Finance Bill Crackdown on Rural & Food Production: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended tighter rules and higher penalties for small-scale copra and consumer goods, arguing licensing exists to protect public health and that “the law must have teeth.” Central Bank Fraud Recovery: The Central Bank filed a High Court suit to recover $20m tied to an alleged forged Government cheque, naming NiPat General Contractors and two directors. Energy & Investment Confidence: Moody’s upgraded T&T’s outlook to stable (Ba2 affirmed), citing improved external prospects, reserves and debt-management, following IMF feedback. AMCHAM Push on Energy Unity: AMCHAM CEO Nirad Tewarie welcomed the Shell/Venezuela Loran gas licence but warned social division could derail T&T’s ability to benefit. IPO Deadline Extended: West Indian Traders (WIT) extended its IPO closing date to June 22 to let investors complete applications. Oil Spill Row With Venezuela: T&T investigated a possible spill after Venezuela’s satellite-based claims; Heritage Petroleum says no evidence of large hydrocarbon amounts was found. Health Services Partnership: T&T signed an MOU with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to expand hearing screening, training and access to assistive technology. Business Expansion: SinglePoint Group added $1.1m investment in T&T, bringing total investment to $5.1m and adding 11 jobs. Electricity Disruption in Cuba: Santiago de Cuba residents reported transformers removed without replacement timelines, leaving blocks without power. Local Power Heroics: T&TEC crews were praised for rescuing a baby from a burning building in Port of Spain.