Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal pushed back on Opposition claims over talks with Venezuela, saying engagement is ongoing and T&T is working closely with major energy stakeholders to advance cross-border gas projects. Offshore Oil & Gas: T&T signed a production-sharing contract for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater exploration block with ExxonMobil and Occidental, a “significant milestone” for upstream activity. Finance Bill 2026: The Finance Bill debate is heating up, with Energy Minister Moonilal defending new offshore gas incentives while UNC MP Colm Imbert argues the bill’s higher fines and penalties hit poor people and small businesses. Housing Procurement Scrutiny: The Office of Procurement Regulation is probing housing contract awards tied to Landmark TT and the Housing Development Corporation, after concerns about selective procurement and pricing. Hospitality Skills: The MIC Institute of Technology launched an “Inside the Industry” hospitality series, while Housing Minister David Lee said the TTHTI shutdown dealt a major blow to hospitality training. Agribusiness & Food Security: Farm and Function Ltd’s turnaround is being framed as a model for food security and import substitution, and Annie Phillip is training up in pepper sauce production with a focus on food safety. Regional Trade & Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urged T&T to reconsider withdrawal of some Caribbean airline routes, warning it could damage multi-destination travel and connectivity. Media & Payments: Caribbean media faces revenue squeeze in the AI era, while CIBC Caribbean rolled out Google Wallet support across several markets including Trinidad and Tobago. Transport Costs: A new look at congestion puts the economic hit at about $2.26b a year, with commuters losing more than a month stuck in traffic. Local Industry Growth: Kenny Scott Boats is expanding across the Caribbean and Florida with a custom luxury offshore vessel built for regional conditions.