Human Trafficking Watch: A new Trinidad and Tobago trafficking-in-persons report warns the country’s Tier 2 status still falls short, citing 30 victims last year—mostly women and girls, including 13 minors, and largely Venezuelan nationals—urging stronger, survivor-centred protections. STEM & Food Innovation: Tobago’s cocoa sector gets a boost with a new chocolate lab at Mt St George School and the Trinitario Fine Cocoa Company, aiming to build skills in processing, recipe development, and value-added products for hotels and exports. Space STEM Spotlight: Medical student Kaitlyn Sahatoo says her all-girls satellite training in India could help put T&T’s flag on a lunar mission launch in October, linking space tech to future local healthcare STEM. Digital Governance & Accountability: TSTT launches an independent probe into former acting CEO Keino Cox over procurement, governance, conflicts of interest, fraud, and related workplace claims. Climate Risk Alert: Scientists warn Trinidad and Tobago should prepare for a potentially “Super El Niño,” with major weather impacts expected into 2027. Deep-Sea Research: Marine scientist Dr Diva Amon says T&T’s deep-ocean discoveries are still just the start, calling out “parachute science” and pushing for local data use in governance and public awareness.
AGP Executive Report
Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
Space & STEM Inspiration: A 19-year-old Trinidad and Tobago medical student says the country’s flag could be on the Moon after she took part in India’s SkakthiSAT Mission 2026, where an all-girls programme trained participants alongside ISRO scientists for a lunar satellite launch planned for Oct. 11. Education & Sport Science: TTFA and UWI (St Augustine) signed a four-year MOU to link football development with education, research, sports science, coaching education, safeguarding, and youth pathways, including a scholarship named for late administrator Azaad Mohammed-Khan. Digital Telecom Governance: TSTT launched an independent investigation into former acting CEO Keino Cox, probing procurement, governance, conflicts of interest, fraud, harassment and retaliation, including scrutiny of a proposed TT$49m Digital First Call Centre contract. Climate Risk for T&T: Commentators warn T&T to prepare for a “Super El Niño,” citing high chances of very strong conditions through early 2027 and potential impacts on heat, drought, flooding and agriculture. Marine Science: A deep-sea researcher says Trinidad and Tobago’s exploration is still “scratching the surface,” criticising “parachute science” and calling for local ownership of deep-ocean data and management. Environment: New research reports 97% of debris on Tobago’s Atlantic-facing beaches is plastic, with ocean currents and winds driving where it accumulates.
Climate Risk Watch: Scientists warn a strengthening “Super El Niño” could drive extreme heat, drought, flooding and major disruptions, with effects expected to persist into early 2027—so T&T should plan now rather than assume it’ll “miss” the worst. Governance & Telecom Oversight: TSTT has launched an independent probe into former acting CEO Keino Cox, examining procurement breaches, governance failures, conflicts of interest, fraud, and claims of harassment/retaliation tied to contracts with eight companies. Deep-Sea Science: Marine scientist Dr Diva Amon says T&T’s deep-ocean discoveries are still just the start, criticising “parachute science” where researchers leave with data, and calling for stronger local management of what’s found. Trade & Innovation: TTMA is sending a 37-member manufacturing delegation to Miami (Sept 13–18) to build export links, including a “Doing Business in Miami” seminar with government and customs partners. Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: RDC will begin rehabilitation of the Charuma Junction landslip in Mayaro, part of wider road and landslip repairs across the constituency. Marine Pollution Research (Tobago): A new study finds about 97% of debris on Tobago’s Atlantic-facing beaches is plastic, with ocean currents and winds shaping where it accumulates. Sports Science Link: TTFA and UWI signed a four-year MOU to strengthen football development through education, research, sports science, safeguarding, and youth pathways. Public Health Systems: PM says outdated systems are delaying access to cheaper medicines, with a promised overhaul of the medicine approval process.
Marine Plastic Pollution in Tobago: A new standardized study on Tobago’s Atlantic-facing coasts found about 69% of recorded marine debris was plastic, and on Atlantic beaches it jumped to 97%, with currents, winds and waves driving where trash accumulates—not just local population pressure. Sports Science & Pathways: TTFA and UWI St Augustine signed a four-year MOU to link football development with education, research and sports science, including internships and work across national teams and academies. Public Health & Access: The Government is set to digitise public health records, while lawmakers push to modernise Freedom of Information rules so annual statements can be published online. Community Tech & Environment: A Public Fruit and Food Orchards initiative at Palmiste Park is underway, but residents are being urged to help stop theft of newly planted fruit trees.
Sports-Education Partnership: TTFA and UWI St Augustine signed a four-year MOU to link football development with education, research, sports science, coaching education, safeguarding, and youth pathways, including UWI student internships across football, futsal and beach soccer. Marine Plastic Pollution: A new study finds 97% of debris recorded on Tobago’s Atlantic-facing beaches was plastic, with currents and waves driving where it lands—researchers surveyed eight beaches and recorded 2,404 items. Human Rights & Public Safety: As the state of emergency nears its Sept 17 end, advocates are urging Government to apologise to 300+ detainees freed without charge, arguing trauma and lack of legal recourse were central harms. Food Security & Community Stewardship: Residents were urged to protect newly planted fruit trees at Palmiste Park after thefts, with officials warning against selling fruit and asking for community vigilance. Digital Governance: Senators debated modernising Trinidad and Tobago’s Freedom of Information law, allowing annual public statements to be published via Gazette or on publicly accessible websites. Health Policy & Medicines: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says medication registration delays and shortages are tied to outdated rules, a non-functioning committee, and an old medical formulary—pushing for faster, tech-enabled approvals. Energy Storage Research: A study explores adding water to lithium-ion battery electrolytes to improve ion movement, but warns excess free water can decompose under voltage and harm safety and battery life. Local STEM Talent: NIHERST is putting AI and emerging technologies at the forefront of youth training, aiming to build next-generation skills.
Medicine Access Overhaul: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago’s medication shortages and delays are tied to an inactive committee and outdated rules for registering cheaper drugs, arguing that if WHO or the US FDA approves medicines, local approval shouldn’t take up to a year. Public-Sector Transparency Upgrade: Senators are debating the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which keeps Gazette publication but allows annual public statements to be posted online—part of a broader push to digitise access to government information. Digital Finance Regulation: The Central Bank hosted a Research Review Seminar 2026 with regulators and Virtual Asset Service Providers, focusing on bridging the digital divide while keeping innovation aligned with financial security and international standards. Food Security Tech Push: Government launched the Public Fruit and Food Orchards Initiative, using GIS mapping to monitor orchards and turn underused public spaces into community food production sites. Youth STEM & AI Training: NIHERST says it’s shifting its youth programmes toward AI, robotics and 3-D printing, with FLIP AI training expanding due to high demand. Health Leadership Training (Regional): PAHO and UWI celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems postgraduate programme, including participants from Trinidad and Tobago. Terrorism Threat Debate: On the 9/11 anniversary, renewed discussion continues in T&T about the country’s terrorism threat and the risk of radicalisation.
Freedom of Information Modernisation: Senators debated the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, keeping Gazette publication but allowing public authorities’ annual statements to be posted either in a daily newspaper or on a public website, with the Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith pointing to digitisation and a UNESCO-backed push for proactive disclosure across the Caribbean. Medication Approval Overhaul: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says medication shortages and delays are tied to an inactive committee and outdated rules, including an outdated medical formulary, arguing Trinidad and Tobago should rely on approvals from WHO and international regulators to speed access to cheaper, effective drugs. Food Security Tech Push: Government launched the Public Fruit and Food Orchards Initiative to turn underused public spaces into community orchards, using GIS mapping to monitor orchards and support fresh-food access. Digital Finance Regulation: The Central Bank hosted a Research Review Seminar on digital finance, focusing on bridging the digital divide while keeping innovation aligned with financial security, including sandbox work for Virtual Asset Service Providers. Health Leadership Training: PAHO and UWI marked the graduation of the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems postgraduate programme, training professionals from across the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago.
Medicine Access Overhaul: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says medication shortages are being worsened by an inactive committee and outdated drug-approval rules, with cheaper medicines reportedly stuck for up to a year despite approvals by major regulators. Digital Health Push: Health Minister Dr Lackram Boode says government is in talks with the IDB on an integrated programme that could digitise patient records across the public health system, aiming to cut reporting delays and improve patient wait times. Public Food Tech & Security: Government launched the Public Fruit and Food Orchards initiative, converting underused public spaces into community orchards and using GIS mapping to monitor them. Battery Science: A study finds adding water to lithium-ion battery electrolytes can improve lithium movement, but too much free water can create safety and lifespan risks. Animal Disease Surveillance: T&T is strengthening animal disease monitoring with a new digital tool to support faster detection and response. Digital Finance Regulation: Regulators and Virtual Asset Service Providers discussed bridging the digital divide while keeping financial security, including how sandbox testing can help implement rules. Health Leadership Training: PAHO and UWI graduated the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems postgraduate programme, building regional capacity for health system leadership.
Medicine Reform: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will overhaul its outdated medicine approval system after reports of cheaper drugs being stuck for up to a year, blaming a non-functioning committee, old rules and an outdated medical formulary. Battery Science: A study explores how adding water to lithium-ion battery electrolytes can improve lithium movement, but warns too much “free water” can break down under voltage and harm safety and lifespan. Digital Finance Regulation: The Central Bank convened regulators and Virtual Asset Service Providers to balance innovation with financial security, including how a regulatory sandbox helps test anti-money-laundering rules. Public Health Digitisation: Health Minister Dr Lackram Boode says talks with the IDB could lead to wider digitisation of patient records to cut reporting delays and improve waiting times. Connectivity Boost: Free TT WiFi launched at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, with plans to expand to hundreds of locations nationwide. Food Security Push: Government launched Public Fruit and Food Orchards to turn underused public spaces into community orchards, using GIS mapping to monitor them. Deep-Sea Research: Caribbean scientists mapped Trinidad and Tobago’s deep-sea region, collecting 700+ specimens and identifying 25 cold seep ecosystems.
Battery Research: Scientists report that adding small amounts of water to lithium-ion battery electrolytes can help lithium ions move more easily, boosting performance—while warning that too much “free water” can break down and create safety and lifespan problems. Suicide Prevention: Trinidad and Tobago’s psychologists’ association says the country can no longer ignore a suicide crisis, citing 478 deaths from 2020–2023 and urging a shift in public conversation ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day. Digital Health: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says the government is in talks with the IDB on an integrated programme that could digitise patient records and speed up reporting and reduce waiting times. Connectivity for Care: Free TT WiFi has launched at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, expanding internet access across hundreds of health institutions. Housing & Urban Planning: A panel argues T&T needs integrated housing planning—linking where people live with transport, jobs, community services and climate-resilient infrastructure. Deep-Sea Science: Caribbean researchers mapped Trinidad and Tobago’s deep-sea waters, collecting 700+ specimens and identifying cold seep ecosystems that could inform better ocean stewardship. Local Tech & Business: PBS Group has taken full control of Trinidad Systems Limited, aiming to strengthen regional tech offerings. Energy & Local Content: A panel on the Manatee gas project says T&T could capture up to US$500m, but only if local-content rules are enforced so more spending stays in-country.
Digital Health Push: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says the Government is in talks with the IDB on an integrated programme that could digitise public patient records, aiming to cut reporting time for medical results and improve waiting times. Connectivity for Care: Free TT WiFi has launched at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, with TATT saying TTWiFi will reach 288 locations nationwide by September 2026, including 119 health institutions. Deep-Sea Science: Caribbean researchers led by Trinidadian deep-sea ecologist Diva Amon report a major survey off T&T, collecting 700+ specimens and mapping 25 cold seep ecosystems, with hopes the data will guide better stewardship. Animal Health Tech: The Agriculture Ministry is rolling out the FAO’s EMA-i+ smartphone app to speed up real-time reporting of animal disease events, feeding into the EMPRES-i+ national platform for monitoring and analysis. Media Tech & Governance: PBS Group has taken full ownership of Trinidad Systems Limited, and TTPBA elected a new 2026–2028 board focused on media sustainability amid AI and misinformation pressures.
Deep-Sea Science: Caribbean researchers completed a major deep-ocean survey off Trinidad and Tobago, collecting 700+ specimens and documenting 25 cold seep ecosystems—data meant to guide better stewardship as oil and gas, plastic pollution and climate change pressure marine life. Agriculture Tech: Trinidad and Tobago’s Agriculture Ministry is rolling out the FAO’s EMA-i+ smartphone app to report animal disease events in real time with geo-tagged locations, feeding into the EMPRES-i+ platform for faster monitoring and response. Digital Trade Warning (Region): A World Bank/IDB/WTO report says Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade frameworks, highlighting gaps in policy commitments, infrastructure, logistics and integration—an indirect caution for the wider region. Local Tech Business: PBS Group has bought the remaining 55% stake in Trinidad Systems Limited, giving it full control while TSL keeps operating under its brand and leadership expands across the Eastern Caribbean. Energy & Resilience: Housing Minister David Lee argues future homes and cities in T&T must be climate resilient, with affordable, sustainable development and infrastructure designed to withstand shocks. STEM in the Private Sector: iQor launched a global Gaming Center of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago, building specialized player support and trust/safety operations for game publishers.
Animal Health Tech: Trinidad and Tobago’s Agriculture Ministry is rolling out FAO-backed EMA-i+ to let field officers report animal disease events in real time with geo-tagged details, feeding into the EMPRES-i+ national platform for faster monitoring and epidemiological analysis. Public Service Skills: The Office of the Attorney General marked the end of interns and in-service trainees’ placements, urging them to protect their professional reputations by choosing integrity in day-to-day decisions. Maritime Accountability Debate: Indigenous rights activist Laura George criticised the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry’s membership, saying Indigenous and human-rights experts were not included and that wider consultation should have shaped the terms of reference. Deep-Sea Science: SpeSeas led a month-long expedition mapping 11,000+ sq km of previously uncharted T&T seafloor, documenting new species and collecting specimens to support marine conservation. Energy & Industry Ideas: A new proposal argues for a nuclear “shared energy hub” concept for electricity, industrial heat and desalination, while a separate business push highlights Omega’s reinvention as the economy and technology change.
Deep-Sea Science: SpeSeas scientists mapped 11,000+ sq km of previously uncharted seafloor around Trinidad and Tobago, documenting new species and collecting hundreds of specimens to support marine conservation and policy. Tech & Jobs: iQor launched a global Gaming Center of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago, building a gaming-native Player Support program and expanding its gaming practice leadership. Education & Skills: TTSEC’s National Investing Debate Competition will bring 22 secondary schools together to boost financial literacy and investor protection awareness, with rounds from Sept. 28 to an Oct. 30 final. Local STEM/Infrastructure: A Chinese construction group proposed a more integrated Couva development plan starting with expansion of the Phoenix Industrial Park, linking transport, housing, industry and public services. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of 75-year-old Chunilal Bandoo in Curepe; a post-mortem is expected at the Forensic Science Centre.
Deep-Sea Science: UWI marine scientist Dr La Daana Kanhai says the month-long “Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago” expedition found deep-sea areas in T&T’s Exclusive Economic Zone that are “teeming with life” and may warrant protection, but site selection will need more lab work on samples and data. Student Finance & Tech Skills: TTSEC’s National Investing Debate Competition will bring 22 secondary schools together to research and debate investing, investor protection and financial literacy, with prelims Sept. 28, semis Oct. 16 and finals Oct. 30—aimed at building research, critical thinking and public speaking. School Readiness in South Trinidad: As the new term starts, some families are still dealing with traffic, temporary classroom setups and unresolved building-readiness issues after an OSH prohibition affected at least one school’s reopening. T&T–China Tech Tensions: China’s embassy warns the U.S. not to interfere in Chinese technology partnerships involving T&T, escalating a wider security-and-trade dispute. Tobago Digital ID: Tobago moves ahead with a new ID system launch to go digital.
Deep-Sea Science: UWI marine scientists report the month-long “Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago” expedition mapped key deep-sea sites in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, documenting 20 suspected new species and collecting 700+ specimens for the St Augustine Zoology Museum—researchers say the findings could guide future protection of high-life areas. Biodiversity & Conservation: The team’s observations include methane bubbling, deep coral associations and rare fauna, with scientists arguing that discovery now must turn into a systematic plan for which sites to safeguard. Tech Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago is caught in a U.S.-China tech spat after the Chinese Embassy pushed back on American warnings about Chinese suppliers, arguing partnerships are mutually beneficial and should not face “foreign interference.” Energy & Waste Research: A new study explores turning dog faeces into renewable energy via anaerobic digestion, finding methane—not hydrogen—drives most recovered energy, with untreated wet waste showing the best energy-versus-cost balance. Local Tech & Data: TTSEC has launched an online hub for financial and market data, aiming to improve access to information for the public and market participants.
Deep-Sea Science: A month-long “Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago” expedition mapped parts of the country’s deep-sea region, documenting around 20 suspected new species and collecting 700+ specimens for UWI’s deep-ocean collection. Tech & Diplomacy: The Chinese Embassy in T&T pushed back on US warnings about Chinese technology partnerships, escalating a wider US–China tech dispute that puts Trinidad and Tobago in the spotlight. Digital Government (Tobago): Tobago launched “Tobago ID,” an online platform to access THA services, track application status, and reduce in-person trips. Public Services via Tech: A new tele-legal assistance programme will use WhatsApp, phone hotlines, and virtual consultations to help people access confidential legal guidance without travelling to offices. Education Tech & Access: Book grant distribution delays triggered parent scrambling, but the Ministry says a two-week grace period will prevent students from being penalised. Energy/Environment Research: A study on dog waste found methane drives most recovered energy from anaerobic digestion, positioning pet waste as a potential renewable-energy feedstock.
Deep-Sea Science: Trinbagonian marine biologists helped lead a month-long deep-sea survey around the Caribbean, documenting about 20 suspected new species and collecting 700+ specimens for UWI’s deep ocean collection. Digital Government: Tobago launched Tobago ID, an online platform to access THA services and track application status, with 1,000+ sign-ups in hours. Education Tech & Access: A tele-legal assistance programme is set to start Oct 1, using WhatsApp, phone hotlines and virtual consultations to connect people to confidential legal guidance. Biometrics & Fraud Tech: OCR Studio trademarked “One-shot KYC,” combining document OCR and face biometrics from a single capture for faster onboarding; Unico also rolled out “Smart Revalidation” to better handle AI-powered fraud attempts. Energy & Waste Research: A study found dog faeces can generate biogas, with methane delivering most of the recovered energy. Local Industry & Policy: The government completed a new ownership/management structure for Hilton Trinidad, keeping the Hilton brand and jobs in place.
Digital Government in Tobago: Tobago launched Tobago ID, an online platform to access THA services and track application status; early sign-ups topped 1,000 within hours. Cybersecurity & Identity Tech: Unico rolled out Smart Revalidation to match authentication strength to transaction risk, aiming to curb AI-powered fraud without slowing low-risk users. Regulation & Data Access: TTSEC launched a new data hub to make securities and market statistics easier to find and monitor on its website. Education Tech & Access: Parents got a two-week grace period after delays in school book grant distribution; TTUTA warned turnout may be low in the first week. Community Tech Funding: Digicel Foundation and Shell T&T committed $1M to 10 community-led projects under EPIC’s 10th anniversary. Local Tech Diplomacy: US and China embassies sparred publicly over Chinese technology security risks and T&T tech partnerships. Justice via Tech: A tele-legal assistance programme will use WhatsApp, hotlines, and virtual consultations to help people access legal guidance remotely.
Digital Government: Tobago launched Tobago ID, an online platform to access THA services and track application status; officials say 1,000+ people signed up within hours. Education Support: Parents get a two-week grace period to obtain school supplies after delayed book grant distribution; the Ministry says 20,744 grants were approved and $10M+ distributed, with some payments still processed for parents without bank accounts. Public Services Tech: A tele-legal assistance programme (WhatsApp, hotlines, virtual consultations) begins Oct. 1, aiming to help about 1,000 people reach confidential legal guidance without travelling to offices. Cyber & Fraud Tech: Unico introduced Smart Revalidation to match authentication strength to risk, using passkeys and server-side face biometrics plus 40+ signals to fight AI-powered fraud. Market Data Tech: TTSEC launched a new data hub for financial and market statistics, moving from static spreadsheets to an interactive online portal. Local Economy/Jobs: Government finalised a new ownership and management structure for Hilton Trinidad, with e Teck’s subsidiary owning the hotel while Hilton continues day-to-day management. Security/Infrastructure: Police are expected to charge suspects over $1.6M copper cable theft from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge.
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