Tag: Minister of Finance

Foreign Affairs Ministry urges Jamaican citizens to leave Russia

March 10, 2022

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is strongly recommending that Jamaicans located in Russia leave that country, as the situation is becoming increasingly difficult as a consequence of various sanctions imposed in response to its military actions in Ukraine. Please do share this information with anyone you know who might be affected – … More Foreign Affairs Ministry urges Jamaican citizens to leave Russia

Jamaica’s rivers and gullies are suffering from abuse

September 27, 2021

Today is World Rivers Day. It is observed on the fourth Sunday in September every year, I have learned. It was founded by a Canadian, Mark Angelo, a long-time river advocate who spoke at the United Nations in 2005 as part of its Water for Life campaign. Jamaican rivers are very different, of course, from … More Jamaica’s rivers and gullies are suffering from abuse

Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

July 28, 2021

The problem-plagued Olympic Games in Tokyo finally got under way, and has proved a helpful distraction for Jamaicans fretting about COVID-19 and everything else. And we had some soothing rain – although it has been a contentious week, with insults flying here, there, and everywhere. Oh, and on a personal note…our roof is still leaking. … More Jamaica Update, July 27, 2021: Insults hurled, apologies not proffered, and COVID-19 fraying nerves

Fairness and equity in access to the COVID-19 vaccine in Jamaica

March 13, 2021

We are learning a great deal about the COVID-19 vaccine. As I detailed in a Global Voices post this week, there was quite a bit of excitement when Jamaica’s very first batch of vaccine arrived on Monday (March 8). Prime Minister Andrew Holness stressed at a press briefing that evening that vaccinations would take place … More Fairness and equity in access to the COVID-19 vaccine in Jamaica

It’s Heritage Week in Jamaica, But Some of our Heritage is Looking the Worse for Wear

October 19, 2020

We went for a stroll around the neighborhood this morning – but not a leisurely stroll as thunder was rumbling all around. The streets were very quiet, as today is National Heroes’ Day, a public holiday. This week is Heritage Week, when we reflect on the legacy of our National Heroes, and on our history … More It’s Heritage Week in Jamaica, But Some of our Heritage is Looking the Worse for Wear

“If a Dirt, a Dirt”: COVID-19 and a Reopening of the Jamaican Economy

May 13, 2020

“If a dirt, a dirt.” There is a fatalistic streak in the Jamaican psyche. The point is sometimes reached where people shrug their shoulders and say, “Suh it guh” (that is how things go). In this COVID-19 era, this tendency has kicked in. “Dirt” refers to death. As this current saying suggests (there are many … More “If a Dirt, a Dirt”: COVID-19 and a Reopening of the Jamaican Economy

Mercury in Retrograde, Mistakes of the Past, Modern-Day Slaves: Jamaica on Saturday, July 28, 2018

July 28, 2018

I learned this week that Mercury is in retrograde from July 26 to August 18. It’s a time when there will be a lot of disagreements and misunderstandings. We are cautioned also to keep a low profile and not make any big decisions, because they may backfire. Actually, this could explain a lot about happenings … More Mercury in Retrograde, Mistakes of the Past, Modern-Day Slaves: Jamaica on Saturday, July 28, 2018

A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

March 14, 2018

Warm breezes have been blowing in Kingston. Heavy rain showers on the north coast brought more flooding in their wake. Agriculture: and JAMPRO to the rescue? The agriculture sector has been in decline for a while now, with the constant excuse of “the weather” trotted out (anyone heard of “climate-smart” agriculture?) Late last year the Planning Institute of … More A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

Predatory Males, Lawless Supporters and Militant Teachers: Jamaica on March 4, 2018

March 5, 2018

The weather is warming, and could it really be the month of March? Agriculture: There seems to be a lot of uncertainty in the coffee industry. There are rumours that the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory in the Blue Mountains, now owned by Michael Lee-Chin (who knew?) may close, but these have been denied. Caribbean: We think we … More Predatory Males, Lawless Supporters and Militant Teachers: Jamaica on March 4, 2018

A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

February 22, 2018

The past week has been…well, one of some uncertainty, rather like the weather (odd little showers, appearing and disappearing). Mixed signals, perhaps. There is a lot to think about, and to discuss. Caribbean: The Caribbean Export Development Agency and Caribbean Development Bank have joined forces to help provide easier access to finance for women-owned businesses – … More A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018