Marine Tourism & Skills: A 20-year-old Saint Lucian, Jameel Leonce, became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator after an international evaluation at Sea Life Paradise in Pigeon Island, taking on guide training and safety standards. Tourism Marketing & Partnerships: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority signed a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC as Official Destination Partner, starting 2026/27, aiming for major UK and digital exposure and an academy hub in Saint Lucia. Regional Services Training: OECS-linked specialised services sector training is set for Antigua and Barbuda (June 29–July 2), with Saint Lucia among member states, focused on strengthening trade officials’ and policymakers’ capacity for global services markets. SME Digital Boost: Export Saint Lucia ran a four-day digital bootcamp for 40+ MSMEs and exporters, teaching digital transformation, AI, e-commerce and cybersecurity, with the top 20 getting tailored roadmaps. Food Innovation: Researchers at the University of Queensland say fermentation tech at its St Lucia campus can produce rare “healthy” low-calorie sugars, potentially lowering costs for food and drink makers. Finance & Industry: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund sub-structure targeting SME financing, with up to 70% earmarked for on-lending. Culture & Sponsorship: Bank of Saint Lucia was named Title Sponsor of Lucian Carnival 2026, deepening its long-running support for local musicians, artisans and vendors.