Maritime Tragedy in the Region: A ferry disaster off Guyana’s coast (MV Barima) is still unfolding, with survivor accounts describing the ship sinking in minutes and families waiting at hospitals as officials say the manifest may have been wrong—now estimates suggest up to 179 people aboard, with dozens rescued and the death toll expected to rise. Public Health Alert: Curaçao’s health ministry is urging travelers to get vaccinated for yellow fever as cases rise across South America, noting new areas of spread and reminding people to book vaccination at least 10 days before departure. Rights & Access in Overseas Territories: Claire Hédon is leaving her role at the Defender of Rights after a term marked by rising complaints tied to access problems for water, healthcare, education, and other public services in places including French Guiana. Connectivity for French Guiana: EllaLink and ASN say the Lum@link submarine cable is on track, with the cable ship set to sail to Cayenne to build the first direct submarine link between French Guiana and continental Europe by end of 2026.