Tag: Daryl Vaz

Private Sector weighs in on Jamaica’s toxic political atmosphere

August 3, 2023

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has issued a press release calling for respect and decency in public life. Indeed, it feels like “I can do and say exactly what I feel like.” The political atmosphere is toxic. I, for one, feel like covering my ears and shouting “Be quiet, children!” And these are the “honourable” people we should vote for? … More Private Sector weighs in on Jamaica’s toxic political atmosphere

The environment AND climate change: shuffled out in the Jamaican Government’s “reshuffle”

January 17, 2022

Apart from the collective “meh” among most Jamaicans that greeted the Prime Minister’s “Cabinet reshuffle” announced a few days ago, one thing struck me immediately. Where has the Ministry of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change gone? It seemed to be settling down a little, under the leadership of Minister Pearnel Charles, Jr., who … More The environment AND climate change: shuffled out in the Jamaican Government’s “reshuffle”

Record numbers vaccinated in one day in Jamaica

August 25, 2021

No Movement Day #3. And it was hectic in some areas, as Jamaicans crowded vaccination centres – mostly outside the city of Kingston – in surprising numbers. Although the Government was targeting high school students, aged 12 to 18, for the Pfizer vaccinations, to enable them to return to face-to-face classes – many adults turned … More Record numbers vaccinated in one day in Jamaica

Jamaica Update, June 28, 2021: Anxious doctors, relaxed protocols, and the Saudis visit

June 29, 2021

It has been raining, thankfully. It has been damp and humid and thundery, and the garden is flourishing. Plus, the Euro football competition has been more than usually compelling. Apart from that, it’s been pretty much business as usual on this island – although I do sense a certain amount of tension and anxiety as … More Jamaica Update, June 28, 2021: Anxious doctors, relaxed protocols, and the Saudis visit

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

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

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

November 5, 2020

We could also call this the “U.S. Election Edition,” since many Jamaicans have been nervously following that particular emotional rollercoaster. Why are Jamaicans so engaged? Well, as people say, “When the U.S. sneezes, we catch cold.” We are geographically so close and many of us have family there. South Florida is nicknamed “Kingston 21” – … More ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

JCDT Celebrates the Fifth Anniversary of the Blue and John Crow Mountains World Heritage Site

July 5, 2020

A small ceremony took place on Friday, July 3 at Holywell, in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I am not sure how many people realize what an achievement it was to have the site recognized for both its … More JCDT Celebrates the Fifth Anniversary of the Blue and John Crow Mountains World Heritage Site

Minister Vaz’s Bid for Land in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park: Can We Please Protect our Protected Areas?

June 18, 2020

Yesterday (June 16), a report by the excellent environmental reporter and Associate Editor of the Jamaica Observer Kimone Thompson appeared in the newspaper with the headline “Government wants to lease Holywell land.” The article did not mention the name of the government minister, who reportedly wished to lease a piece of land in the Blue and John … More Minister Vaz’s Bid for Land in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park: Can We Please Protect our Protected Areas?

Earth Day 2020 in the Time of COVID-19: Lessons We Are Learning

April 22, 2020

It is the eve of Earth Day 2020 (Wednesday, April 22) and its fiftieth anniversary. Last year, I collected a bunch of inspirational quotes and did some philosophizing. 2020 is a historic occasion, which we will celebrate online while something else – something almost beyond our imagination – is unfolding in our lives. Like most periods … More Earth Day 2020 in the Time of COVID-19: Lessons We Are Learning