Customs Modernisation: Barbados’ Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says new Customs regulations and standard operating procedures will roll out by October, supported by new technology and updates to programmes like Trusted Trader. Public Transport Tech: A cashless bus pilot is set to start in 2–3 weeks, fitting eight public service vehicles with automated fare tech to cut paper tickets and fare fraud. AI for Women: NOW and Amplifi AI launch “Build a Business with AI,” offering free training for up to 35 women across three Saturdays in September. Blue Economy & STEM Education: Blue X Accelerator 2.0 brings students to the Oceana Innovation Hub for hands-on learning in marine science, environment and tech. Fisheries Rules: Barbados fisheries authorities plan to require circle hooks for horizontal longline vessels, aiming to improve tuna catch and survival of released species. Health & Safety: Marine biologist Dr Leo Brewster repeats his Hot Pot warning after a recent drowning, stressing the inlet’s unstable, deceptive conditions. Digital Governance: Barbados and the region weigh how to modernise parliaments without losing human judgement, as regional CPA discussions focus on “the digital age.” Regional Research Capacity: CDB launches Caribbean Evaluation Space 2026 in Barbados to strengthen monitoring and evaluation tailored to small island realities. Scam Alert: BBB highlights romance scams that start via Facebook/Instagram DMs and escalate to “emergency” requests for money.