Tag: Jamaica Civil Society Coalition

Advocacy and Policy Monitoring Go Hand in Hand For Civil Society Organizations

December 31, 2016

On the eve of Human Rights Day (December 10) there was a small but meaningful gathering at the coziest small hotel in town, the Alhambra Inn. Earlier this month, 22 representatives of ten civil society organizations graduated from a critical training session that focused on Policy Monitoring and Advocacy. The seven-month training, organized by the … More Advocacy and Policy Monitoring Go Hand in Hand For Civil Society Organizations

Civil Society Organizations Mobilize to Monitor Jamaican Policies

July 26, 2016

Jamaica has several lobby groups advocating on behalf of marginalized communities. It has “watchdogs” that keep an eye on what the Government of the day is doing (or not doing) in relation to specific issues of concern to these communities. But could the watchdogs sharpen their skills some more? Tomorrow will see the opening of … More Civil Society Organizations Mobilize to Monitor Jamaican Policies

End Further Delay in Campaign Finance Regulation: Enact the ECJ’s Recommendations! Joint Statement

September 21, 2015

With elections very much in the air, the Campaign Finance Bill has not yet been passed. The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has done its work. Now it’s time for our political leaders to step up and do theirs. We will need to hold their feet to the fire on this one. Campaign Finance Reform is … More End Further Delay in Campaign Finance Regulation: Enact the ECJ’s Recommendations! Joint Statement

Joint Statement of Civil Society Groups Concerning the Repeated Fires at the Riverton City Dump

March 18, 2015

Yesterday afternoon (March 17), a group of concerned individuals representing a wide range of civil society, non-governmental and private sector organizations gave a press briefing at the office of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica to express their outrage at the latest fire at the Riverton dump. I would like to add my voice to … More Joint Statement of Civil Society Groups Concerning the Repeated Fires at the Riverton City Dump

Let’s Stand For Government Accountability, Tomorrow: Monday, December 1, Emancipation Park Statue

December 1, 2014

Tomorrow (Monday, December 1) we will be back! STAND in greater numbers from 4 to 5:30 pm at the statue, Emancipation Park, New Kingston. A “groundation/reasoning” will take place thereafter, ending at 7:00 pm.  Message from the organizers, Jamaica Civil Society Coalition: We must SHOW UP. We go until 7:00pm on Monday. We’ll have a wonderful … More Let’s Stand For Government Accountability, Tomorrow: Monday, December 1, Emancipation Park Statue

It’s July So It’s Hot: Wednesday, July 2, 2014

July 3, 2014

The drought tightens its grip, and World Cup fever is higher than ever in Kingston town. The weekend was sickly hot – and quiet, as we buried ourselves in football. Meanwhile…tons of news! Here we go… The Police Commissioner resigned/retired: Commissioner Ellington announced his resignation (or retirement after 34 years) with almost immediate effect. Deputy Commissioner … More It’s July So It’s Hot: Wednesday, July 2, 2014

We Can’t Breathe! The Disgrace of the Riverton City Dump Fire

April 29, 2014

Ten days after it started, the fire at Kingston’s Riverton City dump continues to smoke, pouring pollution into the air and causing hardship for thousands of residents in surrounding areas. This is the second major fire at the dump (please folks, it is not a landfill) in the past two months. The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), … More We Can’t Breathe! The Disgrace of the Riverton City Dump Fire

Sunday Notes and Happy Birthday, Malcolm: May 19, 2013

May 20, 2013

Today is Malcolm X’s birthday; he would have been 88 years old. Tragically, his young grandson, Malcolm Shabazz, was murdered on May 9 at a Mexico City nightclub. But here’s a little Caribbean connection: Malcolm X’s mother Louise was born in Grenada – but she had a very sad life, too. Well, with that useful and … More Sunday Notes and Happy Birthday, Malcolm: May 19, 2013