Sodium & trans fat policy push: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points, and legal drafters from eight Caribbean countries in Barbados to map out sodium reduction targets and full elimination of industrially produced trans fatty acids, noting that most sodium comes from processed foods and that no country has yet fully met WHO “best buy” sodium actions or comprehensive trans fat elimination. Health financing via debt swap (regional relevance): Barbados’ Finance Minister Ryan Straughn said savings from a proposed $1.2B debt buyback would fund behavioral change and regional food security efforts, while stressing that nearly half of children are overweight or obese—linking diet policy directly to future NCD risk. Medical tourism model spotlight: A report on medical tourism highlights how cross-border patients seek faster access to high-complexity care, pointing to a coordinated care pathway (diagnosis through follow-up) as a key driver of predictable outcomes. Food security & nutrition cooperation (Suriname named): Straughn also said Barbados is working with Guyana and Suriname to boost regional food security so people can access affordable, nutritious foods.