Geopolitics & Resilience: A new Dutch Caribbean study says China’s presence in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Saba/St. Eustatius/St. Maarten has grown, but there’s little sign of stronger Chinese state influence—while the islands’ heavy dependence on imports, energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, tourism and security remains the bigger vulnerability. Tourism Policy: AHATA says it disagrees with Aruba’s 2026–2031 Tourism Implementation Plan, arguing the focus should shift from higher visitor numbers to higher-value tourists, with limits on cruise days and flight scheduling, and less reliance on tourism tax hikes. Nature & Enforcement: Tour Operators Uni and United Tour Operators push a stricter nature protocol for UTV/ATV access—marked routes, GPS monitoring, speed limits, sanctions, and native tree planting—after consultations on regulated access along the northern coast. Public Works Risk: RWZI Parkietenbos temporarily suspended septic truck services after diesel contamination, with authorities now looking at whether it could be sabotage. Cost of Living & Wages: The United Merchants of Aruba (CUA) calls an extraordinary meeting over a proposed minimum wage rise to the bestaansminimum level, warning of inflation and pressure on small businesses due to the lack of an economic impact study. Connectivity Investment: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, with a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Local Business Leadership: Aruba Bank appoints Ramon Mas as Managing Director. Transport Pressure: Government says it’s working on measures to ease Arubus’ financial strain, including restoring a $1 tourist fee from Oct. 1.