National Solid Waste Management Agency

On Trees That Feed…and What Feeds Them

November 11, 2019

The Prime Minister made an announcement about a major tree-planting programme on September 27, 2019 at the United Nations General Assembly. We are waiting to hear details, although I hear that the programme is still in its planning stages. Still planning? Was the announcement a little premature? In recent years, the Government’s tree-planting programmes have … More On Trees That Feed…and What Feeds Them

Taming Godzilla, A Telecoms Drama and A Visit from Garvey’s Son: Jamaica, January 3, 2017

January 4, 2017

This is my first news update of the year, and the weather is bright and breezy. After a rather long, lazy Christmas and New Year break (for most) it is time for our island to confront some pressing matters. Right at the top of the list is, inevitably it seems, crime – which did not … More Taming Godzilla, A Telecoms Drama and A Visit from Garvey’s Son: Jamaica, January 3, 2017

Plastic Rice, Peter Gives Way to Peter, and Runaway Rains Bring Chaos: December 16, 2016

December 16, 2016

Life seems one great big rush, with Christmas just over a week away. There seem to be a few more Christmas parties than usual going on. Are people spending more money? It’s hard to say. The streets are clogged with traffic and stores in Kingston are getting full, but whether there is much business going … More Plastic Rice, Peter Gives Way to Peter, and Runaway Rains Bring Chaos: December 16, 2016

Politics, Crime, Politics, Crime, Politics, Politics, Politics: December 7, 2016 in Jamaica

December 8, 2016

Where did the time go? You may be wondering if you would ever see one of my weekly reviews again. The fact is, I have been horrendously busy, running around, writing and reporting – here, there and everywhere, as the Beatles song goes. What a sweet song that was (click on the link!) Also, I’ve … More Politics, Crime, Politics, Crime, Politics, Politics, Politics: December 7, 2016 in Jamaica

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

“KMT” Moments, Crocodile Feasts, and RIP Countryman: Sunday, September 18, 2016

September 19, 2016

I am not good at the “kmt” thing. In Jamaican social media slang this means “kiss my teeth” – a sound of irritation made when the tongue meets the front teeth. There were several occasions this week when I did a mental “kmt.” However, the cooler weather – bright sunny mornings and rainy afternoons – … More “KMT” Moments, Crocodile Feasts, and RIP Countryman: Sunday, September 18, 2016

#SaynotocoalJA and Other Stories: Environment and Climate Change News, Sunday July 31, 2016

August 1, 2016

Here’s my weekly news roundup, at home and abroad. I hope you find something of interest here… Please click on the links, some of which are embedded, for more information! Jamaica and the Caribbean (starting with the bad news, but it gets better): #SaynotocoalJA is the hashtag for the online campaign to protest the possible construction … More #SaynotocoalJA and Other Stories: Environment and Climate Change News, Sunday July 31, 2016

Environment/Climate Change News, July 24, 2016: Grenada’s Blue Economy, Record Temperatures, Mangrove Restoration

July 25, 2016

Here’s my regular “Top Ten” of local and global news on the environment. Something for everyone! Please do share any of these stories you find of interest. I have embedded the links, so you can just click on the highlighted word or words. I am afraid the global news is not very cheerful! Jamaica/Caribbean Students restore … More Environment/Climate Change News, July 24, 2016: Grenada’s Blue Economy, Record Temperatures, Mangrove Restoration

A Legal Tantrum, The PNP Prolongs The Agony, and Foreign Languages Are Actually Very Useful: Saturday, June 11, 2016

June 12, 2016

Goodness! A whole week has flown by, and a roundup of our news is well overdue. It’s been a slightly hectic week and I am attempting to “refocus.” Our yard is also full of mangoes (the Bombays are coming into their own), bees…and heat. Phew. I’m searching for a nice cooling thunderstorm. Or a place … More A Legal Tantrum, The PNP Prolongs The Agony, and Foreign Languages Are Actually Very Useful: Saturday, June 11, 2016

Jamaica, Saturday April 9, 2016: Anti-Nepotism, Our CARICOM Grievances and Deaf Can! Coffee is Delicious!

April 10, 2016

We had rain and yes – plenty of it, in Kingston. Nights are deliciously cool. Our adolescent dog, perhaps invigorated, is busy destroying everything (she does not want to grow up, it appears). She has a particular love of plastic – we should employ her at one of our growing number of recycling centers. The … More Jamaica, Saturday April 9, 2016: Anti-Nepotism, Our CARICOM Grievances and Deaf Can! Coffee is Delicious!