Space & Industry: Ireland’s ÉireComposites says it has built precision carbon-fiber stray light baffles for ESA’s ALTIUS ozone-monitoring satellite, highlighting how advanced components are being made and launched from Europe’s space supply chain. Defence Procurement: France’s DGA has ordered 24 new coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie under the VGMAR program, with five planned for overseas territories including French Guiana; first deliveries are targeted for 2029. Regional Integration: CARICOM has formally welcomed French Guiana as its eighth Associate Member after an agreement signed in Saint Lucia, giving the territory a seat at CARICOM meetings as an observer and expanding cooperation on trade, security, climate resilience and more. CARICOM Summit Focus: The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia wrapped up with priorities including cost of living relief, consumer protection, and accelerating regional expansion efforts. Cross-border Tensions: Suriname and Guyana traded fresh claims over who was notified about independent funding for the Corentyne River Bridge, deepening a diplomatic rift with major implications for regional infrastructure planning. Digital Policy: The UWI and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union signed a new MoU to strengthen regional digital development through policy work, research, capacity building and implementation support.