Tag: HIV/AIDS

Gender-based violence and the young Jamaican woman

October 24, 2022

I wrote recently about the Caribbean Observatory on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, based in Antigua. According to their CEO, the group “continues to work with partners, CSOs, state entities to critically address the linkages between gender-based violence (GBV) and SRHR with the aim of transforming the environment, including the engagement of men and … More Gender-based violence and the young Jamaican woman

The Community Paralegal Programme: supporting Jamaican victims of violence

July 30, 2021

The discussion about gender-based violence continues in the Jamaican media; in fact, it never really goes away. But very often, those who suffer are not aware that help is available. The Community Paralegal (CP) programme is there to help. It is delivered by the non-governmental organization Stand Up For Jamaica, with grant funding from the … More The Community Paralegal Programme: supporting Jamaican victims of violence

Ending violence against Jamaican women in the context of HIV and AIDS

March 10, 2021

Following up on International Women’s Day, I sat in on an excellent session organized by Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) and funded by the European Union in Jamaica. Sadly, on such occasions the issue of violence against women is a recurring factor. We have to confront it, again and again. And so, yesterday, we … More Ending violence against Jamaican women in the context of HIV and AIDS

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

An Appeal for André Thomas: A Member of Stand Up for Jamaica, in Need of Help

February 10, 2021

Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) is a human rights non-governmental organization, which works diligently for the rehabilitation and welfare of our prisoners. SUFJ is supporting an urgent fund-raising initiative started by Alexis Goffe. André Thomas is 39 years old and he is a prisoner at Tower Street Correctional Centre. André was a member of the Stand Up … More An Appeal for André Thomas: A Member of Stand Up for Jamaica, in Need of Help

COVID-19 Surveillance Begins in West Kingston, Jamaica, To Continue Tomorrow

June 26, 2020

How is the COVID-19 situation in Jamaica? I am not sure what to say. I have heard a few disturbing anecdotes and reports of returning nationals not quite obeying the home quarantine rules. There have been a few “import-related” cases in recent days – in other words, people coming in, who have infected others. I … More COVID-19 Surveillance Begins in West Kingston, Jamaica, To Continue Tomorrow

Jamaica Psychiatric Association Responds to INDECOM Report on Prisoners “Detained at Pleasure”

June 7, 2020

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) press briefing last week, as usual, highlighted the Commission’s Quarterly Report. The January – March, 2020 Report focused on Jamaicans who are “detained at pleasure” in our prisons. Persons in this category are either children found guilty of a capital offense; persons found unfit to plead by the Court; or persons … More Jamaica Psychiatric Association Responds to INDECOM Report on Prisoners “Detained at Pleasure”

Let’s Stop the Stigma and Discrimination Around COVID-19

March 25, 2020

“Fight the virus, not the people.” The Ministry of Health and Wellness is still concerned about stigma and discrimination against those who are suspected of having the virus. When there is a major public health issue, this is the last thing Jamaica needs. It reminds me somewhat of what Jamaicans living with HIV/AIDS faced in … More Let’s Stop the Stigma and Discrimination Around COVID-19

A Community Peer Educator Writes About the Impact of Climate Change on Women’s Health and the HIV Response

April 28, 2019

An interesting item dropped into my inbox recently, and I am sharing it with you here. Nacia Davis is a Community Peer Educator with the South East Regional Health Authority in Jamaica and a member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV.  We would welcome your comments and feedback, and Ms. Davis’ contact … More A Community Peer Educator Writes About the Impact of Climate Change on Women’s Health and the HIV Response