Category: Africa

Wattle and Red Earth Collective kicks up its heels for National Heritage Week

October 2, 2022

October is always the month when Jamaicans turn their attention to their cultural heritage. National Heroes Day is Monday, October 17, 2022, at the end of Heritage Week, which begins on October 8 with an Interfaith Service at the University of the West Indies Chapel (I like this). President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia, … More Wattle and Red Earth Collective kicks up its heels for National Heritage Week

Richard and Tyrone are two young Jamaicans who inspire me. Sail on!

September 3, 2022

These are complicated and indeed challenging times for young people. All kinds of clichés are trotted out about the youth being “our future.” But as former President Barack Obama – who used to talk a great deal about the future in his campaigning – pointed out, simply put: The future belongs to young people with … More Richard and Tyrone are two young Jamaicans who inspire me. Sail on!

It’s “now or never” for our oceans: Part One on the Global Ocean Treaty

August 25, 2022

In just two days, one of the most critical UN conferences in the past decade or so will come to an end. It is likely to be the last in a series of discussions leading up to the signing of a Global Ocean Treaty in New York. It’s the fifth and final round of negotiations. … More It’s “now or never” for our oceans: Part One on the Global Ocean Treaty

Climate Democracy Action Program: training and support for advocates and policymakers

July 10, 2022

On June 29, 2022, the Climate Democracy Action Program was launched. It is a training and support program aimed at developing effective, participatory initiatives that will propel climate justice, urgent action and an inclusive and equitable climate transition. It’s all about people! The CDA Program is a collaboration between People Powered, FIMA, and the World … More Climate Democracy Action Program: training and support for advocates and policymakers

Only One Earth: World Environment Day 2022 is full of mixed emotions

June 6, 2022

I confess, I have been preoccupied by family matters and rather low key. This World Environment Day I found it hard to focus; the issues are crowding in. In particular, climate change weighs heavily. I looked up the hashtag on Twitter, finding more and more semi-hopeful messages, “we’re doing something” videos, and “let’s do something!” … More Only One Earth: World Environment Day 2022 is full of mixed emotions

Jamaica’s Diana McCaulay wins Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Caribbean, for the second time

May 23, 2022

Huge congratulations to Jamaican writer and environmentalist Diana McCaulay, who is the Caribbean winner for the 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize – her second win (she first won ten years ago). The regional winners were announced on May 23 (London time). Diana’s strong competitors were fellow Jamaican Sharma Taylor and 2019 winner Alexia Tolas from … More Jamaica’s Diana McCaulay wins Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Caribbean, for the second time

Three Caribbean writers shortlisted for 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

April 27, 2022

There are three woman writers, from The Bahamas and Jamaica, vying for the Regional Prize for the Caribbean in the 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. The shortlist, announced on April 25, includes two previous winners, Jamaican Diana McCaulay (2012) – who has just completed her sixth novel, stay tuned! – and the Bahamas’ Alexia Tolas … More Three Caribbean writers shortlisted for 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Stand Up for Jamaica writes about the power of reintegration

April 24, 2022

Being a human rights activist in Jamaica is not an easy life. There is a persistent narrative that these dedicated and decent human beings “defend criminals.” In fact, certain categories of Jamaicans are deemed hardly eligible to apply, or be considered for such a thing as human rights. It’s different if one’s own rights have … More Stand Up for Jamaica writes about the power of reintegration

Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith launches candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General

April 24, 2022

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, formally launched Jamaica’s candidature for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the Jamaica High Commission in London on 21 April, 2022. She has been doing some serious lobbying and met with some other High Commissioners in London, including those from Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Kenya, … More Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith launches candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General