Digital Finance: Sen­dana is rolling out a new US$ platform for Caribbean users, offering a virtual US dollar account plus Visa debit and global payments without needing a US address or US bank account—aimed at cutting delays, FX shortages and high fees for people in T&T earning abroad. Education & AI: Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says this year’s SEA results show “significant improvement,” crediting an AmCham-backed AI platform that gives pupils access to past SEA Maths papers, alongside expanded Wi-Fi in schools. STEM Pipeline: NIHERST and Shell hosted the FIRST Tech Challenge 2026, marking a shift from FIRST Lego League to FIRST Tech Challenge and showcasing local robotics design, programming and teamwork. Crime Tech & Data: TTPS reports a drop in active gangs in the Northern Division from 16 to 11, citing intelligence-led operations and technology-supported investigations. Energy & Industry: Heritage Petroleum outlined plans to lift oil output via new development and exploration wells, while a separate incident report says suspected pipeline sabotage in Barrackpore released about 416 barrels of crude into the environment. Geoscience After Quakes: UWI Seismic Research Centre teams are studying Galfa’s uplifted coastline after Venezuela earthquakes to understand how local geology may have amplified shaking. Offshore Surveying: Oceaneering’s Ocean Intervention II has started a multi-discipline offshore survey campaign offshore Trinidad, combining seismic, seabed mapping, geotechnical sampling and AUV work. Local Tech Governance: Public Administration and AI Minister Dominic Smith argues T&T’s digital transformation can’t be government-only and must deliver measurable impact for citizens and the economy. Youth Participation: Caribbean youth leaders urged governments and regional bodies to move from consultation to real decision-making power at CDB’s Youth FIRE Forum.