Barbados Economy Watch: A UWI economist says Barbados’ 1.4% growth in the first half of the year may hide deeper vulnerabilities, warning against complacency as tourism, short-term tax gains and foreign borrowing leave the island exposed to global shocks. Food Security & Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture is rolling out a backyard farming boost for 600 households via the One Family Programme, starting with demonstration farms and providing seedlings, grow bags/boxes, chicken coops and technical support. Crime & Rural Production: Agriculture officials say they’ve intensified the fight against farm thieves (praedial larceny), convening a special committee with police, defence force and farmers after theft forced some producers to scale back. Road Safety: Co-operators General Insurance is warning of a road safety crisis, citing more than a dozen collisions daily and dangerous driving pushing up insurance costs. Health Investment: The Barbados Cancer Society is seeking a $600,000 automated breast ultrasound machine to cut screening wait times and improve detection for women with dense breast tissue. Digital Payments: Central Bank deputy governor Michelle Doyle says BIMPay has reached one million transactions, with the system rejection rate improving and onboarding encouraged. China Partnership: A Chinese medical team introduced two first-of-their-kind technologies in Barbados, while China is also funding the rebuild of the National Stadium with a modern 10,000-seat venue. Regional Diplomacy: OECS and Dominica have assumed chairmanship of the CARICOM Group in Geneva, taking over from Haiti. Sports & Business Culture: Barbados’ tourism trade event Connect Barbados drew 92 global buyers from 83 companies, while the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth highlighted how the region’s rum industry is judged locally.