Regional Banking Deal: Butterfield Bank has signed a definitive agreement to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a US$1.8 billion transaction, creating a roughly US$29 billion banking and wealth-management platform across the Caribbean, with CIBC initially retaining about 22% and the right to appoint two directors; completion is expected in the first half of 2027. Insurance & Climate Pressure: Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned at IDB Invest Sustainability Week that a looming insurance crisis could choke Caribbean economies within a decade, urging reforms and risk-pooling so islands aren’t trapped by global reinsurance constraints. Faith-Based Funding: Government will launch a US$5 million special grant fund facility for faith-based organisations next month, with a seven-member committee to administer it and eligibility limited to registered charities or not-for-profit entities. Disaster Readiness: CDEMA urged vigilance ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, noting forecasts may be less active but risks from hurricanes, flooding, drought and extreme heat remain. Public Health Watch: Barbados’ Chief Medical Officer said every precaution is being taken to protect the island from Ebola amid the DRC outbreak. Regional Mobility & Trade: Barbados and Guyana moved toward easier travel using national e-ID cards from July 1, while CARICOM data presented at a border summit said free movement is not triggering mass migration fears. Sports & Hosting: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 men’s home season, with Barbados added as co-host for the New Zealand ODI series.