AGP Executive Report

Tobago Security Upgrade: Chief Sec. Farley Augustine launched the Active Directed Grid Patrol system at Tobago Information Technology, aiming for faster, more data-driven responses with tools like facial/vehicle recognition, CCTV access, and possible body-cam and ankle-monitoring links. Tobago Budget Dates: The THA will present its 2027 budget on June 22, with debate June 25, outlining plans tied to the “Pathway for Prosperity” blueprint, including sustainable tourism, climate resilience, infrastructure, and airport operationalisation. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: NA PA Hotel hosted “This Is Us Through the Eyes of Richard Ramirez,” a heritage-focused photo exhibition printed on glass, encouraging locals and visitors to pause and value T&T’s stories. Local Travel Industry: Award-winning agent Indira Ramgarib-Katwaroo promoted her new advisory book “The Professional Travel Advisor,” sharing lessons from tourism mistakes and how to guide travellers better. Corpus Christi, Green Edition: Local Gov’t Minister Khadijah Ameen distributed about 3,000 vegetable plants and pushed school “green practices” ahead of Corpus Christi. Regional Travel Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket, through-baggage travel across the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly. Sports Tourism Hook: The CFU Club Shield draw sets Slingerz FC’s July 23-Aug 2 tournament in Trinidad & Tobago, with regional clubs chasing Concacaf Caribbean Cup spots.

Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let travellers book one ticket across the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through and no need for separate tickets. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Trinidadian Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1) to drive destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Local Travel & Culture: Carnival Weekend 2026 is packed with must-do events, including J’Ouvert buzz and live soca band energy, while Tobago gears up for its fifth annual Carnival celebration. Transport Disruption: A maxi-taxi strike shut down commutes and reignited calls for a more resilient mass transit plan that doesn’t rely on one operator. Nature & Beaches: Corpus Christi planting traditions continue across T&T, and a rare whale sighting on the North Coast (US) highlights how travel can deliver unexpected wildlife moments. Sports Spotlight: T&T rugby men host Mexico on Saturday, with the women travelling for their own match the same day. Regional Watch: UN Security Council election results saw Trinidad and Tobago elected as a non-permanent member for 2027–2028.

Ronaldo Singh case: A grieving mother is challenging police accounts after her 21-year-old son, Ronaldo Singh, was found dead in Sangre Grande following a pickup by a driver who knew him, urging investigators to fully examine what led to his killing. Hotel jobs & uncertainty: Trinidad Hilton workers face anxiety after union claims that 300 jobs could be displaced if Hilton exits the country, while the minister says arrangements are not affecting workers and says talks continue. Caribbean travel & culture: Curacao fans are ready to “party” at World Cup 2026 as the island’s “Blue Wave” brings music, blue outfits and big watch-party energy to the tournament. Transport disruption: Trinidad’s maxi-taxi strike has reignited calls for stronger, resilient public transport planning, after commuters faced gridlock and major daily disruption. Tourism leadership: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority appoints Trinidadian Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost the island’s global visitor growth. Regional tourism push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism ministers together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” highlighting a shift toward authentic and regenerative travel. Cuba hotel shake-up: Meliá says it’s leaving management of 15 of its 34 hotels in Cuba, part of a wider pullback by international chains amid sanctions.

UN Security Council: Trinidad and Tobago won a non-permanent seat for 2027–2028, beating the Philippines in a closely watched election, while Germany suffered a rare setback. Caribbean Tourism Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” with a focus on boosting stayovers and shifting travellers toward authentic, cultural trips. Transport & Tourism Impact: Trinidad and Tobago’s maxi-taxi shutdown exposed how dependent the country is on one transport mode, reigniting calls for resilient mass transit planning. Sports Tourism: T&T’s senior men’s rugby team hosts Mexico at Larry Gomes Stadium on Saturday (4 p.m.), with the women’s team also playing Mexico the same day (2 p.m.). Food & Culture: A bake-and-shark feature spotlights the iconic Mara­cas Bay beach snack, plus a Toronto “Island Eats Food & Travel Show” (June 13–14) celebrating Caribbean island cuisine and culture. Beach Safety Watch: Tobago jet ski tragedy updates keep pressure on safety rules after a fatal Pigeon Point incident.

Tobago Jet Ski Justice: A Tobago father says he’s still awaiting justice after a jet ski accident killed his 7-year-old daughter at Pigeon Point in April, with the case still under active investigation and no charges announced yet. Safety Rules for Visitors: Jet ski operators in Tobago say they will comply with court-ordered measures around Buccoo Reef Marine Park, including keeping 100 metres from bathing areas and limiting speed near shore. Local Travel Disruption: Trinidad’s maxi taxi strike is driving more ride-share demand, with operators cutting commissions and offering discounts to help commuters get to work and school. Tourism Policy Pressure Abroad: As global travel rebounds, European hotspots like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Santorini are adding caps, booking systems and cruise limits to manage crowds and protect residents. Caribbean Travel Trends: A new push is emerging toward “experience-driven” tourism—guests want culture, food and local access, not just resorts and beaches. Corpus Christi Planting: In T&T, officials are promoting the holiday’s planting tradition, encouraging people to grow food and buy local.

Cuba Tourism Shock: Meliá says it will immediately withdraw management/marketing from 15 Cuba hotels tied to GAESA as U.S. sanctions tighten, while Cuba’s central bank also moves to suspend Visa and Mastercard transactions from June 6—another blow to visitor spending. Tobago Jet Ski Safety: After a court ruling tied to the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, Tobago jet ski operators say they’ll comply with new rules, including keeping 100 metres from bathing areas, limiting speed near shore, and restricting operations in the Nylon Pool. Corpus Christi Planting Push: In St Augustine, MP Khadijah Ameen distributed hundreds of seedlings and urged people to plant at home (even in pots) and buy local produce to support agriculture. Maxi Taxi Strike Disrupts Travel: A three-day nationwide maxi taxi strike is driving commuters to ride-shares and PH taxis, with TTPS deploying police buses to move stranded passengers—highlighting how transport disruptions hit tourism access and everyday travel. Caribbean Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let travellers book one ticket, check luggage through, and connect more easily across the region and to Paris. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing CTO-led ministers and industry leaders together to push stronger connectivity and a unified Caribbean tourism voice.

Maxi Taxi Strike Hits Commuters: A three-day nationwide maxi taxi shutdown is disrupting travel across Trinidad, leaving thousands scrambling for alternatives; ride-share demand is up as operators cut commissions and offer discounted fares, while TTPS deployed police buses from City Gate to move stranded elderly and students. Speed Limit Debate: Former transport minister Jack Warner says calls to raise the maxi taxi speed limit from 65 km/h to 80 km/h should be rejected until operators prove consistent compliance with current rules. What’s Behind the Strike: Operators cite multiple demands, including crackdowns on illegal PH taxis, hub/terminal upgrades, and the speed limit issue. Government Responsibility Confusion: Ministers are trading responsibility for maxi taxi hubs and terminals, while transport officials push a proposed checkered-band system for formalising routes. Accessibility Impact: The Blind Welfare Association warns the disruption is especially harmful for persons with disabilities who rely on public transport as a lifeline. Regional Travel Boost: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket, through-checked itineraries across the Caribbean and onward to Paris. Local Tourism Angle: A feature highlights Trinidad’s Chaguaramas space history, including the abandoned tracking station tied to early satellite voice transmission.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: The Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago signed a new Air Services Agreement to boost commercial and tourism exchanges, including mutual overflight/landing rights and safer operational frameworks. Caribbean Travel Ease: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline deal letting passengers book on one ticket with baggage checked through, linking Trinidad and Tobago with wider Eastern Caribbean and onward connections via Paris Orly. Tourism Diplomacy in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with ministers and industry leaders meeting under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” pushing stronger connectivity and a unified regional tourism voice. Local Disruption for Visitors & Commuters: Trinidad and Tobago’s three-day maxi taxi strike is causing major transport strain, with TTPS deploying police buses to move stranded commuters—highlighting how travel plans can be hit fast when ground transport falters. Sports Tourism Link: Cricket West Indies unveiled the 2026 Men’s International Home Series schedule under “WI OUTSIDE!”, with matches across Caribbean territories—another draw for regional travel.

Aviation & Tourism Links: Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic signed a new Air Services Agreement to boost overflight/landing rights and make it easier for commercial and tourism travel between the two countries. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement so travellers can book one itinerary and check baggage through across combined networks. Travel Safety Watch: The U.S. State Department’s updated travel advisories list Trinidad and Tobago under a Level 3 “reconsider travel” warning, citing general crime and terrorism concerns. Local Transport Disruption: A three-day nationwide maxi taxi strike is set to disrupt commutes, with police buses deployed to move stranded passengers and the Blind Welfare Association warning that the shutdown hits persons with disabilities hardest. Sports Tourism: TG Titans Cricket Team is set for a Tobago tour (June 3–8) with matches against Club Crusoe Cuzins and Tobago Legends. Sea Life Tourism Moment: Researchers documented a rare olive ridley sea turtle nesting in Florida, with the species known to nest in parts of the Caribbean including Trinidad.

Maxi Taxi Disruption: Trinidad and Tobago maxi taxi operators begin a planned three-day “rest and reflection” action, with thousands of commuters expected to face delays and crowded alternatives like PTSC buses, taxis and PH cars. Tourism Tech Push: YTEPP and TIATT meet to urge the tourism sector to embrace AI and digital transformation, focusing on better customer service, hospitality systems and workforce training. Cultural Spotlight: The Hilton Trinidad hosts the Aagman Indian Food Festival, celebrating Indian Arrival Day with music, heritage and fundraising for the Rapid Fire Kidz Foundation. Regional Aviation Watch: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opens with a strong turnout of Caribbean tourism ministers and commissioners, aiming to strengthen resilience and market share. Safety & Travel Risk: A Back Bay Beach robbery in Mt Irvine, Chaguanas ends with police recovering a Glock pistol, while separate Tobago operations net cannabis in an anti-drug exercise. World Cup Travel Angle: South Korea’s Cho Yu-min is ruled out of the World Cup after a foot injury in a friendly vs T&T, a reminder of how quickly travel plans can change for sports tourism.

Maxi-taxi disruption: About 5,000 maxi-taxi operators are set to begin a planned three-day “rest and reflection” action starting today, likely leaving thousands of commuters scrambling for alternatives like PTSC buses, taxis and PH cars. Tourism tech push: YTEPP and TIATT met to urge the tourism sector to embrace AI and digital transformation, with training and workforce development flagged as key to improving customer service and competitiveness. Air connectivity shake-up: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St Kitts and Nevis is drawing heat after officials said the government wasn’t consulted; talks are underway to secure replacement regional airlift. Tobago Carnival build-up: Tobago kicked off its fifth annual Carnival celebration at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, with the theme “Mud, Mas and Music,” and a big turnout despite heavy rain. Culture and food tourism: The Aagman Indian Food Festival at the Hilton Trinidad honoured cultural icons and supported the Rapid Fire Kidz Foundation, blending heritage, music and local flavours. Local safety note: Police report a Back Bay Beach robbery in Mt Irvine where a victim seized a firearm, plus a Tobago cannabis seizure operation.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St Kitts and Nevis is sparking concern after Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson said the government wasn’t consulted; officials say talks with another airline are underway to protect regional links. Regional Travel Reality Check: A new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal (from June 1) lets passengers book through-tickets with checked baggage as Caribbean Airlines exits key markets—another sign of shifting routes across the region. Tobago Carnival Build-Up: Tobago kicks off its 5th annual Carnival (Oct 30–Nov 1) with a beach launch at Pigeon Point, themed “Mud, Mas and Music,” featuring major soca acts and tourism leadership. Beach Safety & Local Crime: In Tobago, police seized a Glock pistol, ammunition, and cannabis during separate operations, including a robbery attempt at Back Bay Beach that was stopped by a beachgoer. Green Funding Pressure: Reports say less than 1% of the Green Fund has been disbursed over a decade, with NGOs warning of funding shortfalls—an issue for conservation tourism. Jet Ski Rules at Pigeon Point: A court ruling keeps an injunction in place but outlines conditional access with nine restrictions, shaping how visitors enjoy Pigeon Point and Buccoo Reef.

Air Connectivity Tensions: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines cut St Kitts service without consulting the Government, sparking concern among travellers and tourism stakeholders as officials seek alternative partners. Local Transport Disruption: Maxi taxi operators plan a nationwide shutdown starting Monday after talks with Works and Transport failed to deliver written commitments, with school transport also expected to be affected. Marine Tourism Rules: Tobago’s jet ski operations at Pigeon Point and Buccoo Reef see court-set restrictions, with limits on areas like the Nylon Pool and bans on stunts and minors, aiming to balance business with public safety. Tourism Sector Skills & Tech: YTEPP met TIATT to push digital transformation and AI tools for customer service and operations, alongside workforce training. New Regional Flight Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make multi-island travel easier on one ticket. Travel Deals: United is offering nonstop Newark–Piarco fares from under $400 this summer, boosting access to Trinidad. Aviation Agreement: Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic signed an air services pact to expand connectivity and support tourism and trade.

Jet Ski Rules Update (Tobago): A court lifted a five-week ban in Bucoo Reef Marine Park but kept tight conditions—no Nylon Pool use, no touting at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, speed limits near shore, safe distances from bathing areas, no minors, no stunts, and no driving under the jetty. Transport Disruption (Commuters): Maxi taxi operators confirmed a nationwide shutdown starting Monday after talks with the Ministry of Works and Transport failed to deliver written commitments; school transport may also be affected. Regional Air Connectivity (Tourism): Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal is now under scrutiny for lack of consultation, while LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to make multi-island travel easier on one ticket. Tourism Sector Tech Push: YTEPP met TIATT to discuss AI and digital transformation for tourism—customer engagement, business systems, and workforce training. Aviation Deal (Latin America Link): Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic signed a new Air Services Agreement to expand travel and tourism between the regions. Culture & Travel Inspiration: Indian Arrival Day greetings from the PM spotlight the country’s heritage—another reminder of T&T’s rich visitor appeal.

Tourism Tech Push: YTEPP and TIATT met at The Chancellor Hotel to urge the tourism sector to embrace AI and digital tools for customer engagement, business processes, and hospitality services—plus specialised training and apprenticeships to build the workforce. Transport Disruption Watch: Maxi taxi operators say a nationwide shutdown starts Monday after talks with government stalled, with commuters and school transport likely hit unless written commitments are reached. Tobago Jet Ski Rules: A court lifted a five-week Bucoo Reef Marine Park jet ski ban but set strict limits—no Nylon Pool use, no touting at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, speed and safe-distance requirements, no minors, no stunts, and no driving under the jetty. Aviation & Tourism Links: Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic signed an Air Services Agreement to expand connectivity and support travel, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Sports Tourism Moment: Korea’s pre-World Cup friendly vs T&T is set for Saturday in Utah (BYU South Field, Provo), with the match also drawing attention to T&T’s international sporting profile.

Aviation Connectivity: Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic signed a new Air Services Agreement to boost air links across the Caribbean and Latin America, supporting more travel, tourism, trade and investment. Tourism & Safety (Tobago): A court will lift a five-week jet ski ban in Buccoo Reef Marine Park, but operators must follow strict rules—no jet skis at the Nylon Pool, no touting at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, speed limits near shore, no minors, no stunts, and no driving under the jetty. Sports Travel Buzz: South Korea will play Trinidad and Tobago in a pre-World Cup friendly in Utah, with the match set for Saturday night (local time), adding another international spotlight on T&T. Local Economy & Tourism Push: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj says the Government is driving non-energy growth with stronger public-private coordination, including tourism expansion and export targets. Culture & Community: CCAD’s young dancers are fundraising to attend a Walt Disney World performance opportunity, with a “Blessed Benefit Concert” planned in Chaguanas. Local News (Travel-adjacent): Hunters Search and Rescue in Tobago is appealing for a working vehicle while repairs are underway.