AGP Executive Report

Food Security Pressure: Trinidad’s poultry shortage is pushing up prices, and the Agricultural Society is urging a national agriculture census so government can map who produces what, where, and under what conditions. Climate & Water Stress: A new report flags Trinidad and Tobago’s growing water supply crisis, warning that short-term fixes won’t be enough as rainfall patterns shift and drought risk rises. Flood Risk & Resilience: Across the region, monsoon-driven flooding and landslides have killed dozens in the Philippines, with agricultural losses topping P1B—another reminder that extreme weather hits both people and food systems. Clean-Up & Pollution Control: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation has started a Carli Bay clean-up after years of indiscriminate dumping, with environment officers and litter wardens set to enforce penalties. Blue Economy Jobs: Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram backed the CFTDI Blue Economy Youth Empowerment Project, training young people for fisheries, aquaculture and maritime careers. Local Infrastructure for Farmers: Work is moving to finish the stalled La Trinidad Community Business Center, aiming to improve post-harvest marketing and commodity logistics.

Water Security: Trinidad and Tobago is facing a growing water supply crisis, with experts warning the country needs long-term resilience as rainfall patterns shift and drought risk rises. Flooding & Climate Impacts: Heavy monsoon rains in the Philippines have killed at least 27 people, with landslides and flooding hitting multiple provinces—another reminder of how extreme weather can quickly overwhelm communities. Local Action on Pollution: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation has started a clean-up at Carli Bay after years of indiscriminate dumping, with councillors warning residents against littering and promising enforcement. Blue Economy Skills: Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ravi Ratiram visited participants in the CFTDI Blue Economy Youth Empowerment Project, highlighting training pathways for young people in fisheries, aquaculture and maritime work. Youth in Sport: CWI named 22 Under-19 women for a High-Performance camp in Antigua, with seven players from Trinidad and Tobago. Industrial Relations: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath warned the CWU not to escalate the TSTT wage dispute, stressing essential services must stay stable.

Flood & storm impacts beyond T&T: In the Philippines, relentless southwest monsoon rains and flooding have killed at least 27 people, with multiple deaths tied to landslides in Benguet and Baguio. Local labour & essential services: In Trinidad and Tobago, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says Government will not be “bullied” in the TSTT–CWU wage dispute, as the union threatens action over a proposed 10% increase while TSTT warns telecoms is an essential service. Energy & local participation: Ernesto Kesar says the Local Content Committee will be restarted after about three years, aiming to boost local companies and skills across the energy value chain. Prison security: TTPS reports contraband seizures at Port-of-Spain Prison after cigarettes, marijuana and a cellphone were thrown over the wall, with two inmates detained. Wildlife & outdoor access: Colorado Parks and Wildlife opened nine miles of new hiking and mountain-biking trails at Fishers Peak State Park in Trinidad, expanding loop routes. Marine sport under weather watch: Despite a yellow-level alert and rough seas, Heatwave won the Great Race’s first-to-Tobago run, with nine boats unable to finish. Agriculture pressure: A farmers’ group in the Philippines calls for emergency production aid after monsoon losses top P1 billion, with vegetable prices collapsing and buyers scarce.

Local Energy Governance: Energy Minister Ernesto Kesar says the Government will restart the Local Content Committee after a three-year gap, aiming to boost local participation across the energy value chain. Weather & Flood Risk: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert as a tropical wave moves through, with isolated heavy showers/thunderstorms, possible street/flash flooding, and choppy seas. Marine Life at Risk: Ahead of the Great Race, stakeholders at Store Bay are worried a leatherback turtle nest may be trampled despite a small protective picket—crowds are expected to surge. Steel & Nearshoring: Economists say the planned revival of the Point Lisas steel plant could help position T&T as a higher-value nearshoring base for the US, using local gas and industrial capacity. Infrastructure & Jobs: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal confirmed T&T will invest about US$1 billion to repair oil and gas pipelines amid ongoing leak problems. Community & Nature Access: Nine miles of new hiking and mountain biking trails opened at Fishers Peak State Park, creating loop routes and improving year-round visitor options.

Adverse Weather Watch: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert from midnight to 5 pm Saturday as a tropical wave passes, with isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms, gusts near 50 km/h, and possible street/flash flooding and choppy seas. Flood Response: Government ramped up flood control and road-clearing efforts in the Philippines, including keeping pumping stations running and fast-tracking higher river structures—an example of how quickly infrastructure work must move when monsoon rains hit. Marine Life at Risk: Ahead of the Great Race, stakeholders at Store Bay are worried a leatherback turtle nest may be trampled despite a small picket, with calls for faster protective barriers before crowds arrive. Energy & Industry: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal said T&T will invest US$1 billion to repair ageing oil and gas pipelines, while separate reports highlight new data-centre plans in Golconda and ongoing gas/oil push for economic gains by 2027. Local Economy Pressure: A chicken shortage is driving up depot prices, with poultry owners saying supply is limited and smaller birds mean reduced sales options. Culture & Development: On World Steelpan Day, pan is celebrated not just as music, but as a chance to convert cultural success into lasting social and economic value.

Great Race & Heatwave: Despite a yellow-level weather alert and rough seas, the 58th Great Race ran from Chaguaramas to Tobago; Heatwave won “first to Tobago” and also took the 80-mph E Class crown, while nine boats failed to finish. Wildlife on the beach: Store Bay stakeholders are worried a leatherback turtle nest may be trampled as crowds build for the race, with a small barrier in place and calls for faster protection. Weather watch: TT Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert for isolated heavy showers/thunderstorms, possible gusts up to 50 km/h, and localized street/flash flooding. Prison contraband: Port-of-Spain Prison officers seized cigarettes, marijuana and a cellphone after contraband was thrown over the wall, detaining two inmates for trafficking charges. Energy & infrastructure: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal says Government will invest about US$1 billion to repair oil and gas pipelines after years of disrepair, with expected economic benefits from gas and oil recovery by 2027. Tobago autonomy debate: Dr Winford James continues analysis of the Tobago Autonomy case, focusing on how fiscal reasoning shifted from a population-based starting point to a higher upper boundary. Regional energy ties: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar welcomed Venezuela’s Loran-Manatee hydrocarbon licensing, saying it could boost T&T’s energy security and gas supply.

Adverse Weather Alert: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert from midnight to 5 pm Saturday as a tropical wave moves through, with isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms, possible gusts near 50 km/h, choppy seas, and street/flash flooding in flood-prone spots. Coastal Wildlife Watch: Ahead of Tobago’s Great Race at Store Bay, stakeholders are worried a leatherback turtle nest could be trampled despite a small protective picket—urging beachgoers to watch their step and authorities to act fast. Food & Climate Pressure: A chicken shortage is hitting consumers as searing heat reduces local production, while poultry depot owners say supplies are limited and smaller birds are driving up prices. Energy & Environment: Government says it will invest about US$1 billion to repair oil and gas pipelines after reports of leaks and disrepair, with Energy Minister Moonilal linking the work to safer infrastructure and future output. Regional Storm Toll: Across the wider region, Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the southwest monsoon have killed at least 22 and left 3 missing, affecting about 4.8 million people.

Marine Wildlife & Tourism: A leatherback turtle nest at Store Bay, Tobago, has stakeholders worried as crowds for today’s Great Race could trample eggs despite a small protective picket. Weather & Flood Risk: The Trinidad and Tobago Met Office issued a Yellow-Level Adverse Weather Alert (midnight to 5 pm Saturday) for isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms, with gusts up to 50 km/h, flash flooding, ponding, and choppy seas. Disaster Preparedness: A call for stronger earthquake preparedness in T&T highlights how regional quakes have already affected southern Trinidad, stressing that “no recent disaster” can breed dangerous complacency. Energy Infrastructure & Pollution Risk: Government says it will invest US$1 billion to repair oil and gas pipelines after reports of leaks, including lines deteriorating in concrete structures. Food & Heat Impacts: Trinidad’s chicken shortage is linked to searing heat reducing bird placement and stressing poultry production; officials expect relief as conditions improve. Poultry Biosecurity: The Ministry is pushing a local hatchery/breeding PPP and adding approved egg/chick sources (including the Netherlands) to manage avian influenza risks. Local Economy & Jobs: Energy Minister Moonilal expects economic benefits from expanded gas supply by 2027, while ExxonMobil says it can move quickly on approvals for seismic work.

Storm impacts: The Philippines’ southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones “Luis” and “Maymay” have pushed the death toll to 21, with Benguet hit hardest (15 deaths, mostly landslides), plus 17 injured and 3 missing; damage is estimated at P2.647B in infrastructure and P347.37M in agriculture, affecting over 1.2M families. Local weather watch: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service says a tropical wave east of the Lesser Antilles is weakening, but heavy rain and gusty winds could still affect parts of the Windwards; no TT watches or warnings are in effect. Food security under heat: Trinidad and Tobago’s chicken shortage is being linked to exceptionally hot weather and heat-management limits on bird placement; the Farmers’ Union warns shortages could return in 6–12 months unless poultry biosecurity and costs are addressed. Waste & net zero: EMA says Beetham Landfill relocation is planned within two years, but methane cuts must be paired with plans for livelihoods tied to the site. Energy talks: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar met ExxonMobil on faster approvals for seismic work and possible hydrocarbon benefits. Marine & fisheries capacity: CRFM training in Guyana focused on data-limited groundfish assessment for better management across the North Brazil Shelf ecosystem.

Poultry & Heat Watch: Trinidad’s chicken shortage is being linked to searing weather that cut local production by about 20%, with the Agriculture Ministry saying farmers are reducing bird placement to protect welfare and avoid heat-related losses; officials expect supplies to improve within weeks. Energy & Investment: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met ExxonMobil’s Trinidad and Tobago operations manager, who says the company secured approvals for seismic work faster than in any other jurisdiction and remains optimistic about a potential hydrocarbon find. Waste & Net Zero: The EMA says talks are underway to relocate the Beetham Landfill within two years, but warns methane and the livelihoods of people who depend on the site must be handled first. Tobago Youth Spotlight: UN Young Leader Anthurium Lewis won three awards at the Tobago Youth Awards, with leaders urging young people to “kick down the door” and shape Tobago’s future. Weather & Preparedness: TTMS reports a tropical wave is weakening but still expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to parts of the Lesser Antilles, while Trinidad and Tobago currently has no watches or warnings. Fireworks & Noise Concerns: Independence Day plans for Queen’s Park Savannah include a mix of traditional and low-noise fireworks plus a drone show, drawing criticism from noise-pollution advocates.

Extreme Weather & Preparedness: In the Philippines, the southwest monsoon and cyclones Luis and Maymay left 21 dead and 3.7 million affected, with 553 evacuation centres still open and damage put at about P2.65 billion—another reminder for the region to keep early-warning and disaster readiness sharp. Climate Resilience for T&T: The Caribbean Development Bank, with the Green Climate Fund, is backing a USD 27.1m push to strengthen hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Net-Zero Planning: T&T launched Pathways to Net Zero reports for waste and agriculture/forestry/other land use, aiming to cut emissions and turn the transition into new opportunities for jobs and resilience. Invasive Species Watch: The giant African snail is again surging with the rains, threatening crops, gardens and public spaces—an annual battle that still needs stronger coordinated control. Energy & Environment: Point Lisas steel is set for revival with vanadium in the mix, while T&T’s gas master plan is being revisited as the country maps its next steps for development. Food Security & Innovation: UWI highlights that affordability—not just food availability—is blocking healthy diets, and a youth innovation competition showcased ideas like a farmer-to-consumer app to cut waste and improve market access.

Net Zero Push: T&T launched “Pathways to Net Zero” for Waste and Agriculture/Forestry/Other Land Use, aiming to cut public greenhouse gases by 15% by 2030 and frame low-carbon growth as an opportunity for jobs, food security and efficiency. Climate Risk & Early Warning: The CDB and Green Climate Fund are backing a USD 27.1m initiative to strengthen hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Food Security & Nutrition: UWI research highlights a nutrition gap: more than half a million people can’t afford a healthy diet, pointing to affordability and system weaknesses beyond just food availability. Youth & Innovation: CARIRI’s Power Up competition crowned eco-innovation and a farmer-to-consumer app, while UNDP says young people want a bigger role in shaping policy and the future. Indigenous Recognition: First Peoples leaders renewed calls for meaningful national recognition, including revisiting Indigenous history and identity. Economy Watch: Labour market stability is noted, but economists warn the economy still lacks the dynamism for sustained job growth. Energy/Industry: Point Lisas steel revival and vanadium ambitions are back in focus, alongside calls to scrutinise the deal’s “fine print” for real local benefits. Noise & Independence Tech: Tobago’s Independence plans include a drone show, while noise-pollution groups urge controlled, considerate celebrations for residents and animals.

Storm Watch (Caribbean): Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service says a nearby tropical wave is no longer expected to develop, with no storm or hurricane watch or warning in effect, while attention shifts to another Atlantic wave that could bring changes later. Extreme Weather (Regional): Across the region, heavy monsoon and cyclone impacts in the Philippines are driving rising death tolls and landslide risks, with emergency teams still searching missing people. Early Warning Funding (T&T): The Caribbean Development Bank is financing a US$27.1M initiative to scale up hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, using Green Climate Fund support. Local Industry & Environment: The Point Lisas steel plant reopening (Ibis Steel) is framed as jobs and vanadium opportunity, but economists are urging scrutiny of the deal’s “fine print” and long-term benefits. Noise & Wildlife (Independence): Tobago’s Independence plans include a drone show, while Citizens Against Noise Pollution want any fireworks tightly controlled to protect residents and animals. Circular Food Systems: Caribbean researchers are testing black soldier fly larvae to turn food and farm waste into animal feed, aiming to cut reliance on imported inputs.

Point Lisas Steel Revival: Ibis Steel Company has officially kicked off refurbishment of the shuttered ArcelorMittal plant at Point Lisas, backed by US firms Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium Corporation, with a planned US$750M investment and hopes for up to 1,000 jobs—positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a critical minerals producer, including vanadium. Independence Noise & Wildlife: In Tobago, plans for a grand Independence Day drone show are stirring debate as CANPTT urges controlled, time-limited fireworks (or alternatives) to protect residents, vulnerable people, and animals from excessive noise. World Steelpan Day: The Ministry of Culture is pushing steelpan beyond performance—framing it as a youth development tool that builds discipline and creativity while supporting sustainable growth in the cultural industry. Early Warning for Climate Hazards: A multi-million-dollar initiative backed by the Green Climate Fund and CDB aims to strengthen hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Tropical Weather Watch: TTMS says a nearby tropical wave has dropped to zero chance of cyclone development, but will be monitored for possible local impacts. Local Place & Heritage: A debate continues over the meaning of “Ari­ma/Hyari­ma,” with First Peoples leaders challenging the long-held “water” interpretation and arguing for a different origin tied to gathering places.

Climate Heat Record: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as Earth’s hottest month on record, with NOAA and NASA data underscoring relentless warming. Tropical Weather Watch: TTMS says one Atlantic tropical wave is no longer expected to develop (0% chance), but another wave farther east is being monitored; no TT watches or warnings are in effect for Trinidad and Tobago. Regional Disaster Pressure: In the Philippines, habagat and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay have pushed deaths to 19 and affected about 2.27 million people, with landslides driving most fatalities and schools suspended in multiple provinces. Local Resilience & Safety: Trinidad and Tobago’s TTPS is rolling out mobile police units to bring officers closer to communities and improve early reporting of risks. Steel & Minerals Push: A US$750M plan is underway to refurbish the former ArcelorMittal Point Lisas steel site, aiming to restart steel production and position T&T as a vanadium producer. World Steelpan Day: Culture officials are spotlighting steelpan as more than performance—linking it to youth development and sustainable growth. Nature & Heritage: Tobago’s heritage group is showcasing Indigenous artefacts in Buccoo, keeping deep local history in view.

Point Lisas Revival: A US-backed Ibis Steel restart at the shuttered ArcelorMittal site is set to pour in US$750M, aiming to make Trinidad and Tobago a major vanadium and “environmentally friendly” steel producer, with up to 1,000 jobs projected. Extreme Weather Toll (Regional): In the Philippines, deaths from the southwest monsoon and cyclones Luis and Maymay climbed to 19, with nearly 2.3 million affected—mostly from landslides. Storm Outlook: NOAA cut the Atlantic storm count range to 7–13 but warned the riskiest weeks are still ahead, with “below-normal” not meaning “no risk.” Local Safety & Climate Risk: Trinidad and Tobago’s TTMS is monitoring a new tropical wave with low cyclone chances, while warnings and advisories continue to shape preparedness. Indigenous Heritage (Tobago): Buccoo’s Tobago Heritage Conservation Society is showcasing Indigenous artefacts, keeping deep history visible for students and visitors. Community Health: Tobago’s TRHA marks World Breastfeeding Week with its 25th Family Walk and Breakfast, pushing support for mothers and families.