Tag: Horace Chang

Freedom Imaginaries urges Jamaican Government not to deport Haitians

July 22, 2023

International human rights lawyer and founder of Freedom Imaginaries Malene Alleyne wrote to Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, urging her Government not to deport Haitian refugees and to work with them to protect them under international refugee and human rights laws and conventions, to which Jamaica is a signatory. … More Freedom Imaginaries urges Jamaican Government not to deport Haitians

PSOJ is concerned, but: What is the real reason for Jamaica’s postponement of local government elections?

February 15, 2023

Yes, the economy is important, and the Holness administration is patting itself on the back, understandably, at the latest report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – which points out that Jamaica has struck “the right balance” in responding to challenges and what they call external shocks. Attention must be paid to climate change vulnerabilities … More PSOJ is concerned, but: What is the real reason for Jamaica’s postponement of local government elections?

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)

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

Celebrating 76 years, the UN focuses on frontline heroes and partnerships

October 19, 2021

I have been thinking a lot about peace recently, and my thoughts will be in a follow-up post – including the critical role that our young people can and will play. I particularly like the United Nations’ alliterative theme for UN Day this year – all those “P”s! In Jamaica, as almost everywhere else, climate … More Celebrating 76 years, the UN focuses on frontline heroes and partnerships

Jamaican leaders, citizens must “act firmly” on violence against women – enough talk

April 19, 2021

Case closed. The Jamaica Constabulary Force put out a statement on Friday (April 16th) that it cannot continue investigations into a violent episode that took place in a parking lot ten days earlier, because the two people involved (a man and a woman) are not willing to press complaints. Also, the JCF said, the quality … More Jamaican leaders, citizens must “act firmly” on violence against women – enough talk

Rastafari Coral Gardens Elders Home established in St. James, Jamaica

April 4, 2021

The terrible events of “Bad Friday” in 1963 in Coral Gardens, Montego Bay, have not been forgotten. Back in April 2017, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness made a formal apology in Parliament, on the anniversary of the persecution, torture and killing of Rastafarians in Coral Gardens. At the opening, Member of Parliament Dr. Horace Chang … More Rastafari Coral Gardens Elders Home established in St. James, Jamaica

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

February 3, 2021

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

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