AGP Executive Report

Special Operations Bill Overhaul: As the State of Emergency ends, the Government is set to debate a rewritten Special Operations Bill that replaces ZOSO, reshapes how security areas and curfews are declared, and adds safeguards plus a two-year expiry. Police Readiness After SoE: TTPS says three micro police units are now operationalised across Trinidad, with the CoP insisting police and the Defence Force are ready to “take back T&T from criminals.” Body Cam Capacity Question: Ahead of the debate, the CoP says only just over 100 body cams are working, citing battery limits, while critics challenge what happened to hundreds bought earlier. Crime-Fight With Oversight: A criminologist welcomes stronger judicial oversight but warns the law could become mere crime suppression if social interventions are sidelined. Tobago Carnival Travel Relief: Tobago revellers may get extra ferry sailings and more flights after initial booking concerns. Prison Service Update: 569 revocation orders were executed and 395 people released as of Thursday. Health Access on Campus: NCRHA launches patient care shuttle carts at EWMSC, with nurses urging caution over how the service is rolled out. Local Culture: TTFF marks 20 years of building a Caribbean film ecosystem, while Tobago’s Amari Douglas wins the 2026 Nevin Roach Award for steelpan excellence.

Industrial Relations: Industrial Court president Heather Seale says a legal gap is leaving the Special Tribunal in limbo when its chairman demits office, calling for urgent legislative fixes to avoid rehearings and delays. Crime & Security: Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi hailed a major Coast Guard cocaine interception in the Gulf of Paria—440.20kg valued at about TT$204.5m—urging follow-through on prosecutions and the money trail. School Policing: TTPS is ramping up school interventions after rising student fighting, vaping and disorder, with 272 offences recorded in the last academic year; “big brothers” and mentorship are set to target at-risk boys. Sports (Local/Regional): St Kitts and Nevis’ “Sugar Boyz” will play in the inaugural FIFA U-15 Boys World Cup in Azerbaijan, drawn in a group that includes Trinidad & Tobago. Business/Trade: ITC and DHL renewed a partnership to help small and medium-sized firms trade across borders, with extra support for women-led businesses.

ZOSO Bill Update: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the revised Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill will return to Parliament with amendments tomorrow and will need only a simple majority in the Senate, not the earlier three-fifths threshold, as the State of Emergency ends. Body Cameras Rules: The new Special Operations Bill keeps body-worn cameras “as far as possible” based on available resources, but expands oversight by giving key bodies access to footage and data, and includes a sunset clause with power for the President. Tobago Carnival Travel Crunch: Revellers face sold-out inter-island ferry tickets for key Tobago Carnival dates, with flights to Tobago (Oct 27-30) also sold out and return flights unavailable for Nov 2-4. Hospital Safety: NWRHA reports a fire alarm activation at the POSGH maternity unit after an air-conditioning component burned out; staff and NICU patients were evacuated safely and cleared to return. Sports—Local & Regional: Caribs Rugby Football Club clinched the T&T Rugby Football Union League title with a 32-17 win over Harvard, while Violette AC edged Club Sando 1-0 for top spot in the Caribbean Cup group stage. Community & Culture: St Patrick Education District held an Emancipation event using African rhythms, dance and storytelling as experiential learning.

Judicial Independence Debate: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says he won’t stay silent when justice is going wrong, arguing citizens must be able to raise concerns about the Judiciary without attacking individual judges’ integrity. Tobago Carnival Travel Worries: Tobago-bound revellers question the October ferry schedule after far fewer sailings were listed than in 2025, with the APT James set for additional trips and the Galleons Passage only shown for early November. Energy Outlook: Former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine welcomes Touchstone’s Cascadura gas uptick but warns a broader, transformative recovery likely won’t be felt until 2027–2028, tied to projects like Manatee and other developments. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA’s lab workshop in Barbados brought together directors and professionals from across the region, including Trinidad and Tobago, to strengthen how quickly health threats are detected and handled. Security & Drugs: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says security forces have seized about $1 billion in illegal drugs since UNC took office, following a major Coast Guard cocaine haul. Air Travel Update: Airports Authority says Piarco passenger traffic remains robust, citing July international peaks and continued route expansion. Sports Spotlight: LSU’s Lane Kiffin return to Ole Miss is driving major security preparations, while Trinidad Chambliss is highlighted as a key Ole Miss QB in the Heisman conversation.

Cycling Spotlight: Liam Trepte edged Akil Campbell to win the National Criterium crown at Tamana In-Teck Park, with Dmitri James taking bronze and Josi­ah Williams and Bran­don Fred­er­ick also featuring in the U-23 medals. School Football: Speyside High High School opened their Premier Division return with a 2-1 win over Signal Hill, and now target a second straight victory against Queen’s Royal College. Tobago Energy: Tobago fishermen are calling for consultation before EOG Resources begins exploratory drilling off the island from mid-October, as the THA weighs what any findings could mean for local benefits. State of Emergency Results: With the SOE set to expire next week, officials say it delivered 5,700+ arrests, hundreds of firearms seized and a 14% drop in serious crime, while ministers insist enforcement will continue. Public Works & Flooding: Works Minister Jearlean John says cooking oil and kitchen waste dumped into drains are clogging systems and worsening flooding. Crypto & Finance: Regulators are moving T&T’s crypto sector beyond the sandbox toward a permanent framework, with speakers pointing to remittances and cross-border payments as key use cases. Business & Trade: AMCHAM urged T&T to use uncertainty to strengthen and build industries, while a Central Bank paper warns EU carbon rules could hit carbon-intensive exporters even if the overall GDP impact is small. Crime & Courts: Two men face murder charges in a Fyzabad case, and police are investigating a $17,011 missing cash theft from a Tobago health centre cafeteria vault.

Prison Power Crisis: The Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre was left without electricity for hours Monday night, with detainees still in the dark late at 11 p.m., and the Prison Officers’ Association citing no back-up generator and wider infrastructure and security concerns. Tobago Energy Plans: EOG Resources is set to begin exploratory drilling in Tobago waters from mid-October, about 22 km off southwest Tobago, with the Tobago House of Assembly saying it will seek to keep fishers informed and maximise benefits if hydrocarbons are found. Major Drug Bust: Coast Guard operations intercepted a pirogue off Huevos Island and seized 440.20 kg of cocaine in 394 sealed packages, valued at about TT$204.5 million, leading to four arrests. Crime Crackdown Warning: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar warned wealthy citizens allegedly tied to organised crime—naming Westmoorings, St Clair and Federation Park—saying prosecution will follow as the State of Emergency nears its end. Legal Developments: The State has abandoned its appeal against Star Sabga’s release after the Preventive Detention Order was revoked, ending her detention. Insurance Leadership: NIB executive director Niala Persad-Poliah confirmed early retirement effective December 13. Health Policy Training: PAHO and UWI marked completion of a health policy and systems postgraduate programme’s third cohort, training 11 professionals across eight Caribbean countries including T&T. Culture & Media: Carnival Catwalk is now available on American Airlines’ international in-flight entertainment, expanding the reach of the Trinidad and Tobago fashion-reality series.

Human Trafficking Watch: A new Trinidad and Tobago trafficking report warns the country’s Tier 2 status should not mean complacency, citing 30 victims last year—mostly women and girls, including 13 minors, with 29 Venezuelans—urging stronger, victim-centred protections. School Security: After a teacher robbery at San Juan North Secondary, the Education Ministry says TTPS and other agencies are coordinating upgrades like better lighting, perimeter fence repairs, CCTV and clearing undergrowth. ZOSO Safeguards: Criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad says any return of the Zones of Special Operations bill must include mandatory body cameras and clear reporting and oversight. TSTT Labour Tension: Communications Workers’ Union is pushing for a 10% wage increase and possible action after SoE ends, while Minister Barry Padarath rejects the union’s claims as baseless. Court Update—Star Sabga: TTPS and the AG have agreed to withdraw their appeal over Sabga’s house arrest after her PDO detention was revoked. Sports—Tobago Football: Ball Blasters thrashed Goal City 11-2 in the TFA Premier Division, with TeeJay Cadiz scoring five. Sports—Indoor Hockey: TTDF and QPCC kept winning in the National Indoor League, with TTDF extending a perfect run.

Teachers’ Backpay: TTUTA says teachers have started receiving outstanding arrears for 2020–2023, estimated at TT$900 million, via the IHRIS payslip system, calling it a victory after months of advocacy. Crime Crackdown After SoE: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar warns that even after the Sept. 17 end of the State of Emergency, the fight against “wealthy drug mafia” gangs will continue, citing SoE arrest and charge figures and promising continued harsh measures. Mental Health Tragedy: Two suicides reported in Trinidad—an alleged 15-year-old student and a 21-year-old law student—have renewed calls for stronger mental health support and awareness. Police Action: Police arrested a “mastermind” behind two TT RideShare robberies involving drivers, including an alleged kidnapping and assault linked to June incidents. Sport & Community: Tarouba gears up for its 10-night Ramleela with a village procession; in football, TTFA and UWI signed a four-year MOU and scholarship named for late administrator Azaad Mohammed-Khan.

Public Safety & Crime Policy: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the State of Emergency is nearing its Sept. 17 end, calling it “highly successful” while warning criminals that harsh measures will continue after the SoE. Human Trafficking Watch: Trinidad and Tobago retains a Tier 2 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons report; the local 2025 report says 30 victims were identified, with the US urging stronger investigations, prosecutions, and victim protection. Telecom Governance Clash: Former TSTT acting CEO Keino Cox threatens legal action after his appointment wasn’t renewed; TSTT has launched an independent probe into his conduct and related contracts. Security Zones of Special Operations: Barry Padarath urges the Opposition to back the reintroduced ZOSO Bill, while Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says ZOSO-style community interventions are already being tried in Tunapuna. Terror Designations Debate: As T&T marks 25 years since 9/11, Muslim groups renew calls to revoke terrorist designations for Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran’s IRGC. Environment & Resilience: Scientists warn of a possible “Super El Niño,” and marine researchers say T&T’s deep-sea exploration is still only “scratching the surface.” Local Development: RDC begins rehabilitation of a major Mayaro landslip at Charuma Junction Trace. Sports: Jereem Richards wins bronze in the 400m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest; Keshorn Walcott places fourth in the javelin.

State of Emergency updates: TTPS says it is fully prepared as Preventive Detention Orders are revoked and detainees are released in phases ahead of the SoE ending next week. ZOSO Bill revival: Opposition says the return of the Zones of Special Operations legislation proves there’s “no crime plan,” while Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says ZOSO is a holistic community intervention already being piloted in Tunapuna. Court fight over fishermen: A US strike death lawsuit involving Trinidadian fishermen Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo is stalled pending a Trinidad and Tobago court ruling to declare them legally deceased. THA jet ski liability denied: Tobago House of Assembly denies liability in the Pigeon Point jet ski death of seven-year-old Angelica Jogie, arguing responsibility lies with the operator. Police and fraud case: A woman was detained after allegedly using a fake ID to withdraw TT$85,000 from a Republic Bank branch in St James. Health regulator review: The Medical Board is reviewing guidelines on doctors’ social media advertising, including claims of outcomes and undisclosed financial incentives. Business and crime probe: TTPS White Collar Division is scrutinising suspected money laundering and illegal gambling linked to some Chinese nationals and businesses. Sports (local interest): Keshorn Walcott is among top javelin names competing in Budapest; and Trinidad Chambliss starred as Ole Miss beat Charlotte 41-9.

Football & Youth Sports: J’Quan Bernard, 13, scored the winner off the bench as Speyside Edge Signal Hill 2-1 in a Tobago SSFL clash at Shaw Park, in a match with eight yellows and a red. Football Development: TTFA and UWI St Augustine signed a four-year MOU to link football development with education, research, coaching and youth opportunities. Sports Commentary: A local column argues athletes shouldn’t hide emotion after setbacks—accountability and honest reflection are part of growth. Table Tennis: Mateo Mollineau exited in the cadet boys’ singles round of 32 at the ITTF-Americas Youth event in Guatemala City. Environment: A Tobago study says 97% of Atlantic-facing beach debris is plastic, with currents and waves driving where it lands. Crime & Security: TTPS says it’s prepared for the phased release of preventive detention detainees as SoE ends Sept 17, while also stressing continued intelligence-led operations. Politics/Justice: Calls are growing for the State to apologise to over 300 people freed without charge after SoE detentions. Education: Teachers begin receiving $900M backpay, though TTUTA says it’s not yet had formal confirmation from Finance or Education. Business & Community: The business community mourns Sheik Lisha founder Churchill Azad Akaloo. Environment/Community Action: Residents are urged to protect Palmiste Park fruit trees after theft of earlier plantings. Telecoms: Keino Cox challenges TSTT’s decision to place him on administrative leave and not renew his acting CEO role.

School Safety & Crime: TTUTA says an intruder assaulted a teacher at San Juan North Secondary School, triggering a walkout and renewed calls for fixes to perimeter fencing and infrastructure. State of Emergency & Anti-Crime Law: Government says the Sept. 17 end of the State of Emergency is not being extended, with the ZOSO Bill set to return to Parliament. Public Health Focus: Caribbean Wellness Day is set for Sept. 12, urging youth-led action to tackle non-communicable diseases and improve mental and physical wellbeing. Local Governance & Services: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen says the NPUPS upkeep programme ends Sept. 13, with possible resumption or expansion depending on 2027 Budget funding. Sports: Defence Force are eliminated from the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup; Jereem Richards advances to the 400m final in Budapest; Naparima College kicks off SSFL season with a 6-0 win over St Benedict’s. Business & Economy: Planning Minister Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh outlines the economy and what the 2026/27 Budget must deliver; PBS Group takes full ownership of Trinidad Systems Ltd; Kia targets staying top in new car sales.

State of Emergency: Government says it’s pleased with the results of the SoE as PDO detainees begin release, with relatives describing the process as slow and tedious. Freedom of Information: Senators debate moves to modernise the FOI law, allowing annual public statements to be published online as well as in the Gazette. Rural Development & Corruption: Minister Khadijah Ameen orders the Rural Development Company to be “cleaned up” before new projects, citing unaccounted funds, overstaffing and corruption in construction approvals. Reparations: CARICOM Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers says a new National Committee on Reparations will be appointed “in due course.” Electricity: T&TEC explains a brief power dip affecting parts of Trinidad, blaming an opos­sums (man­i­cou) fault on a 66kV sub-transmission circuit. Sports: Jereem Richards qualifies for the 400m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships; Tobago’s SSFL premier derby looms as Signal Hill faces Speyside. UK Travel: UK waives visa fees for T&T citizens attending Privy Council hearings. Culture & Community: THTI graduates are urged to become employers and investors in Tobago’s economy.

State of Emergency scrutiny: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is demanding answers from PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander on what the rolling State of Emergency and Preventive Detention Orders have achieved, including how many detainees were charged, released without charge, or prosecuted as people begin to be released. Crime and justice: Two former police officers have been charged with the 2014 murder of businessman Devindra Siewdass, 12 years after his kidnapping and killing. Police operations: Police say the main suspects in the killing of PC Romel Kerry Douglas were shot dead during a confrontation in Maloney. Public safety and services: Former Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales is calling for an explanation of reported electricity dips and fluctuations affecting households. Health policy: The PM says medication shortages are linked to bureaucracy and outdated systems delaying access to cheaper drugs. Sports: Imran Tahir, 47, became the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul in T20, crediting his son’s push to keep playing. Commemoration: The US Embassy in Port of Spain marks 9/11 with wreath-laying, including a long-running question over one listed Trinidad and Tobago victim’s identity.

Medicine Approval Overhaul: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago’s outdated drug registration system is causing delays of up to a year, and promises to overhaul the approval process so patients can access cheaper medicines faster. School Violence & Police Warning: TTPS says students involved in school fights can face criminal charges if investigations find sufficient grounds, with police treating such incidents like any other offence. Tobago Teen Support: A Tobago teen released from custody after a relative’s death will receive Student Support Services to help with counselling and reintegration into the classroom. Morvant Gun Violence: Four men were killed in Morvant over two days, as residents call for more help for youths amid rising fear. Red Cross Fundraising: The Red Cross is seeking $2.5M for an ambulance and its Children’s Carnival, urging stronger corporate and donor support. Venezuela Relations: Analysts say the PM’s softer stance toward acting President Delcy Rodríguez signals pragmatism and a push to rebuild energy ties, while Venezuelans hope it brings improvements. State of Emergency Legal Fight: Opposition senator Faris Al-Rawi warns the PNM will challenge any move to extend the State of Emergency after it expires next week.

Judiciary Backlog Push: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh says the courts must tackle unacceptable delays, announcing measures to reduce the criminal case backlog and boost capacity as the 2026-2027 law term opens. Parental Responsibility Law: Government Business Leader Barry Padarath confirms a draft law is being prepared to hold parents accountable for children’s behaviour, tied to PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s hard line on school violence and repeat offenders. T&T-Venezuela Talks: The PM says she expects to meet Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez later this month, likely at UNGA in New York, while also pointing to hopes for natural gas cooperation. THA Jet Ski Case: The Tobago House of Assembly and Pigeon Point Heritage Park Ltd reject liability in the April 8 jet ski collision that killed 7-year-old Angelica Jogie. Crime Update: Police say two main suspects in the PC Romel Kerry Douglas murder were shot dead during an operation in Maloney. Violence in Moruga: A 33-year-old labourer was critically injured in a cutlass attack after an argument escalated; police have the accused in custody. Energy & Finance: Methanol output rose in Q1 with exports up, while TTSE launches Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines to attract private capital.