Tag: Politics

Pale Blue Dot: Let’s preserve this “mote of dust, suspended in a sunbeam” – and let’s be kind

December 9, 2023

I have mentioned that I am now writing small and rather inconsequential pieces on a platform called Substack. No, it’s not another replica of Twitter (I don’t call it X). Substack is a platform for writers and thinkers, and people who just want to write a little essay (or a longer one) about something, or … More Pale Blue Dot: Let’s preserve this “mote of dust, suspended in a sunbeam” – and let’s be kind

Poverty, prosperity, and the need for more data in the Caribbean

October 19, 2023

Yesterday (October 17) was the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Probably many of us missed it. This year the focus was on Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting dignity in practice for all. I am quoting from the United Nations’ page on this topic, because it might serve as a timely reminder to our … More Poverty, prosperity, and the need for more data in the Caribbean

Poor People Fed Up: UN Human Development Report 2019 Highlights Inequalities, in Jamaica and the Region

December 9, 2019

In 1996, the dancehall DJ Bounty Killa (real name: Rodney Basil Price) had a popular song called Poor People Fed Up.  It was an angry song. The Trench Town-born DJ pointed to poor people “surround by danger” from an unhealthy environment, violence and crime. He pointed the finger at uncaring politicians (“Long time the MP him … More Poor People Fed Up: UN Human Development Report 2019 Highlights Inequalities, in Jamaica and the Region

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s Inaugural Address, January 5, 2012.

September 20, 2013

I am reproducing below our Prime Minister’s speech after winning the 2011 general elections. No comment, but I have highlighted one or two phrases in bold. Please take a read, dear Jamaicans, just to remind yourselves. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller‘s Inaugural Address, January 5, 2012. My fellow Jamaicans, I am thankful to God for … More Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s Inaugural Address, January 5, 2012.

Sunday Simmer

May 21, 2012

There are lots of stories simmering on the stove this week.  They haven’t quite come to the boil.  Here goes… Tax reform is not a particularly sexy subject, but this has been on the back burner (occasionally moved to the front) for quite some time.  There has been much media focus on one aspect of … More Sunday Simmer