AGP Executive Report

Marine Plastic Pollution: A new study on Tobago’s Atlantic-facing beaches found 97% of recorded debris is plastic, with ocean currents and winds driving where it lands—not just local population pressure—based on surveys of eight beaches and 2,404 items. Community Food Security & Theft Prevention: Palmiste Park’s fruit-tree orchard push in San Fernando is expanding, but residents are being urged to protect newly planted trees after 50 were stolen; officials also ask the public not to pick fruit for sale. Coastal Cleanup Push: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh urged people to stop littering and switch to reusable habits during International Coastal Cleanup activities, stressing that laws alone can’t fix waste behaviour. Local Governance for Safety: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says the proposed Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) will return to Parliament after the first bill failed in the Senate, framing it as a holistic community intervention—not just police detentions. Power Disruption (Wildlife Link): T&TEC blamed a manícou (opossum) for a brief power dip affecting parts of Diego Martin, following earlier similar incidents.

Marine Plastic Pollution in Tobago: A new study on Tobago’s Atlantic-facing coasts found 97% of recorded debris is plastic, with ocean currents and waves driving the problem more than local population density—meaning the “plastic tide” is arriving from elsewhere. Community Fruit Orchards: Residents are being urged to protect newly planted fruit trees at Palmiste Park after earlier thefts saw 50 trees stolen; officials say municipal police support is available, but community vigilance is key. Coastal Cleanup Call-Out: Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh used International Coastal Cleanup to push for better waste habits, urging people to stop littering and cut single-use plastics. Food Security, Greener Spaces: Government launched a Public Fruit and Food Orchards initiative to turn underused public land into community orchards, linking fresh food access with environmental stewardship and education. Wildlife and Power Disruptions: T&TEC says another manikou (opossum) caused a brief power dip in Diego Martin, adding to recent animal-related electricity disruptions.

Heat & health in schools: Trinidad’s heat-affected primary schools got cooling fans via a community outreach that aims to make classrooms safer and more comfortable for learning. Public spaces & food security: The Government launched Public Fruit and Food Orchards, turning underused public land into community orchards to boost fresh food access and environmental stewardship. Electricity and wildlife conflict: T&TEC reported another brief power dip blamed on a manícou (opossum), adding to recent animal-related disruptions. Sustainable finance: Republic Financial Holdings expanded its sustainable finance commitment to US$750 million by 2030, linking climate resilience and food security with financial inclusion. Biodiversity research: Scientists highlighted new work mapping Trinidad and Tobago’s deep-sea region and documenting uncharted deep-sea waters. Conservation co-existence model: A livestock insurance and predator-proof pen initiative in Sri Lanka shows how compensation can reduce retaliation and support human–wildlife coexistence. Youth & environment skills: NIHERST says it’s ramping up AI and emerging tech training with a stated focus on environment and earth, alongside digital security. School safety concerns: TTUTA raised alarms after an intruder robbed a teacher at San Juan North Secondary School, pointing to infrastructure issues like perimeter fencing and overgrown vegetation.

Terrorism & Community Safety: On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a local Muslim group is renewing calls for the Government to reverse the designation of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran’s IRGC as terrorist entities, while a UWI criminologist warns Trinidad and Tobago can’t afford complacency about radicalisation and violent extremism. Wildlife & Power Disruptions: T&TEC says another manikou (opossum) caused a brief power dip affecting parts of Diego Martin, with the fault traced to the Bam­boo/Orange Grove 66kV sub-transmission circuit. Transparency Upgrade: Senators debated the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, 2026, moving annual public statements to either the Gazette plus a newspaper or a publicly accessible website. Food Security in Communities: Government launched Public Fruit and Food Orchards, turning underused public spaces into community orchards to boost fresh food access and environmental stewardship. Sustainable Finance Push: RFHL expanded its sustainable finance commitment to US$750 million by 2030, and TTSE rolled out Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines to attract capital for climate-resilient and social projects. Marine Conservation Science: TAMUG and Smithsonian MarineGEO launched a Global Sandy Beach Monitoring Network to help track beach health and erosion using shared sampling protocols. Arts in Nature: The Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago took plein air painting outdoors in Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas, as artists worked directly from changing natural conditions.

Wildlife & Power Reliability: T&TEC says another man­i­cou (opossum) caused a brief power dip around 8 p.m. Thursday, with a 10-second interruption affecting homes on Madras Road, Chin Chin Road and St Lucien Road (Diego Martin) and short disruptions for some industrial customers; the fault was traced to the Bamboo/Orange Grove 66kV sub-transmission circuit and supply was restored after technical teams fixed it. Food Security & Land Stewardship: Government launched the Public Fruit and Food Orchards initiative, turning underutilised public spaces into community orchards to boost access to fresh fruit and strengthen environmental stewardship and agricultural education. Sustainable Finance Push: TTSE rolled out Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines, while RFHL expanded its sustainable finance commitment to US$750 million by 2030, linking funding to climate resilience, financial inclusion for SMEs, and food security. Climate-Health Capacity: PAHO and UWI marked graduation of a health policy and systems programme cohort, training leaders to tackle health workforce shortages and climate change-related emergencies across the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago.

Conservation & Coexistence: WNPS marked a major human–leopard milestone in Sri Lanka by paying the first livestock insurance claim and starting a predator-proof cattle pen initiative—an approach aimed at protecting farmers’ livelihoods while reducing retaliatory killings. Youth & Environment Skills: NIHERST says it’s ramping up training for the jobs of the future, with a stronger push into AI, robotics, 3-D printing, and a stated focus on environment and earth, plus digital security. Food Security in Communities: Government launched Public Fruit and Food Orchards to turn underused public spaces into community orchards, using GIS mapping to monitor them and boost fresh food access. Marine Biodiversity: Caribbean scientists completed a deep-sea survey off Trinidad and Tobago, collecting 700+ specimens and identifying 25 cold seep ecosystems—data meant to strengthen stewardship against oil and gas, plastic pollution, and climate change. Sustainable Finance: TTSE launched Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Guidelines to unlock private capital for renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and affordable housing.

Deep-Sea Biodiversity: Caribbean scientists mapped Trinidad and Tobago’s largely unexplored deep waters, collecting 700+ specimens and finding 25 cold seep ecosystems—methane-fuelled habitats—highlighting how oil and gas, plastic pollution and climate change threaten these systems. Sustainable Finance Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange launched Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS+) Bond Guidelines to unlock private capital for renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing, with success measured by follow-on deals. Climate & Health Alerts: The Ministry of Health issued a heat-health warning as hot conditions persist, urging hydration and watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Housing for Resilience: A housing forum argued that future development must be integrated and climate-resilient, linking where people live with transport, jobs and investment. School Safety Debate: TTUTA warned that suspensions and police action won’t solve school violence, calling for prevention, intervention, support and rehabilitation. Venezuela Reset: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she expects to meet Venezuela’s acting president later this month, as talks aim to broaden cooperation across trade, energy, agriculture and environmental protection.

Heat Alert: Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Health issued a heat-health warning after hot weather and a short-term drought outlook, urging hydration, shade, and watch-outs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Deep-Sea Discovery: Caribbean scientists surveyed Trinidad and Tobago’s deep waters, collecting 700+ specimens and mapping 25 cold seep ecosystems, with hopes the findings will guide better stewardship against oil and gas, plastic pollution, and climate change. Sustainable Finance Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange launched GSS+ Bond Guidelines to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and affordable housing, with transparency and reporting built in. School Violence Debate: TTUTA says suspensions and police action won’t fix school violence, calling for prevention, intervention, support, and rehabilitation—while TTPS is moving toward stronger root-cause engagement. Climate-Resilient Housing: Housing Minister David Lee says future homes and urban development must be climate resilient, focusing on safe, dignified communities and infrastructure that can handle climate shocks. Drought Watch for Farmers: Aranjuez farmers are urging action as TTMS flags drought watch conditions, warning of risks to crops and livestock and calling for better water-channel clearing and planning.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Caribbean scientists mapped more than 11,000 sq km of previously uncharted seafloor off Trinidad and Tobago, collecting 700+ specimens and finding 25 cold seep ecosystems—data meant to guide better stewardship as oil and gas, plastic pollution and climate change threaten marine life. Heat & Health: Trinidad and Tobago issued a heat-health warning, urging hydration, shade and early recognition of heat exhaustion and heat stroke as hot conditions persist. School Violence Response: TTUTA says suspensions and police won’t fix school violence, calling for prevention, intervention, support and rehabilitation; meanwhile the TTPS is stepping up school policing and zero-tolerance enforcement. Sustainable Finance Push: The T&T Stock Exchange launched GSS+ Bond Guidelines to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing with transparency and reporting. Climate-Resilient Housing: Housing Minister David Lee says future homes must be climate resilient, with safer, dignified communities built to withstand social and environmental shocks. Agriculture Under Drought Watch: Farmers in Aranjuez are urging action as drought conditions are forecast, warning that irrigation channels need clearing to protect crops and livestock.

Sustainable Finance Push: The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange launched its Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS+) Bond Guidelines, aiming to channel private capital into renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable housing, with a focus on transparency and reporting. School Safety Debate: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar doubled down on calls to remove violent, disruptive students from schools, even challenging critics to take them into their own homes, as TTPS also moves to step up school policing and root-cause intervention. Police Intervention Plan: Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin says reported school fights are rising and that enforcement will be paired with community outreach to at-risk students, parents and teachers. Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists mapped over 11,000 sq km of previously uncharted seafloor off Trinidad and Tobago, documenting new species and deep-sea ecosystems—fuel for stronger marine protection. Local School Readiness: Despite all schools reopening, TTUTA reports lingering issues in some facilities, including health and safety concerns like infestations, water and electrical problems.

Deep-Sea Discovery: SpeSeas scientists have mapped over 11,000 sq km of previously uncharted seafloor in Trinidad and Tobago, documenting new species and ecosystems—now attention turns to which deep-sea sites should be protected. Waste & Net Zero: Beetham Landfill workers say they support a move toward a separation facility, but want job guarantees as EMA flags methane emissions and possible relocation plans. School Safety & Readiness: As classes resume, TTPS is using last year’s data to target fighting, vaping and marijuana possession across 51 schools, while TTUTA warns schools can’t function well without repairs, book grants, backpay and staffing support. Tobago School Repairs: Tobago schools reopened despite unfinished work; the union says mould, termites and bathroom issues still need full resolution. Climate & Food Impacts: Bad weather linked to tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon caused P4.38 billion in agricultural losses, affecting nearly 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk. Local Literacy Push: San Fernando launched a Child-Friendly Literacy Initiative with 10,000 children’s books donated via Better World Books for schools around the city.

Deep-Sea Biodiversity: A month-long locally led Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago expedition documented deep-sea life in the country’s waters, including methane bubbling, mussel beds, and suspected new species—researchers say some sites may warrant protection as they move from discovery to deciding what to safeguard. Waste & Net Zero: Hustlers at Beetham Landfill say they’re open to a move toward a separation facility, but want job guarantees as the EMA flags landfill relocation and the need to tackle methane emissions for net-zero goals. Tobago Schools Reopen: All Tobago schools reopened despite unfinished repairs; THA says work will continue year-round, while TTUTA warns about unresolved issues like mould, termites, and bathrooms, and urges better advance planning. School Safety Policing: Police say they’ll target fighting, vaping, and marijuana possession in schools using last year’s data, with 51 schools still on the School-Oriented Policing programme. Coastal/Marine Research: Scientists also report mapping T&T’s deep-sea region and collecting hundreds of specimens for UWI’s deep ocean collection, potentially expanding it dramatically.

Deep-Sea Discovery: A month-long Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago expedition has documented rich deep-sea life in the country’s waters, including methane-bubbling seabeds, mussel beds, and suspected new species—researchers say some sites may warrant protection once data and samples are analysed. Waste & Net Zero: Environmental Management Authority officials say talks are underway to relocate the Beetham Landfill within two years, with methane emissions a key concern for Trinidad and Tobago’s net-zero goals—workers at the site want job guarantees as a separation facility is discussed. Marine Life Science: The same deep-sea mission reported around 20 suspected new species and collected hundreds of specimens for UWI’s deep-ocean collection, strengthening the case for stewardship of largely unseen ecosystems. School Reopening Pressure: As teachers return, TTUTA warns schools can’t function effectively amid delayed repairs, unpaid backpay, and unresolved staffing and support systems; police say they’ll keep a presence at 51 schools and target fighting, vaping and marijuana possession. Climate & Energy Context: Commentary highlights how T&T’s energy-driven growth has weakened since 2014, with calls to rethink reliance on fossil-fuel turnaround hopes.

Deep-Sea Discovery: A month-long Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago expedition has mapped the country’s deep-sea life, documenting methane bubbling, mussel beds, manta-ray feeding, and human debris—researchers say several sites in the EEZ may warrant protection. Wildlife & Biodiversity: The survey, locally helmed and run aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too), documented 20 potential new species and collected 700+ specimens for UWI St. Augustine, with findings aimed at strengthening stewardship of a largely unseen ecosystem. Waste & Net Zero: Beetham Landfill workers say they support a move toward a separation facility, but want job guarantees; EMA has flagged methane emissions as a key barrier to Trinidad and Tobago’s net-zero goals. Local Climate & Health: Police will keep a presence at 51 schools under the School-Oriented Policing programme, targeting fighting, vaping, and marijuana possession as schools reopen. Education Infrastructure: The education ministry says all schools will open, with repairs still underway and safety measures planned where work continues.

Waste & Jobs: Beetham Landfill workers say they support moving the dump toward a separation facility, but want guarantees they’ll be first in line for jobs as EMA warns methane must be tackled for net-zero goals. Biodiversity: A locally led deep-sea expedition around Trinidad and Tobago surveyed about 13% of marine territory and flagged 20 suspected new species, with 700+ specimens headed to UWI’s deep-ocean collection. Community & Environment: Xtra Foods and volunteers helped repaint Mon Repos RC School, backing a cleaner, brighter start to the academic year. Marine Life & Discovery: The same deep-sea work highlighted rare finds like suspected new sea stars and symbiotic brittle stars, underscoring what’s at stake in the “unseen” ocean. Regional Climate Watch: Heavy rain alerts in the wider Caribbean region continue, with Luzon (Philippines) under red/orange warnings—another reminder of how fast weather risk can escalate.

Diplomacy Reset: T&T and Venezuela have formally launched a “new era” in bilateral ties after Foreign Minister Sean Sobers’ Caracas visit, with a work agenda spanning energy, trade, agriculture, environmental protection, culture, and security—and a permanent communication channel at the highest level. Business Push: AMCHAM T&T and the TTMA are backing the renewed engagement, urging it to go beyond energy into sustainable development and environmental protection, and TTMA is proposing a dedicated non-energy trade protocol to cut delays and non-tariff barriers for local manufacturers. Community & Schools: Xtra Foods employees and school community members helped repaint Mon Repos RC School ahead of the new term, while the PCTT is calling for students and families to prepare spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically for the school year. Local Agriculture Strain: Residents in Plum Mitan say the closure/decline of Marp(er) Farm has hit jobs and community stability, highlighting the ripple effects when agricultural programmes are discontinued.