Tag: Portland

Blue Mountain Maroon community members graduate as tour guides for sustainable livelihoods in Jamaica

November 2, 2022

If you have not visited the Blue Mountains of Jamaica yet, you should know it’s a magical place in many ways. The mist floating across the broad green mountainsides; the tiny, bright gems of flowers and ferns by the roadside; the glowing sunsets over the foothills; fireflies blinking in the damp grass at night; the … More Blue Mountain Maroon community members graduate as tour guides for sustainable livelihoods in Jamaica

Dust upon dust: Jamaican rural dwellers continue to suffer from highway construction

April 17, 2022

We often use the words “justice” and “environment/climate change” (depending on the situation) together – not opposing each other, but closely linked. In my last blog post, I shared Professor Carolyn Cooper’s thoughts on the closure of a very popular beach near Kingston for the past two years. This is an environmental injustice. The quality … More Dust upon dust: Jamaican rural dwellers continue to suffer from highway construction

A meeting at Winnifred’s Beach to talk about the right kind of development

March 20, 2022

“Sustainable development” is an expression that has virtually no meaning any more; it is so hackneyed and over-used…and misused. But “development” does not have to mean capitalism, consumerism, and environmental degradation and destruction. Development should be for the benefit of the people, and it should be about partnerships. One such partnership is the support now … More A meeting at Winnifred’s Beach to talk about the right kind of development

The theft of sand from Winnifred Beach in Portland, Jamaica must be properly investigated

February 1, 2022

For many Jamaicans (including my family) Winnifred Beach, usually spelled with two “n”s, in East Portland is a haven of peaceful relaxation, a gentle “vibe,” and crystal clear waters. It is also one of the few public beaches left in this part of the parish. Until recently, the access road was incredibly rough and rocky, … More The theft of sand from Winnifred Beach in Portland, Jamaica must be properly investigated

Despite COVID-19, International Coastal Cleanup 2021 in Jamaica was a great success

November 19, 2021

Yes, there is always good environmental news to be had. This press release from the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) is very encouraging. JET had some challenges, and it is commendable that they were able to achieve so much with the Congratulations to all! We press on… National Coordinator of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) activities, the … More Despite COVID-19, International Coastal Cleanup 2021 in Jamaica was a great success

House to house vaccination starts in Jamaica

October 25, 2021

Our health workers have been putting in the hours. Who can deny this – they have been dedicated, hard-working and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. The United Nations in Jamaica decided to recognize them by encouraging government and private sector buildings to “light up blue” in recognition of the efforts of our … More House to house vaccination starts in Jamaica

A petition to try to repair the damage caused by road works in beautiful San San, Portland

October 20, 2021

For me, the worst thing is the total lack of consultation with the community. Not even an attempt to do so. For that reason alone, I ask you to kindly sign the petition created by resident Marc Goodman regarding the destruction of the once lovely hillside above the Blue Lagoon (Blue Hole) beauty spot. It … More A petition to try to repair the damage caused by road works in beautiful San San, Portland

JET says major roadworks in Portland, Jamaica being undertaken with no public consultation and no environmental impact assessment

October 11, 2021

It is not only the famous beauty spot that is San San and the surroundings of Blue Lagoon, in Eastern Portland, that have been affected by the South Coast Highway Improvement Project. The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has been doing some research and found that there was no community consultation on large stretches of the … More JET says major roadworks in Portland, Jamaica being undertaken with no public consultation and no environmental impact assessment