AGP Executive Report

Energy & Oilfield Outlook: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says T&T’s energy sector is entering a recovery phase, with higher oil production forecasts and new incentives to unlock stranded gas—while warning pipeline sabotage could derail gains. Methanol & Refining: Government also reiterated it’s seeking commercial solutions after Methanex idled a methanol plant, and expressed confidence in a clear roadmap to restart the Guaracara refinery before end-2026. Power Sector Management: T&TEC appointed two new managers on the same day it dismissed two executives, with an internal audit manager taking up a new role and a security head scheduled to start August 1. Food Costs & Consumer Watch: The Consumer Affairs Division urged shoppers to compare poultry prices as live chicken prices and processing fees ticked up, while reminding buyers about food safety. Education for Industry: UWI launched a five-year Bio Resilience Project (US$3.5m via GEF) to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen food security, and NGC began its 2026 undergraduate programme with 44 interns. Tourism & Creative Economy: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj pushed a “creative hub” strategy to turn arts into year-round tourism and economic growth, while Tobago crowned Shania Phillip Junior Tourism Secretary. Regional Procurement & Supply Chains: CIPS wrapped up a Caribbean event series in Trinidad focused on strengthening procurement leadership and supply chain resilience. Tech & Travel Services: BRDRS founder Joy Martins is building a “super app” for Africa and the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago among its active markets. Security & Crime Impact: A crime economist linked Tobago’s robbery surge to wider economic and tourism risks, and the Chamber warned crime is hurting the economy.

Energy Recovery & Security: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says oil production is set for a rebound under Heritage Petroleum’s expansion plan, but warns pipeline sabotage is undermining gains after a Barrackpore incident released about 416 barrels of crude. Refinery Restart Roadmap: He also reiterated confidence in a clear legal/financial plan to restart the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery by end-2026, stressing due diligence over rushing. Gas & Petrochem Pressure: Government maintained it will pursue commercial solutions after Methanex idled a methanol plant, while broader shutdowns continue to strain foreign exchange earnings. Food Costs Watch: The Consumer Affairs Division urged shoppers to compare poultry prices as both live chicken prices and processing fees ticked up, alongside food-safety reminders. Utility Management Shake-up: T&TEC appointed two new managers the same day it dismissed two executives, including an internal audit manager and a new security head. Business Sentiment: Chaguanas firms report falling sales and rising costs as consumers cut back, while the T&T Chamber CEO urged directors to plan for ongoing volatility. Tech & Skills: NIHERST and Shell hosted the FIRST Tech Challenge 2026, spotlighting robotics talent, and Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath pointed to improved SEA results supported by an AI past-paper platform. Trade & Regional Moves: T&T advanced its Mercosur associate membership bid, aiming to open doors for local manufacturing in South America. Local Crime Link to Commodities: Rising global copper prices are being linked to increased copper theft and related crime.

Methanex Shock to Point Lisas: Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector is bracing for fallout after Canadian-based Methanex said it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant, with the Government saying the door remains open for a restart while NGC insists the dispute was mainly about gas pricing, not supply volumes. Economic Pressure Estimate: Energy analyst Gregory McGuire warns petrochemical shutdowns could remove US$500m–US$700m a year in foreign exchange earnings, raising the stakes for gas allocation and long-term policy. Venezuela Energy Talks Delayed: A planned T&T delegation to negotiate gas processing with Venezuela is expected to be delayed after the country’s 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, even as relief efforts and technical engagement continue. Port of Spain Hospital Build: The Central Block of the General Hospital is reported 97% complete, targeting substantial completion by 14 July as works move toward handover and clinical readiness. Tobago Airport Terminal Progress: THA says the ANR Robinson International Airport terminal upgrades are advancing, with cosmetic and concession work underway and an opening date awaiting Cabinet sign-off. Local Tech & Engineering Pipeline: NIHERST and Shell hosted the FIRST Tech Challenge 2026, spotlighting robotics talent and engineering skills across Trinidad and Tobago. Trade & Manufacturing Push: T&T moved closer to Mercosur associate membership, with Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers saying the next stage is underway and highlighting potential for local manufacturing exports. Small Business Court Win: The Breakfast Shed’s legal fight with UDeCOTT continues, but an injunction keeps it operating while the full trial runs into January 2027. AI Adoption Drive: An AWS AI specialist told the THIS Tech Hub Island Summit that “agentic AI” is accelerating across industries and businesses that don’t adopt risk falling behind.

Energy & Petrochemicals: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after talks with NGC broke down; NGC counters that gas supply volumes weren’t the issue—pricing was. Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says the door remains open for a restart if gas conditions improve, while former UNC minister Vasant Bharath warns the exit could hit jobs, exports and investor confidence. Regional Trade: Trinidad and Tobago moved closer to associate membership in Mercosur after high-level talks, with the Foreign Affairs Minister citing opportunities for local manufacturing to access South American markets. Offshore Services: Oceaneering has started a multi-discipline offshore survey campaign using its Ocean Intervention II vessel, targeting geophysical, geotechnical and autonomous survey work offshore Trinidad and the U.S. Gulf. Tobago Infrastructure: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the ANR Robinson International Airport terminal build-out is progressing, with key works underway and final opening details pending Cabinet approval. Tech & Skills: NIHERST and Shell backed the FIRST Tech Challenge 2026, transitioning youth robotics from FIRST Lego League to a wider global engineering competition. Business & Courts: Breakfast Shed gets a court reprieve, staying open until its January 2027 trial. Local Industry & Culture: Dove’s Dirt Oven Delights announces it will close, citing health and quality of life. AI & Government: Minister Dominic Smith pushes AI-driven public service upgrades, highlighting VerifyTT and plans to digitise high-demand services.

Methanex Gas Crunch: Canada-based Methanex says it can’t secure a new natural gas contract, so it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas (860,000 tonnes/year) and preserve the site for a possible restart. NGC Response: NGC counters that the issue is gas pricing, not supply volumes, and says it offered the same contracted volumes and would consider increases. Energy Diplomacy Disrupted: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says a planned Venezuela visit to negotiate gas processing in T&T is on hold after the double earthquake disaster, while relief efforts are being coordinated. Tobago Airport Build-Out: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine reports progress on the ANR Robinson International Airport terminal works, including taxi hubs and branding, with final opening-date approval pending Cabinet. Digital Transformation Push: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith highlights VerifyTT and plans to digitise high-demand services like passports and certificates. Gas-to-Energy Update: Minister Deodat Indar says the Wales gas-to-energy project is set for December start-up, with first power from one turbine and more capacity following. Business & Governance Moves: Several T&T-listed firms announce board and senior management changes, signalling sector transition. Culture & Industry Spotlight: Tropikist becomes the first hotel to win a Tobago eco-stewardship award for farm-to-fork and agroforestry efforts. Regional Humanitarian Focus: T&T businesses and unions mobilise relief supplies for quake-hit Venezuela as the crisis deepens.

Energy & Jobs: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after failing to secure a new natural gas contract with NGC, with preservation steps planned and about 140 permanent jobs potentially affected. Energy Supply: The move lands amid wider gas-to-power pressure, as the Government’s Wales gas-to-energy project is still targeting December start-up for first turbine commissioning. Business Leadership: Angostura, First Citizens Group Financial Holdings and WITCO all announced board or senior finance changes, signalling transition across banking, manufacturing and consumer goods. Crime & Business Confidence: The Chaguanas Chamber warns that gang activity and crime are now a direct “economy tax,” raising security costs and hurting investor confidence. Judicial Crackdown Rumours: Reports say a sitting magistrate could be arrested soon over alleged bribery and money-laundering links tied to court rulings. Agriculture & Waste-to-Value: A local environmental group pitches turning collected sargassum into fertiliser and compost, aiming to build a processing industry from the “Blue Gold” push. Regional Relief: Trinidad and Tobago launched a nationwide relief drive for Venezuela’s earthquake victims, with collection points at Point Lisas and a disaster relief fund for donations. Local Industry & Culture: Tropikist becomes the first Tobago hotel to win an eco-stewardship award for farm-to-fork and agroforestry efforts.

Methanex Gas Crunch: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant (860,000 tonnes/yr) after failing to secure a new natural gas contract; Atlas remains idled as gas supply tightness makes operations commercially unviable. Gas-to-Power Push: Minister Deodat Indar says the Wales gas-to-energy project is set for December start-up, with first power from one turbine in December and full ramp-up to 300MW after follow-on commissioning. Sargassum “Blue Gold”: SynergySphereCASA backs the new beach-clearing push, pitching a processing system to turn harvested sargassum into fertiliser and other farm inputs to support food security. Venezuela Relief Mobilised: T&T launches a nationwide humanitarian drive for quake-hit Venezuela, with collection points at Point Lisas and a disaster relief fund for public and corporate donations. STEM for Industry Pipeline: Education Minister Dowlath unveils plans to expand STEM via digital tech, robotics and AI, highlighted through a national FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament. Fintech Fair Play: UNI Global Union warns fintech firms are moving into Caribbean banking without the same obligations as traditional banks, raising concerns for workers and fair competition. UWI Cyber Alert: UWI warns of a fraudulent website using its branding to capture personal data, urging users to verify only through official channels. Public Safety Anxiety: Business leaders say shootings near commercial areas are fuelling fear and could hurt investor confidence, calling for stronger policing and better private-sector coordination. Judicial Crackdown Rumours: Reports claim a sitting magistrate’s arrest is imminent amid allegations of bribery and money laundering tied to court rulings.

BPO/Tech Services Push: AMCHAM T&T is pitching Trinidad as a higher-value nearshore hub, with Tech Hub Islands Summit (June 30–July 1) spotlighting AI and cybersecurity exports and even arguing some entry-level BPO work should be automated. Fintech Fair Play: UNI Global Union warns fintech firms are moving into Caribbean banking with lighter regulatory and tax burdens, raising concerns about job displacement and uneven competition, including digitised branch models in T&T. STEM for Industry: Education Minister Michael Dowlath announced plans to expand digital tech, robotics and AI in schools, backed by NIHERST’s FIRST Tech Challenge national robotics tournament with Shell. Energy Sector Safety Shift: The Energy Chamber says it will phase out the Safe To Work (STOW) certification, arguing it had become a barrier for smaller operators while pledging continued safety focus. Food Supply Pressure: Broiler Growers Association reports a chicken shortage tied to higher costs and depot purchasing limits, with prices rising and potential knock-on effects for customers. Central Banking: CBTT kept the repo rate at 3.5% amid global uncertainty and subdued inflation. Seismic Preparedness: UWI-SRC urges calm but preparedness after major Venezuela quakes, noting stress changes across the Caribbean Plate and a small uptick in regional seismic activity. Local Business Anxiety: Chambers report shootings near commercial areas are fuelling fear among employers and investors, calling for stronger policing and tech support.

STEM & Robotics Push: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath unveiled plans to expand STEM in schools, including digital tech, robotics and AI, as NIHERST and Shell hosted the inaugural FIRST Tech Challenge national tournament for students from nine secondary schools. Energy Sector Safety Shift: The Energy Chamber says it will phase out its Safe To Work (STOW) programme after the Government cancelled STOW certification for energy-sector access, arguing it had become a barrier for smaller firms. BPO Jobs Boost: Bill Gosling Outsourcing opened a purpose-built office in Trincity, creating 200 jobs and signalling further expansion in T&T’s nearshore outsourcing push. Food Supply Pressure: Broiler Growers Association warns of a chicken shortage tied to higher costs and foreign exchange challenges for suppliers, with depot limits possibly worsening availability and prices. Central Banking Watch: The Central Bank held the repo rate at 3.5% amid global uncertainty and subdued inflation. Regional Earthquake Readiness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged preparedness after Venezuela’s major quakes, noting a small rise in regional seismic activity and stressing continued readiness across the Caribbean. Humanitarian Relief for Venezuela: Government launched a coordinated national relief effort with private sector and municipal partners following the earthquakes. Nutrition Labels Campaign: HNATT ran a “Flip The Pack” campaign to help consumers read nutrition labels as non-communicable diseases remain a major concern. AI Governance Blueprint: Criminologist-turned-AI governance professor Renée Cummings is preparing GOVERN™, an executive framework urging organisations to govern AI responsibly.

Export pressure on health supplies: Eye See You Ophthalmics says foreign exchange shortages, supply-chain disruptions and banking constraints are still biting even as it has expanded to export ophthalmic and optical products to 13+ Caribbean territories. AI governance push: Criminologist-turned-AI policy professor Renée Cummings is drafting GOVERN™ to push Trinidad and Tobago toward responsible AI oversight inside organisations, not just government. Regional finance watch: The Central Bank kept the repo rate at 3.5%, citing global uncertainty and subdued domestic inflation. Tobago hiring freeze debate: Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine signalled a pause on hiring to ease wage-bill strain and force more private-sector job creation, but analysts warn of backlash if timelines and details aren’t shared. Venezuela earthquake response: Trinidad and Tobago launched a coordinated national humanitarian relief effort with state agencies and private sector after twin quakes; UWI-SRC urged regional preparedness as the Caribbean Plate remains active. Food industry strain: A chicken shortage is hitting depots, with costs rising and foreign exchange challenges blamed by major suppliers. BPO jobs boost: Bill Gosling Outsourcing opened a purpose-built office in Trincity, adding 200 jobs and signalling further expansion in Trinidad’s nearshore services push. STEM and robotics: NIHERST hosted its FIRST Tech Challenge national tournament, aiming to build a regional STEM hub through school robotics. Consumer health campaign: HNATT ran a “Flip The Pack” nutrition label awareness drive through July to help tackle non-communicable diseases. Corporate deal: Agostini Ltd completed its Prestige Holdings takeover bid, reaching a controlling stake after repeated extensions.

BPO Growth in T&T: Bill Gosling Outsourcing (BGO) opened a purpose-built office in Trincity, adding 200 jobs and signalling further expansion in the nearshore services push. Central Banking: The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago kept the repo rate at 3.5%, pointing to low local inflation despite global uncertainty. Food Industry & Public Health: HNATT launched its “Flip The Pack” nutrition label awareness drive at Xtra Foods, aiming to help shoppers make healthier choices amid high diabetes, hypertension and heart disease rates. STEM & Industry Pipeline: NIHERST hosted its FIRST Tech Challenge national robotics tournament with Shell, positioning the institute as a regional STEM hub and building skills among 12–18-year-olds. Regional Security & Environment: CARICOM IMPACS moved to set up a Caribbean Police network to combat environmental crime and waste trafficking, with EU support. Venezuela Earthquake Response: T&T coordinated a national humanitarian relief effort for Venezuela, mobilising public agencies and private sector donations and setting up collection points. Corporate Control: Agostini effectively took control of Prestige Holdings after closing its takeover bid, with settlement expected within 10 days. Tobago Budget Signals: Tobago House of Assembly budget plans emphasised climate resilience, including legal and data steps to unlock climate finance.

BPO Jobs Push: Bill Gosling Outsourcing (BGO) opened a purpose-built office at Trinity, Port of Spain on June 24, adding 200 jobs in east Trinidad and signalling further expansion as it leans on the local workforce. Corporate Takeover: Agostini Ltd has effectively taken control of Prestige Holdings after closing its June 17, 2025 takeover bid on June 23, with settlement and share exchange expected within 10 days. THA Hiring Freeze Debate: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine flagged a possible multi-year pause on hiring amid a growing wage bill, drawing warnings of political backlash if timelines and details aren’t shared. Venezuela Relief Drive: Government launched a nationwide public-private humanitarian response to Venezuela’s earthquake, with municipal collection starting June 29 and private donations directed to Port of Point Lisas warehouses. Regional Security for Environment: CARICOM IMPACS is moving to set up a Caribbean police network to tackle transnational environmental crime, including illegal mining and wildlife poaching. Business Recognition: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce launched the 2026 Champions of Business Awards, covering entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, internationalisation and more. Textiles Trade Signal: ITM 2026 in Istanbul drew 48,257 professional visitors from 105 countries, underlining global demand for textile machinery links. Agri Preparedness: Agriculture and FAO plan a July animal disease simulation, supported by FAO veterinary equipment to strengthen surveillance and emergency response.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a coordinated humanitarian relief drive for earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, with public-private partners set to deliver aid via Port of Point Lisas warehouse sheds and a national collection running June 29 (8am–4pm daily) involving municipal corporations, TEMA and supermarkets. Central Banking & Cost Pressures: The Central Bank kept the repo rate steady at 3.50%, citing global disruption from the Middle East conflict and low domestic inflation. Energy Reliability Challenge: Reports from Trinidad’s ecomobile operations say electric taxis are struggling to fully charge due to missing solar infrastructure, leaving services constrained by grid access and battery maintenance needs. Animal Health Preparedness: The Agriculture Ministry and FAO plan a July animal disease drill, supported by veterinary equipment for faster surveillance and emergency response. Business Recognition: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce launched the 2026 Champions of Business Awards, spotlighting entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability and internationalisation. Tobago Budget & Jobs: Tobago House of Assembly leaders signalled an eventual hiring freeze, pointing to an unsustainable wage bill and pushing labour absorption through tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. Construction/Legal: A contractor’s $90m-plus claim against the THA over an old road project was dismissed, with legal costs ordered. Industry Knowledge Push: IDB opened Knowledge Week 2026 in Port of Spain, urging stakeholders to “put knowledge to work” across health, energy and agriculture.

Tobago Budget & Jobs: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says a hiring freeze may be coming as the wage bill squeezes development, with over $3.03bn of a $4.12bn 2027 request tied to recurrent spending. Court & Construction: A High Court judge dismissed a $90m contractor claim against the THA over the L’Anse Fourmi–Charlotteville road project, citing late filing and contract non-compliance. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy minister Tim Hodgson is set to name five priority power-line projects for federal backing, aimed at helping provinces share excess electricity. Security & Scrap/ATM Risk: Police continue hunting after a “Batman” suspect was held in a failed Plymouth ATM heist; separately, the scrap iron sector faces mounting pressure from copper theft and is moving to clamp down. Regional Trade/Industry: IDB launched Knowledge Week 2026 in Port of Spain, pushing practical solutions across health, energy and agriculture—“put knowledge to work.” Business Support for Entrepreneurs: A new Aranguez/St Joseph programme, backed by NEDCO, targets emerging entrepreneurs with training, mentorship and funding access. Humanitarian Response: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar pledged T&T support for earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, as officials coordinate immediate assistance.

Tobago Development & Budget: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says Tobago is entering a “new era” of delivery, pointing to smoother Central Government relations and a pipeline of projects from roads to agriculture, housing and hubs, while pushing boutique hotel investment. Entrepreneurship Push: A new Aranguez/St Joseph programme with NEDCO will train, mentor and fund emerging entrepreneurs, linking them to local manufacturers’ CSR support. Private Sector Leadership: Rudolph Hanamji is set to take the helm at PSOTT, promising a collaboration blueprint for national development. Court & Construction: A High Court judge dismissed a contractor’s $90m claim against the THA over the L’Anse Fourmi-Charlotteville Road project, citing lateness and contract non-compliance. Scrap Metal & Copper Theft: The Scrap Iron Dealers Association moves to clamp down on copper theft with tighter yard monitoring, licensing, proof-of-origin rules, and plans to reduce cash payments. Energy & Industry: Shell says advertised senior vacancies are not linked to its Manatee project, which targets production in 2027. Regional Knowledge & Skills: The IDB launched Knowledge Week 2026 in Port of Spain, urging stakeholders to “put knowledge to work” across health, energy and agriculture. Workforce Readiness: ECA calls for structured school-to-work training to tackle youth unemployment and skills mismatch. Crime & Business Climate: Trade Minister Satyakaama Maharaj argues the State of Emergency hasn’t harmed business, saying crime remains the key investment inhibitor. Infrastructure Risk: A Port-of-Spain flood resilience piece warns drainage and land-use planning have lagged behind development.

Copper Theft Crackdown: TTSIDA says copper theft is pushing the scrap trade toward shutdown and is offering to help fund law enforcement, alongside tighter yard monitoring, licensing for collectors/van operators, and moves to cap copper prices and reduce cash payments. Courtroom Watch: A High Court judge dismissed a $90m claim against the THA by a construction firm, citing late filing and contract non-compliance. Tobago Budget Pressure: The THA is seeking a record $4.12b for fiscal 2027, but farmers and economists are urging proof of delivery, not just bigger allocations. Housing Procurement Scrutiny: Commentary renews questions about HDC and LandmarkTT’s selective procurement for major housing contracts, including the use of design-build-finance models. Energy & Industry Links: The Energy Chamber of T&T and Suriname’s energy chamber signed an MoU to boost private-sector participation and local content across the southern Caribbean. Power Reliability: Lightning tripped two transmission circuits, causing a brief voltage dip, but T&TEC says supply stayed stable. Workforce Readiness: ECA urges structured school-to-work training to tackle youth unemployment and skills mismatch. Regional Tech & Labour: A UNI Global Union official warns Caribbean laws lag behind technology, leaving workers exposed.