Tag: Independence Day

Jamaicans for Justice launch a booklet of our Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms – made simple

August 7, 2022

As I mentioned, Jamaica is currently recognizing – and in most cases, celebrating – its 60th anniversary of Independence. This is such a large, round number that special attention is being paid to “Jamaica 60.” What progress has been made in the past six decades since the flag of the “Coloniser” descended a flagpole in … More Jamaicans for Justice launch a booklet of our Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms – made simple

Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

July 28, 2021

The problem-plagued Olympic Games in Tokyo finally got under way, and has proved a helpful distraction for Jamaicans fretting about COVID-19 and everything else. And we had some soothing rain – although it has been a contentious week, with insults flying here, there, and everywhere. Oh, and on a personal note…our roof is still leaking. … More Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

July 27, 2021

I have to confess I am not good at numbers. So I made an error in yesterday’s account of the Ministry of Health and Wellness briefing on COVID-19. Let me set it straight. I noted yesterday: “Over 300,000 have received their first dose. This includes 122,000 who have received their second.” Incorrect! (I have removed … More A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

The Resilient Reggae Tiger Inspires National Library Staff in a Difficult Time

August 19, 2020

“Resilience” is a popular word these days. We apply it to many things: climate change, economic decline, hurricanes and other disasters. And COVID-19. Looking back at our Emancipation/Independence Day holidays, that was what it was all about. Amidst the online celebrations, the usual good wishes and Jamaican colors on social media, the underlying theme was … More The Resilient Reggae Tiger Inspires National Library Staff in a Difficult Time

Jamaican Independence: Another Quarantined Community, and Churches – “If You Cyaa Hear, You Will Feel”

August 7, 2020

Well, it has been quite a strange Independence holiday, with an online celebration that I completely missed unfortunately – and just now, fireworks at 10:00 p.m. as usual – but without the crowds. The fireworks were sort of in a vacuum. And we had a press briefing this evening at the Office of the Prime … More Jamaican Independence: Another Quarantined Community, and Churches – “If You Cyaa Hear, You Will Feel”

Jamaica COVID-19 Update: Another Community Quarantine, Electioneering, and Irresponsible Behavior

August 6, 2020

Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! Our health officials have been trying to press home the need for social distancing and the wearing of masks, as our local transmission numbers for COVID-19 and the numbers of those hospitalized who are suspected of the virus continue to climb. As of today (August 6) we had eight new cases … More Jamaica COVID-19 Update: Another Community Quarantine, Electioneering, and Irresponsible Behavior

A COVID-19 Update from Jamaica: What We Know, and What We Don’t Know

August 1, 2020

It’s hard to believe that this is the last day of July. The time seems to go slowly in one sense – when are we going to come out of the woods on COVID-19? – and at the same time seems to hurry along. Now, on the eve of the Emancipation/Independence national holidays (August 1 … More A COVID-19 Update from Jamaica: What We Know, and What We Don’t Know

Bellevue Hospital Receives Over US$5,000 from Diaspora in USA

October 12, 2019

I spent a few hours at Bellevue Hospital in Kingston this week, for the launch of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Mental Health Campaign. Despite the heat and humidity, it was a cheerful experience. I had harbored an image of Bellevue (despite its pretty name) as a glowering, Victorian-style edifice. Later, I got the … More Bellevue Hospital Receives Over US$5,000 from Diaspora in USA