Medical Products Bill: Barbados moved to tighten control of medicine quality and supply, aiming to curb counterfeit drugs and reduce reliance on external sources, with ministers framing it as a jobs and youth opportunity driver. Drug safety and enforcement: Officials also flagged rising “polydrug” use among young people, mixing over-the-counter medicines with illicit substances, and warned of expanding illegal supply routes. Digital finance: BiMPay went live as a national instant payments platform, letting consumers and businesses send and receive money in real time 24/7, with the Central Bank and Prime Minister leading the first transaction. Tourism business growth: Barbados was named host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (CHTA), bringing a major B2B tourism meet to the island in May 2027. Agriculture and food security: Government highlighted a steep rise in Barbados’ food import bill to $13.76bn, while also pushing agricultural strengthening and regional investment to cut imports. Water stress: Meteorological warnings remain in place as Barbados enters the wet season “at a deficit,” with drought watches extending into later months. Skills and youth farming: A hydroponics-based learning co-op at Frederick Smith Secondary School re-engaged at-risk boys and produced saleable food items. SME and export financing: CAF membership unlocks direct regional development financing for private borrowing and export market entry. Tech pipeline: Sixteen ventures were selected for the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge, set to pitch in late June. Industry innovation: Harris Paints unveiled a world-first single-base dry tinting system, building on its Quantum i12 colour platform. Aviation training: New aeronautical information services graduates were urged to bring fresh ideas to strengthen Barbados’ civil aviation sector. Fisheries loss: Barbados mourned Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, with tributes highlighting her leadership and impact on the blue economy.