The Promise Tracker

EU Tax Blacklist Removal by February 2026

Trinidad and Tobago was officially removed from the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions on February 17, 2026. No reversal or re-listing has occurred. Next scheduled EU review is October 2026.

“We expect removal from the EU list by February 2026”

250 IRD Officers Recruited by February 2026

Budget confirmed recruitment of 250+ officers across audit, tax, and ICT functions, with entry-level posts to be filled by February 2026. Contract positions were advertised on IRD jobs page from November 2025. No public confirmation of how many officers were actually hired.

POSGH Central Block Operationalised by March 2026

The Port of Spain General Hospital Central Block was to be operationalised by March 2026. Deadline missed after a broken pipeline flooded the electrical bus duct system in January. Building was ceremonially commissioned on June 30, 2026, three months late. Attorney General Jeremie slammed the opening as 'farcical,' claiming the facility lacked basic equipment including thermometers and beds.

“The POSGH Central Block will be operationalised by March 2026”

$1 Billion NIF Bond by Q2 2026

NIF II Bond for TT$1 billion backed by 21% of government's First Citizens shareholding (~TT$2B value). Q2 FY2026 issuance window (January-March 2026) has closed with no confirmed launch. NIF website maintains a NIF2 page but the only bond actually issued was the $400M NIF2 in January 2024 — a separate, earlier instrument.

Tobago Airport Terminal Opening

ANR Robinson International Airport new terminal (25,500 sq m, two-storey) fully certified for operations including LEED certifications. All major systems commissioned — airfield lighting, baggage handling, security inspection, MEP. However, terminal still not opened. Officials 'not ready to share' opening date pending Cabinet approval. March 2026 and July/August 2026 targets both missed.

“The airport could open in time for Tobago Carnival”

Police Body Camera Programme

~1,000 cameras procured (750 + 250) at approximately $4 million. Only 180 operational for Carnival 2026. Budget 2026 allocated $20M for 3,120 new cameras, with procurement deadline set for July 22, 2026. 1,200 cameras from former Commissioner Griffith's tenure not being fully used.

Mosquito Creek Highway Rebuild by March 2026

Mosquito Creek section collapsed January 2023. Rebuild using lightweight materials (pumice fill, Geofoam). Key stabilisation measures completed: continuous flight auger piled wall driven 20m deep, original seawall demolished for reconstruction. March 2026 deadline passed with no public completion announcement.

Hilton Trinidad Refurbishment

Hilton actively preparing to withdraw its brand after over two decades. Government failed to execute US$600K+ capital upgrades despite UDeCOTT issuing RFP in August 2023. 2003 lease expired in 2023, extended short-term to September 2024. Staff on reduced hours. Minister Hosein says 'active talks' ongoing but no resolution.

CAL Audited Financial Statements Published

Only the 2016 audit was filed — nine years late, with a qualified opinion from KPMG revealing an accumulated deficit of $2.175 billion. Eight years of financials (2017-2024) remain outstanding despite new board and ministry oversight change. CAL has not submitted annual reports to the Minister of Finance for nine consecutive years (2016-2024).

“The new board will ensure audited financials are brought up to date”

Nurse Shortage Resolution

Crisis continues. Nurses protesting stagnant salaries still tied to 2013 levels. San Fernando General Hospital operating at 22:1 patient-to-nurse ratio vs WHO-recommended 6:1. Long hours, excessive overtime, denial of legitimate leave. No concrete recruitment or retention plan published. Deadline missed.

HDC Squatter Regularisation

Chairman Khan announced plan to regularise ~1,000 squatters in $500M of HDC units via mortgage/sales process. Housing Minister Lee publicly contradicted, saying he was blindsided and any regularisation must go to Cabinet. Deadline missed. No Cabinet approval. HDC seeking $1B loan while owed $1B by delinquent homeowners. 180,000+ applicants on waiting list.

Sangre Grande Hospital Commissioned This Fiscal Year

The 106-bed Sangre Grande Hospital Campus was handed over and opened in approximately April 2024, under the prior PNM administration. UDeCOTT lists the project as delivered. Hospital continues to operate normally under the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

“The Sangre Grande Hospital will be commissioned this fiscal year”

10% Public Sector Wage Increase

Agreement reached in November 2025 between CPO and PSA for 10% wage increase covering 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 periods. Total cost: approximately $3.8 billion in back pay plus $420 million annually going forward. Back pay advance disbursed before Christmas 2025. New salaries effective January 2026 with COLA consolidated.

“Negotiations for a 10 percent increase will begin this fiscal year”

20,000 Government Jobs / 50,000 New Jobs Target

CEPEP/URP eliminated (10,400+ workers fired). 110,000 applied for 20,000 positions. Only 1,801 hired as of March 2026 — 9% of target. Government has not publicly released consolidated hiring figures across ministries. Workers report late payments and describe new jobs as 'CEPEP work under a different name.'

“The second phase will target 50,000 new jobs”

State-Sponsored REIT

A high-level technical committee to transfer state properties into a publicly listed REIT on the TTSE was announced. TTSE says it is 'looking forward' to listing the REIT. No committee formation, property identification, or listing timeline announced. Still in conceptual phase with three months remaining in fiscal year.

Asset-Based Levy Yielding $575M Annually

The 0.25% levy on assets held by commercial banks (~$160B) and insurance companies (~$70B) became effective January 1, 2026, enacted through Finance Act 2025. IMF 2026 Article IV mission reviewed T&T's fiscal framework including the levy. BATT still working with Ministry of Finance on technical details including asset definitions and deductibility.

CEPEP/URP Replacement with Permanent Employment

CEPEP/URP eliminated (10,400+ workers fired). Only 1,801 hired of 20,000 promised. A 13-week pilot 'National Programme for Upkeep of Public Spaces' ran December 2025 to March 2026. Rural Development Minister confirmed no programme exists to absorb former CEPEP/URP workers. Former workers continue urging government to fast-track placements.

Zero Tolerance on Crime

2025 ended with 369 murders — a 42% decline and 10-year low. But gains not holding without SoE. H1 2026: approximately 176 murders, tracking slightly below 2025 pace but only under continuous emergency powers. SoE extended again June 11, 2026 for three more months. Country under SoE for 12+ of last 14 months. TTPS claims SoE reduced murders by 44.4%, but experts question sustainability.

Migrant Registration Framework Implementation

All three phases implemented: online registration (Jan 26 - Feb 25), in-person verification at four stadium locations (March 2-27), and card issuance (ongoing). 29,276 applications from 60+ nationalities. 23,342 Venezuelan nationals. Approved applicants receiving Migrant Registration Cards valid until December 31, 2026.

Tobago Autonomy Legislation

Renewed political momentum. THA Amendment Bill passed House 38-0 (procedural fix). Augustine visiting Caribbean islands for autonomy models — described Nevis' laws as 'progressive.' PM stated autonomy on 'front burner.' Proposals would not include right to secede. No constituent assembly formed or autonomy bill drafted yet.

Guaracara Refinery Restart

Tecnimont (Maire Group) awarded US$50M rehabilitation study in March 2026. Study covers comprehensive technical and integrity assessment of the ~150,000 bpd facility in two phases, completion early 2027. Subsequent FEED and EPC contracts expected. No decision on sale to Patriotic Energies.

CAL Two-Year Turnaround

Two-year ultimatum for Caribbean Airlines to demonstrate a turnaround. Active restructuring underway: oversight transferred from Finance Ministry to Transport Ministry under Minister Zakour (April 2026). Aggressive route rationalisation cutting US$18.84M in unprofitable routes. Q1 2026 profitability up 66%. But no permanent CEO, conflicting bailout reports, and TT$626.84M budget allocation for loan repayments.

“CAL has two years to demonstrate a clear turnaround”

Dragon Gas Project Advancement

Shell fast-tracking Dragon gas to first production by 2026-2027, ahead of original 2027 target. Dragon field estimated at over 4 tcf of gas. First-phase production expected at ~185 mmscfd via 17km subsea pipeline to Hibiscus platform. OFAC first-phase negotiation licence expired April 2026; renewal decision pending.

“The Government continues to explore all avenues to advance the Dragon Gas project”

Gas Production Recovery to 3.2 bcf/d by 2027

Gas production has plummeted 33% since 2015 (from 4.3 to 2.5 bcf/d in 2024). Still 0.7 bcf/d short of 3.2 target. Best upstream outlook in years with major projects sanctioned: BP Ginger (FID March 2025, peak 370 mmscfd), Shell Manatee (FID July 2024, upgraded to 1 bcf/d capacity). Major production surge expected 2027 when these projects deliver first gas.

“Natural gas production is projected to increase to 3.2 billion cubic feet per day by 2027”

Three New Desalination Plants

Plants promised for Mayaro, Moruga/Tableland, and Charlotteville. WASA issued formal RFI (WTC 21/2026) in April 2026 seeking private sector partners for design, financing, construction, and operations of all three plants (combined target: 6.5M imperial gallons/day). Submissions closed May 20, 2026. No contracts awarded or construction started.