Tag: Bob Marley

“Tek serious ting mek laugh”… a Jamaican habit that makes life bearable, and birds can join in

February 5, 2023

I have never understood why anyone would think Jamaica was a backwater, where nothing ever happens. The past week has been as full of dramatic news (59 guns found at Montego Bay seaport!), arguments, storms in teacups, and indeed sadness, as ever. When a huge debate about whether taxi drivers should put child seats in … More “Tek serious ting mek laugh”… a Jamaican habit that makes life bearable, and birds can join in

Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith launches candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General

April 24, 2022

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, formally launched Jamaica’s candidature for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the Jamaica High Commission in London on 21 April, 2022. She has been doing some serious lobbying and met with some other High Commissioners in London, including those from Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Kenya, … More Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith launches candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General

100 Jamaican individuals and organizations sign open letter to William and Kate ahead of their visit

March 21, 2022

I am sharing below the Advocates Network’s Open Letter to William and Kate, who bear the titles “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.” The letter is signed by 100 individuals (including myself) and organizations. The royal couple will arrive in Jamaica on Tuesday, March 22 and depart on Thursday, March 24, as part of their … More 100 Jamaican individuals and organizations sign open letter to William and Kate ahead of their visit

Open Letter and call for peace for Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Ahmed from a Diasporan African

December 6, 2021

“So much trouble in the world,” sang Bob Marley, back in 1979. Well, some forty years later, little has changed. The world seems to be tearing itself apart, and often, apparently, barely able to hold it together. These are desperate times for many. On the continent of Africa, so dear to Marley’s heart and soul, … More Open Letter and call for peace for Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Ahmed from a Diasporan African

Some Marley news, Part 2: Cedella Marley kicks off new women’s football initiative with international friendly between Jamaica and Costa Rica

October 3, 2021

I get excited about football. Our Reggae Girlz are doing very well, although they don’t get the support they deserve. So, enormous gratitude goes out to Cedella Marley, who has been championing the Jamaica women’s team for years and is not only a huge morale-booster but also helping to raise the profile of the team. … More Some Marley news, Part 2: Cedella Marley kicks off new women’s football initiative with international friendly between Jamaica and Costa Rica

Some Marley news, Part 1: Inaugural Rita Marley Scholarships awarded

October 3, 2021

This is about hope, and support. Did you know that Rita, the widow of Bob Marley and Founder and Chair of the eponymous Foundation, was once a nurse? Now, three tertiary students of nursing have received scholarships from her Rita Marley Foundation, in honor of Rita’s 75th birthday on July 25. The recipients are Esther … More Some Marley news, Part 1: Inaugural Rita Marley Scholarships awarded

Concentrating minds: the Caribbean at the UN in 2021 was shorter and sharper

September 26, 2021

Fast forward to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2021 – and what a difference two years can make. In my last post, I offered a critique of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s somewhat unfocused speech at the UNGA in 2019. Well, the world has changed. Ms. Mottley’s 2021 speech hit home and gave the … More Concentrating minds: the Caribbean at the UN in 2021 was shorter and sharper

Jamaica receives 55,200 more AstraZeneca vaccines

May 31, 2021

It is with a personal sense of encouragement and relief that I spotted a tweet from our Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton this quiet, curfewed Sunday afternoon. Another shipment of vaccines has arrived… My husband is due for his second dose this week, and hopefully myself soon after. Now “vaccine equity” is becoming … More Jamaica receives 55,200 more AstraZeneca vaccines