Surgeon General nomination: The US Senate HELP Committee voted to advance Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General, a move that keeps her on track for a final Senate vote; she holds an MD from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and has backed childhood immunisation. Caribbean digital connectivity: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new fibre optic submarine cable linking French Guiana to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. AI in the region: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley argues AI is already reshaping work and learning, and calls for Caribbean governments to steer safeguards and governance rather than “allow it to happen.” Health tech & mental wellness: A Vincentian pastor educator earned a second doctorate and developed MindRenew, a faith-informed digital mental wellness platform for churches using cognitive behavioural guidance plus pastoral care. Barbados health & skills: Barbados won its first WorldSkills medal (bronze) via Khajon Albert, and local prostate testing shows more men engaging with PSA checks. Public health labs: Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda are pushing lab quality upgrades toward accreditation, supported by PAHO/WHO and the Pandemic Fund. Sargassum response: Barbados and the EU discussed using detection tech and mechanised removal to tackle sargassum threats to livelihoods. Housing safety: Barbados’ NHC is upgrading electrical systems in older communities after a Maynard’s fire, with plans for modernisation and climate-resilient replacements. Regional agriculture: CARICOM agriculture ministers called for deeper integration, better logistics and a new financing model to strengthen food security.