OECS Child Policy: The OECS, with UNICEF support, has unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for every child in the OECS to feel valued, safe, supported and empowered by 2032, with a “whole-of-the-child” focus across health, education, justice and protection. Local Arts Leadership: Jo-Annah Richards has been appointed Director of the Montserrat Arts Council, effective August 10, bringing public policy, law, finance and governance experience, including prior work in Montserrat’s internal audit and banking roles. Banking & Governance: Bank of Montserrat Limited will hold its 32nd Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (5 p.m.) at the Brades Arts and Education Centre, with virtual participation for registered shareholders. Trade & Import Costs: A new U.S. Section 201 safeguard measure sets a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products starting August 15, 2026, with safeguard duties potentially rising sharply once quarterly quota allocations are used up. Mobile Economy: A GSMA report says 5G could reach 23% of Caribbean mobile connections by 2030, but warns regulatory updates and investment incentives are needed to close the deployment gap. Health Tech Funding: ARPA-H has awarded $26 million for FLASH, a programme to scale cell-free DNA manufacturing for faster, more flexible DNA-based medicines and vaccines. Travel Policy: From January 1, 2027, Nigerians will be able to enter Chad and the Republic of the Congo visa-free as both countries remove entry visa requirements for African nationals. Tourism Angle: A “dark tourism” feature spotlights Montserrat as a destination for visitors drawn to sites tied to the island’s darker history.