Central Banking & Payments: The Central Bank of Barbados moved to quash a viral WhatsApp voice note, saying claims about BiMPay forcing adoption, slowing domestic transfers, or affecting PayPal/overseas remittances are false. Public Safety Tech: Barbados’ Pearly app drew “many thousands” of users during Crop Over, boosted by a live band tracker used by emergency services. Tourism & Business Access: Lower Bay Street merchants say the Chamberlain “Swing Bridge” pedestrian closures and fixed opening schedules are cutting lunchtime foot traffic. Labour Law: The Senate was told the Protection of Wages Bill must be read alongside existing labour and workplace laws as it modernises protections for public and private employers. Finance Snapshot: The Central Bank reported households and institutions borrowed more in the first half of 2026, with credit up modestly and non-performing loans continuing to fall. Crime Scene Training: UWI Global Campus and the Barbados Police Service celebrated the first graduates of a crime scene investigation programme with UNODC support. Regional Energy/Resources: Grenada cancelled arrangements with a Russian-backed oil firm over long inactivity. CARIFESTA Planning: CARICOM Secretariat met Guyana ministers on CARIFESTA 2027, including funding, logistics, marketing and youth development. Sports Broadcasting: Republic Bank CPL confirmed broadcast partners and a wider seven-team format, with match coverage expanding across regional TV and digital platforms.