Tag: Urban Development Corporation

Our beloved and beautiful endangered species, the Jamaican Rock Iguana, is making a serious comeback

May 20, 2023

It may not be beautiful, but the Critically Endangered Jamaican Rock Iguana has a mystique all its own. In April, 25 more iguanas raised at Hope Zoo under the Headstart Programme were released into the dry limestone forest of the Hellshire Hills, bringing the total released to date to some 600. Let’s hope they will soon find a permanent haven on Great Goat Island – sooner, rather than later. … More Our beloved and beautiful endangered species, the Jamaican Rock Iguana, is making a serious comeback

The theft of sand from Winnifred Beach in Portland, Jamaica must be properly investigated

February 1, 2022

For many Jamaicans (including my family) Winnifred Beach, usually spelled with two “n”s, in East Portland is a haven of peaceful relaxation, a gentle “vibe,” and crystal clear waters. It is also one of the few public beaches left in this part of the parish. Until recently, the access road was incredibly rough and rocky, … More The theft of sand from Winnifred Beach in Portland, Jamaica must be properly investigated

Creative Hack JA Fosters Innovation. And there are winners!

January 25, 2022

Kingston Creative’s Creative Hack JA ended on a high last week, with ten teams from the creative and tech sectors vying for a total J$1 million in funding. Many congratulations to all who participated – and especially to Emme Christie and Crowd Data Ja! Kudos to the entire Kingston Creative team, led by Karen Hutchinson. … More Creative Hack JA Fosters Innovation. And there are winners!

ICYMI in Jamaica, October 13, 2020: The Kindness Edition

October 14, 2020

Well, Hurricane Delta went away (taking most of Bluefields Beach in Westmoreland away with it) and we are left to reflect, once more, on our own human fragility in the face of climate change and COVID-19. Some of us would rather pretend, however, and sip on Bacardi or whatever their favorite drink is, without a … More ICYMI in Jamaica, October 13, 2020: The Kindness Edition

Captive Dolphin Facilities: Why Not Listen to the Scientists

September 23, 2019

In her testimony to the U.S. Congress last week, climate change activist Greta Thunberg had a simple message: Listen to the scientists. In certain circles, in Jamaica and elsewhere, some would rather close their ears, because of the inconvenience. “I don’t want you to listen to me, I want you to listen to the scientists,” … More Captive Dolphin Facilities: Why Not Listen to the Scientists

“Big Up Wi Beach” for International Coastal Cleanup Day

August 30, 2019

Beaches – and our access to them – are on the agenda again. We heard that Fort Clarence Beach in St. Catherine (a favorite chill spot of ours, back in the day) is to be “taken over” by a private company, who are leasing it from the government agency Urban Development Corporation (UDC), beginning September … More “Big Up Wi Beach” for International Coastal Cleanup Day

Street food in Kingston, Jamaica.

Food, Health and the City: Caribbean Foodscapes Research Project in Kingston

July 9, 2019

In Jamaica, we love our food. Our island cuisine is quite famous (ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken and the like). But…aren’t you a little sick of the plethora of fast food outlets, everywhere you look? There are long lines at drive-ins and certain fast food outlets are bursting with Jamaicans – many of them young … More Food, Health and the City: Caribbean Foodscapes Research Project in Kingston

Jamaica to Receive State of the Art Coastal Erosion Monitoring Tower

August 16, 2018

Well, it’s probably far too late for our beloved and once popular Hellshire Beach, but the Sandy Shorelines of the Caribbean Project is a welcome development for the region. Coastal erosion, especially on the south coast of Jamaica, remains a huge problem. There are several factors, including rising sea levels, and more storms, due to … More Jamaica to Receive State of the Art Coastal Erosion Monitoring Tower