Tag: 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

Treading Water: Jamaica’s Ranking on the 2020 Corruption Perception Index

January 28, 2021

National Integrity Action (NIA) held a virtual press briefing this morning, to announce Jamaica’s latest rating on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The island is ranked at 69th out of 179, alongside Tunisia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Hungary, and Romania. Six CARICOM countries are ranked higher than us: that is, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Vincent and the … More Treading Water: Jamaica’s Ranking on the 2020 Corruption Perception Index

ICYMI in Jamaica, October 13, 2020: The Kindness Edition

October 14, 2020

Well, Hurricane Delta went away (taking most of Bluefields Beach in Westmoreland away with it) and we are left to reflect, once more, on our own human fragility in the face of climate change and COVID-19. Some of us would rather pretend, however, and sip on Bacardi or whatever their favorite drink is, without a … More ICYMI in Jamaica, October 13, 2020: The Kindness Edition

Corruption Perceptions Index 2018: Jamaica Standing Still Locally, Slipping Backwards Globally

January 29, 2019

There was another “heavy” topic that preoccupied us last year, which I barely addressed – again because of the holidays and my New Year of the Broken Wrist. This one is probably the most important of all. Yes, it’s corruption. It’s the elephant in the room that never moves away (although sometimes we think it … More Corruption Perceptions Index 2018: Jamaica Standing Still Locally, Slipping Backwards Globally

Ann-Marie’s Launch, Cee-Jay’s Death, and Britannia’s Resilience: Friday, September 14, 2018

September 15, 2018

This has been a wearisome week for city people. The traffic gridlock reached extraordinary heights when (at very short notice) a critical intersection at Three Mile was suddenly closed (for the next eight months, no less) at very short notice. 70,000 drivers were forced to detour through “not nice” neighbourhoods. Tempers frayed and motorists behaved … More Ann-Marie’s Launch, Cee-Jay’s Death, and Britannia’s Resilience: Friday, September 14, 2018

PEP, PSTEB and Happy Birthday, Miss Lou: Jamaica on Friday, September 7, 2018

September 8, 2018

What! It’s September already, and August ran away with me. It was a long, hot summer, to coin a cliché – in more ways than one – but now “disturbances” are hovering in the tropical Atlantic. They could be named Helene or Isaac… Here’s a roundup of news – but of course, I know I … More PEP, PSTEB and Happy Birthday, Miss Lou: Jamaica on Friday, September 7, 2018

A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

March 14, 2018

Warm breezes have been blowing in Kingston. Heavy rain showers on the north coast brought more flooding in their wake. Agriculture: and JAMPRO to the rescue? The agriculture sector has been in decline for a while now, with the constant excuse of “the weather” trotted out (anyone heard of “climate-smart” agriculture?) Late last year the Planning Institute of … More A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

The Integrity Gathering: International Anti-Corruption Day 2017

December 10, 2017

National Integrity Action (NIA) celebrated its sixth anniversary today (Saturday, December 9) – UN International Anti-Corruption Day. Around 1,500 Jamaicans (mostly young people) from across the island joined the Integrity Gathering in downtown Kingston. NIA founder and CEO Professor Trevor Munroe hearkened back to a meeting six years ago at the University of the West Indies (UWI), … More The Integrity Gathering: International Anti-Corruption Day 2017

Jamaica (Predictably) Slips in 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index

January 25, 2017

After a good rise in the rankings last year, it is disappointing to see that Jamaica has slipped in Transparency International’s 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index. National Integrity Action (NIA) gives us a few reasons why – issues that we have certainly reported on in this blog. I will continue to be vigilant and I hope … More Jamaica (Predictably) Slips in 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index