Legal & Consumer Protection: A woman is suing the Government of Barbados, alleging serious health complications after receiving two AstraZeneca COVID-19 doses in 2021, claiming the vaccine was “defective” and that the Ministry of Health and Wellness failed to provide a product as safe as expected under the Consumer Protection Act. Infrastructure & Resilience: Drainage works have started at Trents, St James, to tackle persistent flooding and prepare the Trents site for the Holetown Civic Centre relocation, with dust controls added after concerns from Frederick Smith Secondary School. Tourism Links: Barbadians are responding positively to Grenada’s latest tourism push, with early signs of increased travel between the islands after promotional events in Bridgetown; a consumer pop-up is planned at Worthing Square. Regional Finance & Trade: Afreximbank is advancing a CARICOM EXIM Bank proposal, with a feasibility study completed and now under review for possible approval by regional heads. Energy & Cost Relief: Government secured a US$150m IDB loan to strengthen Barbados’ energy security, and officials say it supports reforms and helps protect electricity customers from international fuel price swings. Tourism Performance: BHTA reports strong 2025 results—higher occupancy and rates—while industry leaders stress Barbados is competing on quality, not discounting. Public Safety: Barbados is treating gun violence as a public health crisis, with plans to expand the penal system and create a firearms division within the High Court. Culture: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley leads tributes to Sir Charles Emile Straker, co-founder and lead voice of The Merrymen, who died early today.