Electricity Costs: VINLEC fuel surcharges are again climbing, with diesel costs driving bills higher as hydro output drops in dry weather—after earlier relief, the surcharge still rose above the 2022 record. Tourism & Travel: Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica kicked off strongly, mixing endurance events with fundraising for neonatal and paediatric care. Energy & Enterprise: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Tech It Up facility to back women-led clean energy businesses across the region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Independence & Community: PM Godwin Friday and Youth Minister Kaschaka Cupid launched the 47th independence celebrations under “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation,” calling for year-round solidarity. Cruise Growth: St. Vincent and the Grenadines expects cruise calls to jump from about 250 to 350+ this season, with Kingstown Enhancement Project work aimed at improving the first visitor impression. Agriculture & Jobs: Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica highlighted youth in agriculture, with St. Vincent Girls’ High School winning a CARICOM video competition. Security & Investment Climate: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock said curfews and possible RSS troop support remain options, but stressed a “balancing act” to protect tourism and investor confidence. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into development, targeting service by end-2029 and routing connectivity toward St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Coconut Value Chain: FAO and SVG’s agriculture ministry completed a technical mission to strengthen the coconut sector, focusing on production and nursery/pest management.