Food Costs: OECS leaders, led by PM Gaston Browne, are exploring cheaper food imports by increasing sourcing from the Dominican Republic and suspending tariffs on selected goods to cut household costs. Renewables & Ownership: Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will acquire a major solar plant within 24 months and open the door for citizens and overseas nationals to invest directly in the energy transition. LNG Update: The government says an LNG dispute with a U.S. firm has been resolved, clearing the way for shipments to begin within about a month. Private Sector Leadership: Celia Samuel has been elected president of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce for 2026–2027, with a new board focused on advocacy and innovation. Tourism Workforce & Training: ABWU has been certified as the bargaining agent for Hammock Cove workers, while ABHTA completed kitchen leadership training and the Education Ministry announced a July 6–Aug. 11 STEM InFuSED camp. Agriculture Water Security: Cabinet approved a roughly US$9m grant to build dams and water catchment infrastructure to boost irrigation and food production. Energy/Infrastructure Planning: Cabinet engaged a consultancy for coastal assessment and preliminary engineering for Fort James Renaissance Park, aimed at safer, climate-resilient redevelopment. Labour Relations: UNI Americas’ Trevor Johnson urged wider collective bargaining across the region as a practical route to stable, productive workplaces. Tourism Calendar: Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away, running July 25–Aug. 4 under the “Feel the Rhythm” theme.