Category: Women’s Issues

ICYMI in Jamaica, September 22, 2020: A Small Asteroid, Yeng Yengs, The Return of Kanye, and Any Further Questions?

September 23, 2020

The violent thunderstorms of the previous week diminished, but we are in troubled times, bad weather or no. COVID-19 seems to be overwhelming us all. It’s the main topic of every newscast and almost every discussion on Twitter, WhatsApp, everywhere. Meanwhile, a small asteroid will be passing quite close to Earth soon – read more … More ICYMI in Jamaica, September 22, 2020: A Small Asteroid, Yeng Yengs, The Return of Kanye, and Any Further Questions?

ICYMI in Jamaica, September 15, 2020: Sorting Out the Politicians, and More

September 16, 2020

The forces of nature have been flexing their muscles recently. During a heavy afternoon thunderstorm on Wednesday (Kingston went completely dark), two people in St. Elizabeth were killed by a lightning strike. Meanwhile, there are five – yes, five – named storms in the Atlantic basin. At the moment, Paulette, René, Sally, Teddy and Vicky … More ICYMI in Jamaica, September 15, 2020: Sorting Out the Politicians, and More

ICYMI in Jamaica, September 8, 2020: (No) Princes and Princesses, Election Aftermath, and Women in the News

September 9, 2020

Jamaicans are election-weary and COVID-weary. With the first one out of the way (what a relief, really), we still have the second to contend with. September is generally considered the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season and this year we have already had two brushes with Laura and Nana, but expect more rumblings from west … More ICYMI in Jamaica, September 8, 2020: (No) Princes and Princesses, Election Aftermath, and Women in the News

The Virtual Island Summit Will Take You on a Voyage of Discovery

September 1, 2020

The digital world is a world of nomads. They wander. They explore. They get lost in the sand dunes. They set sail on mysterious waters.  They lose their compass – which direction are they heading in? They set up camp for the night. They light a fire. These nomads might even bump into a few … More The Virtual Island Summit Will Take You on a Voyage of Discovery

Digging Deeper into Kamala Harris’ Jamaican Roots

August 19, 2020

I would like to introduce you to a great website with a special Jamaican diaspora focus, skillfully managed by Ian Randle – whom I used to work with many moons ago (he doesn’t like when I call him “my former boss,” but actually he was. OK – former colleague, then). Ian has a wealth of publishing … More Digging Deeper into Kamala Harris’ Jamaican Roots

ICYMI in Jamaica, August 16, 2020: Andrew Says Let’s Go, el-Faisal Says Goodbye, and JAMP Says Sorry

August 16, 2020

This week was a momentous one for those who get excited about elections. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced the date in Parliament (not in front of a large crowd of frenzied supporters, as is normally the case): Thursday, September 3. Nomination Day will be next week – Tuesday, August 18. Thankfully, it will not … More ICYMI in Jamaica, August 16, 2020: Andrew Says Let’s Go, el-Faisal Says Goodbye, and JAMP Says Sorry

Jamaica Should Retain its Proactive Stance in Managing COVID-19, Say Private Sector, Civil Society Representatives

August 11, 2020

I tuned in to a press briefing today organized by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), with four speakers: Keith Duncan, President of the PSOJ; Lloyd Distant, President, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce; Helene Davis-Whyte, President, Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions; and gender advocate Nadeen Spence. All four are members of the COVID-19 Task Force team. The word “proactive” featured heavily … More Jamaica Should Retain its Proactive Stance in Managing COVID-19, Say Private Sector, Civil Society Representatives

Celebrating Caribbean Literature Day (Online)

July 8, 2020

What is Caribbean literature, who is writing – and where? This weekend, tune in to two online sessions celebrating Caribbean Literature Day. Yes, this is a “first”! And a wonderful concept. See the information below… And thanks to National Librarian Beverley Lashley for letting me know about this. By the way, I have reviewed a … More Celebrating Caribbean Literature Day (Online)

JFJ Delivers Open Letter with 2,730 Signatures to Parliament Demanding Legal Reform on Sexual Harassment Bill

July 3, 2020

A wave of anger surged on social media recently, after Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck made a casual (and at the same time pointed) remark regarding the #MeToo movement at a parliamentary committee meeting examining proposed Sexual Harassment legislation. Minister Chuck’s observations, captured on a television news report, were: “We don’t want the situation that now happens … More JFJ Delivers Open Letter with 2,730 Signatures to Parliament Demanding Legal Reform on Sexual Harassment Bill

High Dependency Units at Victoria Jubilee to Reduce Maternal and New-Born Deaths

June 25, 2020

At the official opening of a new neonatal facility at Kingston’s Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Minister of Health and Wellness pointed out one “lesson from COVID”: That no economic development can be achieved without an investment in public health. Ah, perhaps our political leaders are beginning to connect the dots now. The event this morning was … More High Dependency Units at Victoria Jubilee to Reduce Maternal and New-Born Deaths