Water Security: St. Kitts’ Groundwater Drilling Programme in Saddlers has struck water, with initial testing at about 175 gallons per minute and potential to reach close to half a million gallons per day, as safe-yield testing continues. Drought Pressure: Even with the wet season underway, rainfall is running about 50% below normal, leaving vegetation brown and dusty and keeping drought warnings in place through November. Tourism & Ports: St. Kitts has surpassed 1 million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282 year-to-date, with Port Zante capacity and rebuilt cruise partnerships credited for the rebound. Construction Jobs Debate: Opposition figures are questioning whether the $270m Basseterre High School project is delivering local construction jobs, pointing to heavy equipment activity and concerns about non-local labour. Agri & Food Systems: The Agriculture Ministry highlights IICA’s partnership work aimed at strengthening food security and supporting farmers amid climate stress. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a services-trade initiative to improve data and help member states build stronger export strategies. Energy Transition (Nevis): Nevis has made a US$5.9m down payment to mobilise a geothermal drilling rig, with a team set to inspect equipment in Iceland before drilling starts. Maritime Risk: Separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia show piracy remains a live threat in the Horn of Africa, with hijackings involving commercial vessels.