Category: Justice

Human rights advocates respond to imposition of a State of Emergency in St. Catherine

June 19, 2022

What our local media like to call “the crime monster” continues to haunt us all, stalking us – ever in our footsteps. Rather like the monster in the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” its presence is always palpable in some way or another. But unlike the sci-fi monster, crime doesn’t live in the “Upside Down.” It … More Human rights advocates respond to imposition of a State of Emergency in St. Catherine

A small place in Grenada: Coral Cove and its turtles threatened by development

June 7, 2022

In the Caribbean, we are small. Although in Jamaica we tend to think of ourselves as a “larger” island, in the scheme of things only Cuba and Hispaniola can claim to be quite sizeable. And yet, as they say, “small is beautiful.” And one place that fits that description perfectly is Coral Cove in Grenada. … More A small place in Grenada: Coral Cove and its turtles threatened by development

Stand Up for Jamaica writes about the power of reintegration

April 24, 2022

Being a human rights activist in Jamaica is not an easy life. There is a persistent narrative that these dedicated and decent human beings “defend criminals.” In fact, certain categories of Jamaicans are deemed hardly eligible to apply, or be considered for such a thing as human rights. It’s different if one’s own rights have … More Stand Up for Jamaica writes about the power of reintegration

Greenpeace expresses major concerns over deep seabed mining at International Seabed Authority

March 28, 2022

Representatives of Greenpeace International are currently in Kingston. Why? They want to express their anxiety in the strongest way they can about the looming possibility of deep seabed mining, and along with the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, are calling for a moratorium on such activities. Greenpeace is one of the 32 non-governmental organizations who are … More Greenpeace expresses major concerns over deep seabed mining at International Seabed Authority

William’s ‘Sorrow’ a Sorry Excuse For an Apology

March 28, 2022

Originally posted on Jamaica Woman Tongue:
In 2002, Boris Johnson wrote a column for the Daily Telegraph in which he reported the following: “It is said that the Queen has come to love the Commonwealth, partly because it supplies her with regular cheering crowds of flag-waving piccaninnies.” Johnson’s use of the passive voice deliberately conceals…

100 Jamaican individuals and organizations sign open letter to William and Kate ahead of their visit

March 21, 2022

I am sharing below the Advocates Network’s Open Letter to William and Kate, who bear the titles “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.” The letter is signed by 100 individuals (including myself) and organizations. The royal couple will arrive in Jamaica on Tuesday, March 22 and depart on Thursday, March 24, as part of their … More 100 Jamaican individuals and organizations sign open letter to William and Kate ahead of their visit

Three Jamaican women who worked for women and the most vulnerable

March 14, 2022

International Women’s Day was a bit of a blur for me, as I was so busy. It was warmly embraced by many. Social media was swamped with memes, videos, and photo-ops. My bank gave me a lovely cup cake. WhatsApp was filled with empowering messages. There is certainly plenty about Jamaican women to recognize and … More Three Jamaican women who worked for women and the most vulnerable

The ruling on Nzinga King raises long-standing discrimination issues in Jamaica

February 11, 2022

It has not been a good week; not for the environment (permits were issued for the mining in Cockpit Country to go ahead) – or for human rights. On Wednesday, February 9, after a wait of around seven months, our Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn announced that she is recommending that no criminal … More The ruling on Nzinga King raises long-standing discrimination issues in Jamaica

Jamaica’s Advocates Network points to “troubling inequalities” after DPP ruling on partying politicians

February 2, 2022

Just as Jamaicans were sitting down to enjoy their Sunday lunch, two days ago, some disturbing, but unsurprising news filtered through. The Director of Public Prosecutions announced that she had recommended to the police that no charges should be proffered against former Agriculture Minister Floyd Green and colleagues, who were enjoying champagne toasts at a … More Jamaica’s Advocates Network points to “troubling inequalities” after DPP ruling on partying politicians

Road Safety in Jamaica – Can “something dramatic happen”? A letter to the nation from Dr. Lucien Jones

January 29, 2022

Dr. Lucien Jones is Vice Chair and Convenor of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), which is chaired by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Dr. Jones must sometimes feel like a voice crying in the wilderness, on the terrible numbers of Jamaicans (close to 500 last year!) killed on our roads – but he never gives … More Road Safety in Jamaica – Can “something dramatic happen”? A letter to the nation from Dr. Lucien Jones