Digital Payments Push: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with the High Commissioner saying implementation is actively pursued under an agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Ministry of Digital Transformation—aimed at a real-time digital payments ecosystem. Cybersecurity & SMEs: UTT hosted a cybersecurity forum for SMEs and creative industries, with TT-CSIRT and police cyber units warning that breaches can cause financial loss, reputational damage and even national security concerns. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative at CTU ICT Week 2026, advancing a new fibre optic submarine cable route from Cayenne to Caribbean islands, targeted for service by end-2029. Manufacturing Support: TTMA and TTCSI urged stronger budget support for manufacturers and services, spotlighting VAT refund backlogs, foreign exchange access and renewed GlobalTT backing for SMEs. Public Finance Modernisation: Tobago’s THA passed a motion to modernise its 30-year-old financial rules to align with the Public Procurement Act. Alcohol Policy Debate: Business groups and road-safety advocates backed raising alcohol/tobacco age to 21, but called for due process, consultations, and clear enforcement; government also proposes gambling and cannabis age limits up to 25. Energy Watch: Shell paused development of the Aphrodite offshore gas project after failing to reach commercial terms with NGC, while other gas projects continue to target 2027 output.