Category: Culture and Tradition

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

“Sickle Cell, Jamaica and Beyond” book presented to National Library of Jamaica

June 20, 2021

Professor Emeritus Graham Serjeant is one of those people from overseas who came to Jamaica “for a year or two” and ended up remaining for decades. I know a few of those! Now, in recognition of World Sickle Cell Day (June 19) the Professor presented two copies of his book of memoirs and thoughts to … More “Sickle Cell, Jamaica and Beyond” book presented to National Library of Jamaica

Jamaica Update, June 11, 2021: Shelly-Ann runs like the wind, George Wright makes a cameo appearance, and Mark Golding does TikTok

June 12, 2021

I have had a long hiatus from my weekly updates. Life has been a little overwhelming. “Tempus fugit.” I am scraping the surface here, but will go more in depth next week and will try to stick to a Friday/Saturday update! Environmental stories will follow in due course and there is much to report; however, … More Jamaica Update, June 11, 2021: Shelly-Ann runs like the wind, George Wright makes a cameo appearance, and Mark Golding does TikTok

Institute of Jamaica announces 2021 Musgrave Medal awardees

June 5, 2021

The Musgrave Medals, awarded each year by the Institute of Jamaica, did not happen last year, due to COVID-19. Last year was a cultural non-event in Jamaica, basically. But this year, they are on! I am especially delighted by Steven Woodham’s Gold Medal. A gifted violinist, he has never rested on his laurels and fed … More Institute of Jamaica announces 2021 Musgrave Medal awardees

Pandemic Poems, First Wave: Olive Senior’s fragments of last summer

May 19, 2021

Our first wave of COVID-19 in Jamaica was the summer of 2020. Almost a year later, we seem to be just creeping out of the second – and fearing a third. The summer of 2020, at least for me, was a slow recognition – a dawning – that life wasn’t simple any more. It wasn’t … More Pandemic Poems, First Wave: Olive Senior’s fragments of last summer

PM Holness, NEPA, KSAMC, NWA – Is Anyone Listening? Communities’ calls for Green, People-Friendly Urban Planning Go Unanswered

May 2, 2021

I wrote recently about the “uglification” of Kingston. While downtown Kingston is (thankfully) getting some of the attention it deserves, further uptown it’s a developer’s paradise, a free for all. This article from the Golden Triangle Neighbourhood Association – which represents everyone who lives, works, or does business in the area – points out that … More PM Holness, NEPA, KSAMC, NWA – Is Anyone Listening? Communities’ calls for Green, People-Friendly Urban Planning Go Unanswered

Book reviews loading…

April 27, 2021

I haven’t had much quiet time lately. Reading, and writing about books – and writing in general – requires a great deal of quiet time. Gradually, however, I will settle down and have three book reviews coming up shortly: two memoirs (autobiographies if you prefer) and one is poetry and poetic prose. Here they are: … More Book reviews loading…