AGP Executive Report

Regional Trade Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has launched a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming for new export deals, partnerships, and market entry as both countries attract more regional investment. Energy & Investment: Government and energy firms have signed a Production Sharing Contract for the TTUD-1 Block, with ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) in the spotlight as the upstream sector moves forward. Security & Protest Tensions: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath rejects plans to protest outside ministers’ homes, while NATUC and Tobago hotel and tourism leaders warn against extending the State of Emergency—fueling fresh debate over how long emergency powers should last. Climate on the Ground: A pediatric emergency consultant flags how heat, flooding, dengue and rising food costs are already hitting children’s health, pointing to urgent action for the next generation. Business Skills for Youth: NCB Merchant Bank’s Wizdom CRM Virtual Stock Market Game is building financial literacy and decision-making skills beyond simulated trading.

Energy & Investment: Occidental Petroleum has received Energy Ministry approval for a farm-in to Block TTUD-1, with the PM citing renewed momentum in T&T’s energy sector after earlier output and reserves pressures. Roads & Construction: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage around 70% done and electrical works underway, including light pole pedestals and power boxes. Trade & Industry Links: TTMA is sending a large trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) to build B2B partnerships and market intelligence for manufacturers and service providers. Public Finance: Business groups welcome the Govt’s $2.93B supplementary request tied to public-sector wage commitments, while urging clarity in the June 15 mid-year budget review. Food Policy & Health: PAHO/WHO convened Caribbean nutritionists and legal drafters in Barbados to push sodium reduction targets and industrial trans fat elimination. Regional Business Climate: A new U.S. Section 301 forced-labour tariff proposal would add 10%–12.5% duties on imports from 60 economies, with stakeholders urged to assess exposure and submit comments. Local Economy & Jobs: Tobago youths in Les Coteaux say promised work programmes haven’t delivered, adding pressure for real job creation.

Roads & Logistics: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is now about 90% complete, with drainage works around 70% done and electrical installation underway, as contractors push to finish on time despite weather breaks. Energy & Investment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Occidental Petroleum has received Energy Ministry approval for a farm-in to Block TTUD-1, building on recent seismic progress and renewed foreign investment momentum. Public Finance & Wages: Government is seeking about $2.93b via a Mid-Year Budget Review and Supplementary Appropriation to meet public-sector wage commitments, with business groups welcoming the near-term consumer boost while urging clearer fiscal planning. Business Climate: Private sector chambers are calling for measurable diversification action beyond policy talk, warning T&T can’t keep relying on energy alone. Food Security: A UN-backed report says about 512,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with undernutrition and obesity both showing up in the numbers. Labour & Protest Rules: Nurses’ union leaders warn that if State of Emergency protest limits block traditional venues, members may consider demonstrations at ministers’ homes. Trade & Industry: AMCHAM T&T raises concerns with a US trade official about tariffs affecting T&T petrochemical exports tied to US agriculture. Tourism & Trade Facilitation: Stakeholders in Chaguaramas are watching SailClear’s rollout closely, expecting faster yacht vessel clearances once the electronic system is fully operational. Local Industry Spotlight: Tobago youths in Les Coteaux say job promises haven’t materialised, adding pressure to employment programmes. Agriculture & Prices: Caribbean hot sauce makers warn Scotch bonnet shortages are driving higher prices and supply disruptions.

Highway Delivery: The $161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is now about 90% complete, with drainage works around 70% done and electrical street-light installations underway, aiming to cut commute pain as the project stays ahead of schedule. Public Finance & Wages: Government is seeking a $2.93B supplementary appropriation to meet wage commitments for 62,000+ public servants, with business groups welcoming the near-term boost to retail demand while urging clearer mid-year budget plans. Trade & Tariffs: AMCHAM T&T raised concerns with a senior US official over tariffs affecting T&T petrochemical exports, arguing the sector supports US agriculture and asking for a review tied to the strong bilateral relationship. Food Security Pressure: A UN-backed report says about 512,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with undernutrition and obesity co-existing—fueling calls for stronger food policy and financing. Shipping & Logistics Upgrade: Chaguaramas yacht traffic could get a major lift as SailClear nears launch, with stakeholders expecting clearance times to fall from hours to about 15 minutes. Governance Scrutiny: Business groups question consultation as fines rise under Finance Bill 2026, while economists say the move is driven by revenue gaps. Regional Governance Snapshot: Transparency International’s 2025 CPI again flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while some islands remain comparatively stronger. Agriculture Supply Shock: Caribbean hot sauce makers warn of Scotch bonnet shortages and higher prices after hurricanes and pests hit key pepper crops.

Tobago Investment Push: A Tobago voice argues the island can’t keep opposing development and must back responsible projects like the Rocky Point hotel plan to secure jobs and tourism as energy dependence fades. World Cup Match-Day Economy: Sports bars across T&T are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup with reservation and minimum-spend packages to handle crowd pressure and speed up table turnover. Chaguaramas Trade Facilitation: Stakeholders say the upcoming SailClear electronic clearance system could cut yacht and marine vessel processing from hours to about 15 minutes, boosting Chaguaramas’ competitiveness. Finance Bill Friction: Business groups question consultation as Finance Bill 2026 raises fines across sectors, with economists pointing to the Government’s need for more revenue amid weak growth. Food Security Pressure: A UN-backed report highlights that about 512,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with undernutrition and obesity both present. Petrochem Tariff Talks: AMCHAM T&T raised concerns with a senior US official about tariffs hitting T&T petrochemical exports tied to US agriculture. Flooding and Roads: A look at South Oropouche warns that raised road crossings and limited cross-drainage can worsen wetland flooding, turning infrastructure choices into bigger disaster risk. Caribbean Media & Tourism Branding: CTO honoured regional media creators in New York and launched CTO TV to expand Caribbean tourism storytelling through video and digital content.

Food Security Push: Trinidad and Tobago is spending over US$1bn a year importing food, and economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon is urging a national shift to treat agriculture as a serious economic sector, with better financing and patient capital for farmers. Trade & Industry Diplomacy: AMCHAM T&T CEO Niral Tewarie met a senior US official at the USDA during the Business Future of the Americas conference, pressing for a review of US tariffs on T&T petrochemical exports. Public Finance & Jobs: Government says it will seek an extra $2.93bn in supplementary appropriation to fund wage increases for 62,000-plus workers, as Parliament’s second session maps out new legislation and housing-linked job creation. Energy Investment Signals: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says ExxonMobil’s seismic programme is 85% complete and expects full acquisition by late July, while Occidental Petroleum has secured a farm-in approval for Block TTUD1. Agriculture Financing: Dr Arjoon also renewed calls for stronger agricultural financing—flexible credit, guarantees, and insurance tailored to harvest-based income. Environment & Resilience: World Environment Day saw tree-planting and watershed rehabilitation efforts, including 156 trees planted in North Caura, reinforcing nature-based solutions for climate adaptation.

Parliament Agenda: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar outlined a Second Session legislative push including social media regulation for children under 12, plus a medical malpractice court, no-fault compensation, parental responsibility to tackle school violence, and updates to the Education Act and firearms/fire safety rules. Energy Investment: ExxonMobil’s fast-tracked seismic work in Block TTUD1 is about 85% complete, and the government has approved Occidental (Oxy) to farm in with 10% participation—signalling renewed international interest. Agriculture & Food Security: The Trinidad and Tobago–India Business Federation renewed calls for stronger, flexible agricultural financing (patient capital, credit guarantees, insurance) to boost food security and foreign exchange. Environment & Forestry: On World Environment Day, EMA and the Forestry Division marked combined service milestones with 156 trees planted in North Caura, while Tobago’s reforestation programme ran a community “Hike and Plant” in Les Coteaux. Local Farming Push: Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen distributed about 3,000 vegetable plants ahead of Corpus Christi to encourage greener practices and home-grown produce.

Oil & Growth Watch: Guyana’s oil boom is set to get a fresh boost from higher crude prices tied to the Iran conflict, but the windfall also raises pressure to avoid “ghost town” outcomes and spread gains beyond crude. Caribbean Energy Risks: A new NGO report warns offshore oil and gas expansion could damage marine ecosystems across multiple countries, with protected areas and biodiversity hotspots overlapping planned blocks. Local Energy Governance: Trinidad and Tobago’s quarry sector gets a clearer path as Energy Minister Moonilal meets TTAPA on hold-over letters, while an “open day” is planned to bring regulators and stakeholders together. Tourism & Brand Moves: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across Trinidad and Tobago and other markets. Hospitality Jobs: Trinidad Hilton labour concerns surface as union claims of possible displacement are denied by the minister overseeing eTeck. Food Policy: Caribbean healthy food policy momentum is highlighted as NCD prevention targets lag and stakeholders push for stronger action. Transport Shock: The maxi-taxi shutdown again spotlights T&T’s over-reliance on one transport mode and the need for resilient mass transit planning. Governance & Transparency: A Tobago court rejects E-IDCOT’s bid to escape FOIA duties, ordering reconsideration of information requests. Rum Industry Tech: AI is gaining traction in the rum sector after a Trinidad conference drew producers and tech suppliers.

Hotel & Tourism Shock: Meliá says it will stop managing 15 of its 34 Cuba hotels, citing sanctions tied to a Trump executive order—part of a wider pullback by major chains. World Cup Media & Culture: Rush Sports promises a fuller Caribbean viewing experience with rights across 13 markets, while Curacao fans brand their debut as “The Blue Wave.” Rum Industry Tech: Trinidad’s rum sector is leaning into AI, with West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association highlighting AI focus at a Trinidad conference. Tobago Transparency Fight: A court rejects E-IDCOT’s bid to be exempt from FOIA, pushing the agency to reconsider disclosure tied to the Manta Lodge franchise. Energy & Mining Governance: TTAPA backs the Ministry of Energy’s hold-over letters for quarry operators and supports a framework for new licence applicants. Transport Pressure Point: The maxi-taxi strike reignites calls for resilient mass transit and work-from-home options as commuters face major disruption. Trade & Cost Watch: The U.S. proposes Section 301 forced-labour tariffs that could lift prices across consumer goods. Business Leadership: TDC Group appoints Trinidadian Christopher Lewis as CFOO, signalling regional corporate strengthening. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York gathers tourism ministers to market the region amid shifting travel preferences.

Maxi taxi strike fallout: Trinidad and Tobago’s three-day maxi-taxi shutdown exposed how fragile the transport system is when it depends on one operator group, with commuters gridlocked and renewed calls for resilient mass transit and clearer state responsibility. Energy & mining continuity: The Ministry of Energy says “hold-over letters” for quarry operators are a necessary stopgap to keep mining and processing legal while licensing delays are cleared, with the Aggregate Producers Association backing the approach. Forced-labour tariffs: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour findings, with Trinidad and Tobago listed among 60 economies flagged—raising the stakes for importers and supply chains. Business climate debate: Local business groups urge the Government to justify any extension of the State of Emergency with clear results and safeguards for rights, warning against using emergency powers as a long-term crime strategy. Productivity focus: Commentary argues T&T’s real challenge is productivity, not just working harder—linking slow output growth to systems, scaling, and execution gaps. Regional trade ties: Canada’s High Commissioner highlights growing T&T–Canada cooperation in trade, education, security and downstream energy-linked business. Finance industry honours: CFA Society T&T’s 25th anniversary gala spotlights leadership in investment standards, with awards to First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves. Tourism & culture: Caribbean Week in New York brings tourism ministers together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” while an island food festival heads to Toronto’s Mel Lastman Square.

SoE & Business Confidence: Business groups are urging the Government to justify any extension of Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency with clear results, transparency from law enforcement, and safeguards for constitutional rights—warning prolonged emergency powers can’t replace a long-term crime plan. Maxi Taxi Disruption: Despite the maxi taxi strike, south businesses reported little disruption, citing police transport support and expanded PTSC services, while debate continues over protest restrictions and responsibility for taxi hubs. Energy & Mining Supply: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says “holdover letters” keep quarry operations running legally while licensing delays are addressed, as aggregate demand rises for major construction and export earnings. Quarry Sector Pushback: The Mining and Processing of Aggregates Association challenges the holdover letters as having no legal basis under mining laws, calling for withdrawal. Finance & Trade Links: Cayman Islands’ Premier André Ebanks highlighted regional cooperation at CFATF meetings in Port of Spain and met T&T officials and industry groups in New York to explore trade and economic synergies. Forced-Labour Tariffs Watch: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement failures, listing Trinidad and Tobago among 60 economies under review. CFA Awards: First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves were honoured at CFA Society T&T’s 25th anniversary gala. Health as a Business Asset: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce argues companies should treat employee health as core to productivity and economic resilience.

CFA Awards & Finance: First Citizens CEO Jason Julien and UTC CIO Crystal Rodriguez-Greaves were honoured at the CFA Society T&T 25th anniversary gala, with Julien taking the Gold Standard Award and Rodriguez-Greaves the Visionary Award. Health as Business Asset: The T&T Chamber’s Healthcare Committee argues health must be treated as core to business continuity and economic resilience, not just a personal matter. Energy Project Funding: A look at what makes an energy project “bankable,” focusing on lenders’ risk checks like offtake deals and cash-flow certainty. Cuba Tourism Shock: Meliá says it will suspend management of 15 hotels in Cuba as US sanctions tighten, while Visa/Mastercard services are set to pause. SoE Protest Rules: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says no-protest zones under the state of emergency will stay, even as unions push for repeal. Maxi Taxi Disruption: The strike continues to reshape commuting, with ride-share demand up and operators citing illegal competition, speed limits, and hub/terminal upgrades. Agriculture Push: MP Khadijah Ameen and the Rural Development ministry promote kitchen gardening and local buying via seedling distribution for Corpus Christi. Forced Labour Tariffs: The US proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement failures, listing Trinidad among affected economies. Skills & TVET Digitisation: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised TVET courses under a CARICOM TVET digitalisation pilot, expanding access across member institutions. Mining Compliance Clash: MPAATT challenges the Energy Ministry’s hold-over letters to quarry operators, saying they lack legal basis under mining laws.

Maxi Taxi Disruption: A nationwide maxi taxi strike is driving a surge in ride-share demand, with operators and platforms cutting commissions and offering discounted fares as commuters struggle to get to work and school. Policy Pressure on Transport: Former Transport Minister Jack Warner urges the Government to reject calls to raise the maxi taxi speed limit from 65 km/h to 80 km/h, arguing many operators already exceed the current limit. Who Owns the Hubs: Government ministries are trading responsibility for maxi taxi hub upgrades and terminals, while transport officials discuss a proposed “checkered-band” system to formalise services. Industrial Action Fallout: Some maxi operators say they support the issues but can’t afford to stop earning, while unions also threaten legal action over State of Emergency protest restrictions. Diplomacy & Business Ties: AMCHAM T&T welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s nomination of Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Security & Consumer Safety: Police seized 2,700+ illicit and unsafe items in South Oropouche, including counterfeit clothing and unregistered male enhancement products. Disaster Readiness: A Port of Spain disaster simulation is underway to test coordination and preparedness ahead of hurricane season.

US-Diaspora Diplomacy: Trump has nominated Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as the next U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, with AMCHAM T&T calling it a sign of the enduring business and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Transport & Cost of Living: A three-day maxi-taxi strike has disrupted commuting nationwide, with business groups warning of productivity hits and added financial pressure; police buses were deployed to move stranded elderly and students, while PH taxi drivers reported higher demand. Flood Risk & Waste: Works Minister Jearlean John says littering is still a major driver of flooding, arguing that disaster outcomes are shaped by weak enforcement and poor waste disposal habits. Security & Consumer Protection: “DUNWICH 5/2026” netted 2,700+ illicit items in South Oropouche, including unregistered pharmaceuticals, male enhancement products, counterfeit clothing and unsafe electrical goods. Energy & Finance: Trinidad and Tobago NGL Limited returned to profitability in 2025, reporting an after-tax profit of TT$224.3m, helped by improved earnings at Phoenix Park Gas Processors and a reversal of impairment provisions. Governance & Transparency (Tobago): The High Court ruled E-IDCOT is not exempt from FOIA, ordering it to reconsider disclosure requests tied to Manta Lodge procurement and a franchise arrangement. Tourism & Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean-to-Europe travel easier with single-ticket booking and through-checked luggage.

Maxi Taxi Disruption: Trinidad and Tobago’s three-day “rest and reflection” maxi taxi action is already snarling commutes, with downtown merchants estimating 15–20% of commuters arriving late and delays of 30 minutes to an hour, while City Gate and key hubs see near-empty stands and traffic slowdowns. Accessibility Pressure: The Blind Welfare Association says the strike exposes how public transport failures hit persons with disabilities hardest, turning transport into a life-line issue, not a convenience. Police Contingency: TTPS Commissioner Allister Guevarro ordered police buses to move stranded elderly and students home, though demand outstripped available resources. Industry Fallout: Private hire drivers report higher demand as they expand into maxi routes, while Tobago maxi operators back the protest and cite their own problems like late payments and lack of hubs. Governance & Transparency: A High Court ruling says Tobago’s E-IDCOT is not exempt from FOIA, ordering reconsideration of a request tied to Manta Lodge procurement and a franchise arrangement. Regional Mobility Deal: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement letting travellers book with one ticket, check luggage through, and connect across the English, French and Dutch Caribbean to Paris Orly. Tourism & Sport: TG Titans Cricket Team heads to Tobago (June 3–8) for matches against Club Crusoe Cuzins and Tobago Legends, using cricket to market Guyana.

UWI Appointments: The University of the West Indies promoted eight senior lecturers to Professor ranks across areas like veterinary public health, econometrics, international relations, applied mathematics and music. Infrastructure & Resilience: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says T&T’s Revitalisation Blueprint is a “contract with the future,” tying resilience to procurement standards, design safeguards and nature-based solutions. Tobago Transparency Fight: A High Court ruled Tobago’s Eco-Industrial Development Company (E-IDCOT) is not exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, ordering reconsideration of a request tied to Manta Lodge’s management and franchise arrangements. Maxi Taxi Disruption: Maxi taxi operators begin a planned three-day “rest and reflection” shutdown, with business groups warning of knock-on effects for workers, students and essential services. Food Security Push: CARDI and partners showcased a successful black-eyed peas pilot harvest, pointing to fast growth and strong germination as a practical boost for local production and school feeding. Youth Vaping Alarm: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights a fast-growing nicotine crisis among Caribbean youth, calling out flavours and online marketing that make vapes seem harmless. Energy Update: Touchstone Exploration reported new Trinidad development wells placed on production and noted Atlantic LNG Train 4 maintenance, with gas volumes redirected to support pricing. Industry Leadership: National Flour Mills appointed Terrence Kalloo as CEO, aiming to regain shareholder confidence and strengthen food security through quality supply and pricing.