AGP Executive Report

Crime & Safety: A late-night shooting in Marabella’s Marabella/Union Park East area left a 13-year-old boy dead, while his father and stepmother remain in critical condition; police recovered 9mm shell casings and are continuing forensics. Police Action: Officers arrested five people and seized a firearm and drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy, during separate exercises across Trinidad. Justice & Courts: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh warned that AI must not replace human judgment as the judiciary finalises rules for generative AI use in court. Economy & Credit: Moody’s upgraded T&T’s outlook to stable from negative, citing improved external prospects and debt-management steps. Energy & Business: AMCHAM urged unity as Venezuela grants Shell a licence for the Loran gas field, with the chamber calling it a major opportunity. Sports & Culture: Curacao’s World Cup debut story is in focus ahead of their opener vs Germany, while Trinidad’s Crawford set another discus record and T&T’s National Primary School Choir Competition showcased student talent. Health: NBTS warned against illegal blood selling as a national donation drive ramps up voluntary supply.

Justice System Overhaul: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh is calling for a wide-ranging reform of Trinidad and Tobago’s justice system, including changes to court rules, stronger accountability for judicial performance, and a controlled push toward technology and AI. Race Row in Politics: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hit back at Opposition MP Kareem Marcelle over “race” remarks, saying the PNM has long used race to divide and pointing to her Cabinet’s diversity. Angelo Tobias Vigil: Family and residents in Goodwood, Tobago marked one month since toddler Angelo Tobias Plaza was reported missing with a candlelight vigil, with his mother visibly emotional and plans to hold monthly vigils. Oil Spill Dispute: Venezuela renewed claims of a second oil spill from Trinidad and Tobago; T&T says it’s investigating with sea vessels and drones, while Heritage Petroleum says there’s no evidence of a major new spill. Crime Crackdown: Police arrested five people in separate operations, seizing guns and drugs including cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy. Business & Finance: Moody’s revised T&T’s sovereign outlook to stable, and West In­di­an Traders extended its IPO to June 22. Sports Spotlight: Curacao, inspired by their World Cup run, face Germany in Houston, while USMNT’s Gio Reyna’s late goal vs Paraguay is being hailed as an iconic World Cup moment.

State of Emergency update: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says 698 people have been charged under SoE provisions, alongside 7,174 police-led operations, 3,211 arrests, 465 PDOs approved and 184 firearms removed. Justice system reform: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh told the LATT Biennial Law Conference the public wants a fair, accessible, timely justice system and warned against weaknesses in how cases are handled. Crime and public safety: A 13-year-old boy was killed in a south Trinidad home invasion; his father and stepmother were wounded, and investigators believe robbery was the motive. SoE controversy: Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle defended remarks after backlash, insisting they were aimed at the UNC, not an ethnic group. Legal fees scrutiny: Attorney General John Jeremie told Parliament his office is vetting invoices after being billed about $34m in legal fees, with some claims alleged to be fraudulent. Education funding: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath clarified a $127.8m supplemental allocation includes no teacher backpay. Oil spill row: Heritage Petroleum says it found no evidence of a major oil spill after Venezuela raised alarms. Business and jobs: SinglePoint Group says it added $1.1m to bring its T&T investment to $5.1m and created 11 jobs. Digital government: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj outlined digital reforms to cut red tape, including SeaClear and TTBizLink. Sports: David Mahabir won ITTF World Masters men’s over-75 singles gold; Cox Coaching’s youth teams advanced in the TTFA National Youth League. Culture: Marcus Braveboy is taking his soca-Zumba sound to Europe on a solo tour starting June 14.

State of Emergency & protest rights: Parliament approved a further three-month extension of T&T’s SoE, but unions and opposition voices are pushing back over proposed limits on protest action and what it means for workers’ rights and freedom of expression. Judiciary modernisation: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh urged a reimagining of the justice system, calling for court reform and modern, people-centred services, while warning against overreliance on AI in legal decision-making. Emergency response boost: The Fire Service received four newly repaired ambulances to close a critical gap in emergency coverage. Child protection drive in Tobago: Goodwood Methodist Primary School students held a walkathon to raise awareness after the disappearance and alleged killing of toddler Angelo Tobias-Plaza. Crime & enforcement: Tobago cattle theft suspects were fined $3,000 each after pleading guilty; police also investigated a possible spill off Trinidad’s coast. Venezuela-T&T oil spill dispute: Venezuela says a new spill from Trinidad and Tobago is larger than last May’s and is drifting toward Venezuelan waters, while T&T says it has deployed coast guard and air assets to verify the source. Energy ties: Venezuela granted Shell a natural gas exploration and export license for the Loran field, which includes deposits straddling the maritime border with T&T.

State of Emergency Debate: Opposition leader Penelope Beckles says the PNM is open to working with Government on crime, but rejects any idea that cooperation means unconditional support, after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended a further three-month SoE extension as part of a wider anti-crime plan. White-collar Crime Rhetoric: The PM backed Attorney General John Jeremie’s warning that no one is beyond the law, alleging links between some senior banking officials and foreign-currency dealings tied to drug cartels. Tobago Political Fallout: PNM Tobago Council leader Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis calls Tobago MPs “blind puppets” over their support for the SoE extension, while David Thomas says he has no formal alliance with the UNC-led administration. Crime & Security: A man was shot while walking along Moruga Road and is reported stable; separate reports also detail armed home invasion robberies in Princes Town. Copper Theft Crackdown: Scrap iron dealers want tighter controls, including centralising scrap yards, after a copper theft attempt at a T&TEC substation caused a voltage dip. Sports & Culture: T&T will play Louisville City FC in an international friendly on July 25; and T&T artistes scored multiple nominations across 23 categories for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards.

State of Emergency: Parliament has approved a three-month extension of Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency after a heated debate, with 28 MPs voting in favour and 12 against, and the PM says it will not run for her full term. Public Safety Funding: Finance-related updates show the Government seeking $2.93b in supplemental funds, including $5m for rental vehicles for covert SoE specialist operations, while the Finance Bill 2026 passed with assurances it adds no new taxes on citizens. Crime Debate: Political scientist Prof. Hamid Ghany argues the SoE needs time for long-term crime reduction, while Tobago MPs back the extension and critics push for a workable anti-crime plan. Water Disruptions: WASA condemned a second attack on water infrastructure in 24 hours, shutting down the Tabaquite Booster Station after thieves stole electrical wiring, disrupting supply to thousands. Tobago Weather Impact: Heavy rains and strong winds damaged the Flagstaff Communications Tower, prompting TEMA to convene an emergency meeting to assess restoration needs. Tourism Win: Two T&T tourism brands earned major Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, including Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel in the top 1% of hotels worldwide. Sports: T&T’s senior men’s team will play a July 25 friendly against Louisville City FC in the US as part of build-up to the Concacaf Nations League.

State of Emergency debate: Opposition chief whip Marvin Gonzales says the SoE extension is a “national sham” and demands a workable crime plan, while Attorney General John Jeremie argues enforcement must also target “white-collar” facilitators and organised crime. Finance Bill fallout: Finance (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed after heated Lower House exchanges, with Finance Minister Dave Tanchoo defending changes to protect pensioners and claim no new taxes for citizens, and Colm Imbert calling it an attack on the poor via higher fines. Crime and justice: A judge says he was misled when approving a search warrant tied to a controversial Trinidad arrest over a Facebook post; separately, homicide investigators moved to charge Richard Renalis with the murder of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne. Public safety and infrastructure: WASA condemned a second attack on water infrastructure in 24 hours, while T&TEC reported an attempted vandalism at Brechin Castle Substation caused a voltage dip but kept the grid stable. Energy and economy: Trinidad and Tobago signed a production-sharing contract with ExxonMobil and Occidental for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater block. Health: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe announced Ebola precautions and enhanced screening for travellers from affected countries. Community: CIBC launched its 2026 Unsung Heroes programme, inviting nominations of local volunteers.

Water & Power Security: WASA says a second brazen attack on its Tabaquite Booster Station—after a similar theft at Biche—forced the facility offline and disrupted water service for thousands in Tabaquite and nearby communities. Police Accountability: The Police Complaints Authority has started probing a Tobago police shooting during harvest celebrations that left 37-year-old Osae Murray seriously injured, with family alleging he lost a kidney; investigators are also looking into the circumstances. Serious Crime Probe: Human remains were found in a burnt vehicle in Wallerfield, Arima, prompting a homicide investigation after reports of an explosion hours earlier. Public Health Alert: The Ministry of Health urges Trinidad and Tobago nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries in Africa (including the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan) and warns returning travellers face enhanced screening. Governance & Work: Tobago registrar general office workers are calling for intervention over longstanding workplace issues. Culture & Youth: Parvati Girls’ Hindu College made history by winning the Republic Bank Tassa Taal Competition after 42 years, taking multiple top awards. Sports & Regional Spotlight: CARPHA’s 2nd joint regional health security meeting is underway in Trinidad as health threats like Ebola and Hantavirus are monitored.

State of Emergency Debate: Trinidad and Tobago returns to Parliament today to seek a three-month extension of the State of Emergency, with the Government arguing it’s necessary to curb violent crime while the Opposition warns it could become a long-term fix. Police Operations: Police say 332 Preventive Detention Orders have been executed since March 3, as the SoE is extended again. Protest Restrictions: A coalition of 13 independent unions has asked for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over protest limits under the SoE, saying the 500-metre exclusion zone is impractical. Tobago Shooting: A Tobago man is fighting for his life after a police-involved shooting in Bloody Bay left him with serious injuries, including loss of a kidney. US Citizenship Moves: In a separate international development, the US Justice Department is seeking to strip citizenship from a Trinidadian and other Caribbean nationals tied to serious offences. Sports: Russia beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in an international friendly. Culture & Education: A 10-year-old, Eme Eton, completes CSEC exams, while T&T’s Pride in the Park returns this Saturday and a Caribbean literature prize goes to a Trinidad-based author.

State of Emergency Debate: Trinidad and Tobago business chambers are urging that any extension of the state of emergency be backed by clear results, with the T&T Chamber saying the focus must be on measurable crime reductions, not a prolonged use of emergency powers. Water Disruption From Vandalism: WASA condemned the theft of electrical wiring from the Biche Booster Station, which caused a power outage and low water pressure or interruptions for communities including Charuma, Biche and Plum Mitan, while repairs are underway with T&TEC. Crime and Justice: An autopsy confirmed 12-year-old Mercedez Layne died from blunt force injuries after her body was found near an oil well site; police also reported a 58-year-old man was lured outside his home and stabbed multiple times, with a woman identified as a key suspect. Security Equipment Concern: The Estate Police Association raised alarms about the ballistic protection used by some officers, warning that aging or inadequate vests could endanger personnel. Energy Sector Move: The Energy Minister signed a production sharing contract for an ultra-deepwater block with Exxon Mobil and Occidental Petroleum, marking another step in T&T’s upstream push. Regional Sports: WoLF’s Point Pioneers vs Trendsetter Hawks match ended in a mass brawl after red cards, sending a player to hospital. US Citizenship Revocation: US Justice Department denaturalisation actions include four Caribbean nationals, among them a Trinidad and Tobago man accused of serious offences.

Child Death Investigation: Autopsy results confirm 12-year-old Mercedez Layne died from blunt force trauma; a 26-year-old man is in police custody as investigators probe how she was found dead along Carapal Road, hours after she was reported missing. Public Safety & Crime: Two police officers fired shots after confronting masked men attempting to break into a vehicle in Oropune Gardens; tools and spent shell casings were recovered and the probe continues. State of Emergency Debate: With the SoE set to expire June 17, government heads to Parliament to seek a three-month extension; Tobago’s hotel and tourism chief and unions are warning against extending emergency powers, while critics demand clear, time-bound justification. Labour & Wages: Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste says the $2.8B mid-year wage injection is meant to honour already-settled union agreements, not new settlements. Regional Trade: TTMA launches a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies seeking new export and investment opportunities. Tobago Environment: World Oceans Day is marked with renewed focus on marine protection and managing pressure on areas like Buccoo Reef. Sports & Culture: T&T darts pair Joshua Balfour and James Walklin depart for the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt; Pan Trinbago mourns steelpan legend Robert “Robbie” Greenidge.

Crime & Safety: Two men were arrested in Siparia after police intercepted a vehicle in Quarry Village and seized a Smith & Wesson firearm, a magazine and two rounds of 9mm ammunition; searches also followed at their homes under Legal Notice No. 40. Tragedy: A 12-year-old missing girl, Mercedes Cabrera-Layne of Los Iros, Erin, was found dead in a forested area at Carapal, Erin, and a 26-year-old man from Palo Seco was detained as investigations continue. Road Death: A Venezuelan woman, Rusimine Riaz, died after being struck by a vehicle while riding an unlicensed electric scooter in Cunupia; the driver was detained after a breathalyser showed he was over the legal limit. Public Warning: FIUTT warned the public about fraudulent IDs using CBTT/FIUTT/FIB logos, stressing they are fake and unauthorised and that FIUTT does not charge fees. Religion & Community: IRO president Dr Ellis Burris condemned the theft of two gold-plated monstrances from St Mary’s RC Church, urging respect for sacred artefacts. Sports: Jereem “The Dream” Richards won bronze in the 400m at the Wanda Diamond League in Stockholm. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS and the US State Department ran a five-day regional firearms trafficking workshop in Trinidad.

State of Emergency Extension: Trinidad and Tobago’s state of emergency is set to be extended for three more months, with the Government taking the matter to Parliament on Wednesday after National Security Council review. Energy & Investment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Occidental Petroleum has been approved for a farm-in to Block TTUD-1, as T&T pushes new energy investment and trade links. Road Works: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is now about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Child Safety Tragedy: A 12-year-old, Mercedez Layne of Erin, was found dead after being reported missing; a 26-year-old man has been arrested and remains in custody. Community & Culture: NCIC plans a national racial unity initiative after public backlash over a proposal to rename Piarco International Airport; meanwhile, Tobago youths in Les Coteaux complain of job neglect and broken promises. Sports: Soca Warriors face Russia in a friendly, while Jereem Richards earned a podium finish at the Stockholm Diamond League.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2027–2028, winning 181 of 191 votes in New York—an achievement the Government says will boost the country’s global influence. State of Emergency Debate: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says the SoE should be extended, arguing crime gains need more time, while independent senators say the Government must show outcomes and data; the PNM has signalled it won’t support an extension. Public Sector Wage Boost: Government is seeking a $2.93b supplementary budget to meet wage commitments for over 62,000 public servants, with business groups welcoming the short-term consumer spending lift but urging clarity on fiscal sustainability. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The $161m Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is reported about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Tragedy in Erin: A missing 12-year-old girl, Mercedes Cabrera-Layne, was found dead in a forested area in Carapal, Erin, as police investigate. Policing for Schools: In the Cordillera region, 1,200 police officers were deployed for the opening of classes under “Oplan Balik-Eskwela.” Media Access Push: MATT has written to the Prime Minister requesting a meeting over limited formal press access to some Government events.

UN Security Council Seat: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected as a non-permanent member for 2027–2028, winning 181 votes, but local economists say the direct economic payoff is unclear. Chaguaramas & SailClear: Chaguaramas yacht operators are hopeful the new SailClear electronic clearance system will cut vessel processing from hours to about 15 minutes, boosting business. Finance Bill 2026 Fines: As penalties rise under Finance Bill 2026, economists say it’s driven by revenue needs, while business groups question the lack of consultation. Food Affordability: A UN report says nearly 513,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy meal, with high rates of undernourishment and child nutrition problems. Protests & Schools: TTUTA warns proposed parental responsibility legislation could expand teachers’ duties, while youth groups push for peace amid Port-of-Spain tensions. Caribbean Links: China’s Blue Silk Road outreach includes Caribbean port and logistics ideas, and CTO in New York highlighted regional media excellence with the launch of CTO TV. Sports: T&T footballers return ahead of a Russia friendly, and track star Michelle-Lee Ahye wins the Lendore Classic 100m.

UN Security Council Spotlight: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago’s election to the UN Security Council will boost the country’s global influence, but Keith Rowley warns the move will also bring tougher scrutiny of T&T’s conduct. Mid-Year Budget Pressure: Government will seek an extra $2.93 billion in supplementary appropriation to fund wage increases for more than 62,000 workers, with the Finance Bill and supplementary debate scheduled for next week and mid-June. Food Security Alarm: Economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon says Trinidad and Tobago is spending over US$1 billion annually importing food, urging a national shift to treat agriculture as a serious economic sector. Trade Talks: AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie met a USDA official in Quito to press on petrochemical export tariffs affecting Trinidad and Tobago. Public Safety Updates: TTPS reports a Princes Town man remanded after a knife home invasion, while officers recovered multiple stolen vehicles in Sangre Grande. Crime and Travel Warnings: A daylight triple murder investigation is underway in Malick, and the UK Foreign Office updated travel advice urging caution in T&T amid the state of emergency. Sports: T&T’s darts team James Walklin and Joshua Balfour were drawn against Latvia and Italy in Group J for the World Cup of Darts.