Tag: Jamaican diaspora

The Caribbean Tree Planting Project forges a spiritual connection with Jamaica’s diaspora

July 4, 2022

It was a hot, dry Saturday morning in Kingston, and the polished pews gleamed at the New Testament Church of God on Eastwood Park Road. There was an air of calm. The Saharan dust blurred the sky. The traffic hustled on outside, but it was quiet inside. The people quietly moving around the edges of … More The Caribbean Tree Planting Project forges a spiritual connection with Jamaica’s diaspora

Jamaica Congratulates Biden and Harris

January 21, 2021

Today was a wonderful day. It has been a long time coming. I haven’t watched so much television in a long while – I was mesmerized. I enjoyed sharing the occasion with friends online: noting down beautiful quotes, commenting on the fashions (Lady Gaga’s Schiaparelli splendor and Bernie Sanders’ “grumpy chic”); laughing at memes (many … More Jamaica Congratulates Biden and Harris

Digging Deeper into Kamala Harris’ Jamaican Roots

August 19, 2020

I would like to introduce you to a great website with a special Jamaican diaspora focus, skillfully managed by Ian Randle – whom I used to work with many moons ago (he doesn’t like when I call him “my former boss,” but actually he was. OK – former colleague, then). Ian has a wealth of publishing … More Digging Deeper into Kamala Harris’ Jamaican Roots

Statement to the Senate by Minister of Foreign Affairs with an Update on the Ministry’s Support of Jamaicans Overseas During COVID-19 Pandemic

May 26, 2020

The news has been dominated recently by stories of returning Jamaican cruise ship workers – sometimes complaining, sometimes happy to be home – with another cruise ship arriving today carrying around 174 workers. Then there are the deportees, a monthly delivery of Jamaicans – a separate issue altogether, but all have to go into quarantine … More Statement to the Senate by Minister of Foreign Affairs with an Update on the Ministry’s Support of Jamaicans Overseas During COVID-19 Pandemic

A Digital Town Hall for Jamaicans Living in the U.S.

March 31, 2020

As we know, at any one time there are many thousands of Jamaicans living or staying temporarily in the United States. I believe around one third of Jamaican immigrants to the U.S. (who total close to one million) live in New York, and about one quarter in Florida. But there are also thousands of seasonal … More A Digital Town Hall for Jamaicans Living in the U.S.

The Generosity of Jamaican Diaspora Organizations

January 24, 2020

There is a lot of talk about the “Jamaican Diaspora.” Politicians talk about the diaspora as if it is a large, homogenous bloc of Jamaicans. Quite a few of our relatives are “Jamaican Diaspora,” in New York, London and elsewhere. Our relatives don’t sound very Jamaican any more when they speak, and the younger ones … More The Generosity of Jamaican Diaspora Organizations

Bellevue Hospital Receives Over US$5,000 from Diaspora in USA

October 12, 2019

I spent a few hours at Bellevue Hospital in Kingston this week, for the launch of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Mental Health Campaign. Despite the heat and humidity, it was a cheerful experience. I had harbored an image of Bellevue (despite its pretty name) as a glowering, Victorian-style edifice. Later, I got the … More Bellevue Hospital Receives Over US$5,000 from Diaspora in USA

Environmental Activist and Writer Diana McCaulay to Speak at the Schomburg Center, New York on November 15

September 25, 2017

I am extremely pleased to share this information from the New York-based Caribbean International Network (CIN) television station, which sponsors an annual lecture at the Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture. This year, environmental advocate (and activist) Diana McCaulay will give the lecture on November 15. I cannot think of a better person; she … More Environmental Activist and Writer Diana McCaulay to Speak at the Schomburg Center, New York on November 15

The Diaspora Matters. But Should We Engage in a Different Way?

April 3, 2017

There is much ado about the Jamaican diaspora this week, with the launch of the biennial Diaspora Conference tomorrow (April 4th) at the Office of the Prime Minister, Jamaica House. However, the Canadian Delegation (the Jamaican Diaspora Canada Foundation) has decided not to attend the Conference, because of the short notice and a change of date. … More The Diaspora Matters. But Should We Engage in a Different Way?

Curbing Corruption: Jamaica’s Imperative – Professor Trevor Munroe Speaks at the Schomburg Center

November 20, 2016

Three days ago, the Executive Director of National Integrity Action (NIA), of which I am a proud member, spoke at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library as part of the CIN 12th Caribbean Lecture Series. While his audience may have been largely members of the substantial Jamaican diaspora in that … More Curbing Corruption: Jamaica’s Imperative – Professor Trevor Munroe Speaks at the Schomburg Center