AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Accountability: DPWH in the Philippines sacked two officials after a 13-year-old cyclist died when he plunged into a ravine on an unrepaired Benguet road section left damaged since Typhoon Uwan in 2025. AI Writing Row: A Commonwealth short story prize winner from Trinidad and Tobago is under review after online claims it was likely AI-generated, with the Commonwealth Foundation saying it’s checking its process. Tobago Child Search: TTPS says seven people have been detained as searches continue for missing two-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza, with teams still working around Studley Park Landfill and Goodwood. Food Badge Reform: The Senate approved changes so food handler badges will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue, easing renewal bottlenecks. Energy Update: NGC says it has finalised a new gas sales contract with Methanol Holdings (Trinidad), completing downstream renewals with major Point Lisas producers. CPL Ticketing: CPL group-stage tickets for Antigua, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia go on sale May 22.

Oil Spill Fallout: Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yvan Gil, is demanding compensation from Trinidad and Tobago over the Gulf of Paria oil spill, saying it could affect 1,625 sq km and the livelihoods of more than 500 fishermen, while T&T’s energy minister previously described it as minor and put the spill at about 10 barrels. Tobago Child Search: Tobago Police and the Hunters Search and Rescue team say the search for missing toddler Angelo Tobias-Plaza is continuing and expanding, with officials urging the public to stop spreading misinformation as multiple agencies push new leads. Flood Control Push: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says nationwide desilting and drainage work is ongoing to cut flash flooding, pointing to Couva’s main road clean-up as part of a broader effort. Legal Aid Governance: Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj presented instruments of appointment to a new Legal Aid & Advisory Authority board as the service nears 50 years. Sports—West Indies Final: Red Force hold a slim 15-run lead over Guyana Harpy Eagles at the halfway stage after Day 2 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Missing Child Search: Tobago police and Hunters Search and Rescue say the hunt for 2-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza is now in its sixth day, with the search area set to expand again after a tip pointed to the Studley Park Landfill following Mother’s Day; a third suspect was arrested in Goodwood, while Angelo’s mother and boyfriend remain in custody. Crime & Security: In Morvant, TTPS officers seized 15 rounds of ammunition during an anti-crime exercise, with investigations continuing and no arrests reported at the time. Judicial Loss: The Industrial Court is mourning the death of long-serving judge Her Honour Ms Bindimattie Mahabir, who served more than 26 years. Sports: Red Force ended day one of the West Indies Championship final at 240/9, with Jayden Seales making 63* as play was disrupted by pitch problems. Regional/World: Venezuela’s PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello demanded Trinidad and Tobago recognize environmental damage from the Gulf of Paria oil spill.

Tobago Child Search: The TTPS says the multi-agency search for 2-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza continues, with the case still treated as a missing person investigation and parents assisting inquiries, as the Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine demands “urgent answers” and warns “too many questions remain unanswered.” Cricket: At the West Indies Championship final, play was briefly halted after pitch concerns at SVRS, but Jayden Seales’ unbeaten 63 helped Red Force reach 240/9 at stumps, with the Guyana Harpy Eagles striking early. Energy Governance: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce urges continued sound governance at NGC after public debate over credit rating agency arrangements, stressing transparency and investor confidence. Environment & Culture: EMA experts reportedly warned against the Rocky Point hotel development, while Ja Rule and Ashanti drew thousands to an R&B Brunch show at Queen’s Park Oval.

Missing Child Search: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Chavez Augustine is demanding urgent answers as the search for two-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza continues, with TTPS urging the public to stay restrained while investigators follow every lead and keep the case active and sensitive. Police Operations: TTPS says a multi-agency probe is ongoing after a cargo aircraft incident at Piarco—police cleared the aircraft and crew after checks, but a separate national security investigation is now looking at how the flight landed during the State of Emergency; in Cunupia, police also seized about $1.3m in cannabis and arrested a suspect after a weapons find. Health System Clash: NCRHA has rejected claims from the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association, saying patient flow and outcomes have improved despite inherited constraints. Weather Watch: A green alert has been extended for 15 provinces and the National District as a trough and tropical wave bring intense rainfall risk from Sunday. Nature & Culture: Caroni Swamp’s nightly scarlet ibis spectacle is back—one of Trinidad’s biggest wildlife shows. Sports: Sunil Narine hit a milestone 200th IPL appearance with another match-winning spell as debate flares over his all-time ranking.

Aviation Security: A Ukrainian cargo aircraft carrying undeclared explosives was detained at Piarco after immigration officers flagged the shipment and missing manifest details, but after inspections the TTPS says no local laws were breached and the plane and crew were cleared to depart—while a separate national security probe remains active into how it landed without prior authorisation during the State of Emergency. Crime & Policing: Police also seized about $1.3M in cannabis in Cunupia, arresting a taxi driver and finding a Glock pistol and ammunition. Public Safety Debate: Opposition voices are questioning the TTPS expansion plan to grow the force to 10,200, arguing leadership and accountability matter more than numbers. Tobago Search: In the missing toddler case, the mother and her boyfriend remain in police custody as searches continue. Sports: Red Force and Guyana Harpy Eagles set for Sunday’s West Indies Championship final, with T&T chasing its first title in 20 years. Education & Community: UWI tuition fee increases have been halted, and a Tobago youth received a suit through Ecliff Elie’s youth programme ahead of graduation.

Aviation Security Update: Trinidad and Tobago cleared a Ukrainian cargo aircraft to leave Piarco after explosives were found undeclared in its manifest, with TTPS saying no local laws were breached by the plane or crew—though a separate national security probe into how it landed without prior authorisation remains active. Weather Watch: A Yellow High Wind Alert is still in effect as a tropical wave brings breezy-to-windy conditions, heavy showers at times, and gusts that could exceed 55 km/h, especially near showers and in eastern areas. Crime & Enforcement: TTPS seized about $1.3M in cannabis and a Glock pistol during an intelligence-led Cunupia operation, arresting a 31-year-old taxi driver. Violence: One man was killed and two others injured in an Arouca shooting after gunmen blocked a vehicle on Royal Promenade Road. Public Safety Debate: Former police commissioner Gary Griffith criticised plans to expand TTPS strength to 10,200, arguing the focus should be on systems and accountability, not headcount. Sports Buzz: Ball Blasters earned promotion with a 10-0 win, while CPL draft moves keep the league’s big names in play.

CPL 2026 Power Moves: Trinbago Knight Riders kept their West Indian core for the new season, using right-to-match options to retain Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein, while Andre Russell and Rovman Powell switched to the Jamaica Kingsmen and Vitel Lawes joins for his CPL debut. World Cup Focus: South Korea named its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with captain Son Heung-min leading the group, and the team will play tune-ups against Trinidad and Tobago on May 31. Security at Piarco: A Ukrainian cargo aircraft carrying undeclared explosives was detained after landing for refuelling, then cleared to leave after multi-agency investigations. Missing Child Search: In Tobago, the search for 2-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza in Goodwood continues with no breakthrough after days of land-and-sea efforts. Health & Care: NCRHA pool rates are back in the spotlight as nurses’ groups say staffing pressure is worsening, while Tobago also pushed early speech-and-language screenings and warned about screen time. Culture & Entertainment: NA PA Jazz Fusion gets a revamp under a new operational push, and Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down ahead of Saturday’s R&B Brunch Festival.

Airport Security: Trinidad and Tobago Police say state security agencies are investigating a “security-related matter” at Piarco after irregularities were found during routine checks on a cargo aircraft, with the plane secured and crew accounted for as probes continue. Oil Spill Watch: Heritage Petroleum confirms a new spill in Tarouba, saying clean-up is underway, contaminated soil is being removed, and air monitoring is in place while regulators are notified. Teachers’ Backpay Standoff: TTUTA says there’s still no clear timeline for 2020–2023 salary arrears and backpay, despite ministry assurances that calculations are nearly done—teachers are waiting on funds. Parliament Protection Push: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine urges the country to take threats to MPs seriously, arguing security isn’t a luxury. Weather Alert: A Yellow High Wind Alert remains in effect, with gusts expected to intensify and rough seas likely to affect marine activity. Sports & Culture: Shakira and Burna Boy release FIFA World Cup 2026 song “Dai Dai,” while the CPL draft reshuffled rosters, including Motie’s move to Barbados.

Missing Child Search: Tobago police and Defence Force teams are intensifying the hunt for missing two-year-old Angelo Tobias at Goodwood Bay, but rough seas are slowing parts of the operation. New Death Probe: As the search continues, investigators have also opened a case into the death of a three-month-old baby in Charlottesville, where an autopsy ruled asphyxiation. Crime, Fear and Politics: Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith says the public release of a “heightened threat” to senior officials is fuelling fear and damaging T&T’s image, while the PNM rejects the AG’s claims and MPs’ security concerns are now being questioned inside and outside Parliament. Energy and Jobs: OWTU has signed a training deal ahead of a push to restart the Petrotrin refinery, aiming to prepare workers for the next phase of expansion. Sports & Culture: Red Force players Jayden Seales, Amir Jangoo and Khary Pierre are in a Windies camp for the Sri Lanka ODI series, while Tobago’s THA tourism leadership is stressing continuity of long-term plans beyond party politics.

Holy Name Convent Probe: TTUTA is calling for due process—not a “social media trial”—as investigations continue into allegations against Holy Name Convent Port of Spain principal Sister Renee Hall. Crime & Safety: A brazen armed robbery hit the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board in Couva, with gunmen escaping with cash after holding staff at gunpoint. Tobago Search: Search efforts for missing toddler Angelo Tobias Plaza have intensified with land and sea operations, after conflicting reports about a body in nearby waters. Energy Talks: Finance Minister Tancoo says T&T will negotiate cross-border gas terms with Venezuela to protect the national interest. Labour Update: T&TEC has settled COLA backpay with unions, including agreements covering 2015–2025 and other salary issues. Regional Moves: Caribbean Airlines launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Curaçao flights, with fares from about US$152. Sports: Red Force and Pride continue their West Indies Championship playoff battle after T&T’s big win in Antigua.

MPs Under Protection: Attorney General John Jeremie says a national security incident linked to gang activity last Friday triggered higher protection for MPs and some government officials, as Parliament debated a parole bill and Opposition MPs traded barbs over crime and the State of Emergency. Tobago Toddler Search: In Goodwood, Tobago, the search for missing two-year-old Angelo Tobias continues with the Homicide Bureau now joining the multi-agency effort, while officials say his body has not yet been found. Water Woes: Even with the wet season arriving, WASA reports reduced production in North-East Trinidad due to low river levels, leaving communities facing continued supply cuts. Road Safety Tech: TTPS rolled out new LIDAR speed enforcement devices, while the Service Station Owners’ Association questioned costs and transparency. Housing Contract Fight: NH International’s Emile Elias alleges HDC “secretly disbarred” it from tendering under the suspended $3.4b housing programme, as an OPR challenge was dismissed. Sports: Red Force’s Pierre and Charles combined for a big playoff win over Barbados Pride.

Parliament Clash: Speaker Jagdeo Singh brushed off government accountability concerns as a “tired old story” during a heated House exchange over the State of Emergency and alleged threats to senior law enforcement, after Minister Roger Alexander refused to answer questions citing Standing Order 28(3). Energy & Environment: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal defended Trinidad’s handling of a May 1 offshore oil spill, saying there’s no protocol to issue public statements on “small” tier-one spills—only after Venezuela’s communiqué. Justice & Prisons: Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj says the prison service will recruit 800 new officers within months as part of the Parole Bill push. Security & Infrastructure: WASA condemned sabotage after a power cable was stolen from the St. Joseph Booster Station in Mayaro, warning it could disrupt water supply. CARICOM Tension: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise Dr Carla Barnett as CARICOM SG after August, despite regional claims of reappointment. Missing Child: Police in Tobago are still searching for 2-year-old Angelo Tobias after reports suggested a body was seen in the sea before it disappeared.

SoE and murder debate heats up in Parliament: MPs are set to grill ministers today on the effectiveness of the State of Emergency, the rising murder toll, and the Home Invasion (Stand Your Ground) law, with Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales again pressing for details on the MTS CEO appointment and pay package. Hilton Trinidad jobs in limbo: The CWU says workers face growing uncertainty after management indicated the latest government extension ends July 16, with up to 250 employees potentially affected. Road safety crackdown: TTPS is rolling out 20 new LIDAR speed enforcement devices, warning that fleeing crashes can bring criminal charges. Tobago toddler search turns grim: After rough seas stalled recovery, a body believed to be missing 2-year-old Angelo Tobias was reportedly spotted in Tobago waters near Goodwood, with retrieval efforts ongoing. UdeCott Breakfast Shed eviction fight: An injunction blocking evictions for vendors at the Breakfast Shed (Femmes du Chalet) has been extended to May 26. Cricket playoff momentum: Red Force and Barbados Pride set up a tense final-day finish after Red Force’s strong position in the West Indies Championship playoff.

Water Crisis Update: WASA says North-East Trinidad’s reduced supply is still being driven by critically low river levels, cutting output at the North Oropouche and Quare plants even though the wet season officially began May 5. Road Safety Push: TTPS rolled out new laser speed enforcement devices during UN Road Safety Week, aiming to catch speeding from police vehicles and reduce fatal crashes. Prison Service Logistics: The Prison Service has relaunched the NEC QUEEN vessel to restore reliable marine transport to Carrera Prison. Crime and Community: Police arrested a man during a Southern Division anti-crime exercise targeting drug hotspots, while Tobago continues a search after a toddler went missing and a body was later seen in the sea. Public Health Rumours: Health officials dismissed “fake news” about hantavirus closures, urging vigilance without panic. Sports & Tragedy: Alex Ekesa won the Midnight Marathon title again; meanwhile, veteran footballer Randy Ramcharan died after collapsing during a masters final. International Watch: Philippines military says it’s on “white alert” after social media claims about moving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to The Hague.

World Cup Tuneups: South Korea has confirmed its final warm-up matches against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador in Utah, with T&T set for May 31 at BYU’s South Field. Sports & Community: The TTFA mourns the death of former midfielder Randy Ramcharan after he collapsed while playing in the Edinburgh 500 Masters. Environment & Tobago Development: The EMA is defending its Certificate of Environmental Clearance for the Rocky Point hotel project, saying it followed a “science-driven” review and added protections like a larger coastal setback and reef safeguards. Housing Oversight: The OPR is probing LandmarkTT over concerns tied to a $100M housing contract. Energy Watch: A planned power outage is expected to begin Tuesday in Trinidad. Regional Health: CARPHA is urging calm over hantavirus concerns, saying the strain linked to person-to-person spread isn’t present in the Caribbean. Diplomacy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will follow up on India’s line of credit offer after Jaishankar’s visit.