Regional Aviation & Tourism: LIAT launched a historic nonstop service linking Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Montego Bay, starting July 14 with twice-weekly flights and plans to move toward daily service as demand grows—seen as a boost for tourism, local jobs, and business links. Blue Economy & Environment: OECS delegates, supported by the EU’s RIGHT Programme and SARSEA, are adapting sargassum management and valorisation models from Martinique and Guadeloupe across nine member states, aiming to cut impacts on coasts, health, and tourism while turning seaweed into economic value. Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño-linked warming will intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and keep flooding risk elevated during the 2026 wet season. Food & Health Pressure on Farms: FAO-linked reporting flags Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use intensity and points to potential long-term health concerns, including research that tracked pesticide exposure among banana workers in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Logistics Infrastructure: A concept note proposes an OECS air cargo distribution hub at Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport to speed regional delivery and improve inbound/outbound logistics. Regional Security Cooperation: PM Roosevelt Skerrit called for a broader, integrated approach to security at an Antilles Regional Security Conference in Martinique, linking maritime protection, cybersecurity, energy and food security, and climate resilience. Culture & Travel Lifestyle: Emerald Cruises announced a Caribbean rum-themed voyage hosted by award-winning sommelier Alejandro Ferris, blending island stops with curated rum tastings and history.