Third-Country Deportees Talks: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet says negotiations with the United States on accepting up to 16 non-criminal third-country nationals have resumed, with Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders leading and the government insisting on strict due diligence and no criminal backgrounds. OECD Tax Transparency: Antigua and Barbuda signed an updated OECD agreement expanding automatic sharing of financial account information under the Common Reporting Standard, joining 76 jurisdictions adopting the revised framework. Youth Mental Health Support: The OECS’ first free, anonymous text-based chatline, Young Caribbean Minds, was launched in Antigua and Barbuda with UNICEF, UWI and the OECS Commission, alongside a youth survey report feeding into the Mental Health Care Bill 2026. Tourism Leadership: Janica Adams was selected as Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the 2026 National Tourism Youth Congress, earning a regional spot in Guyana in October. Public Health Preparedness: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre began mandatory Ebola response training for clinical staff to strengthen infection control readiness. Passenger Costs: Cabinet approved raising Antigua and Barbuda’s passenger head tax by US$10 to US$50 to support key regional institutions. Weather Watch: The NHC is monitoring a low-risk disturbance off the US southeast coast with no immediate threat to Antigua and Barbuda. Earthquake Report: A preliminary magnitude 4.2 quake was recorded east of Antigua and Barbuda early Friday, with no immediate damage reported.