Trade in Services Policy: The OECS Commission says it has wrapped up a UNCTAD/ECLAC-backed push to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across member states, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to close long-running data gaps and help governments craft export strategies and join global value chains. Circular Economy & Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s Route 27 is launching an open innovation challenge to reuse highway waste—especially tires and plastics—amid landfill pressure, offering up to €20,000 for a prototype that can be built into highway operations. Montserrat Arts Leadership: Jo-Annah Richards has been appointed Director of the Montserrat Arts Council, effective August 10, 2026, bringing public policy, finance, governance, and arts administration experience to strengthen the island’s cultural and creative sectors. Mobile Connectivity & Investment: A new GSMA report projects 5G will reach 23% of Caribbean mobile connections by 2030, but warns regulatory modernisation and spectrum access are needed to unlock about $1 billion in investment and avoid a widening digital divide. Import Safeguards for Industry: A new Section 201 safeguard measure sets a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products starting August 15, 2026, with safeguard duties potentially rising to 50% once quarterly quota allocations are used up. Tourism Trend (Local Angle): A “dark tourism” roundup spotlights Montserrat among destinations drawing visitors to sites tied to tragedy and history.