AGP Executive Report

Creative Economy Push: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says Trinidad and Tobago can become the Caribbean’s creative hub, turning culture into year-round tourism and jobs, with plans for a transatlantic gateway linking Africa and Asia to the region. Local Food Culture: Aruba’s first San Nicolas Food Festival hits Carnival Village Friday, July 3 (free entry), spotlighting a mix of regional dishes and 30 local entrepreneurs. Caribbean Music & Media: Dominican artist Shelly Alfred wraps a five-day Grenada promotional tour for “I Deserve This,” aiming to expand his Bouyon presence across the Caribbean. Tech & Travel for the Diaspora: BRDRS founder Joy Martins says her app is live in multiple Caribbean and African countries, offering culturally relevant travel info plus a virtual wallet, eSIM and visa help. Digital Cooperation: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith meets Singapore’s ambassador to deepen ties on digital government, AI governance, cybersecurity and digital identity. Youth & Education Funding: Tobago’s Youth Development Fund opens applications, offering support for eligible Tobago students studying abroad. Literary Spotlight: Trinidad writer Jamir Nazir wins the Commonwealth Short Story Prize for “The Serpent in the Grove,” after an AI-writing controversy was reviewed and dismissed. Local Institutions: NCIC and UTT renew their partnership to boost research, education and economic opportunities around Indian culture.

T&TEC Shake-Up: Two new managers were appointed the same day as executive dismissals, with Aniel Jairam stepping in as internal audit manager and Bisnath Maharaj set to take over security. Education & Tech: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says SEA results show “significant improvement,” crediting an Amcham-backed AI platform for SEA Math past papers and expanding school Wi-Fi. Crime Update: Northern Division police report a 32% drop in serious reported crimes and a fall in active gangs from 16 to 11, with charges under the Anti-Gang Act. Media & Law: CCN TV6 was ordered to pay over $350,000 after a High Court upheld a defamation case over a 2015 report linking a customs officer to ISIS. Arts & Culture: President Christine Kangaloo welcomed schools to “Freedom Morning Come” at President’s House, using the Emancipation Day performance to spark youth conversations on identity and civic duty. Indie Film: “Stationed at Home” is now available to rent or own internationally from July 2.

MiLAT Backlash: Opposition leader Penelope Beckles is demanding the Government reverse the suspension of the Military-Led Academic Training (MiLAT) programme, calling it a blow to youth development and crime prevention, after Defence Minister Wayne Sturge said MiLAT was only temporarily suspended while officials review its financial viability. Coastline Shifts After Quakes: Trinidad geologists say a section of the island’s south-western coastline was lifted by at least 20 feet following last week’s Venezuela earthquake sequence, with reports of dead marine life and ongoing land movement. Viral Heist, Meme Fame: Police are searching for robbers who tried to steal a cash machine using a backhoe in Tobago, but the botched attempt—complete with a Batman-like suspect—went viral as memes. Media Court Win: TV6 has been ordered to pay over $350,000 after a High Court ruling upheld a defamation case over a report labelling a customs officer as linked to ISIS. Arts & Theatre: Dr Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos,” with plans for further productions and a film adaptation. Tech & Youth: NIHERST and Shell backed the FIRST Tech Challenge 2026, with local teams competing in robotics and engineering. Sports Spotlight: Ding Dong led dancehall representation at the 2026 BET Awards, while Trinidad’s presence in regional and international sport continues to ripple through coverage.

Commonwealth Lit Buzz: Jamir Nazir’s “The Serpent in the Grove” has won the overall Commonwealth Short Story Prize after online claims it was AI-written sparked a review by the Commonwealth Foundation. Tech & Policy: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith says T&T’s digital economy can’t be built by government alone, while AWS AI specialist Anton Alexander warns businesses that don’t adopt AI risk falling behind. Sports Funding Shock: T&T will miss the NACAC U18/U23 Champs in Mexico due to funding not materialising. STEM in Action: NIHERST and Shell hosted the FIRST Tech Challenge 2026, with local teams showing off robotics skills. Business & Culture: Dove’s Dirt Oven Delights in La Savanne announced it’s closing to prioritise health. Regional Moves: T&T advances its Mercosur associate membership bid, aiming to open new markets for local manufacturing. Community & Safety: Police seek missing Point Fortin teen Tia Ramsey; table tennis athletes return safely from quake-hit Caracas.

Local Justice & Courts: Lawyers rallied around acting chief magistrate Brian Debideen after a bar complaint alleged a magistrate’s dishonesty and bribe-linked rulings, as the judiciary braces for fallout. Digital Safety: The UWI warned the public about an unauthorised website using its name and collecting personal data, urging people to verify only through official channels. Tech & Government Services: Minister Dominic Smith pushed AI-driven transformation at the AMCHAM T&T Tech Hub Islands Summit, highlighting VerifyTT and plans to digitise more public services. Music & Culture: Pan Trinbago launched Steelpan Fusion Fest, engaging 800+ youth across 31 communities; and Tobago mourns soca icon Oscar B, remembered for hits like “Soca Bogle” and “Soca Tatie.” Sports & Community: TT Table Tennis confirmed its delegation returned safely from Caracas after earthquakes. Public Interest: TTPS renewed calls to locate missing Point Fortin teen Tia Ramsey.

Soca Spotlight: Tobago soca icon Oscar B (Oscar Dennis Benjamin) has died at 57 after complications from a stroke, with tributes pouring in and a planned healing concert turning into a celebration of his life and music. Local Sports: Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation crowned national road race champions including Jadian Neaves, Tariq Woods and Maurice Lopez as the weekend’s races wrapped up. Entertainment & Culture: NAPA brought YUMA’s 2027 Carnival band launch to life with “Ferocious: Fierce by Nature,” while Tobago also marked Oscar B’s legacy with a tribute concert. Public Life: Municipal Police launched a new Communications Unit to boost two-way engagement with communities. News Beyond T&T (regional): LIAT passengers in St. Kitts reported hours-long delays and poor updates, and a 17-year-old boy was found dead after suspected drowning at Marianne River Gorge.

Youth Voices: Lawrence Arjoon says his proudest work at Heroes Foundation wasn’t a policy win, but helping young people feel seen and speak up as he prepares to step down. Hosay History: A look at how Trinidad’s Hosay grew from 1840s mourning into a vibrant, multi-ethnic ten-day tradition of tadjah processions, tassa drums and stick-fighting. Carnival 2027 Buzz: YUMA’s “Ferocious: Fierce by Nature” theme comes to life at the 2027 band launch. Steelpan Pay Update: Pan Trinbago confirms it has received 2026 Panorama players’ remittances—TT$4,785,600—ending payment uncertainty. Soca Loss: Tobago soca icon Oscar B (Oscar Dennis Benjamin) dies at 57 after a stroke; tributes pour in as a benefit concert turns into a celebration of his life. Local Sports & Education: SEA results land July 2 online; Tyler Junior College names nearly 1,500 students to Spring 2026 president’s and dean’s lists. Tech & Skills: OECS digital skills scholarship ceremony celebrates 172 certified recipients.

Hadeed Probe Fallout: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged the public to let police finish the Dominic Hadeed, Genevieve Hadeed and Star Sabga detention investigations, warning against “trial by social media” as the Hadeed case remains tied to allegations of a conspiracy to murder senior officials. Gang Numbers Clash: Alexander also pushed back on a UK Visas and Immigration report that claimed 186 gangs in T&T, saying local intelligence figures differ. Jail Conditions Spotlight: A separate commentary alleges inhumane conditions at Woodbrook and Carenage police stations for the detained trio, reigniting calls for accountability. Tobago Arts & Culture: Tobago mourns the death of legendary singer Oscar “Oscar B” Benjamin, while St Kitts’ 28th Music Festival closed with major performances including Machel Montano and Voice. STEM & Robotics: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath announced plans to expand digital tech, robotics and AI in schools after a national FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament. Ocean Science: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged preparedness after major Venezuela earthquakes, and a T&T-led deep-sea expedition is set to explore the country’s largely unknown marine ecosystems.

Bocas Couva Festival: “All Together Now” stays centre stage for Bocas Couva 2026 on 18 July at Lisas Gardens Community Centre, with a push for more intimate, community-based literary and cultural showcases across Trinidad and Tobago. Music & Culture: Fête de la Musique 2026 drew 450+ at Sound Forge, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Alliance Française and the 112th anniversary of Port of Spain City with 12 groups and 75 artistes. Local Creativity: Tobago’s tufting scene gets a boost as Tinille Meyers’ “Tufting by Tinzz” runs workshops and plans a storefront. STEM for Youth: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath launched FIRST Tech Challenge at a national robotics tournament, promising wider digital tech, robotics and AI in schools. Soca Loss: Tobago mourns Oscar B (Oscar Benjamin), 57, whose stroke in May led to a planned benefit concert at Shaw Park. Sports Spotlight: Jereem Richards and West Indies cricket star Amir Jangoo headline big performances, while Trinidad-born Zakithi Nene and Prudence Sekgodiso post strong Diamond League results. Community Talk: “All ah we” sparks debate on who gets to belong in Trinidad and Tobago through Mical Teja and Freetown Collective’s new single.

Local Business & Exports: Eye See You Ophthalmics says COVID-era survival turned into regional growth, now exporting optical products to 13+ Caribbean territories despite foreign exchange shortages and supply-chain strain. AI Governance: Criminologist-turned-AI professor Renée Cummings is drafting GOVERN™, an executive blueprint pushing Trinidad and Tobago to adopt responsible AI oversight inside every organisation. Entertainment & Film: Malayalam musical horror “Karakkam” is set for a SonyLIV OTT release after its May run, with a July 2026 premiere expected across multiple Indian languages. Caribbean Culture in Business: Victoria Gordon is building two brands around Caribbean identity—Tek-a-Tups card games and Frangipani Palms totes—turning humour and heritage into everyday products. Sports Spotlight: Trinidad-born Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss pushes back on Lane Kiffin’s claims about Confederate symbols hurting Black recruiting, saying Oxford is “nothing but love.” Tech for Youth: NIHERST launches its first FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament, “Decode,” bringing 12–18-year-olds into STEM build-and-program competitions. Fashion & Inclusion: DSFN’s “Fashion With Us” gala celebrates 15 years with a runway featuring self-advocates with Down Syndrome and top local designers. Soca/Reggae Live: Ska and Reggae festival returns at Ship Point, running through June 28 with international and Caribbean acts. Public Safety & Scams: TTSEC warns of rising investment scams using fake profiles and messaging apps, urging people to verify before investing. Relief Effort: Trinidad and Tobago is collecting supplies to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, with details expected soon.

Maritime Diplomacy: Indian Navy ships INS Udaygiri, Kavaratti and Shakti arrived in Sattahip, Thailand, for professional exchanges and community outreach with the Royal Thai Navy, while INS Ikshak docked in Port Victoria, Seychelles, for the country’s 50th National Day celebrations. Local Sports & Culture: Trinidad-born Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss pushed back on Lane Kiffin’s comments about Confederate symbols and Black recruiting, insisting the Oxford community is “nothing but love.” STEM for Youth: NIHERST and Shell Trinidad and Tobago launched a national FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament, with 12–18-year-olds building and programming robots under a “Decode” theme. Money Scams Warning: TTSEC renewed its alert about increasingly sophisticated investment scams on social media and messaging apps, urging people to verify offers and avoid promises of guaranteed high returns. Faith in Music: Trinidad-born gospel artist Anisa Fowler announced her new single “Sing Hallelujah,” dropping July 3. Entertainment & Theatre: “The Bollywood Prince and the Pauper from Penal” wrapped a six-show run at SAPA and NAPA, blending romance, identity swaps and laughs.

Music Spotlight: Trinidad-born gospel singer Anisa Fowler is set to release her new single “Sing Hallelujah” on July 3, an uplifting faith anthem about choosing praise through tough seasons. Local Sports Pride: San Fernando’s Malique Lewis has been drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, and he’s already soaking in the support and confidence that comes with the big move. International Football (Caribbean Watch): Cape Verde keeps stunning the world, reaching the World Cup knockout stage as the smallest nation after a third straight draw, including a 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. Entertainment & Culture: The stage play “The Bollywood Prince and the Pauper” from Penal wrapped a six-show run at SAPA and NAPA, mixing romance, deception, and laugh-out-loud moments. Community & Arts: A 215-member T&T delegation has been ratified for the 2026 CAC Games in Santo Domingo, with athletes competing across 28 disciplines. Human Interest: Eleven-year-old Aaron Edwards, battling a rare liver disorder, is urgently seeking help for surgery after being unable to travel for treatment.

Soca & Steelpan: Pan Trinbago says 2026 Steelpan Players’ Remittances have been received, ending months of uncertainty, with a ceremonial cheque of $4,785,600 handed over and details promised via official channels. Calypso Spotlight: Twiggy (Ann-Marie “Twiggy” Parks-Kojo) marks 50 years in calypso with a commemorative concert on Sunday, July 5 at NAPA. Music Roundup: Sargam The Band returns for “Sargam Echoes,” celebrating 20 years of Bollywood, Chutney and fusion on June 27 at Centre Point Mall Auditorium, Chaguanas. Soca Culture: Grenada’s Skinny Banton pushes Jab culture with a seven-song 2026 run, including “The Jambalasse” project. Sports (T&T Pride): T&T Olympic Committee athletes’ commission chair Kwani-eze John and swimmer Dylan Carter welcome the IOC’s US$10,000 “Fit for the Future” grant for Olympians. Local Alerts: TTSEC warns of rising investment scams using AI-made fake endorsements, including a bogus Guardian Media “interview” scam. Crime & Community: Tobago’s Plymouth ATM backhoe robbery attempt—featuring a Batman-style costume—has led to two arrests, with THA urging meaningful charges.

Soca Spotlight: Grenada’s Skinny Banton is bringing Jab culture to the frontline for Spicemas 2026 with a seven-song 2026 push, led by “The Jambalasse” project that revamps the 1991 classic “Jambalasse Rule.” Arts & Culture: “One Man and His Dog” returns in a reimagined production at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop on June 27–28, revisiting Victor D Ques­tel’s post-colonial debates with a cast led by Errol “Blood” Roberts. Music Buzz: Damage Musiq and Popcaan’s “Life Still A Gwaan” keeps climbing globally, topping 5 million YouTube views and gaining major chart and TikTok traction. Community & Dance: The annual Ballroom, Latin and Group Dance Competition brought students from across T&T together for “dancing is healthy fun,” with special schools included. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad and Tobago pledged humanitarian support to quake-hit Venezuela as locals in T&T’s Venezuelan community watched in horror and prayed for relatives. Tobago Crime/Heist: A backhoe “Batman” ATM attempt in Plymouth, Tobago went viral after the vault couldn’t be lifted—police continue the hunt. Tobago Governance: The THA signalled a possible hiring freeze as its wage bill strains the 2027 budget.

Earthquake Relief & Safety: Trinidad and Tobago confirmed four nationals in quake-hit Venezuela are safe, with only superficial damage reported to the T&T chancery in Caracas, though road closures are blocking access; the Foreign Affairs ministry says consular and emergency channels are active to arrange temporary accommodation and the earliest safe return. Regional Diplomacy: T&T also pledged solidarity and possible assistance to Venezuela as recovery efforts continue after a rare doublet quake rattled the Caribbean. Sports & Youth Culture: At Hasely Crawford Stadium, the annual Ballroom, Latin and Group Dance Competition brought schoolchildren to the VIP Lounge for a “Dancing is healthy fun” showcase, including special schools joining the ballroom floor. Arts & Faith in Steel: Renaissance Productions’ “I AM: The Gospel On Steel” brings Gospel and steelpan together at Woodbrook Pentecostal Church on June 27–28. Local Leadership in Business: PSOTT has a new CEO, Rudolph Hanamji, stepping in July 1 after a career spanning UN-linked youth work and public-private development. Public Life & Governance: The CARICOM Secretary-General reappointment is facing legal heat after a T&T legal opinion questioned whether the process followed the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Entertainment Spotlight: Tobago vocalist/pannist Jeremy Stewart shares his cruise-ship-to-island journey in an I Love Tobago feature.

CARICOM Watch: A UWI law professor says CARICOM’s reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett may be legally void, arguing the process was procedurally flawed after only 10 of 15 member states were effectively represented. Music & Culture: Dominica leads Bouyon categories with multiple nominations for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, while Trinidad’s Trinidad Art Night returns June 27 with live music, receptions, and “Silk, Silver & Stone” at the Trinidad Art Gallery. Local Business Spotlight: A young realtor, Jovan Lousaing, credits his late father for pushing him into entrepreneurship with his new real estate brokerage. Crime & Community: Police are investigating a man shot dead inside an SUV at an insurance company car park, and in Tobago a movie-style ATM heist using a backhoe ended in failure—complete with Batman-style antics. Arts & Entertainment: Chef Sabrina Nicholls is turning pholourie into fine-dining fusion from her food truck. Earthquake Update: A 4.1 quake was felt in Trinidad and Tobago, while Venezuela was hit by two major quakes (7.2 and 7.5) 39 seconds apart.