Tag: United States

“Bob Marley, One Love”: thoughts on the film from Jamaican American Professor Anne C. Bailey

February 17, 2024

There has been tremendous “hype” surrounding the biopic, “Bob Marley, One Love” in Jamaica and globally. This began with the premiere in Kingston on January 23, attended by “Harry and Megan,” no less, and an array of politicians, actors, musicians etc., including the film’s producers, Ziggy Marley and his mother Rita. The film went on … More “Bob Marley, One Love”: thoughts on the film from Jamaican American Professor Anne C. Bailey

Grenada at a crossroads: a blog post by Wayne Campbell

February 6, 2024

I am sharing my friend and fellow blogger Wayne Campbell’s recent post on the state of affairs in our Caribbean neighbours to the south-east of us – the small, beautiful island of Grenada, with a special focus on press freedom and democracy. Grenada may be small, but its 20th-century history has had moments of high … More Grenada at a crossroads: a blog post by Wayne Campbell

Domestic violence haunts societies – here are some resources from the U.S. that might help Jamaicans

October 7, 2023

Domestic violence haunts us. It is a dark cloud that never goes away, whether it be in Jamaica, the United States, or elsewhere. However, so many organisations here and in other countries are working to reduce its prevalence; in Jamaica, I would mention Eve for Life, a non-governmental organisation currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, that … More Domestic violence haunts societies – here are some resources from the U.S. that might help Jamaicans

Jamaica has not (yet) signed some key environmental agreements. Why not?

September 29, 2023

“May the seas help us see healing and hope; May we sing out the ocean’s survival and revival.” Amanda Gorman On the evening of Saturday, March 4, 2023, the High Seas Treaty was agreed on at the United Nations headquarters in New York, after many years of negotiations. There is a good breakdown of the … More Jamaica has not (yet) signed some key environmental agreements. Why not?

Dengue fever outbreak declared in Jamaica – don’t take it lightly, especially children under 14 years

September 23, 2023

Dengue fever is really not to be taken lightly. It is a frightening tropical disease. Once you have had it, you will know that it should be avoided at all costs. I had it about 20 years ago, and cannot say it was “mild.” My fever was so high I had hallucinations for a short … More Dengue fever outbreak declared in Jamaica – don’t take it lightly, especially children under 14 years

The Jamaican Government’s speedy return of Haitian refugees is “reprehensible,” say human rights organisations

September 12, 2023

A second group of Haitian refugees arrived in eastern Jamaica on September 9. The Jamaican Government stated that it provided “safe return” for them the following day. This is “refoulement.” How “safe” are these men, women and children now? Human rights group Stand Up for Jamaica considers this action “reprehensible.” I would add “immoral.” … More The Jamaican Government’s speedy return of Haitian refugees is “reprehensible,” say human rights organisations

Reminder: This is the Conch Closed Season in Jamaica (and support for restoration efforts is needed)

September 7, 2023

Jamaica’s Conch Closed Season is under way (August 8, 2023 – February 29, 2024) and no Queen Conch is to be caught, traded, sold or eaten by law! The Queen Conch is an endangered species, a fascinating creature but sadly in decline – but help is on the way. Support the Jamaica Conch Project today! … More Reminder: This is the Conch Closed Season in Jamaica (and support for restoration efforts is needed)

Yes, Jamaica’s International Coastal Cleanup activities are on again this year

July 30, 2023

International Coastal Cleanup Day, spearheaded as always by the Jamaica Environment Trust, is Saturday, September 16, 2023. Groups wishing to register their own site should do so now. Last year over 6,000 volunteers collected nearly 80,000 pounds of trash. Single-use plastics remain a major concern. … More Yes, Jamaica’s International Coastal Cleanup activities are on again this year

“Striking the right balance between resource extraction and environmental preservation”: Jamaica’s Statement to the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority, July 25, 2023

July 30, 2023

Sometimes, the nature of things is more or less nothing, to misquote the writer Aldous Huxley. Here is the Statement from Jamaica at the International Seabed Authority headquarters in Kingston, as the future of our oceans hangs in the balance. And “balance” is a word politicians love to use when talking about the environment. That balance always turns out to be tipped in favour of development. … More “Striking the right balance between resource extraction and environmental preservation”: Jamaica’s Statement to the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority, July 25, 2023