Maritime Security Push: PM Gaston Browne opened Antigua’s Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium, warning that illegal activity at sea—sanctions evasion, fraudulent registrations, and “shadow fleets”—is a growing global threat, with partners including ADOMS, the US State Department, and Sandia National Laboratories. Border Tech Upgrade: The US and CARICOM signed a Biometrics Data Sharing Partnership, enabling faster automated fingerprint and facial-scan checks to target fraud and strengthen regional border security, with Antigua and Barbuda among participating states. Healthcare & AI Partnerships: Health Minister Michael Joseph advanced major cooperation with China’s Zhejiang People’s Hospital and Hangzhou Normal University, including AI-enabled care, training, research, telemedicine, and an “International Internet Hospital” plan. Regional Digital Access: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring a shared OECS ICT network to deliver faster, cheaper broadband. Sustainable Development Momentum: UN SDG talks wrapped with renewed calls to accelerate progress toward 2030, emphasizing integrated action and investment. STEM Grants for Women: L’Oréal-UNESCO opened a 2026 call offering two US$15,000 research grants for Caribbean women in STEM. CHOGM Portal Launch: Antigua launched an online accreditation portal for CHOGM 2026, aiming to streamline delegation processing before arrival.