AGP Executive Report

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago was elected a non-permanent member for 2027–2028, winning 181 of 191 votes—an international diplomatic boost, though local economists are asking what the practical gains will be. Climate & Weather Watch: Heat and fire danger are building in southern Colorado, while the wider region is also seeing unstable conditions and heavy rain threats in parts of the Caribbean—another reminder to plan for extreme weather. Biodiversity Moment: Loggerhead Marinelife Center reports the first-ever olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida, with researchers linking unusual nesting to warming seas and other pressures. Waste & Recycling Push: Good Humans 268’s CHOGM-linked mural project in Antigua is using recycled bottle caps to drive a bigger conversation on waste management and disability inclusion. Local Environment/Infrastructure: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing—key for reducing flood risk and improving resilience. Regional Trade: TTMA’s trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) aims to grow regional business ties.

Water & Climate Diplomacy: Madhya Pradesh’s Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is drawing international attention, with diplomats (including Trinidad and Tobago) praising how river and pond rejuvenation is being turned into a public, culture-linked water conservation movement. Waste & Community Action: Antigua’s Good Humans 268 is building a major recycled bottle caps mural at the ARG, expanding a school-based recycling drive that says it has diverted over two million plastic items from landfill. Local Environment, Jobs & Youth: In Tobago’s Les Coteaux, youths say promised employment and CEPEP/URP work hasn’t delivered, adding pressure for more sustainable local opportunities. Disaster Readiness: A simple explainer on hurricanes highlights how warm ocean conditions fuel storms, why storm surge and heavy rain drive flooding, and the need to prepare early. Infrastructure & Resilience: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is reported about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing—key for reducing weather-related disruption. Biodiversity Recognition: Aruba has been approved as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering the whole island and its waters, as a model for linking biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago was elected a non-permanent member for 2027–2028 after winning 181 of 191 votes, a major diplomatic boost that could shape how the country weighs peace and security priorities. Roads & Resilience: The $161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is now about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing and street lighting expected soon—good news for daily commuters and flood-prone corridors. Biodiversity & Protected Areas: Aruba was approved as a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Biosphere Reserve, covering the whole island and its surrounding waters—an example of how conservation and sustainable development can be planned together. Weather Watch: A trough and tropical wave are expected to bring downpours, thunderstorms and gusts across parts of the Caribbean, with multiple provinces under alerts for flooding and landslides. Food Security Pressure: A UN-linked report says hundreds of thousands in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with undernutrition and obesity both showing up—highlighting the need for smarter nutrition and food-price action. Governance & Transparency: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while several islands score relatively better.

Tobago Development Debate: A Tobago investor argues the island’s future can’t rely on opposing every project, warning that stalled development and a weaker economy would raise costs for essentials and construction while tourism needs real, responsible investment. Food Security Pressure: A UN-backed report says about 513,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition, stunting, obesity and anaemia all showing up in the numbers. Waste and Consumption: UNDP’s Ugo Blanco says T&T generates about 2.6kg of waste per person daily—double the Caribbean average—urging more responsible consumption ahead of World Environment Day. Flooding and Wetlands: A look at Woodland’s recurring floods points to how road embankments can alter water flow across the Godineau Wetland and worsen ponding at key crossings. Climate-Resilience Trees: Local officials marked World Environment Day with tree-planting in North Caura and other areas, pairing greening with community awareness. Regional Climate/Marine Risk: A report warns offshore oil and gas expansion could threaten key marine ecosystems across the Caribbean.

World Environment Day & waste: UNDP’s Ugo Blanco says Trinidad and Tobago generates about 2.6kg of waste per person daily—double the Caribbean average—urging more responsible consumption as the country marks World Environment Day. Nature-based climate action: EMA and Forestry marked World Environment Day with 156 trees planted in North Caura, while Tobago’s Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme ran a “Hike and Plant” in Les Coteaux to restore riparian areas and protect water sources. Community greening: Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen distributed about 3,000 vegetable plants for Corpus Christi and pushed “green practices” in schools. Wildlife care spotlight: A renewed public push questions the condition and standards at the Emperor Valley Zoo, with calls for real upgrades and transparency. Policy & resilience: Tobago’s THA budget process is framed around sustainable tourism, climate resilience, and environmental integrity. Regional context: Jamaica’s islandwide blackout was blamed on lightning near grid infrastructure, underscoring how extreme weather can disrupt services.

UN Spotlight for T&T: Trinidad and Tobago secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 with 181 votes, with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar framing it as a boost for sustainable peace and security and a platform to build consensus. Waste and Consumption Pressure: UNDP’s Ugo Blanco warned that T&T generates about 2.6kg of waste per person daily—double the Caribbean average—urging more responsible buying and less wasteful habits. World Environment Day, Local Action: EMA and the Forestry Division marked World Environment Day with 156 trees planted in North Caura, while Tobago’s reforestation and watershed programme ran a Hike and Plant initiative in Les Coteaux to restore riparian areas and support water sources. Community Greening: Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen distributed about 3,000 vegetable plants for Corpus Christi and pushed youth toward greener practices like water and soil conservation. Wildlife Care Concern: A fresh public call is growing over the Emperor Valley Zoo’s condition and long-running enclosure and maintenance worries. Policy Moves: Government says it will regulate children’s social media use under the new parliamentary session agenda.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, securing 181 votes and global backing for its push on sustainable peace and security. Climate Planning in Action: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service hosted its 20th National Climate Outlook Forum and stakeholder consultation, underscoring the need for better climate forecasting and preparedness. Disaster Risk Reality Check: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John told the Disaster Risk Management Conference 2026 that resilience must show up in roads, drainage and coastal defences—not just policy papers—and called out harmful everyday habits that worsen flood risk. Water Safety Alarm (US): A Texas family says their 16-year-old suffered chemical burns after showering in Trinidad, Texas, amid long-running complaints about discoloured water; the case is being investigated. Marine Protection Warning (Region): A report warns offshore oil and gas expansion could threaten marine ecosystems and biodiversity across multiple countries, including areas overlapping protected habitats. Energy & Mining Oversight: Energy and Energy Industries Minister Moonilal met TTAPA on hold-over letters for quarry operators and discussed a framework for new mining licence applicants.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected as a non-permanent member for the 2027–2028 term, winning 181 votes out of 191 and backed by all five permanent Security Council members—its campaign theme focused on sustainable peace and security, including small-arms trafficking, women and children, and AI in global security. Disaster Risk Reality Check: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says T&T’s biggest disaster risk isn’t just infrastructure—it’s human habits, calling for resilience that shows up in maintained drainage, passable roads, and coastal protection, not just policy papers. National Planting Push: Dr Varma Deyalsingh argues Corpus Christi planting traditions could become a national, multi-faith planting day to beautify communities, feed people, and help tackle climate change. Quarrying & Environment Oversight: The Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association backs the Ministry of Energy’s hold-over letters for quarry operators, while agreeing on a framework for new licence applicants that includes environmental stakeholders. Water & Health Alert: A Trinidad family in Texas reports a chemical burn after using city water, adding pressure on water safety and accountability.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, winning overwhelming support from 181 countries and returning the country to the world’s top security forum after more than two decades. Caribbean Climate & Disaster Readiness: A regional workshop in Port of Spain brought together 25 representatives from 17 Caribbean countries to strengthen impact-based forecasting and warning services, improving how alerts communicate who is affected and what actions to take. Marine Conservation Alert: Jamaica’s marine habitats could face direct threats from offshore oil and gas exploration in the Walton-Morant block, with a new report warning of overlap with coral reefs, seagrass beds and key fishing grounds. Wildlife Update: A rare olive ridley sea turtle nest was documented on Florida’s Jupiter Beach—species known to nest in the southern Atlantic, including Trinidad—raising questions about shifting ocean conditions. Water & Health Concern: A Trinidad, Texas family alleges a chemical burn after showering with city water, adding pressure on water safety scrutiny. Local Environment Governance: Trinidad reminds residents to “call before you dig” (811) to protect underground utilities and reduce risks during excavation projects.

UN Security Council win: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, winning 181 of 190 votes and returning to the body after more than two decades, with the campaign framed around “sustainable peace and security” and priorities including small-arms trafficking, women and children in peace and security, and AI’s role in global security. Caribbean disaster readiness: A regional workshop in Port of Spain brought together 25 representatives from 17 Caribbean countries to strengthen impact-based forecasting and warning services, including the Common Alerting Protocol, aiming to better communicate who is affected and what actions to take. Hurricane season signals: Caribbean agencies are preparing for a wetter stretch as an Eastern Pacific tropical system develops and tropical waves increase moisture and locally heavy rainfall risk across the region. Water safety concern: A Trinidad family in Texas says their teen suffered a chemical burn after showering with the city’s water, renewing attention on water quality problems. Health policy push: Youth and civil society across the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, are calling for a ban on marketing ultra-processed foods in and around schools.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago secured a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028 with overwhelming support, winning 181 of 191 votes and backing from all five permanent members—an international platform that also spotlights priorities like sustainable peace, women and children, and AI’s role in security. Hurricane Season Readiness: Caribbean agencies are pushing impact-based forecasting and the Common Alerting Protocol, with a regional workshop in Port of Spain bringing together 25 representatives from 17 countries to improve warnings that focus on who is affected and what actions to take. Flood Risk & Waste: At T&T’s Disaster Risk Management Conference, Works Minister Jearlean John said littering and weak enforcement worsen flooding, calling for a culture shift in waste disposal and environmental responsibility. Caribbean Food Policy Push: Youth and civil society are urging a ban on ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools, warning that constant exposure undermines healthy eating and raises long-term NCD risk. Caribbean Rainfall Outlook: A multi-day heavy rainfall setup is expected across the Caribbean as Eastern Pacific cyclone development and Atlantic moisture increase approach midweek into the weekend. EMA Leadership: The Environmental Management Authority welcomed Dr. Joth Singh as its new Managing Director/CEO, with priorities including noise management, data-driven decisions, and integrated waste solutions.

Disaster Risk & Waste: Works Minister Jearlean John told the Trinidad and Tobago Disaster Risk Management Conference that flooding is driven by more than rain—littering, weak enforcement, and poor waste disposal habits overload drainage and turn hazards into disasters. Flooding Culture Shift: She urged a change in attitudes toward infrastructure maintenance and environmental responsibility, stressing resilience starts long before storms hit. Maxi Taxi Accountability: A maxi taxi strike sparked a blame game over who should upgrade hubs and terminals, with Transport and Works officials pointing fingers at each other while operators demand better-managed stands and clearer rules. Mass Transit Reality Check: An opinion piece argues T&T lacks a dependable state-led mass transit system and has repeatedly tried traffic fixes instead of solving the root problem. Local Environment Leadership: The EMA welcomed Dr. Joth Singh as Managing Director/CEO, with priorities including data-driven decisions and integrated waste management. Hurricane Season Warning: A local climatologist flagged El Niño as a “double threat” for the region—more storm risk plus worsening drought. Nature-Based Resilience: Minister John highlighted nature-based solutions like ecological buffers and green stormwater systems as part of the Revitalisation Blueprint. Education & Skills: The Education Minister said AI-supported learning can free up more time for communication and collaboration skills.

Flood Risk & Waste: Works Minister Jearlean John says littering and weak enforcement are key drivers of Trinidad and Tobago’s flooding crisis, arguing disasters are “outcomes” of hazards meeting vulnerability shaped by everyday habits like dumping waste in drains. Disaster Risk Management: At the T&T Disaster Risk Management Conference and Expo 2026, John pushed a culture shift toward maintenance, standards, and long-term resilience, while TEMA head Allan Stewart warned recovery can take years without stronger national disaster authority planning. Nature-Based Resilience: The Revitalisation Blueprint was framed as a “contract with the future,” prioritising nature-based solutions such as restoring ecological buffers and integrating stormwater treatment into public spaces. Student Climate Solutions: RBC Young Leaders 2026 backed projects across the region, including St Augustine’s College pond and park restoration for student wellbeing, plus smart flood control and sustainable agriculture initiatives. Water Conservation Education: The 14th Annual Trinidad Water Festival at Fort Carson highlighted hands-on learning on water conservation, pollution prevention, and protecting water resources. Hurricane Season Warning: A local climatologist flagged El Niño as a “double threat” for the region—less storm formation but worse drought conditions—urging preparedness anyway.

Disaster Risk Focus: Trinidad and Tobago’s Disaster Risk Management Conference and Expo is spotlighting a shift from reacting to disasters to preventing them, with vendors showing tools for hazard mapping, utility location, and flood barriers—while Minister Jearlean John urged resilience to be built into procurement, design standards, and even nature-based solutions like restoring ecological buffers. Hurricane Season Warning: As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, Tobago’s TEMA director Allan Stewart stressed that “one storm” can still devastate communities, arguing for stronger laws and a move toward sustainable risk reduction instead of long recovery cycles. Climate & Water Security: A local climatologist warned that El Niño could bring a double hit—disrupting storm formation while worsening drought—so a quieter forecast shouldn’t mean complacency. Food Security Win: CARDI and partners marked a successful black-eyed peas pilot in Trinidad, with high germination and fast harvest, positioning the crop for stronger local production and school feeding support. Local Transport Disruption: Maxi taxi drivers announced a three-day shutdown over arrears, route competition, and stand management—raising concerns for commuters and essential services.

Disaster Risk & Resilience: Tobago Emergency Management Agency director Allan Stewart urged a shift from disaster response to risk management as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, warning that without stronger planning and laws, recovery can take years. Nature-based Infrastructure: Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John said T&T’s Revitalisation Blueprint must embed resilience at every stage of building, including nature-based solutions like ecological buffers and green stormwater systems. Climate Finance & Debt Pressure: Economist Jwala Rambarran warned the Caribbean is stuck in a “debt-climate trap,” calling for a regional debt-climate negotiation platform and climate-justice-linked reforms. Local Food Security: CARDI and partners marked a successful black-eyed peas pilot in Warrenville, showing fast growth and strong germination, with potential to cut import dependence and support school feeding. Green Fund Funding Gap: A report says less than 1% of the Green Fund was disbursed over a decade, with NGOs warning of possible closures—raising alarm for conservation and sea turtle work. Student Climate Action: St Augustine’s College won RBC Young Leaders 2026 for restoring a pond and park space, while other schools pitched smart agriculture and flood-control ideas.

UN Security Council Bid: Trinidad and Tobago is running unopposed for a 2027–2028 non-permanent seat, with the General Assembly vote set for June 3 in New York. Regional Aviation: Caribbean Airlines’ route pullback is being met with new connectivity moves, including an interline agreement between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes effective June 1. Maxi-Taxi Disruption: Maxi taxi operators plan a three-day “rest and reflect” shutdown from June 1–3, warning of major commuter and business impacts. Food Security in T&T: CARDI and partners report a successful black-eyed peas pilot harvest in Warrenville, with fast growth and strong germination results aimed at boosting local production and school feeding. Green Fund Funding Gap: A report says less than 1% of the Green Fund was disbursed over a decade, raising concerns about NGO and community group access to grants. Veterinary Public Health: A regional push highlights how zoonotic disease risks link animal health, human health, and disaster-prone environments across the Caribbean.