AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: Trinidad and Tobago’s Met Office has downgraded the adverse weather alert to GREEN after earlier heavy rain and some flooding, but a medium chance of heavy showers or thunderstorms remains, with gusty winds and possible flash flooding—especially in Tobago and northern/eastern areas. Coastline Clues: A ghost boat has come ashore in Trinidad, with police still investigating where it came from after it was found drifting with no engine, gear, or registration. Heritage Under Pressure: The National Trust is launching a nationwide push to assess more than 300 archaeological sites across Trinidad, revisiting locations that haven’t been professionally examined in decades while keeping exact locations cautious to reduce looting risk. Regional Health Security: CARPHA has commissioned a Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain to help the 26-member bloc prepare for and respond to public health emergencies together. Digital & Tourism Tech: UWI and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union formalised a strategic partnership to drive regional digital policy, research, and capacity building, while the CTO also named a new digital transformation lead. Sustainability in Motion: An Argentine logistics firm is pitching a used cooking oil collection service in T&T to export waste oil for conversion into sustainable aviation fuel for the EU.

Weather Watch: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued a yellow-level adverse weather alert for heavy showers and thunderstorms, with a 70% chance of impacts from 1:30 a.m. to noon, including flash flooding, gusty winds, rough seas near storms, and possible landslides in vulnerable areas. Heritage Under Pressure: The National Trust is launching a nationwide programme to assess more than 300 archaeological sites across Trinidad and Tobago, starting with Ortoire and Mayaro, aiming to document and protect heritage while keeping exact locations cautious to reduce looting risk. CARICOM Focus: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to attend the CARICOM Heads of Government summit in St Lucia, with regional priorities including security, trade, economic development and climate resilience. Sustainable Fisheries: Carenage hosted a fisheries expo promoting marine conservation and skills for a sustainable, jobs-focused future for the sector. Energy & Gas Pricing: A renewed NGC–Methanex dispute is reigniting debate over natural gas pricing transparency after the Titan methanol plant’s indefinite idling.

CARICOM Summit Watch: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar heads to the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St Lucia, with regional security, trade, economic development and climate resilience on the agenda. Regional Integration Debate: CARICOM Day is again being questioned as a national holiday across the Caribbean, with leaders urging the region to move from talk to action. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to strengthen disaster and outbreak response across 26 member states. Energy & Transparency: The Methanex-T&T gas dispute is reigniting calls for more transparency around natural gas pricing from state companies. Marine & Food Security: Carenage hosted a fisheries expo promoting sustainable growth, marine conservation and skills for jobs tied to food security. Waste-to-Value Move: An Argentine firm is collecting used cooking oil in T&T for export to the EU to be converted into sustainable aviation fuel. Air Quality/Weather: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality.

Waste-to-fuel push: An Argentine logistics firm, Axionlog, is collecting used cooking oil in Trinidad and Tobago and exporting it to the EU to be converted into sustainable aviation fuel—turning local waste into a new export and jobs. Gas pricing transparency fight: The Methanex dispute with the National Gas Company over indefinite idling of the Titan plant is reigniting questions about whether natural gas prices from state suppliers should stay confidential after contract talks end. Energy security warning: Economist Mariano Browne says gas shortages and recent industrial departures signal a looming squeeze for T&T’s energy landscape, with business leaders worried about jobs and knock-on effects for SMEs. Regional health resilience: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to coordinate public health emergencies and disaster response across 26 member states. CARICOM Day integration push: CARICOM leaders marked the 53rd anniversary with calls for stronger regional unity—linking integration to climate resilience, food and energy security, and better opportunities for young people. Fisheries sustainability spotlight: A Carenage expo brought fishing communities together to promote marine conservation, skills, and sustainable growth for food security. Weather watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality.

Marine & Fisheries Sustainability: Carenage hosted the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute’s inaugural Expo for St. Peter’s week, bringing fishing communities together to push marine conservation, skills, and new jobs tied to food security. Weather & Air Quality: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality. Regional Health Security: CARPHA inaugurated its CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to coordinate preparedness and response across 26 member states. CARICOM Unity: CARICOM leaders marked CARICOM Day with calls for stronger regional cooperation on climate change, food and energy security, crime, and youth opportunities. T&T Energy Shockwaves: Commentaries and business concerns continue around gas supply strain and industrial uncertainty linked to Methanex’s operations. Coastal Change Watch: UWI Seismic Research Centre linked last week’s Cedros coastline uplift to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, noting rapid coastal movement and stranded sea life. People-First Tech: Massy urged Caribbean organisations to pair AI investment with workforce readiness, training, and responsible governance.

Energy & Jobs: Economist Mariano Browne warns Trinidad and Tobago’s gas squeeze is a “warning” after the National Gas Company–Proman deal ends in December 2026, with Methanex’s Titan plant idling looming and business leaders flagging knock-on effects for workers and local SMEs. Food Security: A chicken shortage is exposing structural weaknesses in the poultry sector, with analysts pointing to overreliance on imported broiler eggs and calling for local broiler egg production to cut costly import dependence. Climate & Nature: The UWI Seismic Research Centre links last week’s Cedros coastal uplift to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, noting stranded sea life and rapid shoreline changes. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA opened a Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to speed up detection and coordination during outbreaks and disasters. Wildlife & Wetlands: A Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary visit is highlighted as a reminder of Trinidad and Tobago’s nearby natural wonders worth protecting and experiencing. Community Safety: President Christine Kangaloo called out 100 members of the Volunteer Defence Force to support police during the ongoing state of public emergency.

Regional Health Security: CARPHA has officially opened its Regional Emergency Operations Centre at its Port of Spain campus, funded by the EU (about €285,000), to help the Caribbean detect threats earlier, coordinate responses faster, and support member states during outbreaks and disasters. Climate & Land Restoration: The UWI has launched a five-year Bio Resilience Project (US$3.5m via GEF, with FAO implementing and UWI executing) to restore degraded farmland, strengthen soil health, and improve climate resilience and food security in Trinidad and Tobago. Coastal Change After Quakes: UWI Seismic Research Centre confirms the Cedros coastline uplift was triggered by Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with rapid coastal movement leaving sea life stranded and shifting shorelines. Food Systems Pressure: A chicken shortage is being blamed on deeper structural weaknesses in Trinidad and Tobago’s poultry industry, including overreliance on imported broiler eggs and gaps in planning and investment. Heat Outlook: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, raising risks of heatwaves, prolonged drought in parts of the region, and heavier rainfall later in the wet season.

Climate & biodiversity action: UWI has launched a five-year Bio Resilience Project (US$3.5m via GEF) to restore degraded farmland, boost biodiversity and help Trinidad and Tobago plan for a more unpredictable climate. Heat risk: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean waters are warming, raising the odds of heatwaves, longer drought in parts of the region, and heavier downpours later in the wet season. Marine science & carbon: A research team will co-lead a 2027 expedition to study the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt between Brazil and Port of Spain—looking at biodiversity and how these “wild mats” may affect the carbon cycle. Energy & environment: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says suspected pipeline sabotage in Barrackpore released about 416 barrels of crude oil into the environment, affecting an adjacent watercourse. Local conservation culture: A Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary visit is highlighted through a child’s-eye view of Trinidad’s natural beauty and why protecting it matters. Governance & regional dispute: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirms Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise any CARICOM SG reappointment tied to Dr Carla Barnett, keeping regional governance tensions in focus.

Nature Restoration Funding: UWI has launched a five-year Bio Resilience Project backed by a US$3.5m GEF grant to restore degraded farmland, rebuild biodiversity, and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s resilience to climate shocks and food insecurity. Marine Climate Research: A research expedition co-led by AWI and NIOZ will target the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt between Brazil and Port of Spain, aiming to better understand biodiversity and how sargassum may affect the carbon cycle. Tourism + Environment Link: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says T&T should position its creative industries as a year-round, sustainable tourism engine—an approach that could shape how visitors experience local nature and culture. Energy + Pollution Risk: The Energy Minister says suspected pipeline sabotage in Barrackpore released about 416 barrels of crude oil into the environment, with recovery underway and impacts on an adjacent watercourse. Local Youth + Resilience: NGC begins its 2026 undergraduate programme, including training on energy conservation and sustainability. Regional Safety Cooperation: Caribbean maritime leaders advanced shared priorities and launched a smart maritime law initiative to strengthen marine environmental protection and enforcement.

Methanex Gas Crunch: Methanex says it’s starting the process to indefinitely idle its 860,000 mt/year methanol plant in T&T after failing to agree a new natural gas contract, citing tight gas supply and commercial unviability. Pipeline Sabotage & Spill: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal reports suspected sabotage of a Renaissance Energy pipeline in Barrackpore, releasing about 416 barrels of crude oil into/near an adjacent watercourse and triggering an incident response. Earthquake Coast Impacts: UWI Seismic Research Centre teams are investigating Galfa Beach’s newly uplifted coastline after Venezuela’s back-to-back quakes, using geophysical tools to understand whether local geology amplified shaking. Wildlife & Land Use: A collared wolf dispersed across southern Colorado, briefly crossing east of I-25—an example of how wildlife movement can intersect with human land and operations. Maritime Environment Cooperation: Caribbean maritime leaders met in Guyana and launched a regional smart maritime law push, with marine environmental protection among shared priorities. Community Climate Resilience: A study from the Salton Sea region links ecological decline and housing inequality to worsening child respiratory health, underscoring how climate-driven environmental change hits vulnerable communities hardest.

Methanex & Gas Pricing: Methanex says it’s starting the process to indefinitely idle its 860,000 mt/year Titan methanol plant in Pt Lisas after failing to agree a new natural gas contract, blaming “structurally tight” gas balances and commercial unviability. NGC Response: NGC counters that gas supply volumes weren’t the issue—Methanex pushed for a significantly lower gas price than the expiring contract, below NGC’s acquisition cost and below rates charged to other customers. Energy Ripple Effects: Former UNC minister Vasant Bharath warns the exit could hit exports, foreign exchange, jobs, and investor confidence across T&T’s energy-based manufacturing ecosystem. MiLAT Suspension: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says the Military-Led Academic Training programme isn’t closed, but temporarily suspended while the government reviews financial viability—amid concerns for nearly 200 trainees and about 50 staff. Coastline Science: UWI seismic researchers are investigating Galfa Beach’s uplifted coastline after Venezuela’s quakes, using field instruments to understand how local geology may have amplified long-period shaking. Youth Climate Voice: Caribbean youth leaders at the CDB’s Youth FIRE Forum in Nassau urged governments to move from consultation to real decision-making power, including on climate change and digital skills.

Digital Economy Push: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith says T&T’s digital transformation can’t be driven by government alone, urging real “impact” from tech players and citizens. Energy & Jobs Shock: Methanex will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after failing to agree a new gas contract; NGC counters that supply volumes weren’t the issue—gas pricing was. Policy/Training Uncertainty: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says MiLAT hasn’t been closed, only temporarily suspended while the state reviews financial viability. Court Watch: The High Court ordered the Breakfast Shed to stay open pending a full trial in January 2027, preserving operations while the dispute with UdeCOTT continues. Coastline After Quakes: UWI scientists are probing Galfa’s uplifted coastline after Venezuela’s earthquakes, using geophysical tools to understand subsurface changes. Weather & Risk Alerts: Red flag warnings and air quality alerts are moving ahead in the forecast, with conditions expected to affect daily life and outdoor activity.

Energy & Jobs: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant at Point Lisas after failing to agree a new natural gas contract; the company will preserve the facility for a possible restart if conditions improve, while NGC insists the issue was gas pricing, not supply volumes. Climate & Coastal Resilience: After Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, Trinidad’s south coast saw shoreline uplift and marine life washed ashore, prompting calls for better readiness for future quakes. Sargassum & Food Security: SynergySphereCASA backs the Government’s “sargassum-to-wealth” push, proposing a local processing system to turn collected seaweed into organic fertiliser and rapid-compost options. Disaster Preparedness: CMO’s lightning safety push is being recognised internationally through a children’s disaster preparedness book, reinforcing the “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!” message. Nature & Tourism: Tobago’s Tropikist Hotel becomes the first recipient of an eco-stewardship award under the reforestation and watershed programme, highlighting farm-to-fork and agroforestry green spaces. Governance & Community: High Court allows the Breakfast Shed to stay open pending trial, preserving a long-running food hub while the dispute with UDeCOTT is heard. Regional Watch: AFP reports 44 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea over June 23–29, up from 17 the prior week.

Sargassum “Blue Gold” push: Trinidad-based SynergySphereCASA is backing the Government’s beach-clearing push, arguing the harvested seaweed can be processed into fertiliser and compost to support food security. Deep-sea science for T&T: A month-long expedition aboard the R/V Falkor will map and document deep-water ecosystems off Tobago’s east coast, with researchers saying Trinidad and Tobago is largely deep sea and still poorly studied. Coastal quake impacts: After Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, southern Trinidad’s shoreline reportedly saw uplift and marine life washed ashore, prompting calls for better local readiness for future quakes. Tobago eco-tourism win: Tropikist Hotel and Beach Resort became the first recipient of an Eco-Stewardship Award from the Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme, highlighting farm-to-fork and agroforestry-style green spaces. Gas squeeze hits industry: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant in Pt Lisas after failing to agree a new natural gas contract, underscoring how tight gas supply affects operations.

Truck Safety & Weather: Two separate crashes in rainy south Trinidad on Monday morning—one poultry truck in Williamsville and a garbage truck blocking Suchit Trace in Penal—caused traffic delays but no serious injuries were reported, as the Met Office warned of heavy, thundery showers and possible street flooding. Sargassum “Blue Gold” Push: A Trinidad-based environmental group, SynergySphereCASA, says Government’s new sargassum-clearing tractors (with UNDP and Japan support) should be paired with local processing to turn beach-harvested seaweed into fertiliser and other agricultural products for food security. Marine Science Expedition: UWI researchers are preparing a month-long voyage aboard the R/V Falkor to explore Trinidad and Tobago’s deep-sea ecosystems—documenting marine life never observed before—highlighting that most of the country’s marine territory lies far below scuba depths. Energy & Gas Supply Strain: Methanex says it will indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant after failing to secure a new natural gas contract, pointing to structurally tight gas supply and commercially unviable operations. Regional Climate Resilience: OECS leaders marked a new chair as Antigua’s PM Browne took over, with priorities including climate resilience, food and energy security, and digital transformation. Tobago Employment Watch: THA officials discussed a possible hiring freeze amid rising recurrent expenses, with political parties urging clearer plans for private-sector growth.

Mud Volcanoes & Geo-Tourism: UWI research explains Trinidad’s “mud volcanoes” as gas vents that build mud mounds, with sites like Brickfield, Devil’s Woodyard and Pi­paro sometimes erupting violently—while places such as Lagon Bouffe and Erin Bouffe offer year-round nature tourism. Deep-Sea Discovery: T&T scientists are preparing a month-long expedition to document deep-sea ecosystems off Tobago’s east coast, aiming to reveal marine life never observed before. Tobago Jobs & THA Hiring Freeze: THA leaders say a possible hiring freeze is being weighed due to a rising wage bill, while assuring no one will be fired—sparking political debate over transparency and private-sector development. Safe Water Mapping: A global data map highlights how millions still lack safely managed drinking water, underscoring the infrastructure gap that many countries face. Public Health & Environment Alerts: Saharan dust is easing but health advisories remain as air quality and sea conditions linger; meanwhile, regional fire-weather warnings in the wider Caribbean/US context point to ongoing climate-linked risk. Community & Culture: Bocas Couva returns to Lisas Gardens Community Centre on 18 July with a focus on local voices across Trinidad and Tobago.