Mid-Year Budget Review: Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo faces mounting pressure as Parliament prepares to absorb an extra $2.93bn for 2026, lifting the budget from $59.232bn to about $62.162bn, with unions and business groups pushing for clarity on jobs, wages and spending. Finance Bill Scrutiny: Opposition Senator Dr Margaret Satya Rose warned the Finance Bill 2026 could weaken transparency and accountability, while supporters say it includes targeted support for public safety services. Telecoms Regulation: TSTT won part of its appeal against TATT over interconnection price caps, with the court ruling TATT had jurisdiction but failed to consult before implementing the caps. Energy & Investment Signals: Moody’s upgraded T&T’s outlook to stable, boosting renewed interest in restarting the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, as officials say investor confidence has improved. Aviation & Infrastructure: Tobago’s ANR Robinson airport terminal is fully certified and ready for opening after handover of operating documents, warranties and compliance approvals. Oil & Gas Deal: Occidental bought a 10% working interest in offshore Block TTUD-1 from ExxonMobil, with seismic work expected to guide any drilling decision later this year. Governance Row: PNM is calling for probes and Padarath’s removal after allegations of intimidation of parliamentary staff during a Standing Finance Committee audio dispute. Central Bank Fraud Case: The Central Bank filed a High Court suit to recover nearly $18.8m tied to an alleged forged $20m government cheque. Tourism Watch: Tourism stakeholders head into the budget review with modest expectations but want action on marketing, airlift, arrivals, infrastructure, crime perceptions and foreign exchange constraints.