Category: Books

The Birds of Puerto Bueno, Jamaica: Including the First Bird to be Protected by Law

November 24, 2020

As part of my “Listen to the Scientists” campaign (bowing deeply to Wendy Lee), I would like to tell you a little bit about the birds that call Puerto Bueno Mountain (and the area, also called Dry Harbour Mountains) home. It is also the home of a myriad insects, plants and trees, many of which … More The Birds of Puerto Bueno, Jamaica: Including the First Bird to be Protected by Law

A Rare Gem in Puerto Bueno: The Endangered Blue Kite Swallowtail

November 17, 2020

Let’s take a pause. As the debate over Puerto Bueno Mountain appears to be becoming more rancorous (at least on social media), I would like to point to what I consider a critical aspect of what has become a “controversy.” A great deal has been said lately about “environmentalists” – a label that has become … More A Rare Gem in Puerto Bueno: The Endangered Blue Kite Swallowtail

Run! With This New Caribbean Young Adult Novel, “Off Track”

November 8, 2020

As I have mentioned before, I have acquired quite a taste for young adult novels (although Jamaican author Diana McCaulay says she doesn’t quite see her book “Daylight Come” as a “YA novel,” it has the feel of one, direct and emotional). I have read and reviewed several other Caribbean offerings besides Diana’s on this … More Run! With This New Caribbean Young Adult Novel, “Off Track”

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

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

DK Duncan: A Passionate Politician For Over Fifty Years

September 17, 2020

If there is one thing many Jamaicans are passionate about, it’s politics. And Dr. DK Duncan was a practitioner of the business (by the way, a dentist by profession) who was nothing if not passionate. The news broke this morning that “DK” (Donald Keith), as he was simply known, had passed away from COVID-19, at … More DK Duncan: A Passionate Politician For Over Fifty Years

“Daylight Come” by Diana McCaulay

September 15, 2020

Award-winning Jamaican writer and environmental advocate Diana McCaulay has just completed her fifth novel. An earlier version of the novel won third place in the CODE Burt Award for Caribbean Young Adult Literature in 2019. Peepal Tree Press will publish this, the first Jamaican climate change novel, on September 24. It is available for pre-order … More “Daylight Come” by Diana McCaulay

Crowdfunding Campaign to Publish Biographies of Marcus Garvey and Mary Seacole

August 25, 2020

Jamaican entrepreneur and publisher Tanya Batson-Savage, not in the least intimidated by the current COVID-related economic uncertainties, has come up with a great way to move forward with a new project aimed at Jamaican young people through her company, Blue Banyan Books. She is that kind of determined entrepreneurial woman. I agree with Tanya: children … More Crowdfunding Campaign to Publish Biographies of Marcus Garvey and Mary Seacole