AGP Executive Report

Tech & Investment: Trinidad and Tobago signed MOUs with U.S. firms Hummingbird AI Holdings and Ernst & Young to set up major AI data centers, including a proposed 150MW and a 300MW facility—prompting fresh debate over energy use and environmental impact. Arts & Culture: UWI hosted a Japan Foundation-backed haiku workshop, with students and poets crafting their own three-line pieces. Music & Heritage: The Mighty Sparrow marked his 91st birthday, with tributes celebrating his decades of calypso storytelling and social commentary. Media & Democracy: A UWI researcher says AI didn’t sway the 2025 election much, but warns deepfakes and synthetic content could fuel bigger misinformation risks next cycle. Regional Security: DHS and CARICOM’s IMPACS launched a biometric data-sharing partnership to strengthen border screening across participating countries. Politics & Public Trust: The PNM and UNC trade barbs over the Balisiér House funding probe, with accusations of “distraction” and calls for campaign finance reform. Local Spotlight: A ride-share attack in San Fernando left an SRP officer stabbed but expected to recover. Film: Cinemalaya 2026 unveiled its lineup, spotlighting Filipino stories ahead of its Aug. 6–18 run.

TIC Business Buzz: At the 2026 Trade and Investment Convention, SMEs say investor confidence is still alive but getting tested by forex shortages, security worries and weak consumer spend—despite 411 exhibitors and fresh push for deals. Energy & Environment: A new Earth Insight report warns T&T’s coral reefs sit entirely within oil-and-gas zones as offshore expansion ramps up, raising fresh pressure on the country’s energy plans. AI Data Centres Watch: Government says proposed AI data centres in Debe will be in a special economic zone, with ponds first and desalination later—aimed at protecting water supplies. PNM Balisiér House Row: Police and political lines blur as the PNM rejects a funding probe as a “witch hunt,” while the government insists investigations are independent and courts should run the process. Steelpan & Public Trust: Pan Trinbago and the public react to clashes involving Silver Stars Steel Orchestra and police, reigniting debate about respect, authority and how pan is treated. Soca Spotlight: Kimi’s Carnival hit “Action” keeps climbing post-season, boosted by DJs and social media. Arts & Community: “Christmas in July” events are turning into a growth lane for creatives, while a Glasgow runner’s mental-health journey connects to folk legend Eddi Reader through a song. Sport Development: Rising Stars U-19 cricket gets underway across the region, with T&T starting their campaign against Guyana.

Design & Daily Life: A fresh take argues good interior design isn’t a luxury—it’s practical support for everyday living, from smarter layouts and storage to easing stress in homes across Trinidad and Tobago. Cricket & Community: Trinidad and Tobago began the Rising Stars Under-19 50-over campaign with a gritty win over Guyana, while tributes continue after the death of former West Indies and national youth cricketer Aaron Ragoonath (“Chubby”). Steelpan Live Music: Generations of Steel will still go ahead after three headline steel orchestras withdrew, with a revised lineup and refunds offered to patrons. CARICOM Spotlight: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia produced key communiqués and ongoing moves around regional integration and the cost of living. Local Arts & Culture: Blue Mountain Village’s Reggae on the Mountain returns July 24–26 with JUNO winner Kirk Diamond and T&T-based Freetown Collective. Sports Talent Pipeline: T&T athletes struck gold on day one at the NACAC Under-18/Under-23 Championships in Mexico, including Lalenii Grant (discus) and Mekhi Guischard-Yearwood (100m). Justice & Rights: A landmark England court hearing could decriminalize gay sex in Trinidad and Tobago, with the case now in final appeals.

Vinyl comeback, but make it local: Toronto’s record shops say streaming fatigue is pushing fans back to physical music, with younger and more diverse collectors driving a “second vinyl revival.” T&T Heritage & Arts: Theosophical roots and landscape vision are spotlighted in coverage of Theodora Walter, while Toronto choreographer Ronald A. Taylor returns to San Fernando to run Dingolay workshops with &5678 Dance Studio. Steelpan on the trade map: MITTCO is using the Trade and Investment Conference to boost steelpan exports and youth training. Courtroom spotlight: England’s final appeals court hears a case that could decriminalize gay sex in T&T, with Jason Jones challenging colonial-era “buggery” laws. Sports & youth talent: Sagicor Junior Tennis starts at Tacarigua; NACAC Under-18/23 track opens with T&T medals; and T&T beats Cuba 2-1 in Davis Cup Group III. Remembering Aaron “Chubby” Ragoonath: Tributes pour in after the former West Indies cricketer’s death. Tobago calypso finals: Ten finalists set for Tobago Heritage Festival Calypso Monarch 2026.

Judiciary & AI: Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary issued a Practice Direction on the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in court proceedings, stressing human-controlled decision-making and banning AI-generated evidence like affidavits. Arts & Culture: Trinidad Public Library’s Art Wall spotlights local artist and quilter Melva Nolan. Music Spotlight: Ghanaian dancehall star Dosted Gennah is gaining international traction as an independent artist, with collaborations that include artists from Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Local Crime: Three armed men robbed Life Care Medical and Dental Centre in San Juan, tying up two doctors and a patient before escaping with cash and valuables. Community & Safety: Broadband access keeps expanding—TATT launched high-speed connectivity in Navet under its Universal Service Programme. Regional Watch: CARICOM leaders outlined measures to ease the rising cost of living, including fuel and freight cost reductions and plans for a regional cargo ferry. Sports: Ashton Eligon returned as TTASA president for a third straight term after the association’s AGM. Obituary: Former West Indies cricketer Aaron Ragoonath has died.

TT Chamber Canada Mission: The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce says its August trade and investment trip will be all about “market readi­ness” and sales training before companies even board the plane. Culture Push: A fresh call to “get serious about culture” argues Trinidad and Tobago has the talent and traditions, but needs better marketing and support. CARICOM/CCJ Drama: CARICOM leaders have agreed to seek a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion on the reappointment process for Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, after T&T objected—keeping the current status quo in place meanwhile. Regional Cargo Ferry Plan: CARICOM also backed a temporary inter-regional cargo ferry using a T&T state vessel to ease shipping costs and help tackle the cost-of-living squeeze. Motorsport Leadership: Ashton Eligon returns for a third term as TTASA president after the AGM, with the association gearing up for the next FIA-recognised term. Arts & Entertainment: John Thomas brings Showtime to Queen’s Hall this weekend, while TRIBE launches its 2027 World Cup-style costume selection at Queen’s Park Savannah. Music & Tributes: Calypso fraternity mourns two veteran losses in one week. Humanitarian Spotlight: Sewa International TT launches a Venezuela earthquake relief campaign with supermarket partners collecting donations at checkout. Local Colour: Trinidad’s “blue tree” floral season has locals and visitors snapping photos.

CARICOM/CCJ Legal Fight: CARICOM Heads of Government agreed to seek a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion on the procedural legality of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett’s reappointment, after Trinidad and Tobago objected—while the current arrangement stays in place until the CCJ rules. Cost-of-Living Push: At the same St. Lucia wrap-up, leaders focused on how imported fossil-fuel prices keep driving up everyday costs, with calls to expand renewables and protect affordability. Arts & Culture Loss: Trinidad-born sculptor Valerie Brathwaite, known for vibrant organic forms inspired by nature, has died. Film Spotlight: Cinemalaya 2026 unveiled its lineup—nine full-length and 10 short finalists—under the theme “Reel Reflections,” running Aug. 6–16. Local Screen Buzz: Sundar Popo’s “Kaise Bani” gets a Bollywood-style makeover for “Dhamaal 4,” premiering locally July 16. Tobago Heritage Festival: TPAC set the stage for the 39th Tobago Heritage Festival, with TPAC’s Opening Night Gala spotlighting “She Becomes Whole.” Sports/Community: SporTT was praised after a Primary Schools Cricket Festival Day, while Tobago’s Active Seniors programme continues promoting healthy ageing through recreation. Food & Culture: A “Trinidadian street food” roundup is making the rounds online. Wellness Business: A new seamoss brand launches with a gel-based, health-focused pitch. Local News Alert: Police and search teams combed the Marabella River after reports of a baby’s body sighting.

Marabella River Search: TTPS and Hunters Search and Rescue are combing the Marabella River after residents reported seeing what looked like a baby’s body near Park Lane in Gopaul Lands; police say an initial sweep found nothing and investigations continue. CARICOM/CCJ Move: Stakeholders say CARICOM’s plan to seek a CCJ advisory opinion on the reappointment process for Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett could bring legal clarity; PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T won’t adopt the CCJ as its final court “at this time,” pending further treaty and CCJ document discussions. Regional Ferry Plan: Barbados PM Mia Mottley says Kamla Persad-Bissessar has agreed to explore using a T&T ferry as a proof-of-concept to cut intra-regional cargo costs while a longer-term private service is developed. Local Arts & Film: Cinemalaya 2026 line-up highlights include Iza Calzado and Ruru Madrid in “Hand of God,” plus Pokwang leading “2 Valid IDs.” Wellness & Culture: A new seamoss brand launches with a gel-based approach aimed at targeted wellness. Sports: West Indies were penalized for slow over-rate in a drawn Test vs Sri Lanka, with a points deduction and a fine for Roston Chase. Science Spotlight: SpeSeas says a deep-sea octopus specimen may have been found in T&T waters during a national expedition.

CARICOM & CCJ: Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says CARICOM Heads have agreed to refer the CARICOM Secretary-General reappointment dispute to the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, with the SG staying in post while the process plays out. Regional Health & Jobs: Persad-Bissessar also floated plans to create regional job pathways for TT doctors across CARICOM, easing cost-of-living pressure through shared infrastructure and services. Arts & Culture: The National Philharmonic Orchestra of T&T is set to premiere Symphony No. 3 in “Soul to the Boundary” at NAPA (July 11–12), while “City Lights” spotlights dinner theatre for July 9–15 and “Steps and Strings” brings parang to Cordettes Panyard (July 11). Sports & Community: Emancipation Support Committee condemns police handling of a clash with pannists at a band launch; meanwhile, West Indies were fined and docked WTC points for slow over-rate vs Sri Lanka. Science & Discovery: A TT-led deep-sea expedition may have collected a first known specimen of an unknown octopus species for study and possible new naming.

CARICOM/CCJ Showdown: CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to refer Trinidad and Tobago’s objection to the reappointment process of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett to the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, with Barnett staying in post until the ruling comes through. Travel Deals: Caribbean Airlines is running a three-day flash sale on Trinidad–Orlando one-way fares (from US$338 outbound, US$262 inbound) for travel between July 13 and Aug. 31. Music & Culture: Festival International Nuits d’Afrique marks 40 years with a July 7–19 run featuring 130 shows by 700+ artists across 30 countries. Steelpan Legacy: UK audiences are set to revisit Trinidad steelpan history as Sterling Betancourt’s Taspo era is celebrated in London later this month. Local Arts Spotlight: Tobago’s Buc­coo is pushing for a tourism revival, with residents calling for stronger marketing and coordinated plans. Education Wins: Whim Anglican student Faith Graham celebrates SEA success despite visual impairment, while six blind and visually impaired students shine in SEA results. Community Support: Aaron Edwards’ rare liver condition is getting a boost after intervention to secure life-saving help via the Children’s Life Fund.

SEA success stories: Trinidad and Tobago’s SEA spotlight keeps growing, with six blind and visually impaired students praised for breaking barriers, plus top performer Katherine Alexandria Ajodha credited her win to daily discipline and family support. Arts & culture loss: Trinidad-born, Caracas-based sculptor Valerie Brathwaite (87) has died, remembered for biomorphic forms inspired by the natural world. Music & community: Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore backs the Silver Stars players after their arrest following a scuffle at the TRIBE band launch, while CCC’s Miguel Emmanuel prepares to debut in the Inter-Commercial House Calypso Competition with “No Kamla.” Sports & youth: Minister Phillip Watts is credited with securing funds so Under-18 and Under-23 athletes can travel to NACAC in Mexico. Public service update: Homeland Security says passport supplies are steady during the move to e-Passports, rejecting claims of scarcity. Regional governance: CARICOM Heads agreed to seek a CCJ advisory opinion on the reappointment process for Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett. Local headlines: A 4.5 earthquake shook Trinidad early Tuesday, and police in Tobago arrested three after seizing 35 cannabis trees.

Tech Ambition: AMCHAM T&T is urging Trinidad and Tobago to set a national target of growing the technology sector to at least 7% of GDP, arguing digital transformation is now a must for every business. Passport Pressure: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says T&T will move from machine-readable passports to e-passports, denying any intentional slowdown and warning of corruption probes tied to passport appointments. CARICOM Court Fight: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is pushing the Caribbean Court of Justice to weigh in on the legality of CARICOM SG Carla Barnett’s reappointment, while Jamaica and others warn the dispute is exposing regional divisions. LGBTQ+ Legal Battle: A landmark challenge to colonial-era anti-gay laws will be heard by the JCPC in London on 8 July, with groups seeking to intervene. AI in Telecom: Flytxt partners with Digicel T&T to roll out an AI-led customer engagement platform for prepaid and postpaid services. Arts & Culture: Windrush International Caribbean Film Festival launches in October 2026, with screenings and talks across the UK, Canada, the Caribbean and online. Sports Spotlight: KeShawn Rodney goes unbeaten to win the BSOTT National 8-Ball crown. Pan Update: Pan Trinbago backs Silver Stars players after a police scuffle at the TRIBE band launch.

CARICOM Courtroom Drama: Trinidad and Tobago is pushing back hard on the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, saying its objection is “neither personal nor political” and focused on the legality of the process and the integrity of institutions. CARICOM Summit Logistics: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s arrival at the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St Lucia was delayed by “logistical issues,” so she missed the stage line-up; Jearlean John acted as PM in her absence. Digital Development Deal: The UWI and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) signed an MoU to boost regional digital policy, research, capacity building, and AI-related work. Tourism Push: T&T is targeting tourism to reach US$1.7 billion contribution to GDP by 2030, with priority areas including yachting, eco, health, business conferences, cultural and sport tourism. Steelband Spotlight: Silver Stars members were arrested after an alleged clash with police during Tribe’s band launch at Queen’s Park Savannah. Music & Culture: A new production marks TASPO’s 75th anniversary since its Festival of Britain voyage, celebrating the steelpan’s rise from stigma to global pride. Dance Homecoming: World-class dancer Ronald A. Taylor returns to Trinidad for JAVA programmes (13–31 July) to develop local talent. AI in Carnival Music: An AI strategist says AI use in Calypso and Soca has surged, with many 2027 releases expected to include some form of AI.

Manning Legacy: Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning is remembered as T&T’s longest-serving PM, with tributes revisiting his early political roots and lasting impact a decade after his death. CARICOM Day Debate: CARICOM Day’s push for national holiday status is back in focus, with the CCJ president questioning whether the region is treating it like it matters. Airline & Travel: Caribbean Airlines has stopped serving Blue Waters bottled water after the owners’ detention, switching to Dasani—while a wider report flags a modest decline in Caribbean travel to the US. Local Culture & Media: A call is growing to preserve Radio Trinidad’s historic transmitting station, alongside updates on the revitalisation blueprint and what it could mean for jobs and the skyline. AI in Carnival: An AI strategist says 60–80% of 2027 Carnival releases may use AI tools in some form. Steelband Clash: Silver Stars members were arrested after an alleged confrontation with police during Tribe’s band launch, with one person reportedly taken to hospital. Sports Spotlight: Pakistan reinstated Babar Azam as Test captain for tours including Tests in Trinidad.

Steelpan Spotlight: A new production marks the 75th anniversary of Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra’s (TASPO) Festival of Britain journey, revisiting how the steelpan went from banned stigma to global pride. Bouyon & Radio Buzz: Signal Band frontman Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred wrapped a successful Grenada promo run for his new single “I Deserve This,” ahead of Spice Mas 2026. Music & Community: The Marionettes Chorale returns for “Together We Stand” (July 10–12), while Sargam The Band relaunches its next chapter after 20 years at Center Pointe Mall. Dance Calendar: Regional Dance Classics hits Couva on July 26 with Trinidad and visiting dancers across multiple styles. Cricket (T&T Connection): Pakistan reinstates Babar Azam as Test captain for tours of the West Indies and England, with the first Test in Tarouba, Trinidad (July 25). CARICOM Day Debate: A fresh call is renewed on whether CARICOM Day should be a Caribbean-wide public holiday. Travel Watch: Central Bank says it’s tightening oversight of cross-border cash shipments and FX reporting as reforms roll out.

Cricket Spotlight: Pakistan has named Babar Azam as Test captain again, replacing Shan Masood, for the West Indies and England tours—starting with the first Test in Tarouba, Trinidad on July 25, then Port-of-Spain on Aug. 2, followed by England Tests at Headingley (Aug. 19), Lord’s (Aug. 27) and Edgbaston (Sept. 9). Local Arts & Culture: The Marionettes Chorale returns July 10–12 with “Together We Stand,” blending classical, gospel, spirituals, musical theatre, pop, soca and calypso. Music & Events: “Morning Mimosas” hits Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business as promoters team up for a daytime brunch-and-DJ party. Dance: Regional Dance Classics comes to Couva on July 26 with Trinidad and visiting dancers from Barbados across ballroom, Latin, hip hop and more. Tobago Creativity: Artist Martin Superville finishes a 30-day Pigeon Point painting challenge, turning daily practice into a beach-scene art diary.