436 Caribbean creatives apply for CATAPULT Grant; 10 creative entrepreneurs learn new skills, thanks to Jamaica’s Kingston Creative

Kingston Creative is forging ahead with its initiatives to boost cultural and artistic entrepreneurship in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Why do I think this is important? Because there is tremendous “untapped potential,” to use a well-worn phrase, in our creative community. I interviewed one brilliant young artist, Richard Nattoo, at the beginning of this year. … More 436 Caribbean creatives apply for CATAPULT Grant; 10 creative entrepreneurs learn new skills, thanks to Jamaica’s Kingston Creative

Thank you, Therese Turner-Jones

Many Jamaicans were saddened, and puzzled, to learn earlier this month that Therese Turner-Jones would be leaving the Inter-American Development Bank – a very important and influential multilateral donor in Jamaica and across the region. She had served as Country Representative for Jamaica (since 2013); four years later, she was appointed General Manager of the … More Thank you, Therese Turner-Jones

It’s electrifying! IDB and Jamaica’s plan for electric vehicles

I must admit – I felt a twinge of envy on hearing last year that Barbados had acquired 33 electric buses. Why can’t Jamaica move forward on this, I wondered? Globally, the electric vehicle market is surging ahead, especially in China, the United States and Europe. President Biden is pushing for 50 percent electric vehicles … More It’s electrifying! IDB and Jamaica’s plan for electric vehicles

Jamaica Environment Trust has a new CEO

Congratulations to Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, the new CEO for the 30-year-old Jamaica Environment Trust (JET). It is a challenging but very important role, as the environmental concerns on our island are seemingly boundless, but the possibilities and the opportunities are also there. I wish her the best of luck. Dr. Rodriguez-Moodie has just commented on … More Jamaica Environment Trust has a new CEO

IDB and IDB Lab’s Silver Economy Innovation for Inclusion Challenge invites grant proposals to benefit seniors

Did you know there is something called the Silver Economy? I love this expression. I hear it is booming in the United States, and why shouldn’t it boom in Jamaica and across the Caribbean? I know on this island we have an aging population – and apparently this also applies to the Latin American/Caribbean region … More IDB and IDB Lab’s Silver Economy Innovation for Inclusion Challenge invites grant proposals to benefit seniors

The Caribbean Regional Climate Conference: June 1 – 2, 2021

The Caribbean Regional Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is hosting a free online conference on June 1 and 2 with the University of the West Indies (UWI), supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Climate Investment Funds (CIFs). You can register here. I am not quite sure whether the theme is “Look … More The Caribbean Regional Climate Conference: June 1 – 2, 2021

Kingston Creative partners with IDB Lab to enhance global market access for Creative Entrepreneurs

Andrea Dempster Chung is one of those determined Jamaican women who sticks to their vision, remains focused, and makes it happen. Kingston Creative – that blossoming of the arts in downtown Kingston – is her brainchild and a shining example of the amazing potential of Jamaica’s creative industries. My favorite memory of the pre-COVID days … More Kingston Creative partners with IDB Lab to enhance global market access for Creative Entrepreneurs

IDB Invest and JMMB Bank promote access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in Jamaica

We are constantly seeking solutions, in these uncertain times. Why are small and medium-sized enterprises missing out so badly on financing? The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has partnered with JMMB Bank (Jamaica) Limited to try to address this. IDB Invest, a member of the IDB Group, signed an agreement with JMMB Bank (Jamaica) Limited, which … More IDB Invest and JMMB Bank promote access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in Jamaica

ICYMI in Jamaica, January 19, 2021: The “Gang-Related” Edition

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