CDB Pressure on SVG and the Region: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged the Caribbean Development Bank to move “swiftly” from plans to delivery, warning that chronically high debt (SVG’s debt-to-GDP cited at 113%) and worsening climate shocks are shrinking access to concessional finance. Tax Claims Under Fire: Former Finance Minister Camilo Gonsalves accused the government of misleading “100% removal” messaging on customs charges, arguing the actual cut is only 5% and warning the spin could erode public trust. Hurricane Season Warning: Friday marked the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, urging Vincentians to prepare amid drought conditions and limited disaster recovery funding. Earthquake Shakes the Region: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled islands including St Vincent and the Grenadines, with no immediate damage reports. Food Security Push: Government advanced its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to shift from repeated emergency recovery to proactive monitoring and better preparation. Digital Inclusion Contract: The DRIVE project contract (USF-funded) was signed for five years to expand connectivity and virtual access. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project ramped up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including SVG. Regional Justice Training: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch arbitration and ADR training to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Local Culture and Community: Vincy Carnival preparations are in full swing, while the Miss SVG 2026 crown went to Elreka Gaymes. Public Safety and Crime: Weekend tragedy included multiple deaths and an investigation into a Union Island death.