Tag: Olivia Grange

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?

JFJ Delivers Open Letter with 2,730 Signatures to Parliament Demanding Legal Reform on Sexual Harassment Bill

July 3, 2020

A wave of anger surged on social media recently, after Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck made a casual (and at the same time pointed) remark regarding the #MeToo movement at a parliamentary committee meeting examining proposed Sexual Harassment legislation. Minister Chuck’s observations, captured on a television news report, were: “We don’t want the situation that now happens … More JFJ Delivers Open Letter with 2,730 Signatures to Parliament Demanding Legal Reform on Sexual Harassment Bill

Minister Vaz’s Bid for Land in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park: Can We Please Protect our Protected Areas?

June 18, 2020

Yesterday (June 16), a report by the excellent environmental reporter and Associate Editor of the Jamaica Observer Kimone Thompson appeared in the newspaper with the headline “Government wants to lease Holywell land.” The article did not mention the name of the government minister, who reportedly wished to lease a piece of land in the Blue and John … More Minister Vaz’s Bid for Land in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park: Can We Please Protect our Protected Areas?

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

It Happen Fi Real: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Private Sector Workplace

January 12, 2020

It Happen Fi Real! Yes, it really did happen. Don’t you believe me? How can a woman working in the private sector make progress in her work and career if she fears sexual harassment – and worse still, if she realizes no one really cares or believes her claims? Moreover, how can a company expect … More It Happen Fi Real: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Private Sector Workplace

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

“Demystifying” Great Britain – and Singing Its Songs

February 14, 2018

It was Monday morning at the British High Commission, and on the lawn some guests were getting a little restive under a tent. Calming music played, however, as High Commissioner Asif Ahmad and his staff waited politely in ones and twos for the Minister to arrive. A large banner in red, white and blue – … More “Demystifying” Great Britain – and Singing Its Songs

All Quiet on the Western Front, The Sad Garvey Bust and another Mystery MoU: Jamaica, October 23, 2017

October 24, 2017

It’s a quiet, ordinary Monday in Jamaica – but is anything ever quiet and ordinary on this curious island? Well, here goes with the past week’s ups and downs. Agriculture: The first two ganja licenses were issued on October 18. The Ganja Growers and Producers Association is demanding transparency on the matter of a company hired by … More All Quiet on the Western Front, The Sad Garvey Bust and another Mystery MoU: Jamaica, October 23, 2017

A Doctor’s Dilemma, “Worsening” Corruption and Too Many Bus Drivers: Jamaica, Monday October 16, 2017

October 17, 2017

Today is National Heroes Day and #BigUpJamaica Day (a nice initiative of Fi Wi Jamaica). This review is in a somewhat different (and hopefully more concise) format, so I hope it’s easier to get through. I’ve divided it up into topics (some may overlap, I realise). Click on the highlighted sections for more information… And … More A Doctor’s Dilemma, “Worsening” Corruption and Too Many Bus Drivers: Jamaica, Monday October 16, 2017