Procurement & Budget Scrutiny: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis pushed back on criticism of no-bid government awards, saying reforms are ongoing and the Ministry will assess procurement operations from 2021 to 2026, after contract reviews found direct awards worth up to $183m. VAT on Food: Halkitis defended VAT cuts on unprepared food and essentials, arguing they’re meant to ease cost pressures without raising prices, while noting the Bahamas’ import dependence and global fuel-driven shocks. Political Fallout: Prime Minister Philip Davis backed Halkitis in Parliament amid renewed calls for his resignation over alleged links to a construction company tied to convicted drug smuggler Jonathan Gardiner, saying he found nothing “immoral, unethical or illegal.” Banking Watch: S&P Global revised Butterfield’s outlook to negative, citing capital pressure risk tied to its planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean. Energy Financing: FOCOL signed a $379.2m LNG terminal financing deal with Bahamian banks and the US Export-Import Bank. Regional Development Focus: The CDB wrapped its Nassau meeting with renewed calls to move from plans to delivery, with emphasis on youth, climate resilience and implementation. Health & Travel: WHO criticised Ebola-related travel restrictions on Uganda as unnecessary and damaging to economies. Local Business & Tourism: Atlantis marked World Oceans Day with “blue zone” conservation programming, while MSC revived its Pearl transpacific service for peak demand.