Banking Deal: Butterfield Bank is seeking shareholder approval to issue about 11.58 million new shares tied to its near $1.8bn purchase of Barbados-headquartered CIBC Caribbean, with ownership of the enlarged group expected to sit around 72.3%–75.2% depending on minority elections. Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, naming seven leaders across aviation, cruise, hospitality, sustainability, destination management and media for its Dec. 6 awards in Miami. Education Reform Politics: The DLP says it supports education reform but opposes “rushed reform,” backing a delay in continuous assessment and calling for clearer implementation plans for secondary school placement. Security for Construction & Retail: Police warn of rising thefts targeting construction equipment and gold jewellery, urging contractors to secure gear and the public to avoid carrying excessive gold in public. Co-op Sector Modernisation: Government has launched consultations to modernise Barbados’ non-financial cooperative sector, aiming to update outdated regulation, improve access to affordable capital and strengthen governance. Agri & Food Supply: Farmers and vendors welcome Prime Minister Mottley’s push for Massy contract buy-in with $2m quarterly support, while separate reports highlight broader supply pressure risks for poultry and back-to-school goods due to shipping disruptions. Energy & Industry Risk: Solar Dynamics Limited’s charged assets are up for sale after a receiver took control, raising uncertainty for the long-running solar water heating manufacturer. Local Business Disruption: Kooyman Megastore in Kendal Hill is temporarily closed for industrial cleaning and remediation, with deliveries set to resume once work is completed. Digital Payments: Former Central Bank governor Delisle Worrell argues digital payments reduce risk compared with cash, while stressing the need for secure, trusted transactions.