Tourism Numbers & Policy Debate: Saint Lucia’s stay-over arrivals hit their strongest April on record, up 8.5% year-on-year, with growth from the US, Caribbean, and Canada as airlift improves—while the UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushes back, calling the “booming” narrative premature given cruise and total arrivals declines in 2025. Green Economy Skills Gap: A UNICEF-commissioned survey found young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are not fully connecting climate action and green economy opportunities to their own prospects. Marine Livelihoods & Restoration: A new USD $80,000 Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and support sustainable seamoss farming, funded via AFD and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Regional Tourism Push: SLTA is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Youth & Culture: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme launches for its sixth season, while Junior Calypso and Soca crowns went to Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary. Health & Food Policy: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists and legal drafters to advance sodium reduction and trans fats elimination policies across the region. Energy Cost Pressure: A UN report warns disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could drive up energy prices and hit small island states hard. Transport & Industry Finance: A market analysis revisits why ECCU borrowing costs stay high and what the region’s “decade of decision” means for growth. BYD & CPL 2026: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, rolling out fan activations across eight countries including St Lucia.