AGP Executive Report

Disaster Response: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar pledged Trinidad and Tobago’s support to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela after back-to-back quakes struck near Caracas, with officials saying aid discussions are underway to identify urgent needs. Flood Resilience: A TTC-SI piece revisits Port-of-Spain’s recurring flood crisis, arguing the problem is less “nature’s excess” and more drainage planning, land use, and urban development outpacing infrastructure. Wildlife Crime Tech: ShellBank’s global sea turtle DNA traceability project is using genetics to map turtles from nesting beaches to the threats they face, including linking seized turtle products back to Trinidad and Tobago. Marine Conservation & Research: TDI-Brooks says it completed a 2D high-resolution shallow hazard seismic survey offshore Trinidad and Tobago, supporting risk-reduction for planned offshore installations. Community Action: Nariva Mayaro Hunters and Conservation Group held its first beach clean-up at Indian Bay, Guayaguayare, Mayaro, partnering with local groups to tackle coastal litter. Regional Sustainability: The IDB launched Knowledge Week 2026 in Port of Spain, pushing practical solutions for a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable future across health, energy, and agriculture.

Disaster Response: Trinidad and Tobago has pledged support to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela after two powerful quakes (7.2 and 7.5) struck near Morón, with reports of collapsed buildings and heavy casualties. Regional Solidarity: The Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Ministry says T&T stands ready to provide any requested humanitarian assistance, while officials await assessments from Venezuelan authorities. Local Resilience: A separate 4.1 magnitude earthquake was felt in Trinidad and Tobago on June 24, recorded by the UWI Seismic Research Centre at about 13 km depth between Trinidad and Grenada, with no immediate damage reported. Coastal Care: Hunters Search and Rescue and partners held a beach clean-up at Indian Bay, Guayaguayare, Mayaro—continuing efforts to protect marine and coastal spaces. Weather Watch: Forecasters flagged unsettled conditions with thunderstorms and possible severe activity in the region, urging residents to stay alert to official advisories. Marine Science: China announced a rare coral reef “blue hole” discovery at Scarborough Shoal, highlighting rich marine life and the growing push for ocean-focused conservation.

Earthquake response: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended condolences and pledged Trinidad and Tobago’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela after deadly 7.2 and 7.5 quakes. Regional disaster watch: T&T’s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry said it is mindful of Caribbean vulnerability and is monitoring developments closely as assessments begin. Local quake felt: A separate 4.1 magnitude earthquake was reported between Trinidad and Grenada, with brief tremors felt in communities but no immediate damage reported. Weather & flood risk: The Meteorological Service warned that Tropical Wave 19 is bringing more showers and thunderstorms, with increased risk of flooding and landslides as ground becomes saturated; lightning also caused a temporary voltage dip while the grid stayed stable. Blue economy & marine science: China announced a rare coral-reef “blue hole” discovery at Scarborough Shoal, highlighting marine biodiversity and the strategic stakes for the region’s seas. Maritime sustainability: Saudi Arabia launched a Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability project (including T&T) to strengthen maritime laws and capacity with IMO support. Knowledge for resilience: The IDB kicked off Knowledge Week 2026 in Port of Spain, urging stakeholders to turn research into practical, resilient, sustainable outcomes.

Flood Resilience: Port-of-Spain’s recurring seasonal flooding is being blamed less on “acts of nature” and more on drainage planning lagging behind urban growth, with experts pointing to unregulated land use and development outpacing infrastructure. Weather & Power Impacts: T&T is bracing for more showers and thunderstorms as Tropical Wave 19 follows heavy rain from Wave 18; lightning earlier tripped two grid circuits causing a brief voltage dip, but T&TEC says supply stayed stable. Earthquakes & Regional Risk: A 4.1 quake was felt in T&T (June 24), while Venezuela faced back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 quakes; T&T offered solidarity and possible support to Venezuela. Maritime Sustainability: Saudi Arabia launched a two-year “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project with the IMO, including Trinidad and Tobago, to strengthen maritime laws and policy capacity. Tobago Governance Push: Tobagonians are calling for tangible results alongside a record $4.12B THA budget request, with debate over execution and accountability.

Maritime Sustainability: Saudi Arabia launched a “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project with the IMO for 14 countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, aiming to strengthen maritime laws and help states ratify and implement key IMO rules. Ocean & Seafloor Research: TDI-Brooks completed a high-resolution seismic survey off Trinidad and Tobago, adding to the region’s push for better ocean baseline knowledge. Private-Sector Climate Action: The EMA revived the Green Leaf Awards (GLA) 2026, spotlighting local sustainability wins like waste reduction, greenhouse-gas cuts, and innovative environmental tech. Tobago Budget & Resilience: Tobago’s $4.12 billion 2026–2027 budget was framed as “results based governance” and a pathway to prosperity, with emphasis on infrastructure and long-term resilience. Energy Security Pressure: A report revisited why the Caribbean still imports energy despite big renewable potential, linking the issue to cost shocks and regional targets. Weather Watch: Showers and thunderstorms are expected to return, with a risk of severe storms including large hail and gusty winds.

Green Leaf Awards: The Environmental Management Authority revived the Green Leaf Awards 2026, spotlighting private-sector sustainability across T&T, from emerging ESG leadership to waste reduction and greenhouse-gas cuts. Tobago Budget & Sustainability: Tobago House of Assembly finance officials tabled a $4.12B request for fiscal 2027, with a “results-based governance” push that explicitly includes environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and continued support for CEPEP and URP-style work programmes. Energy & Gas Reality Check: A new look at T&T’s upstream outlook argues the country’s gas supply story may be shifting, but Point Lisas curtailments and Atlantic LNG’s reduced trains show demand is still outpacing reliable feedstock. Regional Cooperation on Climate Risk: Minister Nicholas Morris urged stronger Americas cooperation at the OAS, warning that climate impacts and natural disasters can’t be handled in isolation. Local Business Scaling: Scale Up TT launched its sixth cohort to help established firms grow and expand non-energy exports, positioning competitiveness as part of longer-term resilience. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm threats are flagged for southern Colorado—an outside reminder of how fast hazards can escalate.

Green Awards & Private-Sector Sustainability: Trinidad’s Environmental Management Authority revived the Green Leaf Awards 2026, spotlighting companies pushing ESG, waste reduction, and greenhouse-gas cuts. Tobago Budget for Resilience: The Tobago House of Assembly is asking Central Government for a record $4.12B for fiscal 2027, with a results-based plan that explicitly includes environmental sustainability and climate resilience, plus continued CEPEP/URP-style work programmes. Community Tourism Push: THA also unveiled a $105.2M investment to grow a certified, eco-conscious community tourism model aimed at keeping tourism spend circulating locally. Eco-Workforce & Food Security Link: CEPEP is set to continue with $43.35M, now shifted under food security, alongside mega-farm plans to boost local produce. Regional Climate & Tourism Pressure: Cuba’s government announced sweeping reforms to revive tourism, including opening new projects to foreign ownership—an economic shift that could reshape regional travel and environmental pressures. Security & Environment Intersections: A UK assessment estimates 180+ gangs across T&T, with violence spreading toward Tobago—raising the stakes for safe, sustainable community development.

Tobago Budget & Climate Resilience: The Tobago House of Assembly is asking Central Government for a record $4.12B for fiscal 2027, with a plan that explicitly includes environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Community Tourism: In the same budget push, THA says it wants to expand a sustainable, certified community tourism product to attract eco-conscious visitors and keep tourism spend circulating locally. CEPEP/URP Continuity: THA also plans to keep state-funded work programmes going, requesting $135.25M for CEPEP and a URP-style successor, including $43.35M for CEPEP after it’s shifted into the food security division. Eco-Tourism Investment Interest: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh says foreign firm Campari is exploring investment in Trinidad and Tobago, with discussions including eco-tourism opportunities. Loss for Conservation: The region mourns Emeritus Professor John Agard (71), credited with pushing key environmental rules and protected areas, and recognised globally for climate and small-island work.

Environmental loss: UWI mourns the death of Emeritus Professor John Agard (71), a major force behind Trinidad and Tobago’s climate and conservation work, including key environmental rules (2001) and protected areas like Matura, Nariva and Aripo. Local governance & resilience: Tobago House of Assembly seeks $4.12bn for fiscal 2027, with big allocations for health, education, infrastructure and tourism—aimed at results-based governance and long-term resilience. Tourism pressure: Tobago tourism leaders warn the THA budget day won’t fix a sector they say has been “extremely dead” for decades, calling for hotel reopenings and better air interconnectivity. Climate-smart energy lesson: A feature on Uruguay’s shift to renewables (up to 98% electricity from wind/solar/hydro/biomass) highlights what small states can learn as global energy shocks reshape planning. Biodiversity & nature science: A Trinidad-linked study on guppy colour diversity explores how female choice and learning help preserve variation—useful for understanding how ecosystems stay resilient. Marine life tracking: A new tool lets people follow endangered sea turtles across the Caribbean in real time, boosting public awareness and conservation support.

Tobago Tourism Pressure: Tobago House of Assembly budget day is landing amid bleak forecasts for the sector, with Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association head Reginald MacLean saying tourism is “extremely dead” after decades of stagnation, urging reopening of major hotels, a long-requested loan guarantee, and restoring 24 daily Trinidad–Tobago round trips. Climate & Conservation Loss: The University of the West Indies mourns Emeritus Professor John Agard (71), a leading environmental and climate-change scientist who helped shape Trinidad and Tobago’s environmental laws and protected areas, including Matura Natural Park, Nariva Swamp, and Aripo Savannahs. Protected Nature Under Threat: Palmiste Park volunteers are calling for security cameras and warning signs after thieves stole rare plants, including a papyrus used historically for paper-making, plus MacArthur palms, from the restored pond area. Resilience Finance (Regional): The IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, backing climate resilience and sustainable development projects across 13 countries including Trinidad and Tobago. Weather Watch: Daily thunderstorms are expected at points this week, with fire danger also flagged in other regions of the wider coverage.

Loss of an environmental giant: Emeritus Professor John Agard, a key figure in Trinidad and Tobago’s climate and conservation work, has died at 71. The UWI says he helped shape major environmental legislation and protected areas like Matura Natural Park, Nariva Swamp and Aripo Savannas, and he served as chair of the EMA. Biodiversity under pressure: Palmiste Park volunteers say rare plants—including a historically significant papyrus—were stolen from the restored pond area, prompting calls for security cameras and warning signs. Climate resilience finance: The IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, with financing aimed at resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries including T&T. Eco-tourism and investment signals: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh says European firms are showing confidence in T&T, including discussions with Campari Group on tourism (including eco-tourism) and related investment opportunities. Energy transition lesson from abroad: A report highlights Uruguay’s shift to renewables—up to 98% of electricity from wind, solar, hydropower and biomass—as a model for countries facing fuel shocks.

Environment Loss & Legacy: Trinidad and Tobago mourns Emeritus Professor John Agard, 71, a former EMA chairman and major force behind climate science, protected areas like Matura Natural Park and Nariva Swamp, and key pollution rules. Public Accountability in Sports Funding: Sport Minister Phillip Watts says public money must come with transparency and governance, responding to questions around TTFA World Cup campaign funds. Food Security Pressure: A UN-linked assessment flags that hundreds of thousands of people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with moderate-to-severe food insecurity and undernourishment still present in 2026. Coastal Access Under Threat: A wider Caribbean look warns that beachfront development can restrict practical access to public beaches, even where legal rights exist. Land Restoration Push: EMA highlights community-based action for rangelands and land degradation, tying restoration to biodiversity, livelihoods, and food security. Climate & Weather Watch: Fire danger and severe storm risk are highlighted in regional forecasts, with hot, dry conditions raising spark-related risk.

Environmental Leadership Loss: UWI mourns Emeritus Professor John Agard, a major force in Trinidad and Tobago environmental and climate science, credited with helping shape key protection rules and protected areas like Matura, Nariva Swamp and Aripo Savannas. Coastal Access & Development Pressure: A new look at Caribbean beach access raises alarms about foreign-owned beachfront projects that may limit practical public use, even where beaches are legally public. Water & Health Concerns: Residents in Trinidad report discoloured, sediment-heavy, foul-smelling water and chemical-burn claims, pushing for urgent action. Wastewater Upgrade: WASA launched a TT$20M Beetham Gardens wastewater pipeline replacement to tackle long-standing sewerage problems. Community Conservation Hit: Palmiste Park volunteers say thieves stole rare plants, including a papyrus once used for ancient paper-making, after a two-year restoration push. Climate Resilience Finance: IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, including support for resilience and sustainability projects across the region, with Trinidad and Tobago included. Tobago Greening: TRWRP highlights ongoing reforestation and watershed work aimed at restoring Tobago’s natural environment and supporting climate-ready, community-based ecotourism.

IMF & resilience talks: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh met newly installed IMF mission chief Magnus Saxegaard to discuss T&T’s economic resilience, sustainable growth, and development priorities following the May 18 Article IV consultation that flagged recovery alongside ongoing structural pressures from mature oil and gas. Climate finance for the region: The IFC will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, backing climate resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries including T&T, with a focus on medium-sized enterprise financing. Water and health stress: WASA launched a TT$20M wastewater pipeline replacement in Beetham Gardens to tackle long-standing sewerage problems from a deteriorating main line, while separate reports from Trinidad residents describe discoloured, foul-smelling water and alleged chemical burns—fueling calls for action. Biodiversity hit by theft: Palmiste Park volunteers are demanding better security after rare papyrus and other plants were stolen from the restored pond area. Land restoration push: EMA highlighted community-based restoration under the “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” theme, linking land health to biodiversity, livelihoods, and drought resilience. Tobago greening: TRWRP’s reforestation and watershed work spotlights how restoring green spaces can support climate adaptation and community ecotourism.

Water & Health: Residents in Trinidad report discoloured, sediment-heavy, foul-smelling tap water for months, with claims of chemical burns after repeated exposure—renewing calls for urgent action from local authorities. Wastewater Upgrade: WASA launched a TT$20M wastewater pipeline replacement in Beetham Gardens to tackle long-standing sewerage problems, replacing 569 linear feet of compromised pipe using trenchless installation to reduce disruption. Land Restoration: EMA marked Desertification and Drought Day with community-based work under the BIOREACH project, highlighting rangeland restoration as a way to protect biodiversity and strengthen drought resilience. Tobago Reforestation: A TRWRP update focuses on greening Tobago through reforestation and watershed rehabilitation, linking restored green spaces to community ecotourism and climate adaptation. Policy & Economy (context): Moody’s upgraded T&T’s outlook from negative to stable, while energy-sector voices warn oil price swings could affect revenues—important backdrop for conservation funding and resilience planning.

Water Safety & Health: Residents in Trinidad are raising alarms over discoloured, sediment-heavy, foul-smelling tap water they say has been going on for months, with one case described as chemical burns after repeated exposure. Wastewater Upgrade: WASA has launched a TT$20 million wastewater pipeline replacement project in Beetham Gardens to tackle long-standing sewerage problems from a deteriorated main line. Land Restoration in Tobago: The Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme highlights ongoing greening efforts, linking restored habitats to community ecotourism and climate resilience. Biodiversity Fieldwork: Trinidad Coastal Land Trust volunteers and researchers joined a sea star search at Luffenholtz Beach, part of wider work to track threatened species and protect coastal ecosystems. Climate & Land Degradation: On Desertification and Drought Day 2026, EMA spotlighted community-based restoration under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore,” stressing biodiversity and food security. Local Conservation Education: Kids Fishing 101 brought children and families together for hands-on learning and outdoor conservation partnerships.