Barbados Tourism & Culture: Royalton Hotels & Resorts has officially welcomed its first guests to Royalton Vessence Barbados, the island’s first Royalton Vessence adult-oriented all-inclusive, opening on 1 June on the Platinum Coast with 220 suites, swim-out options, butler service for Diamond Club, and local-artist programming at The Studio. Regional Connections: Barbados and Antigua are being positioned as key gateways linking the African continent with the wider Caribbean, with a new Lagos–Barbados direct air service starting May 25. Health & Schools: Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School is not being closed after scarlet fever concerns; health officials say 13 cases were investigated, with only one confirmed as Group A Strep, and anti-biotics mean children are no longer considered infectious after 24 hours. Community & Heritage: Barbados marked Heritage Month 2026 with the Fielding Babb Heritage Recognition Award, honouring figures including Sir Paul Altman and Celia Toppin for preserving and documenting the island’s cultural history. Youth & Public Health: A regional youth advocate warns that Caribbean governments are struggling to keep up with a teen vaping surge, as flavours and online sales make nicotine products easier to access. Sports & Entertainment: CPL Finals Week in Barbados will feature a Live & Louder Mega Concert at the National Botanical Gardens on 19 September 2026, the night before the CPL Final. Water Watch: Barbados says water restrictions are not under consideration yet, as officials monitor reservoir levels and rainfall forecasts amid ongoing supply issues. Justice & Safety: The Barbados Police Service charged Jelani Finidi Kemau Nowell with murder and conspiracy to murder linked to a 13 January 2024 killing. Travel Inspiration: A creator-led tourism piece highlights how IShowSpeed’s Caribbean tour boosted interest in destinations including Barbados, showing the power of real-time storytelling.