Category: Justice

Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

July 28, 2021

The problem-plagued Olympic Games in Tokyo finally got under way, and has proved a helpful distraction for Jamaicans fretting about COVID-19 and everything else. And we had some soothing rain – although it has been a contentious week, with insults flying here, there, and everywhere. Oh, and on a personal note…our roof is still leaking. … More Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

A strictly security-focused approach to crime prevention is costly, ineffective and paves the way for human rights violations

July 6, 2021

Just a couple of days ago, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, frowning heavily as he spoke at the opening of a new police station in his own constituency of Olympic Gardens, Kingston: There is no doubt that our use of States of Public Emergency has worked to reduce murders and shootings where ever they have … More A strictly security-focused approach to crime prevention is costly, ineffective and paves the way for human rights violations

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

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

Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network – speaking out on children’s rights

May 22, 2021

As an “older person,” I always believe we should listen to our young people. Whatever they are talking about, whether it’s the environment, LBGT rights, governance issues, and more, it is important to listen to their voices. Not in a patronizing way… Really listen! We can learn so much from each other, across generations. Moreover, … More Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network – speaking out on children’s rights

We naa ease up! On violence against women and children.

May 6, 2021

There is something we call a “nine day wonder” in Jamaica. It may be a common phenomenon elsewhere, too. A controversial and pressing matter arises (often a manifestation of a frequently recurring issue that has never been properly addressed – such as this one) and there is a furore on social media, with traditional media … More We naa ease up! On violence against women and children.

“All Jamaica is watching”: Private sector groups join call for assailant in viral video to resign

April 26, 2021

The two most influential private sector groups in Jamaica have added their voice and supported yesterday’s call from civil society groups for the Member of Parliament to resign. This is their joint statement. The PSOJ had sent out an earlier statement on gender-based violence. Let’s see what happens. April 26, 2021   Private Sector Groups … More “All Jamaica is watching”: Private sector groups join call for assailant in viral video to resign

Jamaican leaders, citizens must “act firmly” on violence against women – enough talk

April 19, 2021

Case closed. The Jamaica Constabulary Force put out a statement on Friday (April 16th) that it cannot continue investigations into a violent episode that took place in a parking lot ten days earlier, because the two people involved (a man and a woman) are not willing to press complaints. Also, the JCF said, the quality … More Jamaican leaders, citizens must “act firmly” on violence against women – enough talk

Ending violence against Jamaican women in the context of HIV and AIDS

March 10, 2021

Following up on International Women’s Day, I sat in on an excellent session organized by Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) and funded by the European Union in Jamaica. Sadly, on such occasions the issue of violence against women is a recurring factor. We have to confront it, again and again. And so, yesterday, we … More Ending violence against Jamaican women in the context of HIV and AIDS