Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing a severe summer water shortage, with drought disrupting drinking supplies and forcing strict rationing; sanitation problems are making it worse, and several swimming areas in Guadeloupe have been closed due to coastal pollution. Regional Flights & Tourism: LIAT Air has launched a new year-round direct link between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay, running Tuesdays and Saturdays, with plans to grow to daily service as demand rises—aimed at boosting French-English Caribbean travel, tourism, and business ties. Fares Under Pressure: LIAT says it’s trying to keep ticket prices stable despite fuel costs jumping about 50% since late February/early March, noting passengers are only absorbing a small share of the increase and that service adjustments (like Barbuda aircraft needs) are underway. Travel Planning Costs: A France digest flags regulated electricity bills rising 2.5% from Aug. 1 and confirms back-to-school allowance dates for Guadeloupe and Martinique, useful for families timing trips and budgets. Rum & Cruise Ideas: St Barth is set for a five-day Caribbean Rum Festival (Oct. 26–30) with beach parties and tastings, while Oceania Cruises is pitching late-2026 Caribbean itineraries that swap some beach time for local food and farm experiences, including Pointe-à-Pitre.