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Jus' Ah Conversation

Barbados Government Information Service

The topics that matter to you.

Join us on Jus' Ah Conversation, where we dive into the trending topics shaping life in Barbados today. From pressing social issues to untold community stories, we explore the matters that truly impact our lives—always keeping it real, relatable, and fun. Hosted by Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid, this podcast is authentically Bajan, with meaningful discussions, real moments, and plenty of good vibes. Whether we’re breaking down the headlines, sharing personal stories, or inviting guests with unique perspectives, every episode feels like a casual lime with friends.

Tune in and be part of the conversation that matters!

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20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 59 min
English

Episodes 20

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S4 · E5
Sunday · 1 hr 6 min
Parenting Doesn’t Come With a Manual… Or Does It? | Jus' Ah Conversation S4 EP5
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — but that doesn’t mean parents have to figure everything out on their own. In Season 4, Episode 5 of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we take a closer look at the Parent Empowerment Programme and the practical support being offered to help parents navigate the realities of raising children today. Joining the conversation are Dr. Terrie Blackman, Parent Empowerment Programme Project Coordinator; Fabian Sargeant, Parent Empowerment Programme Content Specialist; and Faith Bascombe, Social Worker, Rehabilitation Therapist and Parent Empowerment Programme Facilitator. The discussion explores communication, discipline, parental stress, resilience, family relationships and the importance of building stronger connections between home and school. It also looks at how programmes such as Lime and Learn are creating spaces where parents can share experiences, ask questions and gain practical tools they can apply at home. Because empowering children also means empowering the people raising them. 📺 Watch on YouTube (@thebgis) 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
S4 · E4
October 18 · 1 hr 12 min
What People Don’t Understand About Raising Children With Special Needs | Jus' Ah Conversation S4 EP4
What does it really mean to raise a child with special needs — and how much of that experience does the wider public actually understand? In Season 4, Episode 4 of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Fabian Belgrave and Dionne Best are joined by Orlanda Atherly, Parent and Down Syndrome Advocate; Ann-Marie Johnson, Parent and Disability Advocate; and Tracey Knight-Lloyd, Autism Advocate and Parent for an honest conversation about the realities families face every day. From navigating education and healthcare to managing public perceptions, finding appropriate support and dealing with the emotional and financial demands of parenting, this episode goes beyond assumptions and gives parents space to speak from lived experience. Orlanda shares his journey raising his daughter Haylee, who was born with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. Ann-Marie speaks about caring for a son living with intractable epilepsy and advocating for stronger support systems, while Tracey reflects on autism, acceptance, inclusion and creating environments where children can thrive. But this conversation is not about pity. It is about understanding, inclusion, acceptance and recognising the experiences of families whose challenges are often unseen. 📺 Watch on YouTube (@thebgis) 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
S4 · E3
October 4 · 59 min
Farming Smarter: Can Climate-Smart Agriculture Feed Barbados?
The climate is changing, technology is moving quickly, and the way we produce food has to keep evolving with it. In Season 4, Episode 3 of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid explore what it really means to farm smarter in Barbados — and whether climate-smart agriculture can help build a stronger, more resilient food system. Joining the conversation are Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security; Dr. Chelston W. D. Brathwaite, Agricultural Development Expert and Former IICA Director General; Dr. David Bynoe, Agronomist, Economist and Sustainable Development Specialist National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP; and John Hunte, Permaculture and Community Agriculture Advocate. Together, they explore everything from soil health, water management and sustainable farming practices to greenhouses, hydroponics, drones, sensors, artificial intelligence and precision agriculture. But farming smarter is about more than technology. The conversation also gets into financing, policy, infrastructure, getting more young people involved in agriculture, and ensuring that innovation actually reaches the farmers who need it. As Barbados looks toward greater food security, the question is not simply whether we can grow more — but whether we can grow differently, adapt faster and build an agricultural sector ready for the future. 📺 Watch on YouTube (@thebgis) 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music
S4 · E2
September 20 · 1 hr 9 min
Drones: From Toys to Tools and Everything in Between | Jus' Ah Conversation S4 EP2
Drones, robotics, coding kits and remote-controlled technology are often treated as toys — but what happens when we start looking at them as tools? In Season 4, Episode 2 of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we explore how these technologies are already being used in agriculture, mapping, environmental monitoring, education, disaster response and other emerging industries — and what that could mean for Barbados. Joining the conversation are Professor David Oscar Yawson, Director of CERMES at UWI Cave Hill, and Jelani Payne, Robotics & STEM Education Advocate with Robot Adventures. The discussion looks at the opportunities these technologies can create, particularly for young innovators, educators, researchers and entrepreneurs, while also tackling the real concerns around safety, regulation, licensing and responsible use. How do we manage the risks without shutting down innovation? And are we doing enough to prepare Barbadians to use these technologies productively? From toys to tools, this conversation is about what becomes possible when technology is given purpose. 📺 Watch on YouTube (@thebgis) 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music
S4 · E1
September 6 · 1 hr 8 min
Why do some young people in Barbados feel left behind?
Why do some young people feel like no matter how hard they try, they still can’t get ahead? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid sit down with Shakir Daisley, Janae Husbands, and Omari Cheltenham for a real conversation about youth, opportunity, pressure, and the growing feeling among some young people that the future is slipping further out of reach. From the cost of living and housing affordability to education, employment, social media comparison, mental health, and the pressure to “make it,” this episode looks at the gap between what young people are told is possible and what they actually experience. Is it hopelessness? Is it a lack of opportunity? Or is it a sign that systems, communities, and conversations need to change? This is a grounded discussion about what young people are facing, what they need, and why listening to them matters. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E12
July 19 · 1 hr 3 min
Money That Makes Sense: From Budgeting to Breaking Free
Money can feel stressful, confusing, and sometimes completely out of reach — but getting a better handle on it starts with honest, practical conversations. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Aisha Reid and special guest host Sharon Austin Gilmore sit down with Nikita Gibson, Marcia Armstrong, Dwayne Jones, and Kelly Jones for a real conversation about money that makes sense. From budgeting and saving to credit, debt, financial habits, and the pressure of rising living costs, this episode looks at how people can start making stronger decisions with what they have. The conversation also explores Dwayne and Kelly’s journey to becoming debt-free after paying off approximately $67,000, and what that experience can teach others about discipline, teamwork, sacrifice, and financial freedom. This is not a conversation about pretending money is easy. It is about building confidence, facing the numbers, and taking the next step toward breaking free. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis). 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.
S3 · E11
July 5 · 1 hr 4 min
Bashment Soca: Culture, Controversy & Caribbean Vibes
Bashment Soca is one of the most talked-about sounds in Barbados — loved by many, criticised by others, and impossible to ignore. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Aisha Reid and Fabian Belgrave dive into the culture, controversy, and energy surrounding Bashment Soca. From its Dancehall influence and Soca foundation to its role in Crop Over, youth culture, entertainment, and national identity, this conversation explores why the genre continues to stir such strong reactions. Joining the discussion are Rudy Maloney, Dane Marshall, and Patrick “Salt” Bellamy, bringing perspectives from music, entertainment, events, promotion, and cultural commentary. Together, they unpack the big questions: Is Bashment Soca simply fun and expression? Has it been unfairly judged? What responsibility do artistes, promoters, and audiences have? And why does this genre continue to hold such a powerful place in Barbados’ cultural conversation? Whether you love it, question it, or just want to understand the debate, this is a conversation worth hearing. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E10
June 21 · 1 hr
Workplace Wellness in Barbados: From Policy to Practice
Workplace wellness is about more than gym memberships and the occasional team-building day. It’s about culture, inclusion, mental wellbeing, safety, and whether people can truly thrive where they work. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we take a closer look at what workplace wellness really means in Barbados — not just as an idea, but in practice. Joining the conversation are Dionne Harris, Director & Strategy Lead in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector; Celia Patricia Collymore (CPC), Founder & Senior Project Manager of Bajan Fusion; and Roseanna Tudor, Operations Manager at the Barbados Council for the Disabled. Together, they explore how policy, leadership, accessibility, and everyday workplace culture all shape employee wellbeing. From the role of employers to the lived realities of workers, this is a grounded discussion on what it will take to build healthier, more supportive workplaces across Barbados. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis). YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION What does workplace wellness actually look like in Barbados? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we move beyond the buzzwords and get into the real conversation about wellbeing at work — from policy and leadership to inclusion, accessibility, and workplace culture. Joining the discussion are: Dionne Harris — Director & Strategy Lead, Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector Celia Patricia Collymore (CPC) — Founder & Senior Project Manager, Bajan Fusion Roseanna Tudor — Operations Manager, Barbados Council for the Disabled Together, they unpack what healthier workplaces could and should look like in Barbados, and why wellness has to be more than a policy on paper. 💬 Join the conversation in the comments. 📺 Watch on YouTube (@thebgis) 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music #JusAhConversation #WorkplaceWellness #Barbados #TheBGIS
June 7 · 1 hr 12 min
What Most People Get Wrong About Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is about more than watching the weather and rushing for supplies at the last minute. Too often, the biggest risks come from what people misunderstand, overlook, or leave too late. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Fabian Belgrave and Sharifa Medford-Gilkes take a closer look at what most people get wrong about hurricane season — from practical preparedness and emergency response to the emotional strain these events can place on individuals and families. Joining the conversation are Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick of the Barbados Fire Service, Major Robert Harewood, Deputy Director DEM, and Dr. Ayodele Harper, counselling psychologist. Together, they explore the common mistakes people make before, during, and after storms, the mental and emotional impact of disaster situations, and why true preparedness is about far more than checking a weather update. This is a timely conversation about readiness, resilience, and how to approach hurricane season with clearer thinking and better habits. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E8
May 24 · 50 min
Let’s Talk Sexual Health: HIV, STIs and Prevention in Barbados
Sexual health is still one of those topics people are often uncomfortable talking about — even though the consequences of silence can be serious. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we take a current look at HIV, STIs, and sexual health in 2026. What progress have we made? What myths are still lingering? And where are the biggest gaps in education, testing, prevention, and public understanding? Joining the conversation are: Anderson Langdon — Executive Director, BFPA Dr. Ashlyn Scott-Williams — Director of Clinical Services Together, they help unpack the realities around sexual health today, from awareness and prevention to stigma, behaviour, and why honest conversation still matters. This is a timely discussion about health, responsibility, access to information, and the importance of keeping sexual health on the national agenda. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E7
May 10 · 1 hr 20 min
Is Barbados Ready for Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles are no longer a distant idea in Barbados. More people are seeing them on the road, hearing the debate, and asking the same question: are we really ready for this shift? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Mikul Elcock and Fabian Belgrave dig into the promise and the practical reality of EV adoption in Barbados. Beyond the hype, what does it actually mean to own, maintain, charge, insure, and respond to electric vehicles in a small island developing state? They’re joined by three guests with very different but equally important perspectives: Christopher McFarlane of Megapower Ltd, bringing insight into the energy and infrastructure side of the conversation. Alexander Barker, an EV Technician, speaking to the technical realities of servicing and maintaining electric vehicles. Marlon Small, Divisional Officer of the Barbados Fire Service, offering a critical emergency response and safety perspective. Together, they unpack some of the biggest questions around EV readiness in Barbados: Is the charging infrastructure where it needs to be? Are EVs really affordable when you look beyond the sticker price? Do we have the technical skills and systems in place to support long-term growth? How prepared are emergency services to deal with EV-related incidents? And are Barbadians fully buying into the transition, or still watching from the sidelines? This is a grounded conversation about innovation, policy, safety, cost, and what it will take for Barbados to move confidently into a more electric future. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E6
April 26 · 1 hr
Is Affordable Housing a Pipe Dream in Barbados?
Affordable housing is one of the biggest concerns facing Barbadians today. Whether you’re trying to rent, buy, or simply plan for the future, the question keeps coming up: is affordable housing in Barbados becoming a pipe dream? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid unpack the pressures around housing, home ownership, real estate, and affordability in Barbados. Joining the conversation are: Raquel Thompson – Architect Cherita O’dell – Real Estate Broker Paul Ashby – Chief Executive Officer, SigniaGlobe Financial Group Janelle Bruce – Educator and First-Time Homeowner Together, they explore the realities of the housing market from different angles — design, property, financing, and lived experience. From rising costs and access to mortgages to what first-time buyers are really up against, this is a conversation about more than just houses. It’s about stability, security, and whether ordinary Barbadians can still see a path to owning a home. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E5
April 12 · 50 min
Honouring Our Elders: The Changing Face of Elder Care
Elder care is changing, and so is the conversation around what it means to age well. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Sharifa Medford-Gilkes explore the realities of elder care in Barbados today — from family responsibility and caregiving pressure to active ageing, nutrition, mobility, and maintaining independence for as long as possible. Joining the discussion are: Miss Stacia Whittaker, MPH, RDN — Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Ministry of Health & Wellness, working at the St. Michael’s Geriatric Hospital and satellite district hospitals. Ms. Marcia Best — experienced Health Sister and Coordinator on the Advisory and Inspection Committee, with decades of nursing and public health experience. Juliette Downes — Medical Social Worker at the Geriatric Hospital, bringing insight into the emotional, social, and family side of ageing and care. Together, they unpack what elder care looks like in Barbados, the difference between simply living longer and living better, and why movement, muscle-building, nutrition, dignity, and support all matter in the ageing process. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E4
March 29 · 1 hr 2 min
Menopause | Breaking the Silence, Talking Truths
Menopause is something many women are expected to endure quietly — but that silence comes at a cost. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we open up an honest, informed conversation about menopause and the many ways it affects women’s lives. From hot flashes and sleep disruption to mood changes, mental health struggles, intimacy, and workplace challenges, this discussion goes beyond the usual surface-level talk. This episode explores what menopause really is, why so many women enter this stage without clear information or support, and how myths and stigma continue to shape the experience. It also looks at the importance of balanced medical guidance, better support systems, and treating menopause as more than just a private issue. Joining the conversation are: Dr. Sandra Bynoe — OBGYN and menopause specialist, Dr. Roberta Corona — OBGYN and menopause specialist, BioConnect Deidre Wood — Nutritionist Together, they help break down the facts, challenge the myths, and push for a more open, supportive conversation around menopause. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E3
March 15 · 48 min
Caring Beyond the Clinic: Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Our Communities
Non-communicable diseases continue to affect families and communities across Barbados in a very real way. But tackling NCDs takes more than check-ups and prescriptions — it takes awareness, support, and a deeper understanding of how these conditions shape everyday life. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Shayla Murrell and Fabian Belgrave sit down with three guests who each bring a different perspective to the conversation around prevention, advocacy, and community care. Joining them are: Krystal Bowen — communications specialist, cervical cancer and HPV awareness advocate, and founder of @miss_penny246, a platform created in memory of her mother. Trudy Nicole Griffith — registered pharmacist, clinical pharmacist, and former President of the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados. Antoine Williams — marketing consultant, communications trainer, and community engagement facilitator. Together, they explore how education, storytelling, advocacy, and stronger community support can help shift the fight against NCDs beyond the clinic and into everyday life. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E2
March 1 · 1 hr
Farm Raiders: The Growing Threat of Crop and Livestock Theft in Barbados
Crop and livestock theft is something many farmers in Barbados quietly deal with — but the impact is anything but small. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Aisha Reid and Fabian Belgrave sit down with voices from across the agricultural sector to talk openly about the reality of farm theft, how it affects farmers, and what it means for the future of local food production. Joining the conversation are: Barney Callender, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer with responsibility for livestock and over four decades of experience in the Ministry of Agriculture. Ronald Moore, a crop and greenhouse farmer and board member of the St. George Farmers’ Marketing Co-operative Society. Keriah Scantlebury, owner of Riah’s Farms and a passionate youth advocate helping to shape the next generation of agriculture in Barbados. Together they unpack the challenges farmers face when crops or animals disappear overnight, the emotional and financial toll it takes, and the broader impact on food security and the agricultural industry. It’s an honest conversation about protecting the people who grow our food — and what needs to change. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube (@thebgis).
S3 · E1
February 15 · 1 hr 2 min
CARICOM Full Free Movement: What It Means for You
Season 3 of Jus’ Ah Conversation kicks off with a timely and important conversation about CARICOM Full Free Movement — what it actually means, what’s changing, and how it could impact your everyday life. From work opportunities and travel to residency, education, and regional integration, we break down the facts in plain language and explore both the possibilities and the concerns surrounding deeper Caribbean unity. This episode looks beyond the headlines to answer the real questions Bajans and Caribbean people are asking: Who qualifies for free movement? What rights come with it? How could it affect jobs, wages, and businesses? What protections are in place? 🎙️ If you’ve been hearing about CARICOM Full Free Movement but aren’t quite sure what it means for you, this episode is your starting point. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you listen. Watch the video version on YouTube (@thebgis).
February 14 · 1 min
Jus Ah Conversation - Let's Talk About it! | Season 3 Trailer
Season 3 of Jus’ Ah Conversation is here. Real people. Real stories. Real perspectives. From mental health and money to culture, creativity, and everyday life in Barbados, we’re diving into the topics that matter — honestly and without filters. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk about it.
S2 · E14
Dec 24, 2025 · 58 min
Christmas Special: "Ah Bajan Christmas"
The holidays are here, and Jus’ Ah Conversation is closing out the year with a Christmas Special full of laughter, nostalgia, and pure Bajan spirit. In this festive episode, the crew comes together to reflect on the season, share Christmas memories, debate holiday favourites, and enjoy the kind of conversation that feels like a good old family lime. And Jus’ Ah Conversation is bringing back the Wildcards — this time with a Christmas twist. 🎴🎄 In this festive special, the crew comes together to answer fun, unexpected, and sometimes controversial wildcard questions that spark laughter, debate, and pure holiday vibes. From Christmas traditions and food to nostalgic moments only Bajans understand, this episode feels like a good old family lime. 🎅🏽 It’s light-hearted, festive, and unapologetically Bajan. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you listen. Watch the video version on YouTube (@thebgis).
S2 · E13
Nov 29, 2025 · 54 min
Independence Special: Proud, Independent and Slightly Hardears
In this Independence Day special of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we’re putting the seriousness aside and celebrating Barbados the best way Bajans know how — with jokes, big opinions, cultural nostalgia, and a little friendly madness. Hosts Mikul Elcock, Aisha Reid, Shayla Murrell and Fabian Belgrave are joined by the Jus’ Ah Conversation family for a light-hearted but meaningful look at Bajan identity. Using our own Bajan Wildcards game, the crew answers fun, outrageous, and patriotic questions about everything that makes Barbados… Barbados. From sno-cone debates, to favourite Bajan sayings, to the foods we love (and hate), to the quirks only a true Bajan would understand — this episode is full of laughter, storytelling, and national pride. 🇧🇧 It’s culture. It’s comedy. It’s conversation. It’s Barbados. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the video version on YouTube (@thebgis). #JusAhConversation #IndependenceEdition #BajanCulture #BajanHumour #TheBGIS #Barbados

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