AGP Executive Report

Blood Donation Push: The National Blood Transfusion Service says selling blood is illegal and warns of monitoring to protect donors and patients, as Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe and Nicholas Pooran launch a National Blood Donation Drive to close a major supply gap. Hearing Health Upgrade: Government signs an MOU with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to expand hearing screening, training, community outreach and access to hearing-assistive technology, targeting the estimated 8,000 people in T&T who are deaf or hard of hearing. Emergency Care Boost: Four repaired ambulances are handed back to the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service to help restore a critical emergency response gap. Public Health & Safety: T&TEC investigates an early-morning electric shock incident at Rampanalgas Village that injured two members of the public, while officials continue recovery support. Local Tragedies: A 13-year-old boy was killed in a late-night Marabella home invasion; his father and stepmother are in critical care. Separately, a 15-year-old girl in Petit Valley died after collapsing, with post-mortem results pending. Community Health Education: NAMDEVCO launches a Tobago Lead Farmer Training Programme under BIOREACH, supporting sustainable practices that can strengthen local food security.

Hearing Care Boost: Trinidad and Tobago signed an MOU with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to expand hearing healthcare services, including screening, training, and assistive technologies. Public Health & Safety: T&TEC is investigating an electric shock incident at Rampanalgas Village that injured two people after a conductor sparked during an early-morning disturbance. Child Health Alert: A 15-year-old girl in Petit Valley died after collapsing at home; police are awaiting post-mortem results, with depression reported and no signs of violence noted. Violence & Community Impact: In South Oropouche, a 32-year-old man was shot dead at home; police are investigating. Emergency Response Capacity: Four repaired ambulances were handed to the Fire Service to help close a critical emergency-services gap. Food & Consumer Protection: The Government proposed banning imports of goods made through forced labour, citing risks to consumers and fair competition. Wellness Through Access: A regional campaign is pushing back on unhealthy food marketing to protect children’s school food environments, with activities including Trinidad.

Hearing Care Boost: Government signed an MOU with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to expand hearing healthcare across Trinidad and Tobago, including screening, training, and assistive technologies. Public Health & Safety: T&TEC launched an investigation after an early-morning incident at Rampanalgas left two people injured by electric shock; both were treated locally then transferred for further care. Food & Consumer Protection: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended tighter regulation of small-scale production, warning weak oversight can lead to contamination, injury, or loss of life. Ethical Trade: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj outlined a proposal to prohibit imports of goods produced through forced labour, citing risks to consumers and fair competition. Emergency Response Capacity: Four repaired ambulances were handed to the Fire Service to help close a gap in emergency coverage. Community Wellness Advocacy: Regional campaign “Protecting Children from Unhealthy Food Marketing” is rolling out engagement across the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago. Local Crime & Trauma: A 13-year-old boy was killed during a home invasion in south Trinidad; in Tobago, a mother returned to Goodwood one month after her toddler went missing, with the child still not found.

Emergency Response Boost: Four newly repaired ambulances have been handed to the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, aiming to close a critical gap in emergency care after long periods out of service. Public Health & Safety: WASA condemned a second attack on water infrastructure in 24 hours, saying stolen wiring at the Tabaquite Booster Station disrupted supply for thousands and could affect schools, healthcare facilities and vulnerable communities. Policy & Access: The Finance Bill 2026 passed with assurances of no new taxes on citizens, while PSOTT warned that modernised processes won’t help if back-end approvals stay backlogged—especially for initiatives like a Women’s Health Fund. Regional Health Security: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states to safely transport infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening lab systems and pandemic readiness. Cancer Awareness: Tobago’s NAMDEVCO BIOREACH Lead Farmer Training Programme continues, while a Tobago Moves 5K initiative is set to promote wellness and cancer awareness through community action. Health Risk Watch: With heat advisories in effect abroad, the focus remains on preventing heat-related illness—checking on older neighbours and recognising warning signs early. Child Protection: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar reiterated government commitment to protecting children, citing a whole-of-government approach and strengthened collaboration with the Children’s Authority and TTPS.

Ebola Border Screening: Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Ministry has activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising against travel to Ebola-affected regions (DRC, South Sudan, Uganda) and introducing enhanced health screening for travellers who visited or transited through those areas. Public Health Security: CARPHA highlighted the need for stronger regional health security at its joint regional meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, stressing that health emergencies can hit economies, tourism, trade, and national security. Water Safety & Public Health: WASA condemned back-to-back attacks on water infrastructure, including a second breach at the Tabaquite Booster Station that disrupted supply to thousands, warning these acts threaten public health and vulnerable communities. Electricity Safety: T&TEC reported an intruder-caused voltage dip at the Brechin Castle Substation; the grid stayed stable, but the suspect suffered severe burns—public urged to stay away from substations and overhead lines. Child Protection Push: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar reiterated government commitment to protecting children, citing a whole-of-government approach and strengthened collaboration with the Children’s Authority and TTPS. Wellness & Community: A Tobago Moves 5K initiative is set to promote cancer awareness, early detection, and healthy living while supporting those affected. Regional Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop, boosting lab and pandemic preparedness capacity across the region.

Ebola Border Watch: Trinidad and Tobago has activated stricter border management after an Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with enhanced screening and possible quarantine/21-day active monitoring for travellers who transited through affected areas. Regional Health Security: CARPHA is boosting preparedness by training 18 people from 15 member states to safely transport infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening lab systems and faster response across the region. Child Protection Push: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government is strengthening child safeguarding through a whole-of-government approach, improving case management and information sharing among CAPA, TTPS, Education, Health, and social services—amid reports of thousands of child crime victims over recent years. Water Safety Under Attack: WASA condemns a second vandalism incident in 24 hours—this time at the Tabaquite Booster Station—after wiring theft disrupted water supply to thousands; T&TEC also reported a separate Brechin Castle substation intrusion that caused a voltage dip and left the suspect with severe burns. Local Wellness & Recognition: Trinidad’s tourism wellness scene gets a boost with Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel and HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Ebola Preparedness: Trinidad and Tobago has activated precautionary Ebola measures, with health screening and possible quarantine for travellers arriving from Ebola-affected areas, as Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe urges nationals to avoid travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Border Health: Enhanced monitoring is also planned for people who visited or transited through those countries, while additional African destinations are flagged for extreme caution. Public Safety & Health: Tobago police are investigating a shooting during harvest celebrations in Bloody Bay that left Osae Murray hospitalised with life-threatening injuries, including loss of a kidney, and the Police Complaints Authority has begun its probe. Water Security: WASA condemns a second attack on water infrastructure in 24 hours after wiring theft at the Tabaquite Booster Station disrupted supply to thousands. Electricity Risk: T&TEC says an attempted vandalism at Brechin Castle Substation caused a voltage dip while the grid stayed stable; the intruder was apprehended after severe burns. Child Protection: The Prime Minister says stronger coordination across agencies is improving child safeguarding, as CAPA reports about 5,500 child crime victims over six years. Health System Boost: UWI St Augustine and UTT sign MOUs to expand research, training and applied innovation across engineering, energy, biosciences and veterinary medicine.

WASA Water Disruption: WASA says a second brazen attack on critical infrastructure—this time theft of electrical wiring at the Tabaquite Booster Station—has shut down the facility and left thousands in Tabaquite and nearby communities with low pressure or no water. Power Safety Alert: T&TEC reports an intruder at the Brechin Castle Substation caused a major voltage dip after contact with a 132kV breaker; the suspect was later taken for medical treatment for severe burns, and the public is urged to stay away from substations and overhead lines. Ebola Travel Advisory: Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Ministry warns nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan due to an Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, with additional high-caution guidance for nine other African countries and enhanced screening for returning travellers. Tobago Police Shooting Probe: The Police Complaints Authority is investigating a Tobago shooting during harvest celebrations in Bloody Bay where 37-year-old Osae Murray was shot in the abdomen, with family saying he lost a kidney; relatives are demanding a full investigation. Prison Death: The Prison Service says a remand inmate, Christopher Banfield, was found unresponsive in his cell shortly after 6 a.m. and later died, with police and an internal probe underway. Digital Health Spotlight: Adroit Infosystems highlighted practical digital healthcare workflows at the CCFP Trinidad World Family Doctor Day Symposium, focusing on EHR adoption, patient access and care continuity. Eye Health Watch: A Health Check warns Saharan dust is worsening eye problems across T&T, especially for children, urging parents to protect vision during dusty conditions.

Eye Health Alert: Saharan dust is driving more itchy, swollen, watery eyes across Trinidad and Tobago, with children among the most affected—ophthalmologists are urging parents to protect vision during the haze. Public Health Systems: Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe praised CARPHA’s rapid response and fast information sharing during global threats like Ebola and Hantavirus, highlighting how timely updates strengthen regional readiness. Tobago Hospital Update: A Tobago man is in serious condition at Scarborough General Hospital after a police-involved shooting left him losing a kidney and suffering damage to his intestines and liver; investigators are questioning a police officer. Violence & Safety: In Trinidad, a 58-year-old man was lured outside his home and stabbed repeatedly by a group; he’s recovering at San Fernando General Hospital while police pursue suspects. Policy & Wellness: The CSO is developing Trinidad and Tobago’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index to better capture health, housing, education, and access to essential services. Men’s Mental Health: CariMAN’s Marlon Bascombe discusses challenges facing men and boys—crime, violence, fatherhood, emotional wellbeing, and mentorship—as T&T marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Local Governance & Health: Parliament is set to debate the Finance Bill 2026 and extend the State of Emergency, with a major supplemental budget allocation also on the agenda.

Men’s Mental Health in T&T: CariMAN member Marlon Bascombe joins a Men and Boys discussion on emotional wellbeing, “healthy masculinity,” crime and fatherhood, and why mentorship matters. Public Health Data: The CSO is building Trinidad and Tobago’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index to better capture deprivation beyond income, including health, housing and access to services. Violence & Recovery: Police report a 58-year-old man lured outside his home near Cangawood Trace, Forest Park, then stabbed repeatedly; he’s recovering at San Fernando General Hospital as investigators pursue suspects. Child Safety & Justice: Autopsy results confirm force-inflicted injuries in the death of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne; a 26-year-old man is in custody. Sports & Community Wellness: Kids Run 2026 is sold out with 750 children registered for June 20 at G.P. Trinidad Stadium. Regional NCD Focus: CARICOM Road Run/Walk (Elite 10K, Open 10K, 5K Run/Walk) returns July 5 in Saint Lucia, tied to the region’s push to reduce non-communicable diseases. Climate & Kids: A pediatric emergency consultant highlights how heat, flooding, dengue and rising food prices are already affecting children’s health in T&T. Tobago Marine Protection: World Oceans Day spotlights marine protection, overfishing limits and managing pressure on sites like Buccoo Reef.

Child Safety & Justice: Trinidad’s Forensic Science Centre has confirmed force-inflicted injuries in the death of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne of Erin, with a 26-year-old Palo Seco man in custody as police continue probing how she was found hours after being reported missing. MS Awareness: A new explainer breaks down multiple sclerosis—how the immune system attacks the nervous system’s protective covering—and why symptoms can quietly disrupt daily life. Nursing & Protest Tensions: Labour and health union leaders are trading barbs as TTNNA weighs protest options amid State of Emergency restrictions, while the Labour Minister clarifies a $2.8B wage injection is meant to honour already-settled deals, not new RHA staff settlements. Climate & Kids’ Health: A pediatric emergency consultant warns Trinidad and Tobago families to prepare for heat illness, air pollution risks, and other climate-linked health pressures on children. Nutrition Policy (Caribbean): PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists and legal drafters in Barbados to push sodium reduction targets and eliminate industrial trans fats in the region. Marine Protection (Tobago): Tobago marks World Oceans Day with renewed focus on stronger marine protected areas, including limits on overfishing and managing pressure on sites like Buccoo Reef.

Denaturalization Drive (US): The U.S. Justice Department filed court actions to revoke citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans tied to alleged child sexual abuse, fraud, drug trafficking and immigration deception—an “unprecedented” push that could take years in court. Road Safety (T&T): A Venezuelan woman, 35-year-old Rusimine Riaz, died after a crash involving an electric scooter in Cunupia; police say the driver was over the legal alcohol limit and the scooter was unlicensed. Food & Health (Caribbean/NCDs): PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists and legal drafters in Barbados to advance sodium reduction and eliminate industrially produced trans fats—key steps to cut preventable non-communicable disease deaths. School Wellness (T&T): Health officials say childhood habits are raising long-term diabetes risk; schools are tightening nutrition standards, including limits on sugary drinks and better food labelling. Community Screening (T&T): YWCA hosted a health fair with vaccinations, screenings, mental health support, and endometriosis resources. Mosquito Risk (US): West Nile Virus was detected in Fresno County mosquito samples, prompting renewed bite-prevention advice.

Nurses’ Protest Push: Trinidad and Tobago National Nurses Association leader Idi Stuart says healthcare workers may consider protesting outside ministers’ homes if State of Emergency rules block demonstrations in traditional areas, as frustration grows over protest restrictions and unclear salary increases for RHA workers. Childhood Nutrition for Diabetes Prevention: A national primary school diabetes quiz is spotlighting how early habits raise long-term risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, while schools tighten cafeteria nutrition standards by limiting sugary drinks and improving food labelling. Community Mental Health First-Aid: The Samaritan Movement is training teachers, priests and pastoral care workers across 66 parishes to spot early signs of self-harm and respond immediately, amid warnings of a growing mental health crisis. Wellness Screening & Support: YWCA’s health fair offered screenings and mental health guidance, including support for chronic conditions like endometriosis. Food Security Alarm: A UN-backed report says nearly 513,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition, obesity and anaemia all showing up in the numbers. Local Environment & Health Link: UNDP warns T&T generates about 2.6kg of waste per person daily, urging more responsible consumption as World Environment Day activities continue.

Food Security Alarm: UN-backed reporting says nearly 513,000 people in Trinidad and Tobago can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition, stunting, obesity and anaemia all showing up in the numbers—highlighting how food prices and access are feeding long-term health risks. School-Based Prevention: Health officials are pushing earlier action as a national primary school diabetes quiz promotes healthier habits, while the Education Ministry tightens nutrition standards in school cafeterias, including limits on sugary drinks and portion sizes. Mental Health First Response: A new regional training programme is turning teachers, priests and pastoral workers into mental health first-responders across 66 parishes, aiming to spot early warning signs and respond to rising self-harm amid limited professional psychiatric resources. Community Wellness Events: The YWCA held a health fair with screenings and mental health support, including outreach for endometriosis and other chronic conditions. Lifestyle & Environment Link: UNDP warns T&T generates about 2.6kg of waste per person daily, and World Environment Day tree-planting efforts in North Caura and Tobago’s reforestation drives are framed as practical steps for healthier communities. Local Health Policy Watch: Government’s new parliamentary session includes plans for a medical malpractice court, no-fault compensation, and social media regulation for children under 12.

Healthy Food Access: A new UN report says nearly 513,000 people in Trinidad and Tobago can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition, stunting, obesity, and anaemia all showing up in the numbers. School Nutrition Push: Health experts are urging prevention to start in childhood as schools strengthen nutrition standards—tightening sugary drinks, portion sizes, and labelling to help curb lifestyle diseases. Community Wellness Events: The YWCA held a health fair with screenings and support for conditions like endometriosis, while a new mental health first-aid training programme is equipping teachers, priests, and pastoral workers to respond to crises amid stretched psychiatric services. Nurses’ Protest Plans: Nurses are considering protests outside ministers’ homes as State of Emergency restrictions limit demonstrations in usual areas. Local Health Policy Agenda: Government’s new parliamentary session includes plans for a medical malpractice court, no-fault compensation, and social media regulation for children under 12. Food Supply Shock: Caribbean hot sauce makers warn of Scotch bonnet shortages and higher prices after hurricanes and crop disease hit pepper supply. Traffic as a Health Issue: A CDB-linked report frames congestion as a public health and development problem, citing major productivity losses for T&T commuters. Environment & Wellness: World Environment Day saw tree-planting and reforestation efforts in Tobago and North Caura, linking nature protection to community health and climate resilience.

Bolivia Road Violence: At least 26 civilians and two police officers were injured during a four-hour operation to reopen the San Julián highway amid an indefinite blockade, with clashes involving gunfire, tear gas and charges reported. T&T Senate Update: Attorney Dr Margaret Satya Rose was sworn in as a People’s National Movement senator, replacing Janelle John-Bates after controversy tied to editing a parliamentary witness statement related to public health pharmaceuticals. Budget & Wages: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will seek an additional $2.93b supplementary appropriation to fund wage increases for 62,000+ workers. Public Health & Safety Lawmaking: The new parliamentary session includes plans for a medical malpractice court, a no-fault compensation system, and social media regulation for children under 12, alongside firearms and victims’ rights measures. Mental Health & Youth: A report says influencer Ashlee Jenae asked ChatGPT a suicide-related question weeks before her death in Zanzibar, renewing focus on mental health support. Environment & Wellness: World Environment Day actions in T&T included tree planting in North Caura and Tobago’s reforestation and watershed efforts, linking healthier ecosystems to community well-being. Local Health News: Police launched a triple murder investigation in Malick after three men were killed and others injured in a daylight shooting. Sports Inspiration: Makaira “Maki” Wallace won women’s keirin for T&T in Pennsylvania, adding to momentum from recent international track events.