Tag: civil society

Let’s have a progressive agenda for Jamaica’s newly established Parliamentary Bicameral Women’s Caucus

February 3, 2023

So far this year, Jamaica’s news has been a little – what is the word? – dispiriting. Bleak, even, at times. However, I was very much cheered by news that the Parliamentary Bicameral Women’s Caucus (which I referred to in my last blog post) will actually become a reality – and very soon. The women … More Let’s have a progressive agenda for Jamaica’s newly established Parliamentary Bicameral Women’s Caucus

National unity needed more than ever, say Advocates Network… How to achieve it, is the question

January 22, 2023

What’s gone wrong? A few days ago, I watched footage of the laughable, but sad spectacle of German police officers, weighed down with their riot gear – stuck in the mud while trying to defend a coal mine from angry, jeering protesters. The struggle has been going on for weeks against the demolition of a … More National unity needed more than ever, say Advocates Network… How to achieve it, is the question

“Civic space is under threat,” says Stand Up for Jamaica

January 8, 2023

It has been said many times before: democracy is not just about voting every few years. It is about participation. If this does not happen – if citizens’ voices are muzzled and those seeking transparency and accountability in government are accused of all kinds of dubious motives by governments and their supporters – then, democracy … More “Civic space is under threat,” says Stand Up for Jamaica

Political will and maturity required for a consensus on crime in Jamaica

September 5, 2022

The number of murders in Jamaica passed the 1,000 mark for the year recently (can you imagine). It is always a grim milestone. We measure our “crime problem” by the number of lives lost – men, women and children – every year. They are not numbers. They are grandmothers. They are schoolchildren. They are abused … More Political will and maturity required for a consensus on crime in Jamaica

Stand Up for Jamaica writes about the power of reintegration

April 24, 2022

Being a human rights activist in Jamaica is not an easy life. There is a persistent narrative that these dedicated and decent human beings “defend criminals.” In fact, certain categories of Jamaicans are deemed hardly eligible to apply, or be considered for such a thing as human rights. It’s different if one’s own rights have … More Stand Up for Jamaica writes about the power of reintegration

Where is the justice for Nzinga King? Jamaica’s Advocates Network wants to know

January 25, 2022

It is easy to forget – or half-forget, when there are many issues unresolved and pushed on one side. In 2022, the events of 2021 already seem half-forgotten; especially as the Jamaican media has moved on to new dramas (read: Crime, COVID, Corruption, the “big” stories and the breaking news). You may remember that last … More Where is the justice for Nzinga King? Jamaica’s Advocates Network wants to know

Thank you, Therese Turner-Jones

December 24, 2021

Many Jamaicans were saddened, and puzzled, to learn earlier this month that Therese Turner-Jones would be leaving the Inter-American Development Bank – a very important and influential multilateral donor in Jamaica and across the region. She had served as Country Representative for Jamaica (since 2013); four years later, she was appointed General Manager of the … More Thank you, Therese Turner-Jones

Real Leadership on International Women’s Day – Choosing to Challenge the Status Quo

March 8, 2021

Tomorrow (Monday, March 8) is International Women’s Day. So, tomorrow, women (and men, and all gender identities) are being asked to raise their right hand symbolically in a gesture to suggest that they #ChooseToChallenge inequality, discrimination, bias and stereotypes. It’s a call to action. As Joy Crawford, Executive Director of the Jamaican non-profit organization Eve … More Real Leadership on International Women’s Day – Choosing to Challenge the Status Quo

National Integrity Action (NIA) Calls on Prime Minister to Withdraw Approval for Mining in the Puerto Bueno Area

November 18, 2020

National Integrity Action (NIA) has added its voice to the call to withdraw approval for the mining project in Puerto Bueno Mountain (the area is also called Dry Harbour). Here are more cogent arguments for this to happen. Look no further than Jamaica’s Constitution! Environmental rights are clearly outlined there. Please see their press release … More National Integrity Action (NIA) Calls on Prime Minister to Withdraw Approval for Mining in the Puerto Bueno Area