AGP Executive Report

Calypso & Culture: Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival Museum is closing its Penny Bank venue from Oct. 1 due to funding shortfalls, while the calypso fraternity continues to rally around the legacy of Mighty Sparrow, with condolence books opened and plans for a state-assisted funeral. Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin announced an official state-assisted funeral for Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, plus “Calypso History Month” activities and public condolence locations across Trinidad and Tobago. Music Spotlight: Calypso Rose, 86, returned to receive the Elite Calypso Honour at the Caribbean Music Awards and says she’s still ready to perform. Local Music Release: Stephen Marcelle, with collaborators David “Nyce-Nation” Pareira and Randy Williams, launched “Happy Birthday,” a romance-rooted birthday ode aimed at the diaspora. Sports & Community: Flow treated four Caribbean winners to the CPL Final in Barbados, including two from T&T. Public Safety: A thunderstorm hit northwest Trinidad, downing trees, damaging property and disrupting power. Tobago Police Trust-Building: New Tobago ACP Anand Ramesar urged officers to strengthen public communication and confidentiality. Entertainment & Film: Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival (20th anniversary) winners were announced, and filmmaker James Williams brings debut film “Squatta” to Howard homecoming.

Mighty Sparrow State Funeral & Condolences: Trinidad and Tobago will hold a state-assisted funeral for calypso legend Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin saying a committee is already working with his family and condolence books open across T&T from Oct 1–14 at NAPA, SAPA, Tobago’s Shaw Park and all 14 municipal corporations. Calypso Legacy Push: San Fernando City Hall also opened a condolence book, while local calypsonians urged Calypso History Month to keep the art form alive for young people. Film Festival Wins: The Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival’s 20th anniversary edition crowned local and regional favourites, including DANM (Best Film Made in T&T) and Black Zombie (Best Documentary Feature). Climate Writing Spotlight: Priya Ramdeo placed second in the CARICOM climate change youth short story competition for “Mas For The Living Sea,” with winners announced from 173 entries across 14 member states. Local Arts & Culture: Bocas Siparia returned to southern Trinidad, celebrating writers and performers and honouring historian Angelo Bissessarsingh. Sports/Entertainment Tie-In: Flow brought four CPL Final winners from across the Caribbean—including two from T&T—to Bridgetown for the Sept 20 finale.

Calypso Tribute: Trinidad and Tobago is set to honour the late Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco with a state-assisted funeral, condolence books across the country, and a national tribute as Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin announced plans in the House. Public Safety: TTPS is investigating a viral domestic abuse video showing a man verbally and physically abusing a woman in a vehicle, urging the public not to share it and reminding victims that threats and controlling behaviour count as abuse. Food & Culture: A Barbados chocolatier is putting a Trini spin on French baking with the Mango Chow Macaron—featuring mango chow puree and buttercream with coriander, scotch bonnet pepper and lemon flavours. Law & Youth Protection: Government business leader Barry Padarath says the alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, gambling and drugs bill won’t take effect until 2027, while Attorney General John Jeremie pilots amendments that would require IDs for purchases and entry into gambling spots. Tourism Jobs: YTEPP and TIATT signed an MOU to create tourism employment pathways for trainees.

Alcohol & Drug Policy: Psychologist Sarah Subhan backs the Government’s proposed move to raise the legal age for alcohol and drugs, saying it aligns with research on adolescent brain development and impulse control. Cricket & Community: International umpire Zahid Bassarath joins the panel for the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, with TV reviews for key decisions. School Support: Two brothers displaced by a fire will return to school in Princes Town after arrangements were confirmed by the Education Minister, following a Guardian spotlight. Calypso Tributes: The Mighty Sparrow’s death at 91 sparked tributes across the region, including statements from Antigua’s Festivals Commission and ongoing reflections in Trinidad and Tobago and Tobago. Local Sports & Culture: Liberty Caribbean appoints Jason Julien as VP and country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, while Tobago Carnival gets a boost with CAL adding 7,000 seats. Road Disruptions: Multiple early-morning accidents caused hours of gridlock into Port of Spain, prompting temporary lane changes.

Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco has died at 91 in New York, and tributes are pouring in across T&T and the region, including reflections on his lasting influence on steelpan, calypso, and everyday community life. Tobago Remembers Sparrow: Tobagonians revisit his “All Dem Tobago Gyal” legacy, with local artistes and fans praising how his music celebrated island women and life. Film & Culture: Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival’s 20th anniversary opened with the world premiere of psychological horror “DANM,” a Trinidadian production rooted in La Diablesse folklore and themes of motherhood, identity and history. Youth & Entrepreneurship: The National Secondary School Entrepreneurship Competition marks its 10th year, training thousands of students and expanding to the Dominican Republic. Business Leadership: Jason Julien joins Liberty Caribbean as VP and T&T country manager, tasked with driving commercial and financial performance. Travel & Carnival: Caribbean Airlines adds 7,000 seats for Tobago Carnival as flight demand spikes. Digital Skills: UTT hosts a cybersecurity forum for SMEs and creative industries, pushing practical protection against growing digital threats. Local Labour Worry: Magdalena Grand workers in Tobago report frustration over repeated salary delays. Public Safety Update: Police say micro-policing posts have led to arrests and patrol activity, while $1.68B in narcotics was destroyed as part of a wider crackdown.

Calypso Tributes: Trinidad and Tobago’s Mighty Sparrow, Slinger Francisco, died at 91, and tributes poured in across the region, including St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew and CARICOM chair Phillip J. Pierre, with Parliament also marking his passing and recalling how Sparrow’s music united people beyond politics. Local Business & Culture: Jason Julien has joined Liberty Caribbean as T&T country manager, tasked with driving the company’s next growth phase. Cybersecurity for Creatives: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum for SMEs and creative industries, warning that digital threats can hit finances, reputations, and even national security. Aviation/Entertainment Lifestyle: A new report spotlights the private-jet culture among famous musicians, from flex to practical travel advantages. Youth Protection Law: Government proposes raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21, while cannabis and gambling would rise to 25. Tobago Travel: More October fast-ferry sailings are being added to protect Tobago Carnival plans and reduce booking cancellations.

Calypso Legacy: Trinidad and Tobago mourns the death of Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco at 91, with senators and regional leaders marking his impact as a storyteller and social commentator. Sports & Culture: The TTSEC’s 2026 National Investing Debate Competition is heating up, with six secondary schools advancing to the semi-finals. Digital Payments: T&T is set to become the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s UPI, with implementation being pursued under an agreement with India’s payments body. Politics & Democracy: The Law Association of T&T is urging the PM to withdraw remarks calling independent senators “satanic” and “demons,” while debate continues over the Special Operations Bill vote. Public Safety: The Defence Force intercepted a boat and seized 11 bags of marijuana, arresting three Venezuelans. Regional Security: The US Embassy says T&T has joined the designation of 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations. Youth Protection Law: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says proposed legislation could raise age limits for alcohol, tobacco and gambling, and even cannabis.

Calypso Tributes: Trinidad and Tobago, the wider Caribbean and the diaspora are mourning the death of Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who died in New York at 91 after a brief illness; President Christine Kangaloo called him “one of the great interpreters of Caribbean life,” while leaders across the region praised his wit, social commentary and the way he carried calypso worldwide. Local Public Safety: TTPS is warning parents and guardians about a dangerous “dare” trend where schoolchildren sit in the middle of roads, saying it’s reckless and will be investigated with action against anyone encouraging or promoting it. Entertainment Spotlight: Love Link Caribbean, an inter-regional reality dating show, is set to debut on YouTube Sept. 30, bringing singles from across the region to Antigua for weekly episodes. Culture & Community: A Los Atajos heritage storytelling event is spotlighting Central Trinidad’s cocoa Panyol roots through folklore, music and local history. Sports Note: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith surged to Heisman favorite after a four-touchdown game, keeping Trinidad and Tobago’s football fans talking.

Calypso Loss: Trinidad and Tobago mourns the death of Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who passed away peacefully in New York at 91 after a brief illness, with tributes pouring in from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, Dr Keith Rowley and regional leaders. Culture & Learning: The Central Bank Museum’s “Stories in Steel: Steelpan through Children’s Books 1982–2026” exhibition is touring with retractable displays meant to inspire students to write, create fiction and publish their own stories about pan. Arts Spotlight: A feature on artist David Leehue looks at how adversity shaped his creative journey, from early art sparks in Port of Spain to perseverance through major setbacks. Politics Meets the Arts Scene: Opposition figures Penny Beckles and Keith Rowley condemn PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s rejection of amendments from independent senators, as debate heats up in the Senate. Road Safety Warning: TTPS warns students against a dangerous online road challenge that involves sitting in traffic before running away at the last moment.

US College Football Poll Shake-Up: Week 4 results moved the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll, with Texas staying No. 1 “barely” after a 20-17 escape vs Tennessee, while Florida surged to No. 8 after a 52-28 demolition of Ole Miss featuring Trinidad Chambliss. Local Sports Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board’s National Indoor Tournament kicked off with fireworks, including Paragon women’s 10-0 win over Paragon II powered by hat-tricks from Zuriel Antoine and Felicia King-Ashby. Regional Football Buzz: Concacaf Nations League showed Caribbean teams “showing their teeth,” and Haiti edged T&T 3-2 with Wilson Isidor scoring the winner. Entertainment & Culture: Lesley-Ann Wanliss’ short film Bright Sparks keeps racking up festival selections across the Caribbean and US. Public Interest: TTPS is seeking help identifying men in a Barataria stabbing video incident. Politics/Pop Culture: Nicki Minaj’s “vote red” push on Fox News reignited debate about her US citizenship and drew online mockery over her look.

Local Football & Community: TTPS is asking the public to help identify two men after a stabbing incident in Barataria, following a viral video; investigators are urging anyone with info to call 999/555/800-TIPS. Warriors on Home Soil: Trinidad and Tobago host the Dominican Republic in the CONCACAF Nations League tonight at 9 p.m., with Tyrese Spicer ruled out (fracture) and Levi Garcia expected to be fit. Sports Drama: Hasely Crawford is upset over ticket access at Hasely Crawford Stadium, saying he’s been told to “collect them at the gate” and calling for his name to be removed. Arts & Culture: Morvant-born director Damian Marcano celebrates an Emmy win for The Pitt and dedicates it to Trinidad and Tobago; meanwhile, Creative Caribbean Colours opens Oct 13–18 at the Art Society of T&T with ten artists. Music Spotlight: DJ Ana wins Female International DJ of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards for a second straight year, marking the CMA’s Trinidad debut. Youth & Hobbies: Sunita Gopaul launches a six-week online safe-space programme for young people, while 11-year-old Amzard Ali creates a Ganesh murti for Ganesh Utsav as a hands-on lesson in respect beyond his own faith. Public Safety & Justice: Port-of-Spain Prison closure begins with about 50 inmates moved to Golden Grove, Arouca as authorities phase out the historic facility.

Local Sports TV & Weekend Picks: Fans get a packed Sept. 26-28 sports lineup, with major attention on Ole Miss vs Florida (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC) and other Week 4 college football matchups, plus streaming options and betting promos. Caribbean Music Spotlight: Trinidadian singer-songwriter Coutain lands Billboard’s Caribbean Up-And-Comer (Sept. 2026), while Saint Lucia’s Jazz & Arts Festival takes “Music Festival of the Year” at the Caribbean Music Awards. T&T Football Heartbreak: The Soca Warriors’ Nations League opener ends in a late collapse as Haiti scores twice in stoppage time to win 3-2. Tobago CPL Pride: Joshua James returns to a big homecoming after winning the CPL with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. Education Disruption: Bomb threats shut down four secondary schools; TTPS sweeps found no explosives. Culture & Community: Felicity Ganesh Utsav culminates in a colourful Chaguanas street procession. Politics at UNGA: T&T stays with its two-state position after opposition criticises PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UN address; Venezuela-T&T talks draw mixed reactions.

Football & Community Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League with a 2-1 win over Bonaire, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice for the Sugar Boyz. Local Football: Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s campaign took a hit as Haiti scored twice in stoppage time to snatch a 3-2 win at Sabina Park, leaving Derek King still searching for his first victory. Tobago Safety Watch: Pigeon Point tragedies are again raising alarms about enforcement failures after another boat collision injured eight people, following a fatal jet ski incident earlier this year. Music & Culture: CNC3’s Seigonie Mohammed reflects on a childhood prayer that led to her weather career, while “Tabanque A Rio” lands as musician Stephen John’s Republic Day instrumental inspired by pandemic-era drives. Religion & Festivities: Felicity Ganesh Utsav wrapped with a colourful street procession through Chaguanas. Media & Awards: Photojournalist Andrea De Silva receives the 2026 Chaconia Medal Silver on Republic Day, honoured for decades of work. Youth & Policy: Government begins consultations to shape a new National Youth Policy with young people across T&T. Tech/Entertainment: Final Fantasy gacha Dissidia Duellum expands to 38 new countries, including Trinidad and Tobago.

Caribbean Music Awards, Trinidad & Tobago: The CMA returned to the region for the first time in four years, with Trinidad & Tobago hosting under the night sky—highlighting style, pride, and major wins including V’ghn taking Jab Artist of the Year and Jab Song of the Year, plus Alison Hinds on the red carpet. Dennery Segment spotlight: Dennery Segment Artiste of the Year went to Brendon “Umpa” Charlery, while Klassik won Dennery Segment Song of the Year for “Dansa.” Culture & community pressure: Pan Trinbago and the TTCBA are calling out another delay in promised Carnival prize-money cheques, saying stakeholders were told to return next week after arriving expecting payment. Music meets pan-Caribbean: Japanese so-ca/reggae crossover track “Radar” reunites Ann G and HAN-KUN on a T&T-produced release, bringing pan, soca and reggae together. Sports, with a T&T connection: Haiti opened its CONCACAF Nations League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Trinidad and Tobago, with Wilson Isidor scoring late. Local entertainment note: Kalinda Kollective continues pushing Kalinda culture through music and movement, spotlighting “The Dancing Yard.”

National Honours: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Senate President Wade Mark, and former minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan are among the 2026 National Award recipients, with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago leading the list. Carnival & Culture Clash: Pan Trinbago says the Culture Ministry blocked a planned cheque distribution for Carnival 2026 prize monies, calling it “vengeance and vindictiveness” and pushing for payment to bands. Arts & Heritage: Bethlehem Public Library hosts “Everything Nice,” an installation tracing sugarcane’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade—told through a Trinidad family’s history. Music & Awards: Shenseea dominated dancehall at the Caribbean Music Awards in Port of Spain, while Lila Iké led reggae wins; the ceremony marked a return to Trinidad after three years abroad. Sports Sponsorship: Guyana’s IMC Over-40s World Cup gets a boost as Reboot joins as Gold Sponsor, with 1,000 cases backing the tournament. Security & Crime: T&T police charge four men after a Coast Guard interception seized over 400kg of cocaine, estimated at more than $204M.

Republic Day & National Honours: Senate President Wade Mark, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Dr Surujrattan Rambachan are among 32 recipients of the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago ahead of today’s 50th Republic Day celebrations, with more awardees also named. Culture Spotlight: Moko Jumbie Master Junior Bisnath is set to receive the Hummingbird Medal Bronze for decades of training thousands of children in moko jumbie performance. T&T Football: The Warriors begin their 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League A campaign tonight vs Haiti at Sabina Park, with Levi Garcia, Tyrese Spicer and Rio Cardines among those pushing for a strong run. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM will back India’s bid for a UNSC non-permanent seat (2028–29), while T&T and Venezuela have agreed a new cooperation agenda after Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s meeting with Delcy Rodríguez in New York. Entertainment & Music: Shenseea led dancehall at the Caribbean Music Awards with three wins, while Lila Iké topped reggae with two. Sports (Global): Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss surged in the spotlight after a big win over LSU, fueling Week 4 college football hype.