to justify more emergency powers. Crime and “white-collar” crackdown: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar backed AG John Jeremie’s warning that no one is beyond the law, pointing to foreign assistance to track billions allegedly moved out over 20 years, including claims involving senior bank officials and money laundering links. Tobago political heat: Tobago PNM leader Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis calls Tobago MPs “blind puppets” for supporting the SoE extension, while PNM leader Penelope Beckles says cooperation on crime must not be mistaken for unconditional support. Copper theft response: Scrap iron dealers are calling for centralised control of scrap yards to curb copper theft after a reported break-in at a T&TEC substation caused a fault and voltage dip. Sex offences bill row: Consultation records in Linden and Georgetown reportedly contradict the Human Services Minister’s position on a “closed” offender registry, with critics demanding the full consultation reports be released. Regional justice capacity: A PACE Justice Project workshop is underway to strengthen cooperation between police investigators and prosecutors in Guyana. Energy cross-border deal: Venezuela and Shell signed agreements to advance the Loran gas field, described as cross-border with Trinidad and Tobago, as Venezuela moves to expand gas exports. World Cup buzz (local angle): Fans at Queen’s Park Oval are watching the tournament’s opening matches as the 48-team World Cup gets underway.

State of Emergency & crime policy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the extension of the SoE, saying no rights are absolute and restrictions like no-protest zones are lawful and necessary for national security, while Tobago MP David Thomas said Tobago’s representatives fully support the move. Judiciary retirement controversy: Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament there’s no official Cabinet approval yet on increasing Superior Court judges’ retirement age, as protests and strong opposition continue. Public safety & policing costs: Finance Bill 2026 passed with no votes against, but MPs also flagged a $5m allocation for rental vehicles for covert SoE operations, alongside other mid-year supplemental funding items. Energy & cross-border gas: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal said the sector shows “clear signs of recovery” and defended incentives tied to marginal marine gas fields; separately, Venezuela signed Phase I agreements with Shell for the Loran gas field, a cross-border asset involving Trinidad and Tobago. Tobago development: THA Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts outlined a four-year “Pathway for Prosperity” blueprint (2026–2030) and preparations for the 2026/27 budget. Water infrastructure hit again: WASA condemned a second attack on a booster station in 24 hours after vandals stole electrical wiring, disrupting water supply. Tourism win: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards put Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel in the top 1% of hotels and HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre in the top 10% of attractions. Sports & community: T&T will play Louisville City FC in a July friendly; and the annual Dixon Pride Festival returns to Page Park June 13 with music, drag shows and 125+ vendors.

Finance Bill & SoE Fallout: Finance (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed in the House, with Finance Minister Dave Tan-coo saying it protects pensioners and targets drilling firms in marginal fields, while Opposition MPs like Colm Imbert and Marvin Gonzales blasted it as punishment for the poor and a “national sham” tied to the extended State of Emergency. Crime & Community Pressure: South business leaders urged “fix crime” to protect retail trade, while Dr Garvin Heerah called for curfews after SoE extension, arguing criminals still move freely. Energy & Investment: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal defended ongoing talks with Venezuela and backed Finance Bill incentives for offshore gas, as T&T signed a production-sharing deal with ExxonMobil and Occidental for TTUD-1. Local Business & Food Security: Farm and Func­tion Ltd’s turnaround story highlights agribusiness growth, and Annie Phillip’s pepper-sauce training shows how small producers are getting skills and food-safety support. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A falling brick from Trinidad’s Opera House has reignited concerns about the landmark’s condition and finances. Health Watch: Health Ministry activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising against travel to affected countries and adding enhanced screening. Missing Person: One year on, the mother of missing Trinidadian Thomas Vasquez in Antigua still says she has received no updates. World News (T&T angle): US DOJ filed denaturalisation actions targeting a Trinidadian man convicted of statutory rape.

Child Safety Crisis: CAPA says about 5,500 children have been victims of crimes across Trinidad and Tobago since 2020, with the latest figure rising after the murder of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne—an average of 916 victims a year, with officials warning unreported offences could be far higher. Water Infrastructure Sabotage: WASA condemns a second attack on critical systems in under 24 hours, after wiring theft at the Tabaquite Booster Station forced shutdowns and left thousands in Tabaquite and nearby communities with low pressure or outages. Education & Research Links: UWI St. Augustine and UTT sign MOUs to expand applied research and training across engineering, energy, biosciences and more, aiming to better connect graduates to industry and public service. Trade Finance Boost: CDB and IDB Invest launch a US$25 million trade finance facility to help Caribbean businesses access guarantees for international transactions. Regional Tourism Pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urges T&T to reconsider cancelled Caribbean airline routes, warning it could hit multi-destination travel and key family, student and medical connections. Digital Payments Upgrade: CIBC Caribbean rolls out Google Wallet support in T&T and other markets, enabling contactless payments via Android and WearOS. Sports Spotlight: Jereem Richards earns bronze in the 200m at Oslo’s Bislett Games, while Parvati Girls’ Hindu College makes Tassa Taal history with a national win.

State of Emergency in Parliament: The UNC Government returns to the House to seek a three-month extension of the SoE, with the Opposition warning it could be used to keep emergency powers going for years, while the PM argues the measure is temporary but needed to protect citizens from violent crime. Crime debate: Commentary and analysis question whether the SoE is actually reducing murders and what happens when it ends, as public anger grows over violence and justice system concerns. Finance Bill 2026: A marathon debate is expected as the Finance Bill 2026 goes before the House, with changes to fines and penalties plus some tax and pension-related concessions. US citizenship revocation hits Caribbean: US Justice moves to denaturalise 17 people, including a Trinidad and Tobago man convicted of statutory rape, as well as other Caribbean nationals. Regional security flashpoint: The Philippines urges China to remove a floating platform at Scarborough Shoal, warning against turning the disputed area into a man-made installation. Local economy & investment: “Evolving Energy” highlights renewed investor confidence in T&T’s energy outlook, while banking news notes CIBC Caribbean’s Google Pay rollout in the region. Culture & community: Pride in the Park returns this Saturday, with activities for all ages and live performances.

State of Emergency debate: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce says any extension of the state of emergency must be backed by evidence showing crime-fighting is delivering real results, with transparent reporting and measurable public safety gains. Crime update: An autopsy confirmed 12-year-old Mercedez Layne died from blunt force injuries after her body was found near an oil well site on Carapal Road, with investigators collecting items from the scene for forensic testing. Local transport tensions: Maxi taxi operators say their grievances are aimed at unresolved issues with the Ministry of Transport, not PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as the sector looks ahead. Citizenship revocation in US: US DOJ denaturalisation actions include a Trinidad and Tobago national accused of serious offences, including statutory rape, with claims of false testimony during naturalisation. Poverty measurement push: The CSO is working on T&T’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index to better reflect lived deprivation beyond income and consumption. Business expansion: Canadian BPO firm SinglePoint is expanding in T&T, adding 11 jobs and investing an additional TT$1.1m.

Mid-year Budget Push: Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste says the $2.8B wage injection in the mid-year budget review is meant to honour already-settled union agreements, not fund new salary deals, with 62,050 workers set to benefit. Child Protection Call: Childhood Justice Collective convenor Marcus Kissoon urges PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to return to a child-centred development framework and recommit to a dedicated ministry for children and gender affairs. State of Emergency Debate: Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association president Reginald Mac Lean warns Tobago MPs against supporting an SoE extension, arguing it’s been in place for about a year and a half with little impact on crime; NATUC also demands clear, transparent reasons for any continuation. Crime Update: Autopsy confirms Mercedez Layne was beaten to death, as her father reacts to the findings while a suspect remains in custody. Regional Trade: TTMA launches a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming for new export and investment opportunities. Energy Deal: ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum sign a production sharing contract for the TTUD-1 block, marking a key upstream milestone. Security Training: 2Lt Jelani Griffin completes a joint operations planning course in Trinidad and Tobago and is named Best Student.

Crime & Justice: MP Clyde Elder visited the family of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne after her body was found near an oil pipeline in Erin, with a 24-year-old suspect held in connection with the murder; Elder called it a “shocking” act and urged justice. Public Safety & Fraud: FIUTT warned the public about fraudulent IDs using CBTT/FIUTT/FIB logos, stressing the cards are fake and unauthorised and that FIUTT does not charge fees or request payments. Sports (T&T): Jereem Richards opened his 2026 Wanda Diamond League campaign with bronze in the 400m in Stockholm, clocking 44.87. Regional Security: Trinidad hosted a five-day regional firearms trafficking workshop with US officials urging sustained cooperation and trust to disrupt gun networks. Culture & Loss: Steelpan virtuoso Robert Greenidge, who helped elevate pan globally, has died at 76. International Policy: The US Justice Department moved to denaturalize 17 naturalized citizens over alleged serious crimes including fraud, drug dealing and sexual abuse.

State of Emergency Extension: Trinidad and Tobago will seek Parliament approval on Wednesday to extend the current State of Emergency for another three months, with the Government citing security threats reviewed by the National Security Council and the PNM pushing back, saying the move lacks proof and is politically driven. Public Safety & Protest Rights: Independent Senator Anthony Vieira says the Government now has a “burden of proof” and must show data and outcomes, while nurses’ union leaders are weighing whether restrictions could force protests to shift locations. Economy & Wages: Government is also moving a $2.93b supplementary budget request to meet increased public-sector wage commitments for over 62,000 workers, with business groups welcoming the near-term boost but urging clarity in the mid-year review. Energy Investment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Energy Ministry has approved a farm-in by Occidental Petroleum to Block TTUD-1, alongside claims of renewed momentum in the sector. Infrastructure Update: The US$161m Soesdyke-Linden Highway project is now about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Sports (Local Focus): Soca Warriors face Russia in a friendly in Kaliningrad as they look to respond after recent defeats.

UN Security Council: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat for 2027–2028, but local economists are urging clarity on what the seat will actually deliver for development, not just diplomacy. State of Emergency: Independent Senator Anthony Vieira says the Government now carries a “burden of proof” to justify any extension, arguing it must present data and outcomes since rights should be the norm. Public Finance/Wages: The Government’s $2.93b supplementary request for public-sector wage commitments is getting business support as a short-term boost, while others question long-term fiscal sustainability and consultation. Roads & Jobs: The $161m Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Food Security: A UN-backed report says about 512,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with major impacts on children and women. Regional Airlift: New airline interline partnerships across the Eastern Caribbean aim to reduce the hassle and cost of hopping between islands. Sports: Curacao’s World Cup debut story continues to build, while TT’s Zakithi Nene won the 400m at Stockholm Diamond League.

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.