Tag: Integrity Commission

Advocates Network wants more citizen action in the wake of Local Government Elections

March 9, 2024

I rarely comment on the meandering mire* that is Jamaican partisan politics (especially elections), but the Advocates Network put out a release, in the wake of the February 26 Local Government Elections, that makes sense to me. After an almost unprecedented social media assault by the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (who did seem to regard … More Advocates Network wants more citizen action in the wake of Local Government Elections

Citizens Rights to the City insists on transparency, accountability from lax Government agencies

January 16, 2024

The issues surrounding the proper monitoring, oversight and approval of the numerous building projects springing up all over Kingston & St. Andrew neighbourhoods have been accumulating for some time now. To use a completely non-tropical metaphor, imagine rolling a snowball uphill. As it goes, it picks up more and more snow; in the end, it … More Citizens Rights to the City insists on transparency, accountability from lax Government agencies

Advocates Network says much more to be done in 2024 to improve governance, human rights in Jamaica

January 5, 2024

As always at the end of a year, there is always a lot of “unfinished business” to be carried over into the next year. Looking back (but mostly looking forward) the Advocates Network in Jamaica has noted down several key “thorny issues” to be addressed. Simply put, we can do better, they say; and I … More Advocates Network says much more to be done in 2024 to improve governance, human rights in Jamaica

Our urban dilemma: Citizens Rights to the City urges authorities to implement and enforce development regulations

October 17, 2023

The human race is becoming a race of city dwellers – an environment we have literally built for ourselves. According to World Bank statistics, more than half (57 percent) of Jamaicans were living in urban areas in 2022 – just a little higher than in 2012. This is almost exactly the same as the global … More Our urban dilemma: Citizens Rights to the City urges authorities to implement and enforce development regulations

On the Jamaican Integrity Commission’s investigations, declarations of innocence, and serving selfish ends

August 18, 2023

As discussion over the six parliamentarians under corruption investigation rages, human rights group Jamaicans for Justice suggests that the politicians should temporarily step aside, especially if they have a conflict of interest. … More On the Jamaican Integrity Commission’s investigations, declarations of innocence, and serving selfish ends

Jamaica’s air is polluted by toxic political misbehaviour (and Saharan dust)

July 14, 2023

The political atmosphere in Jamaica is toxic, as members of Parliament from the ruling party loudly berate anti-corruption institutions. The Advocates Network objects. Also Opposition representatives scream and shout at a municipal meeting. Meanwhile, the Jamaican public seems to be saying “A plague on both your houses”! … More Jamaica’s air is polluted by toxic political misbehaviour (and Saharan dust)

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?

The leadership question: some thoughts from Jamaica’s Integrity Commission

November 20, 2022

When we are discussing a particularly intractable problem, and there seems to be no solution, no positive outcome – in fact, no outcome at all – we often scratch our heads and say: “Well, it’s a matter of leadership.” In other words, a lack of leadership. We cannot untangle the conundrum. We go round in … More The leadership question: some thoughts from Jamaica’s Integrity Commission

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

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

July 21, 2021

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