Health Ministry Alerted to New Strain of Virus Causing Respiratory Illness

January 22, 2020

These viruses are quite distressing, aren’t they? They are certainly making health officials nervous. Since yesterday, when the Ministry of Health and Wellness put out this release, a case of the coronavirus has emerged in Washington State in the U.S. – the first outside of Asia; a man who had recently traveled to China has … More Health Ministry Alerted to New Strain of Virus Causing Respiratory Illness

“Mary Poppins”: Grab Your Umbrella and Support Jamaica Environment Trust!

January 22, 2020

The book (or rather books, as it was a series of eight!) was a childhood favorite of mine that turned into a very successful musical. Coincidentally, I watched the 1964 film quite recently, just for a bit of nostalgia. Dick Van Dyke’s attempt at a Cockney accent still delights! Now it is the 2020 production … More “Mary Poppins”: Grab Your Umbrella and Support Jamaica Environment Trust!

And The Trees Have It: Young Filmmakers Win Big in the EU Short Film Competition

January 16, 2020

With a whoop and a shout, Deron Douglas leapt onto the stage at the Institute of Jamaica. Before he accepted his prize for Best Overall Film from the head of the European Union Delegation to Jamaica, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, he punched the air a few times. As Deron beamed (he couldn’t stop) I could not … More And The Trees Have It: Young Filmmakers Win Big in the EU Short Film Competition

It Happen Fi Real: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Private Sector Workplace

January 12, 2020

It Happen Fi Real! Yes, it really did happen. Don’t you believe me? How can a woman working in the private sector make progress in her work and career if she fears sexual harassment – and worse still, if she realizes no one really cares or believes her claims? Moreover, how can a company expect … More It Happen Fi Real: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Private Sector Workplace

If You Are 60 Years Plus, You are More at Risk of Flu

January 11, 2020

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reminding us that Jamaica “remains in the Flu Season.” Please, let us take this seriously. Elders are particularly at risk. The Ministry also points out other segments of the population who should take extra care… As Jamaica continues in the influenza ‘flu’ Season, 2019 data show that persons … More If You Are 60 Years Plus, You are More at Risk of Flu

A New Year Message from CARICOM’s Chairwoman

January 8, 2020

I am not particularly enchanted by Caribbean politicians on the whole, but I do like the new Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley. She has a deep, rather soothing voice and a straight-forward manner. She is refreshingly lacking in pomposity. I also like the scarves she drapes … More A New Year Message from CARICOM’s Chairwoman

Designing a Water Fund for Kingston: Going Back to the Source

January 7, 2020

Jamaica – and in particular the densely populated capital city, Kingston – is suffering from a chronic water shortage. When it’s fairly rainy, the general public doesn’t even give the general issue a moment’s thought – although there are many communities, especially in rural areas, where water is by no means easily accessible. In times … More Designing a Water Fund for Kingston: Going Back to the Source