AGP Executive Report

Music & Healing: Board-certified music therapist Martina Chow-Antoine is using music therapy to support children and adults across Trinidad and Tobago, from socialisation challenges to anxiety and dementia. Venue Dispute: Queen’s Hall has rejected PNM claims that approval for its November 22 convention and carnival event was reversed, saying neither date was formally approved in its booking records. Tobago Autonomy Row: IDA is demanding answers from the THA over why an August 10 proposed islandwide autonomy convention never happened, after officials said Tobago would be shut down for community consultations. CCJ Tension: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she hopes the CCJ leadership controversy will be resolved soon, but won’t comment on confidence in the court over the CARICOM Secretary-General dispute. Workers Under Pressure: Reports say TSTT may end its contract with Ampliа, leaving call centre workers facing non-renewal after September 30, while the CWU urges unions to set politics aside. Steelpan & Community: Tobago’s Buccoo celebrates Steelpan Month with panyards coming alive in Sunday School-style performances. Sport Spotlight: T&T finished second overall at the 2026 Goodwill Swimming Championships in Couva, collecting 94 medals and setting six records. Youth Talent: MCCD’s inaugural Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026 crowned Shemic St. Hillaire as winner at SAPA in San Fernando.

Energy Revival: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T’s energy sector is picking up again, with higher oil output, improving LNG exports and new gas supply deals, plus fresh investment returning to Point Lisas. Home Invasion Law Clarified: TTPS reminds residents that “stand your ground” under the 2025 Home Invasion Act allows only reasonable, proportionate force—no “license to kill,” and not if the person is lawfully present or you’re engaged in crime. Regional Spotlight: The Government flags China’s growing South China Sea control, warning Bajo de Masinloc could complete Beijing’s “iron triangle.” Soca & Culture: Brooklyn Public Library in New York launches “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition,” celebrating Machel Montano’s career and linking to the 2026 documentary. Film Feature: “Veleta,” the film about women’s football pioneer Nita Carmona, is wrapped after a shoot in Spain. Sports: T&T Women are CWI Rising Stars Under-19 champions after beating Barbados; locally, swimmers set multiple Goodwill records and U-14 boys kick off vs Puerto Rico. Tech/Business: Nutriens’ Trinidad nitrogen review continues with third-party site visits at Point Lisas. Telecom Labour: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says Government won’t be intimidated in the TSTT-CWU wage dispute. Local Arts Note: PanTrinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore criticises police handling of the Silver Stars clash, citing lack of understanding of steelband culture.

Caribbean Film Spotlight: Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF26) just unveiled its 2026 official selection—47 films from 14 countries—bringing Caribbean stories and diaspora voices to New York Oct 9–11. Port Workers Backpay Pressure: SWWTU is demanding the remaining 80% of outstanding backpay and overtime from PATT, putting $337M on the table and warning of escalation if the board doesn’t respond by Wednesday. Literary & Cultural Night: Friends of Mr Biswas marks V.S. Naipaul’s Aug 17 birthday with a memorial at NALIS (5 pm) exploring his “Mothering” themes through writers, performers, and academics. Steelband Clash Fallout: PanTrinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore criticized police handling after the Silver Stars/TTPS confrontation at TRIBE, arguing officers lacked steelband culture understanding. Tragic Dance Loss: Family of 18-year-old dancer Jedda Beharry awaits an autopsy after her sudden death; relatives say they won’t comment until results are in. Local Music Calendar: T&T will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards Sept 19 at NAPA, with an Elite Weekend Experience drawing regional and diaspora visitors. Telecom Boost: Digicel says it’s investing more in T&T—expanding fibre, mobile capacity, and Tobago connectivity while hiring more staff.

Telecom Boost: Digicel says it’s pouring more money into Trinidad and Tobago—expanding fibre, mobile capacity, security infrastructure, and hiring more sales and tech staff as demand rises. Steelpan Culture: Pan Trinbago creates a Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Geographical Indication (GI) Board to protect and certify authentic local steelpans, with a certification system expected to help buyers spot the real deal. Music Calendar: T&T will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on September 19 at NAPA, Port of Spain, bringing the region’s artistes and fans under a “Sounds of the Caribbean” theme. Gospel Spotlight: DJ Nicholas releases his sixth studio album, No Distortion, a 10-track project built around evangelistic themes and collaborations. Local Food Feature: Ma Beryl’s Red Mango is getting attention beyond T&T, with its signature tub packaging turning a classic snack into a shareable brand. Remembering Willi Chen: Trinidad and Tobago mourns playwright and poet Willi Chen (1932–2026), remembered for lifting standards and nurturing artists for decades. Community & Sport: Siparia residents join a peace walk as police declare Sen(n)on Village a “no-crime zone,” while T&T’s Under-19 women’s team wins the CWI Rising Stars title unbeaten.

Local Arts Spotlight: 12-year-old Charlize Ragoonath is taking centre stage in South Trinidad theatre, balancing school with rehearsals, performances and vocal training after starting with CinDon Productions’ “Rapunzel.” Film Picks: This week’s cinema buzz includes “The End of Oak Street,” “Lady,” and more new releases like “The Mahabharata” and “Tony,” with reviews highlighting standout performances and bold turns. Music & Culture: The annual Great Race in Tobago delivered despite rough seas and a yellow alert, while Heatwave claimed key honours; and the 6th annual Reggae Reunion at the Park celebrated Caribbean culture with live acts and food. Community & Safety: Siparia residents walked for peace as police declared Sennon Village a “no crime zone,” following a spike in gun violence. Public Life: PNM leader Marvin Gonzales questioned the absence of Police Commissioner Allister Guevarra, while OPR flagged flaws in HDC’s cancelled $3.4B housing project and an investigation noted 67 departures from state boards and offices in 14 months. Youth & Education: Book grant payments for vulnerable families may begin by Aug. 24 ahead of schools reopening Sept. 7.

CCJ Fallout: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson has broken his silence, denying “panel fixing” and influence claims, while blasting the leak of confidential internal emails and deliberations as “wholly unacceptable.” Prison Security: Port of Spain Prison officers seized cigarettes, marijuana and a cellphone after a package was thrown over the wall, detaining two inmates for alleged trafficking. Disney Buzz: At D23, Disney announced Jodie Foster as the voice of Queen Celeste and Walton Goggins as Beef Roger Crummchuk in the animated feature “Hexed,” releasing Nov. 25, 2026. Steelpan & Community: Tributes were held for pannist/arranger Robbie Greenidge, while Lavenille’s Emancipation Steelband Street Parade brought youth-filled pan energy under the theme “Kife Jòba.” Sports & Youth: The SSFL Premier Division gets a financial lifeline from the Ministry of Sport to address Tobago travel issues, and Tobago’s Great Race day at Store Bay continues amid concerns over a leatherback turtle nest. Local Culture in Music: Princes Town artist MR DSJ is pushing “Trafrobeat,” blending Afrobeats with Trinidadian dialect and storytelling.

Tobago Great Race: Stakeholders at Store Bay are urging faster action to protect a leatherback turtle nest as crowds build for today’s race, warning the current barrier may not stop trampling. Return-to-school support: In Debe, children received free book bags and stationery as the Ministry of Education moves toward a $20M book grant disbursement that could start payments next week. Tech for South Trinidad: Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal confirmed a planned data centre in Golconda, saying it could revive jobs and industrial activity after Caroni and Petrotrin closures. Steelband culture: Laventille’s Emancipation Steelband Street Parade brought “Kife Jòba” (Let Love Reign) vibes, with youth bands and Trinidad All Stars headlining. Local music: Princes Town artiste MR DSJ is pushing Trafrobeat, blending Afrobeats with Trinidadian dialect, storytelling and rhythms on his album Mixed Emotions II. Sports schools: The SSFL Premier Division format for 2026 is set to return to a 17-school national boys’ league after Ministry support resolved Tobago travel issues. Entertainment abroad: Brooklyn’s Public Library announced “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition” celebrating Machel Montano, opening Aug. 22. Global pop casting: Disney’s animated Hexed adds Jodie Foster and Walton Goggins to the voice cast, releasing Nov 25. U.S. visa worries: Reports of a U.S. visa crackdown have Caribbean entertainers on alert, including Antiguan soca star Tian Winter.

CCJ Integrity: OECSBA and OCCBA are urging a full probe into the leak of internal Caribbean Court of Justice judges’ emails, calling for IT security upgrades at the Trinidad-based court and a serious look at allegations involving CCJ president Winston Anderson. School Sports: The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has cleared SSFL teams to travel to Tobago for upcoming matches after stepping in with SporTT and SSFL officials. Boxing Officiating: Guyana’s Boxing Association launches an international certification programme for referees and judges tomorrow, led by Trinidad’s James Beckles, ahead of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships. World Steelpan Day: Trinidad and Tobago marked World Steelpan Day with tributes to pan’s roots and its role in youth development and cultural growth. Tobago Airport: Tobago House of Assembly says the new ANR Robinson terminal is on track to open before October, with build-out in its second phase. Independence Celebrations: Queen’s Park Savannah Independence Day plans include a mix of traditional and low-noise fireworks plus a drone display, while noise-pollution groups push for quieter options. Regional Tennis: T&T hosts the ITF/COTECC Under-12 Team Competition Sub Region Four at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua from today to Aug. 21.

Tobago Youth Awards: UN Youth Leader Anthurium Lewis, 17, swept three honours at the 2026 Tobago Youth Awards, with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine urging young people to “kick down the door” and claim space. Tobago Airport Update: Farley Augustine says the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal could open within a month, ahead of October’s Carnival rush, after first-phase works and ongoing second-phase build-out. Independence Celebrations: Fireworks are set to return to Queen’s Park Savannah for Aug. 31, with a mix of traditional and low-noise options plus a drone show—though CANPTT is pushing for controlled, quieter alternatives near sensitive sites. Energy & Jobs Talk: ExxonMobil says it moved quickly through approvals to start seismic work in T&T and remains optimistic about potential hydrocarbon discoveries. Poultry Supply Pressure: Poultry farmers warn egg and chick shortages will persist without a local hatchery, as Agriculture Minister Ravi Rati Ram backs plans for a government hatchery. Culture & Identity Debate: A new opinion piece revisits “Callaloo or tossed salad?” and questions how cultural mixing is being policed in T&T. Festival Buzz: Verb Readers & Writers Festival returns Sept 23–27 with 26 events and a programme built around bold stories and ideas. Tech/Service Check: Digicel says services are back online after a Thursday outage.

Education & Achievement: Collyer’s students posted a record 61% A*-B at A-Level, with standout results in Further Maths, Film, French, German and 3D Design, plus a 99% pass rate. Diplomacy & Business: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T-US ties are at a “historic high” after US Deputy Sec. of State Christopher Landau’s visit, pointing to progress in energy, critical minerals, trade and anti-crime cooperation. Arts & Culture: Mauricio Meneses brought his film “Life Sentence” to Mutiny Cafe, exploring male depression through surreal, visual metaphors; and the Jaffa Opera House Foundation secured $448,000 in Colorado tax credits to support Phase I restoration. Sports & Youth: Trinidad hosts Nations Cup Caribbean 2026 junior karting at Wallerfield (Aug 13–16) with 13 drivers aged 10–15 from the region. Local Sports/Football: Levi Garcia scored on his Panathinaikos debut as the club advanced in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Tech & Connectivity: CAN’T0 warns the Caribbean still faces a digital gap that could slow progress in AI, fintech and digital government.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Storm: Heads of Judiciary across seven jurisdictions backed the CCJ with a regional vote of confidence after leaked internal emails sparked fresh controversy. East Port-of-Spain Tension: Ventille West MP Kareem Marcelle says the East Port-of-Spain Development Company is “under attack,” calling for an urgent board appointment and questioning funding delays. Point Lisas Steel Debate: Economist Dr Marlene Attzs backs the US$750M Point Lisas revival as potentially transformative, while Stuart Young demands more deal details and Young Innovators push for practical, lasting benefits. Police Posts Update: TTPS says there’s no evidence LGBTQ people are being targeted, and expects an update on new joint police/army posts by mid-September. Food Prices Hit: Poultry operators report a major chicken shortfall, cutting supply and driving prices up. Carnival in Tobago: Tobago Promoters Association targets a strong Carnival season and seeks lower licensing fees to ease event costs. Arts & Culture: Carnegie International continues showcasing contemporary art from around the world.

Caribbean Music Awards: Shyne, Patra, Alan Cavé and Calypso Rose are set to be honoured at the 4th annual CMA in Port-of-Spain on Sept. 19, 2026, as part of a bigger Elite Weekend Experience. Steelpan & panyards: Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore is urging the Government to refurbish panyards nationwide, saying youth spend more time there than at community centres. World Steelpan Day culture: The Ancestral Pan Walk marked World Steelpan Day with youth showcases at key Port-of-Spain panyards, while steelpan leaders pushed for stronger corporate and state support. Sport spotlight (T&T): Trinidad and Tobago’s U-19 women’s team crushed the Windward Islands by 10 wickets in the CWI Rising Stars, with Samara Ramnath starring. Local football (Tobago): Tobago House of Assembly is considering legal options after SSFL omitted Signal Hill and Spey-side from the 2026 Premier Division. International arts & music: Billy Ocean continues his global touring run, insisting fans come for the hits. Regional legal row (CCJ): Guyana’s Bar Council condemned leaked CCJ judge correspondence, while Jamaica’s PNP says CCJ email allegations won’t change its stance.

World Steelpan Day: Pan lovers marked World Steelpan Day with an ancestral walk in Port of Spain and fresh calls to make steelpan a youth-development engine, with officials saying every child should get the chance to experience pan. Independence Tech & Noise Debate: Independence celebrations are set to bring back fireworks and a parade, while Tobago’s agriculture minister says a grand drone show is planned—sparking renewed pushback from Citizens Against Noise Pollution for controlled, time-limited displays. Steel Plant Revival Watch: The Point Lisas ArcelorMittal site is reopening after a US$750M restart plan, with residents and former workers hoping for jobs, while economists and experts question raw materials, vanadium supply, and the “fine print” behind the revival. Tobago Football Fallout: Tobago House of Assembly leaders say they’re considering legal options after SSFL omitted Tobago schools from the 2026 Premier Division, arguing it could disadvantage island teams. Local Crime & Security: A man fled after attempting to throw a package over the Port of Spain Prison wall; prison officers’ association again urges modern CCTV upgrades. TobagoGrow Loans: Tobago farmers and agro-businesses can access loans up to $100,000 under the new ToBaGrow initiative, with flexible repayment options. Junior Cricket: T&T’s Young Divas kept rolling in the CWI Rising Stars U-19 Women’s Championship, crushing Windward Islands by 10 wickets.

Steelpan Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago marks World Steelpan Day with youth showcases, an ancestral walk and a major concert at Queen’s Park Savannah, following Sunday’s South Park Plaza showdown where Massy Trinidad All Stars Youth Steel Orchestra beat Siparia Deltones. Culture & Youth Development: The Ministry of Culture says steelpan is more than performance—it’s a pathway for discipline, confidence and careers across the cultural industry. Local Weather Watch: TTMS says a tropical wave near the Windward Islands is no longer expected to develop, but will be monitored for local impacts. Heritage Skills Abroad: A Commonwealth heritage summer school is restoring Wentworth Woodhouse’s listed stables, with Trinidad and Tobago’s National Trust representative learning craft skills to bring home. Sports Transfer Buzz: Trinidad and Tobago full-back Rio Cardines joins Bristol City on loan from Crystal Palace, saying he “cannot wait” to start. Security Updates: Tobago police say Plymouth’s proposed post will only move forward after consultation with residents and stakeholders. Regional Disasters: Philippines monsoon and storms continue to drive floods and landslides, with rising death tolls and road closures.

World Steelpan Day: Trinidad and Tobago marked Aug. 11 with pan performances, an ancestral walk and a youth concert at Queen’s Park Savannah, after Massy Trinidad All Stars Youth Steel Orchestra won at South Park Plaza. Local Culture & Heritage: The National Trust highlighted Indigenous history at Buccoo, while World Indigenous Peoples’ Day events at Banwari Trace Archaeological Site called for greater recognition and respect. Sports (Darts): TTDA National 501 League wrapped at the Kosmos Club as E-Z Lines defended the A Division title, with Game Shot and Reckless also topping their groups. Industry & Jobs (Steel/Vanadium): Ibis Steel Company of T&T kicked off refurbishment at Point Lisas with a US$750M plan to position T&T as a major vanadium producer. Water Security: Govt boosted desalinated water production to ease shortages ahead of El Niño and drought. Labour & Hospitality: CWU warned it could move to shut down TSTT over a wage deal, while Hilton negotiations continue as workers await clarity before its Sept. 18 lease expiry. Community Policing: TTPS says mobile police units will be placed with stakeholder consultation, starting with Plymouth in Tobago.

World Steelpan Day: Pan Trinbago and the Ministry of Culture and Community Development mark World Steelpan Day 2026 on Tuesday, Aug. 11, with performances, an Ancestral Walk, and a youth showcase under the theme “Rhythm and Rise: Youth. Discipline. Culture. Community.” Soca & Culture Abroad: Machel Montano brings Trinidad Carnival energy to Central Park for two sold-out “This Is The Encore” nights, with special guests Skinny Fabulous and Full Blown. Local Sports Safety: TTFA and UWI commemorate Safe Sport Day 2026 at the TTFA Technical Centre, calling on athletes, coaches, parents and clubs to “Stand Up. Speak Out. Play Your Part” on safeguarding and abuse prevention. Racial Tensions: Soca artiste Benjai apologises after a social media post drew backlash amid heightened racial tensions. Public Order & Security: Ministers say a mobile Army/Police post has been installed at Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua, even as a dispute over the project continues. Arts & Accessibility: Roland V-Stage accessibility materials are being shared for visually impaired musicians, including screen-reader guides and audio walkthroughs.