Barbados Defence Force Modernisation: BDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Carlos Lovell renewed a youth call to join as the force updates gear and technology to meet cyber threats, gun violence and disasters. Education Tech & Skills: WorldSkills Barbados Juniors Future Skills Camp added mobile app development (plus 3D printing and robotics), while the Ministry of Education Transformation named 2026-27 the “Year of Purpose” with new digital forums for teachers and students. Assessment Reform Pushback: The Barbados Union of Teachers urged a slower, consultative rollout for student assessment and secondary placement changes, following parent concerns and a petition. Digital Payments: Former Central Bank Governor Dr. DeLisle Worrell argued for digital and bank-directed payments over cash to cut loss and fraud risks. Local Industry Under Pressure: Barbados Private Sector Association backed stronger support for manufacturers as imports erode domestic capacity during the construction boom. Energy & Business Risk: Solar Dynamics Limited’s charged assets are up for sale after a receiver took control, adding uncertainty for solar water heating in the region. Agritech & Health Safety: Authorities are reviewing paraquat controls amid global phase-out moves. AI Buildathon Momentum: Future Caribbean says 450+ builders from 39 countries are in the build phase of an agentic AI challenge for real-world Caribbean deployments.