Tag: UK

Jamaica is a birding hotspot, but there’s more to it than that

April 10, 2022

You know, I am a “bird nerd.” I am missing most of the organized birdwatching trips – but thank God for our yard, which is overgrown and somewhat wooded and brings us pleasant bird sightings on a daily basis. Today was a stately White-crowned Pigeon at our bird bath; a Vervain hummingbird dipping his tiny … More Jamaica is a birding hotspot, but there’s more to it than that

Jamaica declares November 23rd Mary Seacole Day

November 25, 2021

Jamaica is hurrying down towards Christmas now, it seems. Not a gallop yet – just a gentle canter. Lots of happenings and running up and down, and things seem a little brighter and more lively than last year’s season, which was fairly glum. There is some cheerful news here, though. The Government of Jamaica has … More Jamaica declares November 23rd Mary Seacole Day

A strong statement from AOSIS: “The goalpost has been moved even further to the continued detriment of Small Island Developing States”

October 27, 2021

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), of which Jamaica is a member, tweeted its concerns on the US$100 billion climate finance goal, expressing deep disappointment, and indeed, impatience, noting: The delay in meeting the US$100 billion #climatefinance goal is a major blow to #SIDS and the developing world. Devastating #climatechange impacts are not waiting, this is about survival. Ambition must … More A strong statement from AOSIS: “The goalpost has been moved even further to the continued detriment of Small Island Developing States”

One Summer: a poem in memory of Stephen Lawrence by Ann-Margaret Lim

October 22, 2021

Jamaican poet Ann-Margaret Lim was published on the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day today (October 21). The poem is a memorial to Stephen Lawrence, the 18-year-old who was murdered by a gang of white thugs at a bus stop in London in 1993. Investigations into the murder were rife with corruption allegations, and a subsequent … More One Summer: a poem in memory of Stephen Lawrence by Ann-Margaret Lim

A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

July 27, 2021

I have to confess I am not good at numbers. So I made an error in yesterday’s account of the Ministry of Health and Wellness briefing on COVID-19. Let me set it straight. I noted yesterday: “Over 300,000 have received their first dose. This includes 122,000 who have received their second.” Incorrect! (I have removed … More A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

Jamaica needs vaccines!

July 26, 2021

I feel our little island of Jamaica is in an extremely vulnerable place at the moment. We need more vaccines. Vaccine inequity, which he of the furrowed brow – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) – has spoken about so many times, is real. For many developing countries, including … More Jamaica needs vaccines!

Jamaica Update, July 5, 2021: Elsa swamps us, Mindi stands firm, and Tashekia meets an untimely death

July 7, 2021

What a week of upheaval and apprehension as Tropical Storm Elsa approached, seemingly setting her sights on us. In the end, she squeezed between our island and Hispaniola, dragging a huge bag of rain along with her. And as you know, Jamaica has just “reopened” and the Delta variant is on the horizon (or quite … More Jamaica Update, July 5, 2021: Elsa swamps us, Mindi stands firm, and Tashekia meets an untimely death

ICYMI in Jamaica: February 16, 2021: The Hanging In There Edition

February 17, 2021

The last two weeks have been busy (I skipped last week) and the weather is bright and breezy. However, as COVID-19 numbers have begun to really take off this month (an extended “spike”) the mood of cautious optimism in January seems to have evaporated – although we have had some lighter moments in the past … More ICYMI in Jamaica: February 16, 2021: The Hanging In There Edition