CARICOM Expansion: French Guiana has officially become the Caribbean Community’s eighth Associate Member after an agreement was signed in Saint Lucia by CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre and Territorial Collectivity president Gabriel Serville, giving the territory the right to attend CARICOM summits and meetings as an observer and opening the door to closer cooperation on trade, security, climate resilience, health, education and culture. Regional Governance: The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting also focused on cost of living, consumer protection, progress toward free movement, and an affordable interregional ferry plan aimed at boosting travel, trade and food security. Visa Rules for Overseas Territories: France published the conditions for visa-free entry to its overseas territories, naming only one African country eligible under specific requirements such as holding the right residence permit or diplomatic status. Space & Industry Link: Ireland’s ÉireComposites says it has built precision carbon-fibre stray light baffles for ESA’s Altius ozone-monitoring satellite, highlighting high-end manufacturing tied to European space missions. Maritime Security Procurement: France’s Defence Procurement Agency awarded Couach a contract for 24 new coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with five planned for overseas territories including French Guiana.