Theatre – Petchary's Blog

Kingston Creative partners with IDB Lab to enhance global market access for Creative Entrepreneurs

February 16, 2021

Andrea Dempster Chung is one of those determined Jamaican women who sticks to their vision, remains focused, and makes it happen. Kingston Creative – that blossoming of the arts in downtown Kingston – is her brainchild and a shining example of the amazing potential of Jamaica’s creative industries. My favorite memory of the pre-COVID days … More Kingston Creative partners with IDB Lab to enhance global market access for Creative Entrepreneurs

ICYMI in Jamaica: November 21, 2020, The Bad Dog Edition

November 21, 2020

It has been quite a week. The debate over the threatened mining operation in Puerto Bueno Mountain (Dry Harbour Mountain) dominated much of the local media (including social media), with many radio interviews, discussions, letters to the editor and columns, such as this piece by environmentalist Peter Espeut (who does not mince his words). Besides … More ICYMI in Jamaica: November 21, 2020, The Bad Dog Edition

Celebrating Oliver

November 8, 2020

They do say that you should always celebrate and show your appreciation for people while they are still “trodding this Earth.” In other words, don’t take the great human beings you know for granted. Shower them with praise and love while they are still around. Not that I am expecting Jamaica’s “King of Comedy” Oliver … More Celebrating Oliver

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

“Mary Poppins”: Grab Your Umbrella and Support Jamaica Environment Trust!

January 22, 2020

The book (or rather books, as it was a series of eight!) was a childhood favorite of mine that turned into a very successful musical. Coincidentally, I watched the 1964 film quite recently, just for a bit of nostalgia. Dick Van Dyke’s attempt at a Cockney accent still delights! Now it is the 2020 production … More “Mary Poppins”: Grab Your Umbrella and Support Jamaica Environment Trust!

Carmen Paris: Her Voice Conquered Us

October 26, 2019

There was a little snap of castanets. There was a stamp or two. There was the swing of hips. There was a swish of petticoats, and a patter of conga drums, and a ripple on the piano. But most of all, there was the voice. The voice of Carmen París is so powerful that we … More Carmen Paris: Her Voice Conquered Us

Kingston Creative Gathers Momentum

October 17, 2019

Where do we find the First 50? Who are the pioneering organizations that are supporting the pioneers? Kingston Creative is an ambitious vision. The goal is to build, steadily build, an art district downtown. After all, Kingston is a UNESCO Creative City – with a focus on music, but there is much more besides to … More Kingston Creative Gathers Momentum

A Youth Solar Challenge Comes to Guyana

October 2, 2019

As I do believe I have mentioned before, James Ellsmoor, Director of Solar Head of State, is an innovator (and island lover). He also believes in partnerships. Following last year’s Solar Challenge – a competition to empower youth – in Jamaica, he has got together an impressive group to sponsor a national competition in Guyana. … More A Youth Solar Challenge Comes to Guyana

The Children of Rose Town Need Your Help This Summer

June 19, 2019

It’s summer camp time, again. The school holidays are long. While more privileged children enjoy exciting activities throughout the summer, and may even travel abroad, for some communities a summer camp is a lifeline for children and their parents. Please see the following urgent message from the Rose Town Foundation, below, and help a child … More The Children of Rose Town Need Your Help This Summer

Mourning a Creative and Caring Jamaican

February 23, 2019

I always keep in my mind Jamaicans whom I admire for various reasons. Most of them work quietly and “without fanfare” as they say, doing what they know is right. They are committed. They are hard-working. They are cool. They are focused. There are many of them. You may not see them on social media … More Mourning a Creative and Caring Jamaican