Tag: Olivia Grange

Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith launches candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General

April 24, 2022

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, formally launched Jamaica’s candidature for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the Jamaica High Commission in London on 21 April, 2022. She has been doing some serious lobbying and met with some other High Commissioners in London, including those from Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Kenya, … More Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith launches candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General

Heart Foundation of Jamaica lights up Usain Bolt’s statue for World Heart Day

September 29, 2021

There was a big splash of bright red, lighting up our champion sprinter Usain Bolt (his statue, that is) recently. Why? As part of this year’s World Heart Day celebration, The Heart Foundation of Jamaica – which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year – illuminated the Usain Bolt statue, located at the National Stadium … More Heart Foundation of Jamaica lights up Usain Bolt’s statue for World Heart Day

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

Jamaica Update, July 19, 2021: An abandoned bicycle, a lifeboat, and a bulk resignation letter

July 21, 2021

It has been two weeks since I wrote my last update. However, I will try to ensure there is no “stale” news here. I have been what millennials would call “super busy” – with a bumper crop of mangoes, and the Caribbean Tree Planting Week (read more here!) We are also living in some kind … More Jamaica Update, July 19, 2021: An abandoned bicycle, a lifeboat, and a bulk resignation letter

We must “do more” to combat violence against women, Jamaica’s Gender Advisory Committee urges

April 21, 2021

I am not done with the domestic violence issue yet – which reared its ugly head with the emergence of a viral video, allegedly showing a parliamentarian hitting a woman with a stool, earlier this month. Mr. Wright has now taken leave from Parliament and his lawyer says that comments in the public domain may … More We must “do more” to combat violence against women, Jamaica’s Gender Advisory Committee urges

Jamaican leaders, citizens must “act firmly” on violence against women – enough talk

April 19, 2021

Case closed. The Jamaica Constabulary Force put out a statement on Friday (April 16th) that it cannot continue investigations into a violent episode that took place in a parking lot ten days earlier, because the two people involved (a man and a woman) are not willing to press complaints. Also, the JCF said, the quality … More Jamaican leaders, citizens must “act firmly” on violence against women – enough talk

Rastafari Coral Gardens Elders Home established in St. James, Jamaica

April 4, 2021

The terrible events of “Bad Friday” in 1963 in Coral Gardens, Montego Bay, have not been forgotten. Back in April 2017, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness made a formal apology in Parliament, on the anniversary of the persecution, torture and killing of Rastafarians in Coral Gardens. At the opening, Member of Parliament Dr. Horace Chang … More Rastafari Coral Gardens Elders Home established in St. James, Jamaica

Justice Delayed, Denied for Domestic Violence Victims

November 18, 2020

I have not mentioned the recent case of a woman who, after suffering violence at the hands of her spouse, went to a police station and was turned away because she was violating the COVID-19 curfew. She was refused help. Domestic violence is insidious. It eats into your very soul. It is not only the … More Justice Delayed, Denied for Domestic Violence Victims

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