AGP Executive Report

Agriculture: Tobago farmers are shifting grazing hours and storing water as extreme heat stresses livestock and cuts egg production; a new resilience workshop introduced practical ways to protect animals. Water Supply: WASA is flushing networks after desalination plant maintenance caused discoloured water and supply disruptions, with the full restart delayed. Energy and Jobs: Nutrien’s indefinite Point Lisas shutdown puts about 350 jobs at risk and deepens concerns over gas shortages. The Energy Chamber is urging budget measures to revive oil and gas investment as production declines. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts T&T’s economy will contract 0.2% in 2026 before growing 2.5% next year; CariCRIS has reaffirmed the country’s CariAA rating with a stable outlook. Business Expansion: FT Farfan has entered Jamaica’s industrial supply market as the STIHL distributor, building a dealer network with product, training and marketing support.

Economic Outlook: The World Bank expects Trinidad and Tobago’s economy to contract 0.2% in 2026, following a 0.5% decline last year, before returning to growth in 2027. CariCRIS, meanwhile, reaffirmed the country’s CariAA rating with a stable outlook. Energy and Industry: The Energy Chamber is urging budget measures to spur oil and gas investment as production declines and gas shortages squeeze industry. Nutrien’s decision to indefinitely shut its Point Lisas nitrogen operations puts about 350 jobs at risk; the Government says talks with the company are continuing. Jobs: Up to 140 Massy Cat employees could be affected as the group transfers its Caterpillar business, though Massy says the final number is still being determined. Water Supply: Delays restarting Desalcott after maintenance have extended supply problems, while WASA flushes discoloured water reported by customers in several communities.

Fertiliser & Jobs Shock: Nutrien says it will indefinitely shut its Trinidad nitrogen operations at Point Lisas, citing ongoing natural gas constraints and uncertainty—leaving about 350 workers facing retrenchment as the company winds down. Energy Policy & Talks: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal insists Government is still in discussions and “not closing the door,” while former PM Stuart Young calls the closure unnecessary and warns it could have been avoided. Water Supply Strain: Desalcott’s restart is delayed to Thursday after mechanical issues, with WASA reporting discoloured water in parts of the country and reservoirs below 70% capacity amid El Niño. Transport & Congestion: Transport Minister Eli Zakour says long-term plans are being developed after major gridlock from road accidents and traffic-light timing problems near Dock Road/Wrightson Road. Local Government Overhaul: The Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill proposes councillors and aldermen lose seats if they resign or are expelled from their political party. Skills & Industry Training: YTEPP and other TVET/technical training expansion is planned for Rio Claro and Mayaro, aiming to reduce the need for long-distance travel for qualifications. Sports Development: Phillip Watts hands out TT$10.7m in grants and NAAA graduates 29 Level 2 track coaches. Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods issues a precautionary recall of specific Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L batches in several markets, saying it’s a product-quality issue, not food safety.

Energy Shock: Nutrien says it will indefinitely shut its Trinidad nitrogen operations at Point Lisas, blaming ongoing natural gas constraints and uncertainty, after a controlled shutdown last year; Govt vs Opposition: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distances the administration from the retrenchment decision, while Energy Minister and Opposition figures trade blame over how the sector is managed; Jobs & Exports: The Energy Chamber warns the move could hit jobs, export earnings, foreign exchange and government revenue, with skilled workers at risk of leaving the sector; Power Reliability: CORPOELEC reports adjustments and component replacements at Tinajitas and Guanarito 34.5kV substations to keep supply steady for over 110,000 people; Local Innovation Push: MTTI signs the “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter with three innovation hubs (IATT, Founder Institute Caribbean, LBAFI) to help entrepreneurs commercialise and scale; Workplace Grievances: MTS workers protest alleged victimisation, unfair transfers and inadequate protective supplies; Business & Community Loss: Tributes follow the death of former TSTT chairman Sean Roach, CEO of Langston Roach Industries; Tourism Skills: Young people gain agriculture skills through the AFRHA programme; Food & Livestock: Tobago’s Lamb Fest spotlights lamb value-addition and local market demand.

Fertiliser Shock at Point Lisas: Nutrien will indefinitely shut its Trinidad nitrogen operations after natural gas constraints and uncertainty, following a controlled Oct. 23, 2025 shutdown; the company says 2026 nitrogen sales guidance won’t be hit, but the Energy Chamber warns of job losses, export and revenue impacts. Labour Pressure Before Budget: Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots’ Association (TTALPA) is pressing Government for over $20M in outstanding payouts ahead of Budget 2027, saying the work was already done. Energy Grid Update: CORPOELEC carried out adjustments and component replacements at the Tinajitas and Guanarito 34.5kV substations to keep power flowing to over 110,000 residents in Portuguesa. Local Innovation Push: Three innovation hubs signed the “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter to help entrepreneurs commercialise and scale, linking community innovators to national opportunities. Manufacturing & Business Loss: Former TSTT chairman Sean Roach dies at 46; TTMA and the TTOC mourn a long-time supporter of athletes and the manufacturing sector. Community & Social Watch: EMA met event promoters on noise variation rules, while reports highlight growing street homelessness visibility in Port of Spain and San Fernando.

Fertiliser Shock for Industry: Nutrien says it will indefinitely shut its Trinidad Nitrogen operations at Point Lisas, blaming ongoing natural gas supply constraints and uncertainty, after a controlled shutdown began in Oct 2025; the company says 2026 nitrogen sales outlook won’t be hit as North America is expected to meet demand. Energy & Jobs Fallout: Local reporting says staff were informed Monday that retrenchment is set to begin, following gas meter isolation and loss of port access tied to expired arrangements. Local Business Push: The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism signed the “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” Charter with three innovation hubs—Innovation Association of T&T, Founder Institute Caribbean and La Brea Association for Innovation—aiming to help MSMEs scale production and meet quality standards. Regulation for Events & Sound: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders on the Noise Variation process under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, stressing when approvals are required and practical steps to cut noise impacts. Food Safety Watch: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L across several Caribbean markets including Trinidad and Tobago, described as a quality issue with no expected health effects. Connectivity for Growth: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable corridor targeting service by end-2029.

Cabinet & portfolios: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s latest cabinet realignment took effect Sept. 30, shifting major responsibilities across housing, land/legal affairs and other state entities—prompting pushback from opposition figures who call it more than routine reshuffling. Budget pressure on families: Social agencies are urging bigger, better-targeted funding in the Oct. 12 budget, warning that delays and weak support are leaving children’s homes and vulnerable families struggling with basic costs. Food & retail costs: Economists and business leaders are calling for the budget to measure agriculture spending by results—local production and food security—not just allocations, as import costs and external shocks keep squeezing households. Energy & FX debate: With “brighter days” tied to pending gas projects and agreements, analysts are also renewing calls to review the T&T dollar’s value amid persistent US-dollar shortages and a parallel market. Manufacturing recall: GraceKennedy Foods is recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L across several Caribbean markets including Trinidad & Tobago, saying it’s a quality issue, not a safety risk. Regional connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment with service targeted by end-2029. Oil & gas geopolitics: Qatar’s UCC is in talks about entering Venezuelan oil and gas areas, with the Loran gas project reaching into Trinidad & Tobago waters. Public safety & governance: A water-supply accountability motion collapsed in the House due to a procedural error, while unions are pressing for wage settlements and job-focused budget direction. Industry & education: COSTAATT received seven-year continuing institutional accreditation from ACTT, reinforcing its industry-linked training mission.

Energy & Gas Policy: A T&T energy governance expert says Guyana’s next gas pipeline debate must shift from “how big and where” to what the gas will actually do—highlighting how allocation, industrial development and institutional coordination matter as Longtail moves toward gas-led development. FX & Budget Pressure: Economists and business leaders are urging a serious review of the T&T dollar ahead of the Oct 12 Budget, warning that devaluation alone won’t fix US-dollar shortages and could lift the cost of food and essentials. Agriculture Spend Scrutiny: An agriculture consultant wants Budget 2027 to measure whether agri allocations translate into production, viable farm businesses and food security—not just money spent. Food Prices & Supply Chains: A supermarket boss points to external shocks driving food volatility, while stakeholders push for policies that strengthen local supply chains and link farms to shelves. Renewables Transition: An Ember report says Caribbean solar is growing faster than official data, but policy and regulatory bottlenecks are slowing the shift away from costly imported fossil fuels. Remote Gambling Legalised: The Senate unanimously cleared legislation for licensed remote gambling, with supporters citing jobs and revenue and lawmakers flagging regulation and consumer protection. Cabinet Realignment: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s portfolio changes took effect Sept 30, moving major housing and state-enterprise responsibilities to Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein. Industry & Trade: Proman Trinidad launched a book on IPSL’s history and achievements and announced technical scholarships, while Massy expects a US$9.8m accounting loss from selling its Caterpillar-related line. Food Safety: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch across several Caribbean markets, saying it’s a quality issue, not a safety concern. Oil Rig Safety: OSHA is consulting on proposed oil rig safety regulations covering equipment, maintenance, emergency response and contractor management.

Cabinet & portfolios: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Sept 30 realignment took effect in the Gazette, shifting major responsibilities across housing, land, agriculture and state enterprises—most notably placing GASHHP/HVIP and several sugar and hydrographic functions under Land & Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein. Labour & Budget pressure: Unions are lining up 2027 National Budget demands around wage settlements, back-pay and job support, with port workers still tied to older pay scales. Procurement safeguards debate: Opposition and commentators are challenging proposed Public Procurement law amendments, arguing “speed” could mean weaker controls on public spending. Remote gambling goes legal: The Senate unanimously approved the Remote Gambling Order, setting a licensing framework for online betting with further provisions expected by Jan 1, 2027. Food industry recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch in Trinidad and other Caribbean markets, saying it’s a quality issue, not a safety concern. Energy & industrial services: Pro-man Trinidad launched a book on IPSL’s history and achievements while signaling optimism for improved natural gas supply ahead of the Oct 12 Budget; separately, OSHA is consulting on new oil rig safety rules. Economy & jobs: Central Bank data shows unemployment rising to 5.4% in Q1 2026, with construction and distribution slowing while manufacturing grew. Diplomacy & trade: T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for Couva Children’s Hospital equipment. Industry education: COSTAATT received seven-year continuing institutional accreditation from ACTT. Water supply politics: An opposition motion on water disruptions collapsed due to a procedural failure in the House.

Remote Gambling Legal Push: The Senate unanimously cleared the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) (Remote Gambling) Order, 2026, setting up a state-licensed framework for online betting, with key details expected to fully kick in by 1 January 2027. Energy & Industry Outlook: Pro-man says it’s “quite optimistic” about improved natural gas supply ahead of the Oct. 12 Budget, after earlier workforce reduction plans tied to gas shortages. OSHA Oil Rig Safety Consultations: OSHA is consulting government, employers and unions on new oil rig safety subsidiary rules covering integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence. Economy & Jobs: The Central Bank reports T&T’s unemployment rate rose to 5.4% in Q1 2026, with mixed sector trends and expectations of energy activity improving as new projects ramp up. Business Restructuring: Massy Holdings expects an accounting loss of about US$9.8m from selling its Caterpillar-related T&T line to MACORP, with severance driving more than half the loss. Diplomacy for Trade: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers says T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for Couva Children’s Hospital equipment. Carnival & Creative Industries: Fantastic Friday returns for Carnival 2027 under “Trinidad Versus the World,” while Jade Monkey Carnival will not take part in Tobago Jouvert 2026. Road Safety Data Drive: The Transport Ministry launched a Road Safety Unit to collect and analyse accident and compliance data to target high-risk areas and improve enforcement.

Remote Gambling Rollout: The Senate unanimously cleared the Remote Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Order, 2026, setting up licensed online betting under state regulation, with key provisions expected to fully kick in by Jan 1, 2027. Budget & Labour Signals: The Central Bank says T&T’s unemployment rate rose to 5.4% in Q1 2026, while manufacturing grew and construction/distribution slowed—setting the backdrop for the Oct 12, 2026 Budget. Energy & Trade Push: Government says it will deepen ties with Venezuela via gas deals, while also moving to secure more domestic natural gas supply as part of the 2027 outlook. Diplomacy for Industry: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers announced T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for Couva Children’s Hospital—aimed at boosting trade and support for local manufacturers. Road Safety Data Drive: The Transport Ministry launched a Road Safety Unit to analyse accident and compliance data to target high-risk areas. Agriculture Protection: La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan banned smuggled vegetables at markets after illegal broccoli was found, with inspections and possible prosecutions. Entrepreneurship Finance: NEDCO says it’s expanding support for micro and small businesses, including loan financing and links to international markets like Canada. Food & Festival Economy: The Giant African Snail is being pitched as an enterprise opportunity for climate-resilient agriculture, while Carnival planning continues with major updates including the return of Soca Monarch for Carnival 2027.

Energy & Industry: Massy Holdings expects an accounting loss of about US$9.8M on its sale of the Caterpillar-related business in T&T to MACORP, with severance driving more than half the projected hit, while cash proceeds are expected at roughly US$16M. Business Finance: NEDCO says it’s stepping up expansion loans and full-service support (financing, training and mentorship) for micro and small entrepreneurs, including links to international markets like Canada. Tourism & Trade: SouthEx International Expo 2026 opened in South Trinidad, pushing “Buy Local” while spotlighting AI-led growth tools for tourism visibility. Energy Policy: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Budget 2026/27 lands Oct 12 and points to gas deal progress and upstream investments, including NGC’s domestic supply push. Labour Market: The Central Bank reports unemployment rising to 5.4% in Q1 2026, with mixed sector performance and construction softening. Governance & Compliance: OSHA is consulting on proposed oil rig safety rules, aiming for clearer accountability and stronger worker protection. Agriculture & Markets: La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan bans smuggled vegetables at markets, ordering inspections, confiscations and possible prosecution. Education & Skills: DPSU awarded 12 scholarships for professional development via Cipriani College, covering industrial relations, HR, project management and emergency management. EU Energy Cooperation: The EU signals readiness to support Nevis geothermal with expertise and possible financial backing. Culture & Brand: Habanos S.A. promotes Trinidad Vigía Reserva Cosecha 2022 in a Swiss launch, marking the brand’s first Reserva debut.

Labour & Inflation Watch: The Central Bank says T&T’s unemployment rose to 5.4% in Q1 2026 (from 4.9%), while inflation stayed low at 0.6%, with construction and distribution slowing but manufacturing up 4.3%. Budget 2027 Context: Commentary ahead of Budget 2027 flags a tougher global backdrop—higher energy and food costs, shifting trade, and AI pressures—making it harder for a small, open economy like T&T to absorb shocks. Oil Rig Safety Rules: OSHA is consulting government, the energy sector and unions on new oil rig safety regulations, focusing on clearer accountability and prevention. Alcohol/Gambling Bill: San Fernando bar owners warn proposed increases to legal ages (alcohol 21; gambling and marijuana 25) and steep penalties could hit sales. Business & Trade Moves: Massy sold its Caterpillar business to MA-CORP, and Nestlé will shift its local distribution model in Jan 2027 with Massy Distribution Division becoming main distributor. Manufacturing/Distribution Performance: West Indian Traders reports revenue growth but profit down 19.84%, citing margin pressure from freight and incentives. Tourism & Tech Push: SouthEx International Expo backs local firms with AI-focused growth messaging and new digital tourism directories. Energy/Regional Link: EU engagement with Nevis geothermal signals potential regional impact beyond the island.

Energy & Industry Dealmaking: Massy Group confirmed it has sold its Caterpillar business in Trinidad and Tobago to Machinery Corporation Motors (MACORP), a local subsidiary of Machinery Corporation of America, saying the move supports growth and keeps workers in mind. Consumer & Distribution: Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago will shift its local distribution model in January 2027, with Massy Distribution Division becoming the main distributor, while Nestlé says the earlier factory sale is separate and consultations with the OWTU are underway. Procurement & Governance: A new push around the Public Procurement and Disposals of Public Property (Amendment) Bill 2026 is raising concerns about weaker accountability, higher costs for suppliers challenging tenders, and reduced scrutiny. Budget Planning: Caribbean Energy Chamber CEO Eugene Tiah argues the 2027 budget must be tied to a long-term economic strategy, not treated as a one-year exercise. Critical Minerals Research: The U.S. DOE awarded US$29.5M to Ames National Laboratory projects under “Mine of the Future” to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals. Trade & Investment Links: Canada is opening doors for tariff-free market access and joint ventures with T&T firms, with a trade mission bringing 30+ local businesses to Toronto. Tourism Jobs: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to create tourism employment pathways for trainees. Digital Payments Policy: Caribbean central banks are moving away from CBDCs toward instant payment systems as adoption remains low. Food & Agriculture: A food industry voice is calling for farmers and producers to get a real share of Carnival and festival revenue so more spending stays local. Creative Economy: The 20th Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival named multiple regional winners, including DANM as Best Film made in T&T.

Parliament & Regulation: The House approved legislation to license and regulate remote gambling, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo saying it will formalise operators and boost tax revenue, while Opposition concerns focus on addiction risks for vulnerable youths. Water & Infrastructure: WASA warned of disruptions as the Point Lisas Desalination Plant (Desalcott) shuts for annual maintenance from Sept 28 to Oct 4, affecting parts of Central and south-west Trinidad. Tourism Jobs: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to place trainees into tourism roles, targeting hotel and related employment needs in both Trinidad and Tobago. Energy & Industry: The Central Bank cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 13.8% since 2019, citing lower electricity use and value-chain reductions. Manufacturing & Trade: Massy confirmed it is selling its Caterpillar dealership to MACORP, a move aimed at strengthening growth and specialist support. Business & Markets: Canada is opening doors for T&T firms, with the High Commissioner highlighting tariff-free access under the trade agreement and growing interest in joint ventures. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, targeting service entry by end-2029. Energy Projects: DOE announced $29.5m for critical mineral supply-chain work in the U.S., underlining the global push to reduce dependence on China.

Air Connectivity for Carnival: Caribbean Airlines says it has added 7,000 seats on the Trinidad–Tobago domestic route for Tobago Carnival, with extra flights running Oct 15–Nov 3, now open for booking. Water Supply Disruption: WASA warns of Central and South Trinidad water interruptions as the Point Lisas Desalination Plant (Desalcott) shuts for annual maintenance from Sept 28 to Oct 4, with full supply restoration expected 24–48 hours after restart. Manufacturing & Services Push: TTMA and TTCSI are urging the 2026/27 budget to tackle VAT refund backlogs, improve foreign-exchange access, and restart stronger SME support under GlobalTT—aimed at boosting production, jobs and diversification. Housing Procurement Overhaul: Housing Minister Phillip Alexander says procurement amendments to the Office of Procurement Regulation will speed HDC housing delivery, including more public-private partnerships. Alcohol Law Scrutiny: The T&T Chamber and Beverage Alcohol Alliance call for a Joint Select Committee review of proposed changes to the legal drinking age, warning enforcement capacity and unintended consequences must be assessed. Energy & Regional Gas Talks: Qatar’s UCC Oil and Gas Holding says it’s in talks about entering new Venezuela fields, including the Loran gas project that extends into Trinidad and Tobago. Security & Business Impact: Owner Dealers Association questions the effectiveness of crime measures and warns movement restrictions could hit already-stressed businesses. Cybersecurity for SMEs: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum for SMEs and creative industries, highlighting growing digital threats and the need for stronger local capacity. Culture & Industry Loss: Calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco dies at 91, leaving a major legacy for Caribbean music and entertainment.