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.

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: Barbadian Short Stories” by Dorothy Lovell is now available at the National Library Service and in book and e-book form on Amazon.

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 characters, this tale, recorded by Pragnell in 2000 from the CD Barbadian Short Stories, reminds us that every family holds its own surprises.

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” by Dorothy Lovell is now available at the National Library Service and in book and e-book form on Amazon.

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 grappling with old rivalries and the promise of harmony. Follow Jasper and Saga Boy, two stick fighters whose simmering feud threatens to erupt, until a mysterious man calls for unity. Discover how embracing "peace and love" proves harder than it seems in this classic Timothy Callender tale from the 2000 album Alfred Pragnell Reads Timothy Callender and Recalls Joe Tudor.

"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 in Lovell's compelling work. “This Land is Mine: Barbadian Short Stories” by Dorothy Lovell is now available at the National Library Service and in book and e-book form on Amazon.

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 Callender and other Bajan writers, classic and contemporary, at The National Library Service.

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 cultivated. Discover a forgotten voice in Barbadian literature whose work, reflecting the language and daily life of working-class people, was rediscovered and published in 2019 by her daughter. “This Land is Mine: Barbadian Short Stories” by Dorothy Lovell is now available at the National Library Service and in book and e-book form on Amazon.

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.

This episode features an excerpt from Brown Girl, Brownstones, the debut novel of Paule Marshall. Born to Barbadian parents in New York, Marshall’s groundbreaking 1959 novel explores themes of migration, belonging, and identity. This excerpt was read by Heather Barker, recorded live at CARIFESTA XV in 2025. Find Paule Marshall's novels at the National Library Service.

Off The Shelf - a new series of readings of Barbadian writing - begins with a miniseries of performances recorded live at CARIFESTA XV in 2025 by contemporary Barbadian writers reading from classic Bajan authors. Hear "We Country" by Bruce St. John, performed by Kenneth "Jack" Lewis and Winston Farrell. Discover the works of Bruce St. John in his anthology, Bumbatuk: Poems in Barbadian Dialect, available at the National Library Service.

As full emancipation approached in 1838, the fight for true freedom intensified. Join Dr. Henderson Carter as he recounts the compensation meetings at Apes Hill, where 400 apprentices demanded land, money, and their homes. This episode also covers riots at Belleplaine and Walkers, St Andrew, and acts of defiance challenging planters, revealing the unwavering spirit of resistance. Recommended reading list included!

Explore two remarkable moments of rebellion as the end of slavery loomed. In this episode of "Sounds of Freedom," Dr. Henderson Carter details the uprisings that occurred during the Great Hurricane of 1831 and the 1834 New Year's Day conspiracy. Discover how enslaved people seized opportunities for resistance amidst chaos and imminent change.

Uncover the layers of resistance hidden within a slave song from the 1760s. Historian Dr. Henderson Carter explores the deeper meanings behind "Massa buy me, he wouldn't kill me all," a song now listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. This episode also delves into Joseph Griffith's 1823 plot, showcasing the constant and creative ways enslaved people fought for their freedom.

Dive into the heart of Barbadian resistance in "Sounds of Freedom." This episode unveils the little-known story of Tony, a man whose extraordinary courage during slavery became a symbol of defiance. Featuring insights from Ambassador David Comissiong, explore the 1675 conspiracy and Tony's unwavering spirit against oppression. Discover how his words echoed through generations, reminding us that the fight for freedom can never be truly extinguished.

In this episode, hear Edward Kamau Brathwaite’s tribute to Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén. Recorded in 1976, this poem reflects on the shared Black Atlantic experience and the struggle for cultural affirmation. Brathwaite honors Guillén as a fellow warrior in the fight for social justice, celebrating the power of poetry and solidarity across the diaspora.

Edward Kamau Brathwaite reads“Cane” from Islands. This stirring reflection on the role of sugar cane in Caribbean history explores the journey from bondage to freedom. “Cane” symbolises both suffering and survival, reminding us of the resilience that led to liberation.