AGP Executive Report

Mighty Sparrow Tribute: Public viewings for the calypso legend are set for October 13 at SAPA and October 14 at NAPA, ahead of his October 16 Celebration of Life. The unions have moved their Port of Spain march to October 23 out of respect. Books & Creativity: Bacano Bookshop’s new St Augustine home aims to make reading affordable and give writers, poets and other creatives room to connect. Cocoa Revival: Thousands turned out for the World Cocoa and Chocolate Day Expo, where local makers showcased their work as the Government targets rehabilitation of more than 30,000 hectares. Caribbean Sounds: Trinidad hosted the Caribbean Music Awards’ first Elite Weekend, bringing artists and industry figures together to discuss the region’s music and its global reach. Soca Abroad: Trini DJ Selectah Kirtis is bringing soca to Beijing nightlife after an unexpected move to China opened doors to local audiences. Cultural Exchange: Colombia brought salsa, cumbia and vallenato to NALIS Latin Nights, part of the festival running through October 14.

Mighty Sparrow’s Farewell: A national Celebration of Life for the calypso icon is set for October 16 at NAPA. Public viewings will be held at SAPA on October 13 and NAPA on October 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The family has asked mourners not to take photos or videos. Soca Abroad: Trini DJ Selectah Kirtis is bringing soca to Beijing nightlife after a family visit turned into a nearly two-year stay and a new audience for Caribbean music. Faith and Music: Former soca and chutney singer Carlene Wells returned to the stage with her first major concert in a decade, sharing gospel and revisiting songs from her earlier career. Calypso Heritage: During Calypso History Month, cultural voices are recalling the anthems and lyrics that endure; one favourite, Sparrow’s “Philip My Dear,” draws on a memorable real-life story. T&T on the World Stage: Leeann Dass won Woman of the Universe Elite 2026 in South Korea and also took the Best National Costume award, showcasing Trinidad and Tobago’s identity.

Mighty Sparrow’s Legacy: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar signed the condolence book for the calypso icon at NAPA, where tributes continue ahead of his state-assisted funeral. Calypso History Month will be dedicated to Sparrow, as calls grow to preserve the music, stories and history that shape T&T’s culture. Pageant Pride: Leeann Dass won Woman of the Universe Elite 2026 in South Korea and Best National Costume, taking T&T’s heritage to an international audience. Culture on Screen: NALIS’ Latin-Ibero American Festival brings six nights of music, art, literature and food from nine countries; a Chilean film screening at Arima North Secondary also connected students with the lives of young people abroad. Fashion and Food: The Fashion Plate closes tonight at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, pairing local designers with restaurants in a showcase for home-grown talent. Creative Economy: South Florida entrepreneurs have opened an art-supply store and creative hub in Maraval to support local artists and connect them with diaspora audiences. Pan Meets Technology: Panjam+ uses virtual reality steelpan and brain science to explore music and brain health among older adults.

Pageant Pride: Trinidad and Tobago’s Leeann Dass won the Woman of the Universe Elite 2026 title in South Korea, also taking Best National Costume and sharing T&T’s culture on the international stage. Local Fashion: The Fashion Plate wraps up October 9 with a finale at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, after pairing local designers with restaurant settings across Trinidad and Tobago. Designer Kambe Lovelace also scored a major showcase for KAMBE The Brand, styling singer Mela Caribe for the Caribbean Music Awards. Food & Style: Dîner en Blanc returns to Port of Spain on November 14, with Freebird Restaurant bringing Caribbean flavours to its French-inspired menu. Pan Meets Technology: Panjam+ uses virtual reality steelpan and brain science to explore music’s potential for older adults. Cultural Legacy: Trinidad remembers Mighty Sparrow, whose music shaped the nation’s soundtrack, while a reflection on writer Michael Anthony draws on the manuscripts and story ideas held at UTT’s library.

Youth and Public Health: The Senate passed a bill raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21, and cannabis use and gambling to 25. Critics questioned whether the restrictions are backed by enough local data. Food and Events: Dîner en Blanc returns to Port of Spain on November 14, with Freebird Restaurant pairing French classics and Caribbean flavours. New Beginnings: Retired communications professor Mervyn Crichlow has turned hydroponic vegetable growing into a business supplying supermarkets with kale. Calypso Legacy: The Mighty Sparrow’s body has returned to Trinidad ahead of a state-assisted funeral for the cultural icon, whose songs carried Caribbean stories around the world. Heritage: Archaeologists and local partners have wrapped up fieldwork in Palmiste, uncovering how Indigenous, indentured and post-indentured communities shaped South Trinidad. Women’s Leadership: A Trinidad-led initiative is connecting young Caribbean women with mentors, business leaders and networks to help them pursue leadership and entrepreneurship. Back to School: Two brothers have returned to class after nearly a year out of school following a house fire, with community support helping them start afresh.

Mighty Sparrow’s Homecoming: The calypso legend’s body returned to Trinidad on Tuesday as officials and family began planning his final farewell. Sparrow, who died at 91, shaped Caribbean music for more than seven decades, and tributes continue at home and abroad. Youth and Public Health: The Senate passed a bill raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21 and for gambling and cannabis to 25. The vote was 15-12, with all support coming from Government senators; critics questioned whether the restrictions are backed by enough local data. Arts and Heritage: A mural in Liverpool will honour Trinidad-born Lord Woodbine, a calypsonian and club manager who mentored the Beatles. Pageant Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago law student Hailey Pysadee, 19, won Miss India Worldwide 2026 at NAPA. Regional Connections: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly flights between Trinidad and Dominica, adding travel options ahead of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival, October 23-25.

Mighty Sparrow’s Return: The calypso legend’s body arrived at Piarco for a state-assisted funeral, with tributes and condolence books opened nationwide. Sports & Culture: Trinidad’s Masters athlete Suzann Garcia won gold in the women’s 60-64 standing long jump at the Huntsman World Senior Games. Local Governance & Community: The Tobago House of Assembly will provide 50 homes for airport-displaced residents, with designs still being finalised and meetings planned. Transport & Daily Life: Transport Minister Eli Zakour says plans are being developed to tackle traffic gridlock after recent long delays linked to accidents and traffic-light timing issues. Energy, Jobs & Lifestyle: Nutrien’s permanent Point Lisas nitrogen shutdown has workers fearful, while former energy minister Conrad Enill warns more firms could leave if gas supply can’t be guaranteed. Health Systems: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says medical equipment shortages mean clinics sometimes have to share devices, and the state is working to improve access. Education & Youth: ALTA highlights Trinidad’s literacy challenge ahead of World Teachers’ Day, while TVET expansion is set for rural areas like Rio Claro and Mayaro. Diaspora & Identity: Hailey Pysadee, representing Trinidad and Tobago, was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2026. Cricket Fashion: Cricket West Indies and SUPERFAN launched a new licensed fanwear collection rooted in Caribbean style.

Legal & Justice: Guyana’s newest attorney, Begum Somyah Baksh, was admitted to the bar and says she wants to help people who can’t access justice easily. Sports & Culture: Cricket West Indies and SUPERFAN launched a new licensed fanwear collection celebrating West Indies cricket and Caribbean identity. Pageantry & Diaspora: Hailey Pysadee, a 19-year-old law student, won Miss India Worldwide 2026, with Trinidad and Tobago as host. Community & Safety: Police reminded the public that domestic violence includes non-physical abuse like threats, intimidation, isolation, and controlling money. Education & Literacy: World Teachers’ Day coverage highlights Trinidad and Tobago’s literacy challenge, with ALTA pushing for more volunteer tutors. Arts & Heritage: Tributes and memorials continue for calypso icon the Mighty Sparrow, including a Queens service and calls for a Grenada funeral mass. Tobago Carnival: Pan Trinbago threatens to boycott Tobago Carnival over $1.7M in outstanding payments. Local Development: Chaguanas mayor backs the push for city status, saying the borough has outgrown its old boundaries. Health & Policy: Debate grows around raising the legal drinking age to 21, framed as a youth-protection and public-health move. Regional Cooperation: Correctional officers across the Caribbean complete EU/Canada-supported training aimed at safer custody and reintegration.

Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Hundreds gathered in Queens, New York, for memorial services honouring calypso icon Slinger Francisco, with Trinidad and Tobago officials reiterating plans for a state-assisted funeral and national tribute. Tobago Carnival Tension: Pan Trinbago says it will boycott Tobago Carnival over $1.7M in outstanding payments, warning the steelband movement is being held back while budgets and balances remain unsettled. Public Health & Youth: A renewed national debate follows the move to raise the legal drinking age to 21, with calls to protect young people, reduce harm, and shift culture—not just laws. Domestic Violence Awareness: Police remind the public that abuse includes coercive control and emotional intimidation, and warn that the period after separation can be especially dangerous. Literacy Push: ALTA renews efforts to tackle T&T’s literacy challenge, citing research that one in four people struggle with everyday reading and writing. Sports & Community: Isaiah Alder and Asha James win the Subway Tobago 6K, while Pan Trinbago’s fallout and other local sport updates keep the spotlight on community life.

Kashif & Shanghai Football: Minister Steven Jacobs tells Linden’s business community to gear up for the 2026/27 K&S return, pitching the tournament as a boost for hotels, vendors and local services as matches run Dec. 13–Jan. 1 across Mackenzie Sports Club and Bayroc. World Teachers’ Day: Jerome Teelucksingh spotlights teachers’ resilience and the need for fair pay and support so educators can stay in the profession and help struggling learners. Calypso History Month: Rawkus “Rawkus” Remy reflects on how calypso carries T&T’s stories forward, warning what happens when the next generation stops listening. Mighty Sparrow tributes: With Calypso King Slinger Francisco’s passing, memorials and celebrations continue across the diaspora, including New York services honouring his humility and lasting impact. Church and community: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre attends the funeral mass for Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas in Diego Martin, marking a Caribbean-wide farewell. Cycling selection shake-up: TTCF reverses an earlier decision and names Teniel Campbell for the women’s Points Race at the Track World Championships in Shanghai. Housing pressure abroad: Habitat for Humanity reports 3 in 4 people worldwide are cutting essentials to afford housing, with medical care often delayed.

Pan-African Conversation: Professor Hakim Adi discusses today’s struggle for African unity and links it to Pan-Africanism’s 20th-century debates, including how Western policy and far-right currents shape Black power and diaspora activism. Family & Children Funding: Social agencies are urging stronger October 12 budget support for families, children’s homes, special education needs, gender-based violence victims, and youth leaving residential care—warning that current allocations aren’t reaching vulnerable households effectively. Health Reality Check: A new look at physical activity challenges one-size-fits-all public health advice, asking whether global exercise guidelines fit people whose “activity” is driven by necessity, not choice. Cycling Selection Twist: The Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation admits an error in selecting the women’s Points Race rider, reversing an earlier choice and naming Teniel Campbell for the Shanghai World Championships. Mighty Sparrow Tributes Abroad & At Home: Memorial services in New York and public tributes across the Caribbean diaspora honour calypso icon Slinger Francisco, while Trinidad and Tobago continues Calypso History Month celebrations and plans for state-assisted funeral arrangements. CARICOM Free Movement Hurdles: Regional leaders say small states face real barriers—capacity limits, administrative inertia, and “islandness” psychology—slowing full freedom of movement. Crime & Community Safety: Commentary highlights evolving risks, from dangerous children’s games to scams and robberies linked to online meetups, calling for coordinated prevention. Sport & Culture on the Move: Soca Warriors face relegation pressure after a draw with Curaçao, while local cycling and football developments keep culture and sport in the spotlight.

Mighty Sparrow State Tribute: Trinidad and Tobago will accord calypso legend Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco a state-assisted funeral, with a committee set to coordinate details with his family and books of condolences opening across the country. Cabinet Realignment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s latest portfolio changes took effect Sept. 30, shifting major housing and self-help programmes to Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein and moving On-the-Job Training to Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath. Housing & Skills Focus: Government says it’s considering funding to expand the GATE tuition assistance programme, while also outlining how responsibilities for housing improvement and related projects have been redistributed. Safety & Community: TTPS denied bail to a 42-year-old accused of sacrilige after an alleged break-in at La Lune Seventh-day Adventist Church in Moruga. Culture & Lifestyle: San Fernando residents turned out for a public Sparrow music tribute truck, while Carnival 2027’s “Fantastic Friday” returns with International Soca Monarch under “Trinidad Versus the World.” Regional Spotlight: Guyana celebrated three Top 3 placements at Miss, Mrs. & Teen India Worldwide 2026 held in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mighty Sparrow State Tribute: Trinidad and Tobago will honour calypso legend Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco with a state-assisted funeral, with Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin saying a committee will coordinate details with his family and that Calypso History Month will be dedicated to his memory. Local Culture in Motion: San Fernando residents turned out for a public Sparrow music tribute truck, while writers and artistes continue reflecting on how his voice shaped national identity. Cabinet Realignment Watch: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s latest portfolio changes took effect Sept. 30, shifting major housing and state-enterprise responsibilities—most notably moving GASHHP and HVIP under Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein—sparking political pushback. Education & Skills: Government is considering expanding the GATE tuition assistance programme after last year’s spending, as On-the-Job Training responsibility moved to the Ministry of Public Utilities. Safety & Accountability: OSHA is consulting on new oil-rig safety regulations, aiming for clearer duties and stronger enforcement. Crime & Community: TTPS denied bail to a man accused of sacrilège after an alleged break-in at the La Lune Seventh-day Adventist Church in Moruga. Sports & Lifestyle: Proman Trinidad launched a book chronicling IPSL’s history and achievements, alongside technical scholarships.

State & Culture: Trinidad and Tobago will honour calypso icon Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco with an official state-assisted funeral, with a committee working with his family and books of condolences opening nationwide; Carnival & Music: “Fantastic Friday” returns for Carnival 2027 with the International Soca Monarch under the theme “Trinidad Versus the World,” and finalists will pay tribute to Sparrow; Diplomacy & Lifestyle: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers says T&T will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for critical equipment for Couva Children’s Hospital; Local Governance: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar realigned ministerial portfolios, shifting housing, training, and security responsibilities across Cabinet; Public Trust: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS recruitment now includes polygraph exams, psychological assessments, drug testing, and stronger background checks; Education & Community: COSTAATT received seven-year continuing institutional accreditation from ACTT; Financial Literacy: Central Bank and partners renewed a three-year financial literacy push through a new memorandum of cooperation; Oil & Safety: OSHA is consulting on proposed oil rig safety regulations; Arts & Film: Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival’s 20th anniversary edition crowned DANM as breakout winner, with multiple regional awards; Travel & Culture: Caribbean Airlines launches a new Toronto–Tobago nonstop route starting Oct. 25.

Mighty Sparrow state send-off: Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin says Trinidad and Tobago will hold an official state-assisted funeral for calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with condolence books opening nationwide and a national tribute planned (date TBA). Carnival heritage rescue: The Carnival Museum’s Penny Bank closure has triggered intervention from the Ministry of Culture, with officials set to meet leadership to explore ways to reopen. Soca Monarch returns: International Soca Monarch (ISM) is back for Carnival 2027, set for Feb 5, with finalists paying tribute to Sparrow; new categories include Power, Groovy and Steam. Police recruitment tightened: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS strengthened screening for new recruits with polygraph, psychological checks, drug testing and deeper background verification. Diplomacy & health links: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers announces T&T’s first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for critical Couva Children’s Hospital equipment. Culture on stage: Milwaz Productions’ Road to Italy Tour 2026 and the Milwaz Shakespeare Festival (Oct 8–19) bring a distinctly Trinidadian voice back home. Beauty & diaspora pride: Hailey Pysadee is crowned Miss India Worldwide 2026 on home soil. Film festival buzz: TTFF/26 standout DANM wins Best Film Made in T&T and the People’s Choice Award. Travel boost: Caribbean Airlines launches a new nonstop Toronto–Tobago route starting Oct 25.

Mighty Sparrow’s legacy returns to the spotlight: Tributes keep pouring in after the calypso icon died at 91, including reflections on his ties to Brooklyn’s Straker’s Records and renewed calls to pass calypso on to young people. Gender-based violence push: Vida sin Violencia in the Dominican Republic says 70 intimate femicides in nine months demand an emergency review of protection and monitoring, while Trinidad’s Dwayne Bravo urges men to speak out against abuse after a viral incident. Youth, health, and policy: Trinidad’s Lower House passed a bill raising legal ages for alcohol and tobacco to 21 and cannabis to 25, as officials cite substance-fuelled youth problems; a psychologist warns age limits won’t fix addiction without better education and early support. Culture under pressure: The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum is closing its Penny Bank venue from Oct. 1 due to funding shortfalls. Community and learning: UG hosted the 6th Caribbean Sociological Association conference on societies in transition, and DPSU awarded scholarships for professional development in Trinidad. Public safety and child protection: Commentaries and reports highlight urgent questions around protecting children and responding to violence.