Radio Bimshire Presents

The story of the Shaggy Bear isn’t about applause; it’s about transformation. Born from the traditions of enslaved people, the Shaggy Bear stalks the streets in swirling layers... Available from February 4

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 resistan...

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. Produ...

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&...

"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...

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 sla...

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...

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). Fo...

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" (Naz...

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 wo...

In the third episode in our Timothy Callender series, read by Alfred Pragnell, we return to St. Victoria village for "I Done Attending Parties," a lively tale capturing a Barbadian Saturday night. Discover what makes a man swear off parties for good in this unforgettable story from Barbadian Short Stories .

"Red Letter Day" by Dorothy Lovell, masterfully read by Alfred Pragnell, is an insightful 1967 story delves into Maxine's journey following unexpected news, exploring themes of betrayal, grief, and the transformative path to a new beginning. It offers a touching reflection on how love can manifest itself in the most surprising and unexpected ways. The collection “This Land is Mine: B...

In this second episode of the stories of Timothy Callender to mark his death at age 43 on October 12, 1989, reader Alfred Pragnell invites you into the home of Agnes for "A Surprise for Agnes." This poignant story explores the intricate bonds and tensions that tie families together across generations, as Agnes faces a revelation she never expected. With rich dialogue and unforgettable ch...

Immerse yourself in "The Blue Blue Sea" by Dorothy Lovell. This evocative and beautifully crafted story, read by Alfred Pragnell and first aired on July 16, 1969 (the historic day of the Apollo 11 launch!), follows 16-year-old Janice as she navigates chance encounters that profoundly alter her perception of the world around her. The collection “This Land is Mine: Barbadian Short Stories”...

Off The Shelf begins a four-part series celebrating the stories of Timothy Callender, performed by the masterful Alfred Pragnell. Callender, a beloved Barbadian storyteller, artist, and musician who died at October 12, 1989 aged 43, captured the essence of village life with his witty and moving depictions. Alfred Pragnell reads "Peace and Love," a powerful portrait of a community grappli...

"The Shoe" is a captivating mystery by Dorothy Lovell, featuring a young girl who makes a strange and unsettling discovery. Read by Alfred Pragnell, this 1967 broadcast skillfully incorporates elements of Barbadian obeah, bringing a touch of local folklore to the narrative, a particular gift from Dorothy Lovell’s stories. The episode highlights the recent rediscovery and renewed interest...

The fifth and final episode in our miniseries of live recordings from CARIFESTA XV in 2025 features an excerpt from Timothy Callender’s masterful collection, It So Happen , read by Cherie Jones. Callender, a giant of Barbadian short story writing, captured the voices and rhythms of everyday life with wit, warmth, and sharp insight. Discover  “It So Happen” and more literary treasures by Timothy Ca...

Time to pull from off the shelf the work of a little known Barbadian author, Dorothy Lovell, whose short stories were published in a collection shortly before her death in 2021 at age 89. This episode features a recently discovered 1967 recording by Alfred Pragnell, who brings to life Lovell’s "This Land is Mine" – a moving tale of Ruben and his profound connection to the land he has cul...

The fourth and penultimate episode in our series of live recordings from CARIFESTA XV in 2025. This episode features Frank Collymore’s celebrated poem, "Lesson for the Day," performed by Kerry Belgrave. Collymore, a literary giant and mentor to many, exemplifies gentle reflection and keen observation in his work. Discover this and more literary treasures at The National Library Service.

We continue a series of performances at CARIFESTA XV in 2025 where today’s authors explored essential works of Barbadian literature. Among them, George Lamming’s classic, In the Castle of My Skin . This excerpt, from what many consider the Great Barbadian Novel, is read by award-winning writer Karen Lord. Explore this and many more literary treasures at The National Library Service.