AGP Executive Report

Crime Watch: A missing 73-year-old pensioner, Linder Alexander, was found dead behind her home in Guaico Tamana, Sangre Grande, after days of searches by HSRT and police. Anti-Crime Milestone: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago recorded 10 consecutive days without a murder, calling it a “small milestone” before a murder was later reported. Weather Disruption: Monsoon rains and flooding continue to batter the region, with heat advisories easing into cooler, wetter conditions expected later in the week. Public Safety & Policing: TTPS is defending the deployment of mobile police units, while work on mobile police posts at Tarouba and Grand Bazaar is said to be underway. Culture & Sports: World Steelpan Day celebrations are set for Tuesday, and the National Swim Team heads to Trinidad & Tobago for the 30th Goodwill Swimming Championships. Regional Court: Attorney Bert Samuels downplays reports of discord among CCJ judges, urging the public to await a response from CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson.

U.S.-T&T Security and Energy Push: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a Trinidad and Tobago stop (Aug. 9-12), with talks expected to focus on shared energy and security priorities and broader economic cooperation before continuing to Guyana. Digital Payments Upgrade: Trinidad and Tobago plans to launch an India-based UPI payment system, the first in the Caribbean, under an agreement signed with NPCI International Payments Limited, aiming to cut cash use and improve access and interoperability. CARICOM Reparations vs the Crown: CARICOM renews its reparations push, but eight member states still have the British monarch as head of state, while Guyana, T&T and Dominica became republics earlier. CCJ Leadership Row: Internal correspondence has sparked allegations that CCJ president Justice Winston Anderson runs the court in an “authoritarian” way, including claims of improper influence over decisions. Steel Pan Spotlight: National Trust marks World Steel Pan Day at Millie Fleurs, while celebrations also highlight the instrument’s growth abroad. Sport (T&T): T&T U-19 women start strong with a gritty win over Guyana; Tobago football faces backlash after SSFL plans to omit Tobago schools from the Premier Division.

U.S.-T&T Security and Energy Talks: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a Trinidad and Tobago visit, with energy, security and economic cooperation on the agenda, as both sides push deeper regional coordination. Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago plans to launch an India-based UPI real-time payments system, aiming to cut cash use and payment costs while boosting access and interoperability. Crime Response Debate: TTPS defended its new mobile “micro-police” units, saying they’ll expand operational reach and use crime data to place units strategically, amid public criticism. Courts and Banking: The Court of Appeal overturned a negligence ruling against Republic Bank over a 2022 Couva break-in, finding the bank took reasonable care with security. Eco-Tourism Rules: Caroni Bird Sanctuary boat tours are under pressure as operators face complaints about alcohol, noise and litter, with calls for clearer rules and stronger enforcement. Energy Deal Update: bp has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso gas project offshore Trinidad, moving toward full ownership and operatorship. Sports: T&T Women and Leeward Islands Women opened the Rising Stars U-19 campaign with wins, while T&T’s relay teams chase medals at the World U20 Championships.

Crime & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T logged a ten-day murder-free stretch, though an incident was recorded today, as Government pushes harder anti-crime efforts. Police Posts Rollout: Construction of mobile police posts at Tarouba and the Grand Bazaar interchange is underway, part of a broader plan for 30 joint army-police posts. Legal Debate: Lawyers and former officials are debating whether the mobile police-army posts are being handled within existing planning and municipal laws after the Eddie Hart Grounds confrontation. US Partnership: The US says it has strengthened security cooperation with T&T via a new Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, working alongside the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition to target narco-terrorist networks. Local Culture & Arts: UTT will honour late cultural icon Willi Chen posthumously with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. Sports: Tyrese Spicer and Antoine Griezmann helped Orlando City beat Monterrey 2-1 in the Leagues Cup, with Spicer scoring from the spot. Regional Spotlight: Japan and T&T agreed to advance bilateral cooperation, including energy, after talks between foreign ministers.

Local Crime: Two people, 19-year-old Danielle Connell and 25-year-old Darion Phillip, have been charged with the murder of 25-year-old Shayanna Ruiz in Chaguanas after a violent confrontation over a TT$4,500 debt. Court & Finance: The Court of Appeal overturned a High Court negligence finding against Republic Bank in a 2022 Couva branch break-in case involving former employee Curtis Mathura. Energy Watch: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will make major energy-sector announcements within days, following work with the Ministry of Energy and upstream partners. Security & Policing: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander is pushing for 30 joint army-police posts, while TTPS defends mobile police units amid public criticism; separate reporting also flags debate over US-led regional task force participation. Public Safety & Services: Water restrictions are being considered as El Niño conditions set in, and Tobago’s police recruitment drive continues despite safety concerns. Sports: West Indies women’s Under-19 Rising Stars cricket begins in Antigua (Aug 8-15), and Trinidad and Tobago won the CAC netball final against Jamaica.

Energy & Jobs: NGC chairman Gerald Ramdeen says major energy-sector announcements are coming next week from PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, framing them as the “monetisation of molecules” to finally feed the downstream and boost revenue. Local Economy & Assets: Government is moving to monetise more than 100 under-utilised state assets, with early priorities including the NAPA Hotel and Beachfield-related holdings. Policing Debate: TTPS defended mobile police units as an upgraded, long-existing anti-crime tool, while criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad warned the joint army-police posts must be paired with wider social interventions and active community patrols. Public Safety & Water: Government says it’s mobilising agencies ahead of expected El Niño impacts, including drought and water-shortage planning through an inter-ministerial committee. Land & Legal Affairs: Land Minister Saddam Hosein dismissed claims about a Hilton sale, saying there’s no evidence or official decision. Community Support: The Ministry of the People delivered SEED grants and wheelchairs to South Trinidad communities, and NGC handed over the Beachfield facility title deed to secure ownership.

BP Calypso Deal: BP has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso deepwater gas project offshore Trinidad and Tobago, moving to full ownership and operator status, with the transaction expected to close by year-end pending regulatory approval. Joint Security Posts: Criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad weighs in on the planned 30 joint army-police security posts, arguing visible policing must be paired with community trust and longer-term social interventions. Hilton Uncertainty: Stakeholders react to Hilton International Trinidad’s warning it may stop operating after September 18 if a new lease deal isn’t finalised, with negotiations described as “advanced” by the minister. Tobago Unity Push: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the island has deliberately avoided divisive racial rhetoric, while religious leaders condemn the growing tension. Crime Prevention in Tobago: Tobago police say partnerships and proactive policing will be key as the island gears up for October Carnival. Caroni Land Clearing: Residents question why former Caroni lands are being cleared, with claims ranging from housing to an AI data centre—while the minister says the development is for residential lots for former workers. Weather Disruption Abroad: Heavy rains from Tropical Depression “Maymay” and the habagat have suspended classes in parts of Luzon and triggered flooding and landslides, including deaths in Benguet and Rizal. CPL Build-Up: The Republic Bank CPL confirms broadcast partners for the expanded 2026 season, with Jamaica’s Kingsmen joining the seven-team lineup.

ID Requirement for Over-16s: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander confirmed Cabinet is moving to require valid ID for everyone aged 16+ (and foreign nationals) in public spaces, with details on offences and penalties still being worked out. Crime & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation representatives for allegedly stopping workers building a police post at Eddie Hart Grounds, while police in Tobago seized a Glock, ammunition, drugs and cash during Operation Resolute Shield. Energy Deal: BP agreed to acquire Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso Gas Project, a move that could reshape Trinidad’s gas supply outlook. Sports—Local & Regional: Club Sando begin their CONCACAF Caribbean Cup debut against SV Broki, while T&T’s Omari Brown and Zachery Frank advanced at the World U20 Championships and Rinaldo Moore won CAC Games silver in the 110m hurdles. Culture & Community: Tobago religious leaders urged an end to divisive racial remarks, and Hari Fest IV returns Saturday in Divali Nagar with a free “Festival of Bliss” programme. Weather—Philippines: Tropical Depression Maymay triggered deadly landslides and drownings in northern Luzon, prompting expanded patrols and evacuations.

Tropical Storm Maymay aftermath: Heavy rain and landslides in the Philippines have left at least six dead, including two cooks killed when an eatery was buried in La Trinidad, Benguet, while other fatalities were reported from Rodriguez, Rizal, and drownings in La Union and Pangasinan. Tobago community policing: The Tobago Police Division has flagged Shirvan Road as a preferred site for a proposed community police post, though talks are still ongoing. Youth sport: Minister Pythagore Dumas met the U-14 Grenadiers ahead of the CFU Challenge Series 2026 in Punta Cana (Aug 16–23). Local governance ID proposal: Cabinet is reportedly considering legislation requiring people 16 and over to carry national ID in public spaces, with the Attorney General reviewing and no final sign-off yet. Energy and economy: Criticism is growing after T&TEC stopped absorbing power from the 92MW Brechin Castle Solar farm, raising fears about derailing the energy transition. Tourism uncertainty: Hilton Trinidad’s lease extension deadline is looming, with tourism operators warning delays could hit confidence and planning. Cricket (regional): Pakistan levelled the West Indies Test series 1-1 with an eight-wicket win at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, ending an overseas losing streak. CPL update: The CPL kicks off Aug 7, with Jamaica Kingsmen starting against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.

Tropical Storm Maymay: Northern Luzon is still dealing with heavy rain and travel disruption after the storm made landfall in Ilocos Sur early Thursday; Wind Signal No. 2 remains over parts of Abra, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province and nearby areas, with some roads in the Cordillera reported impassable due to unstable slopes. Port of Spain trade push: The IDB is backing a Port of Port of Spain cargo modernisation plan via a PPP, aiming to boost efficiency and competitiveness and attract over US$200 million in private investment. Education gap: The Education Ministry says thousands of students are leaving school without full CXC/CSEC qualifications, and it’s rolling out plans to upskill technical-vocational pathways. Crime focus in Tobago: Tobago police report rising murders and break-ins and have launched 24/7 active directive patrols. Anti-scam warning: TTPS and the Judiciary warn the public about fake speeding fine texts and lookalike payment links. Sports—Pakistan in Trinidad: Pakistan beat West Indies by eight wickets at Queen’s Park Oval to level the Test series 1-1, with Shafique and Babar leading the chase. Local business: bpTT signs on as an official sponsor of the Trinbago Knight Riders for CPL 2026.

Maritime Tragedy: The government has called off the active search and recovery for victims of the MV Barima disaster, though the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre will stay on to process any new reports; forensic teams continue identifying remaining bodies. Crime & Safety: A 66-year-old mother in Penal is in intensive care after allegedly being set on fire by her son during a domestic dispute; police say the suspect remains at large. Security Posts Debate: The push for 30 joint army-police posts continues to draw public support in South Trinidad, while opposition figures keep questioning the plan. Sports—Cricket: Pakistan’s spinners bowled West Indies out for 117, leaving the hosts needing 75 runs to win the second Test in Trinidad; Abdullah Shafique’s 160* earlier powered Pakistan’s control. Business & Finance: GraceKennedy’s Trinidad unit has been registered as a Payment Service Provider, expanding regulated payment services including bill payments. Weather (Region): Tropical Storm Maymay has Signal No. 2 over parts of Northern Luzon, with class suspensions reported in areas like La Trinidad, amid heavy rain and landslide risk.

Public Safety & Security: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago is expanding the state of public emergency with 30 joint army-police posts, urging NGOs and community groups to back the move as murder figures show a slight improvement. Prison & Crime: Golden Grove Prison officers seized suspected marijuana, a cellphone and charger during a visitor screening, while another anti-crime exercise in Valencia turned up a firearm, .45 rounds and about 500g of cannabis. Sports—Cricket: At Queen’s Park Oval, Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 kept Pakistan in the hunt on day three of the second Test, with West Indies left reeling at 103/6 at stumps. Sports—Athletics: Neeraj Chopra is set for the Lausanne Diamond League on Aug. 21 against a star-studded javelin field including Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott and Rumesh Pathirage. Local Features: Rampanalgas and Icacos residents reflect on fading estate life, unemployment and what the communities can rebuild. International/Regional: Jamaica marked Emancipendence with a thanksgiving service in Trinidad, and Dominica’s opposition leader dispute saw a constitutional win for Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan.

Joint Security Posts: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the Government’s plan to roll out 30 joint army-police posts in four months looks like a “backdoor” revival of ZOSO, questioning funding, location choices and whether soldiers will get policing powers. Crime & Public Safety: Criminologist Dr Daurius Figueira also doubts the move, pointing to TTPS reports that serious crime is declining. Labour Data: The Ministry of Planning urges proper interpretation of the CSO Labour Force Survey, warning against comparing the wrong quarters and stressing seasonal patterns. Media Freedom: RSF reports Trinidad’s media is under growing financial pressure as government advertising spending is decentralised and harder to track, raising fears for independent journalism. Health in Sport: Republic Bank CPL will offer free health screenings at all eight host venues, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA tests. Public Works & Weather: In the region, heavy rain and mudflows have disrupted roads in the Philippines’ Cordillera, with some schools suspended in affected areas. Business/Finance: GraceKennedy T&T is registered as a payment service provider, expanding regulated payment services. Energy: Diesel subsidy payments total $293.26M for 2026 so far.

Crime & Security: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says 30 joint army-police posts will be rolled out across Trinidad and Tobago in the next four months, with 24 locations already identified, as ministers push for more visible protection. Police Recruitment: Hundreds of TTPS applicants turned out in Marabella for document vetting despite the heat and the country’s violent crime crisis. Politics & Race Tensions: Persad-Bissessar taunts the Opposition over “round two” of Independence Day booing, while Dr Keith Rowley warns her policies threaten the nation’s social and racial stability. Business & Jobs: Trade unions and economists react to CSO data showing nearly 6,000 jobs lost in Q1 2026, warning the strain is spreading beyond the labour market. Sports (Cricket): Justin Greaves made 64 not out as West Indies closed on 239/5 in the rain-shortened opening day of the second Test vs Pakistan; Abdullah Shafique then struck 107* and Pakistan reached 266/2 on Day 2. Sports (Darts): T&T won four Caribbean titles at the Caribbean Darts Cup, including team, men’s, boys’ singles, women’s and mixed triples. Culture & Community: Oxford Street in Port of Spain is renamed Kwame Ture Street, and Pan Trinbago launches August Fest Steelpan Month.

Road Safety Tragedy: Off-duty police constable Sean Gaskill was killed in a crash on Siparia Old Road on Sunday, after his vehicle collided with a Nissan NP300 near Colley Street. Crime & Policing: Police charged an officer after a firearm and ammunition were recovered following a missing-gun incident, while separate reports say four people were arrested over a Pampa shooting. Politics & Tensions: Former PM Dr Keith Rowley accused Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of pursuing “hateful and vindictive policies,” warning they threaten social and racial stability. Local Governance Watch: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander flagged concerns at an HDC development in Port of Spain, including illegal apartment occupation and unauthorized electricity connections. Culture & Community: The Culture Ministry says it is working to support veteran singer Ella Andall and her family, urging privacy as she receives care. Sports (T&T): Justin Greaves made an unbeaten 64 to help West Indies reach 239/5 on day one of the second Test against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval. Regional Tourism: Tobago Carnival airlift talks continue as the island seeks more international flights for October.

Commonwealth Games: Justin Greaves stayed unbeaten on 64 as West Indies closed Day One on 239/5 against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval, with Roston Chase 36* in a rain-shortened opener. T&T Sports: In Glasgow, T&T added medals via Jereem Richards (men’s 200m silver), Nicholas Paul (cycling sprint silver) and the women’s 4x100m relay (bronze). CAC Hockey: Teague Marcano scored twice as T&T beat Venezuela 2-1 to reach the CAC men’s hockey final, where they’ll face Cuba. Local Youth & Community: The cricket community mourns youth player Isa Ali, while Pride Month ends with a St Clair/Woodbrook parade calling for visibility and equality. Politics & Society: Emancipation weekend sparked fresh political heat over Michelle Benjamin and UTT chairman Selwyn Cudjoe, with the PM condemning “abuse” and “racist” attacks. Public Safety: TTPS charged a Mayaro officer after a firearm, magazine and ammo went missing during internal checks, and Tobago police seized a suspected firearm, ammo and cannabis in Belle Garden.