Pesticides & Health: A new look at FAO data flags high pesticide use in the Caribbean, with Saint Lucia ranked among the top territories for pesticide intensity; the report links heavy exposure to long-term health risks and points to regional research from banana workers in Guadeloupe and Martinique showing higher rates of prostate and blood cancers at higher exposure levels. Regional Tax Tech: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to push “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration, aiming to improve compliance and taxpayer services as revenue systems get more digital. Healthcare Infrastructure: Grenada’s “Project Polaris” outlines a US$250 million, climate-resilient teaching hospital planned for completion in 2029, with a partnership with Mount Sinai to strengthen training and clinical models. Education & Rural Youth: Grenada’s GRENED marks its 30th anniversary, highlighting decades of scholarships and leadership support for rural youth, including alumni now working across medicine, education, farming and science. Culture & Folklore: A feature revisits the Soucouyant legend across the French-speaking Caribbean, including Martinique, tracing its roots through West African spiritual traditions and Creole folklore.