AGP Executive Report

Weather and Drought: Heavy showers and flooding have hit parts of Trinidad, but below-average rainfall and drought watches remain a concern as hot conditions persist. Disaster Readiness: Families still living with flood risk face hard questions about whether their homes can withstand the next deluge—and the cost of rebuilding. Tobago’s Coast: Tourism expansion is dividing communities over the threat to turtle-nesting areas, as a 200-room Marriott project advances. Waste and Recycling: Japan’s car-recycling model recovers materials for reuse, but local dealers say the economics may be difficult to replicate in T&T; meanwhile, a report warns valuable waste is being buried while workers make a living from it. Wildlife and Nature: A game warden rescued an otter from a Trinidad homeowner’s water well, while Matura’s bioblitz recorded more than 1,000 species. Farming and Heat: Tobago farmers are adopting new tools as heat stresses livestock, and local farmers are being urged to use fertilisers more effectively.

Disaster Readiness: A South Trinidad family still fears another flood nearly a decade after the Godineau River system inundated their Woodland home, underscoring the need to make homes and communities safer as severe weather threatens. Waste and Recycling: Japan’s car-recycling industry recovers materials for reuse, but T&T auto dealers say the economics could make the model difficult to replicate locally. Tobago’s Coast: A proposed tourism development at Rocky Point has sharpened tensions over growth and protection of turtle-nesting habitat, raising questions about who benefits from development and what happens to the coastline. Biodiversity: A Matura bioblitz recorded more than 1,000 species, highlighting the richness of local ecosystems and the value of documenting them. Food and Climate: Tobago farmers are learning to use fertilisers more effectively, while heat stress threatens livestock—challenges that make resilient farming practices increasingly important.

Tobago Development: A 200-room Marriott is due to break ground at Rocky Point on October 13, as the proposed tourism expansion faces a wider dispute over development and turtle-nesting habitat. Wildlife: Game wardens rescued a near-threatened neotropical otter from a Barrackpore water well and released it into the Oropouche River. Farming and Waterways: Tobago farmers learned to apply fertiliser more carefully, reducing waste and the risk of nutrients reaching waterways. Biodiversity: A Matura bioblitz recorded more than 1,000 species, highlighting the area’s ecological richness. Water Quality: Brown, sediment-filled tap water has frustrated residents across several areas, with complaints raising concerns about the advice that it is safe for domestic use.

Tobago Development: Plans for a 200-room Marriott at Rocky Point, cleared for construction by the EMA, sharpen debate over tourism growth, turtle nests and community-led development at nearby Back Bay. Wildlife: A neotropical otter rescued from a Barrackpore well was released into the Oropouche River; the near-threatened species faces risks from pollution and habitat loss. Biodiversity: A Matura bioblitz recorded more than 1,000 species, highlighting the area’s rich wildlife. Water Quality: Residents report brown, sediment-filled tap water, while WASA says it is safe for domestic use. Farming: Tobago growers received training on using fertiliser efficiently to improve yields and reduce nutrient losses into waterways; meanwhile, eight new rice varieties are being made available to local farmers as T&T seeks to boost sustainable food production. Waste: A report raises concern about valuable waste being buried while workers make a living by recovering discarded materials.

Tobago’s Coast: A tourism expansion dispute at Rocky Point is putting turtle-nesting concerns against calls for resort growth. A 200-room Marriott project nearby is set to begin construction, after receiving environmental clearance. Water Quality: Discoloured tap water continues to trouble communities across Trinidad. WASA says it is safe for domestic use, but residents describe sediment and say the changing colour makes household use difficult. Farming and Runoff: Tobago farmers received training on using fertilisers more carefully, as experts warn misuse can harm crops and send nutrients into waterways. Wildlife: Game wardens rescued a near-threatened neotropical otter from a well in Barrackpore and released it into the Oropouche River. Biodiversity: A Matura bioblitz recorded more than 1,000 species, highlighting the area’s rich wildlife.

Water Quality: Residents across Trinidad report brown, sediment-filled tap water, disputing WASA’s assurance that it is safe for domestic use. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has challenged critics to name a time and place to drink a glass of it. Sustainable Farming: Tobago farmers are learning to apply fertilisers more carefully, improving yields while reducing costly losses and nutrient runoff into waterways. Wildlife: Game wardens rescued a near-threatened neotropical otter from a Barrackpore well and released it into the Oropouche River; pollution and habitat loss remain threats to the species. Biodiversity: A Matura bioblitz recorded more than 1,000 species, highlighting the area’s rich natural life. Tobago Development: Construction is set to begin on a 200-room Marriott at Rocky Point, a project cleared by the EMA in May and estimated to cost TT$500 million. Climate Risks: A strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat over the next three months, adding pressure on farmers and livestock.

Wildlife Rescue: A neotropical otter was found in a water well in Barrackpore and safely released into the Oropouche River. The near-threatened species faces pressure from pollution, hunting and habitat loss. Climate-Smart Farming: A proposed US$2.2 million Guyana programme would install 100 solar-powered cold-storage hubs to reduce food waste and help farmers preserve produce. In Smith Creek, Warao women are also using rainwater-fed shade houses to grow crops and earn income. Biodiversity: A Matura Bioblitz recorded more than 1,000 species, highlighting the area’s rich wildlife. Heat and Drought: Tobago farmers are adopting new tools to protect livestock from heat stress, as forecasters warn a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat across the region in the coming months.

Tobago Livestock: Farmers are reporting panting, reduced feeding and lower productivity as heat intensifies and drought-like conditions loom. Workshops by the THA, FAO and CARDI are sharing ways to spot and reduce heat stress, including providing shade and adjusting grazing times. Matura Biodiversity: This year’s bioblitz has recorded more than 1,000 species, including an ocelot, a tamandua, 12 bat species and a moth that may be new to science, underscoring the area’s ecological richness. Waste and Livelihoods: At Forres Park landfill, hundreds of people reportedly rely on discarded goods for food and income. The informal recovery economy offers a lifeline, but also highlights the costs of weak recycling and high waste generation.

Heat-Stressed Livestock: Tobago farmers report animals drinking more, eating differently and producing fewer eggs as temperatures climb and dry conditions threaten water supplies. A workshop by the FAO, CARDI and the THA offered guidance on reducing heat stress. Matura Biodiversity: A bioblitz has recorded more than 1,000 species, including ocelots, tamanduas, 12 bat species and a moth that may be new to science, highlighting the area’s rich wildlife. Waste and Livelihoods: At Forres Park landfill, more than 250 people reportedly rely on discarded goods for income and essentials. The account exposes the human cost of weak recycling and high waste generation. Climate Planning: Regional calls for stronger territorial planning warn that climate displacement needs to be addressed before communities are forced to move.

Tobago Livestock Under Heat Stress: Farmers report heavier water use, reduced egg production and slower animal growth as heat and dry conditions take a toll. A workshop hosted by FAO, CARDI and the THA offered guidance on spotting heat stress and protecting livestock. Matura Biodiversity: A bioblitz has recorded more than 1,000 species, including an ocelot, a tamandua, 12 bat species and a moth that may be new to science. Waste and Livelihoods: At Forres Park landfill, more than 250 people are estimated to rely on salvaged goods for income or essentials, highlighting how weak recycling and high waste generation burden both the environment and struggling households. Caribbean Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could worsen drought and humid heat, with heatwaves possible in the Lesser Antilles. Flooding and flash-flood risks remain high across much of the region.

Flood and Weather Risks: Trinidad’s Met Service warned of heavy showers, flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds across western Trinidad. Recent flooding in Cedros left residents with damaged belongings and highlighted the danger of rapidly rising water. Climate Outlook: CariCOF says a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat to the Lesser Antilles, even as flood and flash-flood risks remain across much of the Caribbean; coral bleaching potential is also elevated around the Bahamas and Greater Antilles. Invasive Species: A UWI committee is looking at ways to turn the threat posed by the giant African snail into an opportunity. Noise Pollution: The EMA urged event promoters to secure required noise variations and use practical measures to limit amplified sound reaching nearby communities.

Flood & Storm Risk: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for the western half of Trinidad (1–5 pm), warning of heavy showers, thunderstorms, street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds—on top of ongoing hot spell conditions. Noise & Communities: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001, urging better speaker placement, sound testing/monitoring, and early compliance to avoid penalties. Climate Outlook: The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum warned that a very strong El Niño could expand drought risk and bring humid heat and heatwaves, while still leaving a high risk of flooding and flash-flooding hazards across much of the region. Local Resilience on the Ground: A Cedros flooding report showed how fast-rising water destroyed homes and belongings, underscoring the human cost of extreme rainfall. Food & Livestock (Tobago): Tobago’s Lamb Fest promoted lamb as a viable, more sustainable meat option and highlighted efforts to add value for farmers and caterers. Tourism & Jobs: An economist urged T&T to boost tourism earnings and labour force participation to strengthen the economy ahead of Budget 2027. Innovation Push: MTTI signed the Buy Local, Build Trinbago Charter with three innovation hubs to help local entrepreneurs commercialise ideas and scale businesses.

Flood & Storm Risk: The TT Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for western Trinidad (1–5 pm), warning of heavy showers and thunderstorms that could trigger street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds, even as a Hot Spell continues. Noise & Community Protection: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001, urging earlier applications and practical steps like speaker placement, sound barriers, testing and monitoring to reduce impacts on nearby communities. Local Climate Impacts: Residents in Cedros reported fast-rising floodwaters that damaged homes and belongings, highlighting how quickly extreme rain can overwhelm local drainage and leave families with major losses. Food & Livestock Sustainability: Tobago’s THA Division of Food Security hosted Lamb Fest at the Shaw Park Food Hub to promote lamb as a viable, more sustainable meat option and to support value-added sheep rearing. Building Resilience in Institutions: The Central Bank launched its 2026/27–2030/31 Strategic Plan (“Insight to Impact”), aiming to strengthen its role amid changing economic and financial risks. Regional Justice Training: A PACE Justice partnership training programme will run across 10 Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, to strengthen correctional, probation and parole practice.

Weather & Flood Risk: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for the western half of Trinidad (1–5 pm), warning of heavy showers and thunderstorms that could trigger street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds—on top of a continuing hot spell. Noise & Communities: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001, urging better speaker placement, sound barriers, testing/monitoring, and early compliance to protect nearby residents. Local Innovation for Jobs: The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism signed a “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter with three innovation hubs (IATT, Founder Institute Caribbean, and La Brea Association for Innovation) to help entrepreneurs commercialise ideas and connect community innovators to national opportunities. Food & Livestock in Tobago: Tobago’s THA Division of Food Security hosted Lamb Fest at the Shaw Park Food Hub to promote lamb as a sustainable, value-added meat option and support local sheep rearing. Disaster Impacts on Homes: A Cedros flooding report described residents marooned as water rose fast, destroying furniture and belongings and leaving families with little time to save pets or property. Budget Pressure & Economic Recovery: Ahead of Budget 2027, an economist urged boosting tourism earnings and labour force participation to keep finances on a sustainable path, while unions also pushed for outstanding payments and wage settlements.

Flooding & Extreme Weather: A Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert is in effect for the western half of Trinidad (1–5 pm) as heavy showers and thunderstorms could trigger street/flash flooding, landslips and gusty winds, even while a hot spell continues. Community Impact: In Cedros, residents described how floodwater rose fast, leaving families marooned and unable to save belongings, including pets. Noise & Public Health: The EMA met event promoters and venue holders to explain the Noise Variation process and practical steps to cut noise impacts on nearby communities, warning that non-compliance can bring consequences. Local Innovation & Jobs: The Trade Ministry signed the Buy Local, Build Trinbago Charter with three innovation hubs to support MSMEs and help local ideas scale. Oil & Gas Safety: OSHA is consulting on new oil rig safety regulations covering integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence. Food Security & Budget Pressure: Agriculture consultants are urging the 2027 Budget to measure whether agri spending boosts production and food security, not just allocations. Housing Costs Worldwide: A Habitat for Humanity report says 75% of people in surveyed countries cut essentials to afford housing—an affordability warning that echoes locally. Biodiversity/Conservation Tourism: Eden’s Door in Tobago received an Eco-stewardship Award for nature trails and biodiversity-focused tourism.

Public Health & Equity: Trinidad and Tobago’s push for more physical activity is being challenged by research questioning whether global exercise guidelines fit everyone—especially manual workers for whom movement is often a necessity, not a choice. Conservation & Plastic Pollution: Scouts, with Digicel Foundation and Shell T&T support, recycled nearly 100,000 plastic bottles into 10 park benches across north-west Trinidad—turning waste into durable public seating. Invasive Species Turning Point: UWI St. Augustine has launched a multi-stakeholder plan to convert the giant African snail (GAS) from a long-running crop and health threat into community enterprise opportunities through SCALe-UP. Oil Rig Safety: OSHA is consulting stakeholders on new oil rig safety regulations covering integrity, well control, emergency response, contractor management and worker competence. Food Security & Budget Pressure: Economists and business leaders are urging the Oct 12 Budget to tackle food price volatility and foreign exchange strain, including calls to review the exchange rate and measure agriculture spending by results. Governance & Economy: The Senate approved licensed remote gambling, while political reshuffling and Tobago PNM leadership resignations signal ongoing internal strain.