Environmental destruction in San San, Portland, Jamaica: What a travesty

There is a very beautiful area of Jamaica, often described as “lush,” which we have been visiting for around forty years or so now, in the eastern part of the island. It is in the parish of Portland. I have written, shared photos, brought family and friends to stay, spent many happy hours in the … More Environmental destruction in San San, Portland, Jamaica: What a travesty

Jamaica’s rivers and gullies are suffering from abuse

Today is World Rivers Day. It is observed on the fourth Sunday in September every year, I have learned. It was founded by a Canadian, Mark Angelo, a long-time river advocate who spoke at the United Nations in 2005 as part of its Water for Life campaign. Jamaican rivers are very different, of course, from … More Jamaica’s rivers and gullies are suffering from abuse

ICYMI in Jamaica, January 26, 2021: The Mystery Plane Edition

This year is going to be warming up, according to my friends who do weather. It seems to be warming up in more ways than one. Our yard is turning into a dust bowl. We have had no rain since Christmas in Kingston. Other things are warming up too – the gently rising COVID-19 cases … More ICYMI in Jamaica, January 26, 2021: The Mystery Plane Edition

What Is It About Trees That Jamaicans Don’t Like?

Happy National Tree Planting Day! Many years ago, we moved into our house in what was then a relatively green, leafy area of uptown Kingston. Charles, who used to clean up our yard, insisted that we should cut down every single tree and bush. Otherwise, thieves and murderers would find places to hide behind them, … More What Is It About Trees That Jamaicans Don’t Like?

JET Objects to Public Consultation Taking Place After Alcar Asphalt Plant Has Been Built

“Oh no! Not again!” I hear you cry. What do our government agencies not understand about this consultation/approval process? In this case, the plant was reportedly built and operating months BEFORE public consultations – scheduled now for next week. When are the relevant agencies going to get this in the right order?  When are they … More JET Objects to Public Consultation Taking Place After Alcar Asphalt Plant Has Been Built

Toxic Masculinity, Cockpit Country Nerves and Devil in the Details: Jamaica on Sunday, September 30, 2018

The “remnants” of a storm named Isaac descended on us, and now we have the remnants of Kirk. The rain is welcome! At the same time, we had an earthquake, widely felt in Kingston. And I am very, very late with this post – again! Forgive me but I have been intensely busy. Is tomorrow … More Toxic Masculinity, Cockpit Country Nerves and Devil in the Details: Jamaica on Sunday, September 30, 2018

Forget the Stinkin’ Toe Tree and Walk-Foot People: Kingston Is The City of the Automobile

Our capital city (and my home) of Kingston is upside down at the moment. There is a mania of “road widening,” which has resulted in the destruction of several large (and by large, I mean very old) trees and a concomitant increase in the amount of concrete. I have written several times about the deforestation … More Forget the Stinkin’ Toe Tree and Walk-Foot People: Kingston Is The City of the Automobile

Predatory Males, Lawless Supporters and Militant Teachers: Jamaica on March 4, 2018

The weather is warming, and could it really be the month of March? Agriculture: There seems to be a lot of uncertainty in the coffee industry. There are rumours that the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory in the Blue Mountains, now owned by Michael Lee-Chin (who knew?) may close, but these have been denied. Caribbean: We think we … More Predatory Males, Lawless Supporters and Militant Teachers: Jamaica on March 4, 2018

A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The past week has been…well, one of some uncertainty, rather like the weather (odd little showers, appearing and disappearing). Mixed signals, perhaps. There is a lot to think about, and to discuss. Caribbean: The Caribbean Export Development Agency and Caribbean Development Bank have joined forces to help provide easier access to finance for women-owned businesses – … More A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

What’s Happening in Jamaica: June 24/25, 2017

Oh, what a week it’s been, again. More drama. You could never call Jamaica a “sleepy backwater”… “Clear, hold and rebuild”: That is the basis of the Holness administration’s new crime strategy, via the new Zones of Special Operations Bill. Opposition Security Spokesman Peter Bunting – who conceptualised the Unite for Change program a few years back – … More What’s Happening in Jamaica: June 24/25, 2017