AGP Executive Report

Tobago Heritage Festival: The 2026 Tobago Heritage Festival kicked off with a theatrical gala at Shaw Park Cultural Complex, “She Becomes Whole,” urging Tobagonians to dig into the stories that shaped who they are. Health & Sport: The Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago launched a Human Foosball Tournament to “Kick Big Soda Out of Sport,” linking sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Community, Culture & Football: Mexico’s Embassy and Marian House Home for Young Men used culture and an eight-a-side match to build community ties through the Horizons Initiative. Gender-Based Violence Support: Conflict Women Ltd partnered with Regency Recruitment to fast-track employment for GBV survivors, with résumé help, interview prep, and an annual “Butterfly Project” workshop. Carnival 2027 Buzz: Spirit Mas unveiled its Carnival 2027 theme, “LORE,” drawing on T&T folklore for costume concepts and storytelling. Public Safety Pressure: Prison officers’ association renewed calls for better staffing, infrastructure, equipment, and working conditions across Trinidad and Tobago’s prisons. AI Data Centres Debate: New MoUs for large-scale AI and data centres sparked petitions and public pushback over water, power, and environmental impacts. Crime & Security: A British pub landlady, Elaine McGowan, was shot dead in Trinidad in broad daylight, with police still working to establish motive. Remembering a Cultural Figure: Tributes continue for calypsonian Bill Trotman/Trinidad Bill, who died at EWM-SC.

AI & Infrastructure Debate: Trinidad and Tobago’s government signed MoUs with U.S. partners to develop large AI and data centre projects, but public pushback is growing—critics want key environmental and infrastructure studies completed before approvals, while the education minister says concerns are “premature” and no final deals are in place. Public Art & Free Press Legacy: Trinidad-based visual artist Duilio Passariello is seeking community support for “Flowers for Elijah!” at Lovejoy Park, honouring abolitionist journalist Elijah Lovejoy through a low-maintenance lighting installation. Sports & Community Pride: T&T men’s volleyball captain Akim Bushe leads the team to the CAZO-VA Final-Four in Curaçao, while Malik Gopaul tops the national table tennis men’s ranking list at 17. Culture & Memory: Notting Hill Carnival gears up for its 60th anniversary, with founders’ family members stressing the event as a “teaching tool” for Windrush history. Local Loss & Tributes: Tobago’s Neisha Roberts and her mother Irma were laid to rest after a stabbing and a later stroke, with a community walk against crime marking the grief. Food & Lifestyle: A Trinidad chef is behind “Spicy Man” pepper sauce storytelling abroad, bringing home flavours to Louisiana through family recipes and pop-up meals.

RCP Appointments: The Royal College of Physicians has named Dr Catherine Bryant and Dr Aruna Maharaj as new censors, with Dr Dan Furmedge stepping in as senior censor and VP for education and training from 1 August 2026. Children’s Authority Debt Cleared: Trinidad and Tobago’s Social Development Ministry regularized TT$17.88M in audited, unremitted statutory obligations owed by the Children’s Authority, after a review and funding push by Minister Vandana Mohit. Tobago Heritage Festival Preview: Tobago Festivals Commission event coordinator Lisa Arthur tees up the Tobago Heritage Festival opening under the theme “Leh We Tell De Story,” spotlighting storytelling, performances and tradition. Local Business & Food: Two companies say they’re open to talks about potential buyers for Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago’s dairy and juices business as the firm reviews its operations. Culture & Lifestyle: A UWI St Augustine food block ramen spot is bringing an automated ramen station to campus life, while a separate piece looks at how families can keep children safe during school vacation. International Spotlight: France’s ambassador welcomed T&T’s election to the UN Security Council, calling it a chance to amplify the Caribbean’s voice on issues like women, peace and security and AI regulation.

Remembering Olaive Burrowes Jones: A life story of pride, education, and music—Olaive Burrowes Jones died July 8, just weeks shy of her 86th birthday, with tributes highlighting her love of learning and piano. RCP leadership update: The Royal College of Physicians appointed Dr Catherine Bryant and Dr Aruna Maharaj as new censors, with Dr Dan Furmedge stepping in as senior censor/VP for education and training from August 1. Nestlé talks on the table: Two major regional food manufacturers say they’re open to discussions if Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago moves toward options like selling its dairy and juices business. Data centres debate: A fresh push for new AI/data-centre investment is met with calls for transparency and real public benefit—plus warnings not to repeat past “big announcement” mistakes. Local culture on the move: A ramen station opens at UWI St Augustine, bringing Korean-style convenience to campus life. Tobago Heritage Festival: Proverbs and oral traditions take centre stage again, keeping Tobago’s cultural language alive through performances and theatre. International spotlight: France’s ambassador welcomed T&T’s UN Security Council election, praising the country’s “cultural powerhouse” voice. Community life: Market Day in Sangre Grande aims to revive bartering spirit and support households facing economic pressure.

T&T–France Diplomacy: At Bastille Day events, T&T signalled deeper cooperation with France on renewable energy, maritime services, infrastructure, digital transformation and even football, alongside shared priorities like women, peace and security and AI regulation. Tobago Heritage Festival: The Tobago Heritage Festival spotlighted the wisdom of proverbs, reviving a tradition used for emphasis and commentary through performances. Culture & Learning: UTT and NCIC renewed their MoU to push work in Indian history, local music archiving, and entrepreneurial support in East Indian sectors. Arts in Focus: The QRC Art Legacy exhibition “Honouring Our Foundations: Generations of Art” runs 22–30 July at NAPA, celebrating Queen’s Royal College’s creative heritage. Sports & Community: The T&T Women’s 3×3 squad gears up for the Dominican Republic challenge, while SM Jaleel returns as CPL paint partner with a big “Ultimate Fan” prize push. Travel Ease: Spain granted visa-free short stays to citizens of nine CARICOM nations including Trinidad and Tobago. Local Economy Watch: Farmers are seeking urgent talks with the PM over Nestlé uncertainty and fears about milk collection. International Spotlight: A British landlady was shot dead in T&T while on holiday, with police still working to establish a motive.

AI & Water Concerns: Trinidad and Tobago’s government says environmental worries about proposed US-backed AI data centres are “premature,” after MOUs were signed—while critics point to electricity and water stress. Education & Culture: UTT and NCIC renewed their MoU to deepen work in Indian history, local music archiving, and East Indian entrepreneurship. Sports & Pride: NAAATT chief Jehu Gordon hailed T&T’s 19-medal NACAC haul, with Eden Chee Wah among the standouts. Tobago Heritage: A feature looks at how Tobago’s Cultural Heritage lives on through dance, spotlighting festival traditions. Soca Legacy: Tributes continue for Oscar B, the Byron Lee and the Dragonaires lead singer, laid to rest after complications from a May stroke. Travel & Lifestyle: Caribbean Airlines adds 72 extra flights and 7,656 seats to boost the Trinidad–Tobago airbridge for peak events like the Tobago Heritage Festival and The Great Race. International Mobility: Spain grants visa-free short stays to citizens of nine CARICOM nations including T&T. Public Safety: Trinidad and Tobago’s public sex offender website has been offline for months, showing a 404 error.

Soca & Community Tributes: Tobago’s soca icon Oscar B (Oscar Dennis Benjamin) was laid to rest July 13 as family and friends remembered his legacy as lead singer of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Sports Pride: NAAATT secretary Jehue Gordon hailed T&T’s 19-medal haul at the NACAC U-18/U-23 track and field championships in Mexico, led by Eden Chee Wah. Judicial Appointments: Attorney H. R. Ian Roach was sworn in as a member of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission. Tobago Heritage Through Dance: A look at how Tobago Heritage Festival dances reflect French, British and African influences, with former dancer Bindley Benjamin. Disability Inclusion at Work: THA staff and private employers trained on recruiting and supporting people with disabilities, with UNDP guidance on real workplace inclusion. Air Travel Boost: Caribbean Airlines adds 72 flights and 7,656 seats to the Trinidad–Tobago airbridge for July/August peak, timed for Tobago Heritage Festival and The Great Race. Culture on Stage: Near West Theatre teens tackle Ragtime, bringing a challenging early-1900s musical to local audiences. AI & Water Concerns: Tertiary Education Minister Prakash Persad says environmental worries about proposed AI data centres are “premature,” while agreements move forward. Public Safety: A British pub landlady, Elaine McGowan, was shot dead in Trincity; police continue hunting the gunman.

Caribbean Music & Diaspora: Beres Hammond is set to bring “A Night of Caribbean Joy” to Atlanta on Aug. 16, with Trinidad’s Kes the Band joining the bill—another big reminder of how soca and reggae keep crossing borders. Local Air Travel & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines will add 72 extra flights (7,656 seats) on the Trinidad–Tobago air bridge from July 16 to Aug. 31, timed for Tobago’s Heritage Festival and Great Race season. Culture & Community: Calypso Rose was honoured at Lincoln Centre in New York during CC-CADI’s Afri-Carnaval, celebrating decades of Trinidad and Tobago music reaching international audiences. Arts & Heritage: Remembering Oscar B in Tobago after his funeral drew hundreds, with tributes highlighting his “island-born” soca butterfly legacy. Public Health: A breast cancer piece argues breast self-exams aren’t enough on their own anymore—women should embrace broader “breast awareness” and screening. Governance & Debate: TUCO president Ainsley King retains office amid concerns over election process and member welfare. Tech & Policy: Government pushes back on criticism over proposed AI data centres, with officials saying risks will be managed.

E-Passports Rollout: Trinidad and Tobago will launch e-passports from early 2027, with a gradual shift away from machine-readable passports and a simpler upload/scan process that avoids long Immigration Division queues. Travel & Tourism Boost: Caribbean Airlines adds 72 extra domestic flights (7,656 seats) for July/August peak travel, timed for Tobago’s major events like the Tobago Heritage Festival and The Great Race. Beauty & Leadership: The search begins for Miss World T&T, with organisers stressing confidence-building, leadership and opportunity for young women beyond pageantry. Tobago Airport Update: Transport Minister Eli Zakour says an opening date for the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal has been set, but won’t be released yet. Culture in the Classroom: UTT makes a History and Culture of T&T foundation course compulsory for new undergrads starting September 2026, aiming to deepen identity and heritage knowledge. Healthcare Partnership: UWI and NWRHA team up to shape a more resilient healthcare future through stronger medical education, research and clinical services. Youth Safety Push: TTPS highlights practical safety education and community engagement to help young people make informed choices. Sports Spotlight: T&T athletes shine at NACAC in Mexico, including Eden Chee Wah’s Under-18 200m gold and other medal wins across sprints and jumps. Opinion on Decolonising: Commentaries continue to challenge colonial mindsets and argue for reclaiming cultural lenses in how society is understood and taught.

UTT Culture Education: University of Trinidad and Tobago is making a History and Culture of T&T foundation course compulsory for new undergrads starting September, aiming to deepen identity and move beyond “dates and exams.” Pan & Parang Year-Round: St Francois Girls’ College Support Committee’s “Pan on D Hill” concert put parang and steelpan front and centre, pushing the message that culture should be enjoyed all year, not only at Christmas or Carnival. Tobago Safety Push: Tobago House of Assembly says the Tobago Marine Parks Bill is still awaiting final enactment, while jet ski operators continue entering bathing areas—after a fatal Pigeon Point collision involving a child. NACAC Track Highlights: Eden Chee Wah grabbed Under-18 200m gold for T&T in Mexico, with more medals rolling in as regional rivals battled at NACAC. Community & Heritage: President Christine Kangaloo marked the Tackveeyatul Islamic Association’s 100th anniversary, praising its long-running education work and character-building focus. Relief for Venezuela: Concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago distributed US$20,000 in earthquake relief supplies to displaced families in Caracas and La Guaira. Sports Finals: Club Sando and UTT set for the WoLF final after dominant semifinal wins.

Culture & Community: Pan and parang fans got a year-round reminder at the St Francois Girls’ College “Pan on D Hill” concert, with steelbands and parang acts drawing alumni, students and families to keep the music alive beyond Christmas. Education & Inclusion: President Christine Kangaloo marked TIA’s 100 years of Islamic service, praising its schools for shaping character and critical thinking, while the CSO prepares for the 2027 census with stronger inclusion for persons with disabilities and migrant communities. Tech, Policy & Environment: Trinidad and Tobago signed MOUs with U.S. firms to pave the way for major AI data centres, but activists and netizens are raising alarms about energy use and environmental impact. Safety & Youth: Tobago’s Marine Park Bill is still awaiting final enactment, as jet skis reportedly continue near bathing areas after a fatal collision at Pigeon Point. Sports Spotlight: Janae De Gannes struck NACAC gold in the U-23 long jump, and T&T’s SEA results continue to fuel debate on performance gaps. Public Life: A new regional biometric data-sharing partnership links DHS and CARICOM security for cross-border vetting.

Steelpan & Police Tension: Silver Stars pannists faced arrests after a clash with TTPS during Tribe’s band launch, reigniting debate about respect, authority and how pan culture is policed. Youth & Arts Spotlight: Kaelyn Ramsaran, 17, is balancing theatre training, mas design plans and a film role while keeping her arts path open. Christmas in July (Parang): NPATT’s “Parang Under the Stars” returns July 25 at St Michael’s, bringing mid-year holiday cheer to parang lovers. Business & Lifestyle: Balloon Botanica turns a side hustle into bespoke balloon-and-floral gifting, showing how creativity can become a local market. Sports Pride: Eden Chee Wah set a new junior 400m mark at NACAC, while T&T swimmers also posted strong results at the short course champs. Governance & Trust: Corruption probes in T&T keep dragging on with high costs and little closure, while PNM rejects a Balisier House funding probe as political persecution. Regional Economy: T&T signed MoUs for US data centres at Point Lisas, with critics warning about energy use and environmental impact.

Youth & Arts Spotlight: Seventeen-year-old Kaelyn Ramsaran is already building a serious creative path—Lilliput Children’s Theatre alum, set to design for Trinidad All Stars Steelband Sailor Mas 2027, and cast in Camp Studios’ upcoming film Princess of Steel. Outdoor Tragedy: A 52-year-old hiker, Renold Ramdial of Princes Town, died after collapsing on the Blanchisseuse trail; police sources suggest a possible heart attack. Design for Daily Life: A local piece pushes back on the idea that interior design is only for the wealthy, arguing good layout and storage are practical wellbeing tools. Steelpan & Community Culture: Generations of Steel announces a revised lineup after three headline steel orchestras withdrew over sponsorship disbursement delays, with refunds offered. Regional Culture & Music: Blue Mountain Village’s Reggae on the Mountain returns July 24–26 with JUNO winner Kirk Diamond and T&T-based Freetown Collective. CARICOM Focus: CARICOM leaders meet in Saint Lucia, with communiqués and reflections marking the 53rd anniversary of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Policy & Society: The Prison Service says it’s shifting from incarceration to corrections and rehabilitation. Tech & Environment Debate: T&T signs MOUs with U.S. firms to pave the way for large data centers, drawing concerns about energy use and environmental impact. Sports Loss: Former West Indies and T&T youth cricketer Aaron Ragoonath dies, prompting tributes across the cricket community.

Human Rights & Justice: Houston witnesses say ICE’s account of the fatal shooting of Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is “simply false,” alleging agents fired from the sides and that no officer was positioned in front of the van. Local Governance & Community Safety: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service recruitment drive delays are blamed on certificate-of-character backlogs and machine failures, with applicants reporting long queues and uneven processing across stations. Culture & Heritage: Tributes poured in for calypso legend Mighty Sparrow as he marked his 91st birthday, while coverage also highlights Theodora Walter’s Theosophical roots and influence on Trinidadian art. Sports & Youth: Trinidad and Tobago athletes struck gold at the NACAC U18/U23 Championships in Mexico, including Mekhi Guischard-Yearwood’s 100m win and Lalenii Grant’s discus title. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders outlined measures to ease cost of living, including fuel and freight adjustments and plans for a regional ferry service. Travel & Lifestyle: Caribbean Airlines launched limited September fare deals for Trinidad–Barbados.

Steelpan to the world: MITTCO is using the Trade and Investment Conference to showcase steelpan craftsmanship, open new markets (including India), and push youth into pan-making as a real career. US-T&T health partnership: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised a U.S. Southern Command dental and veterinary mission, with joint training and free services delivered across Trinidad. Venezuela quake solidarity: Trinidad and Tobago sent over 300 tons of humanitarian supplies to Venezuela, including water, gloves, medical gowns, food and hygiene items. Tobago culture spotlight: TFCL named 10 finalists for the Tobago Heritage Festival Calypso Monarch 2026 finals under “Leh We Tell De Whole Story.” Local sport loss: Former West Indies and national cricketer Aaron Ragoonath has died, prompting tributes across the cricket community. Community safety watch: A woman was charged with the stabbing murder of Chaguanas businessman Gregory Reece. Public concern: Search continues after reports of a baby’s body seen floating in the Marabella river. Broadband push: TATT launched new broadband access in Navet to expand opportunities for homes and small businesses. Regional cost-of-living: CARICOM leaders outlined measures like fuel and freight relief, consumer protection and a faster push for a regional ferry service.

Culture Workers Under Fire: Opposition MP Hans Des Vignes says Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural sector is being disrespected, citing delayed payments, funding uncertainty and poor treatment of pan players. CARICOM Cost-of-Living Push: CARICOM leaders in St Lucia backed a plan to use Trinidad and Tobago’s state vessel as a temporary inter-regional cargo ferry to cut shipping costs while a permanent system is developed. Regional Legal Fight: CARICOM has agreed to seek a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion on the procedural legality of the CARICOM Secretary-General’s re-election. Sports & Youth Development: T&T youngsters from the JDS Cricket Academy head to Barbados for an eight-day developmental tour focused on tactics and mental strength. SEA Spotlight: “Master Ethan” Ramlakhansingh earns near-perfect SEA results and is praised as much for kindness as for performance. Arts & Heritage Loss: Calypso fraternity mourns two veteran entertainers in one week, including Bill Trotman. Science With Local Pride: Scientists report a possible new deep-sea octopus species discovered in T&T waters during a research expedition. Food Culture: A feature looks at the ritual of doubles in T&T and how Caribbean food experiences are becoming travel drivers.