Human rights in Jamaica and beyond – past and present

It’s International Human Rights Day, and it’s not just a hashtag. A lot has been going through my mind today. These are stormy times, with the wind blowing first one way and then the other. A sudden rogue wave appears and nearly knocks you off your feet. 2021 has been strangely – and perhaps surprisingly … More Human rights in Jamaica and beyond – past and present

Jamaica Update, July 19, 2021: An abandoned bicycle, a lifeboat, and a bulk resignation letter

It has been two weeks since I wrote my last update. However, I will try to ensure there is no “stale” news here. I have been what millennials would call “super busy” – with a bumper crop of mangoes, and the Caribbean Tree Planting Week (read more here!) We are also living in some kind … More Jamaica Update, July 19, 2021: An abandoned bicycle, a lifeboat, and a bulk resignation letter

Caribbean Tree Planting Week: A Cultural Celebration of Trees

Next week (July 5 to 11, 2021) is the first Caribbean Tree Planting Week. So what, you may ask? This is certainly not a symbolic week, but the result of over a year of activities and networking (Zoom was working overtime!) among citizens of all ages and backgrounds (including a major youth contingent) – in … More Caribbean Tree Planting Week: A Cultural Celebration of Trees

ICYMI in Jamaica, February 2, 2021: The Degenerate Behavior Edition

Happy World Wetlands Day! There have been several events on the day, although mostly virtual – including an Instagram chat organised by the #WetlandWarriors – yes, the #Youth4PuertoBueno strike again! Crime and violence continues to hit the headlines, COVID-19 churning away in the background, and social media is wringing its collective hands over it all. … More ICYMI in Jamaica, February 2, 2021: The Degenerate Behavior Edition

Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge

Our tourism sector has not yet emerged from the doldrums. In Jamaica, while battling COVID-19 with what appear to be depleting resources, we “opened up” to tourism on June 15. Now, close to one month later, we seem to be just feeling our way. Nevertheless, our ever-upbeat Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett told us a few … More Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge

Children up to 12 Years Can Access Free Medical Care at University Hospital

Cases of dengue fever persist, and challenges remain. As Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton stresses repeatedly, the best way to deal with it is to destroy breeding sites (80 percent of them are around the home). As he also pointed out – dengue fever is here to stay. There used to be a … More Children up to 12 Years Can Access Free Medical Care at University Hospital

INDECOM Commissioner Addresses the Issue of INDECOM and Police Effectiveness

Originally posted on Right Steps & Poui Trees:
Last night – January 11, 2018, in an address to the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town, Commissioner of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) Terrence Williams spoke about the often repeated claim that the work of INDECOM has had a chilling effect on police morale and has…

IDB Launches Call for Artists Interested in Development Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean

IDB launches call for artists interested in development challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) opens a call for artists who want to offer new perspectives on the development challenges of the region, as well as to demonstrate the immense artistic creativity of Latin America and the Caribbean. Artists from … More IDB Launches Call for Artists Interested in Development Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean

Climate Change Awareness Week, UNEP Champions of the Earth, More Environmental News: December 3, 2016

Well, a lot has been happening in Jamaica and there’s lots of news further afield, too. Please click on the links for more information. Jamaica and the Caribbean: Climate Change Awareness Week: It was an exciting week, organized by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and following on from the Prime Minister’s recent participation … More Climate Change Awareness Week, UNEP Champions of the Earth, More Environmental News: December 3, 2016

LAC Principle 10: Governments Must Take Attacks on Environmental Defenders Seriously, Says Regional Civil Society

Environmental justice, and the human rights context of land rights and environmental defenders has been a huge issue – especially in our hemisphere – for some years now. Sadly though, it has not been given a very high profile in the media. I should have already written on this topic – and still plan to … More LAC Principle 10: Governments Must Take Attacks on Environmental Defenders Seriously, Says Regional Civil Society