AGP Executive Report

Coral Reefs Under Pressure: A new Earth Insight report says T&T’s expanding oil-and-gas push puts “100 per cent” of its coral reefs inside oil and gas zones, after thousands of square kilometres of sensitive waters were opened for exploration. AI Data Centres Debate: Government says proposed AI data centres in Debe will be in a special economic zone, using ponds first and desalination later, but critics warn the power demand and environmental footprint could be significant. Disaster Preparedness Focus: The Caribbean Red Cross is urging a shift from only responding to disasters toward stronger preparedness for increasingly complex, multi-hazard emergencies. One Health Outreach: A U.S. Dental and Veterinary mission delivered free services across Trinidad and Tobago, linking people, animals and the environment through a One Health approach. Conservation & Biodiversity: Trinidad and Tobago has joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance, signalling renewed momentum for protecting nature. Energy Governance: PowerGen’s new board appointments highlight efforts to strengthen accountability as the electricity sector faces evolving demands.

Data Centres & Energy Footprint: Trinidad and Tobago signed MOUs with U.S. firms Hummingbird AI Holdings and Ernst & Young to advance proposed 150MW and 300MW data-centre projects, with critics warning the deals could mask major energy and environmental impacts. Disaster Preparedness: Red Cross partners gathered in Port-of-Spain for the Caribbean Resilience Exchange 2026, pushing a shift from only responding to disasters toward stronger preparedness for multi-hazard emergencies. Regional Climate & Health Resilience: CDEMA and CARPHA renewed an MOU to better link disaster management with public health, aiming to strengthen regional readiness as extreme weather and health threats intensify. CARICOM Affordability Measures: CARICOM leaders agreed on steps to ease cost-of-living pressures, including reducing intra-regional cargo costs and accelerating a regional ferry service—moves that also intersect with transport emissions and resilience planning. Power Sector Governance: PowerGen’s new board was installed, including deputy chair Nathan Jeremie, as the government frames it as part of building a more resilient energy sector.

Deepwater energy push: ExxonMobil says it has nearly finished its first seismic survey for Block TTUD-1 and is moving into the next phase, praising fast regulatory progress with the EMA as T&T seeks new upstream growth. Power sector governance: The Public Utilities Ministry installed PowerGen’s new board, with Attorney General John Jeremie’s son Nathan as deputy chair, as the government says it’s strengthening accountability and reliability. Regional affordability talks: CARICOM leaders and private-sector partners agreed on practical steps to ease cost of living, including lowering intra-regional cargo and freight costs, boosting renewable energy, and accelerating a regional ferry plan. Disaster preparedness focus: The Caribbean Red Cross is urging a shift from just responding to disasters to investing in preparedness for multi-hazard emergencies. Cyber resilience: T&T became the 20th member of LAC4, a regional cybersecurity and training hub, with the Homeland Security Ministry as host. Trade pressure points: The TT Chamber’s Canada mission will focus on market readiness, while the TT Manufacturers’ Association calls for urgent clearing of VAT refund backlogs. Local environment-adjacent note: A “One Health” dental and veterinary outreach mission backed by the U.S. Southern Command highlighted links between people, animals, and the environment.

Weather & Safety: Baguio City suspended classes after Typhoon Inday brought persistent heavy rain, with crews clearing fallen trees and debris to keep roads passable. Regional Resilience: CARICOM leaders flagged affordability relief measures that include cutting taxes on imported fuel, easing freight and cargo costs, expanding renewable energy, and fast-tracking a regional ferry plan. Biodiversity Watch: Scientists on Trinidad and Tobago’s first deep-sea expedition recovered a possible new deep-sea octopus species, to be studied and preserved locally. Marine Conservation: Tobago’s Buccoo Reef management is being discussed with operators as officials push for stronger marine park protection while balancing livelihoods. Energy Governance: The Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (PowerGen) installed a new board as the government points to modernisation and a more resilient energy sector. One Health Outreach: The US Southern Command’s dental and veterinary mission delivered free services across Trinidad and Tobago, linking people, animals, and the environment. Cyber Capacity: Trinidad and Tobago joined the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) to boost regional cyber training and national resilience.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists on Trinidad and Tobago’s first locally led deep-sea expedition aboard RV Falkor collected a rare octopus specimen that may represent a species new to science, with DNA and anatomy studies planned and the specimen preserved in T&T for future research and education. Marine Conservation: Tobago marine resource officials shared ongoing consultations with Buccoo Reef operators and efforts to strengthen management of Tobago’s marine parks, aiming to balance conservation with livelihoods. Weather Watch: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service discontinued the Yellow Level High Wind Alert, returning the country to Green Level as wind-gust risk dropped, though residents are still urged to monitor official updates. Regional Health Security: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain to coordinate preparedness and response across 26 member states, funded by the EU to strengthen outbreak and disaster resilience. CARICOM Governance: Pollster Peter Wickham said CARICOM emerged stronger after its Saint Lucia summit, including a compromise to seek a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion on the CARICOM Secretary-General appointment process.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists on Trinidad and Tobago’s first deep-sea expedition aboard RV Falkor collected a rare, possibly brand-new deep-sea octopus specimen—only one has been recovered so far. Researchers will study its anatomy and DNA, and the specimen will be preserved in Trinidad and Tobago for future research and education. Weather Watch: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has discontinued the Yellow Level High Wind Alert, saying the risk of damaging gusts has dropped; residents are still urged to monitor official updates. Marine Conservation & Livelihoods: Tobago’s Buccoo Reef management is getting fresh attention, with consultations focused on balancing conservation with the jobs and income reef operators rely on, as marine parks protection efforts continue. Regional Biodiversity Push: Trinidad and Tobago has joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance, with leaders backing the goal of protecting 30% of Earth’s land and oceans by 2030. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated a Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain to strengthen Caribbean coordination for public health emergencies across 26 member states.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists on Trinidad and Tobago’s first locally led deep-water expedition aboard RV Falkor (too) collected a rare octopus specimen that may be the only known example of its kind, with DNA and anatomy checks planned before a possible new species is formally described; the animal will be preserved in T&T for research and education. Biodiversity Push: Trinidad and Tobago officially joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance, with President Irfaan Ali announcing the move at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, aiming to boost biodiversity financing and help protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. Wetlands Governance: Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram is set to present T&T’s wetlands strategy at a Jamaica dialogue focused on ecosystem-based management, biodiversity, food security and climate resilience. Weather Watch: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service warned of strong winds from late July 7 to mid-day July 9, with a high chance of damaging gusts and choppy seas—secure loose items and use caution near the water.

Biodiversity Push: Trinidad and Tobago has officially joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance, with President Irfaan Ali announcing the move at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia—aimed at boosting biodiversity financing and helping protect 30% of Earth’s land and oceans by 2030. Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists on Trinidad and Tobago’s first deep-sea expedition aboard RV Falkor collected what may be the first known specimen of an unknown deep-sea octopus, with DNA and anatomy studies now set to confirm whether it’s new to science. Weather & Safety: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow Level Adverse Weather Alert for heavy showers and thunderstorms that can bring flash flooding, gusty winds and landslides, urging residents to stay vigilant. Regional Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to strengthen disaster and public health emergency coordination across 26 member states. Youth & Environment: Eco-Heroes visited schools to tackle single-use plastic, encouraging students to cut plastic waste and become environmental champions. Community Support: In Fyzabad, Shanna Dindial’s El Roi Community Homework Centre—solar-powered and grant-funded—offers vacation and after-school learning support for children.

Weather & Risk: The Meteorological Service has issued a Yellow Level Adverse Weather Alert for Trinidad and Tobago, warning of heavy showers and thunderstorms that can trigger flash flooding, gusty winds and landslides. Strong Winds Alert: A separate warning flags strong winds from 11:00 pm July 7 to 2:00 pm July 9, with a 70% chance of gusts over 55 km/h—secure loose items, protect roofs and livestock, and use caution at sea. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to coordinate regional outbreak and disaster response across 26 member states. Plastic Reduction in Schools: Eco-Heroes visited Cunjupia Government Primary School to push students to cut single-use plastics and become environmental champions. Junior Golf Response: TTGA defended the national junior team’s performance at the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship, saying the experience matters while Trinidad and Tobago builds deeper competitive strength. Digital Voting for Membership Groups: Rose IT Services launched iVote Live, a Trinidad-and-Tobago-built platform aimed at reducing long queues, manual counting and access barriers for member-based organisations.

Weather Watch: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow Level High Wind Alert from 11:00 pm July 7 to 2:00 pm July 9, with a 70% chance of gusts over 55 km/h during showers—secure loose items, protect roofs, and use caution at sea. Flood Risk Update: The earlier Yellow Level adverse weather alert has been downgraded to Green, but forecasters still warn of a medium chance (40%) of heavy showers or thunderstorms, with gusty winds and possible street/flash flooding. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to strengthen regional disaster and outbreak coordination across 26 member states. Climate & Environment Education: Eco-Heroes visited schools in Trinidad to push students to cut single-use plastics and become “plastic-free” champions. Energy & Environment: An op-ed links LNG export choices to reliability and points to Methanex idling at Point Lisas as “economic karma” affecting the petrochemical future. Disaster Readiness: Engineers warn many homes and informal developments may not withstand a major earthquake, urging preparedness after recent Venezuela quakes.

Legal Rights & LGBTQ+: A landmark challenge to Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial-era anti-gay laws will be heard by the JCPC in London on 8 July, with LGBTQ+ groups granted permission to intervene and advocates warning the laws could be upheld. Weather & Flood Risk: The Met Office has downgraded the earlier Yellow Level alert to GREEN, but warns of heavy showers or thunderstorms (40%) over Tobago and parts of north/northern Trinidad, with gusty winds and possible street/flash flooding. Plastic & Youth Action: Eco-Heroes visited Cunjupia Government Primary School to push students to cut single-use plastics, using peer-led storytelling and student “ambassadors” during Plastic-Free Month. Air Quality & Health: A study links dust from the shrinking Salton Sea to spikes in indoor air pollution and respiratory illness risk for children, highlighting how housing quality and inequality worsen impacts. Oil Sector Security: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says 92 acts of sabotage hit T&T’s oil infrastructure between Oct 2025 and June 2026, costing over $1m in damaged equipment plus cleanup and lost production. Regional Health Preparedness: CARPHA commissioned a Regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen disaster and public health response across 26 member states.

Weather Watch: Trinidad and Tobago’s Met Office has downgraded the adverse weather alert to GREEN after earlier heavy rain and some flooding, but a medium chance of heavy showers or thunderstorms remains, with gusty winds and possible flash flooding—especially in Tobago and northern/eastern areas. Coastline Clues: A ghost boat has come ashore in Trinidad, with police still investigating where it came from after it was found drifting with no engine, gear, or registration. Heritage Under Pressure: The National Trust is launching a nationwide push to assess more than 300 archaeological sites across Trinidad, revisiting locations that haven’t been professionally examined in decades while keeping exact locations cautious to reduce looting risk. Regional Health Security: CARPHA has commissioned a Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain to help the 26-member bloc prepare for and respond to public health emergencies together. Digital & Tourism Tech: UWI and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union formalised a strategic partnership to drive regional digital policy, research, and capacity building, while the CTO also named a new digital transformation lead. Sustainability in Motion: An Argentine logistics firm is pitching a used cooking oil collection service in T&T to export waste oil for conversion into sustainable aviation fuel for the EU.

Weather Watch: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued a yellow-level adverse weather alert for heavy showers and thunderstorms, with a 70% chance of impacts from 1:30 a.m. to noon, including flash flooding, gusty winds, rough seas near storms, and possible landslides in vulnerable areas. Heritage Under Pressure: The National Trust is launching a nationwide programme to assess more than 300 archaeological sites across Trinidad and Tobago, starting with Ortoire and Mayaro, aiming to document and protect heritage while keeping exact locations cautious to reduce looting risk. CARICOM Focus: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to attend the CARICOM Heads of Government summit in St Lucia, with regional priorities including security, trade, economic development and climate resilience. Sustainable Fisheries: Carenage hosted a fisheries expo promoting marine conservation and skills for a sustainable, jobs-focused future for the sector. Energy & Gas Pricing: A renewed NGC–Methanex dispute is reigniting debate over natural gas pricing transparency after the Titan methanol plant’s indefinite idling.

CARICOM Summit Watch: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar heads to the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St Lucia, with regional security, trade, economic development and climate resilience on the agenda. Regional Integration Debate: CARICOM Day is again being questioned as a national holiday across the Caribbean, with leaders urging the region to move from talk to action. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to strengthen disaster and outbreak response across 26 member states. Energy & Transparency: The Methanex-T&T gas dispute is reigniting calls for more transparency around natural gas pricing from state companies. Marine & Food Security: Carenage hosted a fisheries expo promoting sustainable growth, marine conservation and skills for jobs tied to food security. Waste-to-Value Move: An Argentine firm is collecting used cooking oil in T&T for export to the EU to be converted into sustainable aviation fuel. Air Quality/Weather: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality.

Waste-to-fuel push: An Argentine logistics firm, Axionlog, is collecting used cooking oil in Trinidad and Tobago and exporting it to the EU to be converted into sustainable aviation fuel—turning local waste into a new export and jobs. Gas pricing transparency fight: The Methanex dispute with the National Gas Company over indefinite idling of the Titan plant is reigniting questions about whether natural gas prices from state suppliers should stay confidential after contract talks end. Energy security warning: Economist Mariano Browne says gas shortages and recent industrial departures signal a looming squeeze for T&T’s energy landscape, with business leaders worried about jobs and knock-on effects for SMEs. Regional health resilience: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to coordinate public health emergencies and disaster response across 26 member states. CARICOM Day integration push: CARICOM leaders marked the 53rd anniversary with calls for stronger regional unity—linking integration to climate resilience, food and energy security, and better opportunities for young people. Fisheries sustainability spotlight: A Carenage expo brought fishing communities together to promote marine conservation, skills, and sustainable growth for food security. Weather watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality.

Marine & Fisheries Sustainability: Carenage hosted the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute’s inaugural Expo for St. Peter’s week, bringing fishing communities together to push marine conservation, skills, and new jobs tied to food security. Weather & Air Quality: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality. Regional Health Security: CARPHA inaugurated its CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Port of Spain, funded by the EU, to coordinate preparedness and response across 26 member states. CARICOM Unity: CARICOM leaders marked CARICOM Day with calls for stronger regional cooperation on climate change, food and energy security, crime, and youth opportunities. T&T Energy Shockwaves: Commentaries and business concerns continue around gas supply strain and industrial uncertainty linked to Methanex’s operations. Coastal Change Watch: UWI Seismic Research Centre linked last week’s Cedros coastline uplift to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, noting rapid coastal movement and stranded sea life. People-First Tech: Massy urged Caribbean organisations to pair AI investment with workforce readiness, training, and responsible governance.