Tag: corruption

The Fraud Against Usain Bolt, and the Case for National Service: a Blog Post by Professor Anne C. Bailey

January 22, 2023

In my last post, I promised to share this blog post. Again, it is a plea for unity, and for going back to basic principles of humanity. Jamaican-born Dr. Anne C. Bailey is a writer, historian, and professor of History at SUNY Binghamton (State University of New York).  She is also the founding Director of the … More The Fraud Against Usain Bolt, and the Case for National Service: a Blog Post by Professor Anne C. Bailey

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

The leadership question: some thoughts from Jamaica’s Integrity Commission

November 20, 2022

When we are discussing a particularly intractable problem, and there seems to be no solution, no positive outcome – in fact, no outcome at all – we often scratch our heads and say: “Well, it’s a matter of leadership.” In other words, a lack of leadership. We cannot untangle the conundrum. We go round in … More The leadership question: some thoughts from Jamaica’s Integrity Commission

Human rights are for all (and human rights defenders are not the problem)

November 7, 2022

It bears repeating that human rights are for all. I quote from the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, forged in 1948 in the wake of two terrible World Wars. Here are Articles 1 and 3, as a reminder. But it is worth taking a “refresher” read… All human beings are born free and … More Human rights are for all (and human rights defenders are not the problem)

60 Reasons for Apologies and Reparations from Britain and the Royal Family

March 21, 2022

I am sorry I did not attach the “60 Reasons” referred to in the Letter from the Advocates Network that I posted last night. Here they are. I have noted suggestions that there could have been a petition that members of the public could sign onto, and that would certainly have been an option. However, … More 60 Reasons for Apologies and Reparations from Britain and the Royal Family

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 15, 2020: The Vaccine Edition

December 16, 2020

The big news has been not only the COVID-19 vaccine, but the fact that the very first person to receive it was a Jamaican American. A cold front arrived, bringing strong winds and lower temperatures for a day; our moringa tree took a beating, and has not recovered yet. And behind everything else the crime … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 15, 2020: The Vaccine Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, September 8, 2020: (No) Princes and Princesses, Election Aftermath, and Women in the News

September 9, 2020

Jamaicans are election-weary and COVID-weary. With the first one out of the way (what a relief, really), we still have the second to contend with. September is generally considered the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season and this year we have already had two brushes with Laura and Nana, but expect more rumblings from west … More ICYMI in Jamaica, September 8, 2020: (No) Princes and Princesses, Election Aftermath, and Women in the News

ICYMI in Jamaica, August 16, 2020: Andrew Says Let’s Go, el-Faisal Says Goodbye, and JAMP Says Sorry

August 16, 2020

This week was a momentous one for those who get excited about elections. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced the date in Parliament (not in front of a large crowd of frenzied supporters, as is normally the case): Thursday, September 3. Nomination Day will be next week – Tuesday, August 18. Thankfully, it will not … More ICYMI in Jamaica, August 16, 2020: Andrew Says Let’s Go, el-Faisal Says Goodbye, and JAMP Says Sorry