Caribbean Overseas Territories diplomacy: BVI Premier André Ebanks joined other OT leaders at Bermuda’s 2026 caucus, agreeing to push shared positions on self-determination, climate impacts, health and social care, and financial services and trade. Food security push: Commentator Claude Skelton Cline urged the Virgin Islands government to build emergency food reserves with warehouses and silos in elevated areas, plus a territory-wide disaster distribution plan. Public corruption legislation stalls: The St. Croix Senate Rules and Judiciary Committee deferred a vote on Sen. Kenneth Gittens’ Public Corruption Act that would let courts strip retirement benefits from convicted officials, after senators debated how far into pensions the state should reach. Local business & compliance: Prosperity Farm’s bar, food-service and events were shut down indefinitely after regulators cited missing health and Fire/EMS approvals and activities outside its farming license. BVI finance networking: BVI Finance is sponsoring STEP LATAM in São Paulo, aiming to market the VI as a private wealth, trust and estate planning hub for Latin American clients. Shipping costs: Maersk added a $500 container surcharge for Gulf-bound routes (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq), with start dates varying by destination and regulated-country deadlines. Community giving: BVI political aspirant Julian Willock donated $3,000 total to three District 3 schools to cover meals for students needing support through 2026. Health policy watch: WHO prequalified a multi-dose maternal RSV vaccine vial, clearing a key step for broader global newborn protection efforts. Seismic activity: USGS reported 13 earthquakes across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in 24 hours, with no tsunami threat for the US East Coast.