AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association names boxer Nigel Paul as Flag Bearer and netballer Joelisa Cooper as Baton Bearer for Glasgow 2026, celebrating leadership and national pride. Sports & Youth Development: Cox Football Academy dominates in the TTFA G-League Under-15 and Under-13, while Jewels SC takes Tobago zone titles—plus T&T’s 36-athlete Commonwealth team heads to Scotland. Culture & Heritage: Pembroke Salaka Feast returns as a spiritually significant Tobago Heritage Festival event honouring African ancestors, with ceremonies, music, dance and traditional cuisine. Creative Sector Boost: Kingston Creative becomes the first Caribbean NGO to win a UNESCO-Aschberg grant, launching the 18-month CARE programme to strengthen artists’ rights, economic security and disaster preparedness across Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados. Regional Education & Skills: CARICOM’s Digitalisation of TVET Delivery project reports meaningful gains, with pilot countries integrating solutions into their own platforms. Community & Services: DFL says financing is less the barrier than weak business models, urging entrepreneurs to fix models to access capital; meanwhile, Trinidad’s drought pressures Stage III water restrictions and raises questions about enforcement and longer-term planning. Tragedy & Rescue: Search and recovery continues after Guyana’s MV Barima disaster, with the death toll rising as Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard assets join the operation. Migration Human Story: A Venezuelan child’s body washes ashore in Erin after an overloaded pirogue left Trinidad, with reports of two adults still unaccounted for.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Boxer Nigel Paul and netballer Joelisa Cooper named TeamTTO flag and baton bearers for Glasgow 2026, a proud nod to leadership and national pride. Digital Public Services: Minister Dominic Smith says VerifyTT is set to anchor Trinidad and Tobago’s Digital Public Infrastructure, aiming for faster, more secure access to government services through e-ID, interoperability, and the CareTT wallet. Education & Science: T&T wins its first International Chemistry Olympiad medal—Naparima College student Reginald Mohammed takes Bronze in Tashkent, with a strong team from Naparima, Iere, and Fatima. Sports & Culture Tourism: The Brian Lara Cricket Academy prepares to host its first Test on July 25 vs Pakistan, with tickets from TT$35 and free entry for children under 16. Heritage & Community: Tobago Heritage Festival continues with a lively Ole Time Wedding re-enactment in Moriah, keeping tradition and storytelling front and centre. Local Arts & Food History: Cocoa Panyol Museum in Flanagin Town spotlights founder Clive Teemul’s mission to preserve a fading way of life through cocoa culture and Christmas memories. Youth Football: Regional women’s football gets a boost as the Goombay Soccer Cup (U-15) kicks off in Nassau with six national teams.

Caribbean Airlines Travel Tuesday: Discounted one-way fares are now on offer between Trinidad and Toronto for August 2026, with prices starting at US$452 (Trinidad→Toronto) and CAD$446 (Toronto→Trinidad), plus a free checked bag, carry-on, mileage benefits and Business Class upgrades. Tobago Heritage & Community Life: In Moriah, hundreds turned out for an Ole Time Wedding re-enactment at the Moravian Church Hall, with village characters adding humour and gossip to the ceremony. Local Culture Spotlight: The Cocoa Panyol Museum in Flanagin Town is drawing attention for preserving Flanagin’s cocoa heritage through founder Clive Teemul’s personal story and community memories. Education & Pride: Trinidad and Tobago won its first-ever medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad, with NaParima College student Reginald Mohammed taking bronze in Tashkent. Regional Tragedy Response: Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force crews are assisting Guyana after the MV Barima disaster, as the death toll continues to rise and families await answers. Sports Development: Rigtech Sonics is encouraged by youth cycling progress ahead of national championships, highlighting early wins and rider development. Rights & Justice Watch: A federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked ICE from deporting a key witness in the Houston killing of Lorenzo Salgado Arauja, keeping him in the Southern District of Texas while the case is reviewed.

ICE Shooting Fallout: A Houston federal judge has blocked ICE from deporting a witness, Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, tied to the July 7 killing of Mexican homebuilder Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, while also limiting transfers outside the Southern District of Texas. Courtroom Details: Passengers’ statements dispute ICE’s account, saying unmarked vehicles struck their van before the shooting, and noting agents lacked body cameras. Regional Response: Trinidad and Tobago deployed air and naval support, including divers, to help Guyana’s MV Barima rescue and recovery after the ferry capsized, with dozens feared dead and many still missing. Youth & Culture: Rigtech Sonics’ cycle club is encouraged by progress at the TTCF Youth Developer Challenge, while Scotiabank and UWTT donated steelpans to Mt D’Or Government Primary to expand steelpan education. Science & Education: T&T won its first medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad, with Naparima College student Reginald Mohammed taking bronze. Community & Activism: Activist Alyssa Phillip and her mother, Camille Caresquero, denied riot-related charges in Siparia over arrests during the Labour Day march.

Regional Solidarity: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago has already mobilised Coast Guard and Air Guard assets to help Guyana’s MV Barima ferry disaster search, as Guyanese officials report 27 bodies recovered (including four children) and 83 people still missing after the capsizing. Public Safety Debate: A Guardian piece argues that despite 14 months of Trinidad and Tobago’s States of Emergency, recent triple and double murders show emergency powers can’t deliver lasting safety. History & Memory: TTPS is preserving the 1990 attempted coup story through museum tours and a curated exhibition, spotlighting officers who defended democracy. Culture Spotlight: Cultural Survival profiles Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs and Adam St. Bernard Jacobs, linking Trinidad and Tobago identity, colonisation’s legacy, and Indigenous rights advocacy. Music & Youth: Sean Paul talks his “Timeless Tour” and how Gen Z keeps dancehall in a “youngevity loop.” Travel Rules Clarified: T&T’s Foreign Ministry clarifies Spain’s visa-free list doesn’t grant Belizeans visa-free entry, with Schengen rules still requiring visas.

Caribbean Ferry Tragedy: Trinidad and Tobago is sending rescue support as Guyana’s MV Barima disaster toll rises—27 bodies recovered (including four children) and 83 still unaccounted for after the ship sank off the coast; the search area has expanded and T&T Defence Force teams are joining divers and recovery efforts. 1990 Coup Memory: The Police Museum is running exhibition tours and guided visits at Old Police Headquarters to preserve the stories of officers who defended democracy during the July 27, 1990 attempted coup. Deep-Sea Science: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh congratulates SpeSeas and the Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago expedition as scientists pass the halfway mark aboard RV Falkor, pushing marine research and public engagement. Steelpan Milestone: Pan Trinbago marks two years since steelpan was formally designated Trinidad and Tobago’s National Musical Instrument, calling it a celebration of cultural identity and global legacy. Youth & Sport: T&T Under-19s bounce back in regional cricket, while local cycling club Rigtech Sonics highlights its long-running focus on training young riders with safety and fun at the centre. Police & Families: TTPS urges parents to watch for teen drug abuse, warning about peer pressure and the dangers of potent synthetic drugs. Culture & Community: Pan Trinbago and Tobago’s tambrin heritage get fresh attention, including profiles of cultural keepers like Lawrence “Wax” Crooks.

Steelpan Milestone: Pan Trinbago marks two years since steelpan was formally recognised as Trinidad and Tobago’s National Musical Instrument, celebrating the instrument’s cultural identity and global legacy. Deep-Sea Science: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh congratulates SpeSeas and the Deep Wonders expedition as scientists pass the halfway mark exploring T&T’s deep waters and marine biodiversity. AI Debate in Culture & Policy: Tobago tourism officials say AI shouldn’t be dismissed as the island works to preserve and promote heritage, while researchers warn T&T must build stronger AI safeguards as data-centre plans move ahead. Local Arts & Food: Watson’s Thyme Bistro & Boutique spotlights rotating local art alongside seasonal Trinidadian-inspired cuisine, turning the space into a community hub. Youth, Discipline, Dreams: A profile of 15-year-old Jan­nah Mo­hammed highlights balancing cricket and table tennis with school and hard work. Community Support: Xtra Foods donates $10,000 to Sewa TT’s Venezuela earthquake relief drive. Public Safety Warnings: TTPS urges parents to watch for teen drug abuse as concerns grow over synthetic pills. Security Flashpoint: Residents near the Immigration Detention Centre call for tighter security after 14 men escaped, with police continuing the hunt. Sports Spotlight: Jewels SC wins third place in Tobago’s Women’s League playoff, while Pan Trinbago’s steelpan celebrations and other cultural wins keep the week moving.

Caribbean Sports & Culture Loss: Barbados and the wider region mourned Sir Garfield Sobers, with tributes highlighting how his all-round brilliance helped shape Caribbean identity. Local Youth Sports: Rigtech Sonics Cycle Club in south Trinidad keeps its focus on safe, fun riding for kids, building future Olympians through discipline and community. Regional Solidarity: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended condolences to Guyana after the MV Barima ferry capsized, confirming T&T air and naval support in the search and rescue. Deep-Sea Science: SpeSeas’ SpeSeas-led expedition “Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas” reached the halfway mark, with public engagement and marine discoveries underway. Tobago Food Heritage: Store Bay cuisine icon Miss Trim (Greta Trim) died at 90, remembered for feeding people and preserving Tobago flavours. Women’s Football: Jewels SC of Tobago secured third place with a 1-0 win over Tobago Chicas in the Women’s League Football playoffs. AI Debate in T&T: As T&T signs agreements for large data centres, researchers and activists are pushing for stronger AI safeguards and clearer protections for citizens. Indo-Caribbean on Screen: Keisha Bissram and other creators are spotlighting Indo-Caribbean women’s stories, aiming to move them from the margins to the centre. Community Giving: Xtra Foods donated $10,000 to Sewa TT’s Venezuela earthquake relief drive. Folklore Spotlight: A feature revisits the Soucouyant, tracing its roots and why the legend still lives in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural imagination.

AI & Data Centres: Trinidad and Tobago signed agreements with U.S. firms Hummingbird AI Holdings and Ernst & Young to pave the way for large AI data centres, including a proposed 150MW and 300MW facilities—prompting fresh public worry about energy use and environmental impact. Human Rights Under SOE: Rights advocates are raising alarms over the Preventive Detention Order system, warning of serious consequences if a detainee held under the State of Emergency dies in custody, as Dominic Hadeed’s health and access to care remain central to the dispute. Education & Youth Culture: CXC announced major changes to School-Based Assessments, phasing out traditional SBAs for several CSEC/CAPE subjects from 2027 to protect exam integrity amid growing AI use by students. Folklore & Identity: A feature revisits the Soucouyant—Trinidad and Tobago’s enduring shape-shifting legend—tracing its roots through West African spiritual traditions and French Creole folklore. Food & Lifestyle: Travel And Tour World released a Top 30 food destinations list for the Americas and Caribbean for 2026, spotlighting the region’s culinary heritage and street-to-fine-dining experiences. Sports & Community: Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s volleyball team is in the CAZOVA Final Four in Curacao, while a separate report highlights a World Cup-style unity tournament in Boston celebrating immigrant communities through football.

Sports & Community: Sand Wars Beach Flag Football Tournament kicked off in Nassau with 14 men’s and women’s teams, including a first-ever Long Island entry, as knockout rounds loom. Regional Volleyball: T&T men are in the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association CAZOVA Final Four in Curaçao, facing Barbados, with the top two advancing to the gold medal match. Tobago Heritage: The 39th Tobago Heritage Festival opened with a theatrical gala at Shaw Park under “She Becomes Whole,” spotlighting slavery’s impact and African identity. Youth Culture: Best Village 2026 pushes young writers, film-makers, performers and cultural ambassadors into the spotlight as the Junior Best Village and Extravaganza begin Monday. Folklore Spotlight: A feature revisits the Soucouyant—T&T’s fiery shape-shifting legend—tracing its West African, French Creole and Caribbean roots. Church & Safety: Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church in San Fernando was broken into before Mass; minor damage reported, no cash stolen. Health & Lifestyle: Diabetes Association of T&T hosted a Human Foosball Tournament to “Kick Big Soda Out of Sport,” linking sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods to health risks. Arts & Memory: Tributes marked the life of calypso icon Bill “Paul” Trotman at Morvant Community Centre.

Cultural Farewell: Calypso fraternity and community members gathered at Morvant to celebrate and bid farewell to cultural icon Bill “Paul” Trotman, honouring his decades of calypso, acting, comedy, mas and master-of-ceremonies work. Education & Youth: CXC announced it will phase out School-Based Assessments for several CSEC/CAPE subjects from 2027, shifting to exam-based assessment for non-practical areas while keeping SBA for practical/project subjects. Prison Conditions: The Prison Officers’ Association renewed calls for better staffing, infrastructure, equipment and working conditions, as the system remains in the spotlight amid the Dominic Hadeed detention dispute. Court Update: Attorney Faared Ali says the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the Hadeeds focused only on whether they should stay in custody during their PDO challenge, not on whether allegations are valid. Tobago Heritage Festival: Shaw Park came alive with the 39th Tobago Heritage Festival opening gala, “She Becomes Whole,” spotlighting folklore, tradition and African identity. Community Health Through Sport: The Diabetes Association launched a Human Foosball Tournament to “Kick Big Soda Out of Sport,” using school participation to push healthier choices. Local Creativity: “The Sign Man” Bruce Cayonne shared how his hand-painted lettering became a Trinidad landmark—even if many still don’t know the artist behind it.

Tobago Heritage Festival: The 2026 Tobago Heritage Festival kicked off with a theatrical gala at Shaw Park Cultural Complex, “She Becomes Whole,” urging Tobagonians to dig into the stories that shaped who they are. Health & Sport: The Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago launched a Human Foosball Tournament to “Kick Big Soda Out of Sport,” linking sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Community, Culture & Football: Mexico’s Embassy and Marian House Home for Young Men used culture and an eight-a-side match to build community ties through the Horizons Initiative. Gender-Based Violence Support: Conflict Women Ltd partnered with Regency Recruitment to fast-track employment for GBV survivors, with résumé help, interview prep, and an annual “Butterfly Project” workshop. Carnival 2027 Buzz: Spirit Mas unveiled its Carnival 2027 theme, “LORE,” drawing on T&T folklore for costume concepts and storytelling. Public Safety Pressure: Prison officers’ association renewed calls for better staffing, infrastructure, equipment, and working conditions across Trinidad and Tobago’s prisons. AI Data Centres Debate: New MoUs for large-scale AI and data centres sparked petitions and public pushback over water, power, and environmental impacts. Crime & Security: A British pub landlady, Elaine McGowan, was shot dead in Trinidad in broad daylight, with police still working to establish motive. Remembering a Cultural Figure: Tributes continue for calypsonian Bill Trotman/Trinidad Bill, who died at EWM-SC.

AI & Infrastructure Debate: Trinidad and Tobago’s government signed MoUs with U.S. partners to develop large AI and data centre projects, but public pushback is growing—critics want key environmental and infrastructure studies completed before approvals, while the education minister says concerns are “premature” and no final deals are in place. Public Art & Free Press Legacy: Trinidad-based visual artist Duilio Passariello is seeking community support for “Flowers for Elijah!” at Lovejoy Park, honouring abolitionist journalist Elijah Lovejoy through a low-maintenance lighting installation. Sports & Community Pride: T&T men’s volleyball captain Akim Bushe leads the team to the CAZO-VA Final-Four in Curaçao, while Malik Gopaul tops the national table tennis men’s ranking list at 17. Culture & Memory: Notting Hill Carnival gears up for its 60th anniversary, with founders’ family members stressing the event as a “teaching tool” for Windrush history. Local Loss & Tributes: Tobago’s Neisha Roberts and her mother Irma were laid to rest after a stabbing and a later stroke, with a community walk against crime marking the grief. Food & Lifestyle: A Trinidad chef is behind “Spicy Man” pepper sauce storytelling abroad, bringing home flavours to Louisiana through family recipes and pop-up meals.

RCP Appointments: The Royal College of Physicians has named Dr Catherine Bryant and Dr Aruna Maharaj as new censors, with Dr Dan Furmedge stepping in as senior censor and VP for education and training from 1 August 2026. Children’s Authority Debt Cleared: Trinidad and Tobago’s Social Development Ministry regularized TT$17.88M in audited, unremitted statutory obligations owed by the Children’s Authority, after a review and funding push by Minister Vandana Mohit. Tobago Heritage Festival Preview: Tobago Festivals Commission event coordinator Lisa Arthur tees up the Tobago Heritage Festival opening under the theme “Leh We Tell De Story,” spotlighting storytelling, performances and tradition. Local Business & Food: Two companies say they’re open to talks about potential buyers for Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago’s dairy and juices business as the firm reviews its operations. Culture & Lifestyle: A UWI St Augustine food block ramen spot is bringing an automated ramen station to campus life, while a separate piece looks at how families can keep children safe during school vacation. International Spotlight: France’s ambassador welcomed T&T’s election to the UN Security Council, calling it a chance to amplify the Caribbean’s voice on issues like women, peace and security and AI regulation.

Remembering Olaive Burrowes Jones: A life story of pride, education, and music—Olaive Burrowes Jones died July 8, just weeks shy of her 86th birthday, with tributes highlighting her love of learning and piano. RCP leadership update: The Royal College of Physicians appointed Dr Catherine Bryant and Dr Aruna Maharaj as new censors, with Dr Dan Furmedge stepping in as senior censor/VP for education and training from August 1. Nestlé talks on the table: Two major regional food manufacturers say they’re open to discussions if Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago moves toward options like selling its dairy and juices business. Data centres debate: A fresh push for new AI/data-centre investment is met with calls for transparency and real public benefit—plus warnings not to repeat past “big announcement” mistakes. Local culture on the move: A ramen station opens at UWI St Augustine, bringing Korean-style convenience to campus life. Tobago Heritage Festival: Proverbs and oral traditions take centre stage again, keeping Tobago’s cultural language alive through performances and theatre. International spotlight: France’s ambassador welcomed T&T’s UN Security Council election, praising the country’s “cultural powerhouse” voice. Community life: Market Day in Sangre Grande aims to revive bartering spirit and support households facing economic pressure.

T&T–France Diplomacy: At Bastille Day events, T&T signalled deeper cooperation with France on renewable energy, maritime services, infrastructure, digital transformation and even football, alongside shared priorities like women, peace and security and AI regulation. Tobago Heritage Festival: The Tobago Heritage Festival spotlighted the wisdom of proverbs, reviving a tradition used for emphasis and commentary through performances. Culture & Learning: UTT and NCIC renewed their MoU to push work in Indian history, local music archiving, and entrepreneurial support in East Indian sectors. Arts in Focus: The QRC Art Legacy exhibition “Honouring Our Foundations: Generations of Art” runs 22–30 July at NAPA, celebrating Queen’s Royal College’s creative heritage. Sports & Community: The T&T Women’s 3×3 squad gears up for the Dominican Republic challenge, while SM Jaleel returns as CPL paint partner with a big “Ultimate Fan” prize push. Travel Ease: Spain granted visa-free short stays to citizens of nine CARICOM nations including Trinidad and Tobago. Local Economy Watch: Farmers are seeking urgent talks with the PM over Nestlé uncertainty and fears about milk collection. International Spotlight: A British landlady was shot dead in T&T while on holiday, with police still working to establish a motive.