Tag: Caribbean

Leo, Aliya, MLK, and the Parrots: A Lesson in Mentorship

March 6, 2021

Dr. Leo R. Douglas, a Jamaican ornithologist, conservationist, and all-round extraordinary scientist and person, was a recipient of The New York University Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award, which was presented to him on February 2, 2021. Leo (can I call him Leo, please?) is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Liberal Studies at NYU. … More Leo, Aliya, MLK, and the Parrots: A Lesson in Mentorship

Protecting Women’s Health is Crucial for a Healthy Society

February 1, 2021

As usual, I seem to have a lot to catch up on. The discussion surrounding safe abortions has been raised again in Jamaica recently by Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament Juliet Cuthbert Flynn – who is now State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness and focusing on a range of issues, while … More Protecting Women’s Health is Crucial for a Healthy Society

The Finer Points of Waterbirds: A Bit of a Brain Twister

January 24, 2021

The devil is in the details, they say, and as birders across the region gird themselves up and go out to muddy, sandy, wet places to spot birds, figuring out what is what is no joke. The birds are – what’s the word, indefinable? – at times. As I may have mentioned before, it’s always … More The Finer Points of Waterbirds: A Bit of a Brain Twister

ICYMI in Jamaica, January 19, 2021: The “Gang-Related” Edition

January 20, 2021

It’s been one of those weeks that makes you weary. But, we toil on. The New Year (which we welcomed in rather muted fashion) already seems old. However, we were described by one overseas media house as a “gutsy” island. Sometimes one just feels tired. Perhaps it’s the humid, not-quite-ready-to-rain weather in Kingston. Nevertheless, let … More ICYMI in Jamaica, January 19, 2021: The “Gang-Related” Edition

Two Young Caribbean Environmental Activists Win Regional Award

January 15, 2021

I seem to be regularly “bigging up” the region’s young environmental activists these days, and with good reason. Dozens of young Ambassadors were busy planting trees (many of them in “real time”) at the launch of the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance’s Caribbean Tree Planting Project youth arm on Sunday. More to follow on this! I also … More Two Young Caribbean Environmental Activists Win Regional Award

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

January 13, 2021

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

Youth in 10 Caribbean countries kick off Tree Planting Ambassador programme: Live on Sunday, January 10

January 9, 2021

“Climate action” is a popular phrase these days. We are all getting a little tired of the speeches and panel discussions. The time to act is now. As the social media platform for climate action says, “We Don’t Have Time.” By the way, they plant a tree for every new member. The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance … More Youth in 10 Caribbean countries kick off Tree Planting Ambassador programme: Live on Sunday, January 10

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 29: The Sam Sharpe Day Edition

December 30, 2020

Well, Christmas is over. We tried to make the best of it. Apart from a young man who insisted on riding his noisy motorbike up and down our street, Christmas was also quiet – perhaps because of the 7:00 p.m. curfew on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. However, in some places the illegal parties continued … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 29: The Sam Sharpe Day Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition

December 22, 2020

I get the feeling that Jamaicans are anxious to get to the Christmas holidays, so that we can clear our heads and try to get over this horrible year. The past week has been filled with dramas, sadness, and some sweetness and light. The weather continues to be quite deliciously soothing. I am looking forward … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition