US-T&T diplomacy: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad and Tobago (Aug 9–12) to push shared energy and security priorities and expand economic cooperation, before heading to Guyana for talks on energy and critical minerals. Digital payments push: Trinidad and Tobago is moving toward launching an India-based UPI payment system, aiming to cut cash use and payment costs while improving accessibility and interoperability. Energy deal: bp has agreed to buy Woodside’s 70% stake in the Calypso offshore gas project, moving bp to full control and operatorship, with closing expected by end-2026. Eco-tourism rules under pressure: Caroni Bird Sanctuary operators are facing calls for clearer limits after complaints about alcohol, noise and litter tied to on-water dining experiences. Stormwater and resilience: A local water engineering expert warns that weak stormwater management can quickly turn extreme weather into major business and infrastructure damage. Public safety logistics: TTPS defends new mobile “micro-police” units as a faster, tech-enabled response model. Infrastructure continuity: Tobago airport terminal works are said not to be delayed by landslip and slope stabilisation efforts. Regional disaster watch: Philippines monsoon and cyclones Luis and Maymay have affected about 382,000 people, with deaths and injuries reported across multiple provinces.