Education & Literacy: Barbados’ Babb’s Reading Clinic is back in focus as Finance Minister Ryan Straughn warned that the national average English score in the Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Examination fell from 72.5% to 64.2%, urging more support for struggling readers and cautioning against treating one test as a life sentence. Teaching & Inclusion: Dr. Astra Babb is also calling for specialist teachers in secondary schools, saying educators need extra training to better support students with learning differences, including autism. Culture & Youth Music: The line-up is set for this year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch finals after finalists drew for the order of appearance, with organisers stressing legacy and discipline as the young calypsonians head to the stage. Tourism & Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados held its official ribbon-cutting with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, spotlighting a new adults-oriented all-inclusive concept rooted in creativity and local immersion. Standards & Service: Mottley renewed her push to end “cuddear” culture, saying Barbados must protect quality and value to keep its premium brand promise. Regional Spotlight: Caribbean leaders met senior Church of England clergy in London to press slavery reparations and decolonisation, with Barbados’ ambassador to CARICOM calling the meeting a possible ally. Travel Ease: Spain has granted visa-free short-stay access to citizens of nine CARICOM nations, including Barbados, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Disaster Readiness: Caribbean disaster responders began Last Mile Distribution Training of Trainers in Jamaica to improve how relief reaches families quickly and fairly after emergencies.