We dive deeper into the Landship. This part uncovers how this island tradition, the oldest indigenous organisation in Barbados, doubles as an engine of financial support, savings, and shared identity. Through story, rhythm, and memory, the Landship reveals how a vibrant dance can also be a profound lesson in survival and belonging.

Produced by Shayla Murrell of our partner BGIS Radio.

Unpacking the complex legal and historical foundations of the Caribbean reparations movement. Ambassador David Comissiong challenges the fundamental narrative that slavery was ever "legal," exposing the profound legal contradictions of colonial legislation. He argues that slavery was illegal under both the national law of England and international law, detailing how the constant resistance of enslaved Africans ultimately led to abolition. Dr Nora Wittman's research is highlighted to distinguish African social structures of servitude from the dehumanising chattel slavery imposed by European colonisers.

Part two of "On the Call of the Captain”, about a uniquely Barbadian institution: a history, a ritual, a performance, but most of all, a community.

Available from January 28

The Barbados Landship is more than just a spectacle—it was a crucial support network for Barbadian communities. Part one explores the history, ritual, and performance of this uniquely Barbadian institution. From roll calls and dues to offering real support for illness and funerals, discover the legacy of captains, commodores, and admirals who shaped the Landship’s path through modern change. Produced by Shayla Murrell of our partner BGIS Radio.
 

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