Cruise Recovery Hits New High: St. Kitts and Nevis has surpassed 1 million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282 visitors year-to-date, a boost credited to Port Zante capacity upgrades and stronger cruise partnerships—good news for taxi operators, vendors, tour providers and restaurants. Household Relief on Utilities: The government is extending reconnection drives for electricity and water for households with arrears, aiming to prevent cost pressures from cutting families off from essential services. Back-to-School Support: The 2026 EC$250 Back-to-School Voucher Programme is underway to ease education costs for eligible students across the federation. Education Second Chances: The first ELEVATE cohort posted strong CSEC results, including 100% passes in English Language and Principles of Business, reinforcing the programme’s “second chance” model. Local Jobs Questioned: Opposition figures are challenging whether the $270m Basseterre High School project is delivering enough local construction jobs, pointing to reports of non-local workers. Regional Growth Outlook: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but warns the picture changes sharply without Guyana—while St. Kitts and Nevis is forecast to grow around 2.0% in 2026. Maritime Security Watch: Separate hijackings off Yemen and Somalia underline renewed piracy risk in the Horn of Africa, with multiple crews reported safe but vessel status still pending.