AGP Executive Report

Community Safety & Justice: NCIC is urging politicians and media to stop using race, religion and culture to divide Trinidad and Tobago, calling for dialogue and a reinstated Race Relations Committee. Healthier Living in Schools: The Education Ministry says it’s pushing healthier food choices and reducing sugary drinks in school cafeterias, citing childhood obesity as a growing concern. Coastal Care: Government will continue funding the annual International Coastal Clean-Up with a $121,000 subvention, supporting logistics, training and public education. Youth & Culture: TalentPot Kids Talent Competition crowned its first-ever winner, 12-year-old Tafari Lalitte, with top young performers across pan, percussion, drama and more. Sports Spotlight: Shaniqua Bascombe narrowly missed the T&T women’s 200m record with a 22.26 run, while Soca Warriors Beyond the Court is bringing football energy into basketball and mentorship for ages 13–18. Local Arts & Identity: Mud Mandir in Couva highlights a living link to T&T’s indentured past, with ongoing worship and preservation of the site.

Environment & Community: Planning Minister Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh says Trinidad and Tobago will keep funding the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) with a $121,000 subvention, coordinated locally by CNIRD with government, private sector and NGOs. Weather Watch: A tropical wave and trough bring morning rains and afternoon downpours with thunderstorms, while Saharan dust keeps skies gray and hot conditions persist—extra care urged for children, pregnant women and the elderly. Sports & Culture: Shadab Khan’s blistering 52 off 20 powers Antigua & Barbuda Falcons past Trinbago Knight Riders in a CPL thriller, while Massy Finance Remittances and Republic Bank link up with CPL for a three-year partnership. Social Cohesion: NCIC warns politicians and media against using race, religion and culture to divide; it calls for dialogue and the return of the Race Relations Committee. Arts & Identity Abroad: Brooklyn Public Library opens “Journey of a Soca King” to celebrate Machel Montano, with exhibits and programming running across the borough. Local Life & Safety: Police investigate after a newborn was found in a box in South Oropouche; the case shifts as a woman later claims the baby as her own. Independence & Expression: The Art Society launches “ID,” an Independence-themed exhibition exploring what it means to be Trinidadian and Tobagonian. Health & Nature: UTT PhD candidate Aimee Boisselle uses underwater sound research to study manatees and support conservation. Business & Tourism: Trade mission heads to Canada with nearly 25 companies aiming to connect, export and attract investment, with a Trinbago Festival stop in Toronto.

Cultural Heritage: Mud Mandir in Couva—also called Se­wala Mandir—keeps alive an indentured East Indian legacy, with its mud-and-cow-dung structure dating to the 1920s (some say as far back as the 1860s) and carved Ramayana reliefs still drawing worshippers and visitors. Birth & Wellness Story: Mariel D’Ornellas’ home-room delivery in Antigua is told as a calm, empowering birthing journey with a tailored playlist, a supportive midwife, and a “no movie panic” approach. Sports & Youth: T&T’s junior cyclists shone at the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Champs in Belize, led by Ella-Marie Young’s gold in the Women’s U19 time trial. Community & Safety Debate: Mixed views continue around the police post initiative, with critics questioning whether new placements favour political areas. Nature & Research: Aimee Boisselle’s PhD work listens for manatees using underwater soundscapes to help guide conservation. Fashion & Identity: Saleem Samuel’s “Love Country” swimwear turns Trinidad and Tobago’s flag colours into a patriotic, modern beachwear line. Arts & Independence: The Art Society’s “ID” exhibition spotlights national identity through 38 works by 29 artists ahead of Independence celebrations. International Trade: T&T businesses head to Canada for a Beyond Borders trade and investment mission, with a Trinbago Festival stop to showcase culture and tourism. Independence Prep: A new reflection piece ties education to nation-building as CSEC and CAPE results land.

Carnival & Culture: A Grenada wrap-up sparked fresh debate on Carnival 2026’s “bikini and beads” shift, with critics saying it’s copy-paste, less story-driven, and increasingly sexualised—raising questions about what Caribbean mas is becoming. CCJ & Governance: A public stir over leaked private CCJ judge–president emails has prompted calls for careful, sensitive handling as the court’s supporters push back on “dirty linen” being aired in public. Soca & Diaspora Spotlight: Brooklyn Public Library is launching “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition” for Machel Montano (opening Aug. 22), while WIADCA names Kees Dieffenthaller and Buju Banton honorary grand marshals for New York Caribbean Carnival Week. Steelpan & Community: Pan on D’Avenue XII appears headed back on after cancellation—new sponsors are stepping in as organisers scramble to meet funding and infrastructure needs. Local Life & Safety: Police are investigating the abandonment of a newborn baby girl found in a cardboard box in South Oropouche; the mother has been identified and the Children’s Authority is involved. Youth, Education & Wellbeing: Tobago’s youth empowerment push continues with a new foundation for young people living with chronic illness, and secondary school principals complete leadership training ahead of the 2026–2027 year. Sports: Kafele De Sormeaux bowed out at the UCI Junior Track Worlds after a 1/16 finals loss; T&T women’s volleyball opened NORCECA with a straight-sets defeat by the USA.

Steelpan & Independence Culture: Pan on D’Avenue XII has been cancelled after organisers couldn’t secure enough funding and infrastructure for the August 30 Steelpan celebration, though talks are ongoing to revive it if government or corporate support steps in. Music With a Message: Tobago Youth Secretary Keigon De Denoon urges TriniBad artistes to use their music to promote positivity, backing restrictions on violent lyrics while calling for spaces for uplifting dancehall. Independence Parade Scrutiny: The EMA says it found no breach in Queen’s Park Savannah works for Independence Day, after concerns were raised about temporary ramps and Bailey bridges. Youth, Health & Support: A new Youth Empowerment for Chronic Illness Foundation was launched in Tobago to back young people facing chronic conditions and bullying. Education Leadership: Secondary school principals complete intensive training to strengthen school management and translate education priorities into results. Child Protection Numbers: The Children’s Authority reports 2,700 child abuse and maltreatment reports in Jan–July 2026, down 11.9% from 2025. Soca on the Global Stage: Machel Montano’s “Journey of a Soca King” exhibition opens in Brooklyn Public Library, and Kees Dieffenthaller and Buju Banton were named honorary grand marshals for New York Caribbean Carnival Week. Sport & Pride: T&T’s women’s volleyball team opens NORCECA Continental Championship with a straight-sets loss to the USA, while cyclist Kafele De Sormeaux exits the men’s sprint round-of-32.

UTT & Arts: University of Trinidad and Tobago will still honour writer-artist Willi Chen with a posthumous honorary doctorate at its November graduation, with board chair Prof Selwyn Cudjoe calling him a “true Trini” and praising his generosity. Teachers & Education: TTUTA is pushing Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo to meet over outstanding salary arrears, while also warning that crippled Student Support Services is driving CSEC and CAPE exam absenteeism. Culture & Media: Trinidad-produced reality series Carnival Catwalk wins Best Entertainment Programme Television at the 57th CBU Awards, with the show now airing in the US on Peacock. Carnival & Community: Pan on D’Avenue XII is cancelled due to funding and infrastructure gaps, though organisers say it could return if support comes through. Sports & Youth: Trinidad’s Calypso Spikers begin NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship/Olympic qualifiers today, while CCS football youngsters gain overseas experience through trips to Panama and New York. Public Life: Bomb threats disrupted multiple courts and government sites, but Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says the Independence Day Parade will proceed as planned. Children & Care: Children’s Authority gets another $2.66m to keep foster care and child protection services running.

Sports & Culture: The Calypso Spikers begin their Senior NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship and Olympic qualifiers today, opening Group A against the USA, with Canada and Mexico also in the mix as T&T leans on a newer core from the Under-23 programme. Local Sports: Tobago Beach Volleyball crowned new Open champions at Turtle Beach, with Daniel and Enil taking the men’s title and Daniel/Enil’s win coming after tough semis. Arts & Heritage: UTT will honour celebrated artist William “Willi” Chen with a posthumous honorary doctorate at its November graduation, remembering his cross-genre impact on Trinidad and Tobago’s creative life. Education & Youth: Naresa Rampath of Naparima Girls charts her own route to success after eight Grade Ones at CAPE, while Bishop’s High School student Xzehanny Hazel earns ten Grade Ones. Public Life & Safety: Independence Day Parade will proceed as planned despite bomb threats to 11 locations, including magistrates’ courts. Community & Institutions: Children’s Authority gets another $2.66m for foster care and child protection obligations, and TTPS renews partnerships with UWI and USC to boost training and capacity. International Spotlight: Brooklyn Public Library opens “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition” celebrating Machel Montano. Sports Tourism Push: Minister Phillip Watts says a national sport tourism policy is headed to Cabinet to turn T&T’s facilities and culture into revenue. Travel Admin: 8,000 new passport booklets arrive early, but delays and a backlog are expected to continue. Sports Tragedy: Dwayne Quamina, Trinidad-born “King Q” and Navy veteran, dies at 40 weeks after an eerie social media message.

Education & Youth: CXC is flagging a major absenteeism problem after more than 35,000 secondary students skipped CAPE and CSEC exams—3,534 for CAPE and 32,403 for CSEC—warning that absent candidates lose grading opportunities. Teachers & Labour: TTUTA says the Ministry of Education “dropped the ball” on school repairs ahead of September 7 reopening, while NUGFW reports wage back-pay for about 20,000 daily-rated workers is finally moving after Cabinet ratified a 10% agreement. Tobago Carnival & Music: Tobago Promoters Association says the Carnival song restriction targets lyrics that promote violent content or gang affiliation, not any specific genre. Community & Inclusion: Lady Hochoy Home is expanding from education for children with learning disabilities into poultry and agriculture to build employment readiness and independence. Sports & Culture: CPL Schoolyard kicked off across Saint Lucia and Jamaica, putting nearly 100 kids into cricket coaching with CPL players and back-to-school kits. Remembering: Trinidad-born bodybuilder Dwayne “King Q” Quamina died at 40, days after competing in Atlanta. Public Safety & Policing: TTPS renewed partnerships with UWI and USC to boost education, research and professional development for policing.

Education & Schools: TTUTA says the Ministry of Education “dropped the ball” on school repairs ahead of the Sept 7 reopening, with Tobago also raising concerns about arrears and facilities not being ready. Workers’ Rights: NUGFW expects wage payments to be in the pipeline after Cabinet ratified a 10% wage agreement, but workers are still anxious over outstanding backpay. Tobago Carnival Safety: Tobago Promoters Association says the Carnival music restriction targets songs promoting violent gang culture—not any specific genre—after talks with police on keeping the festival safe. Women’s Cricket: T&T’s Rising Stars Under-19 Women won the regional title and now need “elite-level support” as they transition into a CWI high-performance camp in Antigua. Culture & Community: The African Women’s Association runs a heritage-focused vacation camp in Belmont to keep African traditions alive through games, etiquette, and life skills. Sports Spotlight: Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews sweep ICC Player of the Month awards for July, marking a rare West Indies double. Human Trafficking: Three people were charged in Tobago after “Operation Iceberg,” including allegations involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

CPL & Cricket Culture: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop have been confirmed as the inaugural inductees into the new CPL Hall of Fame, with the Hall of Fame Gala Dinner set for 15 September in Barbados and proceeds going to the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation’s prostate cancer work. Youth Sports Pathways: The Republic Bank CPL Schoolyard programme kicked off with coaching sessions in Saint Lucia and Jamaica, giving nearly 100 children cricket training plus back-to-school book bags. Regional Talent Pipeline: Cricket West Indies has named 22 Under-19 women for a high-performance camp in Antigua, including seven from Trinidad and Tobago, as the squad transitions straight from the Rising Stars tournament into World Cup preparation. Education & Exams: TTUTA and Education Secretary Orlando Kerr say there are no major issues with CSEC/CAPE results access, urging students to treat results as one step in their journey. Literature & Identity: V.S. Naipaul’s legacy is set to be celebrated at the annual memorial at NALIS, exploring his “Mothering” theme through writers, performers, academics and family. Arts & Community: Hurvin Anderson’s Tate Britain retrospective highlights Caribbean migration and colonial legacies through recurring motifs like water, plant life and barbershops. Church & Culture: Updates on Catholic and Orthodox church developments in Trinidad and Tobago continue to draw attention to local religious life.

Education & Exams: TTUTA and Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath say there are no major issues with CSEC and CAPE results access, despite social media chatter, as students are urged to treat results as one step in their journey. Academic & Sports Spotlight: Naparima College student Reginald Mohammed celebrates five CAPE distinctions after winning bronze at the International Chemistry Olympiad—balancing top grades with violin and club leadership. Culture & Community: Couva Carnival Committee hands out cash prizes and trophies for 2026 winners, praising the event as a launchpad for young talent. Local Travel & Heritage: Woodland residents and guides highlight the South Oropouche wetland’s hidden beauty—misty mornings, mangroves, islands and birds—while acknowledging flooding and neglect. Arts & Diaspora: Zak Ové’s monumental figures are set to arrive at The Sherborne in Dorset this September, spotlighting African diaspora resilience. International Recognition: West Indies’ Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews win ICC Player of the Month awards for July, marking a rare double for the region. Youth & Jobs: The Blue Economy Youth Empowerment Project targets fisheries and maritime skills, with demand rising as Trinidad and Tobago looks to new ocean-based opportunities. Global Stage for T&T: Trinidad and Tobago will host Miss India Worldwide and Miss Global International pageants in October, with organisers calling for community support to boost tourism and visibility.

Steelpan & Community: Tobago’s Buccooneers kicked off Steelpan Month with a Sunday School-style steel orchestra night, bringing Katzenjammers and Tobago Pan-thers together to share the national instrument with locals and visitors. Cricket & Youth Development: Cricket West Indies named 22 Under-19 women for a High-Performance camp in Antigua (Aug 17–29), with seven players from Trinidad & Tobago’s title-winning Rising Stars squad. West Indies in the Spotlight: Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews won ICC Player of the Month awards for July, giving the West Indies a rare double. Culture & Arts: Sharon Rowley debuted her acrylic work “Beyond the Blue Shutters” in Barbados, turning a lifelong love of art into a public exhibition. Local Lifestyle: A feature on Trinidadian music therapy highlights how board-certified practitioners are using music to support children and adults with social, emotional and mental wellbeing needs. T&T in the Diaspora: Brooklyn will host the first Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day Parade on Aug. 30, with steelpan, food and family activities on Flatbush Avenue. Sports Culture: CPL confirmed Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as the inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, to be honoured at a Sept. 15 gala in Barbados.

Arts & Personal Triumph: Sharon Rowley trades the courtroom for canvas, debuting her acrylic work “Beyond the Blue Shutters” in Barbados after years of nurturing her creative side. Music Therapy: Martina Chow-Antoine, one of T&T’s few board-certified music therapists, is using sound to support children and adults with social, emotional and mental health needs. Tobago Governance: IDA is pressing THA for answers on why Tobago’s planned Aug. 10 autonomy convention never happened, calling it a pattern of grand promises without follow-through. Regional Justice Explained: A fresh look at the CCJ breaks down what the court does for Caricom states and why misunderstandings keep spreading. Interior Design With Impact: Toni Crockett SuratSingh says good design can change how people live, blending creativity with problem-solving. Crime & Safety: Police say two men were killed in a La Romaine raid after officers encountered suspects allegedly armed with firearms. Cricket & Women’s Sport: T&T Women win the CWI Rising Stars Under-19 title, then CWI names 22 players for a High-Performance camp in Antigua. Steelpan & Community: Tobago’s Buccoo Sunday School steelpan sessions kick off Steelpan Month with visiting panyards. Soca in Brooklyn: Machel Montano’s “Journey of a Soca King” exhibition opens Aug. 22 at Brooklyn Public Library. Independence Abroad: T&T’s first Brooklyn Independence Day Parade heads to Flatbush Avenue on Aug. 30 with steelpan, food and family activities.

Cricket Glory: Trinidad and Tobago Women are crowned CWI Rising Stars Under-19 champions, dethroning Barbados by six wickets in Antigua after a flawless six-match run. Steelband Culture: PanTrinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore blasts police handling of the Silver Stars clash at the TRIBE band launch, arguing officers lacked understanding of steelband culture. Local Arts & Literature: Friends of Mr Biswas marks VS Naipaul’s Aug. 17 birthday with “Mothering” at NALIS, exploring his links to “Moth­er Trinidad,” “Moth­er England” and “Moth­er India.” Community Health: The Ayana S. Dyette Foundation hosts a free Pap Party with Pap smears at Bishop’s Anstey High School East in Trincity. Energy Policy: Govt says it will restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, aiming to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Music & Events: T&T hosts the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on Sept. 19 at NAPA, bringing the region’s stars to Port of Spain. Sports Abroad: England-born T&T goalkeeper Simone Eligon signs with QPR Women ahead of the new FA Women’s National League season. Diaspora Culture: Brooklyn Public Library prepares “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition” celebrating Machel Montano, opening Aug. 22.

Steelband & policing tensions: PanTrinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore hit out at police handling after the July 4 Silver Stars clash at TRIBE, saying officers “should not be a police officer” if they don’t understand steelband culture. Local governance & energy jobs: Govt plans to restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, aiming to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Literature & legacy: Friends of Mr Biswas marks VS Naipaul’s birthday with a “Mothering” memorial at NALIS, exploring his links to Trinidad, England and India. Health & women’s support: Ayana S. Dyette Foundation held a Pap Party with free pap smears at Bishop’s Anstey High School East. Culture & music industry: Pan Trinbago announced a Trinidad and Tobago steelpan Geographical Indication (GI) Board to protect and certify authentic T&T steelpans. Cricket (youth women): Trinidad and Tobago dethroned Barbados to win the CWI Rising Stars U19 Women’s title in Antigua by six wickets. Sports (powerboats): Great Race powerboats battled rough seas; Heatwave took “First to Tobago” and the 80mph class. Arts & events: T&T will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on Sept 19 at NAPA, with the Elite Weekend Experience bringing regional and diaspora talent.

Steelpan & Culture: Pan Trinbago announced a Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Geographical Indication (GI) Board to protect and certify authentic local steelpans, while a World Steelpan Day reflection spotlights how pan can turn global recognition into lasting social and economic value. Arts & Community: T&T will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on Sept. 19 at NAPA, bringing regional artistes and industry figures to Port of Spain under “Sounds of the Caribbean.” Remembering Willi Chen: Tributes followed the death of playwright, poet and cultural judge Willi Chen (1932–2026), praised for lifting standards and nurturing generations of artists. Cricket (Rising Stars): Trinidad and Tobago dethroned Barbados to win the CWI Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 title by six wickets in Antigua, finishing unbeaten. Sport (Great Race): Despite a yellow alert and rough seas, Heatwave and Track Heatwave delivered standout Trinidad-to-Tobago powerboat wins, with several boats unable to finish. Safety & Lifestyle: Siparia residents joined a peace walk as police declared Sennon Village and environs a “no crime zone,” pairing community pledges with added police presence. Education Support: Book grant payments for vulnerable families are expected to begin around Aug. 24 ahead of the Sept. 7 school reopening.