Tag: Caribbean

COVID-19 Update: 47 Cases, Curfew Shenanigans, the Homeless in Jamaica and Generosity

April 3, 2020

This evening, the Ministry of Health and Wellness shared that we have three new cases today. Details are below. KINGSTON, Jamaica. Thursday, April 2, 2020: The National Influenza Centre has advised that of the five pending test results from yesterday (April 1), two samples have tested negative while three are positive for the Coronavirus Disease … More COVID-19 Update: 47 Cases, Curfew Shenanigans, the Homeless in Jamaica and Generosity

A Night Curfew Starts Tomorrow, and 38 COVID-19 Cases Now Confirmed in Jamaica

April 1, 2020

The latest news on COVID-19 in Jamaica seems rather mixed, but we have to take everything “one day at a time” these days. Firstly, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced at last night’s press briefing that a curfew will be imposed, beginning tomorrow (Wednesday, April 1) at 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m., and ending at 6:00 … More A Night Curfew Starts Tomorrow, and 38 COVID-19 Cases Now Confirmed in Jamaica

A COVID-19 Update From Jamaica: March 23, 2020 And a Caribbean Update

March 24, 2020

We are bombarded with news on COVID-19 from all directions. There are heartbreaking personal stories from all over the world on social media. I feel that we are just bracing ourselves for a big wave, here. Have we managed to “flatten the curve”? Who knows. Have we been testing enough? I am concerned about the … More A COVID-19 Update From Jamaica: March 23, 2020 And a Caribbean Update

Saint Lucia’s Heritage, Biodiversity and Beach Access at Risk

March 22, 2020

This blog has been rather preoccupied with COVID-19, and I am sure there will be more news to come. Nevertheless, much is happening (or has been happening) before, during (and hopefully after) the virus, so I am trying to catch up a little. I recently received this press release from the Saint Lucia National Trust. … More Saint Lucia’s Heritage, Biodiversity and Beach Access at Risk

COVID-19: United Kingdom Added to Countries with Travel Restrictions for Jamaica

March 15, 2020

Across the Caribbean, Governments are tightening up on travel restrictions. Our first two cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica were “imported” from the United Kingdom, and so were several other cases in the region. My personal view is that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made matters worse over there by apparently embracing the concept of “herd … More COVID-19: United Kingdom Added to Countries with Travel Restrictions for Jamaica

Health Ministry Issues Interim Guidelines for Cruise Ships Visiting Jamaica

March 3, 2020

The cruise shipping industry, which had been flourishing in the Caribbean in 2019, is proving to be a major headache for island ports (and for the cruise passengers). The economic fallout must be tremendous for cruise ship lines – and for those agencies, tourism companies and individuals who depend on them for income. If the … More Health Ministry Issues Interim Guidelines for Cruise Ships Visiting Jamaica

Statement by Jamaican Minister of Health and Wellness on COVID-19: March 2, 2020

March 3, 2020

Here is this evening’s statement, as anxiety over COVID-19 is slowly building in Jamaica. News of three countries in the Caribbean now being affected has been concerning. Please see the full text below: National Statement: COVID-19  Delivered by the Minister of Health & Wellness Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton 2 March 2020 The new Coronavirus … More Statement by Jamaican Minister of Health and Wellness on COVID-19: March 2, 2020