Cruise Growth: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) to take over operations and future development of the Kingstown Cruise Port under a proposed 30-year concession, with phased investment estimated at EC$225m–EC$250m; phase one targets up to EC$75m for terminal upgrades, public/commercial space improvements, and stronger shore excursions, while later phases expand marine/berthing infrastructure and rework parking and transport. Tourism Investment: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday also confirmed Sandals’ US$45m expansion, including 22 Rondoval Villas (due Nov 2026), 20 Hillside Sky Suites, and Beaches St. Vincent expected to start in 2028, adding nearly 400 rooms and prioritizing marine biodiversity and sea turtle habitat protection. Governance & Jobs: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves condemned the NDP government over the abrupt dismissal of 28 public workers tied to the YES program, alleging political discrimination and unpaid benefits. Trade & Travel Readiness: Customs launched ASYCUDA World v4.4 to move toward paperless trade via VSwift, while health authorities issued an Ebola travel advisory and stepped up border screening, quarantine, and isolation for arrivals from high-risk countries. Weather: A weak tropical wave may bring scattered showers over the next few days; no marine or weather advisories are currently in effect.