Data for Better Policy: ECLAC Caribbean Director Miosotis Rivas Peña visited St. John’s to train senior officials on using official statistics to strengthen resilience-focused planning. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a funding proposal window for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, with support routed through its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Finance Accelerator. Energy Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda appointed veteran engineer Girvan Piggott as Director of Energy, tasked with driving energy efficiency and renewable expansion. Pharma Regulation Links Up: Chief Drug Inspector Alfred Athill attended India’s Global Drug Regulatory Conclave to strengthen international cooperation on drug safety and regulation. Tourism & Hospitality Talent: Antiguan chef Nadine Anthony joins the official judging panel for the Caribbean Baking Awards, while Ryancia Henry was appointed hotel manager at The Knox, Auberge Collection in Dallas. Carnival Culture & Waste: Zaine Frederick made history as the first Antiguan to win Miss Caribbean Culture Queen 2026, and a local initiative is pushing for Carnival waste to be separated at the source for real recycling outcomes. Search Continues: Multi-agency efforts to find missing woman Shenett Jacobs resumed with drones, K-9 units and ground searches around Brown’s Bay/Nonsuch Bay. Infrastructure: Runway paving work at V.C. Bird International Airport was completed.