I wrote recently for Global Voices about the imposition of States of Public Emergency (SOPEs) in no less than seven police divisions across the island on November 14, in light of a tremendous spike in our murder rate. Well, the SOPEs will end this weekend, after just two weeks. After hours of debate, the Upper … More States of Public Emergency in Jamaica: For or against, what to do now?
The Jamaican Government has found itself in an embarrassing situation this week – over traffic tickets. A Supreme Court injunction on Wednesday may severely impact government finances, unless Parliament does something quickly; so last night it convened a special sitting, which is continuing today (although, true to form for our House of Representatives, it started … More Passing of Road Traffic Act Regulations must be prioritized, says Private Sector Organization of Jamaica
The alleged cutting of a Rastafarian woman’s dreadlocks by the police on July 22, 2021 caused a huge wave of outrage on Jamaican social media. I wrote about the case here for Global Voices. Well, once the storm of outrage had died down – and other news items and new “things to be shocked about” … More Why is it taking so long to investigate the cutting of a Rastafarian’s dreadlocks by the police?
With tropical storms pottering around in the Atlantic (two are called Peter and Rose, the names of our nephew and niece, respectively), it has been warm and muggy in Kingston. Clouds appear and do not bring rain. It has been a week of surprising developments – not least that of the toast to “No Movement … More September 21, 2021 in Jamaica: The car that broke down, the toast that burnt, and the polls that flopped
These are tense times. While most of Jamaica has been glued to the Olympics track events – obviously, our forte – the number of COVID-19 cases has been accumulating rapidly. New cases are now in three digits daily, and so are hospital admissions. It is alarming, but what’s happening in Tokyo has provided a welcome … More Jamaica Update, August 3, 2021: Andrew pleas for peace, Elaine flies down the track, and everyone must get vaxxed
What a week of upheaval and apprehension as Tropical Storm Elsa approached, seemingly setting her sights on us. In the end, she squeezed between our island and Hispaniola, dragging a huge bag of rain along with her. And as you know, Jamaica has just “reopened” and the Delta variant is on the horizon (or quite … More Jamaica Update, July 5, 2021: Elsa swamps us, Mindi stands firm, and Tashekia meets an untimely death
It has been raining, thankfully. It has been damp and humid and thundery, and the garden is flourishing. Plus, the Euro football competition has been more than usually compelling. Apart from that, it’s been pretty much business as usual on this island – although I do sense a certain amount of tension and anxiety as … More Jamaica Update, June 28, 2021: Anxious doctors, relaxed protocols, and the Saudis visit
Phew! What a week. We have been under a stifling blanket of Saharan dust for the past couple of days, and endured our hottest day ever in Kingston (June 12). The best thing to do is hide indoors in the daytime and come out to exercise etc. after dark. It has been an exhausting week. … More Jamaica Update, June 18, 2021: The city’s hottest day, Trench Town blues, and an Uber surprise
The Ministry of Health and Wellness did incredibly well with a so-called “blitz” of vaccinations back in April, when they managed to get 75,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines into Jamaican arms within a few days, just before their expiry date. Now, the Ministry is at it again – for “second dose” people. My husband and … More Another Jamaican COVID-19 “blitz” to get second doses done
As an “older person,” I always believe we should listen to our young people. Whatever they are talking about, whether it’s the environment, LBGT rights, governance issues, and more, it is important to listen to their voices. Not in a patronizing way… Really listen! We can learn so much from each other, across generations. Moreover, … More Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network – speaking out on children’s rights
Just me and the thoughts in my head
Musings :: Moments :: Memories
Musings of an African Woman. Evolve, grow and be inspired.
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God...2 Corinthians 2:15
SEE THE BEAUTY. FEEL THE JOY.
A writer's journey from WWII in journaling, creative nonfiction, some poetry and fiction
Thoroughly random musings on whatever strikes my fancy...
Book Reviews, Creative Writing, and more
The blogging challenge keep you motivated and start the new year on the "write" track!
Cries from Jamaica
Understanding ourselves and the world we live in.
Believing is Achieving
A free, quarterly magazine about birding in Cuba as a way to foster conservation of birds and their habitat.
"I have enough time to rest, but I don't have a minute to waste". Come and catch me with your wise words and we will have some fun with our words of wisdom.
Rainforest Art Project - Pas de Cartier !
Saffron Poetess
Petchary's Blog 