IMF Pushes Fiscal Buffer Plan: The IMF’s Article IV for Trinidad and Tobago urges the country to channel higher-than-budgeted energy revenues into rebuilding fiscal buffers, including renewed deposits into the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund, as growth stays around 0.8% and public debt pressure persists. NGC Ratings Row: NGC chair Gerald Ramdeen fires back at Vasant Bharath over Moody’s criticism, arguing NGC’s move to add Fitch while keeping S&P coverage isn’t “rating shopping.” Payments Overhaul: The Central Bank is advancing a Payment Systems and Services Bill to modernise oversight, strengthen consumer protection, and support digital payments. EV Safety Warning: At an EV and Hybrid conference, first responders were told lithium-ion battery fires may not be put out with water. LPG Reform Signals: Energy Minister Ernesto Kesar says long-stalled LPG regulation updates are being pushed to Cabinet soon. Tourism Industry Tension: Caribbean hotels are challenging Booking.com’s plan to apply commissions to taxes like VAT/GST. Road Safety Accountability: DPWH removed two Cordillera officials after a cyclist died on an unrepaired, collapsed road section. Culture & Tech Noise: A major Commonwealth short story prize faces AI-writing backlash after Trinidad’s Jamir Nazir’s “The Serpent in the Grove” was flagged online.