AGP Executive Report

Corporate Deal: Seprod just sold International Biscuits Limited for a cash inflow of $1.71 billion, boosting its Q1 profit nearly twofold thanks largely to a big one-time gain. Trade & Diplomacy: CARICOM–China ties are deepening fast, with trade volume nearing US$10 billion as China points to support like a new Trinidad forensic science centre. Tourism Safety & Travel Reality: A Ukrainian aircraft carrying explosives was detained at Piarco, then cleared to leave after investigations—another reminder that border checks can shape travel plans. Local Life & Community: In Tobago, 35 sheep and 7 goats were euthanised after an illegal livestock import in Cedros triggered a disease response, while in Benguet, a mayor backed a strawberry-farm tourism push with solar lights. Nature Pull: Caroni Swamp’s scarlet ibis spectacle keeps drawing visitors—sunset boat tours timed for the birds’ nightly return. Weather Watch: A yellow high-wind alert remains in effect, with gusts over 55 km/h possible and marine conditions expected to worsen.

Biosecurity Alert: Thirty-five sheep and seven goats were euthanised after a multi-agency seizure in Cedros found the animals were infected with a communicable disease; two people are assisting investigators. Public Safety & Weather: A yellow level high-wind alert stays in effect until 2pm tomorrow, with gusts over 55 km/h likely—secure roofs, loose items, and livestock; sea conditions may disrupt marine activity. Security at Piarco: A Ukrainian aircraft carrying explosives was detained after undeclared cargo was found, then cleared to leave after investigations. Community & Culture: In La Trinidad, Mayor Roderick Awingan backed BSU Strawberry Farm during Betag Tourism Week by handing over four solar-powered lights for safer stall operations. Tourism Spotlight: Caroni Swamp’s scarlet ibis “Great Bird Show” is back—sunset boat tours time the spectacle as mangroves turn crimson.

Soca spotlight in Toronto: Trinidadian Nailah Blackman shut down The Beaches’ History with Destra Garcia and Kes joining the SOS Fest 2026 opener, turning the stage into a full-on “Bad Gyals” moment for fans across the Greater Toronto Area. World Cup travel buzz: South Korea’s squad, led by Son Heung-min, has been heading to Salt Lake City for pre-World Cup training camps—another reminder of how global sport keeps pulling Caribbean audiences into the conversation. T&T travel watch-outs: A yellow high-wind alert stays in effect, with gusts over 55 km/h and rougher seas expected to disrupt plans. Safety and security headlines: Authorities cleared a Ukrainian aircraft after explosives were found during a stop at Piarco, while police continue investigating a fatal Arouca shooting near La Luna Sports Bar. Nature tourism draw: Caroni Swamp’s scarlet ibis “Great Bird Show” is back on the travel radar, with sunset boat tours timed for the nightly red-wing spectacle.

Aviation Security at Piarco: A Ukrainian cargo flight (CVK-7078) was detained after explosives were found onboard but not declared properly; after multi-agency checks, authorities cleared the aircraft and crew to leave, saying there was no threat to the public. Crime Update: Police report a late-night shooting in Arouca near La Luna Sports Bar—one man dead and two others injured—after gunmen blocked a vehicle and opened fire. Weather Watch: A yellow high-wind alert remains in effect, with gusts over 55 km/h possible and sea conditions expected to worsen. Tourism & Culture: Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down in Trinidad ahead of today’s R&B Brunch Festival at Queen’s Park Savannah, while Caroni Swamp’s scarlet ibis “great bird show” continues nightly as thousands return at sunset. Community Dates: The 31st Annual Trinidad Memorial Ceremony is set for Sunday, May 24, 2 p.m. at Trinidad Bay Memorial Park.

Aviation Security at Piarco: A Ukrainian cargo aircraft carrying explosives was detained at Piarco after undeclared materials were found, then cleared after investigations—authorities say there was no threat to the public and the crew faced questioning before being allowed to depart. High-Wind Watch: A yellow alert remains in effect for Trinidad and Tobago with gusts over 55 km/h possible, with sea conditions expected to worsen—people are urged to secure loose items and exercise caution near the coast. Tobago Tourism Pressure Point: Fresh pushback continues around the Rocky Point hotel development after experts warned EMA about the site’s suitability, even as the regulator moved forward with a CEC. Caroni Nightlife for Visitors: Sunset boat tours in Caroni Swamp are drawing travellers for the nightly scarlet ibis spectacle—mangroves turning crimson as thousands return to roost. Community Calendar: The 31st Annual Trinidad Memorial Ceremony is set for May 24 at Trinidad Bay Memorial Park, with road closures from 1–3 p.m.

Wildlife Tourism: Caroni Swamp is putting on its nightly show again, with scarlet ibis returning at sunset and turning mangrove islands bright red—one of Trinidad’s most iconic “boat-at-dusk” experiences. Security at Piarco: A Ukrainian cargo aircraft linked to a “security-related matter” at Piarco was detained after explosives were found to be undeclared, then cleared to leave after investigations said no blame should fall on the pilot or crew. Public Safety Weather: The Met Office keeps a yellow high-wind alert in effect, warning gusts over 55 km/h could displace roofs and loose items and stir rough seas. Local Crime Update: Police are investigating a late-night Arouca shooting near La Luna Sports Bar that left one dead and two injured, with suspects believed to be gang-related. Tourism Culture Link: Jamaica’s tourism minister says his country will help Tobago tighten water-sports safety rules after a fatal jet-ski incident.

Aviation Security: A Ukrainian aircraft carrying explosives was detained at Piarco after undeclared cargo was flagged, but after investigations the crew and plane were cleared to leave—authorities say there was no threat to the public. Public Safety: Arouca saw a late-night shooting near La Luna Sports Bar—one man died and two others were injured after gunmen blocked a vehicle and opened fire. Weather Watch: A yellow high-wind alert remains in effect, with gusts over 55 km/h possible and sea conditions expected to worsen—secure loose items and use caution near the water. Tourism & Culture: Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down in Trinidad ahead of the R&B Brunch Festival at Queen’s Park Savannah, while Tobago’s tourism leaders push for continuity and stronger planning to protect the island’s appeal. Regional Context: Caribbean tourism groups are also pushing back against new booking commission proposals that could raise costs for hotels across the region.

Aviation Security Update: A Ukrainian cargo aircraft that was detained at Piarco after explosives were found onboard has now been cleared to leave Trinidad and Tobago, after hours of multi-agency checks. Public Safety: Police are also investigating a late-night shooting near Arouca Sports Bar where one man died and two others were injured, after gunmen blocked a vehicle and opened fire. Weather Watch: A yellow high-wind alert stays in effect, with gusts over 55 km/h possible and sea conditions expected to worsen—secure loose items and use caution near the water. Tourism & Culture: Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down at Piarco ahead of Trinidad’s R&B Brunch Festival, while local book culture stays in focus with Featherston’s festival buzz and graduation books available at Robinson Printing.

Airport Security Shock: A Ukrainian cargo aircraft was detained at Piarco after explosives were found undeclared, then cleared to leave Trinidad and Tobago following investigations, with TTPS calling it a “security-related matter” under the State of Emergency. Police Boost: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says TTPS sanctioned strength will rise to 10,200 officers (from 7,884), aiming to improve visible community policing. Tourism Buzz: Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down at Piarco ahead of today’s R&B Brunch Festival at Queen’s Park Savannah. Regional Travel: Caribbean Airlines launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Curaçao flights with fares from about US$152, adding another easy hop for visitors. Health Tech: Saint Lucia completed a rapid PCR system rollout, cutting infectious-disease testing to under two hours. Heritage Spotlight: Nelson Island’s history is back in the spotlight as talk of a name change sparks fresh debate.

Aviation Security Alert at Piarco: Trinidad and Tobago Police say state security agencies are investigating a security-related matter involving a cargo aircraft at Piarco, after routine checks flagged “irregularities” and authorities secured the plane and accounted for the crew. Regional Connectivity Boost: Caribbean Airlines launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Curaçao flights, with fares from about US$152, a clear win for tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange. Tourism Stability Spotlight: A new Caribbean Travel Trends report highlights Curaçao as a year-round tourism model, while noting Trinidad’s higher seasonality score—useful context for T&T’s push to diversify demand. Policy Pressure on Tourism Costs: Regional hoteliers are pushing back against Booking.com commission changes that could raise costs by charging commissions on government taxes and fees. Safety & Reputation Watch: Canada issued fresh travel advisories for Trinidad and Tobago, citing violent crime and pointing to the country’s state of emergency. Local Governance & Culture: Tobago tourism leaders stress continuity of solid plans, while the Sport and Culture Fund faces calls for a board appointment amid funding freeze concerns.

Rocky Point pushback: Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says he’ll back the $500m, 200-room Rocky Point hotel only after four conditions are met—aiming for better room quality and airline interest, while critics warn the scale could damage reefs and green space. Tourism governance beyond party lines: THA Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett argues Tobago’s tourism plans must be built solid enough to survive elections, with knowledge transfer from technocrats to the next team. Sport funding snag: Hans Des Vignes is calling for the Prime Minister’s Sport and Culture Fund board to be appointed after SporTT’s funding freeze left applicants stuck without approvals. Regional travel boost: Caribbean Airlines launches twice-weekly Port of Spain–Curaçao flights from about US$152, adding another easy hop for Caribbean visitors. Security debate: Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith says a disclosed “heightened threat” targeting senior officials has fueled public fear and could harm T&T’s international image. Crime grief: Belmont’s toddler Akini Kafi’s grandfather speaks out after the triple shooting that killed the child and others.

Aviation Boost: Caribbean Airlines launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Curaçao flights, with fares from about US$152, giving travellers an easier hop for tourism, business and culture. Tobago Legacy: Veteran tourism pioneer George Stanley Beard has died at 79, remembered for shaping Tobago’s Heritage Festival and Blue Food Festival and pushing conservation. Budget Pressure: Economist Amrita Deonarine says T&T’s mid-year budget “breathing room” from energy windfalls must be used for productivity and structural reforms, not just more spending. Tourism Strategy: A new travel trends read warns T&T still relies heavily on hub-based arrivals, while another commentary argues the country must move from viral visibility to lasting credibility. Safety & Travel Notes: Canada issued fresh advisories for T&T over violent crime and specific high-risk areas. Local Disruption: A planned city power outage sparked pushback from residents and businesses. Labour Watch: Labour Ministry reminders target supermarket operators over minimum wage and workers’ rights.

Tobago Child Search: The Homicide Bureau has joined a multi-agency probe into the disappearance of 2-year-old Angelo Tobias in Goodwood, with the Child Protection Unit also involved after a frantic search ended in heartbreak when a body was briefly spotted at sea but slipped away. Heritage & Tourism Potential: A heritage complex tied to the Sevilla Sugar Museum and Sugar Archives—plus restored locomotives—was highlighted as a missed chance to tell Trinidad’s sugar story, even as new agro-processing plans move forward in the old Brechin Castle sugar belt. Labour Watch: The Ministry of Labour is stepping up enforcement after complaints about supermarket breaches of minimum wage and workers’ rights. Energy Diplomacy: Venezuela–T&T energy talks remain “complex,” with experts urging both sides to keep negotiations moving despite political noise. Culture on the Map: Kes The Band’s NPR Tiny Desk performance is putting soca front and centre for global audiences.

Tourism Stability Spotlight: A new Caribbean Travel Trends 2026 report flags Curaçao as a standout “model for stable seasonality,” with a low seasonality score of 21—far steadier than Trinidad and Tobago’s 43—pointing to diversified source markets and consistent air links. Labour Watch: Trinidad’s Ministry of Labour is cracking down on supermarket breaches, warning operators to comply with minimum wage, overtime, rest breaks, and insurance rules after complaints circulating online. Sports Governance: SporTT met with 15 national governing bodies amid recent funding holds tied to compliance issues, with athletes and programmes feeling the squeeze. World Bank Presence: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar signed an agreement enabling the World Bank Group to set up permanent offices in T&T, aiming to boost development financing and partnerships. Tourism Jobs Uncertainty: Pressure is mounting over Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre’s future as the CWU warns a July 16 deadline could affect up to 250 workers. Road Safety: A woman was killed on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway, causing heavy traffic and prompting temporary bus-route changes. Culture & Music: Kes The Band delivered a major global moment with an NPR Tiny Desk performance, bringing soca to a worldwide audience.

Hilton Trinidad Uncertainty: The Communication Workers Union (CWU) says pressure is mounting over the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, warning up to 250 workers could face an uncertain future after a July 16 deadline tied to the property’s operational status, with calls for transparency on promised renovations and the fate of previously allocated refurbishment funds. Tragedy in Tobago: A frantic search for toddler Angelo Tobias turned to heartbreak after a body was briefly spotted near Goodwood Beach before slipping away, sparking anger and clashes among villagers. Fire Probe Stalled: The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service says tampering at Globe City Plaza means the cause of the recent blaze can’t be determined, with the investigation halted and reports being prepared. Labour Watch: The Ministry of Labour has launched an investigation into alleged supermarket labour-law breaches, including minimum wage and break entitlements. Sports Tourism Spark: Grenada’s Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament wrapped up, drawing 60 visiting players and boosting hospitality and local business. Caribbean on the Field: South Korea will play Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup tune-up in Utah on May 30.

Sports Tourism Boost: Grenada just wrapped the Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament, a week-long regional event that drew 60 visiting players and teams from across the Caribbean—framed by the Grenada Tourism Authority as a smart way to extend the tourism season and spread spending across hospitality, food, transport and small businesses. Local Security & Accountability: In Trinidad and Tobago, Opposition MP Stuart Young has urgently requested the police interview Defence Minister Wayne Sturge over remarks linked to two recent deadly shootings, including the April 19 killing of J’Layna Armstrong and the May 7 death of Aki­ni Kafi. Tobago Development Watch: The EMA defended its approval of a major Rocky Point hotel project after environmentalists raised alarms about reef and coastal impacts, keeping the debate over tourism growth versus environmental protection very much alive. Caribbean Connections: South Korea announced World Cup tuneups against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador in Utah—another spotlight moment for T&T on the international sports map. Health & Travel Safety: CARPHA launched Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week in Trinidad, urging stronger source reduction ahead of the rainy season to protect public health and tourism.