AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness: Trini quake survivor Wayne Mohan is urging Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen emergency readiness beyond ODPM, warning a major seismic event could strain everything from hospitals and telecoms to roads and utilities—while families are told to plan and stock essentials. Tobago Youth & Leadership: UN Youth Leader Anthurium Lewis swept the 2026 Tobago Youth Awards with three honours, as Chief Secretary Farley Augustine challenged young Tobagonians to “kick down the door” and claim space. New Tobago Airport Terminal: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the ANR Robinson terminal could open within a month, before October, with work in its second phase and Cabinet approval still pending. Independence Celebrations & Noise Debate: Fireworks are set to return to Queen’s Park Savannah for Aug. 31, with a mix of traditional and low-noise options plus drones—while CANP pushes for controlled displays near sensitive sites. Culture & Identity: A debate on “Callaloo or tossed salad?” spotlights growing discomfort with cultural mixing, sparked by controversy around UWI’s African Emancipation Day programme. Soca Spotlight Abroad: Brooklyn Public Library is launching “The Journey of a Soca King” on Aug. 22, celebrating Machel Montano’s impact on Caribbean culture. Sports (Women’s U19 Cricket): Trinidad and Tobago’s Young Divas booked the final after beating Leeward Islands by eight wickets, led by Samara Ramnath’s wicket haul. Community Support: The Ministry of the People awarded a $10,000 one-off grant to The Rose Foundation for a La Brea micro-enterprise empowerment programme targeting vulnerable women. Crime & Exploitation (Abroad): Colorado corrections officer Gage Vidal Montoya was arrested on alleged child sexual exploitation and weapons charges, following a cybertip.

Houston ICE Witness Case: A witness in the deadly Houston ICE shooting has been released after a habeas corpus petition, as detainees increasingly use federal court to challenge detention legality. T&T–US Relations: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says ties with the United States are at a “historic high,” pointing to cooperation on energy, critical minerals, trade, and fighting transnational crime. World Steelpan Day & Pan Culture: T&T marks World Steelpan Day with youth showcases and renewed calls for steelpan as a youth-development and cultural-growth tool. Rising Stars Cricket (U-19 Women): Trinidad & Tobago’s Young Divas keep winning, crushing the Leeward Islands to set up a big final preliminary clash with Barbados. LGBTQ Community Safety: Police say there’s no evidence LGBTQ people are being targeted, even as tributes and calls for justice continue after the killing of activist Kwasi Dion Gill. Local Lifestyle & Travel: Caribbean Airlines launches a five-day Orlando–Trinidad fare sale, aiming to boost travel in the quieter season. Food & Health Focus: A UWI-linked report highlights that many in T&T can’t afford healthy diets, shifting the conversation from food supply to nutrition access.

LGBTQIA Rights & Safety: Trinidad and Tobago Police say there’s no evidence so far that the LGBTQ community is being targeted, even as investigations continue into the murders of Kwasi Dion Gill and Kobe Daniel Thomas. Community Grief & Activism: PrideTT and partners mourn Gill, describing him as a mentor, performer, and builder of community spaces, while calls for justice grow louder. First Peoples Recognition: Chief Ricardo Bharath argues Amerindian/First Peoples history and contributions deserve sustained national attention, not just ceremonial moments. Food & Health: UWI St Augustine researchers warn T&T’s food security debate must shift from availability to access to healthy, nutritious diets as affordability pressures deepen. Steelpan Culture: Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore urges government to refurbish panyards to keep youth engaged and preserve the national instrument. Cricket (Rising Stars): T&T Under-19 Women stay unbeaten with another win over the Leeward Islands, while the tournament sets up a big clash for the final preliminary round. Caribbean Music Awards: CMA names Shyne, Calypso Rose, Alan Cavé and Patra as honourees for Sept. 19 at NAPA in Port of Spain. Travel & Lifestyle: Caribbean Airlines launches a five-day Orlando–Trinidad fare sale, aiming to boost travel in the quieter season.

Caribbean Music Awards: Shyne, Patra, Alan Cavé and calypso icon Calypso Rose are set for honours at the fourth annual CMA in Port-of-Spain on Sept. 19, with the event framed as a “Sounds of the Caribbean” destination weekend. Steelpan & youth culture: Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore is urging the Government to refurbish panyards nationwide, arguing youth already gather there and need upgraded spaces; meanwhile, World Steelpan Day celebrations included an Ancestral Pan Walk that spotlighted young players and the pan’s role in passing on heritage. Independence Day tech debate (Tobago): Tobago’s Independence Day plans may include a grand drone show, with officials saying systems are “go” and raising questions about whether it replaces fireworks amid noise and animal-welfare concerns. Sports (T&T in focus): T&T’s Under-19 Women’s team kept rolling in the CWI Rising Stars Championship, while local cricket also saw T&T beat Windward Islands by 10 wickets. Community & policy: NATUC warns against using prisoners as cheap labour, saying any prison-work programme must prioritise rehabilitation and education. UK immigration note: New UK guidance lists Dominica and Trinidad & Tobago among nationalities exempt from proving English for settlement/citizenship applications.

World Steelpan Day: Trinidad and Tobago marked World Steelpan Day with youth showcases and messages from Acting President Wade Mark and the Ministry of Culture, spotlighting pan as national identity and a pathway for young people into composition, education and cultural industry. Pan in the streets: Ancestral walks and panyard celebrations brought pan lovers from Massy All Stars to bp Renegades, while Trinidad All Stars outlined plans for a pan-and-arts cultural hub. Independence Day tech + noise debate: Tobago’s Ravi Ratiram says a grand drone show is planned for Independence Day, but Citizens Against Noise Pollution (CANPTT) is pushing for controlled, time-limited fireworks and responsible management for residents, pets and vulnerable people. Policy pushback: NATUC warns against using prisoners as “cheap labour,” insisting any prison work linked to upkeep must prioritise rehabilitation and education. Sports & culture crossover: T&T’s Under-19 women stayed unbeaten in the CWI Rising Stars after a ten-wicket win over the Windward Islands, with Samara Ramnath starring. Heritage conversation: First Peoples chief Ricardo Bharath challenges the long-held claim that “Ari­ma/Hyari­ma” means “water,” saying research points instead to a gathering place.

LGBTQIA+ Tragedy: Kwasi Dion Gill, a 41-year-old advocate, was found shot dead in Belmont after being reported missing—his family identified the body and police investigations continue. World Steelpan Day: Trinidad and Tobago marks Aug. 11 with youth-focused pan celebrations at Queen’s Park Savannah, including performances, an ancestral walk, and a major youth concert under “Rhythm and Rise.” Youth & Culture in Pan: The Ministry of Culture says steelpan can build discipline and tolerance while feeding future composers, arrangers, educators and builders. Cricket (CWI Rising Stars U19): T&T’s women’s U19 T20 campaign continues in Antigua as they look to keep momentum after a tense win over Guyana. Heritage & Indigenous Recognition: The National Trust highlights Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Banwari Trace, calling for greater respect and implementation of Indigenous rights. Community Support: Tobago’s TRHA marks World Breastfeeding Week with its 25th Family Walk & Breakfast, while RBC donates TT$15,000 for schoolbooks and uniforms via the Saidwan Foundation. Security & Policing: Couva South’s Barry Padarath says discussions are underway for a police post, with Carli Bay among locations due to gang activity and piracy concerns. Weather Disaster Watch: Philippines storm and monsoon deaths rise as landslides and flooding continue, with Trinidad and Tobago-linked coverage also noting the wider regional impact.

World Steelpan Day: Trinidad and Tobago marks Aug. 11 with a full youth-led showcase at Queen’s Park Savannah, anchored by performances from top steel orchestras, plus an Ancestral Walk paying tribute to steelpan pioneers. Local Sports & Community: The TTDA National 501 League wrapped up with E-Z Lines defending their A Division title in a tight finish, while other divisions crowned their champions. Public Health & Family Support: Tobago’s THA is preparing to roll out a Universal Child Benefit—$500 monthly for children born after Jan. 1, 2026, for the first five years—alongside World Breastfeeding Week activities. Safety in Sport: TTFA marked Safe Sport Day 2026 with a call for athletes, parents and clubs to help prevent abuse and build safer, inclusive sporting spaces. Culture & Identity: Indigenous leaders marked World Indigenous Peoples’ Day with ceremonies calling for stronger recognition and government support. Race & Unity: Soca artiste Benjai apologised after backlash over a social media post amid heightened racial tensions, while Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar dismissed a racial slur complaint as the EOC process moves ahead. Crime & Policing: Security stakeholders welcome the plan for 30 police posts, but a criminologist warns the biggest test may come when the State of Emergency ends.

World Steel Pan Day: Trinidad and Tobago marks Aug. 11 with a Queen’s Park Savannah youth-focused programme under “Rhythm and Rise,” plus an Ancestral Walk and major pan performances as Steelpan Month builds momentum. Safe Sport Push: TTFA and UWI partners marked Safe Sport Day 2026 at Couva, urging athletes, parents and clubs to “Stand Up. Speak Out. Play Your Part” on safeguarding and abuse prevention. Race-Tension Fallout: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar dismisses a racial slur complaint while the EOC confirms it will probe; soca star Benjai also apologises after a controversial post. Indigenous Visibility: First Peoples chief Eric Lewis calls for stronger government recognition and policy support as Indigenous communities mark the UN International Day of Indigenous Peoples. Tobago Autonomy Debate: Commentary revisits the Tobago House of Assembly’s Statement of Case and the constitutional basis behind the dispute over fiscal allocation. Local Culture & Community: UWIDEF launches “Honor Roll of Comedy” to fund UWI bursaries, while Republic Bank continues backing Tobago’s Les Coteaux Folktales and Superstitions Heritage production. Sport (T&T in focus): T&T U-19 women start strong in the Rising Stars tournament, and World U20 action ends with T&T’s men’s 4x100 finishing fifth in Eugene.

Safe Sport Push: TTFA and UWI marked Safe Sport Day 2026 with a “Stand Up. Speak Out. Play Your Part” call for athletes, parents and clubs to strengthen safeguarding and abuse prevention. World Steelpan Day: The National Trust celebrated with steel bands and heritage learning at Millie Fleurs, while pan’s global reach was highlighted in the Netherlands. Reading Crisis Focus: Educator Nicole Phillip says about one in three students in T&T isn’t reading at grade level, urging a coordinated national response to close phonics and comprehension gaps. Eco-Tourism Rules: Tourism operators and environmentalists clash over Caroni Bird Sanctuary tours, with complaints about alcohol, noise and litter—pushing for clear rules and enforcement. Racial Tension Debate: New reporting and commentary argue racism is intensifying in politics and public life, with Emancipation Day fallout and divisive language driving fresh concern. Sporting Spotlight: T&T’s U-19 women started strong in the Rising Stars tournament, while the men’s 4x100 finished fifth at World U20s in Eugene. Culture & Community: UWIDEF launched “Honor Roll of Comedy” to fund UWI bursaries, and local rock promoters preview Castle Havoc for Aug. 15.

U-19 Cricket: Trinidad and Tobago women opened the Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship with a statement, bowling Jamaica out for 39 and cruising to an eight-wicket win, while Leeward Islands edged Windward Islands by one run on DLS. Education & Literacy: Nicole Phillip says about one in every three students in T&T is not reading at grade level, calling for a coordinated national response to tackle gaps in phonics, comprehension and learning support. Culture & Comedy: UWIDEF launched “The Honor Roll of Comedy” at Tommy’s Brewing Company, raising funds for UWI St Augustine bursaries and scholarships, with top local comedians on the bill. Eco-Tourism Rules: Tourism operators and environmentalists are clashing over Caroni Bird Sanctuary tours, with concerns about alcohol, noise and litter—plus calls for clear rules and stronger enforcement. Sports & Steelpan Spotlight: World Steelpan Day coverage highlights young pan talent in Biche, while Panazz: The Story is set for a Washington, DC screening marking the documentary’s journey. Governance & Race Debate: Fresh debate continues around race rhetoric and the meaning of a slur tied to colonial-era indenture, as historians weigh in on context and impact.

Race & Democracy Debate: Historian Prof Hamid Ghany says the post-Emancipation fallout has sparked a “robust” class-and-race discussion, not instability, while other voices argue Afro-Trinbago must take responsibility for self-development. Racial Slur Context: A debate over the c**e word continues after leaked audio involving PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar; historian Jerome Teelucksingh explains its colonial indenture-era use and why today’s hurt matters. **Public Health Warning: Citizens Against Noise Polution TT warns noise is escalating into violence, citing past assaults and deaths linked to loud music disputes. Security Rollout: Udecott has stepped into the Eddie Hart mobile police post dispute, while PM Persad-Bissessar says mobile posts at Tarouba and Grand Bazaar are underway as part of a wider 30-post plan. Steelpan & Inclusion: World Steelpan Day builds momentum: Biche’s 10-year-old Rayshawn Gooding is spotlighted, and pannist Kharysa Gabriel pushes for disability access in Junior Panorama. Sports (Youth & Track): T&T women’s U-19 Rising Stars cricket starts in Antigua with strong early results, and T&T’s U20 4x100 relay teams chase medals today. Local Culture Events: Blak Kofi’s “Small Talk: Unwrapped” lands at Kafe Blue Aug 12; and UTT will honour cultural icon Willi Chen posthumously.

Cricket & Youth Sports: Cricket West Indies kicked off the 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship in Antigua (Aug 8–15), with Trinidad and Tobago among the teams battling for regional bragging rights and a key pathway to the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Local Cricket Spotlight: Trinidad’s U19 women say they’re excited to open the tournament against Jamaica, leaning on months of bonding and training ahead of the first matches outside T&T. Culture & Inclusion: Ahead of World Steelpan Day, pannist and NCPD music educator Kharysa Gabriel is pushing for special-schools categories and more access in national arts events, while her new steel orchestra prepares for SanFest 2027. Arts Loss: Famed T&T cultural figure Willi Chen has died at 91, remembered for his inventive, self-taught work across sculpture, steel murals, painting, and theatre. Community & Lifestyle: A Sancouche 5K beach run in Guapo blended fitness with culture on African Emancipation Day, raising support for the Sancouche Parang Band. People & Policy: The Ministry of the People delivered SEED grants and wheelchairs to South Trinidad communities, backing small businesses and disability assistance. Environment & Daily Life: Government is mobilising agencies for expected El Niño drought-like impacts, including reservoir monitoring and water-source diversification.

Youth & Inclusion: A steel orchestra at the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities is proving that disability and excellence can share the same stage, with pannist/music educator Kharysa Gabriel pushing for a special-schools category in Junior Panorama and more accessible national arts. Pan & Accessibility: Ahead of World Steelpan Day, Gabriel’s push adds a new layer to the steelpan conversation—who gets to participate, and how. Local Culture in Action: La Romaine Secondary’s music camp is tackling stigma through hands-on culture—steelpan, tassa, African drums, East Indian dance, and even soap-making—coordinated with TTPS COPS South. Sports & Community: The Bafasports Community Pop-Up Series turned Clifton Hill Beach into a Sancouche 5K fundraiser, blending fitness with culture for the Sancouche Parang Band. Remembering Cultural Icons: Versatile artist Willi Chen has died at 91, leaving behind works like the Central Bank steel mural Solar Marinorama. Cricket Spotlight: T&T’s U19 women’s team is excited for the Rising Stars U19 T20 Tournament in Antigua, opening against Jamaica with a strong sense of unity. Public Life & Identity: Pan Trinbago says ID requirements for 16+ could make pan remuneration smoother for young players. Health System Clarity (Tobago): The THA Division of Health and Wellness clarified how Hansen’s disease surveillance works in Tobago—integrated into existing communicable disease systems. Environment & Preparedness: Government is mobilising agencies for expected El Niño impacts, including drought and water-supply planning. Social Support: The Ministry of the People delivered SEED grants and wheelchairs across South Trinidad communities like Rio Claro, Moruga, Penal and Palo Seco. Safety & Policing Debate: Criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad says joint army-police posts can help only if they’re strategically placed, actively patrolled, and paired with social interventions. Culture Calendar: Caribbean Music Awards is moving to Trinidad and Tobago as its first regional host, set for September 19 at NAPA. Arts & Faith: Rahel Moore returns with Sacrae: An Evening of Sacred and Spiritual Music at All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, Port of Spain.

Panorama ID push: Pan Trinbago’s Clyde Telemaque backs a plan for citizens 16+ to carry valid ID to make Panorama remuneration smoother, while officials keep details on penalties under wraps. Public safety & policing: Criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad weighs in on the government’s 30 joint army-police security posts, stressing community trust and long-term prevention beyond enforcement. Tobago unity call: Chief Secretary Farley Augustine urges politicians to cool racial tensions, as Tobago religious leaders condemn divisive remarks and call for peace. Women in leadership: The IWFTT announces three honourees—Roberta Clarke, Prof Christine Carrington, and Dr Diva Amon—for its Inspirational Women Awards Gala on Sept. 29. Culture & entertainment: Games Festival 2026 returns with family fun and a “Give a Child a Day to Play” sponsorship drive; plus Carnival 2027 band Xzotik Mas debuts “Rejuvenate.” Music with a message: A suspended Grenada priest turns to calypso to speak on Gaza and church sexual abuse. Sports spotlight: T&T’s Omari Brown and Zachery Frank advance at the World Athletics U20s, while sailing and athletics add more CAC Games medals for Trinidad and Tobago.

Caribbean Music Awards Go Local: The Caribbean Music Awards will move its 2026 ceremony from the US to Trinidad and Tobago, with the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPА) in Port-of-Spain set for Sept. 19. It’ll be co-hosted by soca star Nailah Blackman and comedian Majah Hype, marking the first time the event is held outside the US. Sacred Stage Return: Lyric soprano Rahel Moore is back on Saturday for “Sacrae: An Evening of Sacred and Spiritual Music,” a tribute to her late mother and a faith-filled comeback at All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street. Carnival 2027 Preview: Xzotik Mas is launching “Rejuvenate,” a new mas band concept built around transformation and a family tribute, with ten sections planned for the streets of Port-of-Spain. Tobago Racial Unity Push: Tobago religious leaders and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine are urging an end to divisive racial remarks, warning the rhetoric harms unity and even tourism and investment. TTPS Recruitment Surge: Nearly 9,500 people have applied for TTPS recruitment, with thousands turning up at the Police Academy as the first phase gets underway. Sports—CAC Games Medals: Omari Brown and Zachery Frank advance at World U20, while Trinidad and Tobago added medals at the CAC Games, including Kelly-Ann Arrindell’s sailing silver and Aaron Charles’ bronze. Tobago Rideshare Tech Boost: TITL is partnering with Go-4 Rideshare to support drivers and improve accountability, with extra focus on safety for women drivers.

Emancipation & Unity: A sociologist and community voices are pushing back on racism and ethnic division as T&T marks Emancipation, with calls for “mental emancipation” and national cohesion amid heated political rhetoric. Steelpan Culture: The National Trust is set to celebrate World Steelpan Day with “PAN Heritage: The Experience,” featuring live pan, workshops and heritage displays at Mille Fleurs, Port of Spain. Tobago Heritage & Festivals: Kiara Bailey reflects on her Ms. Tobago Heritage Personality win, while Tobago Heritage Festival organisers look back and shift planning toward Tobago Carnival. AI for the Island: Tobago Information Technology Limited is hosting an AI Ready Tobago symposium to help businesses, educators and young professionals prepare for an AI-driven future. Local Business & Lifestyle: A feature spotlights Jineal Chichester’s journey from a cheesecake passion to building Cheesecake House with 186 flavours. Sport & Community Pride: Trinidad and Tobago’s CAC Games momentum continues with medal updates, while the CPL kicks off Aug 7 with Jamaica Kingsmen and a rebranded Barbados Tridents. Safety & Justice: A Tobago man still seeks justice after a pitbull attack left him with lasting injuries and financial hardship.