AGP Executive Report

Flood & Storm Risk: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for the western half of Trinidad (1–5 pm), warning of heavy showers, thunderstorms, street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds—on top of ongoing hot spell conditions. Noise & Communities: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001, urging better speaker placement, sound testing/monitoring, and early compliance to avoid penalties. Climate Outlook: The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum warned that a very strong El Niño could expand drought risk and bring humid heat and heatwaves, while still leaving a high risk of flooding and flash-flooding hazards across much of the region. Local Resilience on the Ground: A Cedros flooding report showed how fast-rising water destroyed homes and belongings, underscoring the human cost of extreme rainfall. Food & Livestock (Tobago): Tobago’s Lamb Fest promoted lamb as a viable, more sustainable meat option and highlighted efforts to add value for farmers and caterers. Tourism & Jobs: An economist urged T&T to boost tourism earnings and labour force participation to strengthen the economy ahead of Budget 2027. Innovation Push: MTTI signed the Buy Local, Build Trinbago Charter with three innovation hubs to help local entrepreneurs commercialise ideas and scale businesses.

Flood & Storm Risk: The TT Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for western Trinidad (1–5 pm), warning of heavy showers and thunderstorms that could trigger street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds, even as a Hot Spell continues. Noise & Community Protection: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001, urging earlier applications and practical steps like speaker placement, sound barriers, testing and monitoring to reduce impacts on nearby communities. Local Climate Impacts: Residents in Cedros reported fast-rising floodwaters that damaged homes and belongings, highlighting how quickly extreme rain can overwhelm local drainage and leave families with major losses. Food & Livestock Sustainability: Tobago’s THA Division of Food Security hosted Lamb Fest at the Shaw Park Food Hub to promote lamb as a viable, more sustainable meat option and to support value-added sheep rearing. Building Resilience in Institutions: The Central Bank launched its 2026/27–2030/31 Strategic Plan (“Insight to Impact”), aiming to strengthen its role amid changing economic and financial risks. Regional Justice Training: A PACE Justice partnership training programme will run across 10 Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, to strengthen correctional, probation and parole practice.

Weather & Flood Risk: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for the western half of Trinidad (1–5 pm), warning of heavy showers and thunderstorms that could trigger street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds—on top of a continuing hot spell. Noise & Communities: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001, urging better speaker placement, sound barriers, testing/monitoring, and early compliance to protect nearby residents. Local Innovation for Jobs: The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism signed a “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter with three innovation hubs (IATT, Founder Institute Caribbean, and La Brea Association for Innovation) to help entrepreneurs commercialise ideas and connect community innovators to national opportunities. Food & Livestock in Tobago: Tobago’s THA Division of Food Security hosted Lamb Fest at the Shaw Park Food Hub to promote lamb as a sustainable, value-added meat option and support local sheep rearing. Disaster Impacts on Homes: A Cedros flooding report described residents marooned as water rose fast, destroying furniture and belongings and leaving families with little time to save pets or property. Budget Pressure & Economic Recovery: Ahead of Budget 2027, an economist urged boosting tourism earnings and labour force participation to keep finances on a sustainable path, while unions also pushed for outstanding payments and wage settlements.

Flooding & Extreme Weather: A Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert is in effect for the western half of Trinidad (1–5 pm) as heavy showers and thunderstorms could trigger street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds, even while a hot spell continues. Community Impact: In Cedros, residents described how floodwater rose fast, leaving families marooned and unable to save belongings, including pets. Noise & Public Health: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process and practical steps to cut noise impacts on nearby communities, warning that non-compliance can bring consequences. Local Innovation & Jobs: The Trade Ministry signed the Buy Local, Build Trinbago Charter with three innovation hubs to support MSMEs and help local ideas scale. Oil & Gas Safety: OSHA is consulting on new oil rig safety regulations covering integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence. Food Security & Budget Pressure: Agriculture consultants are urging the 2027 Budget to measure whether agri spending boosts production and food security, not just allocations. Housing Costs Worldwide: A Habitat for Humanity report says 75% of people in surveyed countries cut essentials to afford housing—an affordability warning that echoes locally. Biodiversity/Conservation Tourism: Eden’s Door in Tobago received an Eco-stewardship Award for nature trails and biodiversity-focused tourism.

Public Health & Equity: Trinidad and Tobago’s push for more physical activity is being challenged by research questioning whether global exercise guidelines fit everyone—especially manual workers for whom movement is often a necessity, not a choice. Conservation & Plastic Pollution: Scouts, with Digicel Foundation and Shell T&T support, recycled nearly 100,000 plastic bottles into 10 park benches across north-west Trinidad—turning waste into durable public seating. Invasive Species Turning Point: UWI St. Augustine has launched a multi-stakeholder plan to convert the giant African snail (GAS) from a long-running crop and health threat into community enterprise opportunities through SCALe-UP. Oil Rig Safety: OSHA is consulting stakeholders on new oil rig safety regulations covering integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence. Food Security & Budget Pressure: Economists and business leaders are urging the Oct 12 Budget to tackle food price volatility and foreign exchange strain, including calls to review the exchange rate and measure agriculture spending by results. Governance & Economy: The Senate approved licensed remote gambling, while political reshuffling and Tobago PNM leadership resignations signal ongoing internal strain.

Oil & Gas Governance: An energy expert argues that Guyana’s gas future hinges not just on pipeline size, but on what the country wants the molecules to do—raising the stakes as Longtail’s gas-focused development and market demand come under review. Local Economy & Food Prices: Economists and business leaders are urging a serious look at whether Trinidad and Tobago’s exchange rate is appropriately valued, warning that devaluation alone won’t fix chronic US-dollar shortages and could push up essentials. Budget Pressure Points: As the Oct 12 budget nears, unions are pushing for wage settlements and mechanisms to clear long-standing pay issues, while agriculture consultants want spending measured by real production and food-security results. Offshore Safety: OSHA is consulting on new oil-rig safety regulations covering integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence. Biodiversity & Invasives: UWI is convening a committee to turn the Giant African Snail into a “circular” opportunity for climate-resilient agriculture and enterprise. Plastic Pollution: Scouts, with Digicel and Shell support, recycled nearly 100,000 bottles into public park benches across north-west Trinidad. Conservation Spotlight: A documentary on Trinidad’s golden treefrog highlights the species’ conservation challenges and the need to protect its habitat.

Oil & Gas Safety: OSHA is consulting on new oil rig safety regulations covering structural integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence—aimed at stronger enforcement and accountability. Invasive Species to Enterprise: UWI has launched a Giant African Snail action push (SCALe-UP) to turn the 18-year crop pest into climate-resilient agriculture and community enterprise opportunities. Plastic Pollution Fix: Scouts helped recycle nearly 100,000 plastic bottles into 10 park benches across north-west Trinidad, diverting about 300kg of waste into durable public seating. Budget & Jobs Pressure: Unions are urging the Government to address wage settlements and backpay ahead of the Oct 12 Budget, warning another deficit could strain the economy. Energy Outlook: Pro-man says it remains optimistic about improved gas supply and downstream sustainability as it looks to the Oct 12 Budget after workforce downsizing tied to gas shortages. Weather Watch: Forecasts point to fog clearing to sunshine in the coming days, with conditions expected to stay relatively mild.

Oil & Gas Safety: OSHA is consulting on new oil rig safety regulations covering structural integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence—aimed at stronger enforcement and clearer accountability. Invasive Species Turnaround: UWI’s GAS Strategic Action Committee is launching SCALe-UP to convert the Giant African Snail from a crop-damaging pest into a community enterprise opportunity for climate-resilient agriculture. Plastic Pollution Action: Scouts recycled nearly 100,000 plastic bottles into 10 park benches across north-west Trinidad, diverting about 300kg of waste from the environment. Biodiversity Spotlight: A documentary project, The Golden Treefrog, is raising awareness of Trinidad’s golden treefrog and the need to protect its habitat. Local Environment & Food Safety: La Trinidad Mayor bans smuggled vegetables at markets after illegally imported broccoli was found, with inspections, confiscation and a public communication campaign. Energy & Climate Angle: Pro-man says it’s optimistic about improved natural gas supply and budget support for downstream sustainability.

Oil Rig Safety: OSHA is consulting on new Trinidad and Tobago oil rig safety regulations, covering structural integrity, well control, safety-critical equipment, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence—aimed at stronger enforcement and clearer accountability. Invasive Species to Enterprise: UWI has launched a Giant African Snail action plan to turn the pest’s damage into climate-resilient agriculture and community enterprise, including organised collection and possible uses like animal feed. Plastic Pollution Fix: The Scout Association recycled about 100,000 plastic bottles into 10 park benches across north-west Trinidad, showing practical youth-led waste diversion. Biodiversity Spotlight: A documentary and film project is raising awareness of Trinidad’s golden treefrog, a species facing conservation challenges. Weather & Risk: Heavy rain and thunderstorms were reported in parts of the region, with advisories highlighting lightning and strong winds. Climate Voices: Trinidad’s Priya Ramdeo won second place in a CARICOM youth climate short story contest for “Mas For The Living Sea.”

Plastic Pollution Action: The Scout Association of Trinidad and Tobago turned nearly 100,000 discarded plastic bottles into 10 park benches across north-west Trinidad, with each bench representing about 10,000 bottles (around 300kg of waste diverted). Biodiversity Spotlight: A new documentary, “The Golden Treefrog,” is raising awareness of Trinidad’s golden treefrog and the conservation pressures facing the species. Climate Creativity: Trinidad’s Priya Ramdeo won second place in the CARICOM Climate Change Centre youth short story competition for “Mas For The Living Sea,” highlighting a climate-secure future inspired by the Caribbean. Energy & Sustainability: The EU signalled willingness to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, offering technical expertise and possible financial support. Local Governance & Food Safety: La Trinidad’s mayor banned smuggled vegetables at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and public markets, ordering inspections, possible confiscation, and a public education campaign on impacts to farmers and public health. Workplace Safety: OSHA held consultations with government, the energy sector and unions to shape new oil rig safety rules under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Weather Watch: Thunderstorm advisories and heavy rain risk were reported for parts of the wider region, with conditions expected to persist briefly in affected areas.

Market Security & Food Integrity: La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan banned smuggled vegetables at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and public markets after illegally imported broccoli was found, ordering inspections, possible confiscation and disposal, and penalties for violators—plus a public education push on how smuggling harms farmers and public health. Jobs, Inflation & Social Stability: The Central Bank reported the unemployment rate rising to 5.4% and inflation at 0.6%, warning that economic restructuring without support for displaced workers could fuel social unrest. Road Safety Works: Safety upgrades on CO 12 near Weston in Colorado included widening, full-depth reconstruction, passing lanes, culvert repairs, and new signage—aimed at safer overtaking and longer road life. Climate Creativity in the Region: Trinidad and Tobago’s Priya Ramdeo won second place in the CCCCC youth climate short story contest for “Mas For The Living Sea,” highlighting a climate-secure future through Caribbean storytelling. Oil Rig Worker Safety: OSHA held consultations on proposed oil rig safety regulations, focusing on clearer accountability and preventing injuries before they happen. Local Climate Footprint: The Central Bank cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 13.8% since 2019, driven mainly by lower electricity use and value-chain reductions.

Youth substance use in Tobago: A 2024 survey of Form Four and Five students in government schools found 34.6% reported lifetime alcohol use, 11.7% marijuana use, and 1% cocaine use—fueling calls for stronger long-term policy as Government moves to raise legal ages for alcohol, cannabis and gambling. Climate creativity from T&T: Priya Ramdeo placed second in the CARICOM Climate Change Centre’s 2026 youth short story competition for “Mas For The Living Sea,” chosen from 173 entries across 14 countries. Oil rig worker safety: OSHA held a stakeholder consultation with Government, the energy sector and unions to shape new oil rig safety subsidiary legislation, stressing “every worker…has a right to return home safely.” Carbon cuts at the Central Bank: The Central Bank says its greenhouse gas footprint fell 13.8% since 2019, driven by lower electricity use and value-chain reductions, while noting Scope 1 emissions rose. Business push for the 2026/27 budget: The T&T Chamber urged action on VAT refund backlogs, foreign exchange access and support for manufacturers and SMEs to unlock private investment and jobs.

Climate & Energy Accountability: The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago says it cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 13.8% since 2019, driven by lower electricity use and value-chain reductions—though scope 1 emissions rose 10.5%, pointing to more work needed on direct sources. Circular Economy & Waste: The Glass Loop Movement is pushing households, schools, and businesses to recycle glass to support a more circular economy, with guidance on what can be recycled and how collected bottles and jars are reused. Food Security & Local Livelihoods: A Caribbean Week of Agriculture panel heard gastronomy leader Nneka Nurse argue that festival and carnival spending should benefit local farmers, fishers, and producers instead of leaking out through imports. Flood Risk & Weather Watch: Rain is expected to continue into the night with clearer conditions later in the week, while flood watches and heavy-rain warnings remain in play for parts of the region. Local Policy & Governance: Commentary and debate continue around the role of Trinidad and Tobago’s appointed Senate and the need for independent scrutiny in a polarized political climate.

Hot Spell & Flooding Watch: Torrential rain again disrupted parts of Port-of-Spain and western Trinidad, with TTMS keeping a Yellow-Level Hot Spell Alert through Oct. 31 and warning that tropical waves and the ITCZ can still trigger downpours during the heat season. Local Flood Risk: Separate weather coverage also notes Flood Watches in effect for southern Colorado, underscoring how tropical moisture can drive flooding across regions. Energy & Methane: NGC executed final agreements for Shell’s Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027, while another item flags a company project to curb T&T’s methane emissions. Circular Economy Push: The Glass Loop Movement is urging households, schools and businesses to recycle glass to support a more circular economy. Policy & Governance: A procurement overhaul is pitched as a way to speed housing construction, while debate continues on whether T&T still needs an appointed Senate. Indigenous Rights: The GEF welcomed four new members to its Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group, expanding regional and youth representation.

Flooding & Hot Spell Watch: A sudden burst of torrential rain triggered street flooding across Port-of-Spain and western Trinidad, disrupting traffic and again highlighting how quickly heavy downpours overwhelm drainage. TTMS says the country remains under a Yellow-Level Hot Spell Alert through Oct. 31, but rain linked to tropical waves and the ITCZ can still hit during the heat season, so the wet-weather risk isn’t over. Rainfall Outlook: Another weather update warns heavy rain may continue into Wednesday, with showers and possible heavier bursts in the wet mountains. Wildlife & Agriculture: Tobago’s cocrico (in the Emperor Valley Zoo) is being flagged as both a national asset and a potential threat to agriculture if birds escape into forests; THA says it will study population status and consider intervention if needed. Circular Economy: The Glass Loop Movement is pushing households, schools and businesses to recycle glass to support a more circular economy. Community Capacity (Tobago): DCDSP and UNFPA launched a two-day Comprehensive Sexuality Education train-the-trainer workshop to strengthen local delivery through trusted community support.

Flooding & Heat Risks: A torrential downpour hit Port of Spain and western Trinidad, triggering street flooding and traffic snarls, while TTMS keeps T&T under a Hot Spell alert through Oct. 31 and warns that rain linked to tropical waves and the ITCZ can still bring more flooding. Glass Recycling Push: The Glass Loop Movement is urging households, communities and businesses to recycle glass as part of a circular economy, with guidance on what can be recycled and how bottles and jars are processed for reuse. Energy & Methane: NGC has executed final commercial agreements with Shell for the Aphrodite gas project, targeting first gas in Q2 2027, and a separate company project aims to curb T&T’s methane emissions. Biodiversity & Agriculture: Tobago’s cocrico is being framed as both a national asset and a potential agricultural risk, with calls for studies and a census before any management action. Weather Watch Beyond T&T: Flood Watches are also in effect in southern Colorado as hurricane moisture brings heavy rain, underscoring how extreme rainfall patterns are affecting the wider region. Local Safety Initiative: A Safe Schools – Strong Futures first aid community initiative launched in Fyzabad to tackle common school hazards and improve emergency readiness.