Commentary

The most complicated domino hands are those with four of a card including the double. The Dunce simply played the card as soon and often as possible. One Saturday afternoon, he drew six-blank; six-five; double-five; five-trey; five-deuce; four-...

In times of uncertainty and turmoil, such as has been unleashed by Donald Trump’s tariff war against the world, people expect their governments to lead. But the challenge is not theirs alone. So, The Gleaner agrees with Prime Minister Andrew...

Jamaica’s housing affordability crisis is deepening. Stagnant wages, rising home prices, and limited financing options are locking out thousands from homeownership. Minimum-wage earners struggle to afford basic starter homes. Middle-income workers...

Donald Trump’s tariff announcement, made just after April Fools’ Day, could be compared to the international trade policy symbolically equivalent to a 9/11. Although the immediate images are not as shocking or dramatic as in 2001, the potential...

When United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the CARICOM Caribbean, he came to an apprehensive, if not tense, region. Many leaders, most not invited to any part of the party, uncharacteristically issued strong statements on different...

Last year, many teachers were [effectively] sent home on early retirement at the age of 60 years old. Although teachers may opt for early retirement, forcing them out at 60 years old is a breach of the Pensions (Public Service) Act, 2017. None of...

The term ‘four-letter word’ serves as a euphemism for words that are considered profane or offensive. A ‘four letter word’ is a short word that people consider to be rude or offensive, usually because it refers to sex or other private bodily...

“May you live in exciting times” is alleged to be an old Chinese curse, although no Chinese source can be found for the expression, and there is no equivalent expression in any Chinese language. Some people enjoy excitement, and so living in...

One day, the BBC aired a short report on its programme Panorama, giving its viewers a glimpse into how spaghetti makes its way to our plates. The report showed video footage of a Swiss family picking spaghetti off a tree and went into a few...

PICTURE THIS: You’re standing in a government office, waiting to renew a government document. The clerk glances at your paperwork, then leans in and whispers, “Yuh want get thru fast? A little ‘ting’ can speed ‘tings up inno”. You sigh, pull out an...

It is not clear whether the private sector had a seat at the table when Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, visited Jamaica last week, or what bearing they might have had on Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ discussion with him. Either way,...

A RECENT Gleaner report revealed that over 55 per cent of Jamaicans experience moderate to severe hunger. That’s more than half the population. So, what does it mean to poor people that “the dollar is strong”, when their stomachs are empty, and...