CARICOM Summit Update: Heads of Government wrapped up the 51st CARICOM meeting in Gros Islet, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Godwin Friday among leaders, and a clear push to protect consumers and improve affordability. Cost-of-Living Plan: Regional leaders agreed on measures including tax cuts on fuel imports, freight adjustments, cheaper intra-regional cargo, more renewable energy, and faster steps toward a regional ferry service. Regional Shipping & Ferries: Barbados PM Mia Mottley says Trinidad and Tobago will explore using an existing ferry as a pilot to cut cargo costs, while governments finalize rules for a longer-term network. Food Safety for Exports: IICA and FAO-backed training helped local agro-processors meet international food safety standards and prepare for new export markets. Blue Economy Fisheries: UBEC consultations advanced fisheries, seafood safety, and aquaculture frameworks, with work aimed at stronger compliance for seafood exports. Agriculture Youth Pipeline: ZHTF launched the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) for 45 interns to support food systems and sustainable agriculture. Digital Agriculture: Government is moving ahead with a National Geospatial Database and Management Information System for agriculture and coastal risk management. Maritime Security Watch: Saint Lucia’s Marine Unit is expanding patrols to tackle smuggling and cross-border crime across coastal waters. Local Energy & Infrastructure Pressure: Opposition raised alarms over Vinlec reliability and fuel-debt risks, warning of potential fiscal strain. Trade Logistics Risk: Reports say Somali pirate activity is rising in the Gulf of Aden, adding pressure to commercial shipping routes.