AGP Executive Report

Alternative Fuels in Transport: Pro-man and Dumore Enterprises launched four 100% methanol-powered Geely trucks on Trinidad’s roads in a pilot backed by about TT$7 million, aiming to see if locally produced methanol can become a commercially viable heavy-duty fuel. Logistics & Costs: Ramps Logistics says Chinese freight rates have nearly doubled in six months, pushing up consumer prices and sending the company to Breakbulk Americas in Houston to hunt for supply-chain solutions. Public Finance & Policing: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander claims the TT Police Service is stuck in a $550m “black hole,” citing an audit (2017–22) that points to $350m in liabilities, questionable contracts, unusable equipment, and a $200m government-guaranteed NIPDEC loan. Security & Contraband Supply Chains: Police and prison sources say contraband in T&T prisons is driven less by seizures and more by the supply chain, with 150+ people charged over two years, including prison officers. Local Tech/Space Education: Mission ShakthiSAT is bringing space education to T&T, continuing the push to grow STEM pathways.

Cancer & Advocacy: Former UNC MP Dr Surujrattan Rambachan is battling Stage Four prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, and he’s using his diagnosis to push men in Trinidad and Tobago to get prostate checks. Sports Science Spotlight: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss powered a 32-24 win over LSU in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford, throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns and adding a fourth-quarter rushing score—an on-field reminder of how quarterback performance can swing outcomes. Agri-Tech in Schools: FAO and 4-H Trinidad and Tobago will supply hydroponic systems to 45 schools in 2026/27, aiming to help students and teachers explore modern growing tech where land is limited. Public Safety: A Trinidad and Tobago Regiment corporal drowned during a foot patrol at Three Pools, Blanchisseuse, after falling into the water and getting into difficulty.

Prison Tech & Security: Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service says officers found a DJI drone that crashed on the rooftop of the Maximum Security Prison, after early-morning information led to the search; 30 packs of Lucky Strike cigarettes were seized with the device, and officials warned that drone delivery methods are evolving. Regional Payments Tech: CARICOM is moving toward a regional instant cross-border payment system, CAPSS, with a pilot expected after consultations and technical reviews; the Central Bank of T&T says the system aims to make payments faster, cheaper, and more efficient, and noted a PAPSS team visit to share lessons. AI/Enterprise Software Expansion: IntellicoERP, an AI-native enterprise resource planning platform from Trinidad and Tobago, is preparing to open in Ghana as it expands internationally, pitching automation of workflows and task completion across business functions. Agriculture Innovation Law: A Protection of New Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill would extend protections to more plant species, strengthen breeder rights, and improve farmers’ access to climate-resilient crops. Public Safety Tech Policy: Commentary around the Special Operations Bill argues body-worn cameras should be mandatory, citing TTPS limits on device battery life and the need for accountability in high-authority operations.

Police Accountability: As Parliament weighs the Special Operations Bill, advocates argue body-worn cameras must be mandatory in special operations districts, warning TTPS has only about 100 working units with battery life as low as 90 minutes to two hours. Youth & Skills: The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is advancing partnerships (with YTEPP, NEDCO and MIC-IT) to expand youth pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and skills development. Enterprise Tech: Trinidad-based Intellico AI Agency says IntellicoERP is set to expand internationally, with plans to open an office in Ghana and automate enterprise workflows across functions like finance and governance. Clean Transport Pilot: Proman and Dumore Enterprises report four 100% methanol-powered Geely trucks are now operating in T&T, logging 17,000+ km and reporting lower greenhouse gas emissions versus diesel. Biodiversity Spotlight: Matura Bioblitz 2026 will run as a 24-hour outdoor lab (Sept 26–27), using iNaturalist to help document Trinidad’s biodiversity.

Methanol Fuel Pilot in T&T: Proman Trinidad and Dumore Enterprises have launched four 100% methanol-powered heavy-duty trucks on local roads, after Transpor t Commission approval, with the pilot already logging 17,000+ km and 41 refuels at Point Lisas; the companies say the switch from diesel cuts greenhouse gases and key pollutants, and they’re testing performance, costs, and safety to build a domestic methanol market. Police Tech & Oversight: As the Special Operations Bill heads to debate, TTPS body-cam capacity is under scrutiny, with claims of limited battery life and questions about how many cameras are actually operational; criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad backs stronger judicial checks but warns the bill could become “crime-suppression” without social interventions. Climate Resilience for Fisheries: A US$12.55m GEF-funded regional project (CC4FISH-II) is set to scale climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030, supporting fisherfolk and strengthening adaptation in fisheries governance. Digital Records Push: Fujitsu Caribbean opened Jamaica’s “Engine Room” digitisation centre to convert paper records into structured searchable data for public-sector systems and AI use. Local STEM & Skills: T&T’s manpower planning gap is highlighted as young people graduate without clear job-sector forecasts, risking mismatches like doctor unemployment alongside healthcare shortages. Sports Tech Angle: A Trinidad and Tobago cycling national criterium win by Liam Trepte adds another spotlight on local performance and training pathways.

Public Safety Tech: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service body-worn cameras are under scrutiny as officials say only about 100 are operational, with limited battery life and questions about the fate of hundreds of earlier purchases, ahead of Parliament’s Special Operations Bill debate. Judicial Oversight: Criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad backs stronger court checks in the new Special Operations Bill but warns it could become “crime-suppression” without tackling social drivers of crime. Healthcare Mobility: TTNNA urges caution over NCRHA’s new patient care shuttle using two eight-seater golf carts at EWMSC, after concerns about how the service was chosen for a large campus. Prison Security Tech: The Prison Service intercepted a drone carrying contraband cigarettes at Maximum Security Prison, citing intelligence-led operations and the growing challenge of drone-enabled smuggling. Climate Resilience (Regional STEM): A US$12.55m GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project launched to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, including Trinidad and Tobago. Local Innovation/AI: IntellicoERP, launched from T&T, is expanding across the Caribbean via partnerships, with focus on AI-native enterprise workflows and controlled human approvals. STEM & Space Education: “Mission ShakthiSAT” is bringing space education to Trinidad and Tobago. Tech/Business: Animae Caribe pushes for more private-sector investment in animation to build local IP and jobs.

AI Security Update: DigiCert launched the DigiCert AI Trust Manager on its DigiCert ONE platform to help organisations verify AI agents’ identities and ownership, define what they’re authorised to do, and revoke access via a kill switch. Public Procurement Watch: Trinidad and Tobago’s OPR annual report (FY 2024/25) flags heavy public spending alongside persistent administrative non-compliance, including non-responsiveness, reliance on micro-procurements, and losses from unfulfilled contracts and variations. Health & Safety: Port of Spain General Hospital’s maternity unit evacuation was triggered by smoke from a newly installed air-conditioning unit; TTFS cleared the building quickly and confirmed no babies were harmed. Tech for Learning: The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence donated 24 refurbished desktop computers to NGOs for National Literacy Month, linking literacy to access to technology and skills. Local Governance & Justice: The Industrial Court reported a rise in caseload (876 new cases) and said government will support it with staffing, infrastructure and more technology use. STEM/Space Spotlight: Mission ShakthiSAT returns to the spotlight as Trinidad and Tobago’s Kaitlyn Sahatoo shares her space-science experience.

FOI Clash in Parliament: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh defended a 2026 Freedom of Information amendment that shifts required publication of public authority annual statements from daily newspapers to either newspapers or public websites, arguing it boosts transparency and access; former PM Stuart Young SC warned it signals UNC plans to publish “less and less” in newspapers. Justice System Tech Push: The Industrial Court says caseload rose to 876 new cases (Sept 2025–Sept 2026) and pledged support to tackle staffing, infrastructure and expand technology use as it improved its clearance rate to 115.75%. Health & Safety at POSGH: NWRHA reported a maternity unit fire alarm triggered by an air-conditioning component; NICU staff and patients were evacuated, the Fire Service cleared the building within about an hour, and all babies were accounted for. Digital Access for Learning: The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence donated 24 refurbished desktop computers to NGOs for National Literacy Month, aiming to widen tech access and skills. Space Education Spotlight: Mission ShakthiSAT brought space science and technology opportunities to TT girls, with local participant Kaitlyn Sahatoo sharing her experience. Energy Update—Manatee Plus: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal said Manatee Plus is nearing first gas, with infrastructure able to process up to one billion standard cubic feet of gas daily. Crypto Regulation Move: TT is preparing to move virtual assets from a sandbox to a permanent regulatory framework, with speakers pointing to remittances and cross-border payments as key use cases.

Space Education: Trinidad and Tobago’s Mission ShakthiSAT is putting girls on a path into space science and technology, with local participant Kaitlyn Sahatoo sharing her experience after returning home. Digital Access for Learning: The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence donated 24 refurbished desktop computers to Abide Trinidad, The Shelter, and the Girl Guides Association to support National Literacy Month, aiming to boost homework, training, research and employment opportunities. Regional Climate Resilience (Fisheries): A US$12.55 million GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project is getting underway to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, expected to benefit over 21,800 people across multiple islands including Trinidad and Tobago. Crypto Regulation Shift: Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to move the crypto sector beyond its sandbox toward a permanent regulatory framework, with regulators and fintech leaders pointing to uses like remittances, cross-border payments and tokenisation. Trade Risk from EU Carbon Rules: A Central Bank research paper warns EU carbon border rules may be a short-term hit of under 1% to GDP, but could still raise competitive pressure on Trinidad and Tobago’s carbon-intensive exporters. Security Screening for Migrants: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says Interpol is assisting with background checks for more than 24,000 migrants processed through Trinidad and Tobago’s registration system before migrant cards are issued. Public Safety & Oversight: The Prime Minister says security forces have seized about $1 billion in illegal drugs since taking office, following a major 440.2kg cocaine interception. Governance & Corruption: A Senate debate highlighted calls to report corrupt building and public health inspectors, citing bribes and weak oversight as drivers of approval failures.

Crypto Regulation: T&T’s Central Bank is moving virtual assets from a controlled sandbox to a permanent regulatory framework, with fintech leaders pointing to uses beyond trading—especially remittances, cross-border payments, stablecoins and tokenising real-world assets. Climate & Trade: A Central Bank research paper warns the EU’s carbon border rules may be a small hit to GDP short-term, but could still squeeze competitiveness for T&T’s most carbon-intensive exporters. Regional Climate Resilience: A US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project is launched to help over 21,800 people in Caribbean fisheries and coastal communities—including T&T—adapt to climate and disaster impacts. Health Policy Training: PAHO and UWI report the completion of a third cohort of a Caribbean health policy and health systems postgraduate programme, training 11 professionals across eight countries including T&T. STEM & Space: A 19-year-old from T&T returns home after a hands-on satellite experience, saying it could shape future STEM education and healthcare locally. Education & Cocoa Tech: Tobago’s THIT and Trinitario launch a chocolate lab with students, aiming to build skills in processing and value-added cocoa products. Cybersecurity for AI: Netskope and DigiCert announce new tools to control and “kill switch” risky AI agent actions, pushing stronger governance for autonomous systems.

Prison Power & Safety: The Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre reportedly lost electricity around 5:40 p.m. Monday and had no backup generator, leaving detainees in darkness for hours, with prison officers also warning that outdated infrastructure and security systems threaten public safety. Health Leadership: PAHO and UWI wrapped up a Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Health Policy and Health Systems for the third cohort, training 11 professionals across eight Caribbean countries including Trinidad and Tobago. AI Security Controls: DigiCert launched DigiCert AI Trust Manager with a “kill switch” to revoke AI agents’ permissions, while Netskope announced Agent Action Control to block risky agent actions before they execute. Local STEM & Food Tech: Tobago’s chocolate push got a boost as a new chocolate lab was launched via an MoU between THIT and partners, aiming to add value to Trinitario cocoa through training and product development. Space STEM Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago medical student Kaitlyn Sahatoo returned from India’s ShaktiSat Mission, where she worked on satellite engineering and says the programme could lead to the T&T flag reaching the Moon.

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.

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.