Digital Trade & Business Modernisation: St. Vincent and the Grenadines validated the draft VSWIFT Bill and Regulations, setting up the Vincy Single Window for Trade to streamline business-to-government processes and cut red tape. Fintech & Payments: Finovate Global Caribbean spotlighted Belize Bank’s six-year digital modernization with Backbase, aiming for AI-native onboarding and unified cash-flow visibility for business customers. Cost of Living & Energy: PM Godwin Friday outlined VAT-free shopping day (Aug 28), more public assistance, and school fee relief, while stressing government steps to prevent electricity fuel surcharges from spiking further. Energy Sector Debate: Former ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters criticized the administration over Vinlec ownership and geothermal project handling, alleging technical and policy missteps. Public Finance Pressure: Government responded to Moody’s Caa1 downgrade with fiscal recovery measures, as debt sustainability remains a key business risk. Blue Economy & Agribusiness: OECS and SVG ran sea moss capacity-building to lift production to international food safety and business standards, alongside legislative updates to support the sector. E-commerce Push: Splectron launched AdBay, a phone-friendly digital directory for SVG stores and services, with plans to enable online buying and faster pickup. Tourism & Infrastructure: Fort Charlotte rehabilitation consultations under the World Bank UBEC project urged local readiness for new economic opportunities. Sports & Local Economy: CPL cricket begins at Arnos Vale this weekend with drone shows, adding matchday spending momentum for the island.