Tag: WE-Change

International Women’s Day 2017 in Jamaica: Gender-Based Violence on the Agenda

March 7, 2017

The Women’s Movement in Jamaica, in the Caribbean, and I suspect worldwide, is going through some interesting times. This is a world of “fake news” and social media, hashtags and hardening positions. The concepts of love, peace, unity and solidarity are fighting for survival in the TrumpWorld. I get the feeling people aren’t listening to … More International Women’s Day 2017 in Jamaica: Gender-Based Violence on the Agenda

51% Coalition Meeting Recommends Priority Actions To Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

February 11, 2017

Cover photo: 51% Coalition members Indi McLymont Lafayette (left) and Hilary Nicholson, who moderated the unexpectedly large meeting, pause for thought. The past few weeks have been extraordinary. We have seen a surge in violent crime that has frightened many Jamaicans; in particular several abductions and killings of young women and girls. Social media posters … More 51% Coalition Meeting Recommends Priority Actions To Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

The Tambourine Army, created by the leader of WE-Change, is seeking recruits. It describes itself as "a radical movement. It is going to be one of the largest coalitions of organisations and individuals in Jamaica working to remove the scourge of sexual abuse, rape and all other forms of sexual violence against our children and our women. The #TambourineArmy is an action-based, results-based movement that is intolerant of silence and victim blaming and shaming. And we are committed to justice and healing for survivors, and changing cultural attitudes towards sexual violence."

Reflections on the Sexual Abuse of Our Children: 3 – A Letter from WE-Change on #SayTheirNames

January 26, 2017

A note re: the logo on the home page: The Tambourine Army, created by the leader of WE-Change, is seeking recruits. It describes itself as “a radical movement. It is going to be one of the largest coalitions of organisations and individuals in Jamaica working to remove the scourge of sexual abuse, rape and all … More Reflections on the Sexual Abuse of Our Children: 3 – A Letter from WE-Change on #SayTheirNames

Christmas in Kingston, Jamaica: Ten Reasons To Be Cheerful (And There Are More)

December 23, 2016

Somehow I am not feeling what people call “the Christmas Spirit,” apart from some Christmas lights and talk of sorrel, pudding and the like. I need to tap into it some more. In fact, it may be my imagination, but people seem a little stressed out this year, for various reasons. Crime (and I am … More Christmas in Kingston, Jamaica: Ten Reasons To Be Cheerful (And There Are More)

End Violence against Women and Girls: A Message from UN Women, and WE-Change’s Orange Lights

November 16, 2016

We must remind ourselves: Violence against women and girls is a persistent problem, and not only for small developing countries like Jamaica. Below is a message from the Executive Director of UN Women (who was in Jamaica very recently) encouraging the global news media in particular to recognize and highlight International Day to End Violence Against … More End Violence against Women and Girls: A Message from UN Women, and WE-Change’s Orange Lights

23 Jamaicans Selected as Chevening Scholars: Congrats to All!

August 24, 2016

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting the Jamaicans who had been selected for Chevening Scholarships in the UK. It was great getting to know them, and I am sure they benefited greatly from their year of study. This year, even more Jamaicans (and one Bahamian) are going off to the UK shortly. Please find … More 23 Jamaicans Selected as Chevening Scholars: Congrats to All!

Remembering the Rwanda Genocide in Jamaica: The Dangers of Indifference and Silence

April 10, 2016

Yesterday evening, at Mary Seacole Hall on the University of the West Indies campus, these words resonated: The Rwanda Genocide…highlighted the danger of indifference and the consequences of inaction. The Rwanda genocide occurred not only because of the state-sanctioned culture of hate, but because of crimes of indifference and conspiracies of silence. Yesterday evening, a group … More Remembering the Rwanda Genocide in Jamaica: The Dangers of Indifference and Silence

Jamaica, Saturday April 9, 2016: Anti-Nepotism, Our CARICOM Grievances and Deaf Can! Coffee is Delicious!

April 10, 2016

We had rain and yes – plenty of it, in Kingston. Nights are deliciously cool. Our adolescent dog, perhaps invigorated, is busy destroying everything (she does not want to grow up, it appears). She has a particular love of plastic – we should employ her at one of our growing number of recycling centers. The … More Jamaica, Saturday April 9, 2016: Anti-Nepotism, Our CARICOM Grievances and Deaf Can! Coffee is Delicious!

Bookish Delights: Highlights of the Kingston Book Festival 2016

March 18, 2016

Last week (March 5 – 12) was a delight. It was the Kingston Book Festival 2016. Spirited discussions took place. There were insightful information sessions, entrancing readings of poetry and prose…and the Kingston Book Fair, bright, noisy and fun. Throughout the week and at every event, there was busy networking, quiet sharing of ideas, mutual … More Bookish Delights: Highlights of the Kingston Book Festival 2016