In this programme, BGIS’ Shayla Murrell explores two traditional African-Barbadian folklore characters who perform alongside Mudda Sally, Stilt Walkers, and sometimes the Donkey. Discover how these vibrant traditions continue to celebrate Barbados’ rich cultural heritage.

INSIDER'S REPORT | RHYTHM AND RITUAL | THE SHAGGY BEAR

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Alfonso Herrera is at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, engaging in critical conversations on climate and displacement.

Mr. Herrera underscored the importance of amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate change. 

Audio credit: Felipe de Carvalho, UN News 

CLIP - UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Alfonso Herrera at COP30

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already reshaping lives and communities around the world. 

Extreme weather – from unprecedented tornadoes to rising seas and creeping desertification – is forcing millions on the run, often within their own countries. 

At COP30 in Belém this week, Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), stressed the importance of local, people-centred solutions. 

“Early warning systems, predictable funding, and locally led adaptation are critical,” she told UN News’s Felipe de Carvalho. 

Audio credit: Felipe de Carvalho, UN News

Climate adaptation must protect the right to stay and the dignity to move

As COP30 brings leaders and negotiators together from around the world, the spotlight is not only on policy but also on the real-life experiences of those most affected by climate change. 

From Ethiopia, Mekebib Tadesse, representing the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) delegation, brings a firsthand perspective on the human and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.

In an interview with Felipe Carvalho – who's in Belem for UN News – Mekebib shared insights on how climate change is upending his home country.

Audio credit: Felipe de Carvalho, UN News

‘I’m one of the lucky ones,’ says Ethiopian climate refugee in Brazil

• Sudan war: Aid teams call for urgent access to thousands trapped in El Fasher 
• Ukraine: UN condemns latest deadly attack targeting civilians in Kyiv
• ‘Mobs’ target Palestinians in occupied West Bank, warns OHCHR

Audio credit: Daniel Johnson, UN News


UN News Today 14 November 2025 - Sudan war, Ukraine, occupied West Bank

Lloyd Archer reflects on what took place on Independence night.

MEMORIES OF INDEPENDENCE

• Gaza: UNDP lends a hand with project 
• Sahel displacement crisis has made four million people homeless: UNHCR 
• World is getting closer to being free from cervical cancer: WHO 

Audio credit: Daniel Johnson, UN News

UN News Today 17 November 2025 - Gaza, Sahel displacement, cervical cancer

Last year, 37,000 stolen cultural objects – including artifacts, artworks, coins, and instruments – were seized by international police agency, Interpol, and law enforcement.

The illicit trade in cultural property is one of the world’s oldest and most profitable forms of criminal activity – and it is increasingly being facilitated online. 

UN News’s Cristina Silveiro has been speaking to Krista Pikkat, Director for Culture and emergencies for UN agency UNESCO, about the fight against illicit trafficking in stolen heritage worldwide.

Audio credit: Cristina Silveiro, UN News

Inside the UN’s fight to end cultural heritage trafficking

On Sunday, a foot patrol of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was targeted by an Israeli army Merkava tank positioned inside Lebanese territory. Israel said it had been a case of “misidentification”.

UN News’s Nancy Sarkis spoke to UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel, who said the incident is part of a “deeply worrying escalation” along the Blue Line of separation. 

Ms. Ardiel pointed to warning fire near civilians and new Israeli-built concrete walls that straddle the Blue Line, stressing that “any attack on peacekeepers is unacceptable.”

Audio credit: Nancy Sarkis, UN News

Peacekeepers warn of escalating violations along the Blue Line

• Gaza: UN chief welcomes Security Council resolution to end conflict
• WFP prioritizes feeding 110 million of the hungriest in 2026 as global hunger deepens 
• Lebanon: ongoing Israeli Blue Line violations prevent peace

Audio credit: Daniel Johson, UN News

UN News Today 18 November 2025 - Gaza, global hunger, Blue Line violations

The rapid rise of AI in health care has plenty of upsides including faster diagnosis but there are also potentially serious downsides too, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday. 
The agency noted that millions of health workers and patients already benefit from the self-learning technology. But across Europe, only four countries have a national strategy on AI use in medical settings, with guidelines on data privacy, legal guardrails and measures to boost AI accessibility for all.
Here's WHO's Bhanu Bhatnagar to tell us more about the key issues.


AI in health care-upsides and downsides-WHO-BhanuBhatnagar

The Barbados Government Information Service has been established since 1958 as the Barbados Government's public relations and information arm.   This dynamic channel profiles Barbadian people, places and programmes which make up this Caribbean island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.  We hope you enjoy and feel free to comment.  We want to hear from you.

INSIDER'S REPORT | RHYTHM AND RITUAL | THE SHAGGY BEAR

gisbarbados