Category: Americas

Deep sea mining: an undercover video, the French say “Non!” and an upcoming event you cannot miss

January 23, 2023

Quite a lot has been happening regarding the ongoing campaign against deep sea mining. Here goes… First, a quick reminder of an exciting event at the University of the West Indies Mona campus (Undercroft) on Thursday, January 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will include a Panel Discussion (starting at 12:00 noon), booth … More Deep sea mining: an undercover video, the French say “Non!” and an upcoming event you cannot miss

National unity needed more than ever, say Advocates Network… How to achieve it, is the question

January 22, 2023

What’s gone wrong? A few days ago, I watched footage of the laughable, but sad spectacle of German police officers, weighed down with their riot gear – stuck in the mud while trying to defend a coal mine from angry, jeering protesters. The struggle has been going on for weeks against the demolition of a … More National unity needed more than ever, say Advocates Network… How to achieve it, is the question

How far back can you go? Some family trees have broken branches.

January 15, 2023

This was our recent Bloganuary post… How far back can you go in your family history? My father did a lot of delving into genealogy. He worked on it, painstakingly and diligently, without the benefit of a computer or the Internet. He dug up records and family documents and made phone calls and took copious … More How far back can you go? Some family trees have broken branches.

Strong background checks needed for all people working with children in state care, says Jamaicans for Justice

January 12, 2023

There has long been a public perception that Jamaica’s most vulnerable children are not being given the care and protection they need. In particular, we seem to be tolerating – or pretending we don’t know – about the predatory habits of older men towards our young girls. It is depressing, and it has been going … More Strong background checks needed for all people working with children in state care, says Jamaicans for Justice

“Stop plundering the sea floor”: Pressure mounts on deep sea mining company

December 13, 2022

It’s not often that I comment on stock market news (I am sure this must be the first time). But this is newsworthy! A company that has been at the forefront of efforts to get deep sea mining under way, The Metals Company (TMC), received a delisting notice from the NASDAQ stock exchange on December … More “Stop plundering the sea floor”: Pressure mounts on deep sea mining company

International Human Rights Day: Jamaica’s Drum Majors for peace and justice

December 12, 2022

International Human Rights Day (December 10) always seems to take me by surprise every year. On that day, a whole range of issues for Jamaica and the region come crowding in. It’s hard to separate one issue from the next, as they often merge and overlap. This year, the theme was a powerful and simple … More International Human Rights Day: Jamaica’s Drum Majors for peace and justice

Cuba is calling (and so are its birds)!

December 5, 2022

Have you ever wanted to explore Cuba and its amazing ? The largest island in the Caribbean has always held a deep fascination for me – its rich and diverse environment as well as its vibrant culture. Unfortunately, I missed BirdsCaribbean’s International Conference in Topes de Collantes in 2017. Then, there was COVID-19. However, BirdsCaribbean … More Cuba is calling (and so are its birds)!

As International Seabed Authority meeting winds up, more countries seek a pause on deep sea mining

November 12, 2022

The past week has been quite intense, with the critical and long-anticipated COP27 opening in Egypt and the equally crucial International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council Meeting in Kingston, Jamaica wrapping up. It’s difficult to assimilate and sort out all the different threads, but there are some positives, at least regarding the latter meeting. Some brave … More As International Seabed Authority meeting winds up, more countries seek a pause on deep sea mining

More than a glimmer of hope at deep sea mining talks in Jamaica, and perhaps a sea change in the making

November 8, 2022

As the 27th Conference of Parties (signatory countries) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – COP27 for short – gets under way in Egypt, another important meeting is taking place in downtown Kingston, Jamaica: Part III of the 27th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The session opened on October … More More than a glimmer of hope at deep sea mining talks in Jamaica, and perhaps a sea change in the making