Venezuela–Barbados Diplomacy: PM Mia Mottley met Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, with both sides signing a joint declaration after tours of Barbados’ earthquake-response mobile hospital in Guarenas that has treated nearly 2,700 patients and carried out about 73 operations, while talks also target energy, food security, agriculture, transport, tourism and education exchanges. Border Security: Barbados Customs seized 12 firearms, ~900 rounds of ammunition and nearly 1,000kg of plant material in an estimated $8m haul, alongside cocaine, methamphetamines, tactical gear, camouflage, tasers and drones, as officials warn smugglers exploit all routes and call for tighter agency coordination. Customs Restructuring: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says about one-third of Customs staff are set to retire in the next 2–3 years, with redevelopment, retraining and more technology planned. Energy Costs Watch: Attorney Tricia Watson says she will challenge the Fair Trading Commission’s approval allowing Barbados Light & Power to recover costs for synchronous condensers, arguing it sets a risky precedent for ratepayers. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: Barbados Vocational Training Board reports strong demand—culinary training expanding from 2 to 6 classes (with possible growth) and Construction Gateway drawing 1,500 applicants—while noting capacity and a shortage of younger entrants into construction trades. Regional Business Support: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a digital transformation push to back at least 150 MSMEs across five countries, including Barbados, with a focus on resilience and global competitiveness.