AGP Executive Report

Tropical Weather Watch: Two tropical systems are expected to bring scattered showers to Trinidad and Tobago on several days this week, with rain most beneficial for Tobago’s fields and no major storm threat flagged. Atlantic Storm Update: The name “Arthur” has been used as a new Gulf system develops, with Florida officials watching for heavy rain and possible flooding. Marine Conservation Spotlight: The Sea Turtle Conservancy has launched “Tour de Turtles,” letting the public track ten endangered leatherbacks migrating from Panama across the Caribbean in real time. Climate & Industry: Caribbean rum producers are rolling out renewable energy, water recovery and waste-to-energy steps under a new regional sustainability report, aiming to cut climate and resource risks. Local Environment & Health: One Health expert Dr Rajeev Nagassar warns Trinidad and Tobago to treat antibiotic misuse and antimicrobial resistance as an environmental and animal-health issue, not just a hospital problem. Marine Risk Report: A new Earth Insight report says offshore oil and gas expansion overlaps heavily with marine protection areas, including case studies that include Trinidad and Tobago.

One Health & AMR Warning: Medical microbiologist Dr Rajeev Nagassar says Trinidad and Tobago’s next major public health threat may be antimicrobial resistance spreading through farms, rivers, livestock, food systems and medicine—urging a One Health approach that links people, animals, crops and the environment. Marine Protection Under Pressure: A new report flags how surging offshore oil and gas development overlaps with marine protection areas, including case studies that name Trinidad and Tobago—raising alarms for coral, seagrass and coastal communities. Climate Innovation Win: Trinidadian-born Dr Legena Henry’s Rum and Sargassum project won top prize at the 2026 Climate Smart Summit Investor Forum, aiming to turn sargassum and distillery wastewater into renewable natural gas. Tobago Airport Green-Certified: The ANR Robinson terminal has been fully certified for operations, including safety and environmental certifications, clearing the way for its opening. Public Sector Pay Tensions: NATUC and unions push back on timelines for backpay and wage relief, while government says monetary allocations will come in the 2026/2027 budget package.

Sea Turtle Conservation: The Sea Turtle Conservancy has launched its “Tour de Turtles” on World Sea Turtle Day, using satellite tracking to follow 10 endangered leatherbacks as they swim from Panama across the Caribbean—turning migration science into a real-time conservation race. Marine Research & Climate: A T&T-led deep-sea expedition is set to explore the largely unknown waters off Trinidad and Tobago, where most of the marine territory sits beyond recreational diving depths—aimed at boosting ocean knowledge as warming and stronger storms pressure marine life. One Health & AMR: Medical microbiologist Dr Rajeev Nagassar warns that antibiotic misuse and antimicrobial resistance are already spreading through farms, rivers, livestock and food systems, urging a One Health approach linking people, animals, crops and the environment. Wildlife Stewardship: Scouts across South Central Trinidad marched to push environmental action, including tree-planting and calls to cut plastic waste. Tobago Aviation (Env. angle): The new ANR Robinson airport terminal has been fully certified for operations, including environmental approvals, clearing the way for its opening.

Marine Safety & Security: A Dominican Republic-registered light aircraft reported missing en route to Tobago has been found, with authorities calling the investigation “very delicate” and confirming no loss of life. Climate & Oceans: World Oceans Day coverage spotlights T&T’s leatherback nesting season and pushes for better ocean literacy, while a T&T-led deep-sea expedition plans to explore the largely unknown waters beyond diving depths. Biodiversity & Research: The deep-ocean mission is framed as urgent for understanding marine life and resilience as sea temperatures and storms intensify. Local Conservation Action: Scouts in San Fernando marched to promote environmental stewardship, including tree-planting and anti-plastic messaging. Sustainable Infrastructure: Tobago’s ANR Robinson airport terminal is fully certified for operations, with safety and environmental approvals cited. One Health & AMR: A One Health warning urges T&T to tackle antibiotic misuse and antimicrobial resistance across farms, rivers, livestock and food systems.

Oil Spill Watch: Venezuela renewed allegations of a second oil spill from Trinidad and Tobago, warning of harm to marine ecosystems, fishing and coastal communities, while Port of Spain says it’s investigating with sea vessels and drones to identify the source and nature of the substance. Deep-Sea Discovery: Trinidad and Tobago is preparing its first deep-water scientific expedition, noting that most of its marine territory lies beyond recreational diving depths and remains largely unexplored. Oceans & Education: World Oceans Day coverage highlights a new, locally rooted ocean literacy push aimed at better fitting Caribbean stories and voices to conservation learning—timed for peak leatherback nesting season. Community Stewardship: Scouts across South Central marched in San Fernando to promote environmental stewardship, including tree-planting and public calls to cut plastic waste. Governance & Compliance: TSTT partially wins an appeal over TATT’s telecom price caps after the court found TATT failed to consult before implementing the caps. Sustainable Investment Signals: Finance Minister Tancoo points to Moody’s outlook upgrade and CAF’s planned local presence as signs of growing confidence in T&T’s economic direction. Tobago Aviation: The new Tobago airport terminal is fully certified for operations, with international aviation, safety and environmental approvals cited.

Oil Spill Watch: Venezuela says a second oil spill from Trinidad and Tobago is harming coasts, marine ecosystems and fishermen, citing satellite imagery; Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy ministry says it’s investigating with sea vessels and drones, while Heritage Petroleum reports no evidence of large hydrocarbon amounts after multi-agency sweeps. Marine Conservation: World Oceans Day coverage spotlights ocean literacy and community-led education as leatherback nesting season peaks, while a first-ever T&T-led deep-sea expedition aims to explore the largely unstudied waters beyond diving depths. Tobago Infrastructure & Environment: The new Tobago airport terminal is fully certified for operations, including environmental design approvals, paving the way for opening. Community Stewardship: Scouts across South Central Trinidad marched to push environmental awareness, including tree-planting and reducing plastic waste. Local Capacity Building: Government signed an MoU with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to expand hearing-health screening, training and access to assistive technology.

Oil Spill Watch: Venezuela alleges a second, larger oil spill from Trinidad and Tobago, citing satellite imagery and warning of risks to marine ecosystems, fishing and coastal communities; T&T says it’s investigating with drones and sea vessels, with Heritage Petroleum reporting no signs of large hydrocarbon amounts so far. Marine & Biodiversity Risk: The spat raises fresh concerns about environmental security in the Gulf of Paria and the wider region’s marine life as both sides push for transparency and safeguards. Climate & Heat: Reports point to a week of sharp temperature swings—hotter conditions building after cooler weather, plus storm chances later—keeping weather and safety top of mind. Agriculture Under Pressure: Stakeholders warn farming is becoming precarious amid poor ease of doing business, delays clearing inputs, and ongoing finance hurdles. Governance & Enforcement: Finance Bill 2026 debate spotlights tougher penalties for rural and informal operators, with questions about whether fines alone can drive prosperity. Health Access: T&T signed an MOU with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to expand hearing screening, training and access to assistive technology. Economy Signal: Moody’s upgraded T&T’s outlook to stable, citing improved external prospects and debt management.

Oil spill probe and regional fallout: Trinidad and Tobago authorities are investigating a possible hydrocarbon spill off the coast after Venezuela alleged a second, larger spill confirmed by satellite imagery, warning of risks to marine ecosystems, fishing and coastal communities; Heritage Petroleum says sweeps found no evidence of large hydrocarbon amounts, while the Energy Ministry says sea vessels and drones are being used to identify the source and nature. Stronger enforcement for rural livelihoods: The Finance Bill 2026 proposes sharply higher fines tied to long-standing rules around copra products and forestry/wildlife activities, aiming to push small operators into compliance and address public health and stewardship concerns. Business and trade ethics: The Trade Ministry outlined a proposed ban on imports produced through forced labour, while Amcham T&T urged the government to avoid attacks on groups without proof. Economy signal: Moody’s upgraded T&T’s outlook to stable from negative, citing improved external prospects, reserves and debt-management steps. Weather watch: Forecasts point to hot conditions with storm chances building later, underscoring the need for preparedness.

Oil Spill Watch: Trinidad and Tobago is investigating reports of a possible offshore oil spill after Venezuela alleged a second, larger spill confirmed by satellite imagery, warning of risks to marine ecosystems, fishing and coastal communities; Government Response: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says joint operations with Heritage Petroleum and the Air and Coast Guard are using sea vessels and drones to identify the source and nature of the substance, with officials coordinating with foreign affairs; Local Assurance: Heritage Petroleum says there is currently no evidence of large hydrocarbon amounts in the sea following sweeps and checks of monitoring systems; Regional Pressure: Venezuela is demanding transparency, immediate safeguards and reserves the right to seek action and compensation through international bodies; Business & Governance: AMCHAM T&T urged against attacks on any group “without proof” amid political fallout over “1%” claims, while the government also moved to tighten trade rules against forced-labour imports.

Oil Spill Watch: Trinidad and Tobago authorities are investigating a possible hydrocarbon spill off the coast after reports and video surfaced, with Heritage Petroleum saying there’s no evidence of large hydrocarbon amounts so far while drones and maritime surveillance are deployed. Regional Tensions: Venezuela is escalating the dispute, alleging the spill is confirmed by satellite imagery and warning it could drift toward Venezuelan waters, threatening fishing and marine ecosystems, and demanding transparency and accountability. Marine Protection & Policy: The incident lands amid broader calls for stronger ocean safeguards, including a recent push for environmental education at the Royal Botanic Gardens and renewed interest in mangrove restoration efforts like Manila’s nilad revival. Trade & Ethics: Separately, the Government outlined a proposed ban on imports made through forced labour, aiming to protect consumers and local businesses from unfair, unsafe goods. Tobago Agriculture: NAMDEVCO launched a Tobago lead farmer training programme under BIOREACH, backing capacity building for more sustainable farming.

Oil Spill Tensions: Venezuela is accusing Trinidad and Tobago of a new, larger hydrocarbon spill, saying satellite imagery shows pollutants drifting toward Venezuelan waters and threatening marine ecosystems, fishing, and coastal communities—Caracas is demanding transparency and immediate safeguards. Local Response: Trinidad and Tobago says it has deployed the Air Guard and Coast Guard, including drones and sea vessels, to investigate the source and nature of the substance off the coast. Second Spill Claim: Venezuela says the latest incident exceeds the May spill in scale and is reserving the right to seek action through international bodies and compensation. Tobago Farming Support: NAMDEVCO launched the Tobago Lead Farmer Training Programme under the BIOREACH project, building capacity for sustainable agricultural practices. Marine & Nature Education: The Royal Botanic Gardens is set to host a free Family Day for a global education initiative, highlighting biodiversity conservation and community engagement. Tourism With Conservation: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards went to Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel and HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre, praising a conservation-led, regenerative tourism model. Climate Resilience Planning (Tobago): Tobago’s 2026/2030 “Pathway for Prosperity Blueprint” begins with a first phase focused on climate resilience, adaptation, and environmental sustainability.

Climate & resilience in Tobago: Heavy rains and strong winds damaged the Flagstaff Communications Tower in Charlotteville, disrupting utility and marine communication channels; TEMA says a preliminary damage assessment is underway and an emergency meeting is set for June 12. Local governance & sustainability: Tobago’s THA Finance Secretary Petal Ann Roberts says the 2026/27 budget will roll out the first phase of a four-year “Pathway for Prosperity Blueprint” (2026–2030), with climate resilience, adaptation and environmental sustainability built into public service delivery. Conservation tourism wins: Two T&T tourism properties earned Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards—Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel (top 1% of hotels) and HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre (top 10% of attractions)—highlighting conservation-centred, regenerative visitor models. Marine protection push: Sea Turtle Awareness Week 2026 (June 8–16) spotlights threats to sea turtles and community roles in safeguarding endangered populations. Health security & climate links: CARPHA’s regional health security meeting in Trinidad stressed that climate change can drive health emergencies, requiring preparedness and regional coordination. Waste & food security angle: CARDI hosted a Brazilian delegation to discuss agricultural innovation and regional food security, including digital tracking to detect pests like the South American Palm Weevil.

Water & Pollution Watch: Trinidad’s Opera House is back in the spotlight after a falling brick raised fresh safety worries, with officials pointing to long-running structural and water-intrusion concerns. Public Safety & Governance: A judge says he was misled by the Trinidad Police Department when approving a search warrant tied to a controversial Facebook post about the city’s water issues—fueling questions about how information is presented to courts. Crime & Children: CAPA reports about 5,500 child victims of criminal offences over 2020–2025, with the latest figure highlighted after the murder of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne in Erin. Energy Policy: The government defends 2026 Finance Bill incentives meant to speed approvals and make marginal offshore gas fields viable. Tobago Conservation & Jobs: The Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme is backing community-led eco-tourism and green-space work, including trail and camping development. Youth & Climate Action: St James Secondary won RBC Young Leaders 2026 for “WORM,” a waste-optimisation project aimed at climate and community resilience. Regional Environment & Health Links: UNDP flags Caribbean violence and governance pressures, while a separate UNDP report notes life expectancy and “healthy life expectancy” gaps across the region.

Sea Turtle Conservation & Ecotourism: SPECTO has closed its turtle watching tours early for the rest of the 2026 leatherback nesting season after a sharp drop in female leatherbacks at Levera Beach, with preliminary reports suggesting similar declines in Trinidad—raising concerns that the problem may be broader than one site. Tobago Reforestation & Watershed Work: Tobago’s reforestation and watershed programme is backing community-led green projects, including trail and camping development at Mid-East Adventure Park, showing how restoration can feed eco-tourism and local livelihoods. Regional Violence & Child Protection: CAPA data released after the murder of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne shows about 5,500 child victims of criminal offences from 2020–2025, with the Prime Minister calling society “hyper-sexualised” and pushing school-based police and parental responsibility legislation. Policy for Safer, Fairer Futures: A UNDP report flags a disconnect between security policy and the structural causes of violence across the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago’s homicide rate rising in 2022. Education, Research & Environment Skills: UWI St Augustine and UTT signed MOUs to expand applied research and training across areas including energy and the environment, biosciences and veterinary medicine. Trade & Food Security Links: CARDI hosted a Brazil-IICA delegation to strengthen agricultural innovation and climate-resilient crop work for regional food security.

Tobago Reforestation: The Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme is backing community-led green space and eco-tourism projects, including trail and camping development at Mid-East Adventure Park—showing how restoration can create local livelihoods. Marine Protection: On World Oceans Day, Tobago’s marine stakeholders are pushing for stronger protection of blue habitats, with discussion around overfishing controls and managing pressure on areas like Buccoo Reef Marine Park. Leatherback Update: Grenada’s SPECTO has closed turtle watching tours early for the 2026 leatherback nesting season after a sharp drop in nesting females on Levera Beach, with preliminary signs of similar declines in Trinidad raising wider conservation concerns. Crime & Emergency Powers: As Parliament moves to debate extending Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency, unions and commentators question whether emergency powers are delivering real reductions in murders and what happens when the SoE ends. Poverty Measurement: The CSO is developing Trinidad and Tobago’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index to better capture deprivation beyond income, including health, education, housing, jobs, and access to services.

Marine Conservation & Tourism: Tobago marked World Oceans Day with calls for stronger marine protection, including better management of marine parks and limits to overfishing, with officials weighing carrying capacity at Buccoo Reef Marine Park. Wildlife & Ecotourism: Grenada’s SPECTO has closed turtle watching tours early for the 2026 leatherback nesting season after a sharp drop in nesting females on Levera Beach; the group says similar declines have been noted in Trinidad, hinting at wider ecological pressures. Climate & Health: A paediatric emergency consultant warns that climate change is already hitting children in Trinidad and Tobago through heat stress, worsening air pollution risks, and more frequent flooding and dengue-linked concerns. Local Data for Policy: The CSO is developing Trinidad and Tobago’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index to better capture deprivation beyond income, including health, education, housing and access to services. Regional Food Security: CARDI hosted an international delegation to strengthen agricultural innovation ties, showcasing climate-resilient crop outputs like sweet potato varieties and high-yield legumes.