AGP Executive Report

Police Leadership: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro returned to Trinidad and Tobago after five days’ emergency leave, saying his absence followed information from state intelligence heads and insisting the TTPS leadership remained stable. Energy & Jobs: Former energy minister Stuart Young defended the PNM’s Atlantic LNG restructuring, arguing it is driving higher NGC and state revenues, while Finance Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal met Touchstone Exploration to discuss boosting oil and gas output. World Bank: The World Bank named Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for T&T, aiming to unify leadership across IBRD, IFC and MIGA to support jobs and investment. Education Watch: CXC flagged major absenteeism for CAPE and CSEC exams, with 35,000+ students not showing up regionally. Courts & Governance: The CCJ announced revised judicial panel assignments amid ongoing controversy over alleged “panel fixing,” requiring judges to sit on all panels unless formally excused. Sports: Defence Force host SV Broki in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, while Tobago’s Signal Hill and Speyside schools return to the SSFL Boys Premier Division.

Local Football: Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-14 boys beat French Guiana 4-1 in the CFU Challenge Series in the Dominican Republic, with Jiair Nanton scoring twice after an early setback—but T&T still bowed out after finishing third in Group B on goal difference. Youth Cricket: T&T’s Rising Stars Under-19 Women captured the CWI title in Antigua and their coach and manager are now calling for stronger support to keep the programme moving forward. Police & Public Safety: TTPS reported bomb threats at eight locations across Trinidad, triggering evacuations and heightened security, while the Police Commissioner defended his emergency leave and said the TTPS remained stable. Governance & Economy: The IDB says T&T’s growth is expected to stay subdued in 2026, and TSTT has replaced acting CEO Keino Cox with Reza Hosein after a board review. Weather/Water: TTMS issued drought watch for Trinidad (September 2026) and drought warning for Tobago (October 2026), urging water conservation. Sports Diplomacy: A U.S. congressional delegation met T&T officials to discuss maritime security and action against transnational crime.

CCJ Recusal Row: Attorneys for Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed have urged CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson to recuse himself from their extradition-related proceedings, citing alleged internal judicial leaks and claims of political maneuvering in Guyana. Tobago Education Pressure: TTUTA Tobago officer Deon Rodriguez says teachers are still waiting on outstanding arrears and wants the Division of Education to give clear timelines, while also pushing for faster repairs at schools ahead of the new term. Flood Relief in La Trinidad: In the Philippines, La Trinidad in Benguet was placed under a state of calamity after heavy rains and the southwest monsoon, with relief goods distributed to about 300 families and infrastructure and farm losses running into tens of millions of pesos. Local Weather & Flood Risk: A United Way Trinidad and Tobago campaign is urging early action to reduce flood risk, protect families and recover safely, as forecasts continue to warn of storm impacts. Food Supply Strain: WGM Group says T&T’s chicken supply chain is under pressure from heat affecting hatchery egg quality, local weather hitting growth and production efficiency, and disrupted sea-freight schedules. Sports Spotlight: Trinidad & Tobago’s Warriors opened strong at the Loloy Youth Classic, while TTUTA Tobago and national youth football updates continue to draw attention to coaching and development needs.

T&T Tennis: Host Trinidad and Tobago secured spots in both the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-12 semis at the ITF/COTECC Sub-Region 4 tournament in Tacarigua, with the Boys’ “A” team beating Barbados 2-1 and setting up a semi-final against St. Kitts/Nevis. Pan Am Volleyball: The men’s team finished 10th at the Pan Am Cup after a five-set playoff loss to Curaçao. Badminton Titles: T’Shel­le Barnes, Asia-Lee Waller and Liam Rajkumar won Carebaco Junior singles titles in Kingston. Table Tennis: Josiah Joseph and Chloe Fraser claimed T&T’s Under-19 singles crowns at the national age-group championships in Tacarigua. Sports Development: Seven T&T cricketers were named to a CWI high-performance camp in Antigua. Telecom Leadership: TSTT appointed Reza Hosein as acting CEO after the board reviewed Keino Cox’s tenure, while a board-ordered review targets an Amplia call-centre decision affecting about 150 workers. Education: Minister Dowlath and TTUTA say there are no major issues with CSEC and CAPE results access. Judiciary: In-person magistrates’ court hearings are set to resume in most courts from September 1. Politics/US Visas: Rowley challenges the UNC to specify what offence warrants US visa sanctions. Crime: A Trinidad and Tobago woman and her daughter were buried in New York as a relative was charged in their murders.

Visa Row in Politics: Former PM Dr Keith Rowley is pressing PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explain how many Trinidad and Tobago citizens her administration reported to the US, amid controversy over US visa revocations. Police Leadership Questions: Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin says there are “no problems” running the TTPS despite the commissioner’s absence, as concerns grow over leadership arrangements. Labour Dispute Focus: Belize’s Labour Department, with the ILO, is strengthening labour dispute prevention and resolution, including training for negotiation and conciliation. Food Security & Prices: The Agricultural Society says poultry shortages are driving higher prices and calls for a national agriculture census to guide policy with better data. Steel Jobs at Point Lisas: Steelworkers’ union welcomes Point Lisas reopening plans but demands workers who built the industry aren’t sidelined on jobs and representation. Sports Spotlight: West Indies’ Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews win ICC Player of the Month awards for July, completing a rare regional double. Health Loss: Trinidadian cancer patient Dinesh Gadraj dies in India after treatment.

Police Operations: Two men were killed in a police-involved shooting in La Romaine during an anti-crime exercise targeting firearm offences, robberies and home invasions; one victim was identified as Nigel Mohammed, 27. Local Governance & Accountability: Deputy Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin says he has not received a formal instrument appointing him to act as Commissioner of Police, after PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales questioned the whereabouts of substantive Commissioner Allister Guevarro. Sports Administration: SporTT and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs clarified their role in supporting Tobago teams in the Secondary Schools Football League, saying they pledged immediate assistance for travel costs while the SSFL General Council is set to meet Wednesday. Youth & Cricket: CWI named 22 Under-19 women for a High-Performance camp in Antigua, with seven players from Trinidad and Tobago’s Rising Stars title-winning squad. International Sport: Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling team was named for the UCI Junior World Championships in Belgium, with Zion Lucas and others heading out Aug. 19–23. Community & Environment: The Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation began a clean-up of Carli Bay after reports of indiscriminate dumping.

CCJ Crisis: CCJ President Winston Anderson says he personally tried to broker a fix in Guyana’s judicial deadlock, admitting “another course would have been much better,” while local legal commentator Christopher Ram argues Anderson’s response isn’t the final word as leaked correspondence continues to fuel panel-fixing and interference claims. Local Governance & Crime Response: Deputy Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin says new police posts are nearing opening and will be used fully for faster emergency response, even as local officials allege legal breaches in the Tacarigua post’s construction. Labour Dispute: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath warns the Government won’t be “bullied” in the TSTT-CWU wage standoff, after the union threatened action and TSTT cited the essential-services law. Sports: Trinidad & Tobago’s U-19 women won the CWI Rising Stars title, while the Bahamas repeated as Goodwill Swimming champions in Couva. Community & Culture: Super Wings NY opens its first T&T Caribbean location at Soca Island, Point Fortin, with Angostura partnership.

CCJ Fallout: Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Winston Anderson issued a detailed response to allegations of internal instability, protocol breaches and “panel-fixing,” saying leaked confidential deliberations are “wholly unacceptable” and undermining public trust, while also addressing a dispute over judicial attire in a July case. Local Energy Policy: Energy Minister Ernesto Kesar says the Local Content Committee will be restarted after a three-year gap to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Public Service Accountability: A prison officer won a court case after the PSC refused to explain why he was referred to a disciplinary tribunal; the judge ordered reasons within 21 days and costs. Police Benefits Delay: A retired police sergeant is still waiting on retirement benefits despite a High Court order, with possible contempt proceedings being considered. Sports Funding Clarification: SporTT and the Ministry of Sport moved to correct claims about Secondary Schools Football League support, stressing separate decisions on airlift and broader funding review. Community & Heritage: National Trust demands full restoration of the historic Cabildo fountain after damage, warning unauthorised works breach the law. Weather Watch: Thunderstorm chances ease on Monday as high pressure shifts west, though heavy rain remains a concern in the region.

Energy & Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago is set to boost energy security after new Venezuelan natural gas exploration licences, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar saying the deals could help T&T use existing infrastructure to process offshore resources from the Loran-Manatee cross-border field. Security Milestone: The TTPS Mounted Branch marked 175 years of service with a commemorative ride through Woodbrook and St Clair, bringing together serving and retired officers and Defence Force members. Crime & Policing: A gunman opened fire on a Valencia home in Emon Lane, injuring a 28-year-old man; police also reported contraband seizures after items were thrown over the Port-of-Spain Prison wall, detaining two prisoners. Anti-Crime Push: Siparia residents joined a peace walk as police declared parts of the area a “no crime zone” amid a spike in gun violence. Governance Watch: The OPR flagged flaws in how the HDC selected and checked companies for a cancelled $3.4B housing project, while another report says 67 people left state boards and public offices in 14 months. Sports: Trinidad and Tobago dethroned Barbados in the CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s final in Antigua, winning by six wickets; the TT women also captured the CAC Games netball title, beating Jamaica 56-49. Culture & Business: Pan Trinbago announced a Steelpan GI Board to protect certified Trinidad and Tobago steelpans, and Digicel says it’s increasing investment in T&T while hiring more staff.

Great Race powerboat drama: Despite a yellow-level weather alert and rough seas, the 58th Great Race went ahead from Chaguaramas to Tobago with 27 boats; Track Heatwave won and was crowned fastest to Tobago, while nine boats failed to finish. CCJ leak fallout: CCJ President Justice Vincent Anderson condemned the publication of confidential internal correspondence, saying the leaks erode judicial independence and public trust. Anti-crime rollout: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says Government’s strategy is moving ahead with more law enforcement presence, mobile units, and changes aimed at tightening deportation loopholes. Housing procurement scrutiny: The Office of Procurement Regulation flagged gaps in how the Housing Development Corporation selected and checked suppliers for a cancelled $3.4bn housing project. Water worries: A new report warns Trinidad and Tobago must rethink water management as drought and rationing pressures return. Energy push with Venezuela: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hailed Venezuela’s Loran Phase 2 licences, pointing to potential gas supply for T&T processing. Sports—Rising Stars: T&T U19 women dethroned Barbados to win the CWI Rising Stars title unbeaten in six matches. Education support: Acting Education Minister Barry Padarath says $20m book grant payments could start from Aug. 24. Prison contraband: Officers seized cigarettes, marijuana and a cellphone after a package was thrown over Port of Spain Prison walls.

Judicial Integrity Row: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson has denied allegations of “panel fixing” and interference, calling leaked emails and confidential correspondence disclosures “wholly unacceptable” and condemning the breach of judicial deliberations. Local Governance & Public Safety: Three joint army-police posts are 95% complete in Tacarigua (Grand Bazaar, Tarouba, Eddie Hart Grounds), with staffing and commissioning dates to be set after next week’s meetings. Weather & Flood Risk: A Yellow-Level adverse weather alert is in effect for Trinidad and Tobago as a tropical wave brings heavy showers and possible localised flash flooding through Saturday. Energy & Regional Ties: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar congratulated acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez on Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana licences, with Trinidad expected to benefit from cross-border gas supplies. Sports: T&T’s U19 women are set for the Rising Stars final against Barbados after an 84-run win in Antigua, while the SSFL says Ministry of Sport support has eased interisland travel concerns. Crime & Courts: A businessman detained under a PDO over alleged brothel and human trafficking charges has lost his legal challenge, with a judge ruling the detention was justified. Economy & Food Prices: Poultry depots report continued chicken shortages, smaller birds, and higher prices.

Caribbean Court of Justice Crisis: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson broke his silence, denying panel-fixing and influence claims over the Azruddin Mohamed ruling, while condemning leaked internal emails and saying the Mohamed decision reflected unanimity. Local Governance & Sports: The SSFL is set to revisit its 2026 Boys’ Premier Division format after Ministry support to cover Tobago teams’ travel costs, while the Tobago Classic cycling event was cancelled again for a second straight year. Weather & Safety: The Met Office issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for Trinidad and Tobago as a tropical wave brings isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms, and gusts up to 50 km/h, with flood risk. Energy & Jobs: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says T&T will invest US$1 billion to repair oil and gas pipelines after years of disrepair, and Venezuela plans to send about 7Tcf of gas to Trinidad for processing. Youth & Community: Trinidad and Tobago U19 women crushed Barbados by 84 runs in the CWI Rising Stars final dress rehearsal, and Tobago’s THA outlined a digital and AI-powered vision for modern public services.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Fallout: Regional bar associations and heads of judiciary are calling for urgent probes after leaked internal CCJ judge emails sparked allegations of discord and raised concerns about confidentiality and IT security at the Trinidad-headquartered court. Local Sports Administration: The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs says SSFL teams can travel to Tobago after meeting with SporTT and SSFL officials to remove barriers to scheduled matches. Energy & Investment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met ExxonMobil’s T&T operations manager, with the company upbeat about hydrocarbon prospects; separately, Venezuela signed Phase 2 development licensing for the Loran offshore gas field involving BP, XRG and UCC. Steelpan & Youth Culture: As World Steelpan Month continues, Kevon “KB The Pannist” Bass highlights steelpan’s career and youth opportunities, while T&T’s SSFL and other youth sport activity keeps building momentum. Crime & Safety: Police in Princes Town are investigating the discovery of a decomposing body of a 39-year-old man, Anil Ramdial, after neighbours reported a strong odor.

Energy & Diplomacy: President in Charge Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela’s Phase 2 Loran gas licence has been signed after 23 years, with BP, XRG and UCC joining to boost gas exports and domestic supply. Regional Cooperation: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar met CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre of St Lucia, with talks also covering health and crime-fighting, plus a CCJ advisory opinion request tied to the CARICOM Secretary-General appointment. Crime & Security: Tobago police operations under “Operation Resolute Shield” led to seven arrests, cannabis seizures totalling about 7.42kg, an extended magazine seized, and recovery of nine sheep linked to livestock larceny reports. Food & Agriculture: Hot weather is blamed for a chicken shortage in Trinidad, with Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram saying supply should ease in coming weeks as production ramps up. Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s U-19 women beat Leeward Islands by eight wickets in the Rising Stars tournament, while Tobago Youth Awards honoured young leaders at Magdalena Grand. Weather Watch: TTMS says a tropical wave is less organised but could bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the Lesser Antilles from late Friday night into Saturday.

US-T&T Relations: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says ties with the United States are at a “historic high” after US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit, pointing to progress on energy, critical minerals, trade, and security cooperation. Energy & Industry: BP’s deal to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso gas project would move ownership to 100%, while local debate continues over whether steel and gas revival plans will deliver lasting benefits. Flooding Response: Heavy rain has triggered flooding in parts of Trinidad, with the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation distributing sandbags and activating disaster teams. Governance & Judiciary: Regional heads of judiciary have voiced concern over leaked CCJ internal emails and Antigua PM Gaston Browne’s criticism of a High Court judge, with calls to protect judicial independence. Economy & State Firms: Opposition MP Stuart Young says declining profits at First Citizens Group and Angostura may reflect government policy impacts. Tech & Connectivity: CAN’T0 warns the Caribbean’s digital gap could slow AI and fintech growth unless investment and regional integration improve. Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s U-19 women’s Rising Stars campaign continues with key Round 5 fixtures in the CWI tournament.

CCJ Row: Trinidad’s PNP hit back at Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson, insisting Jamaica must have a final appellate court accessible to all citizens as controversy over CCJ internal divisions and alleged panel manipulation continues. Food Security & Business Support: Brunswick donated 2,500 cans to SEWA International T&T and the T&T Food Bank, backing efforts to tackle hunger amid rising costs. Economy & Jobs: Economist Prof Roger Hosein says T&T’s labour market is stable, but the economy remains structurally weak and still can’t deliver sustained job growth. Energy & Industry Clarity: The T&T Chamber of Commerce is urging NGC to give clearer guidance on natural gas allocation for new and existing industrial projects, including the Point Lisas steel plant restart. Crime Update: Central Division police report a 42% drop in homicides for 2026 so far, citing more patrols and a 43% detection rate for serious crimes. Climate Action: T&T launched Pathways to Net Zero reports for waste and agriculture/forestry/other land use to guide emissions cuts. Sports: T&T’s U-19 women stayed unbeaten with a fourth straight win in the Rising Stars tournament; Calypso Girls won CAC netball gold, and the Under-16 showcase league final went to Trendsetter Hawks. Earthquake: A 5.1 quake rocked Trinidad early Wednesday with no immediate damage reports.