OECS Regional Politics: OECS leaders met in Antigua for the 78th Authority meeting as Antigua’s Gaston Browne took over the chair from St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Godwin Friday, with priorities spanning economic development, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, freedom of movement and digital transformation. US Deportees Talks: OECS agreed to set up a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the United States over a request for member states to accept third-nation deportees. Tourism Leadership Shake-up: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow appointed Shafia London as CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority from 1 July, saying she was the top candidate two years ago but the process was “circumvented” and another person was hand-picked. Local Tourism Push: SVGTA launched the “Go Grenadines Passport” to boost domestic travel in August, with $100 vouchers usable across participating Grenadines service providers. ECCB Scholarship: Phillip John was named the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, studying Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Health Innovation: The Health Ministry rolled out “Blood Text” and a new blood bank website to improve voluntary blood donations, especially among younger donors. Agriculture & Roads: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce said efforts continue to improve access roads for farmers, including seeking funding after a trip to California. Customs Capacity: WCO Project BOLT delivered customs and border security training to strengthen enforcement and regional cooperation against illicit trafficking.