Cruise-to-resorts mega-deal: Royal Caribbean Group confirmed it will buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3bn, valuing Sandals at roughly US$6bn, with the joint venture set to expand land-based all-inclusive holidays across the Caribbean (including Barbados) and expected to close in early 2027. Anti-money laundering push: Barbados’ Senate passed amendments to strengthen money-laundering and terrorist-financing controls ahead of a June 2027 mutual evaluation, with the AG warning the framework must prove effectiveness, not just exist on paper. Fisheries operations: Government officials say the long-troubled ice machine at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex should be back in action within days, helping fisherfolk reduce spoilage and costs. Disaster-resilient housing funding: CAF approved a US$200,000 grant to CDEMA for an 18-month programme to train builders and promote resilient residential construction standards across the region. Local transport pressure: Taxi operators renewed calls for Uber regulation, alleging ride-hailing is using private and C-plate commercial vehicles ahead of the cruise season. Climate and energy diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged stronger cooperation between mountainous nations and SIDS at the Climate Vulnerable Forum, while the Bahamas is studying ocean thermal energy conversion potential to cut reliance on imported fuel. Sargassum cleanup update: Barbados reported about 3.6 million pounds of sargassum removed so far this year, with teams continuing manual beach clearing and exploring pump-harvester options.