Cruise Port Deal: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) for a 30-year concession to operate and modernise the Kingstown Cruise Port, with total investment pegged at about EC$225m–EC$250m; phase one targets up to EC$75m for terminal upgrades, better public/commercial spaces, and stronger shore excursions, while later phases expand marine/berthing capacity and rework parking and transport. UN Development Push: Government officials met UN and development partners at an inaugural roundtable, with UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett urging a shift from isolated projects to connected systems, focused on climate, financing, and crime/violence prevention. Debt & Finance Reform: PM Godwin Friday called for an overhaul of global development finance rules, arguing “one size fits all” income-based lending is failing small islands; officials warned debt could reach 144.5% of GDP by 2031 without a Growth and Stabilisation Plan. Customs Goes Digital: Customs launched the upgraded ASYCUDA World 4.4 and VSwift Single Window, aiming for paperless trade and faster, easier licensing and duty payments for businesses. Tourism Expansion: Sandals confirmed a US$45m expansion—22 Rondoval Villas (due Nov 2026), 20 Hillside Sky Suites next, and Beaches St. Vincent expected to start construction in 2028. Climate & Water Finance: PM Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate finance, including a water security initiative for submission to the GCF. Agriculture Inclusion: FAO and the Ministry held a youth and gender inclusion session to shape solutions for young farmers and women across agrifood value chains. Local Sand Harvesting: BRAGSA is extracting volcanic sand/aggregate from the Roseau River Valley under its river maintenance mandate, framing it as both statutory duty and an economic opportunity while leaving Richmond Wallilabou undisturbed.