Category: Americas

IDB Champions Caribbean’s Transition to Resilient Renewable Energy at CREF 2019

October 15, 2019

The Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) is taking place in Miami this week. The Inter-American Development Bank is a major sponsor and will host sessions on the Blue Economy and on electric vehicles. I am not completely “sold” on the Blue Economy; I think the Caribbean may have already missed the boat, and where exactly … More IDB Champions Caribbean’s Transition to Resilient Renewable Energy at CREF 2019

Bellevue Hospital Receives Over US$5,000 from Diaspora in USA

October 12, 2019

I spent a few hours at Bellevue Hospital in Kingston this week, for the launch of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Mental Health Campaign. Despite the heat and humidity, it was a cheerful experience. I had harbored an image of Bellevue (despite its pretty name) as a glowering, Victorian-style edifice. Later, I got the … More Bellevue Hospital Receives Over US$5,000 from Diaspora in USA

Health and Wellness Ministry Halts Imports of Ranitidine (Zantac)

October 2, 2019

You may have heard this in the overseas news. If you are currently taking Zantac or its generic equivalents for stomach ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, stomach pain etc., you should be concerned. Major pharmacies in the United States have already taken it off their shelves. Health and Wellness Ministry Halts Imports of Ranitidine (Zantac) KINGSTON, … More Health and Wellness Ministry Halts Imports of Ranitidine (Zantac)

An Important Correction to the News Regarding the Escazú Agreement

October 2, 2019

Two days ago I wrote about Jamaica’s signing (and, as we thought, ratification) of the Escazú agreement at the United Nations – such a welcome development. Both the World Resources Institute and Jamaica Environment Trust issued statements welcoming the news. Unfortunately there was a technical error. In fact, the agreement was signed, but not ratified. … More An Important Correction to the News Regarding the Escazú Agreement

Inaugural Caribbean Debt Summit in Montego Bay on October 1

September 30, 2019

Debt is a big word for the Caribbean. So is crisis. Sometimes the two words go together. An important meeting – the Caribbean’s first debt summit – will take place this week in Montego Bay. Please see the press release below: Inaugural Caribbean Debt Summit set for Montego Bay October 1 Kingston, Jamaica, September 23, 2019. … More Inaugural Caribbean Debt Summit in Montego Bay on October 1

Signing of the Escazú Agreement: a Big Step Forward for Environmental Justice and Transparency

September 29, 2019

Please note! As noted in my blog post of October 1, Jamaica signed, but did not ratify the Escazú Agreement, due to a “technical error” according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. However, I am keeping this (now edited) blog post up, since there are useful links that you might like to … More Signing of the Escazú Agreement: a Big Step Forward for Environmental Justice and Transparency