Can the Barbados School Nutrition Policy curb NCD’s?
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.
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48:50
Money Matters: Navigating Your Financial Future
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.
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50:40
New Psychoactive Substances: Understanding Their Impact on Health and Society
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, NCSATogether, 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
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Learning Differently: Breaking Through the Learning Divide
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
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50:23
Surviving the Storm: Real Stories from Hurricane Survivors
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
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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