Oil Spill Row: Heritage Petroleum says it found no evidence of a major hydrocarbon spill after Venezuela’s claims, while Trinidad and Tobago continues reconnaissance with air/sea assets and seeks more details from Caracas. Diplomatic Energy Push: Venezuela granted Shell a natural gas permit/licence for the Loran field, a cross-border project with Trinidad and Tobago, positioning it for LNG-linked exports. More Shell-Loran Deals: Caracas also signed five agreements with Shell to advance Loran development and related oilfield expansion, plus steps to cut gas flaring. Regional Tensions Escalate: Venezuela warns of a new spill “greater than May” and demands transparency and safeguards from Trinidad and Tobago, threatening shared marine ecosystems and fishing. Tobago Agriculture Capacity: NAMDEVCO launched a Lead Farmer Training Programme cohort in Tobago under BIOREACH, building farmer skills and extension support. SME Export Boost: TTMA and Exim-bank prepare to launch Cohort 3 of the Export Action Programme, touting measurable foreign-sales gains from earlier cohorts. Business & Policy: PSOTT says Finance Bill modernisation could stall if state approvals remain backlogged, urging clearer service-level commitments. Energy Tax Outlook: Economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon argues Finance Bill 2026 energy terms could improve economics for marginal gas fields and help supply LNG. Music Industry Spotlight: T&T secured multiple nominations across 23 categories for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, with Lady Lava leading the pack.