Utilities & Governance: Governor General Sir Rodney Williams urged the newly sworn-in Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) Board to put the public interest first as it oversees water, electricity and telecoms, with integrity and accountability front and centre. Energy Costs: Households are feeling the squeeze as inflation hits 7% and electricity bills rise again—APUA lifted its Fuel Variation Rate to 88 cents per kWh from October 1, pushing up the fuel component after months at 80 cents. Transport & Fuel: Gasoline prices climbed to EC$17.99 per gallon for the second time in just over a month, adding pressure to transport costs for families and businesses. Port & Maritime Skills: The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has started rehabilitation of the St John’s waterfront boardwalk, while three apprentices completed a six-week maritime programme covering shipping, port operations and logistics. Tourism Jobs: The ABHTA Hospitality Job Fair matched employers with local job seekers, with the tourism minister stressing careers for Antiguans and Barbudans. Regional Mobility: CARICOM’s push for free movement faces hurdles for small states, with capacity limits and “islandness” shaping how borderless labour mobility plays out. Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending Fiji’s pre-COP meeting, highlighting how thin the global guest list is for COP31 preparations. Whaling Watch: A proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary fell short at the International Whaling Commission by just four votes. CHOGM Infrastructure: Antigua’s National Performing Arts Centre handover slipped past the September 30 deadline due to certification delays for key audio-visual suspension equipment.