Visa & travel rules: St Lucia is still on Spain’s visa-free list for Schengen entry, but Belizeans were wrongly thought to be included—Belize must still get a Schengen visa, as Spain says it only consolidated existing EU exemptions. EU pressure on CBI: The EU is warning OECS states to end “golden passports” by June 2028 or risk losing visa-free access, with Antigua and Barbuda saying Brussels has formally requested the shutdown—an issue that directly affects St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment programme. Climate finance ties: Taiwan is hosting allied officials in Taipei to boost carbon credit cooperation, with St Lucia’s sustainable development permanent secretary among participants. Food security push: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched an EU-CAN project in St Vincent and the Grenadines, targeting youth-led food security, nutrition education, climate resilience and school gardens across St Lucia and other islands. Local environment funding: St Lucia’s Environmental and Agricultural Foundation received an EC$13,500 GEF Small Grants boost to design a national sustainable agriculture and coastal zone management project. Tragedy at sea: A marine collision at Anse Cochon left two dead and 14 injured, with two still unaccounted for, as investigations continue. Carnival safety & policing: Police say major crime is down ahead of Lucian Carnival, while RSLPF has stepped up illegal firearm recoveries and urges safe, peaceful celebrations. Tourism spotlight: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” puts St Lucia at the top, citing a sharp rise in holiday searches and renewed interest in the island’s scenery and experiences. Sports: Julien Alfred kept rolling with a 200m win at the London Diamond League, while St Lucia’s football scene notes ex-Town loanee Stern John stepping down as Piton Boyz coach.