Highway Delivery: The $161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is now about 90% complete, with drainage works around 70% done and electrical street-light installations underway, aiming to cut commute pain as the project stays ahead of schedule. Public Finance & Wages: Government is seeking a $2.93B supplementary appropriation to meet wage commitments for 62,000+ public servants, with business groups welcoming the near-term boost to retail demand while urging clearer mid-year budget plans. Trade & Tariffs: AMCHAM T&T raised concerns with a senior US official over tariffs affecting T&T petrochemical exports, arguing the sector supports US agriculture and asking for a review tied to the strong bilateral relationship. Food Security Pressure: A UN-backed report says about 512,000 people in T&T can’t afford a healthy diet, with undernutrition and obesity co-existing—fueling calls for stronger food policy and financing. Shipping & Logistics Upgrade: Chaguaramas yacht traffic could get a major lift as SailClear nears launch, with stakeholders expecting clearance times to fall from hours to about 15 minutes. Governance Scrutiny: Business groups question consultation as fines rise under Finance Bill 2026, while economists say the move is driven by revenue gaps. Regional Governance Snapshot: Transparency International’s 2025 CPI again flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while some islands remain comparatively stronger. Agriculture Supply Shock: Caribbean hot sauce makers warn of Scotch bonnet shortages and higher prices after hurricanes and pests hit key pepper crops.