Tag: murders

Treading Water: Jamaica’s Ranking on the 2020 Corruption Perception Index

January 28, 2021

National Integrity Action (NIA) held a virtual press briefing this morning, to announce Jamaica’s latest rating on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The island is ranked at 69th out of 179, alongside Tunisia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Hungary, and Romania. Six CARICOM countries are ranked higher than us: that is, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Vincent and the … More Treading Water: Jamaica’s Ranking on the 2020 Corruption Perception Index

ICYMI in Jamaica, January 19, 2021: The “Gang-Related” Edition

January 20, 2021

It’s been one of those weeks that makes you weary. But, we toil on. The New Year (which we welcomed in rather muted fashion) already seems old. However, we were described by one overseas media house as a “gutsy” island. Sometimes one just feels tired. Perhaps it’s the humid, not-quite-ready-to-rain weather in Kingston. Nevertheless, let … More ICYMI in Jamaica, January 19, 2021: The “Gang-Related” Edition

Martin Luther King Day in Jamaica: The Dark Cloud of Violence

January 19, 2021

Today was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. Jamaica: On New Year’s Eve (I was just reminded just this evening) I heard an eruption of fireworks, from people’s yards. There was a curfew, so there was no public display downtown. What I also heard was the insistent pumping, the flat thump of … More Martin Luther King Day in Jamaica: The Dark Cloud of Violence

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition

December 22, 2020

I get the feeling that Jamaicans are anxious to get to the Christmas holidays, so that we can clear our heads and try to get over this horrible year. The past week has been filled with dramas, sadness, and some sweetness and light. The weather continues to be quite deliciously soothing. I am looking forward … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 15, 2020: The Vaccine Edition

December 16, 2020

The big news has been not only the COVID-19 vaccine, but the fact that the very first person to receive it was a Jamaican American. A cold front arrived, bringing strong winds and lower temperatures for a day; our moringa tree took a beating, and has not recovered yet. And behind everything else the crime … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 15, 2020: The Vaccine Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

November 5, 2020

We could also call this the “U.S. Election Edition,” since many Jamaicans have been nervously following that particular emotional rollercoaster. Why are Jamaicans so engaged? Well, as people say, “When the U.S. sneezes, we catch cold.” We are geographically so close and many of us have family there. South Florida is nicknamed “Kingston 21” – … More ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, September 22, 2020: A Small Asteroid, Yeng Yengs, The Return of Kanye, and Any Further Questions?

September 23, 2020

The violent thunderstorms of the previous week diminished, but we are in troubled times, bad weather or no. COVID-19 seems to be overwhelming us all. It’s the main topic of every newscast and almost every discussion on Twitter, WhatsApp, everywhere. Meanwhile, a small asteroid will be passing quite close to Earth soon – read more … More ICYMI in Jamaica, September 22, 2020: A Small Asteroid, Yeng Yengs, The Return of Kanye, and Any Further Questions?

ICYMI in Jamaica, August 16, 2020: Andrew Says Let’s Go, el-Faisal Says Goodbye, and JAMP Says Sorry

August 16, 2020

This week was a momentous one for those who get excited about elections. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced the date in Parliament (not in front of a large crowd of frenzied supporters, as is normally the case): Thursday, September 3. Nomination Day will be next week – Tuesday, August 18. Thankfully, it will not … More ICYMI in Jamaica, August 16, 2020: Andrew Says Let’s Go, el-Faisal Says Goodbye, and JAMP Says Sorry

Spotlight Initiative Launched to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls

March 10, 2020

I mentioned the Spotlight Initiative, a partnership between the Jamaican Government, the European Union and the United Nations, in my last blog post. The initiative was officially launched today at the Office of the Prime Minister. You can watch the recording of the ceremony on Facebook here. Unfortunately I missed the ceremonies, but I understand that … More Spotlight Initiative Launched to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls

Jamaicans for Justice Welcomes Police Reforms and Awaits Further Details of Plans

May 17, 2019

A disturbing – almost surreal – incident took place recently that left us all shocked and deeply confused. Two civilians – including a man at a dance, whose murder apparently sparked the chain of events, and a driver who was in the wrong place at the wrong time – as well as one police officer, … More Jamaicans for Justice Welcomes Police Reforms and Awaits Further Details of Plans