Category: Books

World Poetry Day is March 21: In Jamaica…and in Africa, Too

March 19, 2018

It’s well known that we Jamaicans are hooked on poetry. But this year, we will have an official World Poetry Day celebration, with the Governor General’s endorsement. It is a result of the close co-operation between the National Library of Jamaica and our Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison. There is also a new prize for young … More World Poetry Day is March 21: In Jamaica…and in Africa, Too

A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

March 14, 2018

Warm breezes have been blowing in Kingston. Heavy rain showers on the north coast brought more flooding in their wake. Agriculture: and JAMPRO to the rescue? The agriculture sector has been in decline for a while now, with the constant excuse of “the weather” trotted out (anyone heard of “climate-smart” agriculture?) Late last year the Planning Institute of … More A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

International Women’s Day 2018 in Jamaica: Time Is Now

March 7, 2018

Thursday, March 8 is International Women’s Day, 2018. The theme is a great one: Time Is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s Lives. I am going to celebrate some Jamaican women here now, a little ahead of time. There are many more whom I admire. These are just a few… I am just using a … More International Women’s Day 2018 in Jamaica: Time Is Now

Pink Lemonade, a Yellow Fascinator… and Grabbing Those Lemons

March 6, 2018

If I was superstitious, I would say something was up. A few hours before the launch of Damien Williams’ Grab You Some Lemons at the Jamaica Theological Seminary on March 3, there was an earth tremor that swayed us from side to side (about 4 on the Richter Scale, I believe). As I arrived at the launch, … More Pink Lemonade, a Yellow Fascinator… and Grabbing Those Lemons

Deaf Poets Take the Stage at Kingston Book Festival

March 5, 2018

There’s a very exciting element in this year’s Kingston Book Festival, which opens today. There will be one day dedicated to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – this coming Thursday, March 8. British Jamaican poet Raymond Antrobus will participate; his visit is sponsored by the British Council in Jamaica. See if you can meet, join and … More Deaf Poets Take the Stage at Kingston Book Festival

Predatory Males, Lawless Supporters and Militant Teachers: Jamaica on March 4, 2018

March 5, 2018

The weather is warming, and could it really be the month of March? Agriculture: There seems to be a lot of uncertainty in the coffee industry. There are rumours that the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory in the Blue Mountains, now owned by Michael Lee-Chin (who knew?) may close, but these have been denied. Caribbean: We think we … More Predatory Males, Lawless Supporters and Militant Teachers: Jamaica on March 4, 2018