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. Key reforms included replacing the Free Trade Zone regime with a Special Economic Zone regime and achieving 'Largely Compliant' Global Forum rating.

“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. IRD jobs page currently shows no active vacancies, suggesting initial round may have closed.

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. New target: June 2026.

“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). NIF website has a dedicated NIF2 page indicating preparations, but no confirmation of formal issuance as the Q2 window closes.

Tobago Airport Terminal Opening

ANR Robinson International Airport new terminal reached practical completion in March 2025. Budget said fully operational by March 2026. Deadline missed. Chief Secretary Augustine now indicates July/August 2026. Terminal described as still 'a shell' requiring interior buildout.

“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. Police Service halted multimillion-dollar licensing contract, rendering 82% of cameras useless.

Mosquito Creek Highway Rebuild by March 2026

Mosquito Creek section collapsed January 2023. Rebuild using lightweight materials (pumice fill, Geofoam). March 2026 deadline has passed with no public confirmation of completion.

Hilton Trinidad Refurbishment

Hilton actively preparing to withdraw its brand. Government failed to execute US$600K+ capital upgrades despite UDeCOTT issuing RFP in August 2023. CWU wrote to PM's office March 16 about declining occupancy. Staff reduced to one day per week.

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. Finance Minister revealed CAL spent over $60 million on audits from EY and PwC without submitting a single statement.

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

Nurse Shortage Resolution

Crisis worsening. Several health facilities forced to close due to insufficient nursing staff. Student nurses being drafted to fill gaps. Health Minister claimed to be unaware of any impasse. No concrete recruitment plan announced.

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. Lee later warned squatting 'will not be tolerated.'

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.

“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.

“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. 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. First Citizens published an explainer. No committee formation or operational milestones reported since budget.

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. Insurance industry warned of higher premiums. SEZ companies exempt.

CEPEP/URP Replacement with Permanent Employment

CEPEP/URP eliminated (10,400+ workers fired). Only 1,801 hired of 20,000 promised. Workers report late payments and describe new programme as rebranded CEPEP.

Zero Tolerance on Crime

Mixed results. 2025 ended with 369 murders - a 42% decline and 10-year low. But Q1 2026 saw sharp reversal: 93 murders, tracking 29% above same period 2025. Ninth SoE declared March 3. 373 detained. Country under SoE 10 of last 14 months.

Migrant Registration Framework Implementation

Registration closed with 29,276 applications from 60+ nationalities. 23,342 Venezuelan nationals. Website received 137,198 hits in first 13 hours. Phase 2 (in-person verification) underway with 2,707 processed. Cards expire December 31, 2026.

Tobago Autonomy Legislation

Renewed political momentum. PM stated autonomy is on 'front burner.' Augustine met with PM to discuss timeline. Constituent assembly being formed to draft broader legislation. Previous constitutional bill defeated December 2024.

Guaracara Refinery Restart

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

CAL Two-Year Turnaround

Two-year ultimatum for Caribbean Airlines to demonstrate a turnaround. Instead, CAL is seeking another government bailout, has cut four Caribbean routes, and is proposing a fuel surcharge and removal of airbridge subsidy.

“CAL has two years to demonstrate a clear turnaround”

Dragon Gas Project Advancement

Meaningful progress. Shell completed marine geophysical/geotechnical surveys from Dragon field to Hibiscus platform. Revised OFAC licence granted October 2025 (valid to April 2026). New US licences issued February 2026. Shell aims for first gas 2026-2027 but no FID confirmed.

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

Gas Production Recovery to 3.2 bcf/d by 2027

2024 average production was 2.537 bcf/d, edging toward 2.6 bcf/d in late 2025 with Cypre and Mento projects. Still 0.6 bcf/d short of 3.2 target. Major production surge not expected until 2027 when BP's Ginger and Shell's Manatee 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. Charlotteville plant was supposed to be installed by end of 2024 for 2025 dry season - not confirmed operational. No evidence of construction at Moruga or Mayaro.