AGP Executive Report

Tobago Budget & Prosperity Blueprint: Tobago House of Assembly Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts outlined the 2026/27 fiscal package and the “Pathway for Prosperity: Blueprint for Tobago 2026–2030,” flagging priorities from tourism and agriculture to digital transformation and human capital. State of Emergency Debate: As Parliament weighs extending the SOE, security effectiveness and political divide remain front and centre, with maritime/security consultant Norman Dindial weighing the implications. Energy & Cross-Border Gas: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal defended Finance Bill energy incentives and said the sector is showing “clear signs of recovery,” while Trinidad also signed a production-sharing deal with ExxonMobil and Occidental for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater block. Venezuela–Shell Loran Gas Move: Venezuela signed Phase I agreements with Shell to develop the Loran gas field, a cross-border asset linked to Trinidad and Tobago, as Caracas pushes to become a major gas exporter. Finance Bill 2026 Fines & Tax Claims: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said the bill adds no new taxes on citizens, though it increases fines and introduces a new fiscal regime for marginal marine gas drilling. Tourism Recognition: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards went to Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel and HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright, boosting the case for conservation-led tourism. Public Safety & Crime: CARICOM IMPACS and the US opened a regional firearms workshop in Port of Spain to tackle illicit, increasingly untraceable weapons driving violence. Hospitality Training Push: MIC’s “Inside the Industry” session heard that TTHTI’s shutdown dealt a major blow, as training and skills development are being rebuilt. Agribusiness & Food Skills: Farm and Func­tion Ltd’s turnaround story and Annie Phillip’s pepper-sauce training highlight food security, import substitution, and small-business capability building.

Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal pushed back on Opposition claims over talks with Venezuela, saying engagement is ongoing and T&T is working closely with major energy stakeholders to advance cross-border gas projects. Offshore Oil & Gas: T&T signed a production-sharing contract for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater exploration block with ExxonMobil and Occidental, a “significant milestone” for upstream activity. Finance Bill 2026: The Finance Bill debate is heating up, with Energy Minister Moonilal defending new offshore gas incentives while UNC MP Colm Imbert argues the bill’s higher fines and penalties hit poor people and small businesses. Housing Procurement Scrutiny: The Office of Procurement Regulation is probing housing contract awards tied to Landmark TT and the Housing Development Corporation, after concerns about selective procurement and pricing. Hospitality Skills: The MIC Institute of Technology launched an “Inside the Industry” hospitality series, while Housing Minister David Lee said the TTHTI shutdown dealt a major blow to hospitality training. Agribusiness & Food Security: Farm and Function Ltd’s turnaround is being framed as a model for food security and import substitution, and Annie Phillip is training up in pepper sauce production with a focus on food safety. Regional Trade & Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urged T&T to reconsider withdrawal of some Caribbean airline routes, warning it could damage multi-destination travel and connectivity. Media & Payments: Caribbean media faces revenue squeeze in the AI era, while CIBC Caribbean rolled out Google Wallet support across several markets including Trinidad and Tobago. Transport Costs: A new look at congestion puts the economic hit at about $2.26b a year, with commuters losing more than a month stuck in traffic. Local Industry Growth: Kenny Scott Boats is expanding across the Caribbean and Florida with a custom luxury offshore vessel built for regional conditions.

Hospitality Skills Push: Housing Minister Dr David Lee says the shutdown of the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) dealt a “major blow” to hospitality training, while MIC-IT’s new “Inside the Industry” series kicks off with a Hospitality Edition featuring local and international professionals. Education & Research Links: UWI St Augustine and UTT sign MOUs to expand applied research and student opportunities across engineering, energy, biosciences and veterinary medicine. Tourism Connectivity Warning: Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association president-elect Gregor Nassief urges T&T to reconsider withdrawal of Caribbean airline routes, warning it could hurt multi-destination travel and passenger connectivity. Regional Business & Investment: T&T energy momentum is highlighted as global investor confidence grows, while TTMA leads a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname. Digital Payments Upgrade: CIBC Caribbean rolls out Google Wallet support in the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Trinidad and Tobago, enabling contactless payments via Android and WearOS. SoE Debate Watch: Business chambers say any extension of the State of Emergency must be backed by evidence of measurable crime reductions. Industry Growth Moves: Seprod-owned A.S. Bryden & Sons buys into Barbados distribution and food service via two deals totalling US$3.6m.

Energy Investment: Trinidad and Tobago’s upstream push stays in focus as the Energy Minister signs a Production Sharing Contract for an ultra-deepwater block with ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum, a move the Energy Chamber calls a major step forward. Regional Trade & Industry: The TTMA is leading trade momentum with a Guyana and Suriname mission, while Guyana’s Finance Minister highlights investment in infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education and industrial development as job and business catalysts. Local Business & Security Policy: Business chambers are urging that any extension of the State of Emergency be backed by clear results, not just emergency powers—so firms can plan and investors can stay confident. Agriculture & Food Security: CARDI hosts an international delegation to deepen agricultural innovation ties, showcasing climate-resilient crops and high-yield outputs from CARDI-IICA cooperation. Finance & Governance: Parliament is set for debate on the Finance Bill 2026 and a proposed SoE extension, with the bill covering amendments across multiple laws and changes to fines, taxes and pensions. Corporate Moves: Seprod-owned A.S. Bryden & Sons expands in the Eastern Caribbean, buying two Barbados firms for US$3.6m to strengthen distribution in food service and consumer goods. Human Interest: A post-mortem confirms 12-year-old Mercedez Layne died from blunt force injuries after her body was found near an oil well site.

Energy & Oil/Gas Deal: Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister signed a Production Sharing Contract for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater block with ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum, a push aimed at accelerating upstream activity and future investment. Agriculture & Regional Food Security: CARDI hosted a high-level delegation from IICA and Brazil to strengthen hemispheric agricultural alliances, highlighting climate-resilient crops and ongoing CARDI-IICA outputs. Manufacturing & Trade: The TTMA launched a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies and 58 participants, targeting new export customers and investment links in fast-growing sectors. Business/Finance Skills: The University of Guyana’s SEBI inched closer to global standards with ACCA accreditation for its Bachelor of Accountancy programme. Public Safety Debate: Business chambers are urging that any extension of the State of Emergency be backed by measurable results, not just emergency powers. Crime Update: An autopsy confirmed 12-year-old Mercedez Layne died from blunt force injuries after her body was found near an oil well site.

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.