AGP Executive Report

Steelpan & Inclusion: Kharysa Gabriel is pushing for a special-schools category in Junior Panorama and more access for persons with disabilities, after forming a new steel orchestra at the NCPD that performed within two weeks and now aims for SanFest 2027. Arts Loss: Trinidad and Tobago cultural figure Willi Chen has died at 91; known for bold, self-taught experimentation across sculpture, painting, theatre and design, including the Central Bank steel mural Solar Marinorama. Local Sport Spotlight: The Bafasports Community Pop-Up Series hit Clifton Hill Beach in Guapo for the Sancouche 5K, with standout winners across men’s and women’s races and a preview for the Mayaro Coconut Run. Futsal Community: TTFA mourns Kellon Bacchus, Head of Futsal Referees for the Trinbago Futsal League, praising his professionalism and mentorship. Police Posts Debate: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says two more police posts start this weekend, while the Eddie Hart Savannah project remains at the centre of a fresh row over approvals and contract process. Crime & Safety: TTPS defends mobile police units as an upgraded, data-led anti-crime tool amid public criticism.

Caribbean Music & Culture: Caribbean Music Awards is moving its 2026 ceremony to Trinidad and Tobago for the first time, set for Sept. 19 at NAPA, Port of Spain, co-hosted by Nailah Blackman and Majah Hype. Local Stage & Voices: Trinidadian lyric soprano Rahel Moore returns for “Sacrae: An Evening of Sacred and Spiritual Music” at All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, Port of Spain, 6 pm on Aug. 8. Carnival 2027 Buzz: Xzotik Mas launches “Rejuvenate,” a new mas band concept blending traditional characters with contemporary fashion and design. Fashion & Heritage Spotlight: Miss Afro T&T’s inaugural winner Delece Rabathaly is crowned, celebrating African heritage and remembrance. Entertainment Calendar: Malabar South Council gears up its 2nd Annual Emancipation Entrepreneurs Market with community talent and an African-inspired fashion show. Sports Entertainment: CPL 2026 kicks off Aug. 7 with broadcast partners confirmed and a seven-team format, with playoffs and the final week in Barbados.

Carnival & Music: Xzotik Mas is set to debut “Rejuvenate” for Carnival 2027, a 10-section Mas concept built around transformation and a tribute to band leader Rodney Snell’s father. Stage & Culture: Trinidadian lyric soprano Rahel Moore returns to the stage for “Sacrae: An Evening of Sacred and Spiritual Music,” a tribute to her late mother, at All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, Port-of-Spain on Aug. 8. Pageantry & Heritage: Delece Rabathaly made history as the inaugural Miss Afro Trinidad and Tobago, with her win celebrated for spotlighting African heritage. Community & Faith: Tobago religious leaders are urging an end to divisive racial remarks after recent political tension spilled into public events. Sports Spotlight: Malique Lewis says his NBA Draft moment was “surreal” after being selected 60th overall and traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Public Life: Government plans a proposed ID requirement for citizens 16+ in public spaces, while TTPS recruitment drew close to 10,000 applicants. Regional Link: Caribbean Music Awards moves its 2026 ceremony to the Caribbean, with T&T hosting Sept. 19 at NAPA, Port-of-Spain.

Tropical Storm Maymay (Philippines): Heavy rain and landslides left at least six dead across Luzon, including two cooks killed after an eatery in La Trinidad, Benguet was buried in mud; rescuers pulled one man out alive while authorities monitor more fatalities. Domestic Travel Boost: Caribbean Airlines says 66,814 passengers used the Trinidad–Tobago domestic airbridge in July, adding flights to meet peak summer demand. Steelpan Spotlight: National Trust marks World Steelpan Day with “PAN Heritage: The Experience” at Mille Fleurs, featuring live pan, workshops, and heritage demos. Local Culture & Food: World Cheese­cake Day gets a feature on Jineal Chichester’s journey from a Coast Guard career to building Cheesecake House with 186 flavours. Security & Crime Response: Government moves toward joint police-army posts in communities, while Tobago police welcome the extra resources. CPL Cricket: The 2026 CPL kicks off Aug. 7 with Jamaica Kingsmen starting the season, and the league runs to Sept. 20. Sports—West Indies vs Pakistan: Roston Chase rues West Indies’ spinner selection after Pakistan levelled the series with an eight-wicket win at Queen’s Park Oval. ID in Public Spaces: Cabinet is said to be considering legislation requiring people 16+ to show national ID in public. CAC Games: Mexico topped the final medal table in swimming at the CAC Games, with Trinidad & Tobago finishing third overall in the standings.

Crime & Community Safety: Tobago police welcomed joint police-army posts as PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said new recruits will bolster staffing for 30 locations, while residents in Morvant, Bamboo and Aranguez backed the move. Prison Reform Debate: Security experts say using inmates for hard labour to clean public spaces could work, but only with rehabilitation, careful selection and strong security. Animal Attack Justice: A 65-year-old Tobago man, Roy George, is still seeking justice after being mauled by seven pitbulls in June, alleging owners’ indifference left him scarred and unable to do basic tasks. Wildlife Protection: EMA praised officers after suspected sea turtle poaching in Tobago led to arrests over a dead turtle, meat and eggs taken from a nesting site. Culture & Emancipation Tensions: UTT chairman Selwyn Cudjoe defended East Indian elements in Emancipation Day programming amid criticism, while the Emancipation Support Committee said it won’t get pulled into political back-and-forth. Sports & Entertainment: TKR secured major CPL backing as bpTT signed on, and Flow launched “We Live For This” for the 2026 CPL. Local Food Stories: World Cheese Day spotlights Cheese­cake House founder Jineal Chichester, and Jordan Lamy’s childhood kitchen dream powers Indulge Desserts.

T&T Sports Spotlight: The Trinidad and Tobago men’s hockey team fought back for a 2-2 draw with Cuba in the CAC Games final, then lost 2-1 on sudden-death penalty strokes, taking silver after a tough shootout. Local Football Move: Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has stepped into club football management, taking a role with Central West FC ahead of the 2026/27 season and unveiling a 15-player squad plus a performance specialist. Entertainment & Culture: Applejack Hospitality is set to open Winnie’s at the Sydney Opera House waterfront, inspired by Trinidad-born ragtime legend Winifred Atwell—opening Thursday, August 6. Business/Tech: A Trinidad-based AI firm, Intellico AI Agency Ltd, has begun operations with plans to export AI-driven tech globally and launch an ERP software suite on August 26. Community & Safety: A 66-year-old mother in Penal is in intensive care after allegedly being set on fire by her son during a domestic dispute; police say the suspect is at large. Weather Disruption (Regional): Heavy rain and landslide risk in Benguet, including La Trinidad, led to school suspensions and shifts to alternative learning modes.

Emancipation & Culture Politics: ESCTT pushed back on PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s claims about the Emancipation Day incident involving Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, saying the PM may have been misinformed and that Benjamin was never in danger. Public Safety & Security Debate: Police Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin defended the planned 30 joint police-army posts, while Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander framed them as part of a wider anti-crime push; Defence Minister Wayne Sturge rejected Opposition claims the plan is a ZOSO rebrand. Crime Prevention in Communities: Roger Alexander also announced convicted inmates on hard labour would return to public clean-ups, arguing the current “hard labour” system doesn’t match the term. Sports (Hockey): The Calypso Stickmen won a dramatic CAC Games final comeback but fell 2-1 on penalties to Cuba after a 2-2 draw, taking silver. Local Football: Police Commissioner Gary Griffith joined Central West FC as manager for 2026/27, unveiling a 15-player squad and a development-focused plan. Entertainment & Food: Trinidad-born soca icon Denise Belfon says Drake helped unlock long-delayed royalties for “Work,” while Applejack unveiled Winnie’s at Sydney Opera House, inspired by Winifred Atwell. Arts & Film: Cinemalaya 2026 judges were announced, with Dan Villegas and Sari Dalena leading the panel. Prison Security: TT Prison Service seized suspected marijuana and a cellphone at Golden Grove Prison, handing items to police for forensics.

Steelpan Spotlight: Tyeesha Alexander marks Steelpan Month by spotlighting women in pan and pushing the next generation of players. Music & Business: MusicTT’s Melissa Jimenez talks Techstars Startup Weekend Port of Spain – Music, aimed at turning music ideas into real ventures. Emancipation Tensions: ESCTT director Shabaka Kambon defends the committee after booing at African Emancipation Day, while PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she’s ready for “round two” of Independence Day attacks. Labour & Media Pressure: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh urges proper interpretation of CSO labour force data, and RSF warns independent journalism is under growing financial strain as government advertising stays suspended. Fuel Costs: FOIA response says government paid $293.26M in automotive diesel fuel subsidies so far in 2026. Sports (T&T in focus): Neeraj Chopra heads to the Lausanne Diamond League Aug 21 in a star-studded javelin field that includes Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott. Local Hospitality: Tobago’s Magdalena Grand sees a management shake-up with four senior staff sent on leave.

Steelpan Month: Pan Trinbago officially kicked off August Fest Steelpan Month under “Rhythm and Rise,” with leaders stressing steelpan as a unifier and a youth-driven cultural bridge. Carnival 2027 Mas: Xzotik Mas confirmed its Trinidad Carnival 2027 debut, “Rejuvenate—Origins of Ole Time New,” paying tribute to Ole Time characters and band legacy. Burna Boy court clash: A promoter says it will appeal a High Court ruling that dismissed its unlawful means conspiracy case against Burna Boy over a December 2022 concert bid. Press freedom pressure: Reporters Without Borders warned Trinidad and Tobago’s independent media is under growing financial strain as government advertising remains suspended. Emancipation Day fallout: The Attorney General rejected claims the Emancipation programme was racist or divisive, defending Prof. Selwyn Cudjoe and Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin amid ongoing racial tension talk. Disability self-defence: DCDSP held a graduation for participants of the “Strength Beyond Our Limits” self-defence camp for persons with disabilities. Sports spotlight: Raekwon Noel won his third CAC Games gold with a record 200m freestyle, while Trinidad’s Nikoli Blackman took bronze.

Steelpan Spotlight: Seven-year-old Tahj Pariag and Zuri Pariag are inspiring through steelpan solo work as Steelpan Month celebrates the next generation keeping pan’s discipline, confidence, and cultural pride alive. Culture & Care: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin says support is being arranged for veteran singer Ella Andall, currently in her son’s care, stressing no cultural icon will be neglected. Music & Identity: A new album launch is in the spotlight on TV6’s Morning Edition, with Dylan Bassant and Kaelyn Ramsaran discussing their project “Dilcutta,” while the show also features a community segment on local birds and a traffic update. Emancipation Politics: The Emancipation Support Committee Lidj Ya Su Omowale Village event sparked fresh debate after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar skipped it, with the Opposition accusing disrespect and the PM pointing to other African Emancipation events she attended. Sports (T&T in focus): West Indies’ Justin Greaves made 64* to help WI reach 239/5 at stumps on day one of the second Test vs Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval. Community & Style: Akilah’s Jewellery highlights eco-fashion rooted in Africa and nature, turning indigenous materials into statement pieces.

Culture & Community: The Culture Ministry says it’s working to support veteran singer Ella Andall, stressing no cultural icon will be left behind and asking the public to respect her family’s privacy. Good News / Local Life: A family’s 26-year wait for electricity ends after the Random Kindness Crew (T&TEC workers and friends) installs solar power equipment for the Dun­can Village, Union Hall home. Music & Heritage: The Caribbean Music Awards is bringing its Elite Weekend Experience to Trinidad and Tobago for the first time, with events at NAPA in Port-of-Spain (Sept 18–20) under “Sounds of the Caribbean.” Fashion & Identity: Akilah’s Jewellery spotlights eco-fashion rooted in nature and African heritage, turning Caribbean-grown materials into statement pieces. Sports (T&T in focus): Trinidad and Tobago judoka Gabriella Wood finishes fifth at the Commonwealth Games; meanwhile, the local cricket community mourns youth cricketer Isa Ali. Politics & Emancipation: A political firestorm grows after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar skips the Emancipation Support Committee village event, with critics and supporters trading accusations over respect and race. Health & Schools: A push to rethink physical activity in schools comes amid warnings about childhood weight and obesity.

Caribbean Music Awards: The big regional awards are moving to Trinidad and Tobago for 2026, bringing more spotlight to local music and performance. Commonwealth Games (T&T): Shaniqua Bascombe grabbed silver for Trinidad and Tobago in the women’s 200m in Glasgow, adding to the island’s medal momentum. Emancipation Day controversy: UTT’s “Uhuru: Celebrating Freedom” event sparked backlash after East Indian music and dance were included in African Emancipation Day programming, with critics calling it disrespectful. Local culture & pageants: Nevis is set to host the 2026 Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant on Aug. 3, with Delece Rabathaly representing Trinidad & Tobago. Music on tour: Nailah Blackman is taking her live band, The Experience, to Europe this August, starting in Belgium and Sweden. Sports (T&T focus): West Indies and Pakistan begin the 2nd Test at Queen’s Park Oval today, with Babar Azam returning as Pakistan captain and West Indies chasing a historic series win. Football: Mount Pleasant Football Academy eyes the CFU Club Shield title today after reaching the final with a win over SV Robinhood.

Health & Welfare: Stroke survivor Heather Almoralis-Dann says she’s still waiting over a year for her NIB sickness benefit, calling the process sluggish and overly bureaucratic. Digital Payments: First Citizens Bank raises last-minute concerns about adding WiPay and NPICTT to the U-Turn online fine-payment system, warning fees and accountability could shift. Labour Watch: CSO data shows nearly 6,000 job losses in T&T’s first quarter of 2026, with employment down and unemployment rising. Emancipation Day Politics: African Emancipation Day events in Port of Spain drew boos and a tense on-stage confrontation involving Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, while PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended her absence and called for justice and unity. Culture & Pageantry: Delece Rabathaly is crowned inaugural Miss Afro T&T 2026, and Nailah Blackman brings her live “Experience” band to Europe this August. Sports (T&T in focus): Dylan Carter wins men’s 50m butterfly gold at the CAC Games; Teniel Campbell takes silver and Nikoli Blackman bronze as T&T racks up more medals. Entertainment/Film: Winston Duke comments on David Jonsson’s casting in “Black Panther 3.” Sports (Cricket): West Indies host Pakistan for the 2nd Test at Queen’s Park Oval starting Aug 2.

African Emancipation Day: T&T leaders marked the 188th anniversary of slavery abolition with calls for unity, justice and protecting the freedoms won by ancestors. Miss Afro T&T 2026: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised the inaugural pageant as a celebration of African heritage, with Delece Rabathaly Rabathaly crowned Miss Afro T&T 2026. Commonwealth Games athletics: India’s Neeraj Chopra took men’s javelin silver and Yashvir Singh won bronze, while Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathiraj grabbed gold; Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott finished sixth. Local sport spotlight: Samuel Ogazi powered to men’s 400m gold at Glasgow 2026, with T&T’s Jereem Richards second. Human trafficking watch: The Counter Trafficking Unit says it’s reviewing allegations from a Guardian interview with a self-confessed trafficker. Business & tourism: SailClear’s digital yacht clearance system is set for rollout after Cabinet approval, cutting clearance times dramatically. Parang community: Veteran George Carter of Amantes de Parranda has died, remembered for teaching music theory and instruments to youth.

Emancipation Day & Culture: T&T marked 188 years since slavery’s abolition with leaders calling for justice, dignity and unity, while UTT’s “Uhuru: Celebrating Freedom” event sparked online debate over a tassa and classical Indian dance pairing. Pageantry Spotlight: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised the inaugural Miss Afro Trinidad and Tobago Pageant, themed “Threads of Africa, Fabric of a Nation,” with Delece Rabathaly crowned Miss Afro T&T 2026. Fashion & Identity: Local creators tied style to heritage, with Emancipation Day framed as freedom to speak and express through African-inspired textiles and accessories. Counter-Trafficking Watch: The Counter Trafficking Unit says it’s reviewing Guardian allegations from a former trafficker interview, stressing the matter is under the Trafficking in Persons Act. Politics & Privacy Row: The PM dismissed concerns about phone taps, while another report questioned why there’s been no post-Cabinet briefing for 12 weeks. Sports (T&T Connection): Commonwealth Games javelin headlines Neeraj Chopra’s silver and Yashvir Singh’s bronze, as boxing and athletics also pushed toward finals in Glasgow.

Caribbean Music Awards: Trinidad and Tobago is set to host the 4th Caribbean Music Awards this September, with an Elite Weekend Experience running Sept 18–20 and the main awards night on Sept 19 at NAPA in Port of Spain—marking the ceremony’s big homecoming after years in Brooklyn. Emancipation & Culture: As Emancipation Day approaches, local programming spotlights heritage through music and storytelling, including the Kambule Emancipation Programme: Roots and Rites. Commonwealth Games (Sport): Day 8 headlines include cycling and netball action, plus T&T’s Nicholas Paul in keirin coverage and a reminder that Para and track cycling finals are heating up in Glasgow. Local Folk Heritage: Virmala features Malick Folk Performing Company icons Jemma Jordan and Kempes “Ram” Ramnarine on preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s folk traditions through music, dance and drumming. Music & Celebrity: Nicki Minaj renews her public feud with Dr Fauci after he refused to answer questions on COVID-19 handling. Court Watch (Entertainment): A Burna Boy concert-related lawsuit has been thrown out after the court ruled the claimant lacked legal standing.