New Resort Launch: WestJet Vacations adds the adult-only, five-star Royalton Vessence Barbados in Holetown to its Caribbean lineup, touting 220 rooms, multiple dining options, Diamond Club perks, pools, wellness, and non-motorised water sports. Drugs & Courts: A 27-year-old Christ Church man, Jakobi Rolando Corbin, was charged with trafficking and importing 13.6kg of cannabis after police seized the drugs valued at about $108,000; he pleaded not guilty and was granted $40,000 bail. Education & Youth Support: Barbados Vocational Training Board prepares for Semester One with 350+ trainees and 30+ programmes; meanwhile, Social Empowerment Agency reports nearly 3,000 back-to-school assistance requests, with applications still open as the term approaches. Health & Childhood Vaccines: Paediatricians and the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners warn that rising opt-out requests—fuelled by overseas misinformation—could weaken Barbados’ protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. Culture, Sports & Community: Barbados scores nine World Travel Awards nominations; CPL confirms Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, with the Schoolyard programme continuing youth cricket coaching across the region. Rihanna & Local Life: Rihanna shares a low-key Barbados family outing—minibus ride, coconut water stops, and a visit to Rihanna Drive—bringing everyday island culture into the spotlight. Travel & Cruise Buzz: MSC revises Winter 2027/28 deployments, shifting MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with embarkations including Bridgetown.