PSOJ is concerned, but: What is the real reason for Jamaica’s postponement of local government elections?

Yes, the economy is important, and the Holness administration is patting itself on the back, understandably, at the latest report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – which points out that Jamaica has struck “the right balance” in responding to challenges and what they call external shocks. Attention must be paid to climate change vulnerabilities … More PSOJ is concerned, but: What is the real reason for Jamaica’s postponement of local government elections?

Treading Water: Jamaica’s Ranking on the 2020 Corruption Perception Index

National Integrity Action (NIA) held a virtual press briefing this morning, to announce Jamaica’s latest rating on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The island is ranked at 69th out of 179, alongside Tunisia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Hungary, and Romania. Six CARICOM countries are ranked higher than us: that is, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Vincent and the … More Treading Water: Jamaica’s Ranking on the 2020 Corruption Perception Index

Corruption Perceptions Index 2018: Jamaica Standing Still Locally, Slipping Backwards Globally

There was another “heavy” topic that preoccupied us last year, which I barely addressed – again because of the holidays and my New Year of the Broken Wrist. This one is probably the most important of all. Yes, it’s corruption. It’s the elephant in the room that never moves away (although sometimes we think it … More Corruption Perceptions Index 2018: Jamaica Standing Still Locally, Slipping Backwards Globally

A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The past week has been…well, one of some uncertainty, rather like the weather (odd little showers, appearing and disappearing). Mixed signals, perhaps. There is a lot to think about, and to discuss. Caribbean: The Caribbean Export Development Agency and Caribbean Development Bank have joined forces to help provide easier access to finance for women-owned businesses – … More A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Why Corruption Is a Women’s Issue: An Article by Joan Grant Cummings

A single anti-corruption body. What a marvellous concept; an idea whose time has come. It’s actually long overdue. While many government ministers have been busy with the Jamaica 55 Diaspora Conference – downtown Kingston was abuzz with activity this week – the long-awaited Integrity Commission Bill landed back with a thump in the Lower House of … More Why Corruption Is a Women’s Issue: An Article by Joan Grant Cummings

Jamaica (Predictably) Slips in 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index

After a good rise in the rankings last year, it is disappointing to see that Jamaica has slipped in Transparency International’s 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index. National Integrity Action (NIA) gives us a few reasons why – issues that we have certainly reported on in this blog. I will continue to be vigilant and I hope … More Jamaica (Predictably) Slips in 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index

Curbing Corruption: Jamaica’s Imperative – Professor Trevor Munroe Speaks at the Schomburg Center

Three days ago, the Executive Director of National Integrity Action (NIA), of which I am a proud member, spoke at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library as part of the CIN 12th Caribbean Lecture Series. While his audience may have been largely members of the substantial Jamaican diaspora in that … More Curbing Corruption: Jamaica’s Imperative – Professor Trevor Munroe Speaks at the Schomburg Center

Death of a Tivoli Teen, The Flat Bridge Syndrome and Alarm Bells on HIV/AIDS: Jamaica, July 17, 2016

This week has again been a “What’s wrong with the world/Jamaica/everywhere?” sort of week. At home, we had the horror of the murder of a little girl, reportedly left home alone; several police killings; and the usual mayhem on the roads – including the deaths of six people who ended up in the waters of … More Death of a Tivoli Teen, The Flat Bridge Syndrome and Alarm Bells on HIV/AIDS: Jamaica, July 17, 2016