Tag: Windsor Research Centre

Cockpit Country Stakeholders Call for Thorough EIA Consultation Process for Mining Permits

October 29, 2020

This press release from the Cockpit Country Stakeholders Group is not just about environmental issues. It is about transparency, proper consultation, and democracy. As we in Jamaica are living under restrictions during the COVID-19 era – notably, the limitations on gatherings – we cannot possibly attend in-person consultations (which have often lasted for hours in … More Cockpit Country Stakeholders Call for Thorough EIA Consultation Process for Mining Permits

What Is It About Trees That Jamaicans Don’t Like?

October 5, 2019

Happy National Tree Planting Day! Many years ago, we moved into our house in what was then a relatively green, leafy area of uptown Kingston. Charles, who used to clean up our yard, insisted that we should cut down every single tree and bush. Otherwise, thieves and murderers would find places to hide behind them, … More What Is It About Trees That Jamaicans Don’t Like?

One Year Later, Many Lingering Concerns Over Cockpit Country

November 20, 2018

There is so much unfinished business related to the Cockpit Country, one year later. I seem to be using this cliché so often recently: “The devil is in the details.” But it’s true. It is not enough to make a declaration, pass it on to the relevant agencies and then those agencies simply drag their … More One Year Later, Many Lingering Concerns Over Cockpit Country

Cockpit Country Worries: Community Members Voice Ongoing Concerns Over Mining on Periphery

November 1, 2018

Cockpit Country is fragile. It remains under threat from bauxite mining, which is pressing around the edges of the declared Cockpit Country Protected Area. Just a month ago, I noted in my news summary: “I fear that, while the “ground-truthing” of Cockpit Country continues (the measuring, step by step, of the boundaries) there will be … More Cockpit Country Worries: Community Members Voice Ongoing Concerns Over Mining on Periphery

Cockpit Country Communities Raise Concerns About Protected Area

July 11, 2018

Earlier today, I was talking to a friend about outstanding concerns relating to the Cockpit Country boundaries. By the time I got home, coincidentally, the following press release from Jamaica Environment Trust had landed in my inbox. It’s very important to have this direct feedback from the communities affected, and this detailed response shows that … More Cockpit Country Communities Raise Concerns About Protected Area

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

February 22, 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

JET Says: Please Respond to the Cockpit Country Petition, Mr. Prime Minister!

October 31, 2017

It is now the end of October. Please see the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) press release, reminding Mr. Holness. It seems that the just-concluded by-election campaign distracted him… For further information on Cockpit Country, please visit https://savecockpitcountry.org   JET CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER TO RESPOND TO THE COCKPIT COUNTRY PETITION Following the successful collection of over … More JET Says: Please Respond to the Cockpit Country Petition, Mr. Prime Minister!

Stakeholders Petition Jamaica House to Save Cockpit Country

August 22, 2017

As I mentioned recently, Jamaica House has opened a new petition portal – rather like President Obama’s White House petition page. Jamaica Environment Trust and a range of civil society/environmental advocates have opened a  petition to Save Cockpit Country. Yes, I have written about this many times before, and there have been public consultations, many … More Stakeholders Petition Jamaica House to Save Cockpit Country

What’s Happening with Noranda Bauxite and Cockpit Country?

July 9, 2016

On Wednesday, July 6 the Windsor Research Centre, situated just on the edge of Cockpit Country, issued a press release regarding the current state of Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partnership Limited, whose past (and quite recent) activities have negatively impacted residents of the area.The release by Mike Schwartz – a fierce advocate for the people and … More What’s Happening with Noranda Bauxite and Cockpit Country?

Cockpit Country: “We Must Fight For It With Every Breath”

November 5, 2015

In case you were going to ask, the answer is yes. Cockpit Country is still very much under threat from bauxite mining. Several weeks ago now, I found myself at a press briefing/meeting that was extraordinary in many ways. A large delegation of some sixty residents of the Cockpit Country had come to the city. … More Cockpit Country: “We Must Fight For It With Every Breath”