Education Tech: Education Minister Chad Blackman declared the 2026-27 school year the “Year of Purpose,” rolling out digital educators’ and student platforms to share ideas and research. Assessment Reform Fight: The DLP says it supports education reform but opposes “rushed” changes to secondary placement, backing a delay of continuous assessment and sticking with the BSSEE while asking for clearer implementation plans. CXC Certification: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), calling it a “game changer,” with a focus on CSEC Math and English and reported gains in pass rates. Coastal Tech & Jobs: Barbados will start a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year, targeting erosion hotspots in St Lucy and St Peter first. Environment Pipeline: Coastal Zone Management Unit received 280 applications for 29 environmental internship spots, showing strong demand for conservation careers. Public Health Alert: Barbados is urged to tighten measles defenses as the Americas face its worst outbreak in decades, with vaccination highlighted as the key protection. Digital Payments Push: Former Central Bank Governor DeLisle Worrell argues digital and bank-directed payments should replace cash due to lower loss and fraud risk. Business & Finance: Butterfield Bank seeks shareholder approval to issue new shares tied to its near US$1.8bn purchase of CIBC Caribbean. Local Industry Pressure: Solar Dynamics Limited’s assets are up for sale after a receiver took control, raising questions for Barbados’ solar water heating sector. Governance & Access: Disability advocates say building codes exist but aren’t enforced, calling for practical accessibility upgrades to courts and public buildings. Agriculture Safety: Authorities are considering tighter controls or a ban on paraquat as more countries move to phase it out over health concerns. Tech & Regional Integration: CARICOM countries are building cross-border digital public infrastructure, aiming for interoperability and digital trust beyond national systems. Sports/Science Career Angle: A profile highlights Quinn Weekes’ shift into data and AI after studying economics and finance, showing how local talent is moving into tech roles.