Energy Policy: Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal defended ongoing talks with Venezuela during the Finance Bill 2026 debate, rejecting claims that T&T is being shut out of key gas decisions. Finance Bill & Business Impact: Finance Minister Dave Tancoo piloted the Finance (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Parliament, saying it includes pension relief and simplified filing, while Opposition figures like Colm Imbert argue it punishes the poor and small businesses. Offshore Oil & Investment: T&T signed a production-sharing contract for the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater block with ExxonMobil and Occidental, a step the Energy Ministry says advances upstream investment. Water Infrastructure: WASA condemned a second attack on booster infrastructure in 24 hours, with wiring theft at Tabaquite disrupting supply to thousands, following a similar Biche incident. Crime & Retail Pressure: South business leaders warned that rising crime is already hurting retail trade, as TTPS reported a 16% reduction in serious reported crimes in the Western Division. Local Governance & Procurement: Questions continue around housing revitalisation procurement, with the Office of Procurement Regulation making enquiries into major Landmark TT and HDC contract awards. Regional Trade Finance: CDB and IDB Invest signed a US$25m guarantee to expand trade financing across Caribbean markets. Education & Research: UWI St Augustine and UTT signed MOUs to deepen collaboration and applied research across engineering, energy, biosciences and more.