Agro-Contracts: Farmers and vendors welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in, with government pledging $2m per quarter to help BADMC and Export Barbados accelerate agro-processing and give producers market certainty. Local Manufacturing: The Barbados Private Sector Association backed calls to strengthen manufacturing as imported construction materials erode local capacity, urging a local content policy and first right of refusal for Barbadian makers. Food & Retail Supply: Abed’s says shipping disruptions have delayed back-to-school supplies, warning the same pressures could hit Christmas stock. Poultry & Training: FundAccess and UWI CAGRI wrapped broiler and layer management workshops for 22 participants, while regional poultry voices warn shortages can return without long-term sector fixes. Energy/Industry Watch: Hermanos Díaz refinery in Cuba completed a third test with national crude, producing naphtha and fuel oil—another step toward energy self-sufficiency. Payments Security: Former Central Bank governor Delisle Worrell urged wider use of digital payments over cash to reduce loss and fraud risk. Environment & Health: Barbados is reviewing tighter controls or a possible ban on paraquat amid growing international phase-out moves. Accessibility: Disability advocates renewed calls for enforced building codes so public courts and other facilities become accessible under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Homelessness Pressure: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness reports rising complaints about homeless people in key Bridgetown public spaces. Investment Pipeline: Caribbean Export launched CIF 2026, targeting investment for 30 bankable deals worth about US$172m, with Barbados hosting the launch. Tourism Research: CTO announced a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum tied to SOTIC 2026 to connect research with tourism policy and industry innovation.