AGP Executive Report

Budget 2027: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo presented a $63.368-billion plan targeting a lower $3.639-billion deficit, with increased support for vulnerable citizens. Tobago: The island will receive $3.47 billion, below the THA’s $4.12-billion request; Chief Secretary Farley Augustine called the allocation disappointing. Taxes and bills: A proposed 12.5% VAT on foreign digital services from March 2027 could raise subscription and business costs. EY and PwC say key details, including which services are covered and how VAT will be collected, remain unsettled. Households using more than 3,000 kWh per billing period will also face a surcharge. Public services: National security gets $7.321 billion, including funding for digital policing and surveillance. Education funding falls by $743 million, while nurses say the budget made no provision for their arrears or proposed wage increase. Business response: Chambers welcomed some measures but urged the Government to deliver them, citing persistent foreign-exchange shortages, rising costs and administrative delays.

Budget 2027: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo presented a $63.37 billion budget, forecasting a $3.64 billion deficit. Senior citizens, public assistance and disability grants will rise by $250 a month from January, while nearly $2.5 billion is earmarked for public-sector wage arrears. The Government’s offer to pay 40 per cent of PSA arrears in cash remains rejected by the union. Taxes and spending: VAT on some overseas digital services is planned from March 2027, and households using more than 3,000 kWh per billing period will face a surcharge from January. A nearly $4 billion capital programme prioritises water, security and housing. Tobago allocation: The THA will receive $2.756 billion, with a further $716.5 million in spending by other ministries. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the THA’s direct allocation and capital funding have fallen, calling the cuts “gutting” for the island’s development plans. Government priorities: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says state resources will be redirected toward hardworking, law-abiding citizens. The budget also boosts sports funding and promises new youth skills programmes.

2027 Budget: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is set to present an estimated $63 billion budget, with officials saying no fuel price increase is expected. The debate comes amid youth calls for jobs and opposition claims that the Government’s employment promises ring hollow. Tobago Development: The $1.2 billion ANR Robinson airport terminal is scheduled to open Tuesday, with passenger flights beginning Wednesday. Visa Controversy: Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers denies that any serving minister’s US visa was revoked, rejecting a report that prompted questions about a senior judicial officer’s visa status. Police Accountability: Scrutiny continues over nearly $800 million in police overtime spending, with calls for an independent audit as the Government advances its Special Operations plans. Judicial Dispute: CCJ Judge Peter Jamadar says he feels targeted and bullied over inquiries into his private affairs during an investigation into leaked court correspondence.

Budget Watch: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is due to present a roughly TT$63 billion 2027 Budget today, up from $59.2 billion last year. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promises jobs and investment, while the PNM says brighter-days assurances ring hollow amid economic strain. Jobs and Energy: Young jobseekers and business leaders want immediate opportunities beyond oil and gas; layoffs at Nutrien and Proman add pressure on Government to deliver. Visa Dispute: The Foreign Ministry denies reports that a sitting minister’s US visa was revoked, saying no serving minister has lost one. The newspaper that reported the claim has removed its story. Policing Accountability: Nearly $800 million in TTPS overtime over 32 months is drawing calls for an independent audit, while the Police Commissioner defends the spending and a new Special Operations law raises press-freedom concerns. Tobago: Ahead of the new airport terminal opening, a displaced resident says relocation left her in financial hardship and alleges poor work on her replacement home.

Visa Scrutiny: Reports say the US has revoked the visa of an unnamed sitting minister, amid wider visa actions affecting public officials; the minister has not publicly responded. Budget & Economy: Ahead of Monday’s 2027 budget, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promises jobs and investment, as Nutrien and Proman job losses intensify calls to use expected energy revenues wisely and secure viable gas terms. Policing & Rights: Special Operations Act deployments require training in human rights, use of force and de-escalation. The Police Complaints Authority says it often learns of police shootings from the media, while nearly $800 million in overtime spending faces scrutiny. Judicial Oversight: CCJ Judge Peter Jamadar says he feels “targeted, harassed and bullied” over an inquiry into his outside activities. Local Government: The municipal reform debate continues, with questions about whether proposed changes will deliver fairer funding and better services.

Budget and Economy: With the 2027 Budget due Monday, a commentary warns that Nutrien’s shutdown, Proman’s cutbacks and earlier public-sector layoffs are deepening economic strain. Another argues the budget must rebuild confidence through fairer spending and stronger revenue collection. Legislation and Parliament: The PNM says it would repeal four laws if returned to office, including the Special Operations and municipal reform measures. Debate is also growing over Senate President Wade Mark’s casting vote to pass the Special Operations Bill; Professor Hamid Ghany says the decision could shape future parliamentary practice. Policing and Rights: The new law is raising concerns about how young people, including pannists travelling late from rehearsals, may be treated by police. Separately, the TTPS has urged the public to remove a video identifying a missing 13-year-old, warning that sharing it could cause harm and breach the law. Sparrow Farewell: The Culture Ministry says the October 16 funeral date was chosen with the family to accommodate overseas guests—not to avoid a parliamentary clash.

Police Spending: Commissioner Allister Guevarro and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended nearly $794 million in police overtime payments from 2024 through August 2026, citing staffing shortages and crime-fighting efforts. The bill is drawing calls for greater scrutiny, while attorney Keron Ramkhalwan has urged an independent audit. Legislative Fight: The PNM says it would repeal four government laws if returned to office, including measures on special police operations and local government. Persad-Bissessar attacked the pledge, arguing it would weaken community safety. Local Government: The Municipal Corporations Bill has passed the House, proposing borough status for Couva, Barataria, St Augustine and Sangre Grande, and city status for Chaguanas. The Opposition has questioned the reforms and alleged political advantage. Jobs and Energy: Nutrien workers facing the closure of the company’s Point Lisas nitrogen operations are organising and seeking legal advice over severance. Proman has also cut about 100 jobs. Tobago Budget: Residents are looking for lower food prices and overdue back-pay, and want the Prime Minister to honour commitments to the island.

Labour Movement: Unions have moved their Port of Spain march from October 16 to October 23 to avoid clashing with Mighty Sparrow’s state-assisted funeral. Police Accountability: Freshly released figures show TTPS overtime payments reached nearly $794 million from January 2024 to August 2026. An attorney is calling for an independent audit as scrutiny grows over the rising bill. Security Powers: The Special Operations Act is now in force, as two suspected gunmen were killed and an officer injured in a Tobago shootout. The law’s expanded police powers have also drawn press-freedom concerns. Local Government: The Lower House passed the Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar calling it a “gift” to the country; the Opposition has challenged the Government’s reform plans. Budget and Jobs: Tobago’s business chamber is looking for a lift in Monday’s Budget, including news on the new airport terminal. Meanwhile, Nutrien’s shutdown at Point Lisas has put hundreds of jobs at risk and fuelled a political dispute over the Government’s handling of the plant’s future.

Policing and Accountability: The TTPS spent nearly $794 million on overtime from January 2024 to August 2026, with this year’s bill already topping 2025’s total. The Commissioner cites staff shortages and emergency demands; an attorney is calling for an independent audit as tougher policing begins under the new Special Operations law. Nutrien Shutdown: Point Lisas workers are considering legal action over severance terms after the fertiliser company’s indefinite closure, while the Government remains in talks over the plant’s future. Water Dispute: Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales is pressing to restore his water-supply motion to Parliament and challenging the Government’s assurances about discoloured tap water. Trafficking Report: T&T remains Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2026 report. Authorities identified 26 sex-trafficking victims in 2025, down from 45 a year earlier, while spending on victim services also fell. Tobago Investment: A $500 million Marriott project at Rocky Point is due to break ground Tuesday, with the hotel expected to add 200 rooms and create construction jobs.

Police Spending: FOI figures show the TTPS paid $793.9 million in overtime from January 2024 to August 2026, with $283.2 million spent in the first eight months of this year. An attorney is calling for an independent audit, while former national security minister Marvin Gonzales questions whether taxpayers are getting value. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says staffing shortages drive the bill. Security Law: The Special Operations Act is now in force, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has promised “hard policing” in designated areas, saying operations will include UNC-controlled communities. Journalists warn the new law could threaten press freedom. Local Government: The Government’s plan to create smaller municipalities and give Chaguanas city status faces PNM accusations of gerrymandering. A Tobago MP backs smaller local authorities as a way to improve accountability. Water Dispute: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says discoloured WASA water is safe, but Gonzales has challenged him to drink it and is pressing the Speaker to restore his water-supply motion to Parliament’s agenda. Age Restrictions: The Senate passed a bill raising the legal ages for alcohol and tobacco to 21, and cannabis use and gambling to 25; the changes are expected to take effect in 2027.

Security Powers: The Special Operations Act is now in force, allowing curfews, checkpoints and some warrantless searches in designated areas. Journalists warn police could seize confidential source material, while the Opposition says the public has not been told how the law will work. Local Government: A bill to expand municipalities from 14 to 17 has sparked claims the boundary-review committee is politically stacked and the changes could favour the UNC. Minister Khadijah Ameen says reform will not delay local elections. Parliament: The PNM boycotted Prime Minister’s Questions, calling the session a “parliamentary charade”; the Speaker declined its request to explain the move. Social Policy: The Senate passed a bill raising the minimum age for alcohol and tobacco use to 21, and for cannabis and gambling to 25. Budget Pressures: Contractors want a $200–$400 million fund to clear overdue State payments, as the Government faces questions over an energy-revenue windfall and the indefinite shutdown of Nutrien’s Point Lisas plant, which puts 350 jobs at risk.

Special Operations: The new law is in force, giving police powers to impose curfews, checkpoints and searches in designated areas. PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said operations would cover UNC-controlled communities, while Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro declined to name targets. The Opposition says the public has not been told how the law will work, and journalists warn its search powers could expose confidential sources. Parliamentary Accountability: The PNM boycotted Prime Minister’s Questions, saying most of its questions are rejected and follow-ups blocked. It is calling for a review of the rules. Electoral Boundaries: Tobago West MP Joel Sampson accused the EBC of favouring the PNM as he challenged past changes to Tobago’s electoral districts during debate on municipal boundary reforms. Age Restrictions: The Senate passed a bill raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21 and cannabis use and gambling to 25. The vote was 15-12, with no Opposition or Independent senator voting in favour. Economic Pressure: Nutrien’s indefinite shutdown at Point Lisas puts hundreds of jobs at risk amid gas shortages, as Government and Opposition trade blame over the plant’s closure.

Senate Showdown: The Senate passed a bill raising the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21 and for gambling and cannabis to 25, by 15 votes to 12. All government senators supported it; opposition senators voted against and three independents abstained. Security Law: The Special Operations Act is now in force, allowing curfews, checkpoints and warrantless searches in designated areas. Journalists warn it could expose confidential sources and are seeking explicit protections. Nutrien Shutdown: The government says talks with Nutrien are continuing, but the company’s Point Lisas closure puts about 350 jobs at risk and sharpens concerns over unreliable gas supplies. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Trinidad and Tobago’s economy will contract 0.2% this year, after a 0.5% decline in 2025. Water Supply: WASA customers have reported discoloured water and missed supplies following Desalcott maintenance; the utility says the water is safe, while a full plant restart has been delayed until Thursday.

Special Operations Act: President Christine Kangaloo has officially proclaimed the Special Operations Act, 2026, making the crime-fighting law fully operational and enabling policing districts, “closed areas,” curfews, cordons, checkpoints, road closures, and warrantless searches in specified circumstances. Local Government Reform: The Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is laid in the House, with a key clause that could strip councillors and aldermen of their seats if they resign or are expelled by their political party. Nutrien Shutdown: Government says it is still in talks with Nutrien and “not closing the door” on the Point Lisas complex, even as the company moves to permanently shut Trinidad nitrogen operations, raising fears for nearly 350 jobs and wider downstream impacts. Energy Skills Portfolio: Another ministerial reshuffle moves major skills and training agencies—including NESC, TTHTI, MIC Government Vocational Centre, and YTEPP—under Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts. Water Strain: Low dam levels and a Desalcott maintenance delay are worsening water supply pressures, with WASA reporting discoloured water in some communities and promising resumption by Thursday. Press Freedom Alarm: Journalists are calling for urgent amendments to the Special Operations Bill, warning it could allow police to search and seize media materials, threatening press freedom. Transport & Traffic: Transport Minister Eli Zakour says long-term plans are being developed to tackle traffic gridlock after recent accidents and traffic-light timing issues caused hours of delays. Sports & Youth: The National Secondary Schools Debate Competition returns, while NAAATT graduates 29 Level 2 track coaches—both aimed at building future talent.

Energy & Jobs: Nutrien says it will indefinitely shut down its Point Lisas nitrogen operations, triggering expected retrenchments and a fresh fight over who’s to blame—PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar insists the decision is between Nutrien and the National Gas Company, while the Energy Chamber warns of major losses to jobs, exports, foreign exchange and state revenue. Local Government Reform: Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles accuses the Government of trying to “steal an election” through municipal boundary changes, as legislation moves to create three more boroughs and adjust structures ahead of local government elections in 2027. City Status Politics: Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed backs the push for city status, while the Tunapuna-Piarco chairman warns reform must come with funding, resources and a clear transition plan. PNM Tobago Turmoil: PNM Tobago Council chairman Nicole Henry-Waldron says she wants her resignation withdrawn, after earlier reports she had stepped down and relinquished party roles. Labour & Governance: MTS workers protest alleged victimisation and unfair transfers, while pilots’ association TTALPA renews demands for more than $20m owed ahead of Budget 2027. Regional Security: The US and nine other Americas nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, issue a joint statement condemning Iran-linked “terrorist actions” and proxy influence operations. Business & Community: Tributes follow the death of former TSTT chairman Sean Roach; meanwhile, Trade Ministry signs a “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter with innovation hubs.

Local Government Reform: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says legislation will create three new municipalities—Barataria, St Augustine and Couva—raising municipal corporations from 14 to 17, with borough and city status changes aimed at fixing long-stale boundaries and uneven service delivery. Budget Pressure & Labour: Trinidad and Tobago Air Line Pilots’ Association demands over $20m owed to pilots from past collective bargaining periods, warning the delay is now out of step with other unions’ settlements ahead of Budget 2027. Energy Jobs Fallout: PM Persad-Bissessar distances Government from Nutrien’s decision to indefinitely shut Point Lisas nitrogen operations, as the Energy Chamber warns of major job losses, export and foreign exchange impacts, and knock-on revenue declines. International Security: The US, Canada and nine Latin American and Caribbean states—including Trinidad and Tobago—issued a joint declaration accusing Iran and proxies of terrorist and malign operations, pledging tighter regional coordination. Court & Media Accountability: High Court orders Guardian Media to pay $327,000 plus costs and remove/edit a defamatory quarrying-linked article involving Tobago businessman Allan Warner and his son. Homelessness Visibility: Reports highlight growing street homelessness concentrations in Port of Spain, with renewed calls for stronger response as public spaces become occupied. Sports & Governance: T&T’s CONCACAF Nations League campaign is confirmed relegated after a 1-1 draw with Curaçao, while TTCF admits a selection-policy error in a track cycling dispute that switched a women’s points race spot. Culture: Pan Trinbago threatens a Tobago Carnival boycott over $1.7m in outstanding payments, and International Soca Monarch is set to return for Carnival 2027 after a long hiatus.