Tobago Budget Tightens Hiring: Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the wage bill is squeezing development and signals a future hiring freeze, with THA’s 2026/27 request of $4.12bn heavily weighted to recurrent spending. Public Procurement Watch: T&TEC won a procurement challenge over its video surveillance upgrade, with a panel dismissing Class One Systems’ bid after delays in raising the issue. Fraud Case in Court: Jackqui Watson, accused in a TT$20m fraudulent cheque scheme, was granted TT$6m bail and ordered to surrender her passport pending hearings. Crime Update: Police continue hunting after a botched Plymouth, Tobago ATM heist where suspects used a stolen backhoe but fled empty-handed; one suspect was held. Business & Trade Push: The Trade Minister urged firms to modernise and expand internationally, while the T&T Chamber’s Champions of Business Awards aims to lift standards and grow exports. Entrepreneur Support: REACH workshops in Tobago provided technical assistance and business management training for micro and small entrepreneurs. Regional Finance Snapshot: CARISTATS says only four CARICOM economies (including T&T) ran current-account surpluses in 2025, mainly driven by oil, gas or remittances. Earthquake Aid: Despite political tensions, PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar pledged humanitarian support to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela.