Unsustainable living in St. Andrew, Jamaica

The search for a more manageable place to live has so far been depressing from the consumer point of view. What is worse however is the realisation that the lifestyle many Jamaicans aspire to is simply unsustainable, as the “development” of St. Andrew continues unabated. So much has been sacrificed already. One day perhaps we will reclaim our communities… … More Unsustainable living in St. Andrew, Jamaica

Island Innovation Awards are about climate action, leadership, and sustainability. Apply now!

Do you know a person or organization on your island (or another island) who is making a difference in the field of sustainable development and climate action? Or do you consider yourself a leader in this area? Do you know a fantastic sustainable energy project, or company that is doing great things? Then why not … More Island Innovation Awards are about climate action, leadership, and sustainability. Apply now!

Custodianship and Country: Some Australian Aboriginal Beliefs About the Environment

Recently I shared with you a “Love Letter to Mother Earth” from the Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. I have been thinking about spiritual matters in general recently, and in particular those relating to the Earth and environment. It seems to me that – apart from the perspectives of the technocrats, the … More Custodianship and Country: Some Australian Aboriginal Beliefs About the Environment

Caribbean Environment Week: Stepping Up to a Sustainable Future

Just take a look at the photos and videos from the past three or four weeks, as Tropical Storms Zeta and Eta hovered on our doorstep: eroded hillsides sliding onto roads and blocking them; large (and deep) flooded areas, potentially creating major health problems; we even had a “mini tornado” in Portland. We can no … More Caribbean Environment Week: Stepping Up to a Sustainable Future

Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge

Our tourism sector has not yet emerged from the doldrums. In Jamaica, while battling COVID-19 with what appear to be depleting resources, we “opened up” to tourism on June 15. Now, close to one month later, we seem to be just feeling our way. Nevertheless, our ever-upbeat Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett told us a few … More Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge

Vere Technical High School Wins Katalyxt Youth Innovators’ Competition

In a recent article on the Gleaner blogs page, I wrote about the need to listen to, and include our young people. We also need to encourage them and nurture their ideas – not in a patronizing way, but to really give them space. I always think that Winsome Minott and her small, but dedicated Katalyxt … More Vere Technical High School Wins Katalyxt Youth Innovators’ Competition

Environmental Buzzwords: Let’s Not Get Hung Up on Them, Says Erica Hamilton

Politicians and others always talk about “the environment” as if it is separate from ourselves, without realizing that everything is connected (and so are we). So, whatever we do to the environment will affect us, sooner rather than later. and vice versa. And by the way, drought, floods, storms, air pollution, sea pollution and so … More Environmental Buzzwords: Let’s Not Get Hung Up on Them, Says Erica Hamilton

Steer Town Academy, Winners of 2018 Katalyxt Youth Innovators’ Competition

It’s always a pleasure and a joy to hear about the Youth Innovators’ Competition, which is hotly contested among our high schools. It is not just about entrepreneurship but about creativity and ideas. The entries are always fascinating, a product of teamwork among students, guided by teachers and advisors. It’s an initiative of Winsome Minott, … More Steer Town Academy, Winners of 2018 Katalyxt Youth Innovators’ Competition

The IDB Seeks Applications from Regional NGOs for the Juscelino Kubitschek Visionaries Award

I wanted to share this opportunity for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Latin America/Caribbean region from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). For further information and a link for applications (an online form and a two-minute video is required), please take a look at the website . Applicants should have five years or more of experience … More The IDB Seeks Applications from Regional NGOs for the Juscelino Kubitschek Visionaries Award