Commentary

Gwynne Dyer | Iran: here we go again?

Published:Tuesday | January 2, 2018 | 12:00 AM

"The people behind what is taking place think they will be able to harm the government," said Iran's First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri. "But when social movements and protests start in the street, those who have ignited them are not always able...

Editorial | Who is accountable for Palisadoes debacle?

Published:Tuesday | January 2, 2018 | 12:00 AM

Like its major hospitals, seaports, electricity grid, water-supply systems, and telecoms operation, a country's international airports are usually considered among its vital infrastructure. Their operation and security, especially in these days of...

Annie Paul | Policing rape culture

Published:Tuesday | January 2, 2018 | 12:00 AM

Looking back on 2017, one thing stands out. Jamaica was way ahead of the curve in what would become the most significant social disruptor, globally, in recent years breaking the silence on sexual harassment and rape culture.As far back as early...

Editorial | Put police bill before parliamentary committee

Published:Monday | January 1, 2018 | 12:00 AM

Instinctively, we support the Government's plan to introduce a new law to replace the one under which the police force now operates, as was reiterated by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in his New Year's message. For, like most Jamaicans, this...

Gordon Robinson | Nothing cheesy about 'Cheddar'

Published:Monday | January 1, 2018 | 12:00 AM

As if this Christmas wasn't difficult enough, I learned of the passing of my friend Trevor 'Cheddar' Jones on December 23.Trevor Jones isn't a household name, but there was nothing cheesy about 'Cheddar'. He was an old-fashioned, values-oriented...

Brian-Paul Welsh | More promise(s)

Published:Monday | January 1, 2018 | 12:00 AM

Over the course of this season, when the editorial department publishes the litany of political greetings and well-wishes that have become customary at this time of year, let us not forget the gripping reality that this seasonal influx of tall tales...

Michael Abrahams | Revisiting the 'Machete Mom'

Published:Monday | January 1, 2018 | 12:00 AM

The video was shocking. A woman, wearing only a panty, was beating a child mercilessly with a machete. I found it difficult to watch when I saw it at first, for not only was it violent, but I feared that at some point the woman might accidentally,...

Garth Rattray | Resolve to be a coward driver

Published:Wednesday | January 3, 2018 | 12:00 AM

It's the beginning of yet another year. The count for road deaths during 2018 has begun. Many drivers consider themselves ‘skilful’ and ‘brave’ if and when they get away with risky and sometimes dangerous manoeuvres on...

Ronald Thwaites | A lazy Parliament

Published:Wednesday | January 3, 2018 | 12:00 AM

Every meeting of the House of Representatives started late this year. Sometimes there was no quorum of 16 members; most often, the wait was for the prime minister or another minister to arrive. Although an outlined agenda for each sitting is...