AGP Executive Report

Calypso’s Living Legacy: A new feature on Calypso History Month spotlights David Rudder, whose music brought fresh sounds to the genre while telling stories of Caribbean history, steelpan and regional pride. Culture Online: South Trinidad entrepreneur Arvinder Rampersad has launched C events, an app designed to help people discover events, buy tickets and connect with vendors. Arts and Heritage: The Central Bank Museum has reopened with a tribute to late artist Willi Chen, including a display of his work and a screening of a 2015 interview. Farewell to Sparrow: Trinidad and Tobago will honour Mighty Sparrow with public viewings on October 13 and 14, followed by a state-assisted funeral and celebration of life on October 16. Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for release in Trinidad and six other Caribbean territories on October 29, marking the first Jamaican film distributed regionally by Caribbean Cinemas.

Mighty Sparrow Farewell: Trinidad and Tobago will honour the calypso legend on October 16 with a state-assisted funeral and celebration of life. Public viewings are set for October 13 and 14, followed by a procession and tribute programme in Port of Spain. Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens in Trinidad and Tobago on October 29 as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release—the first Jamaican film distributed regionally by Caribbean Cinemas. Music & Culture: Trinidad’s Caribbean Music Awards delivered a landmark weekend, while soca is reaching new audiences in Beijing through a Trini DJ. Fancy Spider is also bringing 55 bands to Trinidad this weekend. Steelpan Legacy: A feature explores how Trinidad’s pan has inspired a virtual-reality project focused on brain health, while writers and artistes reflect on Sparrow’s lasting influence.

Mighty Sparrow’s Farewell: Trinidad and Tobago will honour the calypso icon at a state-assisted funeral and celebration of life on October 16. The ministry says the date was chosen to suit the family and travelling guests, and public viewings have been announced. Pan & Tobago Carnival: Pan Trinbago is threatening to boycott Tobago Carnival over an alleged $1.7 million debt. A call to remember young pannists also highlights their late-night journeys home from rehearsals and the need to keep them safe. Arts & Wellbeing: A World Mental Health Day exhibition at Medulla Art Gallery put creativity’s role in healing in the spotlight, with regional art therapists discussing their work. Culture & Style: Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain returns November 14 with a secret location, all-white dress and a menu blending French flair with local flavour. Fashion Plate is also heading to its finale, while the Caribbean Music Awards’ 2026 Elite Weekend was hailed as a landmark event in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mighty Sparrow: Trinidad will honour the calypso legend with a national farewell on October 16. The public can pay their respects at SAPA on October 13 and NAPA on October 14. Caribbean Music: The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards brought a landmark Elite Weekend to Trinidad and Tobago, while a Trini DJ is taking soca to Beijing’s nightlife. Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is up for six awards at the inaugural Caribbean Film Awards and is set for a regional release, including in T&T, on October 29. Live Scene: Fancy Spider is bringing 55 bands to Trinidad this weekend.

Sparrow’s Farewell: The late Mighty Sparrow will be honoured at a national Celebration of Life on October 16 at NAPA, with public viewings at SAPA on October 13 and NAPA on October 14. The family has asked mourners not to take photos or videos. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is up for six awards at Saturday’s inaugural Caribbean Film Awards, ahead of its October 29 release in Trinidad and six other Caribbean territories. Music Across Borders: Trini DJ Selectah Kirtis is bringing soca to Beijing nightlife, turning a family visit into a new stage for his career. Creative Spaces: Bacano Bookshop’s new St Augustine home aims to make reading accessible while creating opportunities for local writers, poets and other creatives. Caribbean Music: Trinidad hosted the Caribbean Music Awards’ first Elite Weekend, bringing more than 100 artists, media and industry professionals together to celebrate the region’s music and culture.

Mighty Sparrow Farewell: The calypso legend’s Celebration of Life is set for October 16 at NAPA, with public viewings at SAPA on October 13 and NAPA on October 14, both from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A procession through Port of Spain will precede the ceremony. Soca Abroad: Trini DJ Kirtly Francis, known as Selectah Kirtis, is bringing soca to Beijing’s nightlife after turning a family visit into a new stage for his music. Live Music: Fancy Spider brings 55 bands to Trinidad this weekend, with downtown set for a lively mix of music and art. A Different Kind of Comeback: Former soca and chutney singer Carlene Wells returned to the stage for her first major concert in ten years, blending gospel with reworked versions of her old hits. Fashion and Food: The Fashion Plate paired local designers with restaurants across Trinidad and Tobago, showcasing how creative industries can collaborate.

Mighty Sparrow Remembered: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar signed the condolence book for the calypso icon at NAPA, calling him a true patriot whose music carried Trinidad and Tobago’s stories to the world. A state-assisted funeral is planned, with the date still to be announced. Fashion on the Menu: The Fashion Plate wraps up tonight at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, bringing local designers and restaurant partners together for its Grand Finale after showcases across Trinidad and Tobago. Culture Across Borders: NALIS’ sixth Latin-Ibero American Festival is showcasing music, art, literature and food from nine countries; Chile’s embassy also screened the film Calle for Arima North Secondary students. Backing the Creative Economy: South Florida-based Trinidadian entrepreneurs Marie and Anthony Hinkson have opened art-supply and framing business Elevated Art Solutions, alongside a gallery and events space designed to support local artists and connect them with diaspora audiences.

Creative Economy: South Florida entrepreneurs Marie and Anthony Hinkson are investing in Trinidad’s arts scene through an art-supply and framing business and a Maraval hub for exhibitions, workshops and artist development. Culture: NALIS has launched its sixth Latin-Ibero American Festival, with six nights of music, art, literature and food from nine countries. Fashion: The Fashion Plate closes October 9 at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, bringing local designers and restaurants together for its finale. Pan & Technology: Trinidadian creator Shawn De Freitas has developed Panjam+, a virtual-reality steelpan platform designed to explore music’s connection to brain health. Mighty Sparrow: The calypso legend’s body has returned to Trinidad ahead of his state-assisted funeral, as tributes continue to honour his lasting influence. Regional Music: Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica flights offer a direct link for fans heading to the World Creole Music Festival later this month.

Food & Events: Dîner en Blanc returns to Port of Spain on November 14, pairing French classics with Caribbean flavours. Freebird Restaurant is this year’s culinary partner. Visual Arts: Painter Martin Superville is celebrating 30 years of work with The Chronographer, now on show at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Music: The Mighty Sparrow’s body returned to Trinidad on October 6 ahead of a state-assisted funeral. The calypso legend, who died aged 91, is being remembered across the region for songs that brought Caribbean stories to the world. Local Sport: Trinidad and Tobago’s MMA Federation hosts its Pathway to Greatness Championships on October 10 at the Woodbrook Youth Facility. Diaspora Culture: Diaspora Homecoming 2026 begins October 15, bringing returning nationals together for cultural events and a conference that will include the creative industries.

Mighty Sparrow: The calypso icon’s body returned to Trinidad on Tuesday, as officials and his family prepare a state-assisted funeral. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has urged Caribbean artists to follow Sparrow’s example in lyrical skill. Tobago Carnival: More than 60,000 visitors are expected for the October 30–November 1 festival, but Pan Trinbago says it may boycott over a $1.7 million debt. Carnival 2027: The International Soca Monarch is set to return to Trinidad Carnival, bringing a major competition back to the season. Caribbean Cinema: “DANM” led the winners at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, a standout for the festival’s 20th anniversary. Pageant Success: Trinidad student Hailey Pysadee was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2026.

Sports Funding: Minister Phillip Watts handed out TT$10.7m in grants to elite athletes, national governing bodies and sport support groups, including javelin star Keshorn Walcott. Track & Field Coaching: NAAA graduates 29 new Level 2 track coaches after two World Athletics Level 2 courses at Ato Boldon Stadium, boosting Trinidad and Tobago’s sprint, hurdles, and distance coaching pipeline. Tobago Carnival Travel: Tobago expects a record 60,000+ visitors for October Carnival as the T&T Spirit ferry returns, adding capacity for key sailing dates. Aviation Connectivity: Contour Airlines launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service, strengthening regional links for travellers and tourism. Water Woes: WASA reported discoloured water in parts of the country after Desalcott maintenance, stressing water is safe while supply delays continue. Special Operations Act: The Special Operations Act is now fully operational after proclamation, setting up closed areas with curfews, checkpoints and warrantless searches in specified circumstances. Culture & Mourning: The Mighty Sparrow’s body arrived in Trinidad for a state-assisted funeral, with tributes and condolence books opened nationwide. West Indies Cricket Merch: Cricket West Indies and SUPERFAN unveiled a new licensed West Indies fanwear collection designed by Trinidad entrepreneur Nicolette Leacock.

Press Freedom Under Fire: Journalists in Trinidad and Tobago are calling for urgent changes to the Special Operations Bill 2026, warning it could let police search and seize reporters’ devices and expose confidential sources. Mighty Sparrow Tributes: The nation and the wider Caribbean community are mourning calypso icon The Mighty Sparrow, with memorials and tributes highlighting his lasting impact on music and culture. Tobago Carnival Tension: Pan Trinbago says it will boycott Tobago Carnival over $1.7M in outstanding payments, with steelbands refusing to perform until dues are settled. Sports & Community: The Sugar Boyz and Cuba played to a 2-2 draw in CONCACAF Nations League action, while Tobago’s Subway 6K crowned Isaiah Alder and Asha James as winners. West Indies Cricket Merch: Cricket West Indies and SUPERFAN launched a new licensed fanwear collection celebrating West Indies cricket and Caribbean identity. Business Loss: TTOC and the sports community mourn Sean Roach, CEO of Langston Roach Industries, who died at 46. Energy Shockwaves: Nutrien says it’s shutting down Trinidad nitrogen operations at Point Lisas indefinitely due to natural gas constraints and uncertainty.

Miss India Worldwide: Hailey Pysadee, a 19-year-old T&T law student, was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2026, with Dr. Sridevi Manginani (Mrs) and Luna Jairam (Miss Teen) also taking top honours. Tobago Carnival: Pan Trinbago says it will boycott Tobago Carnival over a $1.7M debt, claiming bands won’t perform until outstanding payments are settled. Mighty Sparrow tributes: The calypso legend’s legacy continues to be honoured in New York memorials and local reflections, as T&T prepares for a state-assisted funeral. Sports & fitness: Isaiah Alder and Asha James won the Subway Tobago 6K, while T&T football’s relegation is being framed as the start of a rebuild. Energy jobs hit: Nutrien plans an indefinite shutdown of its Trinidad nitrogen operations at Point Lisas, with workers facing retrenchment and warnings of knock-on economic damage. Noise rules for events: EMA met entertainment promoters on the Noise Variation process, urging better sound management ahead of major shows. World Creole Music Festival: WCMF 2026 is set for Oct 23–25 in Dominica, with an “ultimate guide” circulating as the official lineup buzz grows.

Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Hundreds in Queens, New York, paid last respects to calypso icon Slinger Francisco, with Trinidad and Tobago’s government confirming state-assisted funeral support for the legend. Calypso & Culture: As Calypso History Month continues, Rawkus Re-my reflects on keeping the next generation listening, while a three-hour memorial ceremony in New York celebrated Sparrow’s global impact. Local Arts & Media: Guardian Media Ltd was ordered to pay Tobago businessman Allan Warner and son Aluko Ato Warner over a defamatory Sunday Guardian article, including damages, interest, costs, and orders to remove/edit the piece. Noise & Entertainment: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process and practical ways to manage amplified sound responsibly. Sports & Community: Pan Trinbago will boycott Tobago Carnival over a reported $1.7m debt, while T&T golfers chase more success at the CGA Champs and Pan Trinbago’s K&S tournament push continues with Linden’s “Football Means Business” launch. Cycling Spotlight: TTCF reversed an earlier selection and named Teniel Campbell for the women’s Points Race at the 2026 TISSOT UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai. Golf & Tourism: T&T’s CGA Four-Ball Championship squad is set for Turks and Caicos, and Caribbean tourism leaders urged young people to lead now—not later.

Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Trinidad and Tobago is in full mourning mode after calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died at 91, with state-assisted funeral plans and public tributes rolling out from New York memorial services to San Fernando street celebrations. Cycling Spotlight: The Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation admitted an error in its earlier selection and has now named Teniel Campbell for the women’s Points Race at the 2026 UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai. Regional Mobility Talk: CARICOM leaders say free movement is still tough for small states, citing capacity limits and “islandness” psychology that slows borderless labour mobility. T&T Sports Update: The Warriors’ Nations League survival hinges on today’s match vs Curaçao, with injuries adding pressure for coach Derek King. Culture & Media Loss: Journalist and producer Brian St. Juste has died at 68, remembered for decades of film, TV and major event coverage across the Caribbean. Sports on TV: Listings continue for football, cricket, motorsport and more, including CONCACAF action featuring Curaçao vs Trinidad & Tobago.

Calypso Tribute: Trinidad and Tobago will honour the late Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco with an official state-assisted funeral, books of condolences, and a national tribute as Calypso History Month is dedicated to his legacy. PNM Tobago Politics: Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis says there’s “no room for complacency” after Nicole Henry-Waldrons resignation and exit from the PNM, with Petal Daniel-Benoit set to take over as chair. Budget Pressure Watch: Economists and business voices are urging a serious look at whether the T&T dollar is appropriately valued ahead of next week’s national budget, warning devaluation alone won’t fix the US-dollar shortage. Sports & Nationhood: T&T’s senior men’s Nations League survival hinges on today’s match vs Curaçao, while Guyana and Suriname sports directors discuss a pathway toward the CARICOM Games. Entertainment Spotlight: Guyana’s Miss India Worldwide 2026 queens made a splash in Trinidad, landing three Top 3 placements at the NAPA event.