Electricity Costs Watch: Barbados Light & Power Company (BLPC) got Fair Trading Commission approval for three grid-stability machines (with a fourth optional purchase), with no immediate rate hike but potential future electricity bill pressure if costs are passed on. Border Security & Trade Integrity: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn warned of sophisticated customs fraud, including under-invoicing and mislabelling, as Customs marks 121 years with a push on training and technology to stop guns and drugs. Water Crisis Update (St Lucy): Basic water rate relief for affected St Lucy residents has been extended beyond September until a delayed filtration system is installed; the Barbados Water Authority says discoloured water remains safe to drink, while an oil-dumping incident in Belle triggered the national oil spill protocol. Health Infrastructure: Barbados’ US$175m Health Services Resilience Programme is set for major delivery by 2029, including a new geriatric hospital, upgrades at QEH, and expanded digital health systems. Regional Business & Finance: JMMB Group reported $2.1b net profits for Q2, while Massy says it’s still profiting in Barbados despite challenges under its integrated retail portfolio. International Links: Barbados and Venezuela signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on energy, food security, education, tourism and transport, including renewable energy work and a technical monitoring group. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept 2, though it will keep connectivity via other services. CPL Business Angle: Massy Finance Remittances signed a three-year CPL sponsorship, while the Falcons beat the Tridents by 30 runs as the league shifts to Trinidad and Tobago.