Food & Trade: Barbados’ food import bill has jumped from about $6 billion annually to $13.76 billion over three years, with Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight linking the pressure to a wider regional opportunity across farming, fisheries, processing and logistics. Blue Economy & Fisheries: The sudden death of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox has shaken the fishing industry, with Prime Minister Mottley and senior officials paying tribute to her leadership and work with fisherfolk, including the DigiFish push. Payments & Fintech: BiMPay has officially gone live, letting people and businesses send and receive money instantly 24/7, after months of testing and a first transaction by the Prime Minister. Aviation Skills: New professionals graduating from an Aeronautical Information Services course were urged to bring fresh ideas as Barbados’ civil aviation sector continues to evolve. Manufacturing Innovation: Harris Paints unveiled a world-first single-base dry tinting system, expanding its Quantum i12 platform and rolling out the new Quantum Dry approach in Barbados first. Water & Agriculture Risk: Barbados remains under drought warnings into late July, with below-normal wet-season rainfall threatening groundwater recharge and local crop output. Tourism Industry: Barbados reported record tourism performance at the BHTA awards, and was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, reinforcing the sector’s push toward “Tourism 3.0.” Transport Debate: Uber moved to reassure taxi drivers amid claims of competition and earnings pressure, saying it works only with licensed taxi operators.