Tag: Africa

Three Caribbean writers shortlisted for 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

April 27, 2022

There are three woman writers, from The Bahamas and Jamaica, vying for the Regional Prize for the Caribbean in the 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. The shortlist, announced on April 25, includes two previous winners, Jamaican Diana McCaulay (2012) – who has just completed her sixth novel, stay tuned! – and the Bahamas’ Alexia Tolas … More Three Caribbean writers shortlisted for 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

The Reimagining Nanny Project: An open call for artists to participate

November 7, 2021

Nanny is the only woman among Jamaica’s National Heroes, and in many ways the most mysterious. When I think of Nanny, Queen of the Maroons, I think of mountain mists and waterfalls and dark hiding places and ambushes in the rain. Now there is an open call for artists to “reimagine” and interpret her spirit, … More The Reimagining Nanny Project: An open call for artists to participate

Living in the Gyre

October 19, 2020

These are treacherous times. We have to put one foot in front of the other, and try not to slip. These are anxious times. We have to close our eyes, count to ten, pray, meditate, take deep breaths. These are angry times. We have to hold onto our reason; some people have abandoned theirs, and … More Living in the Gyre

A New Year Message from CARICOM’s Chairwoman

January 8, 2020

I am not particularly enchanted by Caribbean politicians on the whole, but I do like the new Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley. She has a deep, rather soothing voice and a straight-forward manner. She is refreshingly lacking in pomposity. I also like the scarves she drapes … More A New Year Message from CARICOM’s Chairwoman

Kingston Paradise: More Than Another “Ghetto Film” (Streaming This Weekend on Video on Demand)

December 13, 2018

You may have read my reviews of some Caribbean films featured in the Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Toronto, which I posted earlier this year. As I observed: “Caribbean film remains vibrant and a unique reflection of our way of life, our ideas, our thoughts, our quirks and eccentricities, our connections with each other.” This … More Kingston Paradise: More Than Another “Ghetto Film” (Streaming This Weekend on Video on Demand)

Jamaica to Support Global Efforts at Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Kenya

November 24, 2018

Yes, the Blue Economy is here! Or is it? At least there are conferences being held about it. Just a few years back, we were talking about the Green Economy, it seems. There was even a Green Economy Scoping Study done for Jamaica (I wonder how that is working out). Now, we have moved, rather … More Jamaica to Support Global Efforts at Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Kenya

A Cultural and Historical Salute to the Parish of Hanover at the Institute of Jamaica

November 23, 2018

What do you know about the parish of Hanover – the smallest outside Kingston? Actually, I must confess I know very little. I am not sure that I have seen the Ettu dance performed, either. So I am very much looking forward to this Salute to Hanover, next week. All are welcome…, especially Hanoverians. Salute to the … More A Cultural and Historical Salute to the Parish of Hanover at the Institute of Jamaica

 Juneteenth, Freedom and Financial Bondage: From Dr. Anne C. Bailey’s Blog

September 11, 2018

I am shamelessly copying and pasting from my friend Dr. Anne C. Bailey’s blog. You can find the link here. Anne blogs (and writes books, and teaches) about “race, slavery, refugees, diasporas, African American, Caribbean and African studies, human rights, history, and memory.” I always learn so much from her. Here is her latest post, … More  Juneteenth, Freedom and Financial Bondage: From Dr. Anne C. Bailey’s Blog