AGP Executive Report

Tourism Pressure: Amsterdam is capping tourist overnight stays and limiting cruise calls, as other hotspots add booking systems and restrictions to protect residents and fragile sites. UN & Security Council: The UNGA elected Trinidad and Tobago as a non-permanent Security Council member starting Jan. 1, 2027, alongside Austria, Germany, Kyrgyzstan and Portugal. Health & Prevention: DuCaPHEN conference in Aruba urged a stronger prevention focus in public health policy, linking poverty to health outcomes. Food Safety for Kids: Caribbean youth and civil society launched “Hope for the Future 3.0,” calling for a ban on ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools across the region, including Trinidad and Tobago. Local Health System Watch: Trinidad Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center received a 1/5 overall rating for Q1 2026 from CMS. Public Health & Community: A new mental health initiative, “I Matter Movement,” was launched to tackle the mental health crisis in T&T. Safety & Crime: TTPS reported a woman rescued after a reported abduction in La Fillette, and police seized 2,700+ illicit items including unregistered pharmaceuticals and male enhancement products in South Oropouche.

Child Nutrition Advocacy: Youth and civil society across the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, are pushing for an end to ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools, warning it fuels unhealthy eating habits and raises childhood obesity and non-communicable disease risk. Health Policy & Prevention: At the DuCaPHEN conference in Aruba, Trinidad’s public health minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras highlighted prevention-focused policy and the link between poverty and health outcomes, urging more than hospital-centred planning. Local Care Quality Check: Trinidad Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center received a 1-out-of-5 overall rating for Q1 2026 from CMS, with no fines or penalties reported. Workplace Health & Safety: Police seized 2,700+ illicit and unsafe items in South Oropouche, including unregistered pharmaceuticals and male enhancement products—an alert for consumer safety and medication risks. Access to Care via Transport: The Blind Welfare Association says the maxi taxi strike is a major barrier for persons with disabilities, since public transport is often their lifeline to healthcare, education, and services. Public Health Preparedness: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is calling for a clear Ebola preparedness plan as other countries introduce traveller screening and possible quarantine measures.

Community Mental Health Push: The new “I Matter Movement” is launched in Trinidad and Tobago to tackle the mental health crisis, offering a safe, supportive space for people dealing with depression and reducing stigma through personalised care and community support. Public Health at Work: San­gre Grande Hospital staff are dealing with a chickenpox outbreak, raising workplace safety and staffing concerns; nurses say there’s no confirmed TB or meningitis outbreak. Youth Vaping Warning: Caribbean health voices are urging faster action on teen vaping, warning that nicotine and “nicotine-free” vapes can still harm young people’s mental health and development. Violence and Health Safety: A drive-by shooting at Sea Lots left one man dead and a woman injured, with dozens of shell casings recovered as investigations continue. Infection Control in Healthcare: A double homicide in Penal is under investigation after TTPS-issued ammunition was found at the scene, highlighting ongoing public safety concerns that can spill into community wellbeing. Prevention in Policy: At the DuCaPHEN conference, Trinidad’s health minister stressed prevention-focused health policy and the link between poverty and health outcomes.

Mental Health Push: Trinidad and Tobago’s new “I Matter Movement” launches to tackle the depression crisis, offering safe, personalised support and aiming to reduce stigma around mental health. Health & Safety at Hospitals: A chickenpox outbreak among staff at Sangre Grande Hospital is raising alarms about workplace safety and staffing pressures, even as nurses say there’s no confirmed TB or meningitis outbreak. Youth Vaping Warning: Caribbean voices are urging faster action on teen vaping, highlighting how nicotine (and even “nicotine-free” flavours) can harm mental health and development. Public Health & Community Care: The I Matter Movement joins broader wellness conversations as the country grapples with high suicide rates and the need for accessible care. Transport Access for Wellness: A maxi taxi strike is spotlighting how transport disruptions hit persons with disabilities hardest, limiting access to work, education, and healthcare. Illicit Drugs & Meds Seized: South Oropouche police seized 2,700+ illicit items, including unregistered male enhancement products and unsafe pharmaceuticals—an important reminder to protect health from counterfeit goods. Injury & Violence Concerns: A drive-by shooting at Sea Lots left one man dead and a woman injured, adding to ongoing public safety worries.

Mental Health Support: The new “I Matter Movement” was launched in T&T to tackle depression with personalised care, open dialogue and community support, amid concerns that stigma keeps many people silent. Youth Vaping Warning: World No Tobacco Day messaging is spotlighting how vapes marketed as “harmless” can still contain nicotine and harm young people’s mental health and development, with calls for stronger youth-focused policies. Disability & Transport Access: The Blind Welfare Association says the ongoing maxi taxi strike has exposed how public transport disruptions hit persons with disabilities hardest, affecting access to work, education and healthcare. Local Commuter Impact: Private hire (PH) drivers report increased demand during the maxi taxi shutdown as commuters scramble for alternatives. Infection Control Concern: Chickenpox has been confirmed among staff at Sangre Grande Hospital, raising workplace safety and staffing pressure worries. Violence Update: A drive-by shooting at Sea Lots left one man dead and a woman injured; police recovered dozens of shell casings and continue inquiries. Public Health & Water: Republic Bank (Ghana), linked to Trinidad’s Republic Financial Holdings, commissioned solar-powered boreholes in Pwalugu and Dingoni to improve clean water access. Academic Milestone: UWI promoted eight senior lecturers to Professor, including St Augustine academics in veterinary public health, psychiatry, music and more.

Hospital Safety Watch: Sangre Grande Hospital staff are dealing with a confirmed chickenpox outbreak, with TTNNA nursing chief Idi Stuart saying there’s no confirmed TB or meningitis outbreak so far, but warning how easily chickenpox spreads in healthcare settings. Violence & Public Health: A 26-year-old father of two, Micah Joseph, was fatally stabbed in Fyzabad after a dispute at his ex-wife’s home; police detained the woman’s current boyfriend and are investigating. Community Safety: Police say a drive-by shooting at Sea Lots left 33-year-old Christopher Sampson dead and a 21-year-old woman injured; investigators recovered dozens of spent shell casings as inquiries continue. Youth Wellness: Caribbean youth vaping concerns are rising ahead of World No Tobacco Day, with advocates warning that flavours and “nicotine-free” labels can hide nicotine risks and normalise vaping among teens. Food Security & Health: CARDI reports a successful black-eyed peas pilot harvest in Trinidad, with strong germination and a fast turnaround, supporting local food security and school feeding potential.

Youth Vaping Alarm: Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, a Caribbean youth advocate warns that vapes are being marketed to teens as “harmless” and “stress relieving,” with flavours like cherry and bubble gum masking the risks of nicotine addiction and harm to mental health, learning, and long-term development. Local Health & Safety: In Marabella, a 70-year-old man’s body was recovered from a concrete drain after family members reported he was missing, with police investigating the circumstances. Transport & Injury Risk: A serious crash in Benguet (reported in regional coverage) left dozens injured after buses collided on a highway, highlighting how quickly emergencies can overwhelm medical services. Community Health Link: CARDI and partners marked a successful black-eyed peas pilot in Trinidad, pointing to food security gains that can support school feeding and healthier diets. Public Health Systems: A call for stronger veterinary public health programmes is raised amid zoonotic disease concerns across the Caribbean, including outbreaks linked to flooding and travel.

Marabella Death Investigation: A 70-year-old retired labourer, Nanlal Bickram, was found face-down in a concrete drain near Andre Avenue after family members reported him missing; police say they found a forehead injury and blood traces and are investigating. Road Safety & Injuries: In the Philippines, 87 people were hurt after two buses collided on Marcos Highway in Benguet, with dozens taken to major hospitals for trauma care. Youth Vaping Alarm: A Caribbean-focused report warns that vaping is spreading faster than policy, noting nicotine addiction risks and that even “nicotine-free” vapes can normalise use among young people. Food Security Win: CARDI and partners showcased a successful black-eyed peas pilot in Trinidad, with strong germination and a short harvest cycle aimed at boosting local food supply and school feeding. Public Health Systems Link: A call to strengthen veterinary public health highlights zoonotic disease risks across the Caribbean, from flooding-related leptospirosis to cross-border outbreaks like Ebola. Local Violence Update: Tobago recorded its 6th murder of 2026, with a 20-year-old shot and killed near Old Whim Road.

Prison Health Care: The Commissioner of Prisons says the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service keeps inmates with disabilities and serious medical needs under medical assessment on entry, with appropriate housing and support like infirmaries and mobility aids. Illicit Pharma Crackdown: Police seized 2,700+ unsafe items in South Oropouche, including unregistered male enhancement pharmaceuticals, illegal cigarettes, counterfeit branded clothing, and defective consumer goods. Indian Arrival Day: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and local leaders marked 181 years since the Fatel Razack arrival, reflecting on the hardships of indentured labourers and calling for unity and national progress. Public Protest Restrictions: Trade union leaders condemned TTPS “no-protest zones,” warning the move threatens constitutional freedoms amid ongoing public anger around the Joshua Samaroo and Kaia Sealy cases. Medical Treatment Update (Kaia Sealy): Legal representatives say Sealy’s request for additional time to return for medical care abroad may be considered if supported by doctors’ documentation, while TTPS says she is not being labelled a fugitive. Food Security Pilot: CARDI’s black-eyed peas project in Warrenville showed strong germination and fast harvest timing, supporting local production for food security and school nutrition. Transport Disruption: Maxi-taxi operators plan a “rest and reflect” shutdown from June 1–3, citing long-running industry issues. Regional Health Link: Cuba’s ambassador confirmed 59 Cuban medical professionals are still working in T&T, with questions remaining about what happens after 2027.

Prison Health Care: The Prisons Commissioner says inmates with disabilities and serious medical needs get medical assessments on entry and are housed in suitable locations, including infirmaries with mobility aids. Public Safety & Health Products: Police seized 2,700+ illicit and unsafe items in South Oropouche, including unregistered male enhancement drugs, illegal cigarettes, counterfeit clothing and defective consumer goods. Community Health & Access: A court lifted a five-week jet ski ban in Tobago’s Buccoo Reef Marine Park, but kept strict rules (no minors, no stunts, speed limits near shore, and bans around key areas). Medical Treatment in Legal Case: TTPS says Kaia Sealy is not being labelled a fugitive, though a warrant remains; her lawyer argues medical delays may be justified while she receives treatment abroad. Food Security: CARDI’s black-eyed peas pilot in Warrenville showed strong germination and fast harvest timing, supporting local food security and school nutrition plans. Indian Arrival Day: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar marked 181 years of Indian indentured labour with a call for unity, resilience and national progress.

Veterans’ Mental Health & Suicide Awareness: A T&T veteran turned medic, who works at the Veterans Administration Hospital, is behind the film “Turmoil,” now touring festivals and spotlighting how war trauma can ripple into tragedy. Food Security & Nutrition: CARDI’s black-eyed peas pilot in Warrenville showed strong germination (over 96%) and fast harvest (about 56–60 days), supporting local options for school meals and reducing import dependence. Public Health Staffing: Cuba’s ambassador confirmed about 59 Cuban medical professionals are still working in Trinidad and Tobago under an agreement, with questions on what happens after 2027. Safety & Community Health (Tobago): A court lifted a five-week jet ski ban in Buccoo Reef Marine Park, but kept strict limits—no minors, no stunts, speed and distance rules near shore, and bans around key areas. Justice & Medical Access (Kaia Sealy): TTPS says Sealy is not labelled a fugitive, while her attorney argues medical treatment abroad justifies additional time to return. Sports Science & Wellness (World Cup): Korea’s team is preparing for altitude effects ahead of a friendly vs. T&T in Utah, using a camp near similar elevation to protect endurance and recovery. Trade & Wellness Economy: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj outlined plans to grow non-energy exports and tourism to strengthen the economy beyond oil—supporting broader stability for health and wellbeing.

Medical Staffing Update: Cuba’s ambassador says 59 Cuban medical professionals are still working in Trinidad and Tobago, with the future of the programme beyond 2027 uncertain. Public Health & Justice: Kaia Sealy’s lawyer argues her return to face charges should be delayed due to urgent medical and rehabilitative needs abroad, while TTPS says she is not being treated as a fugitive despite a warrant. Court Watch: In Tobago, a court lifts a five-week jet ski ban in Buccoo Reef Marine Park but keeps strict limits—no jet skis at Nylon Pool, no touting at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, speed and distance rules near shore, and bans on minors, stunts, and driving under the jetty. Community Safety: Police investigate the death of a 66-year-old livestock farmer found inside a pig pen in Gran Couva; an autopsy is pending. Workplace Safety: A garbage worker in Kelly Village was crushed by a reversing truck, raising fresh concerns about sanitation worker safety. Child Protection: Tobago House of Assembly leaders renew calls for stronger child-safety policing after the Angelo Tobias-Plaza case. Wellness & Care Access: A local focus on improving access to prosthetic care in Trinidad and Tobago highlights ongoing rehabilitation needs.

Workplace Safety: A 20-year-old garbage worker, DeShawn Joseph, was crushed and killed after being struck by a reversing truck in Kelly Village, renewing calls for stronger safety on sanitation jobs. Child Protection & Policing: Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine again criticised TTPS handling in the Angelo Tobias-Plaza case, urging serious capacity training for investigating crimes against minors. Legal/Health Update: Kaia Sealy’s attorneys say she’s willing to return to Trinidad to face proceedings once medically cleared, after warrants were reported via media. Public Sector Pay Dispute: The PSA rejected the State’s 40% cash/60% non-cash arrears settlement, arguing wages must be paid in cash and listing proposed non-cash offsets. Wellness & Food Culture: A “doubles” shortcut using canned chickpeas and store-bought flatbreads is trending, while a local Motherhood study highlights financial strain and rising grocery costs for mothers. Community & Health Access: Trinidad’s new National Prosthetics Centre in Penal aims to improve access to prosthetic care through a structured six-step process.

Child Safety & Policing: Tobago’s THA renewed calls for stronger, better-trained investigations into crimes against children after the Angelo Tobias-Plaza case, as the search and charges continue. Workplace Safety: A 20-year-old garbage worker in Kelly Village was crushed to death after being struck while collecting waste, sparking fresh questions about sanitation safety. Public Health & Access: A new National Prosthetics Centre in Penal aims to improve access to prosthetic care, outlining a clear step-by-step process for patients. Healthy Food Policy: Regional health leaders say progress on tackling diet-related non-communicable diseases is slow, urging faster action on healthy food policies across the Caribbean. Wellness & Community: Eid Al Adha celebrations included multiple baby arrivals across the region, with families and maternity staff marking the day through safe deliveries and care. Sports & Fitness: Cricket West Indies released the 2026 home series schedule, bringing major international matches to the Caribbean. Local Health Equity: Trinidad and Tobago continues to lead on ozone protection progress, supporting “green cooling” transitions that can support healthier living environments.

Prosthetic Care Boost: Trinidad and Tobago opened a new National Prosthetics Centre in Penal, aiming to improve access and quality of life, with a clear six-step path to getting a prosthetic limb. Healthy Food Policy Push: CARICOM health leaders say progress on non-communicable diseases is slow, and a regional webinar highlighted how stronger healthy food policies could help countries meet NCD targets. Vector-Borne Disease Readiness: CARPHA expanded Caribbean capacity for vector-borne disease surveillance, standardising early warning indicators and training staff across member states to respond faster to outbreaks. Emergency Care Upgrade: Arima General Hospital’s new Accident and Emergency Department is now fully operational, moving emergency services closer to key support units like CT/MRI, labs, ICU and operating theatres. Food Security Win: Black eye bean harvest marks a milestone in Trinidad and Tobago’s food security pilot, supporting nutrition and more resilient local farming. Wellness & Community: Honey Fest 2026 brought education and local honey products to St Augustine, spotlighting bees and community health. Sports & Health: TTUTA president calls for a “reasonable solution” in the PSA-CPO arrears impasse, while local masters athletics saw athletes return to training and competition.

Public Sector Pay Standoff: TTUTA president Crystal Ashe is urging a “reasonable solution” in the PSA–CPO arrears impasse, after PSA rejected the CPO’s proposal and is pushing for a cash-heavy settlement. Justice & Accountability: In the Derek Ramsamooj case, the CCJ has awarded US$30,000 in damages over his unlawful detention in Suriname, reinforcing concerns about access to counsel and fair treatment. Police-Involved Shooting Fallout: The Joshua Samaroo family is still pressing for clarity after the DPP moved to charge manslaughter and shooting-with-intent—while public questions linger about how the incident unfolded. Health & Safety Watch: A separate controversy is playing out abroad where a woman was arrested after a Facebook post about unsafe brown drinking water; it’s now turned into a lawsuit over free speech and public health. Sports & National Pride: Ali Kazim Nakhid is among new faces called up for T&T’s friendly against South Korea in Utah, as preparations continue. Wellness & Environment: Trinidad and Tobago is highlighted as a regional ozone protection leader, with progress on HCFC phase-out and “green cooling” targets.