Manufacturing Pressure: The Barbados Manufacturers Association warns that rising operating costs could force layoffs if they keep outpacing sales, even as firms look to exports and the upcoming tourist season for relief. Construction Inputs: Barbados is exploring Suriname for silica sand and aggregate as local supplies dwindle, aiming to keep infrastructure projects moving while working through commercial and logistics realities. Bio-innovation for Industry: Government plans to patent microbes discovered from sargassum seaweed, with Export Barbados saying it could unlock major commercial gains and support industrialisation around molecules, microbes and materials. Fresh Produce Exports: Export Barbados BIDC is lining up about 20 growers for a new export-focused packhouse opening by October, targeting GlobalG.A.P.-aligned crops like hot peppers and passion fruit, with cold-chain support and a value-added outlet for non-export-grade produce. Animal Health Security: Barbados is stepping up African Swine Fever surveillance and response planning, with stakeholders trained on prevention and import-system vulnerabilities. Regional Energy Legacy: BLPC marks 115 years of electricity development, highlighting its shift from early generation to solar and battery storage as Barbados targets a cleaner energy future. Engineering Pipeline: BAPE honoured four aspiring engineers with $25,000 scholarships to support studies in priority areas like infrastructure, renewables and environmental resilience. Tourism Talent & Sustainability: The CTO appointed Barbadian Courtney-Diana Walker as program officer for sustainable tourism, strengthening regional regenerative tourism work. Youth for Tourism Jobs: “Project Dawn” is preparing about 115 young people for tourism and hospitality careers through certified training. Digital Earnings Fix: Government is developing a proposal for a third-party aggregator to help content creators collect revenue affected by geo-blocking. Agriculture Transformation Across OECS: OECS held a Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium in Grenada, pushing policy into trade and structural commitments for regional food security.