Category: Family

ICYMI in Jamaica, January 12, 2021: The “Heartware” Edition

January 13, 2021

It’s 2021, and everything seems to be happening at once. It’s hard to keep up. Education, health, crime (crime!!), travel and tourism – and more – all seem to be “hot button” issues. The new year is already shaping up to be quite crowded; we need to wrap our heads around some fundamental issues, and … More ICYMI in Jamaica, January 12, 2021: The “Heartware” Edition

The Morning After “The Weeping Time”: a Post from April, 2020

January 12, 2021

Writer and historian Dr. Anne C. Bailey, looking back, just decided to repost this moving article, which she first published in April, 2020 – just when the pain and loss of the COVID-19 pandemic was being felt deeply in the United States – and in particular in the state of New York, where Dr. Bailey … More The Morning After “The Weeping Time”: a Post from April, 2020

“Off Track”: My Review of a Novel by Tamika Gibson

January 2, 2021

This novel for young adults, set in Trinidad, opens with a homely scene – immediately interrupted by a jarring, somehow banal incident of domestic violence. This takes place while seventeen-year-old Kayla is doing the washing up before her mother comes home, while keeping an eye on her two younger sisters. Life for a young woman … More “Off Track”: My Review of a Novel by Tamika Gibson

Custodianship and Country: Some Australian Aboriginal Beliefs About the Environment

December 28, 2020

Recently I shared with you a “Love Letter to Mother Earth” from the Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. I have been thinking about spiritual matters in general recently, and in particular those relating to the Earth and environment. It seems to me that – apart from the perspectives of the technocrats, the … More Custodianship and Country: Some Australian Aboriginal Beliefs About the Environment

“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

302 Travellers from the UK now in State Quarantine

December 22, 2020

Here’s an update from the Ministry of Health and Wellness regarding Jamaica’s travel ban on flights from the UK, announced earlier today. Two flights were still scheduled to arrive tomorrow, but these have now been canceled. I think this is a wise move. 302 Travellers from the UK now in State Quarantine KINGSTON, Jamaica. Monday, … More 302 Travellers from the UK now in State Quarantine

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

Keep Winnifred Beach Open: Do You Agree?

December 20, 2020

It has been said, ad nauseam, that COVID-19 has highlighted (indeed, worsened) the inequalities in our society, which are already so glaring. It’s a sort of heightened reality. So, while uptown parties are flourishing after curfew hours and various establishments in and around New Kingston are packed to the gills (you only have to drive … More Keep Winnifred Beach Open: Do You Agree?