Category: Americas

ICYMI in Jamaica: November 21, 2020, The Bad Dog Edition

November 21, 2020

It has been quite a week. The debate over the threatened mining operation in Puerto Bueno Mountain (Dry Harbour Mountain) dominated much of the local media (including social media), with many radio interviews, discussions, letters to the editor and columns, such as this piece by environmentalist Peter Espeut (who does not mince his words). Besides … More ICYMI in Jamaica: November 21, 2020, The Bad Dog Edition

IDB urges Caribbean economies to invest in infrastructure to secure post-COVID growth

November 20, 2020

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has just released its latest Quarterly Bulletin, which you can download at this link. The analysis for Jamaica can be found at pages 58 – 63. The IDB notes: “The shock to Jamaica’s economic output in 2020 is likely to be the largest on record,” but adds: “The Government of … More IDB urges Caribbean economies to invest in infrastructure to secure post-COVID growth

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 14, 2020: The Breakaway Edition

November 15, 2020

Well, the past week has been, to say the least, pretty intense. The ever-evolving Eta, as expected, turned around after wreaking havoc in Central America, and passed along to the west of us this time. Our already battered and bruised island had suffered enough. So now, roads have split in two, there is a major … More ICYMI in Jamaica, November 14, 2020: The Breakaway Edition

Caribbean Environment Week: Stepping Up to a Sustainable Future

November 5, 2020

Just take a look at the photos and videos from the past three or four weeks, as Tropical Storms Zeta and Eta hovered on our doorstep: eroded hillsides sliding onto roads and blocking them; large (and deep) flooded areas, potentially creating major health problems; we even had a “mini tornado” in Portland. We can no … More Caribbean Environment Week: Stepping Up to a Sustainable Future

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

November 5, 2020

We could also call this the “U.S. Election Edition,” since many Jamaicans have been nervously following that particular emotional rollercoaster. Why are Jamaicans so engaged? Well, as people say, “When the U.S. sneezes, we catch cold.” We are geographically so close and many of us have family there. South Florida is nicknamed “Kingston 21” – … More ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

Living in the Gyre

October 19, 2020

These are treacherous times. We have to put one foot in front of the other, and try not to slip. These are anxious times. We have to close our eyes, count to ten, pray, meditate, take deep breaths. These are angry times. We have to hold onto our reason; some people have abandoned theirs, and … More Living in the Gyre

ICYMI in Jamaica, October 13, 2020: The Kindness Edition

October 14, 2020

Well, Hurricane Delta went away (taking most of Bluefields Beach in Westmoreland away with it) and we are left to reflect, once more, on our own human fragility in the face of climate change and COVID-19. Some of us would rather pretend, however, and sip on Bacardi or whatever their favorite drink is, without a … More ICYMI in Jamaica, October 13, 2020: The Kindness Edition

Toots Hibbert in the Hall of Fame (and Maybe a Jamaican One?)

October 9, 2020

One of my blog followers and friends whom I love to hear from is Roger Steffens, the reggae archivist, author, trained Shakespearean actor and more, who has rooms full of reggae memorabilia. Roger has contributed to countless music anthologies as a writer and photographer – including the ten-CD series entitled The Complete Bob Marley & the … More Toots Hibbert in the Hall of Fame (and Maybe a Jamaican One?)

Climate change and COVID-19: We humans are not in control, and we know it

October 7, 2020

“And on the pedestal these words appear: ‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ Nothing beside remains.  Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.”  ― Percy Bysshe Shelley, Ozymandias How arrogant we humans are, in the edifices we … More Climate change and COVID-19: We humans are not in control, and we know it

Older Persons in Jamaica: COVID-19, Fierce Determination, and a Little Disco Dancing

October 2, 2020

Today, October 1, 2020, is the International Day of Older Persons. The theme (like most other themes for discussions and commemorations, these days) includes reference to the ever-present virus: Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing? According to the United Nations: “Globally, there were 703 million persons aged 65 or over in … More Older Persons in Jamaica: COVID-19, Fierce Determination, and a Little Disco Dancing