AGP Executive Report

Police Accountability: Police Commissioner Alister Guevarra vowed to root out “rogue officers” after TTPS revoked the appointments of 17 officers, warning criminals will be pursued “wherever they are found.” Tobago Murder Case: A cross-island manhunt ended with the arrest of a suspect after deaconess Neisha Roberts was found dead in Mt St George, Tobago, with police linking the killing to a domestic dispute. Education Spotlight: SEA results are out, with improved national performance and top performers celebrated across Trinidad and Tobago; Tobago’s Signal Hill produced the island’s top student. Youth Programme Shock: MiLAT has been suspended while Government reviews its finances, raising fears that vulnerable young men could lose a key anti-crime intervention. Government Moves on Travel Docs: A diplomatic passport crackdown is underway, with the State saying hundreds hold passports despite not meeting criteria. Business & Economy: Nestlé has started a strategic review of its T&T operations, including possible sale options for dairy and juices. Health Security: CARPHA launched a regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen public health emergency response across the Caribbean.

Preventive Detention & Security Crackdown: A prominent Syrian businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and aunt Star Sabga are detained under Preventive Detention Orders after claims of a plot to assassinate senior Trinidad and Tobago officials, with UK barrister Sir James Eadie brought in to prosecute. Money Laundering Probe: NCB Merchant Bank says a seized US$2 million cash shipment at Piarco was a legitimate inter-institution transaction, pushing back on reports of “transactional and accountability deficiencies.” State of Emergency Support: President Christine Kangaloo has called out 100 members of the Volunteer Defence Force for 77 days to support police during the ongoing public emergency. Health Security Boost: CARPHA opened a Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to strengthen regional outbreak and disaster response. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad and Tobago is coordinating national collection points through municipal corporations and also sending medical supplies as relief shipments head to Venezuela. Tobago Community & Health: THA launched a $2.25m electoral district fund for area reps, while Tobago surgeons completed 14 minor procedures at a medical conference. Politics Watch: Former PM Stuart Young says he received an unexpected call to return a diplomatic passport he never requested, demanding a formal written request. Sports & Culture: Tobago’s Primary School Cricket Programme wrapped with 3,951 students participating, and Carenage’s St Peter’s Festival continues with boat blessings and community events.

Police & Courts: Seventeen police officers’ appointments were revoked by the Commissioner of Police, with no reasons given publicly. Crime & Safety: A 17-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted during a robbery on Lopinot Road, Arouca, on June 29; police say the suspects forced victims to kneel, assaulted them, and stole items including a cellphone and cash. Politics & Governance: Opposition MP Chris Christian Birchwood says the Government is misunderstanding MiLAT, arguing the programme was never meant to be judged on financial viability; separately, former PM Stuart Young says his diplomatic passport is being moved to be returned as part of “political victimisation.” Economy & Business: NCB Merchant Bank says the US$2 million crocus bag seized at Piarco belongs to the bank and was couriered in the normal course of business in line with laws and regulations. Regional Affairs: CARICOM has appointed PM Terrance Drew to chair a new committee on Rastafarian rights, with representatives including Trinidad and Tobago. Sports: NAAATT reverses its withdrawal and will send a scaled-down team to NACAC U-18 and U-23 championships in Mexico after SportTT support. Tourism: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says yacht clearance has been cut to 15 minutes to attract higher-value visitors.

Prison & public safety: Trinidad and Tobago’s prison system remains under scrutiny over overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and safety concerns, with the Prisons Officers Association calling for meaningful reform. Detention orders: Gazetted preventive detention orders against business executives Dominic Hadeed, Genevieve Hadeed and Star Sabga outline allegations of an alleged conspiracy to assassinate senior government figures, tied to statements made during Parliament amid the State of Emergency. Children’s welfare finances: The Ministry of People, Social Development and Family Services has paid TT$36,039,734.51 to settle audited Children’s Authority debts, including security, National Care and Empowerment Centre works, and janitorial services. Student mental health: A child psychologist urged parents of Standard Five students to avoid exam anxiety and reassure children that results don’t define their worth as the SEA 2026 process continues. Environment & land restoration: UWI launched a five-year Bio Resilience Project backed by US$3.5m from the GEF to restore degraded farmland, boost biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. Digital cooperation: Minister Sen. Dominic Smith met Singapore’s ambassador to discuss deeper collaboration on digital transformation, AI governance, cybersecurity, and public sector innovation. Tourism & community: A feature highlights Trinidad’s tourism “tipping point,” pointing to rising arrivals and the need to shape what comes next, while another story spotlights a Trinidad-based travel “super app” aimed at helping diaspora and visitors experience the region more authentically.

Education & Equity: The SEA results are out, with Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath calling it “significant improvement,” while UNESCO warns the exam still sorts children too early and can deepen inequality. Crime & Policing: Northern Division police say targeted operations and the SoE have helped cut serious reported crimes by 32%, with murders down from 43 to 26, and active gangs dropping from 16 to 11. Courts & Rights: TV6/One Caribbean Media has been ordered to pay over $350,000 for defaming a customs officer as linked to ISIS, and the State must pay more than $2.5 million to a domestic violence victim’s mother over failures to protect her daughter. Youth Policy: Opposition leader Penelope Beckles says the suspension of MiLAT is a major setback for youth development, while the Government says it’s only paused as it reviews financial viability. Business & Finance: Trinidad Cement Ltd secured a $100m three-year revolving loan from Scotiabank T&T, backed by Cemex. Regional Economy: Methanex’s decision to idle a plant is prompting Government assurances of a clear refinery restart roadmap by end-2026.

MiLAT Fight: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles is demanding the Government reverse its suspension of the Military-Led Academic Training (MiLAT) programme, calling it another blow to youth development and crime prevention while Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says MiLAT is only temporarily suspended as officials review its financial viability. CARICOM Rights Push: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting to examine issues affecting Rastafarians, after leaders cited ongoing discrimination and marginalisation in education, employment and public life. Tobago Murder: A man was arrested over the stabbing death of Neisha Roberts in Mt St George, Tobago, after her body was found at home; police say the suspect travelled to Trinidad after the killing. Crime & Courts: TTPS says anti-crime operations under the State of Emergency led to multiple arrests and cannabis seizures; separately, TV6 was ordered to pay over $350,000 for labelling a customs officer a terrorist. Maritime & Safety: Regional maritime leaders met in Guyana to strengthen cooperation and launch a smart maritime law initiative; police are also investigating a fishing vessel grounding near Mustique. Energy Watch: Reports say Methanex is idling/halting operations amid gas supply issues, with debate continuing over pricing and the impact on T&T’s economy.

CARICOM Regional Rights: CARICOM will convene a meeting to tackle discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, with member states agreeing to form a committee including Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Energy & Jobs: Trinidad and Tobago’s Methanex dispute is back in focus as the company moves to indefinitely idle its Titan plant; Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says the door remains open for a restart if gas conditions improve, while NGC says the key issue was gas pricing, not supply volumes. Public Works Update: The Port of Spain General Hospital Central Block is reported 97% complete, with a projected substantial completion date of July 14. Detention & Rule of Law: Opposition figures and legal teams continue to react to the Hadeeds’ detention under the State of Emergency, as court processes unfold. Local Governance & Safety: Municipal Police is set to be incorporated into TTPS, and Tobago/Trinidad communities also face ongoing public safety and service pressures, including water restrictions and crime concerns. Tech & Youth: NIHERST and Shell hosted a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament, while a T&T youth goalkeeper helped Inter Miami’s academy win in the Dominican Republic.

UWI Fraud Alert: The University of the West Indies warned the public about an unauthorised website using its name and branding, including a form that captures personal data—urging people to verify only through official UWI channels. Legal Milestone for Defence Force: Four serving Trinidad and Tobago Regiment members were admitted to the Bar as attorneys, highlighting the force’s push on legal training and leadership. Municipal Police Upgrade: The Municipal Police Service launched a Public Information and Communications Unit to improve transparency and public engagement. Courts Watch: The High Court allowed the Breakfast Shed to stay open pending its full trial in January 2027. Energy Tension: NGC says its dispute with Methanex is mainly about gas pricing, as Methanex moves to idle/close operations amid shortages and contract disagreements. Venezuela Quake Aid: Venezuelan migrants in T&T and local groups are rallying to send relief after the earthquakes. Local Safety: TTPS is seeking the public’s help to locate missing 16-year-old Tia Ramsey of Point Fortin. Regional Integration: CARICOM will convene a meeting to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad and Tobago is stepping up humanitarian support after twin quakes, with urgent requests including wooden pallets for mattresses and other disaster supplies as the death toll climbs and thousands remain missing. Local Emergency Response: Municipal Police have launched a new Public Information and Communications Unit to boost two-way engagement with communities, while municipal police were among the first responders sent to help in Venezuela recovery. Energy & Jobs: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant in Pt Lisas after failing to agree a new natural gas contract, citing tight gas supply and demand that makes operations commercially unviable. Crime & Economy: The Chaguanas Chamber says a UK Home Office estimate of 186 gangs shows how crime is hurting business and investor confidence, even as officials dispute the figures. Gangs & Detention: Court reporting continues around the Hadeed case and preventive detention orders, with questions raised about detention status and the basis for the arrests. Health Watch: A growing concern in T&T is the rise of colorectal cancer among younger adults, pushing calls for better public awareness and earlier screening. Sports: Trinidad’s cycling scene celebrates national road race champions, while table tennis coach Dennis La Rose appeals for help to buy a mobility scooter after losing a leg. Culture: Tobago mourns soca icon Oscar B, remembered for major hits and his role in popularising soca across the region.

Road Safety: Two separate truck crashes in south Trinidad during rainy conditions caused traffic disruptions but no serious injuries were reported, including a poultry truck crash in Williamsville and a garbage truck blocking Suchit Trace in Penal. Crime & Courts: Police arrested a woman after a Chaguanas businessman, Gregory Reece, was fatally stabbed following an argument at an Oak Avenue apartment; investigators also continue into the circumstances. Public Safety: TTPS is seeking the public’s help to find missing 28-year-old Naomi Lisbeth Lucart Cedeño of Chaguanas. Disaster Response: Trinidad and Tobago launched a nationwide relief drive for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with collection points at Port of Spain and a disaster relief fund for donations. Environment & Food Security: A local environmental group is pitching a “blue gold” sargassum processing plan to turn seaweed into fertiliser and compost, as government tackles the annual invasion. Energy: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant after failing to secure a new natural gas contract. Governance & Security: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander defended Preventive Detention Orders, saying they follow intelligence and legal review processes. Sports: Pakistan finalised its pace attack for West Indies and England Test tours.

Venezuela Quake Fallout: Trinidad’s south-western coast near Cedros was thrust nearly 20 feet upward after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, leaving pools of water and natural oil on the raised shoreline and stranding marine life, with geologists linking the uplift to rapid seismic shifting and aftershocks. Detention Under State of Emergency: Businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and her aunt Star Sabga remain detained over alleged conspiracy to assassinate senior government figures, as Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander insists the case is intelligence-led, while lawyers and critics raise concerns about detention conditions and due process. Public Safety & Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urges residents to report felt tremors through its “Did You Feel It?” tool, saying citizen reports help build shake maps used for building codes and planning. Local Crime: A 25-year-old woman has been detained after Chaguanas businessman Gregory Reece was found fatally stabbed at a Woodford Gardens apartment. Sports & Culture: Mako Aquatics extended its national swim title streak to eight; Tobago mourns singer Oscar “Oscar B” Benjamin; and Zuffa Boxing 8 saw Omar Trinidad beat Jerwin Ancajas on points in Las Vegas.

Tobago Governance: THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor sought to calm fears over a possible hiring freeze, saying the THA has been filling vacancies and has no plan to fire current workers, while noting salaries drive most recurrent spending and pushing for a better balance with private-sector job creation. STEM Push: Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath unveiled plans to expand STEM through digital tech, robotics and AI, spotlighting a national FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament with students from nine secondary schools. Arts & Culture: Tobago creative Tinille Meyers is growing “Tufting by Tinzz,” running workshops and offering take-home kits to bring the textile craft to more people beyond screens. T&T Spotlight: Content creator Timothy Ramai completed an eight-day solo survival challenge along Trinidad’s remote coastline, finding water, building shelter and cooking food using only natural resources. Tobago Mourns: Soca star Oscar B (Oscar Benjamin) died at 57, with tributes pouring in ahead of a scheduled healing concert for his medical care. Sports & Local Pride: West Indies cricket marked the death of former Trinidad and Tobago batter Charlie Davis, 82, with players wearing black armbands in the ongoing Test in Antigua. Earthquake Aftermath: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged preparedness after major Venezuela quakes, while reports said Trinidad’s Galfa coast was thrust nearly 20 feet upward, trapping marine life. Crime Update: A suspended police constable was arrested over alleged kidnapping and sexual offences involving a 20-year-old woman, with expected charges to follow.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a nationwide relief effort for Venezuela after twin quakes devastated communities, with Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers saying supplies are being collected for shipment as the death toll climbs and rescue teams continue searching. Coastline Impact: Reports say the T&T coastline was lifted by nearly 20 feet after the Venezuela earthquakes, with raised seabeds near Cedros leaving many sea animals dead or trapped. Legal Rights Debate: Commentary and analysis continue around the use of Preventive Detention Orders and due process, as public scrutiny grows over high-profile detentions and what courts must do to protect rights. Hadeed Detention: Businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and her aunt Star Sabga remain in custody amid an alleged conspiracy to murder probe, drawing mixed reactions from legal and economic voices. Ombudsman Secrecy Ruling: The Ombudsman upheld withholding of records on US military flight operations under the Freedom of Information Act, closing the review unless challenged in court. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed a strategic partnership focused on security, climate resilience and trade, with ministers meeting in Panama. Sports Spotlight: West Indies’ Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase powered a record-setting partnership against Sri Lanka, while Trinidad-born West Indies players also marked the late Charlie Davis with black armbands in his memory.

Hadeed Detention Under Fire: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander is set to sign preventive detention orders for businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and Star Sabga, as their lawyer files habeas corpus alleging degrading police custody conditions. Police Accountability Push: Alexander also urged the public to let police and courts work without interference, while critics renew calls for stronger accountability. Local Courts/Detention Clarity: A judge ordered police to clarify the detention status of a prominent business couple tied to the Hadeed probe. TTSEC Scam Warning: The Securities and Exchange Commission warned of rising sophisticated investment scams, especially via social media and fake AI endorsements. Economy Watch: The Central Bank held the repo rate at 3.5% amid global uncertainty and subdued local inflation. Regional Disaster Cooperation: CDEMA ministers met in Port of Spain as officials stressed Caribbean-wide preparedness for the rainy season. STEM Boost: NIHERST launched a national FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament, aiming to build a regional STEM hub. Sports Spotlight: West Indies piled on 626/9 vs Sri Lanka, with Trinidad-born Amir Jangoo 233 and Roston Chase 194. Business Growth: Bill Gosling Outsourcing opened a new Trincity office, creating 200 jobs.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief: The Government has launched a nationwide humanitarian drive for quake-ravaged Venezuela, coordinating state agencies, private sector and municipal bodies to deliver food, medicine and essentials. Community Fundraising: A Venezuelan pastor in Penal is also rallying support in Trinidad and Tobago, urging donations for survivors and planning a shipment next week. Tobago Airport Build-Out: The Tobago House of Assembly is investing TT$10 million to outfit the ANR International Airport terminal, aiming to turn it into a showcase for local culture after Central Government funding was not provided. THA Hiring Freeze Debate: Tobago political analyst Shane Mohammed warns Chief Secretary Farley Augustine about backlash if a future hiring freeze lacks clear timelines and transparency. Local Politics: PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales is urging unity ahead of local government elections, telling members to set aside internal divisions. Health Sector: The TTNNA is dismissing fraud allegations against nurses as NCRHA chair Dr Tim Gopeesingh says the nursing overtime bill was cut from about $40m to under $4m. Business/Markets: Agostini Ltd has completed its takeover of Prestige Holdings, with settlement and share exchange expected within 10 days. Crime: A serial burglar, Mark Chattergoon, has been sentenced to six and a half years for a violent San Fernando robbery.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a coordinated national humanitarian relief drive for quake-hit Venezuela, with public-private partners mapping logistics and a collection drive set to run daily from June 29 at Port of Point Lisas and via municipal corporations and supermarkets. Regional Disaster Updates: Venezuela’s death toll has climbed to 920, with thousands injured and aftershocks continuing, while T&T officials say they will act on requests for assistance. Local Security Debate: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander pushed back on a UK report claiming 180 active gangs, saying the figures differ from local intelligence. Crime & Courts: Police detained a third person in the Hadeed probe; separately, an IT manager at the Police Complaints Authority was shot dead in Charlieville. Business & Culture: The T&T Chamber launched the 2026 Champions of Business Awards; Pan Trinbago says 2026 steelpan players’ remittances have been received. Sports Spotlight: T&T-born Malique Lewis was drafted by the Wizards and traded to the Bucks in the 2026 NBA Draft.