Tourism & Connectivity: interCaribbean Airways has been named the official airline partner for CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct. 5–9), with delegates and CTO members getting 25% off flights, aiming to boost regional access for tourism leaders. Retail & Visitor Economy: Haymans Market in Barbados received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026, its second straight year, highlighting growth since opening in Dec 2023 and its mix of 85+ local businesses. Construction & Public Works: Antigua’s PM says C.O. Williams must redo defective sections of recently resurfaced roads at its own expense, pointing to quality and pace concerns in road rehabilitation. Labour & Work Permits: Barbados opposition senator Ryan Walters is pushing a full overhaul of the work permit regime, citing permit requests for jobs he says Barbadians can fill, alongside support for the Protection of Wages Bill. Housing Finance: COB Credit Union and COBFSIA are launching Deanstown Heights in St. James with 34 affordable homes priced roughly $362,500–$571,000, moving from financing to direct development. Corporate Tax & Competitiveness: Barbados reports over $150m in extra corporate taxes under global Pillar Two rules, but business leaders warn higher costs could drive firms to more efficient jurisdictions. Fintech: Finovate Global flags Belize Bank’s six-year digital modernization with Backbase, a sign of continued Caribbean momentum in AI-enabled banking. Agri-Food Systems: Agri-Business Day in Barbados focused on future food production, training young farmers in sustainable, innovative agribusiness practices. Energy/Commerce Policy: Barbados’ commerce minister rejects proposals to increase bottle refund amounts, warning it would raise costs across the economy.