The number of murders in Jamaica passed the 1,000 mark for the year recently (can you imagine). It is always a grim milestone. We measure our “crime problem” by the number of lives lost – men, women and children – every year. They are not numbers. They are grandmothers. They are schoolchildren. They are abused … More Political will and maturity required for a consensus on crime in Jamaica
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
I get the feeling that Jamaicans are anxious to get to the Christmas holidays, so that we can clear our heads and try to get over this horrible year. The past week has been filled with dramas, sadness, and some sweetness and light. The weather continues to be quite deliciously soothing. I am looking forward … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” 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
Jamaicans love a good debate. They revel in the tit for tat, the riposte, the rebuttal, the banter, the jibes, the quips. So the Twitter brigade settled down for the first political debate, organized by the Jamaica Debates Commission, with the proverbial popcorn in hand. Their reactions were hilarious and witty, although often politically biased. … More Jamaica’s Televised Debate on Social Issues: All Words Flowing Under the Bridge
Last week was an anxious week. The pandemic has infiltrated every aspect of our lives now, both at a personal, local and national level. And there’s more than a dash of politics, to give it some spice. Tropical Storm (now Hurricane) Laura gave us a rough time as it passed by. And we are now … More ICYMI in Jamaica, August 25, 2020: COVID-19, Elections, COVID Parties, and Laura
Warm breezes have been blowing in Kingston. Heavy rain showers on the north coast brought more flooding in their wake. Agriculture: and JAMPRO to the rescue? The agriculture sector has been in decline for a while now, with the constant excuse of “the weather” trotted out (anyone heard of “climate-smart” agriculture?) Late last year the Planning Institute of … More A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018
Originally posted on Right Steps & Poui Trees:
In 2013, the Jamaican Parliament was told that $75 million was to be spent retrofitting five police lock-ups with “child friendly” areas for the detention of children. In 2017, a Parliamentary Committee has now been told that the retrofitting of four lock-ups was completed in 2015 and…
The Board of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) did the right thing – after more than a gentle nudge from the Prime Minister, it appears – by resigning yesterday (August 2) in the wake of ongoing major concerns over the issuance of gun licenses to suspected criminals. I wrote about several of these issues in … More Decisive Action Required Beyond Firearm Licensing Authority Board Resignations
Oh, what a week it’s been, again. More drama. You could never call Jamaica a “sleepy backwater”… “Clear, hold and rebuild”: That is the basis of the Holness administration’s new crime strategy, via the new Zones of Special Operations Bill. Opposition Security Spokesman Peter Bunting – who conceptualised the Unite for Change program a few years back – … More What’s Happening in Jamaica: June 24/25, 2017
Nurturing and showcasing the arts in Antigua and Barbuda since 2004
The latest from the Caribbean Community
Travel and Lifestyle Blog
Cries from Jamaica
Natural Hair Care, Lifestlye and Personal Musings
Diogenesquely does it
News and views of the other Russia(n)s
What's happening in, around, and seen from, this Caribbean island home
Just me and the thoughts in my head on life and how to live effortlessly and beautifully.
Musings :: Moments :: Memories
Musings of an African Woman. Evolve, grow and be inspired.
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God...2 Corinthians 2:15
SEE THE BEAUTY. FEEL THE JOY
A writer's journey from WWII in journaling, creative nonfiction, some poetry and fiction
Economist, Blogger
A community for writers & readers
A free, quarterly magazine about birding in Cuba as a way to foster conservation of birds and their habitat.
Petchary's Blog 