Jamaica’s Rio Cobre continues to suffer, and so do those depending on it

The saga of the Rio Cobre, one of our island’s major rivers, is a long and sad one. Neither this beautiful river, nor those who depend on it for their food, their livelihoods and their families, deserve the poor treatment they have received over the years. The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) and other groups have … More Jamaica’s Rio Cobre continues to suffer, and so do those depending on it

Jamaica’s rivers and gullies are suffering from abuse

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’s last remaining mangrove forests: a cycle of destruction and replanting

You may have noticed from previous blog posts that I am a little obsessed with mangroves – and confused, perhaps, by the Jamaican Government’s attitude towards them. It seems to be a love/hate relationship. Most of the love seems to be professions of love rather than actual caring and concern. We celebrate World Wetlands Day … More Jamaica’s last remaining mangrove forests: a cycle of destruction and replanting

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

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: September 29, 2020 – The Law and Order Edition

Well, the past week has been – I would say, chaotic. We point fingers at the Americans and the British madly partying during the pandemic, but we have had some shameful incidents ourselves. What has gone wrong? COVID-19 protocols are being flouted uptown, downtown and in rural areas. Gang violence seems to be on the … More ICYMI in Jamaica: September 29, 2020 – The Law and Order Edition

World Environment Day: Cockpit Country, Air Pollution… and Solutions?

Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 5) is the United Nations’ World Environment Day. This year’s venue is China, where the theme will be Air Pollution (see below) and if you click on that link above you can learn more from the UN. Some people say there are too many of these “special days” but I don’t have a … More World Environment Day: Cockpit Country, Air Pollution… and Solutions?

The River in a Khaki Suit: Farmers Learning in the Yallahs and Hope River Watersheds

I was sitting at a table with a group of women farmers from the deep hills of St. Thomas on May 17. They were wearing daffodil yellow and purple T-shirts, and their smiles were just as bright. These were some of the 166 graduates of the Farmer Field School climate-smart agriculture training implemented by the … More The River in a Khaki Suit: Farmers Learning in the Yallahs and Hope River Watersheds

Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park Celebrates 25th Anniversary on International Mountain Day

December 11 was International Mountain Day. I would like to write more about the importance of mountains (every day I look up at them from our city), and this year’s theme is quite interesting. Meanwhile, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park – Jamaica’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – will celebrate its 25th Anniversary … More Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park Celebrates 25th Anniversary on International Mountain Day

Wednesday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, May 23, 2017

A little late this week… I don’t know where to start. The floods have overwhelmed us, but we are still standing. At least, some of us are. I highlighted some stories in red, this time! Water, water everywhere: After a pretty rainy April in some parts, the weather gods (and climate change) decided to give us … More Wednesday Review: What’s Happening in Jamaica, May 23, 2017

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