AGP Executive Report

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.

TTSEC Data Hub: The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) has launched a new online data hub to make financial and market statistics easier to access, replacing older Excel downloads and semi-annual bulletins with a centralised, interactive portal for investors, researchers and policymakers. Cyber & Fraud Tech: Unico says it’s seeing a surge in AI-powered fraud and rolled out “Smart Revalidation,” which uses many real-time signals to match the right level of authentication to each transaction—aiming to cut friction for low-risk users while keeping accuracy high. Digital Identity / Biometrics: OCR Studio trademarked “One-shot KYC,” combining document scanning and face biometrics from a single local capture on a user’s device, positioning it as a faster onboarding option for banks and fintech. Local Governance & Tourism Assets: The government finalised a new ownership and management structure for Hilton Trinidad, with e Teck’s subsidiary taking ownership while Hilton continues operating the property under a management agreement. Legal Ruling (Tobago): Tobago’s THA Secretary for Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries Zorisha Hackett says a High Court decision found search warrants in the “audiogate” investigation unlawful.

Deep-Sea Discovery: A Caribbean-led expedition mapped 11,335 sq km of Trinidad & Tobago’s deep ocean, finding 25 cold-seep ecosystems and 20 suspected new species, with specimens headed to UWI’s Zoology Museum. Finance Tech: The TTSEC launched a new online Data Hub to make securities and market statistics easier to access than older Excel downloads and bulletins. Education AI: The Ministry of Education is rolling out an AI-powered learning assistant for Forms One and Two, with an avatar to explain concepts across six subjects—while TTUTA warns it must support, not replace, teachers. Legal Ruling (Tobago): The High Court ruled “audiogate” search warrants executed at a Tobago tourism official’s home and the Division of Education, Research and Technology were unlawful. Infrastructure Crime: Police are investigating the theft of about 90 feet of copper cable worth $1.6M from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, leaving LED lights without power; arrests are expected.

Deep-Sea Discovery: A Caribbean-led expedition mapped 11,335 sq km of previously unmapped seafloor off Trinidad and Tobago, confirming 25 cold-seep ecosystems and flagging 20 suspected new species—plus 700+ specimens headed to UWI’s Zoology Museum. Market Transparency Tech: TTSEC launched an online Data Hub to modernize access to securities market statistics, replacing mostly Excel downloads and bulletin releases with a centralized, interactive platform for investors and researchers. Infrastructure Security: Police are investigating the theft of about $1.6M in copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, knocking out LED lights and prompting CCTV review. STEM in Education: A new Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices curriculum is bringing natural dyeing into senior high school classrooms, using local plants to teach chemistry and cultural history hands-on. Sports Tech Spotlight: TDK is fitting smart sensors to javelins at an athletics event in Budapest to capture release and flight physics in real time for athletes and spectators.

AI in Schools: The Ministry of Education has launched “Chris,” an AI-powered tutor for Forms One and Two, rolling out curriculum-aligned digital learning across subjects like Mathematics, Social Studies and Integrated Science, with guardrails and plans to adapt to students’ needs. Cybersecurity & Finance Tech: Bankers Association executive Keston Howell says banking’s shift to phone and computer transactions is boosting convenience but raising cybersecurity and fraud risks, while pushing inclusion for customers left behind. Digital Payments Push: A new fintech-focused report says T&T is moving toward an instant-payments platform modelled on India’s UPI, alongside electronic-money providers and local fintech to reduce cash reliance. Infrastructure Theft: Police are investigating the theft of about 90 feet of 4/350 KCMIL copper cable (valued at over $1.6M) from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, cutting power to LED lights; CCTV is being reviewed. Energy Industry Outlook: Kevin Ramnarine argues T&T could become a regional oil-and-gas processing hub over the next decade if deep-water projects and Venezuelan gas flow materialize. Entrepreneurship Skills Gap: “That Lookit Brand” founder Krista-Lee Lookit says research shows many young SMEs struggle with marketing, and her “A Brand For You” programme is running marketing masterclasses to close the gap.

Digital Government Upgrade (Cuba): Cuba is expanding its Soberanía digital government platform with UNDP and China support, adding new online services, digital literacy efforts, and issuing 43,000+ verified digital identities—though adoption and document recognition still lag. Infrastructure Theft (T&T/Region): Police in Guyana are investigating the theft of about 90 feet of heavy-duty copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, disrupting LED lighting used for national-colour displays; CCTV is being reviewed. Reforestation + Mapping (T&T): ReLeaf TT is launching a pilot to restore degraded forest land with 236,000+ trees across 102 hectares, using digital technology to measure and track restoration “grounded in science.” Industry/Metals (T&T): A Point Lisas steel-and-vanadium restart is being discussed as a chance to build a broader local metals, recycling, and manufacturing ecosystem—depending on what mineral feedstock is imported. Human Capital (Tobago): Tobago’s falling birth rate is being addressed with family-support and population-growth thinking, but the push is also framed as needing long-term skills and opportunity. STEM Education (Local): Psi Beta advisor Trinidad Argüelles (West Campus) won a 2026 national faculty advisor award for psychology mentoring and student ethical leadership.

Industrial Metals & Energy: Ibis Steel plans to reopen the Point Lisas steel plant, with a possible path to local steel-and-vanadium processing that could turn imported vanadium-bearing minerals into higher-value products. Forestry Tech for Climate Resilience: ReLeaf TT launches a 102-hectare pilot to restore degraded forest lands with 236,000+ trees, using digital mapping to measure and track restoration outcomes. AI & Data Centres, Jobs Reality Check: A policy push links AI/data-centre projects and Point Lisas recommissioning to major investment and employment claims, but reporting notes data-centre operations can be “lean” once construction ends. Business Security: The prison service’s continued searches and intelligence efforts get support from services-sector business leaders, who say predictable safety helps investment confidence. Local Leadership in Finance: First Citizens appoints Sana Ragbir as acting Group CEO after Jason Julien’s resignation, reshuffling senior acting deputy roles. STEM Recognition: Psi Beta advisor Trinidad Argüelles wins a national faculty advisor award for mentoring and ethical student support. Youth & Skills: Tobago’s youth programmes wrap with certificates and calls to keep building work-ready skills.

ReLeaf TT Reforestation Pilot: Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram says the new ReLeaf TT programme could generate over $8 billion annually from reforestation benefits, starting with a 102-hectare pilot to plant 236,000+ trees and using digital mapping to measure and track restoration. Climate Risk Watch: CIMH and UWI warn the Caribbean could face a severe drought and heat stretch into 2027 as El Niño strengthens, with Trinidad and Tobago likely seeing broader below-normal rainfall and more hot-spell days. Local Youth & Skills: Tobago’s Department of Youth Empowerment wrapped up World of Work, Trade Trek and Hire-Ready programmes, while the Ministry of Education flagged bullying and vaping as major school concerns. Health Tech Milestone: Under the amended Children’s Life Fund Act, an international specialist performed a first local specialised procedure in Trinidad, avoiding overseas treatment. Education Recognition: Psi Beta advisor Trinidad Argüelles (West Campus) won a national faculty advisor award for mentoring and ethical student support. STEM Career Pipeline: Holly FFA Career Fair is slated for Oct. 12, 2026.

Regenerative Medicine Push: Atunse Healthcare Caribbean Limited launched in Port of Spain, pitching Trinidad and Tobago as a hub for regenerative medicine, research, clinical collaboration, training—and even local vaccine manufacturing. Budget & Policy Signals: Ahead of the 2026 budget, stakeholders are urging strategic fiscal shifts focused on investor confidence, diversification beyond energy, small business relief, and food security. Climate & Water Risk: CIMH and UWI warn the Caribbean could face a severe drought and heat crisis into 2027, with Trinidad and Tobago likely seeing broader below-normal rainfall and more hot-spell days. Child Healthcare Access: Under the amended Children’s Life Fund Act, an international specialist travelled to Trinidad to carry out a specialised procedure locally, marking the first such treatment done on-island. School Safety: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says bullying and vaping remain major school concerns, calling on students to speak out and reject both behaviours. ICT/Youth STEM Angle: Tobago Junior Tourism Secretary Shania Phillips heads to Guyana for the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Youth Congress, with plans to inspire more young tourism advocates.

Budget & Policy Signals: Ahead of the national budget, stakeholders are urging strategic policy shifts and targeted fiscal support focused on investor confidence, economic diversification, small business relief, and food security. Climate & Water Risk: CIMH and UWI researchers warn the Caribbean could face a severe drought and heat crisis into 2027, with Trinidad and Tobago likely seeing broader below-normal rainfall and more hot-spell days under strengthening El Niño. Health Tech in Action: The amended Children’s Life Fund Act enabled a first-of-its-kind local procedure with an international specialist, allowing specialised care to happen in Trinidad instead of sending the child overseas. School Safety & Tech-Adjacent Health: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says bullying and vaping remain major school concerns, calling on students to speak out and reject both behaviours. Regenerative Medicine Partnership: At a Port of Spain conference, Atunse Healthcare announced plans for regenerative medicine collaboration, including clinical training and potential local vaccine manufacturing.

Medical access upgrade: Trinidad and Tobago’s amended Children’s Life Fund Act is already delivering results, with the first local specialist procedure carried out by an international intervention hepatobiliary expert working alongside local teams at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex—reducing the need to send children overseas for care. School safety focus: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says bullying and vaping remain major school concerns, urging students to speak out and reject both behaviours. Climate risk alert: CIMH and UWI researchers warn the Caribbean—including T&T—could face worsening drought and heat into 2027 as El Niño strengthens, with forecasts pointing to broader below-normal rainfall and more hot-spell days. Regenerative medicine push: Atunse Healthcare Caribbean launched plans to position T&T as a regenerative medicine hub, including clinical collaboration, training, and discussion of local vaccine manufacturing. Youth agriculture setback: A probe into abandoned youth ag programmes comes as T&T’s food import bill stays near $7B, leaving nearly 1,500 graduates in limbo.

Regenerative Medicine Push: Atunse Healthcare Caribbean launched a partnership aimed at making Trinidad and Tobago a hub for regenerative medicine and research, including clinical collaboration, training, and plans discussed for local vaccine manufacturing. Local Healthcare Milestone: The amended Children’s Life Fund Act enabled the first local delivery of a specialist procedure by an international expert, carried out at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex with local specialists and Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe visiting the beneficiary. Climate & Water Risk: CIMH and UWI climate researchers warn the Caribbean could face a severe drought and heat crisis into 2027, with Trinidad and Tobago likely to see broader below-normal rainfall and more hot-spell days. School Safety Focus: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath flagged bullying and vaping as major school concerns, urging students to speak out and adults to better understand youth language and culture. Youth Tech & Business: A Tobago student, Shania Phillips, heads to a regional tourism youth congress after local success, while another youth entrepreneurship market showcased kids turning cookies and discarded electronics into sellable ventures. Governance & Tech Accountability: Concerns continue over missing police body-camera footage in investigations, with the Police Complaints Authority saying it has not received footage for fatal incidents recorded this year.

ICT Education Boost: TATT handed out a second tranche of bursaries to 12 students pursuing ICT-related degrees at UWI, UTT and COSTAATT, backing Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation with more homegrown tech talent. Deep-Sea Discovery: A locally led deep-sea survey off Trinidad and Tobago mapped 4,300+ square miles of uncharted seafloor and flagged 20 suspected new species, including corals, carnivorous sponges and squat lobsters. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting Central America and Caribbean developers to submit renewable energy proposals for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing, with Trinidad and Tobago included. Energy Transition Skills: Chevening scholars from T&T are pursuing UK master’s degrees focused on climate change science and policy, aiming to strengthen regional energy transition work. Public Safety Tech: Prison officers seized 14 phones and other contraband at MSP during an intelligence-led search tied to suspected drone delivery. Earth Science Watch: A 4.6 magnitude earthquake was detected northeast of Trinidad and Tobago at about 45 km depth, with no immediate damage reports. Governance & Accountability: The PCA says it has not received police body-camera footage for fatal incidents so far this year, renewing calls for officers to wear the devices.