AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Airlines cuts regional routes: Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour says Caribbean Airlines is trimming its network from June 1 to stop major losses, including withdrawing from Dominica and St Kitts, ending the non-stop Guyana–Suriname service, and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe flights from four weekly to two—moves aimed at stemming sustained financial haemorrhaging after a 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion. Indian Arrival Day: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar marked the 181st anniversary with a call for unity, framing Indian Arrival Day as a national celebration for all citizens and honouring the first indentured labourers’ resilience. Tobago investigation: In a separate local development, the mother and stepfather of toddler Angelo Plaza remain in custody as police continue probing the case that shocked Tobago. Tourism culture spotlight: Art and the City 2026 has wrapped in Saint Lucia to acclaim, with organisers highlighting a bold, diverse arts programme. World Turtle Day: May 23 is observed with renewed focus on protecting Caribbean turtles and the threats they still face.

Caribbean Airlines Route Cuts: Caribbean Airlines says it will slash more unprofitable flying from June 1, withdrawing from Dominica and St Kitts, ending the non-stop Guyana–Suriname link, and cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe frequencies from four weekly flights to two—part of a bid to stop losses that the government says total more than TT$120 million. Trini Culture on Global Stage: Top Chef 2025 winner Tristen Epps-Long returns to Trinidad for a homecoming culinary experience, spotlighting how his food and values stay rooted here even as he cooks abroad. Tourism Marketing Shift: Social media star IShowSpeed tours multiple Caribbean destinations, showing how influencer-led visits are becoming a new fast track for global attention. Safety & Health Watch: CARPHA-linked updates highlight rising international health concerns, urging Caribbean readiness as travel hubs stay alert. Weather Note: Memorial Day weekend brings a warmer, steadier pattern after a cooler spell, with showers easing in the latest outlook.

Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut three flights and reduce two more routes to twice-weekly service from June 1, including suspending Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname links and trimming flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe—tightening travel options between the Eastern Caribbean and northern South America. Immigration Rules: A new USCIS memo says most people seeking U.S. green cards from abroad must use consular processing, meaning many will have to apply outside the U.S. Public Health Watch: CARPHA is urging Caribbean countries to stay ready as WHO flags Ebola as a public health emergency, warning the main risk is an infected traveler entering a major travel hub. Tourism Payments: Booking.com’s proposed commission change—applied to taxes too—has Caribbean hotels pushing back, saying it could raise costs. Regional Tech: India’s UPI is set to go live in Cyprus next year, expanding cross-border digital payments. Safety & Welfare: A fresh call for focus on children’s welfare follows recent shocks and ongoing concerns about child safety in T&T.

Tourism Marketing Buzz: IShowSpeed’s fast, influencer-led tour across 15 Caribbean stops—including Trinidad—has turned destination hype into live global attention, with officials pointing to big spikes in searches and engagement. Local Safety & Investigations: Trinidad Police are probing the discovery of a burnt-out vehicle and an unidentified decomposing body found near a beach access road off Manzanilla-Mayaro Road, with arson and post-mortem checks underway. Sports Tourism in the Region: Grenada is leaning into sports tourism after a successful Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament brought visiting teams and boosted hospitality demand. Hospitality Industry Watch: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against a Booking.com policy that could raise commissions by applying them to taxes like VAT/GST—an issue already confirmed for Trinidad and other islands. Community & Culture: A Trinidad Memorial Ceremony is set for Sunday, May 24 at Trinidad Bay Memorial Park, honoring those lost or buried at sea.

Police & Safety: Authorities are investigating after a burnt-out vehicle and an unidentified decomposing body were found near a beach access road off Manzanilla–Mayaro Road, with deeper mechanical and arson testing underway and a post-mortem to determine whether foul play was involved. Sports Tourism: Saint Lucia kicked off its 2026 Masters Football Invitational with 26 teams and early goals, while Grenada used a Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament to pull in visiting players and boost hospitality. Local Culture & Community: The 31st Annual Trinidad Memorial Ceremony is set for Sunday, May 24 at 2 p.m. at Trinidad Bay Memorial Park, honoring those lost or buried at sea. Travel Economy Watch: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against a reported Booking.com rule that could apply commissions to taxes too, potentially raising costs for properties across the region. Heritage & Nature: Caroni Swamp’s scarlet ibis spectacle is drawing visitors nightly as the birds return to roost at sunset.

Traffic Cost Reality Check: A new ECLAC estimate puts Trinidad and Tobago’s congestion bill at US$2.26 billion a year and says workers lose about 793 hours annually—and the hidden second hit is higher fuel imports as jams burn foreign exchange. Booking.com Fight: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against a reported Booking.com rule that would charge commissions on the full booking amount, including VAT/GST, warning it could quietly raise costs across the region. Caroni’s Scarlet Show: If you want a true T&T travel moment, Caroni Swamp’s nightly scarlet ibis return is back on the calendar—boat tours are timed for the mangroves turning red. Local Tourism Boost: In Benguet’s La Trinidad, BSU Strawberry Farm got extra security with solar lights during Betag Tourism Week. Food Trend Watch: White strawberries (pineberries) are gaining buzz, with local interest growing alongside global premium fruit sales.

Booking.com Pushback: Caribbean hotels are fighting a new Booking.com rule that would charge commissions on the full booking total—including VAT/GST—arguing taxes are “pass-through” money, not hotel revenue, and the change could quietly raise costs across Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago starting May 2026. Safety & Travel Rules: Thailand is tightening visa-free stays for travellers from 93 countries (with knock-on effects for some British passport holders), citing crime and security concerns—another reminder that entry rules can shift fast. Caribbean Crime Lens: A new regional look says violence isn’t just a policing issue; it spreads through public health, opportunity gaps, and community trust. T&T Updates: In Cedros, 35 sheep and 7 goats were euthanised after an illegal import operation found an infectious disease; and at Piarco, authorities investigated a “security matter” tied to a flight before clearance was given. Culture in Motion: Soca energy hit Toronto’s History venue as Nailah Blackman launched her B.A.D. tour with Kes and Destra Garcia.

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.