Mid-Year Budget Relief: Government’s 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review includes $2.93bn to settle outstanding public-sector wage and salary arrears for 62,000+ workers, with business groups saying the cash injection could lift retail and services demand. Union Pushback: NATUC welcomed the payments but warned the budget must go further with a wider economic plan for sustainable jobs and wage growth beyond backpay. Small Business Watch: Along the East-West Corridor, small operators said they’re hoping budget measures translate into lower operating pressure, especially as VAT refund backlogs and sluggish sales remain concerns. T&TEC “Protected List” Row: Former T&TEC officials and ex-senior public servants rejected claims that a decades-old “protected list” shielded PNM-linked customers from disconnection, after PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar named individuals in Parliament. Water Woes: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said rural water reliability is set to improve as projects like Freeport’s treatment plant and desalination/transmission lines progress, with Tobago also getting attention. Tobago Funding: Tobago West MP Joel Sampson backed an extra $94m allocation to the THA, saying it should deliver tangible benefits for teachers and students. Energy Dealmaking: Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd (PPGPL) with GuyGas Inc. was identified as top-ranked for O&M talks on Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Phase 1 NGL plant. Governance Capacity: CSOs are being urged to apply for free IG-NITE micro-credentials in governance, financial management and HR ahead of the June 20 deadline.