Panos Caribbean – Petchary's Blog

Five Haitians receive CANARI sustainable livelihood/biodiversity fellowships

October 16, 2023

I only met Yves Renard twice, in Jamaica. He made such a deep impression on me: a sunny smile, with a serious demeanour. He invited me to join the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute’s (CANARI) Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, and I am delighted to be an active member (if you want to know more about joining, please … More Five Haitians receive CANARI sustainable livelihood/biodiversity fellowships

Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance Statement on COP27: Bold, urgent, accelerated action needed

October 30, 2022

The Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance has released a Statement ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP27), which will take place from November 6 – 18, 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Right now, technocrats are busy getting their documents in order; emission-unfriendly planes and private jets are being boarded; and political leaders are polishing up their … More Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance Statement on COP27: Bold, urgent, accelerated action needed

Only One Earth: World Environment Day 2022 is full of mixed emotions

June 6, 2022

I confess, I have been preoccupied by family matters and rather low key. This World Environment Day I found it hard to focus; the issues are crowding in. In particular, climate change weighs heavily. I looked up the hashtag on Twitter, finding more and more semi-hopeful messages, “we’re doing something” videos, and “let’s do something!” … More Only One Earth: World Environment Day 2022 is full of mixed emotions

Fifteen Clarendon Communities Consulted on Risk Profiles and Climate Change Adaptation Plans

December 29, 2019

I have spent some time in the beautiful central parish of Clarendon in the past year. Studies (and recent events) have shown that the area is particularly vulnerable to flooding, prolonged drought, and other impacts of climate change. Prime Minister Andrew Holness pointed out in Parliament in October that Clarendon was responsible for a large … More Fifteen Clarendon Communities Consulted on Risk Profiles and Climate Change Adaptation Plans

Panos Caribbean Concludes 2019 Voices for Climate Change Education Community-based Campaign

October 27, 2019

I spent some time this year with a vibrant group of singers, songwriters and community members. They are this year’s Voices for Climate Change. I have written about my experiences in several blog posts. Here is one I wrote for Global Voices. The fairly ambitious project in four rural communities was a learning process for all … More Panos Caribbean Concludes 2019 Voices for Climate Change Education Community-based Campaign

(Mother) Earth Day Notes and Quotes

April 22, 2019

It’s Earth Day and Easter Monday, April 22. How can we get the message across that our Mother Earth (we don’t use that expression much anymore) is in deep trouble, and that we humans must bear some responsibility? Here are my thoughts, links to click on, and resources. There is Music: Jamaica’s Voices for Climate … More (Mother) Earth Day Notes and Quotes

Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Expands Its Cleanup Network in 2019

March 31, 2019

During two recent workshops with community activists (and musicians) conducted by Panos Caribbean, the issue of solid waste management – the garbage that clogs our roads, drains, gullies, rivers – and almost every scrap of empty land has been consistently raised. Although the workshops are focusing on climate change, the issue comes up repeatedly (along … More Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Expands Its Cleanup Network in 2019

Compelling Voices for Climate Change

February 4, 2019

While the politicians and others are enjoying the launch of Reggae Month today, we know – we know – that music is in Jamaica’s DNA. It goes without saying really. The recent designation of Reggae Music on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (belatedly) underscores this. However, I would question … More Compelling Voices for Climate Change

Environment and Climate Change Stories: Jamaica, the Caribbean and the World: May 13, 2017

May 14, 2017

Indigenous peoples fighting climate change and the fossil fuel industry; an island up for sale; migratory birds and hurricanes; trafficking in wildlife and more in this week’s bunch of articles. Click on the highlighted links for more information! Jamaica and the Caribbean: Jamaicans learning about climate change in China… 35 professionals from developing countries (including Panos … More Environment and Climate Change Stories: Jamaica, the Caribbean and the World: May 13, 2017

#EarthDay2017: What’s Happening in Jamaica?

April 21, 2017

Saturday, April 22 is Earth Day. The theme is Environmental and Climate Literacy – in other words, the importance of educating ourselves on these complex and wide-ranging topics. Until recently, by the way, I didn’t know the day is also called International Mother Earth Day. The Earth Day Network (Earth Day is primarily a citizen-oriented effort) is … More #EarthDay2017: What’s Happening in Jamaica?