Marine & Permits: Dredging and artificial reef works at Barnacle Point are drawing scrutiny over whether required fisheries and environmental approvals were properly granted under the Fisheries Act’s marine reserve rules. Ports & Logistics: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says a new Barbuda port is planned to enable direct container shipments (less handling via Antigua), plus a public marina, with some dredging and up to US$5m expected from a nearby private developer. Energy Costs: Antigua and Barbuda’s CPI shows inflation at 7%, with housing costs up—rent up 8.9%—and transport rising; gasoline has climbed again to EC$17.99 per gallon, adding pressure to household and business budgets. Utilities Governance: The Governor-General urged the newly sworn-in APUA board to put the public interest first as it oversees water, electricity and telecoms amid ongoing modernisation. Maritime Skills: Three young people completed a six-week maritime apprenticeship covering shipping, port operations, logistics and business. Tourism Jobs: ABHTA’s hospitality job fair matched employers with job seekers as Minister Charles Fernandez pushed for meaningful career pathways for locals. CHOGM & Investment Pitch: Foreign Minister Shama Obaed Islam highlighted Bangladesh’s push to become a global manufacturing hub while courting investors ahead of CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda. Waterfront Upgrade: The Port Authority has started phased rehabilitation of the Heritage Quay–Redcliffe Quay boardwalk to improve safety and pedestrian access before the cruise season.