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

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

House to house vaccination starts in Jamaica

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

Participants in Jamaica Environment Trust’s Schools’ Environment Programme show resilience, overcome challenges

It was my pleasure recently to be invited to join the panel of judges for two environmental competitions for young people. The first was for the Schools’ Environment Programme, which Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has hosted for over twenty years now (since 1997). JET itself is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year. Congratulations to Lauren … More Participants in Jamaica Environment Trust’s Schools’ Environment Programme show resilience, overcome challenges

Dear Jamaicans, are you recycling? Here’s the information you need…

Now, then. It’s still Lent, and that’s a time when I have noticed many Jamaicans make “resolutions” of some sort. It usually has something to do with “giving up” something. Well, perhaps then “giving up throwing plastic bottles out of my car window/into a drain/on the beach/into a gully in the hills somewhere/on the street … More Dear Jamaicans, are you recycling? Here’s the information you need…

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 14, 2020: The Breakaway Edition

Well, the past week has been, to say the least, pretty intense. The ever-evolving Eta, as expected, turned around after wreaking havoc in Central America, and passed along to the west of us this time. Our already battered and bruised island had suffered enough. So now, roads have split in two, there is a major … More ICYMI in Jamaica, November 14, 2020: The Breakaway Edition

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

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

ICYMI in Jamaica, August 25, 2020: COVID-19, Elections, COVID Parties, and Laura

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

COVID-19 Update for Jamaica: Two More Communities Under Quarantine, Office Closures, and More

Early this morning, the Ministry of Health and Wellness informed us that two more communities in the eastern parish of St. Thomas have been placed under quarantine: one is the rather pleasant rural area of Albion, on the way to Yallahs. There is a gated community there, called Albion Estate. The other community is Seaforth, … More COVID-19 Update for Jamaica: Two More Communities Under Quarantine, Office Closures, and More