Energy & Resources: Barbados has begun direct offshore exploration talks after seismic surveys suggested potential for 13+ billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of natural gas, aiming to strengthen energy security while the country continues its renewables shift. Food Systems: CARICOM’s private-sector push for regional food security is calling for clearer investment cases—targeted value chains, processing plans, logistics and tech support—so investors can move faster. Disaster Readiness: Barbados is expanding disaster planning participation, urging more youth and disability inclusion and improving shelter communication systems ahead of emergencies. TVET Digital Skills: HEART/NSTA Trust has digitised three Level Two courses for a CARICOM TVET pilot, delivering them via the Moodle platform across participating institutions. Consumer Energy Policy: BCEN says Barbados should look past short-term power reliability fixes and focus on real energy transformation, including grid modernisation. Healthcare Tech: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is rolling out a major digital overhaul and capital works, including progress on cancer care tech. Payments Infrastructure: The Central Bank of Barbados is promoting BiMPay as the underlying payment rail to make digital payments faster, safer and more accessible. Education & Health Safety: Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School concerns were addressed after lab results showed only one scarlet fever case, with no closure needed. Qualifications Warning: Ghana’s GTEC flagged 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, warning the public to verify accreditation before enrolling or accepting certificates.