AGP Executive Report

Digital Payments (UPI): Trinidad and Tobago is set to become the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with implementation being pursued under an agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, aiming for a real-time payments ecosystem and technical capacity building. Bilateral Tech & Investment: The High Commissioner says the push goes beyond payments—he’ll focus on India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities for investment and encourage joint ventures with Indian manufacturers, alongside broader cooperation tied to recent MoUs. Regional Payments (CAPSS): Caricom central banks are advancing the Caricom Payment and Settlement System (CAPSS) for faster cross-border local-currency payments, drawing lessons from Africa’s PAPSS experience shared with Trinidad and Tobago officials. Financial Literacy for Youth: Six secondary schools advanced to the TTSEC National Investing Debate semi-finals after debates under “Our Virtual Assets,” with the regulator stressing that financial literacy must translate into responsible real decisions. Public Health Law Reform: Government proposes raising legal age limits for alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21, with gambling and cannabis potentially rising as high as 25. Social Welfare Leadership: The Ministry of the People announced promotions of Dr. Hafeeza Hosein Shah to Director of Social Welfare and Helen Francis-Baptiste to Deputy Director, as part of an overhaul of service delivery.

Public Health & Travel Rules: Costa Rica will require a digital yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight new higher-risk destinations starting Oct. 1, including Trinidad and Tobago, with exemptions for very young/older travelers, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and severe allergies or immunosuppression. AI & Education: Stanford research reports AI detectors may wrongly flag 61% of essays written by non-native English students as ChatGPT-generated, raising concerns about automated scoring in schools. Digital History: A new online archive makes nearly 4 million records of enslaved people searchable across 20 former British colonies, including Trinidad, using digitised registers from 1813–1840. Local Tech & Telecom: TSTT is pushing a new, technology-based business model beyond traditional telecoms, aiming to turn profitability into operational change. STEM in the Region: A satellite-based study links most ocean oil pollution to ships and offshore infrastructure, showing how persistent spills—often within national waters—are far bigger than headline events.

Telecom Strategy: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says TSTT has returned to profitability but must shift beyond traditional telecom into broader technology services, pointing to the Prime Minister’s laptop push in schools as part of the next phase. Energy & Exploration: ExxonMobil is accelerating ultra-deepwater work on T&T’s TTUD-1 block, with seismic results expected by year-end and an exploration well potentially in late 2027/early 2028, as it moves faster than in its earlier Guyana campaign. Ocean Monitoring: A new satellite-based analysis estimates about 1.58 million sq km of ocean area is affected by oil slicks each year, with most pollution occurring within national waters and linked to ships and offshore infrastructure. Digital History: Nearly 4 million records of enslaved people across 20 former British colonies are now searchable online, including documents covering Trinidad, enabling descendants to trace family histories. STEM-Adjacent Culture: The Central Bank Museum’s “Stories in Steel” brings steelpan-related books and authors to schools and libraries using movable roller-banner displays.

Energy & Geoscience: ExxonMobil says it’s accelerating work on Trinidad and Tobago’s ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 block, with seismic results expected by year-end and an exploration well potentially in late 2027 or early 2028, after signing a production-sharing contract in Aug. 2025. Policy & Governance: Opposition figures criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UN General Assembly speech, arguing it missed chances to better advance T&T’s interests on the ICC, CARICOM trade, and national sovereignty, while she highlighted transnational crime, illicit firearms and narcotics, and emerging technologies. Local STEM & Industry: T&T exploration is also framed as moving faster than Guyana’s in related reporting, keeping regional energy development and offshore capability in the spotlight. Sports (Not STEM-focused): Most other items in the week’s feed are college football coverage, with Trinidad Chambliss and Florida’s Week 4 win over Ole Miss repeatedly mentioned.

Energy & Exploration: ExxonMobil says it’s advancing faster on Trinidad and Tobago’s ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 block than it did in Guyana, with seismic results expected by year-end and an exploration well potentially in late 2027 or early 2028, after signing a production-sharing contract in Aug. 2025. Local Governance & Policy: Opposition figures criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNGA speech, saying it missed chances to push T&T’s interests on the ICC, CARICOM, trade and sovereignty, while noting her focus on transnational crime, illicit firearms and narcotics, Haiti, Venezuela and emerging technologies. Maritime Safety: Pigeon Point tragedies are being framed as enforcement failures after another Tobago boat collision injured eight people, renewing calls for stronger compliance with the Motor Launches Act. STEM in the Spotlight: CNC3’s veteran cameraman Ivan Toolsie is profiled for decades of reporting from dangerous local scenes, highlighting the role of media tech and field skills in public science-and-safety awareness. Sports-Tech Angle: Florida’s Week 4 SEC win over Ole Miss is driving fresh attention to quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and the Gators’ run game—an example of how performance analytics shape fan and media narratives.

Energy & Exploration: ExxonMobil says it’s accelerating work on Trinidad and Tobago’s ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 block, with seismic results expected by year-end and an exploration well potentially in late 2027 or early 2028. Public Safety & Enforcement: A Tobago boating-collision case at Pigeon Point is being framed as a systemic enforcement failure after multiple serious incidents at the same beach in recent months. Weather & Media STEM: CNC3’s Seigonie Mohammed is profiled for her path into meteorology, driven by a long-standing curiosity about storms and flooding. UN Security Tech & Policy: Opposition figures criticised PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNGA speech, arguing it underplayed the International Criminal Court and trade/sovereignty priorities, while supporters point to her push for international cooperation against firearms and narcotics. Regional Tech/Industry Diplomacy: Dr Indira Rampersad (UWI) highlights the strategic value of the PM’s UN call to tackle the firearms-and-drugs supply chain across regions.

Maritime Safety & Enforcement: Tobago’s Pigeon Point saw another serious boat collision on Sept. 20, injuring eight after a prior jet ski death at the same beach earlier this year—critics call it a systemic enforcement failure despite existing rules under the Motor Launches Act. Local STEM Inspiration: CNC3 meteorologist Seigonie Mohammed traces her path from childhood prayers and fear of storms to a career in weather and meteorology. Science-Linked Diplomacy: Bangladesh and Trinidad & Tobago signed an MoU for regular bilateral consultations, with energy cooperation flagged for early technical talks. Regional Security at the UN: UWI political scientist Dr Indira Rampersad says PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNGA call for international collaboration on firearms and narcotics trafficking was strategic, linking supply, transshipment and demand partners. Tech for Risk Reduction Abroad: PG&E in Northern California is using LiDAR-equipped helicopters to inspect powerlines and vegetation to reduce wildfire risk. Sports Tech Spotlight (Local Name-Check): Trinidad-born QB Trinidad Chambliss continues to draw major attention in U.S. college football coverage.

Special Operations Bill: Senate President Wade Mark used his casting vote to break a 15–15 deadlock and secure passage of the Government’s Special Operations Bill, now cleared by both Houses, with Mark saying his decision is recorded in Hansard rather than debated publicly. Energy & trade tech: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances (CFF) is investing in lab technology to help food and beverage firms shift from synthetic to naturally derived colours, expanding its regional distribution with Sensient Technologies. AI + health innovation: At the Caribbean SEED STEM summit, Saint Lucian startups Medial Health and Rifbid placed among the top business plans, including an AI-powered health information system and AI-enabled verification for public procurement finance. Ocean pollution monitoring: A new satellite analysis estimates oil slicks smother about 1.58 million sq km of oceans yearly, linking most slicks to ships and offshore infrastructure. Regional diplomacy: Bangladesh and Trinidad & Tobago signed an MoU for regular bilateral consultations, with energy cooperation flagged for early technical talks.

Special Operations Bill: Senate President Wade Mark cast the deciding vote to break a 15-15 deadlock and pass the Government’s Special Operations Bill, clearing both Houses; Mark says his reasoning belongs in the parliamentary record, not public debate. AI & Digital Governance: UNESCO’s 4th Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Saudi Arabia included Caribbean participation, with Trinidad and Tobago among those discussing AI readiness, public-sector capacity and social impacts. Regional Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), signalling a push to strengthen regional ICT leadership. AI Security for Agents: Netskope launched Skylight Agent Action Control to block risky AI agent actions before they execute, alongside a rebranded Skylight AI Security suite. Caribbean STEM Startups: Two Saint Lucian startups topped scores at the Caribbean SEED STEM challenge, with Trinidad’s Groundtruth Caribbean also among the top plans. Climate & Marine Pressure: Commentary highlights how climate change is already reshaping rainfall, water stress, agriculture and marine life across Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. Sugarcane History Exhibit: Bethlehem Public Library hosted an installation tracing sugarcane’s role in enslavement and its lingering effects today.

Parliament & Security: Senate President Wade Mark used his casting vote to break a 15–15 deadlock and pass Trinidad and Tobago’s Special Operations Bill, after Government senators supported it and Opposition senators rejected it. National Honours: Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Senate President Wade Mark, and former minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan were named among the 2026 National Award recipients, with Mark set to receive the Order of the Republic. Media Recognition: Former Trinidad Express editors-in-chief Omatie Lyder and Ria Taitt received the Chaconia Medal (Silver) for decades of journalism and public service. Regional Tech & Telecoms: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), signalling renewed focus on regional ICT leadership. AI Governance in the Caribbean: Trinidad and Tobago contributed to UNESCO’s 4th Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, including work on AI readiness and public-sector capacity. Cyber/AI Security Tools: Netskope launched “Skylight Agent Action Control” to block risky AI agent actions before they execute, alongside a broader AI security rebrand. Energy & Diplomacy: The US signalled continued support for T&T’s downstream energy sector, while T&T and Kyrgyzstan discussed trade, renewables, and maritime cooperation.

AI Security & Governance: Netskope launched “Skylight Agent Action Control” to block risky AI agent actions before execution, with intent-based categories and risk levels for security teams. Public Health: Tobago’s Health Authority marked World Alzheimer’s Day with an “act early” panel on spotting warning signs and delaying progression. Regional Tech & Energy Diplomacy: India’s EAM Jaishankar met CARICOM foreign ministers, pushing deeper ties in economic, digital and mobility areas, plus solar and biofuels cooperation. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), signalling a renewed regional focus on ICT priorities. UN & AI Policy: At the UN General Assembly, Trinidad and Tobago’s PM highlighted transnational crime and used the Security Council seat bid to press for stronger international cooperation. Data & History Access: Nearly 4 million enslaved-person records from former British colonies were made searchable online, including Trinidad-linked registers. Energy Sector: US officials reiterated support for T&T’s downstream energy industry as gas supply negotiations continue.

AI Policy & Governance: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith says any move to rename Trinidad and Tobago’s ministry after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s “Super Intelligence” endorsement will be decided by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Energy & Industry: US Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern told stakeholders that Trinidad and Tobago’s downstream energy sector remains key as the country seeks additional natural gas supplies. Security & Tech-Enabled Crime Response: PM Persad-Bissessar used her UNGA address to flag transnational organised crime, illicit weapons and emerging technologies as major threats, pushing for stronger international cooperation. Regional Sanctions Push: Guyana joined the US-led “Shield of the Americas” pledge to impose asset freezes and visa/immigration restrictions on 24 “narco-terrorist” groups, with Trinidad and Tobago also named among participating states. AI Skills for MSMEs: MTEST and UTT launched the Immortelle Intelligence Laboratory to train AI talent, support at least 10 MSMEs with AI solutions, and expand rural digital and AI literacy (IDB Lab via EU CARIBEquity). Agriculture Resilience: Farmers trained on climate-smart crop management to handle flood, heat and drought impacts linked to El Niño.

Teachers’ Backpay: TTUTA says most teachers have received 2020–2023 salary arrears via the IHIRIS payslip system, with Trinidad largely done and Tobago still working through a manual process and vouchers. UN Security Focus: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar used the UNGA to push for stronger international action against transnational organised crime, illicit firearms and narcotics, while opposition figures reacted sharply to her delivery. AI & Skills Push: MTEST and UTT launched the Immortelle Intelligence Laboratory to train AI talent and support MSMEs, including rural digital literacy and AI certification targets. Blue Economy Research Links: Trinidad and Tobago and Panama explored cooperation in marine research, marine technology and environmental sustainability through the Institute of Marine Affairs. Climate-Smart Farming: Farmers attended a seminar on managing crops under flood, heat and drought conditions tied to El Niño impacts. Tobago Marine Safety: After another Pigeon Point boating collision injured nine people, Tobago leaders reiterated that the island remains safe but called for stronger marine regulations.

Blue Economy Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago and Panama are exploring cooperation in marine research, marine technology, environmental sustainability and blue-economy development after talks at the Institute of Marine Affairs in Chaguaramas. Maritime Safety: Tobago is reviewing safety after nine people were injured in a Pigeon Point boat collision, with calls for stronger regulations and better operator practices. Public Health Policy: The Public Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill passed to remove the County Medical Officer of Health as a routine construction-permitting approval step, aiming to cut delays. AI Security: DigiCert launched AI Trust Manager to help organisations identify and control AI agents using cryptographically signed “AI passports” and policy-based permissions. Regional Digital Governance: CARICOM ministers, including T&T’s AI and Public Administration leadership, urged coordinated AI and data governance across the Caribbean at CTU ICT Week 2026. Health Outcomes: T&T’s Health Minister highlighted progress in HIV testing and treatment, including viral suppression gains and expanded testing sites. Local Tech & Industry: Tobago’s cocoa-to-chocolate push gets a new chocolate lab via a THIT–Trinitario partnership. Crime & Infrastructure: Copper cable theft worth about $1.62M from the Bharrat Jagdeo River Bridge is under investigation, with arrests and CCTV review underway.

AI & Cybersecurity: DigiCert has launched AI Trust Manager (now generally available on DigiCert ONE) to help organisations identify, manage and control AI agents, using a cryptographically signed “AI Passport” plus policy-based permissions to govern what agents can access and for how long. Public Health: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says Trinidad and Tobago is making “remarkable progress” in HIV testing and treatment, citing 5,202 people on antiretroviral therapy (as of Sept 2025) with 95% viral suppression and improved continuity of care. Digital Policy & Regional AI: Minister Dominic Smith urged Caribbean states to coordinate AI and digital policy, calling for shared capability in AI readiness, cybersecurity and data governance at CTU ICT Week 2026. Regional Integration (Payments): CARICOM central banks are moving toward a pilot regional payment and settlement system to speed cross-border payments in local currencies and cut costs. Local Governance & Safety Law: Residents in Port of Spain’s Beetham Gardens and Sea Lots say the Special Operations Bill has them feeling “caged,” while the bill’s “closed area” permit concept could affect movement. Healthcare Infrastructure: Region One has invited bids for two new health facilities worth $37.8M, including a Smith Creek health post and a prefabricated hut at Four Miles, Matarkai. Tech in Prisons: Prison officers seized a DJI drone at Port of Spain prison after it was found with string, linked to contraband attempts. Maritime Safety: A Tobago boat collision near Pigeon Point left nine injured, including four foreign nationals; victim Massy Sanchez described the impact and injuries.

Prison Tech Crackdown: Officers at Port of Spain Prison intercepted a grey DJI drone with string attached, believed linked to attempts to drop contraband into the facility. Public Safety & Law: Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith says another State of Emergency could be unnecessary if policing strategies fully use technology and enforcement capacity. Community Concerns: After the Special Operations Bill passed, residents in Beetham Gardens and Sea Lots said they feel “caged,” fearing new restrictions following the recent SoE. Crime Investigation: A Tuschen businessman was charged and granted $300,000 bail in the Bharrat Jagdeo bridge copper theft probe; police also arrested a 52-year-old man after copper wire was found. Local Innovation & Food Tech: Tobago’s cocoa-to-chocolate push gets a boost with a new chocolate lab partnership between THIT and Trinitario, aiming to train students and grow culinary tourism. Energy & Transport Pilot: Pro-man and Du-more Enterprises launched methanol-powered heavy-duty trucks on Trinidad roads, testing whether locally supplied fuel can scale commercially. Telecom Costs: Digicel announced prepaid plan price increases from Oct. 19, with discounted renewal options for eligible customers.