Protection of Wages Bill: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry backs the principle of lawful, timely wage payments as Parliament moves to strengthen workers’ rights and set the stage for a formal Labour Code. CARICOM Cost-of-Living Push: CARICOM leaders in St Lucia agreed measures to ease prices, including adjusting common external tariffs on basic food items and advancing a regional ferry plan to cut cargo costs—starting with a Trinidad vessel as a proof of concept. Regional Ferry Economics: Economist Jeremy Stephen says the ferry initiative must prioritise cargo first for financial viability, with passenger service secondary. Labour & Housing Pressure: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters says fixing NHC terrace issues must go beyond transferring units to tenants, calling out excessive rents, unoccupied homes and maintenance problems. Migrant Labour Concerns: The Barbados Employers’ Confederation responded to allegations of migrant worker exploitation, reiterating support for decent work and labour rights. Business & Consumer Debate: Mia Mottley’s call for businesses to accept lower profits on essential goods sparked wider discussion on supermarket pricing and competition. CPL Cricket Boost: Barbados Tridents unveiled five overseas signings—Quinton de Kock, Chris Green, Mujeeb ur Rahman, George Linde and Daniel Sams—ahead of CPL 2026. EU-OECS Partnership: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented credentials to OECS DG Dr Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration. Connectivity After Quakes: Venezuela activated an air contingency plan to restore national and international flight connectivity after the June 24 earthquakes. Cuba Humanitarian Aid Cleared: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba has finally been cleared for delivery after sanctions-related banking hurdles. EU/UK Travel Rules: The UK’s mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is rolling out for visa-exempt travellers, adding a new pre-boarding requirement.