Independence 43, Water Security: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley used his Independence Day address at the Basseterre desalination plant to argue that real independence is measured by reliable services, saying round-the-clock water access has risen from about a quarter of residents to roughly 70% since 2022, alongside major water infrastructure spending and renewable energy plans. Independence 43, Parade & Defence: The 43rd Independence Ceremonial Parade is set for 6 p.m. at Warner Park, led by SKNDF Captain Jervin Lapsey, with a Guyana Defence Force contingent joining local armed and unarmed units. Small Business Licensing: The National Assembly is moving to ease liquor licensing through amendments that add four scheduled sittings a year and allow some renewals to be collected without court attendance. Payments Law Update: The Payment Systems and Services Bill, 2026, was passed to modernize rules for digital payments, introduce licensing for non-bank payment providers, and strengthen consumer protections. International Messages: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, plus UAE and other leaders, sent Independence greetings to Governor-General Marcella Liburd and the government. Diaspora Spotlight (UK): In London, High Commissioner Kevin Isaac hosted nearly 200 nationals, urging stronger links between diaspora talent and nation-building at home. Climate Warning for Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns that by mid-century, more than nine in ten Eastern Caribbean children could face at least three major climate hazards, with “no safe zone” from overlapping threats.