Tag: Kamina Johnson Smith

Jamaica’s Televised Debate on Social Issues: All Words Flowing Under the Bridge

August 28, 2020

Jamaicans love a good debate. They revel in the tit for tat, the riposte, the rebuttal, the banter, the jibes, the quips. So the Twitter brigade settled down for the first political debate, organized by the Jamaica Debates Commission, with the proverbial popcorn in hand. Their reactions were hilarious and witty, although often politically biased. … More Jamaica’s Televised Debate on Social Issues: All Words Flowing Under the Bridge

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

“The Virus Is Still Out There”: COVID-19 in Jamaica – Travel, Tourism, More

June 15, 2020

Some people have asked me if I am going to do another update on COVID-19. We had two back-to-back press briefings and an online event with the Minister of Tourism, which I missed, at the end of this week. But first here are the latest numbers: We have two new cases today – June 14 … More “The Virus Is Still Out There”: COVID-19 in Jamaica – Travel, Tourism, More

An Important Correction to the News Regarding the Escazú Agreement

October 2, 2019

Two days ago I wrote about Jamaica’s signing (and, as we thought, ratification) of the Escazú agreement at the United Nations – such a welcome development. Both the World Resources Institute and Jamaica Environment Trust issued statements welcoming the news. Unfortunately there was a technical error. In fact, the agreement was signed, but not ratified. … More An Important Correction to the News Regarding the Escazú Agreement

The International Seabed Authority, Greenpeace and Deep Sea Mining

July 23, 2019

Five years ago, I attended one of the annual meetings of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). It was their 20th-anniversary session. In case you did not know, this UN body is headquartered in Kingston, and meetings take place once a year at the Jamaica Conference Centre. At the time, I wrote about the crisis facing … More The International Seabed Authority, Greenpeace and Deep Sea Mining

Supporting Jamaicans Affected by Tropical Storm Harvey

August 30, 2017

The slow-motion disaster that is Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Harvey, which began last week shows no signs of easing, as I write. The storm is about to make a “second landfall” in Louisiana. Here is a press release – which I am posting somewhat belatedly – from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade regarding assistance … More Supporting Jamaicans Affected by Tropical Storm Harvey

Friday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, June 2, 2017

June 3, 2017

It’s been hectic, and my review this week looks back over the past ten days. I hope it’s not too late to be useful. Please click on highlighted links for more information on these stories! Building in the wrong places: In the aftermath of the floods, there has been much focus on building. Should there be … More Friday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, June 2, 2017

Europe Day Celebrations: A Shower of Rain, a Splendid Cake and Ambassador Wasilewska’s Speech

May 18, 2017

It was a beautiful evening last Monday, May 8 at Mona Visitors Lodge on the University of the West Indies campus. When I arrived, the reception for the celebration of Europe Day – and the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome – was already in full swing. The Head of Delegation of the European … More Europe Day Celebrations: A Shower of Rain, a Splendid Cake and Ambassador Wasilewska’s Speech

Monday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, May 15, 2017

May 16, 2017

Phew! It’s been quite a week, again. Here’s a taste of what’s been happening! I highlighted the “big” stories in purple… By big I mean those we should keep an eye on, in my view. Click on the links for more details. CHEC land deal:  The Office of the Contractor General is continuing his probe. Former … More Monday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, May 15, 2017