AGP Executive Report

Bocas Couva Festival: “All Together Now” stays centre stage for Bocas Couva 2026 on 18 July at Lisas Gardens, with a new plan for four community one-day literary and cultural festivals across T&T—bringing home-grown writers and performers to local audiences. Music & Culture: Fête de la Musique 2026 drew more than 450 people to Sound Forge in Port of Spain, celebrating France–T&T cultural ties with 12 groups and 75 artistes. STEM Push: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath unveiled plans to expand STEM through digital tech, robotics and AI, spotlighting a national FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament. Public Debate on Identity: The “one per cent” label remains under scrutiny, with faith leaders urging the conversation stay grounded in law, fairness and respect. Legal & Security: Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve and relative Star Sabga face detention orders tied to alleged conspiracy to assassinate government officials, as a judge seeks legal clarification on the basis for their custody. Tobago & Soca Loss: Tobago Soca star Oscar B (Oscar Benjamin) has died at 57, days before a planned healing concert.

AI Governance: Criminologist-turned-AI policy professor Renée Cummings is drafting GOVERN™, a blueprint urging Trinidad and Tobago organisations to build responsible AI readiness from the inside out. Human Rights & Due Process: A column argues courts must remain the final check on the State’s emergency powers, pointing to the case of unlawful detention and the cost of overreach. Community Debate: Guardian Media revisits T&T’s “one per cent” label tied to the Syrian-Lebanese community, with faith leaders warning the phrase must stay grounded in law, fairness and respect. Social Protection: People’s Social Development Minister Vandana Mohit says the under-construction assessment centre and temporary housing facility for the socially displaced is being reviewed under the new administration. Public Safety: Saharan dust is easing, but officials still warn beachgoers about lingering air quality and rough seas. Local Sports: The National Open and Junior Track and Field Championships delivered record moments, including Tessica Laurence’s new T&T women’s pole vault mark. STEM & Youth: NIHERST hosts its inaugural FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament, aiming to position T&T as a regional STEM hub. Business & Culture: An entrepreneur turns Caribbean identity into products—from flag-inspired handbags to humour-led card games—aimed at locals and the diaspora. Detention Probe: Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve, and Star Sabga remain in custody amid a conspiracy-to-murder investigation tied to search warrants and PDOs.

Michael Jackson anniversary fallout: A new report revisits Dr Conrad Murray’s life in Sunrise, Florida—portraying the physician convicted in Jackson’s death as seemingly unbothered nearly two decades later. Sports & race talk: Trinidad Chambliss pushes back on LSU’s Lane Kiffin over claims about Black recruits at Ole Miss, insisting the Oxford community is “nothing but love.” Hadeed probe: Police are expected to sign preventive detention orders under the state of emergency for businessman Dominic Hadeed, his wife Geneviève, and relative Star Sabga, tied to a national security investigation. STEM for youth: NIHERST launches its FIRST Tech Challenge “Decode,” with 12–18-year-olds building and programming robots, as the institute aims to become a regional STEM hub. Regional diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM foreign ministers meet in Panama, endorsing a results-focused action plan on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Tobago airport makeover: THA commits $10M to outfit ANR International’s terminal to showcase Tobago culture, after receiving no Central Government funding. Venezuela quake support: Activist Yessenia Gonzales urges T&T to halt deportations amid the Venezuela earthquake crisis, while a local pastor calls for donations of food and medicine for survivors. Gender-based violence debate: A Caribbean-focused piece traces GBV to colonial legacies and patriarchal norms, arguing for breaking the cycle in the 21st century. Arts & community reading: Arouca Soul Kitchen’s “Author Village” event brings families and local writers together to grow a culture of reading. Gospel music: Trinidad-born Anisa Fowler announces “Sing Hallelujah” for July 3, aiming to uplift listeners through faith and hope.

Mercury-Free Beauty Push: EcoWaste Coalition praised the Philippines’ cosmetics industry group for backing a mercury ban in skin-lightening products, calling it a major public health and environmental step. Police Accountability: Former PM Dr Keith Rowley used a Tobago funeral to call out alleged failures by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Jobs & Local Growth: Bill Gosling Outsourcing opened a purpose-built office in Trincity, creating 200 new roles and signalling further expansion. Tobago Culture at the Airport: THA says it will invest $10M to outfit the ANR International Airport terminal so Tobago’s first impressions reflect local culture. Literary Community Spotlight: Arouca’s Arouca Soul Kitchen (Author Village) hosts a community literary day to connect readers, writers, families and creatives. Faith & Relief: A Venezuelan pastor in Trinidad is rallying donations of food and medicine for earthquake survivors. Music & Faith: Trinidad-born gospel singer Anisa Fowler announces “Sing Hallelujah” for July 3. Sports Delegation: T&T’s 215-member team is set for the 2026 CAC Games in Santo Domingo. Health Watch: NCRHA chair Dr Tim Gopeesingh says he cut nursing overtime from $40M to under $4M while hiring more nurses.

Steelpan & Culture Funding: Pan Trinbago says it has received and handed over 2026 Steelpan Players’ Remittances (reported at $4,785,600), ending months of uncertainty for Panoroma participants. Arts & Performance: Calypsonian “Twiggy” Parks-Kojo marks 50 years of calypso excellence with a commemorative concert on 5 July, while Sargam The Band returns for “Sargam Echoes,” celebrating 20 years of Bollywood, Chutney and fusion on 27 June. Music & Carnival Energy: Grenada’s Skinny Banton pushes Jab culture with a 2026 seven-song run, including “The Jambalasse” project. Community & Belonging: World Refugee Day celebrations in Winkler spotlight resilience through personal stories and support services. Sports & National Pride: T&T swimmer Dylan Carter and TTOC Athletes’ Commission chair Kwani­eze John welcome the IOC’s new US$10,000 “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant.” Local Headlines: Two held after an attempted ATM backhoe robbery in Plymouth, Tobago; police also detain a third person in the Hadeed probe. Tobago Governance: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine signals possible future hiring freezes amid a tight wage bill. Law & Protest: LATT challenges the State of Emergency “no-protest zone” and the 500-metre limits around key state sites.

State of Emergency & protest rights: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago is challenging the “no-protest zone” and the extension of the State of Emergency, questioning why protests are barred within 500 metres of key state sites. Tobago jobs & budget pressure: Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says a hiring freeze may be coming as recurrent spending dominates a $4.12b budget request, with over 73% tied to day-to-day costs. Gangs debate: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles questions whether Government knew about a UK Home Office assessment estimating 186 gangs and linking organised crime to major violence, while Defence Minister Wayne Sturge points to past inaction. Venezuelan quake impact: Venezuelans in T&T watched in horror after back-to-back earthquakes devastated Caracas-area communities, with families praying and describing shortages in rescue capacity. Culture & community arts: “One Man and His Dog” returns in a reimagined production at Trinidad Theatre Workshop (June 27–28), revisiting post-colonial identity through theatre. Education & inclusion: A Ballroom, Latin and Group Dance competition marked a decade of youth participation and inclusion, with special schools joining mainstream students. Sports spotlight: Seannah Parsons won triple jump silver at the New Balance Nationals, while multiple T&T athletes posted strong results across US meets. Music & heritage: Skinny Banton brings Grenada’s Jab culture to the frontline for Spicemas 2026 with a seven-song 2026 push, including a revamped “Jambalasse Rule.” Pan & education abroad: T&T filmmaker Adam Bartholomew graduates from Harvard and builds a pan legacy, now heading to Berklee Valencia for film scoring.

Tobago Development & Jobs: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says Tobago is entering a “new era,” but warns the THA may have to freeze future hirings as recurrent spending stays too high. Tobago Tourism & Skills: The THA budget push also points to expanding tourism, including boutique hotel investment, while REACH workshops in Tobago give micro-owners practical business management, marketing, and money skills. Culture & Inclusion: At Hasely Crawford Stadium, a Ballroom, Latin and Group Dance competition celebrated youth talent and inclusion, with special schools joining mainstream students. Local Stories, Global Reach: Brown Girl Tours spotlights Trinidad and Tobago through personal, story-led guiding, while I AM: The Gospel on Steel brings faith and steelpan together at Woodbrook Pentecostal Church on June 27–28. Community & Access: Disabled Peoples’ International’s Tobago chapter calls for stronger disability inclusion across education and workplaces. Public Safety & Society: Police executed search warrants tied to an ongoing investigation at the Hadeed home and business, and a social media activist known as “Jesus” was detained under preventive detention orders over alleged anti-Hindu posts. Regional News: Back-to-back earthquakes hit Venezuela, shaking Trinidad and Tobago and triggering emergency alerts in Aruba.

Crime & Security: Trinidad and Tobago’s government acknowledged a UK Home Office report estimating 180+ gangs operating nationwide, with groups linked to about a third of murders and concentrated around Port of Spain and the East-West Corridor—though experts say the document is meant for UK asylum assessments, not a verdict on T&T. Public Safety Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Nicholas Morris told the OAS in Panama that trafficking of firearms, narcotics and persons threatens national stability, while thanking Panama for T&T’s UN Security Council election win. Youth & Work: The Employers’ Consultative Association urged structured school-to-work training and even a study to track youth programme outcomes, arguing skills gaps and weak transitions leave young people underprepared. Food Culture & Health: A regional push targets ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools, while local interest in Korean kimchi continues to grow for its probiotic benefits. Community & Learning: Palmiste Government School marks progress after a 2023 fire with scholarships and support, and the Trinidad Lions Club plans a pancake breakfast and book sale to back food security. Arts & Entrepreneurship: A Caribbean leadership academy highlights women graduates building businesses and visibility across the region. Sports: Trinidad’s U20 women’s basketball team heads to the CAC Games in the Dominican Republic.

Caribbean Books Go Global: The Caribbean Collective brought eight territories’ authors and publishers to the Beijing International Book Fair, aiming to put regional stories on the world publishing map. Prison Rehabilitation Push: Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service renewed its COSTAATT partnership to strengthen correctional training and offender rehabilitation, shifting from punishment to long-term public safety. Youth Programme Scrutiny: Employers’ groups are calling for a study to track what government youth programmes actually deliver for skills and employability. Education Watch: TTUTA backs the return of Continuous Assessment Component in primary schools, but warns teacher training and staffing must be in place. Culture & Community: A workshop invites participants to build sculptures through masquerade—using craft and play to reclaim and subvert power. Public Safety & Crime: Police detained a businessman and wife after court-authorised searches in Westmoorings and Trincity, while another report details a Pleasantville murder. Regional Security Lens: A UK report says more than 180 gangs operate in Trinidad and Tobago, linking them to serious crime.

Public Service Spotlight: Minister Dominic Smith marked UN Public Service Day/Week, praising the “90,000-plus” public servants keeping T&T running across healthcare, education, security and tech. Culture & Governance: AG Wayne Munroe challenged the FNM to take court action over Cabinet appointments tied to the gaming industry, citing the Gaming Act’s conflict rules for ministers. Women’s Rights & Protest: CAFRA TT condemned the arrest of Labour Day activist Alyssa Phillip in Fyzabad, calling it a threat to freedom of expression and assembly and questioning why non–union members were allegedly blocked. Education Access: A UNICEF-supported Child Friendly Space case shows how fee charges can push refugee/migrant children out of school, with UNHCR estimating about 30,000 refugees/asylum-seekers in T&T, including many children. Local Community Life: Los Atajos in the Central Range is profiled as a cocoa-rooted, close-knit village where traditions and environment-focused values still shape daily life. Sports (Beach Soccer): T&T men beat the USA 5-3 in an international beach soccer friendly, as the women lost 12-3. Sustainability: EMA revived the Green Leaf Awards 2026, spotlighting private-sector sustainability champions.

Environment & Community: The EMA revived the Green Leaf Awards 2026, spotlighting Trinidad and Tobago’s private-sector sustainability push, from ESG champions to waste reduction and greenhouse-gas cuts. Local Governance: Tobago House of Assembly tabled a $4.12bn fiscal 2027 budget, pitching “results based governance” with recurrent and development spending targets. Public Health: Tobago health officials are examining a rise in gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV cases, as STI concerns keep growing among young people. Sports & Culture: T&T’s men’s beach soccer team beat the USA 5-3 in Venice, while the women’s side fell 12-3—another step for the country’s beach-soccer profile. Research & Aging: UWI researchers co-authored a landmark study on “positive ageing” among Indo-Caribbean communities in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Immigration & Travel: New UK guidance outlines when Trinidadians may qualify for asylum, including risks tied to gangs. Activism & Justice: Activist Alyssa Phillip and her mother return to court July 20 over Labour Day arrests, as legal pressure mounts around protest and police action. Safety & Crime Context: A UK assessment says more than 180 gangs operate in T&T, linking organised groups to a large share of murders.

Tech & Money Skills: Wiz­dom CRM says it has launched a Caribbean “Super AI Engine” to boost financial literacy and learning across the region, using multiple AI providers to tailor support for households and workers. Courts & Citizenship: USCIS has filed denaturalization actions targeting several Caribbean nationals, alleging concealment of serious offences during naturalization. Tobago Health: Tobago health officials are examining rising STI numbers, including gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV, and are pushing for sex education in schools to cut stigma and improve testing. Labour Day Activism: Alyssa Phillip and her mother Camille Caresquero will return to Siparia Magistrates’ Court on July 20 after their Labour Day arrests in Fyzabad; they were granted station bail. Sports & Culture: Dexter Browne’s new coffee-table book “Hauntingly Beautiful Women” spotlights global beauty and features Trinidad and Tobago’s three international queens together. Tourism (Tobago): The THA is investing $105.2m to grow eco-conscious community tourism and says direct flights from Toronto to Tobago are close. Sports Results: Imani Edwards-Taylor won a triple crown at the Arawak T&T Table Tennis Association Silver Bowl Senior Championship.

STI Surge in Tobago: Tobago health officials say gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV cases are rising, with more young men (20–29) showing up for testing; they’re pushing for comprehensive sex education in schools to reduce stigma and boost prevention. STEM for Kids: Tobago Information Technology Limited is running a hands-on STEM camp for ages 3 to 17, with tracks in coding/robotics, digital creativity and media—aimed at turning kids into creators, not just users. Labour Day Tensions: Trade unions are seeking senior legal advice after police arrests of activist Alyssa Phillip and her mother during Labour Day in Fyzabad, raising constitutional concerns. Police Accountability: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro defends officers’ use of force after a Police Complaints Authority report flagged 60 fatal police shootings in a year. Women’s Empowerment: A Trinidad-born entrepreneur is in Nevis delivering counselling sessions to help women build businesses and independence. Culture & Heritage: The Yoruba Village Drum Festival kicks off the Emancipation calendar with community drumming, lectures and a vendor push ahead of Emancipation Day. Sports Spotlight: Zahra Padia places fifth at the IPF World Powerlifting Championships, while local track and field crowns include Aaron Charles’ 200m win and Keshorn Walcott’s javelin title.

Labour Day Rights Clash: Trinidad and Tobago’s trade union movement (NATUC and JTUM) is seeking senior counsel after police arrested and detained activist Alyssa Phillip and her mother during the Labour Day procession in Fyzabad, while the TTPS says officers acted because her group joined without authorisation. Gun Violence in Pleasantville: A 73-year-old stroke victim, Patricia Williams, watched as her son Marlon Williams was chased and shot dead after masked gunmen opened fire near their home in Pleasantville, San Fernando. Police Accountability Debate: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro defended officers’ use of force after a Police Complaints Authority report flagged 60 fatal police shootings in a one-year period. Community & Culture: The Yoruba Village Drum Festival kicked off the Emancipation calendar with lectures and a wider July programme, while Brasso Seco’s Village Bazaar is set for July 4. Sport Spotlight: Powerlifter Zahra Padia placed fifth at the IPF World Championships, and sprinter Aaron Charles won the men’s 200m at the National Championships. Family Policy Push: The Fathers Association renewed calls for legislated paternity leave of eight to 12 weeks.

Labour Day Tensions: NATUC and JTUM condemned what they called excessive police action during the Labour Day procession in Fyzabad, including the arrest of activist Alyssa Phillips, while TTPS says officers acted lawfully to protect an authorised march. Cultural Calendar: The Yoruba Village Drum Festival kicked off the run-up to Emancipation Day’s 180th anniversary, with weekly online lectures and a bigger July programme at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village. Sport Spotlight: Zahra Padia made Trinidad and Tobago proud by finishing fifth at the 2026 IPF World Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania; Kezia Hunte also competed. Heritage & Community: Classic cars and vintage culture rolled into the “Cars and Cuisine” Father’s Day showcase at the C3 Centre, with organisers pushing youth and women into the hobby. Public Health (Tobago): Tobago’s Health Division is alarmed by high STI rates, especially HIV among ages 20–29, and flags a possible drug-resistant gonorrhoea strain. Local Life: Tobagonians reported a nine-hour ferry ordeal after Galleons Passage delays left passengers stranded at sea. Arts & Identity: NCF revived large masquerade costume production for Crop Over, selecting six new large costumes to re-energise the tradition.

Business & Lifestyle: US fixture-maker Kohler is strengthening its Caribbean footprint with a new showroom in El Socorro, partnering with local interior firm CW Interiors for distribution and brand representation. Food & Culture: The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards kick off with a waterfront launch in Jamaica, blending hospitality, music and local culinary flair. Tobago Travel Woes: A nine-hour ferry ordeal stranded Tobagonians after Galleons Passage’s slow crossing and late docking, with passengers reporting hunger and illness. Labour Day & Rights: The TTPS defended arrests during the Fyzabad Labour Day procession, saying Alyssa Phillip and Camille Caresquero were charged over an alleged unauthorised march and failure to disperse. Public Health: Tobago’s Health Division is alarmed by high STI rates among 20–29-year-olds, including rising HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Arts & Identity: A new exhibition, “Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón,” explores the genres’ resistance, joy and spiritual histories. Sports: QPCC ended a 20-year men’s outdoor hockey title drought; meanwhile T&T beach soccer teams face the USA in a historic doubleheader at Venice Beach.