Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

July 28, 2021

The problem-plagued Olympic Games in Tokyo finally got under way, and has proved a helpful distraction for Jamaicans fretting about COVID-19 and everything else. And we had some soothing rain – although it has been a contentious week, with insults flying here, there, and everywhere. Oh, and on a personal note…our roof is still leaking. … More Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

July 27, 2021

I have to confess I am not good at numbers. So I made an error in yesterday’s account of the Ministry of Health and Wellness briefing on COVID-19. Let me set it straight. I noted yesterday: “Over 300,000 have received their first dose. This includes 122,000 who have received their second.” Incorrect! (I have removed … More A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

Jamaica needs vaccines!

July 26, 2021

I feel our little island of Jamaica is in an extremely vulnerable place at the moment. We need more vaccines. Vaccine inequity, which he of the furrowed brow – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) – has spoken about so many times, is real. For many developing countries, including … More Jamaica needs vaccines!

UNICEF renews call for ban on corporal punishment in Jamaica

July 24, 2021

A child is just a child. Not an adult, but an adult in the making. How then, does a small human being (who has not yet worked things out for him/herself) deserve to be shouted at, beaten, slapped and kicked into submission, in the name of so-called “discipline”? That small child deserves love, nurturing, protection … More UNICEF renews call for ban on corporal punishment in Jamaica

Jamaica Update, July 19, 2021: An abandoned bicycle, a lifeboat, and a bulk resignation letter

July 21, 2021

It has been two weeks since I wrote my last update. However, I will try to ensure there is no “stale” news here. I have been what millennials would call “super busy” – with a bumper crop of mangoes, and the Caribbean Tree Planting Week (read more here!) We are also living in some kind … More Jamaica Update, July 19, 2021: An abandoned bicycle, a lifeboat, and a bulk resignation letter

Plastic Free July and the importance of recycling in Jamaica

July 20, 2021

It’s Plastic Free July. This is a global initiative founded by the Plastic Free Foundation back in 2011, to rid the world of plastic waste. In our own lives, we are trying to reduce the amount of plastic we use. You know, the old “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra. This is hard. We have taken some … More Plastic Free July and the importance of recycling in Jamaica

“Nature is our lifeline”: A young indigenous Surinamese woman speaks during Caribbean Tree Planting Week

July 15, 2021

Caribbean Tree Planting Week (July 5 – 11, 2021) was diverse, vibrant, packed with valuable information, and full of youthful energy. Two sessions per day for a week, it covered a great range of topics – centred on nature-based solutions and climate action in the form of tree planting. One of the participants on the … More “Nature is our lifeline”: A young indigenous Surinamese woman speaks during Caribbean Tree Planting Week

Jamaica Environment Trust has a new CEO

July 12, 2021

Congratulations to Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, the new CEO for the 30-year-old Jamaica Environment Trust (JET). It is a challenging but very important role, as the environmental concerns on our island are seemingly boundless, but the possibilities and the opportunities are also there. I wish her the best of luck. Dr. Rodriguez-Moodie has just commented on … More Jamaica Environment Trust has a new CEO

Jamaica Update, July 5, 2021: Elsa swamps us, Mindi stands firm, and Tashekia meets an untimely death

July 7, 2021

What a week of upheaval and apprehension as Tropical Storm Elsa approached, seemingly setting her sights on us. In the end, she squeezed between our island and Hispaniola, dragging a huge bag of rain along with her. And as you know, Jamaica has just “reopened” and the Delta variant is on the horizon (or quite … More Jamaica Update, July 5, 2021: Elsa swamps us, Mindi stands firm, and Tashekia meets an untimely death