AGP Executive Report

Soca & Music Spotlight: Sangre Grande R&B up-and-comer Coutain is turning Trinidadian classics into fresh hits with “smart songwriting” and smooth vocals, teasing a new album after breakout singles like “Wedding Band” and “Suga Dumplin.” Carnival Watch: Carnival stakeholders are pushing back on the Government’s plan to distribute 2026 prize money via a ceremony, with bands and Pan Trinbago calling it a “photo op” and warning that optics won’t fix delays and disrespect. Education Update: Teachers across Trinidad and Tobago have started receiving long-awaited backpay for 2020–2023, with TTUTA saying most arrears are now reflected on IHIRIS or being handled through vouchers. Courtroom/Justice: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson rejects “panel-fixing” claims as unsupported, saying changes were tied to judicial attire and not case outcomes. Sports Culture: Trinidad Chambliss’ Heisman buzz keeps growing after Ole Miss’ win over LSU—plus an apology after an ESPN interview expletive. Diplomacy & Regional Tech: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar heads into UNGA talks, including a planned meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez, while CTU ICT Week hears calls for Caribbean countries to coordinate their digital and AI future.

Caribbean Digital Policy: CTU minister Dominic Smith urged regional countries to coordinate on AI and digital governance, saying the Caribbean can’t afford “21 disconnected” transformations. Special Operations Bill Fallout: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says special operations will be limited to UNC-held constituencies and Tobago/UNC local districts, while Pan Trinbago and the Berkeley Carnival Revolution are demanding clarity on how curfews, permits, and “closed areas” could affect steelpan, pan yards, rehearsals and Carnival spaces. Local Community Safety: Classes resumed at San Juan North Secondary amid security concerns after a teacher robbery incident, with residents still worried about criminals targeting students. UN Diplomacy & Peace Day: T&T voted in favour of allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the UNGA virtually, and UNDP marked World Peace Day with free doubles for protective services and workers in Port-of-Spain. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Trinidad cyclist Jadian Neaves placed 48th in the U-23 time trial at the UCI Road Worlds, and Pan Trinbago is pushing for workable rules so legitimate music activity can continue. Maritime Incident: A Pigeon Point boat crash left nine injured, including four foreign nationals, with one victim recalling the horror from her hospital bed.

Flip The Script in Schools: TTPS’ Community Oriented Policing Unit says its “Flip the Script” campaign (launched Sept. 16) is already seeing early wins with students at Claxton Bay Secondary, tackling peer pressure, social-media conflicts and bullying through interactive sessions. Carnival Under Pressure: Berkeley Carnival Revolution is pushing the Government for clarity on how the Special Operations Bill could affect Carnival life, from curfews and movement limits to permits for mas camps, pan yards and studios. Caribbean Music Awards Boom: Trinidad and Tobago’s first Caribbean Music Awards in Port of Spain at NAPA delivered big local moments—Lady Lava led the wins, while V’ghn took Jab Artist of the Year; the event also honoured icons like Calypso Rose and Patra. Poet Laureate Next: NALIS and the Circle of Poets say Trinidad & Tobago’s next Poet Laureate will be named soon, with nominations opening for the 2026 role. Special Ops Bill Fallout in Tobago: Bethel residents and business owners in Tobago voice fears that Special Operations measures could mean curfews, heavy police presence and lost sales.

Caribbean Music Awards: Trinidad and Tobago artistes dominated the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Port-of-Spain, with Lady Lava retaining Zess Artiste of the Year and adding Female Soca Artiste and Chutney Soca Song wins, while Freetown Collective took Caribbean Fusion Artiste. Caribbean Music Awards (regional spotlight): Grenada’s V’ghn won Jab Artist of the Year at the same ceremony, as the awards marked a historic Caribbean debut at NAPA. Local culture & heritage: The Chinese community celebrated more than two centuries of heritage at a Bicentennial event at Mille Fleurs, featuring food, art, lion/dragon dances and Tai Chi. Sports (T&T connection): Trinidad’s Trinidad Chambliss starred as Ole Miss beat LSU 32-24 in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford, with Chambliss throwing for 363 yards and scoring the go-ahead in the fourth. Public safety & policing debate: After the Special Operations Bill passed, residents in Port-of-Spain communities and Bethel, Tobago, voiced fears of being “caged” by curfews, warrantless searches and restrictions. Prisons update: Officers seized a drone linked to suspected contraband attempts at the Port of Spain prison.

Sports & Culture Clash: Ole Miss beat LSU 32-24 in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford, with QB Trinidad Chambliss starring (363 yards, two TDs) and then apologizing after an on-field ESPN moment that included an expletive. Local Gaming Watch: TT’s gaming industry leaders say tougher penalties for illegal Play Whe won’t fix sales for legitimate operators, pointing to ongoing illicit activity and TTPS scrutiny. Music Spotlight: Nicki Minaj shared career advice for young Americans and defended her support for Donald Trump in a Fox News interview. Fashion Buzz: Chanel’s Fall 2026 campaign, shot by Julien Martinez Leclerc, features models including Trinidad Castaño at 31 Rue Cambon. Caribbean Travel: Caribbean Airlines (CAL) plans to resume Caracas flights from Oct. 17, welcomed by travel operators. Table Tennis in Tobago: The Tobago Open “Table Tennis in Paradise” ran at Shaw Park Complex as the sport gets renewed push. Steelpan Community: Steel Magic Northwest marked its 10th anniversary and is refocusing on its Edmonds base for the 2026-27 season.

Sports Spotlight: Trinidad Chambliss powered No. 8 Ole Miss to a 32-24 revenge win over No. 7 LSU in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford, throwing for 363 yards and scoring the go-ahead 14-yard TD run as LSU rallied from 24-7 down but fell short on a late interception. Local Politics & Protest Watch: Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency has ended, lifting protest limits that barred demonstrations within 500 metres of key sites, but PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar warned she’ll call another SoE if threats return. Security Law Debate: The Special Operations Bill is headed to the Senate, with critics like Keith Scotland saying it could expand police powers too far and mobilising constituents to oppose it. Arts & Culture: Calypso takes centre stage with “Crackers and Cheese” Calypso Cabaret (Oct 10) celebrating women in kaiso, while “We People, We Nation” brings T&T history to life through art and literature. Community & Faith: Bhajan Jamming at NCIC Nagar drew thousands for Kali Yatra, blending devotional music, dance, and UK-based singer Bhavik Haria. Sports Mind Games: Tobago wrapped up the Draughts 9-Star World Cup, with the Netherlands taking top honours.

Hydroponics for schools: FAO and 4-H T&T are partnering to supply hydroponic systems to 45 schools for the 2026/27 school year, aiming to boost learning in modern ag tech—especially where land is limited. Union solidarity at TSTT: The Steel Workers Union backs CWU’s Joanne Ogeer after what it calls personal attacks, insisting union leaders must be able to demand accountability without intimidation. Police operations: Three men were arrested and a stolen vehicle recovered during separate Central Division operations, as TTPS moves to suppress violent crime and disrupt gang activity. Caribbean Music Awards spotlight: Lady Lava leads the CMA field with nine nominations ahead of tonight’s regional debut at NAPA, Port of Spain. Dog health warning: The Veterinary Association reports rising canine distemper (“hard pad”) cases, urging owners to watch for fever, discharge, lethargy and paw/nose thickening. Special Ops Bill body cams: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS will “work with what we have” on body cameras under the Special Operations Bill, while residents in Diego Martin and Barrackpore question whether the devices and rules will be enough. Steelpan community invite: A new steelpan band project invites the public to learn and play, with sessions starting in October.

Special Operations Bill: Residents in Diego Martin and Barrackpore are split and wary as the Government pushes the Special Operations Zones Bill, with concerns about curfews, warrantless searches, and whether body cameras will actually work during operations. Body cameras debate: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS will “work with what we have,” while police cite limited battery life; MATT also warns Clause 15 could leave journalists’ phones, laptops and source info vulnerable to seizure. Crime investigation: TTPS is probing the discovery of seven human cadavers stored in a refrigeration unit at a Central Trinidad compound. Caribbean Music Awards: Trinidad hosts the CMA debut at NAPA, with Grenada’s V’ghn leading nominations and local artists like Lady Lava among top contenders. Sports diplomacy: Sport Minister Phillip Watts meets the US to explore joint sport and youth programmes, including sport tourism and exchange opportunities. Beauty pageant: Vinita Manoo named Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2026. Tech expansion: IntellicoERP plans to open in Ghana as T&T-Ghana business ties grow.

Beauty Pageants: Vinita Manoo has been appointed Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2026, earning the chance to represent T&T at the 75th Miss Universe in Puerto Rico in November. Caribbean Music Awards: Grenada soca is set to make a big splash at the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad on Saturday, with V’ghn leading the island’s nominees with seven nods and multiple artists competing in the new Jab categories. Sports Diplomacy: T&T and the US are exploring joint sport and youth programmes, with talks focused on people-to-people ties, athlete exposure, and capacity-building through a proposed joint committee. Cycling: Liam Trepte powered to the Elite Under-23 national criterium title at the T&T Cycling Federation’s 2026 championships. Aquatics: ASATT raised concerns about the Ministry’s Discover H₂O Polo Programme, saying protocols weren’t followed and the association didn’t endorse it. Tech/Transport: Pro-man and Dumore Enterprises launched methanol-powered Geely trucks on T&T roads, calling it a clean-fuel milestone. Local Food/Entertainment: Crapaud Foot Restaurant has closed and is now being offered for sale, with the owners hoping the concept continues. Crime/Policing: With the State of Emergency ending, TTPS operationalised three micro police units as part of the next phase of its anti-crime strategy.

Cycling Glory: Liam Trepte powered to the Elite Under-23 Men’s national criterium title at Tamana In-Tech Park, winning the 60km, 15-lap race for Raiders Cycle & Multi-Sport. Aquatics Watch: ASATT says the Discover H₂O Polo Programme rollout had poor protocols and won’t endorse it, after raising concerns with the Sport Ministry. Table Tennis Success: Bob Roopnarine grabbed two bronze medals at the Central American and Caribbean Masters in Honduras, including a Masters 60-64 singles finish. Crime & Courts: Criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad welcomes stronger judicial oversight in the Special Operations Bill, but warns it could become “crime-suppression” only if social supports are sidelined. Security Update: As Trinidad and Tobago ends the state of emergency, TTPS has operationalised three micro police units to shift to targeted community policing. Tobago Carnival Travel: Authorities say more flights and ferry sailings are coming for Tobago Carnival after concerns about limited options. Film Milestone: TTFF marks 20 years of building a Caribbean filmmaking pathway, screening 2,000+ films and connecting 1,500+ filmmakers to audiences. Steelpan Spotlight: Amari Douglas is named the 2026 Nevin Roach Award winner for Excellence in Steelpan, after standout performances and arranging progress. Animation Push: Animae Caribe calls for private-sector investment to grow locally owned animation IP and jobs. Local Teachers’ Stand: TTUTA says OSHA findings justify teachers’ refusal to return to San Juan North Secondary School over safety and security hazards. Sports Safety in Schools: TTPS launches “Flip the Script” to tackle gang violence, bullying and substance abuse through psychosocial support and mentorship. Entertainment & Comedy: Jr Lee’s comedy journey and Keagon Smith’s behind-the-lens rise highlight how T&T creators are moving from local stages to bigger screens.

State of Emergency Ends: Trinidad and Tobago wrapped up a long State of Emergency, but activists and lawyers say mass arrests and unanswered detentions are still a live concern as authorities stay on alert for possible violence. Special Policing Push: With the SoE expiring, the government is moving toward revised Zones of Special Operations, including body-worn cameras and training requirements for officers operating in designated areas. School Safety Crackdown: Police launched a new anti-violence school campaign, adding “big brothers” and mentorship for at-risk boys as fighting, vaping and disorderly behaviour continue to be flagged. Tobago Carnival Ferry Worries: More ferry sailings are expected for Tobago Carnival after concerns that key vessels weren’t listed in the initial inter-island schedule, leaving travellers anxious after tickets and plans were already paid for. Queens Night Market: Taste lovers get a fresh start as the Queens Night Market returns Saturdays from Sept. 19 to end of October, bringing global food, art and performances. Sports Spotlight: Caribs Rugby Football Club kept rolling, clinching another League title with a 32-17 win over Harvard, while Trinidad Chambliss’ Ole Miss-LSU showdown is driving major national attention. Local Arts & Culture: A craft lab in St. Maarten kicked off a roots-to-history identity project, and Trinidad’s steelpan community continues to celebrate through events like Sach and Steel.

ZOSO Body Cams: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says police in Zones of Special Operations will be required to wear body-worn cameras under revised ZOSO legislation, with training on human rights and safeguards for detainees as the State of Emergency expires tonight. Defamation Ruling: A UK-based digital journalist has been ordered to pay over $250,000 in compensation for defaming an SSA employee in a Facebook video alleging a “Christian Coup.” Tobago Carnival Travel Crunch: Revellers face a transport nightmare as Tobago Carnival ferry tickets sell out fast and October sailings show far fewer options than last year. Education & Culture: St Patrick Education District held an Emancipation event using African rhythms, storytelling and traditional wear to teach identity and history. Steelpan Community Run: Simeon Oladele and Peggy Smith led the Sach and Steel Community 5K at Queen’s Park Savannah, supporting inclusive steelpan education. CPL Hall of Fame: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were inducted into the Caribbean Premier League Hall of Fame in Barbados. Miss Universe T&T 2026: Vinita Manoo is introduced as Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2026, with Stolen Productions set to film her journey and produce a reality series. Sports: Caribs Rugby Football Club clinched the T&T Rugby Football Union League title with a 32-17 win over Harvard, and semi-finals are set next.

Tobago Carnival logistics: Revellers are questioning ferry access after the October sailing schedule was released with far fewer trips than last year, leaving only limited options and raising fears of shortages ahead of the Oct. 30–Nov. 1 festival. UWI honours: UWI will award 13 honorary degrees across its 2026 graduation season, including reggae star Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, hip-hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh, and Dominica’s Olympic triple-jump champion Thea LaFond. Aviation update: The Airports Authority says Piarco passenger traffic remains robust, citing July international peaks and upcoming October service expansions. Tech for literacy: The Ministry of Public Administration and AI donated 24 refurbished computers to NGOs supporting National Literacy Month. Sports spotlight: Trinidad Chambliss is named among Heisman contenders as college football builds to Week 3’s big LSU-Ole Miss showdown, with plenty of hype around Lane Kiffin’s return. Football call-up: T&T has named Levi Garcia in Derek King’s 25-man CONCACAF Nations League squad, with matches against Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Curaçao. Local governance & public safety: Texas regulators ordered the Trinidad, Texas police department to disband after finding it failed minimum standards and couldn’t show “public benefit” following a controversial water complaint arrest. Arts & Hollywood: Caribbean-rooted actress Nia Long is set to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, a diaspora moment tied to Trinidad and Tobago family roots.

Fete Accountability: A new opinion piece argues a ticket is a contract, and when events fail—overselling, closed gates, early endings, or headline artistes not performing—the patron shouldn’t be the one left holding the loss. Soca Warriors Squad: Derek King names Greece-based Levi Garcia in a 25-man CONCACAF Nations League squad, with T&T set to host Haiti (Sept 24) and then face the Dominican Republic and Curaçao in the opening run. Football & Rivalry Buzz: Coverage ramps up for the LSU vs Ole Miss “Magnolia Bowl” as Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford, with Trinidad Chambliss in the spotlight and fans bracing for a hostile atmosphere. Tobago Energy Tension: Tobago fishermen are demanding consultation before EOG Resources begins exploratory offshore drilling in southwest Tobago. Local Sports Spotlight: Liam Trepte wins the National Criterium crown, edging Akil Campbell, while T&T junior MMA athletes return from Pan American action with 12 medals. Caribbean Arts on the Move: Nia Long is set to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, with strong Trinidad and Tobago family roots highlighted. TV & Fashion Export: Trinidad and Tobago’s “Carnival Catwalk” lands on American Airlines in-flight entertainment, pushing local fashion-reality content to international audiences. Tech for Entertainment: Apple expands iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge (with some major regions excluded).

Ole Miss vs LSU Hype: Trinidad Chambliss is set to step into the spotlight as LSU’s Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford for a hostile SEC showdown, with Kiffin warning of “real safety issues” while insisting the pressure is on him—not LSU players. T&T Arts & Media: Carnival Catwalk is now on American Airlines’ in-flight entertainment, pushing Trinidad and Tobago fashion and Carnival culture to international audiences. Music Wins: Nigerian stars dominated the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards, with Davido, Tems, Phyno and Mercy Chinwo leading the winners list. Steelpan Spotlight: Pan Yaad lit up Government House with steelpan, soca and a new foam party twist, plus a Trinidad and Tobago debut. Festival Fun: Iron Blossom Festival returns with 22 acts across Sept. 19–20 at Midtown Green. Local Governance & Safety: ECRC reported without power for much of Monday night, while the State abandoned its Star Sabga appeal after her release from detention. Energy Update: Government says work continues on restarting the Pointe-a-Pierre Refinery, following asset-sale rules. Weather: Strong winds early Monday eased later, with cooler conditions expected Tuesday.

Tobago Water Worries: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says drought-like conditions could hit in the next two months, with tourism demand rising ahead of October Carnival, and officials discussing dam dredging and desalination planning. Human Trafficking Reminder: Despite staying on the US Tier 2 watch list, Trinidad and Tobago is urged not to get complacent after a report flagged 30 trafficking victims last year, mostly women and girls, including many minors. Steelpan Goes Global: Pan Yaad lit up Government House with steelpan and Caribbean culture, adding a foam party twist to the September celebrations. Carnival Meets Fashion: THE LOST TRIBE made a historic New York Fashion Week debut with “Island Circus,” bringing Trinidad mas to Manhattan and Brooklyn. TSTT Labour Tension: Communications Workers’ Union pushes for a 10% pay hike and warns of protests after the State of Emergency ends, while Minister Barry Padarath dismisses the union’s claims as baseless. Star Sabga Case: The State withdraws its Star Sabga house-arrest appeal, though legal costs remain for the Court of Appeal to decide. Sport Spotlight: Josi­ah Hills and Adriana Bonilla finish runners-up in COTECC U-14 mixed doubles in Mexico; and Trinidad’s MMA team returns from the Pan American Championships with 12 medals. Mental Health Call: World Suicide Prevention Day messaging highlights high suicide rates across the Caribbean and the need for community-wide support.