Tobago Budget & Prosperity Blueprint: Tobago House of Assembly Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts outlined the 2026/27 fiscal package and the “Pathway for Prosperity: Blueprint for Tobago 2026–2030,” flagging priorities from tourism and agriculture to digital transformation and human capital. State of Emergency Debate: As Parliament weighs extending the SOE, security effectiveness and political divide remain front and centre, with maritime/security consultant Norman Dindial weighing the implications. Energy & Cross-Border Gas: Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal defended Finance Bill energy incentives and said the sector is showing “clear signs of recovery,” while Trinidad also signed a production-sharing deal with ExxonMobil and Occidental for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater block. Venezuela–Shell Loran Gas Move: Venezuela signed Phase I agreements with Shell to develop the Loran gas field, a cross-border asset linked to Trinidad and Tobago, as Caracas pushes to become a major gas exporter. Finance Bill 2026 Fines & Tax Claims: Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said the bill adds no new taxes on citizens, though it increases fines and introduces a new fiscal regime for marginal marine gas drilling. Tourism Recognition: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards went to Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel and HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright, boosting the case for conservation-led tourism. Public Safety & Crime: CARICOM IMPACS and the US opened a regional firearms workshop in Port of Spain to tackle illicit, increasingly untraceable weapons driving violence. Hospitality Training Push: MIC’s “Inside the Industry” session heard that TTHTI’s shutdown dealt a major blow, as training and skills development are being rebuilt. Agribusiness & Food Skills: Farm and Func­tion Ltd’s turnaround story and Annie Phillip’s pepper-sauce training highlight food security, import substitution, and small-business capability building.