Offshore Oil Push: Barbados has started direct negotiations for offshore exploration, with seismic surveys pointing to potential reserves of about 13+ billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas—aimed at boosting energy security and creating new investment opportunities. Payments Modernisation: The Central Bank says BimPay will go live on June 12, positioning it as the “payment rail” that will connect banks and payment providers for faster, safer, more accessible transfers for both banked and unbanked users. Electricity Costs: BL&P says the Fair Trading Commission’s approval will mean a modest $1.25 rise in the average monthly bill, with the change expected no earlier than September, tied to continued and expanded temporary generation. Citizenship & Labour Planning: Parliament’s Economic and Productive Sectors committee heard calls to publish labour and skills deficit areas to guide immigration decisions, while Foreign Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler defended due diligence even as citizenship processing is criticised as too slow. Banking Deal Watch: Antigua says it will approve Butterfield Bank’s acquisition of CIBC Caribbean and is encouraging local banks to participate, as the deal values CIBC Caribbean at about US$1.794 billion. Tourism & Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados officially opens on the Platinum Coast as the first Barbados property under the new Vessence brand, while Caribbean Week in New York kicks off with CTO-led discussions on connectivity and demand. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement to let travellers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through to final destinations.