Barbados Energy & Climate: Barbados has kicked off a new offshore licensing drive, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks for oil and gas exploration while requiring stronger climate and environmental standards, including methane management. Barbados Oil & Gas Potential: The government says seismic surveys point to as much as 13+ billion barrels of potential oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of natural gas, aiming to boost energy security while continuing the renewables transition. Caribbean Development Bank Reform: CDB President Daniel Best says the bank is entering a “CDB Forward” reform phase to sharpen purpose and impact amid climate volatility, tech disruption, and tighter development finance. Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials gathered in New York under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” pushing cultural and regenerative tourism as the region competes globally. Digital Skills & Training: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised three Level Two TVET courses on the CARICOM pilot (waxing, tiling, and baking/cake tech), expanding access via the Moodle platform. QEH Digital Overhaul: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital is advancing a major digital transformation and equipment upgrades, including a new linear accelerator that has already delivered 1,500 cancer treatments. Disaster Preparedness Inclusion: Barbados is urging wider youth and disability participation in emergency planning, with communication gaps for shelters now a focus. Food Safety & Labs: A regional meeting in Barbados reviewed laboratory rationalisation to strengthen testing, standardise methods, and improve quality assurance across CARIFORUM. Agriculture Support: Barbados plans water mains for up to 39 farmers in Christ Church to tackle irrigation problems, pests, and farm theft. BiMPay Payments Infrastructure: The Central Bank of Barbados says BiMPay will act as the interoperable “payment rail” to make digital payments faster, safer, and more accessible. STEM Spotlight: Drone soccer in Jamaica showcased how aviation, coding, and engineering can open new STEM pathways for youth. Education Quality Watch: Ghana’s GTEC flagged 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, warning students to verify accreditation before enrolling.