‘No change expected; ex-IMF economist says BOJ rate hikes to continue’ Jamaica Observer article-March 18, 2022

Originally posted on Jamaica: Political Economy:
I’m chilling with my family in Southern California, but got a message to offer some comments on the US Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate announcement. They were used for the article below, published in today’s Jamaica Observer: WHEN the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) monetary policy committee releases its policy…

Fairness and equity in access to the COVID-19 vaccine in Jamaica

We are learning a great deal about the COVID-19 vaccine. As I detailed in a Global Voices post this week, there was quite a bit of excitement when Jamaica’s very first batch of vaccine arrived on Monday (March 8). Prime Minister Andrew Holness stressed at a press briefing that evening that vaccinations would take place … More Fairness and equity in access to the COVID-19 vaccine in Jamaica

ICYMI in Jamaica, January 12, 2021: The “Heartware” Edition

It’s 2021, and everything seems to be happening at once. It’s hard to keep up. Education, health, crime (crime!!), travel and tourism – and more – all seem to be “hot button” issues. The new year is already shaping up to be quite crowded; we need to wrap our heads around some fundamental issues, and … More ICYMI in Jamaica, January 12, 2021: The “Heartware” Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, September 1, 2020: The COVID Elections – It Is What It Is

I wish I could say that it has been an easy-going, free-flowing week. But far from it. There have been challenges, and there are challenges ahead. Everything has been revolving around politics, the debates, while COVID-19 has kept us all in a state of confusion. Yes, I think confusion is the word; every evening, when … More ICYMI in Jamaica, September 1, 2020: The COVID Elections – It Is What It Is

Mercury in Retrograde, Mistakes of the Past, Modern-Day Slaves: Jamaica on Saturday, July 28, 2018

I learned this week that Mercury is in retrograde from July 26 to August 18. It’s a time when there will be a lot of disagreements and misunderstandings. We are cautioned also to keep a low profile and not make any big decisions, because they may backfire. Actually, this could explain a lot about happenings … More Mercury in Retrograde, Mistakes of the Past, Modern-Day Slaves: Jamaica on Saturday, July 28, 2018

Wednesday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, May 23, 2017

A little late this week… I don’t know where to start. The floods have overwhelmed us, but we are still standing. At least, some of us are. I highlighted some stories in red, this time! Water, water everywhere: After a pretty rainy April in some parts, the weather gods (and climate change) decided to give us … More Wednesday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, May 23, 2017

23 Jamaicans Selected as Chevening Scholars: Congrats to All!

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting the Jamaicans who had been selected for Chevening Scholarships in the UK. It was great getting to know them, and I am sure they benefited greatly from their year of study. This year, even more Jamaicans (and one Bahamian) are going off to the UK shortly. Please find … More 23 Jamaicans Selected as Chevening Scholars: Congrats to All!

Confident PM, Devastating Desmond and The Ghost of Trafigura: Sunday, May 29, 2016

We’ve been having some lovely rain in Kingston, but on the eastern side of the island rural residents have been struggling with some flooding, landslides, lack of electricity and water and damaged roads… Some real challenges, and a schoolgirl, Brittany Cowell, sadly drowned in flood waters in St. Thomas. I do hope they get help … More Confident PM, Devastating Desmond and The Ghost of Trafigura: Sunday, May 29, 2016

International Partners, “Chik V” and Slash and Burn: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The drought continues. The heat continues. I am thinking we should maybe pave over our lawn, or turn our front yard into a callaloo bed, or just a flower bed. Anything is better than the patch of bare earth and dying yellow grass that currently calls itself a lawn. Well, @JamaicaWeather shared a little map … More International Partners, “Chik V” and Slash and Burn: Wednesday, July 16, 2014