Export pressure on health supplies: Eye See You Ophthalmics says foreign exchange shortages, supply-chain disruptions and banking constraints are still biting even as it has expanded to export ophthalmic and optical products to 13+ Caribbean territories. AI governance push: Criminologist-turned-AI policy professor Renée Cummings is drafting GOVERN™ to push Trinidad and Tobago toward responsible AI oversight inside organisations, not just government. Regional finance watch: The Central Bank kept the repo rate at 3.5%, citing global uncertainty and subdued domestic inflation. Tobago hiring freeze debate: Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine signalled a pause on hiring to ease wage-bill strain and force more private-sector job creation, but analysts warn of backlash if timelines and details aren’t shared. Venezuela earthquake response: Trinidad and Tobago launched a coordinated national humanitarian relief effort with state agencies and private sector after twin quakes; UWI-SRC urged regional preparedness as the Caribbean Plate remains active. Food industry strain: A chicken shortage is hitting depots, with costs rising and foreign exchange challenges blamed by major suppliers. BPO jobs boost: Bill Gosling Outsourcing opened a purpose-built office in Trincity, adding 200 jobs and signalling further expansion in Trinidad’s nearshore services push. STEM and robotics: NIHERST hosted its FIRST Tech Challenge national tournament, aiming to build a regional STEM hub through school robotics. Consumer health campaign: HNATT ran a “Flip The Pack” nutrition label awareness drive through July to help tackle non-communicable diseases. Corporate deal: Agostini Ltd completed its Prestige Holdings takeover bid, reaching a controlling stake after repeated extensions.