We continue our deep dive into the historical and economic realities of slavery's lasting impact. After laying the groundwork for the reparations claim, Ambassador Comissiong sets down the staggering economic calculations of human suffering and stolen labour. He reveals the human toll in Barbados (605,789 people harmed by the slave trade and born into slavery) and introduces the Brattle Group's calculation that Barbados alone is owed $4.961 billion US dollars—almost 5 trillion—based on an interest rate applied over centuries. From a National Library Service lecture.

"On the Call of the Captain” (part one of two) is about a uniquely Barbadian institution: a history, a ritual, a performance, but most of all, a community.

Available from January 21

"On the Call of the Captain” is about a uniquely Barbadian institution: a history, a ritual, a performance, but most of all, a community. Available from January 21

Introducing Radio Bimshire’s new oral history and culture strand, This Barbadian Life — real voices, true stories, only in Barbados. Imagine a ship that sails on land. The Barbados Landship is a centuries-old tradition that’s part history, part community, and part performance. In this episode, hear from the people who’ve kept the Landship moving through the decades, and meet Admiral Lorraine Sealy, the first woman to ever take the helm. Discover a tradition that bends but doesn’t break.

Produced by Shayla Murrell, BGIS Radio.

Welcome to "Reparations Revealed". This premiere episode is based on a powerful lecture by Ambassador David Comissiong, a noted pan-Africanist writer, thinker, and diplomat. The episode explores the complex history of slavery, justice, and compensation, as Ambassador Comissiong presents a comprehensive legal and moral case for reparations, tracing the journey from the transatlantic slave trade to the modern-day CARICOM movement. He argues that the systematic dehumanisation of African people was not just a moral failure but a complex legal crime, challenging centuries of colonial narrative.

Ambassador David Comissiong, noted pan-Africanist writer, thinker, and diplomat, explores the complex history of slavery, colonialism and compensation in a five-part series based on his lecture for the National Library Service. He presents a comprehensive legal and moral case for reparations, tracing the journey from the transatlantic slave trade to the modern-day CARICOM movement. He argues that the genocide of indigenous Caribbean people and the systematic dehumanisation of African people were not just a moral failure but a complex legal crimes in international law demanding restoration, repair, and reconciliation. Available from Sunday, January 11

Welcome to Radio Bimshire's new oral history and cultural heritage strand, This Barbadian Life - real voices, true stories, only in Barbados.

Listen to intimate, surprising and memorable stories of the people, places and things that shape Barbados.

New episodes are available here each week, beginning Wednesday January 14, and all day, every day on Radio Bimshire.

A Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols from Barbados, with radiant choral music, timeless readings and organ favourites for Christmas Day. Recorded at St Cyprian’s and St Barnabas Anglican Churches between 2022 and 2025, The Myriad Singers of Barbados are directed by Jerome Clarke, with Artistic Director and organist John Bryan and a prelude for organ and flute from Nathan Richards (flute).

Following the tradition set by King's College, Cambridge in 1918, the Myriad Singers present familiar carols and anthems by John Rutter, David Willcocks, Bob Chilcott and others frame the great scripture readings of Christmas, from the Garden of Eden and the prophecies of Isaiah to St Luke’s Nativity, the visit of the shepherds and wise men, and St John’s great Prologue. This Christmas special is for anyone who loves traditional Anglican carol services, rich choral sound and a solemn Barbadian celebration of the birth of Christ.

You can follow along with the service below:

Prelude: Organ & Flute – A Christmas Pastorale (C. Callahan)

Hymn - Once in Royal David's City (J. O’Donnell)

The Bidding Prayer

Sussex Carol (D. Willcocks)

God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head.  Genesis 3: 1 - 15

Sans Day Carol (J. Rutter)

Ding dong! merrily on high (T. Arbeau)

 Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 - 7

Away in a manger (B. Chilcott)

The First Nowell (P. Ledger)

The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary  Luke 1: 26 – 38

Gabriel’s Message (D. Ratcliffe)

A maiden most gentle (A. Carter)

St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus Luke 2: 1 - 7

Nativity Carol (J. Rutter)

Hymn - O little town of Bethlehem (S. Cleobury)

The shepherds go to the manger  Luke 2: 8 - 20

Infant holy, infant lowly (D. Willcocks)

Shepherd’s pipe carol (J. Rutter)

 The wise men are led by the star to Jesus  Matthew 2: 1 - 11

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child (K. Leighton)

We three kings (M. Neary)

St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation  John 1: 1 – 14

Hymn - O Come, All ye Faithful (D. Willcocks)

Closing Prayers & Blessing

 Hymn – Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (D. Willcocks)

Organ ~ Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, BWV 606  (J.S. Bach)

Artistic Director & Organ – John Bryan

Conductor – Jerome Clarke

Priest – The Reverend Dr. Marcus Lashley

Prelude (Flute – Nathan Richards)

Readers: Kumar Whitehead, Chantal Yearwood, Shelley-Ann Husbands, Shanika Roach, Antoinette Arthur & Patrick Alleyne

Introduced by Julius Gittens

Choir recordings from live performances in St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church (2022/3) & St. Barnabas Anglican Church (2024/5).

In a special November presentation, we unearth this short story gem from Timothy Callender, written for a special publication he created to celebrate Barbados' 21st anniversary of Independence. Step into the world of Grandfather Willie, a World War Two veteran, on Remembrance Day. He recounts his extraordinary (and perhaps exaggerated) encounters with Mr Hitler and the "Notsees" (Nazis). A mysterious lucky charm leads to a surprising conversation with a weary Führer himself. Grandfather Willie's tale is a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of war, freedom, and the power of belief. Discover how one man's "luck" and a unique perspective on independence ultimately bring about the end of the war in a way no one expected. Is it all true, or just a good story? Listen and decide for yourself!

We conclude our four-part miniseries of stories from Timothy Callender, as read by Alfred Pragnell. In this final episode, "The Boyfriends," we return to St. Victoria village. Imagine a young woman caught between two very different suitors, watchful grandparents, and a village that always has something to say. Enjoy this story full of wit, warmth, and humor. Discover more of Timothy Callender's works, including It So Happen, It So Happen 2: Christmas Stories, and It So Happen 3: Callender’s classic, at The National Library Service.