VAT-Free Weekend Prep: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has published a preliminary list of businesses cleared to take part in the first-ever VAT-Free Weekend under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with the Inland Revenue Division inviting businesses not on the list to appeal by 19 August. Marina Land Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou says it has renewed its request for access to a fenced-off section of its boatyard after a long-running dispute over a 2013 government-approved mangrove lease; the marina says it is speaking publicly due to impacts on customers, workers and the wider community. OECS Social & Skills Push: The OECS launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, and also marked a major milestone for the OECS Skills and Innovation Project (SKIP) by advancing the digital learning ecosystem for post-secondary education. Prime Minister’s Qatar Trip: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell will lead an overseas mission to Spain and then visit Qatar (Aug 13–19), with talks expected to cover Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and private sector investment. Football Governance: The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA scrapped the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, while the wider debate continues as other federations publicly split over FIFA leadership. Education Accreditation (Regional): Kyjuan Brown’s Dr Brown’s Institute of Health Sciences in Bermuda received UK level 4 accreditation, aiming to expand student numbers—an example of how external validation can scale training capacity.