Category: Art

ICYMI in Jamaica, February 23, 2021: The Martian Wind Edition

February 24, 2021

I would like us to go back to quiet, low key life on our island, where nothing much happens. The past week has not been in the least quiet or low-key. Crime and COVID-19 are running along hand in hand and picking up speed; and the Prime Minister seems to be busy with something else. … More ICYMI in Jamaica, February 23, 2021: The Martian Wind Edition

Kingston Creative partners with IDB Lab to enhance global market access for Creative Entrepreneurs

February 16, 2021

Andrea Dempster Chung is one of those determined Jamaican women who sticks to their vision, remains focused, and makes it happen. Kingston Creative – that blossoming of the arts in downtown Kingston – is her brainchild and a shining example of the amazing potential of Jamaica’s creative industries. My favorite memory of the pre-COVID days … More Kingston Creative partners with IDB Lab to enhance global market access for Creative Entrepreneurs

Martin Luther King Day in Jamaica: The Dark Cloud of Violence

January 19, 2021

Today was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. Jamaica: On New Year’s Eve (I was just reminded just this evening) I heard an eruption of fireworks, from people’s yards. There was a curfew, so there was no public display downtown. What I also heard was the insistent pumping, the flat thump of … More Martin Luther King Day in Jamaica: The Dark Cloud of Violence

Hope for the Future: The Inspiring Green Team International Scholars

January 4, 2021

“How do you live in a place like Jamaica, which is all about green – and blue – and not be leaders in environmental consciousness? For us to have been leaders we would have to have had a different education. We needed to say: ‘Take a look around us, this is what we’ve got, we’ve … More Hope for the Future: The Inspiring Green Team International Scholars

“A Million Aunties”: My Review of a Novel by Alecia McKenzie

December 23, 2020

An “Auntie” occupies a unique space in Jamaican society. I have a few “nieces” and “nephews” myself, although they are not related to me in any way. I love them all. In general, Jamaican Aunties are middle-aged or older women. They usually embody certain qualities (at least, in the eyes of the young people who … More “A Million Aunties”: My Review of a Novel by Alecia McKenzie

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition

December 22, 2020

I get the feeling that Jamaicans are anxious to get to the Christmas holidays, so that we can clear our heads and try to get over this horrible year. The past week has been filled with dramas, sadness, and some sweetness and light. The weather continues to be quite deliciously soothing. I am looking forward … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 8, 2020: The Opposition Implosion Edition

December 8, 2020

Jamaicans do love political dramas, and the past week or so they have been riveted by the steadily building saga of the People’s National Party, our parliamentary Opposition that seems to be struggling in a quagmire. You know how the more you struggle, the more stuck you get? Most of the time I don’t understand … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 8, 2020: The Opposition Implosion Edition

Sunset at the Palms: Our Chill Spot in Negril

November 29, 2020

The baby goats waggled their tails and bleated after their mother, who obliged them with some milk. A bananaquit alighted on the hanging ornamental banana flower, only to be chased off by a Jamaican Mango (the hummingbird, not the fruit). Women’s laughter floated from the tree house next door. Further away, two gardeners were striving … More Sunset at the Palms: Our Chill Spot in Negril

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

ICYMI in Jamaica, August 25, 2020: COVID-19, Elections, COVID Parties, and Laura

August 26, 2020

Last week was an anxious week. The pandemic has infiltrated every aspect of our lives now, both at a personal, local and national level. And there’s more than a dash of politics, to give it some spice. Tropical Storm (now Hurricane) Laura gave us a rough time as it passed by. And we are now … More ICYMI in Jamaica, August 25, 2020: COVID-19, Elections, COVID Parties, and Laura