Category: Americas

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

“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

A strictly security-focused approach to crime prevention is costly, ineffective and paves the way for human rights violations

July 6, 2021

Just a couple of days ago, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, frowning heavily as he spoke at the opening of a new police station in his own constituency of Olympic Gardens, Kingston: There is no doubt that our use of States of Public Emergency has worked to reduce murders and shootings where ever they have … More A strictly security-focused approach to crime prevention is costly, ineffective and paves the way for human rights violations

Caribbean Tree Planting Week: A Cultural Celebration of Trees

June 30, 2021

Next week (July 5 to 11, 2021) is the first Caribbean Tree Planting Week. So what, you may ask? This is certainly not a symbolic week, but the result of over a year of activities and networking (Zoom was working overtime!) among citizens of all ages and backgrounds (including a major youth contingent) – in … More Caribbean Tree Planting Week: A Cultural Celebration of Trees

Jamaica Update, June 28, 2021: Anxious doctors, relaxed protocols, and the Saudis visit

June 29, 2021

It has been raining, thankfully. It has been damp and humid and thundery, and the garden is flourishing. Plus, the Euro football competition has been more than usually compelling. Apart from that, it’s been pretty much business as usual on this island – although I do sense a certain amount of tension and anxiety as … More Jamaica Update, June 28, 2021: Anxious doctors, relaxed protocols, and the Saudis visit

IDB and IDB Lab’s Silver Economy Innovation for Inclusion Challenge invites grant proposals to benefit seniors

June 22, 2021

Did you know there is something called the Silver Economy? I love this expression. I hear it is booming in the United States, and why shouldn’t it boom in Jamaica and across the Caribbean? I know on this island we have an aging population – and apparently this also applies to the Latin American/Caribbean region … More IDB and IDB Lab’s Silver Economy Innovation for Inclusion Challenge invites grant proposals to benefit seniors

Earth Journalism Network offers grants for journalists to report on fisheries in the Caribbean

June 14, 2021

I recently attended a webinar organized by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) on a topic that I needed to understand more deeply, because it truly is critical for the future health of our Caribbean Sea, and the much-touted “Blue Economy” in the Caribbean. The discussion coincided with World Oceans Day (June 7). Like many thorny … More Earth Journalism Network offers grants for journalists to report on fisheries in the Caribbean

The “Bird-zine” competition: a creative challenge for Caribbean residents

May 23, 2021

BirdsCaribbean has been coming up with a whole range of online activities and learning opportunities for young (and older) bird enthusiasts – or just for people of any age who want to know more about the remarkable and unique birds that call our region home. By the way, the regional non-governmental organization focuses on island … More The “Bird-zine” competition: a creative challenge for Caribbean residents