How do we protect the next generation from a health crisis already claiming 83% of lives in Barbados? The Barbados School Nutrition Policy aims to reshape how our children eat, but the challenges run deeper than food choices on a lunch tray.

When one in three Barbadian children is already overweight or obese, and we're witnessing hypertension in 13-year-olds and strokes in 30-somethings, we face a critical turning point. What began as discussions between ministries in 2012 has evolved into a comprehensive policy approach to transform school environments into spaces that nurture healthy eating habits.

But as our fascinating panel reveals, resistance comes from unexpected places. Parents struggle with time constraints and generations of marketing influence. "There is a world system deciding what our children should eat," notes Francine Charles from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, highlighting how global forces have shaped our perception of normal eating patterns. Meanwhile, unregulated vendors outside school gates undermine the policy's effectiveness, and some children bizarrely believe water is less healthy than soda.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when examining who bears responsibility. Rather than simply blaming parents, our guests explore how businesses, policymakers, and educators must collaborate. Simple changes like positioning water at eye level in vending machines have already increased healthy choices. The pending Vendors Bill could regulate food sales around schools, while companies have begun reformulating products to meet nutrition standards.

What emerges is a sobering challenge: can a small island nation protect its future against forces much larger than itself? As one guest poignantly notes, "I don't want millennials blaming baby boomers for creating a world they can't live comfortably in." The policy isn't just about rules—it's about creating an environment where healthy choices become the easy choices.

Join us for this eye-opening conversation about food, health, and who really decides what ends up on our children's plates. Subscribe now to hear more discussions about the issues shaping Barbados today.

Managing money can be overwhelming, but financial literacy is for everyone—not just those with high incomes. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, host Aisha Reid and guest host Sharon Austin-Gill-Moore explore the essentials of budgeting, saving, and investing with expert insights from:

💰 Nikita Gibson – Senior VP at Clarity Life Insurance Ltd. and Partner at Castalia Consulting Inc.
📊 David Simpson – Lead Consultant at Prestige Accounting Inc., specializing in accounting and management services for small businesses.
🎓 Janelle Bruce – Educator and mother of two, who shares her personal journey of taking financial advice and turning her situation around.

Together, they break down financial myths, discuss real-life money challenges, and answer a key question: Is financial literacy only for the wealthy?

🎧 Available now! Listen and take control of your financial future.

In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we’re tackling a critical and evolving issue—New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). These lab-created drugs are designed to mimic traditional illicit substances but often come with unpredictable and dangerous consequences.

We’re also introducing our final main host, Fabian Belgrave, after welcoming Shayla Murrell last week! He and Aisha Reid are joined by experts in substance abuse prevention and forensic science to break down what NPS are, how they’re detected, and the alarming effects they have on public health and society.

Our guests include:
🔹 Troy Wickham – Deputy Manager, NCSA
🔹 Cheryl A. Corbin – Director, Forensic Sciences Centre
🔹 Makeada Bourne – Substance Abuse Prevention Officer & Social Worker, NCSA

Together, they explore the risks, trends, and strategies for tackling the NPS crisis—from law enforcement challenges to community prevention efforts.

#JusAhConversation #NewPsychoactiveSubstances #NPS #DrugAwareness #PublicHealth

In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we explore the challenges faced by children with learning differences such as ADHD, autism, and speech disorders. How well does the Barbadian education system accommodate these students? What gaps exist, and what can be done to improve support for children who learn differently?

Hosts Mikul Elcock and Shayla Murrell sit down with Cindy Blades, Lead Therapist at Blue Sky Speech Therapy; Dionne Best, a parent navigating the education system with an autistic child; and Dr. Ian Alwyn Marshall, an educator and leadership development expert. Together, they discuss real-life struggles, systemic challenges, and practical solutions to create a more inclusive learning environment.

#JusAhConversation #LearningDifferences #ADHD #AutismAwareness #InclusiveEducation #SpeechTherapy #BarbadosPodcast

In this powerful episode of Jus' Ah Conversation, Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid dive into the raw and emotional realities of surviving hurricanes. Drawing from their own experiences—Aisha as an evacuee from Hurricane Katrina and Mikul as a media professional covering the aftermath of devastating storms like Maria and Beryl—they explore the personal toll these natural disasters take on individuals and communities.

Joining the conversation are Tyson Henry, Captain Robert N. Harewood, and Ryan Bourne, who share their gripping firsthand accounts of resilience, recovery, and hope in the face of nature’s fury. From the chaos of the storm to the challenges of rebuilding, this episode sheds light on the human stories behind the headlines.

#JustAhConversation #HurricaneSurvivors #Resilience #BarbadosPodcast #RealStories

It’s a new year, and we’re kicking things off with an inspiring conversation about building skills and opportunities for Barbados’ future! In this episode of Just Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid explore the transformative power of technical education and how it’s shaping the island’s workforce and economy.

From vocational training to international competitions, technical education is creating pathways for success. Joining the conversation are special guests Dario Walcott, a leader in WorldSkills Barbados; Moriah Hill, Barbados’ Best of Nation honoree at the WorldSkills International Competition; and Arlette Knight-Olton, an educator and advocate for the beauty industry.

Discover how technical education is empowering individuals, addressing skill gaps, and setting the stage for a brighter future. Start the year with insights and inspiration to keep Barbados moving forward!

In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid tackle the pressing questions about the state of sports in Barbados. Are we truly investing in our athletes and sporting infrastructure, or are we simply going through the motions?

Joined by an all-star lineup of guests—Jamal Estwick, a local cricketer and motorsports enthusiast; Renaldo Gilkes, a sports administrator and former footballer; and Annmarie Burke, a senior sports reporter and former athlete—we explore the triumphs, challenges, and opportunities within the Barbadian sports landscape.

From funding and facilities to talent development and public support, this episode dives deep into what it will take to elevate sports in Barbados to the next level.

Tune in for real talk, passionate perspectives, and actionable ideas to make a difference in the world of Barbadian sports.

#JusAhConversation #BarbadosSports #SportsDevelopment #SupportLocalAthletes

4o

In this episode of Jus' Ah Conversation, Mikul and Aisha dive into a topic that's close to the hearts (and tables) of Barbadians: growing your own food. With the rising interest in self-sufficiency and sustainable living, we explore how home gardening can transform small spaces into abundant sources of fresh, local produce.

Joining the conversation are three incredible guests:

• Chef Adrian Cumberbatch, a passionate advocate for local, sustainable food sourcing.
• Michael James, a Ministry of Agriculture expert on home gardening initiatives.
• Sheria Brathwaite, member of the FEED (Food Empowerment and Educational Development) programme, who shares insights into empowering communities through agriculture.

Together, we discuss practical tips, inspiring success stories, and expert advice to help you kickstart your own journey from seed to table. Tune in for an engaging, informative, and empowering discussion!

Welcome to Jus' Ah Conversation – the podcast where we tackle the topics that matter most to Barbadians, blending meaningful discussions with a dash of fun and authenticity. Hosted by Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid, this series dives into trending issues shaping our lives today—think community stories, hot-button topics, and local insights—all with a relaxed and relatable vibe.

From conversations about mental health and financial literacy to the future of agriculture and technology in Barbados, Just Ah Conversation brings real voices, expert guests, and engaging stories straight to your ears. Whether you're looking to stay informed, laugh, or just feel connected, we’ve got you covered.

Tune in now and be part of the conversation!