Commentary

The Gleaner congratulates Nigel Clarke on his appointment as a deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a transition that for people who have paid attention is not entirely surprising or unexpected. But the timing of Dr...

Since the start of the year, I have written lengthily about the troubling, socio-economic implications of our declining birth rate. I’ve also examined the state of our relationships, specifically marriage, while taking a hard look at the role it...

Whether they know it or not, most persons don’t go a day – or often a single meal – without eating ultraprocessed foods. From sugary cereals at breakfast to frozen dinner, plus in-between snacks of potato chips, sodas and ice cream, ultraprocessed...

In recent years, the public face of United States has been portrayed by the dour expressions and serious drop-jaw countenances of leaders weighted down by political rivalries, ageing challenges, election primaries, and democracy under threat. In...

While The Gleaner celebrates Chantal Ononaiwu’s elevation to the bench of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the development is a reminder that Jamaica has unfinished business with the court. Jamaicans should know where their governments stand...

Public confidence in important service institutions is essential for any society to be productive and for individual lives to flourish. I have been defending the restoration efforts of the Jamaica Public Service Company in Miss Beryl’s aftermath...

The dust is fast settling on the Paris Olympics. The disappointment felt by Jamaican athletics fans over the island’s performance in track events is receding. However, this newspaper still supports calls for a serious and constructive review of the...

Akwaaba! Welcome in Twi, the official and most popular language spoken in Ghana. “Medaase!” (thank you) in my best imitation of a Ghanaian accent. After almost 400 years, Africa sees me again. Apparently, assuming I am Ghanaian, a female in...

Human rights defenders and organisations such as Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) often face backlash from politicians and citizens alike. Criticisms from well-intended citizens tend to be fuelled by fear, frustration and a misunderstanding of what is...

There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger people and gangs. This plague has now spread from other parts of the Caribbean into Antigua and Barbuda, which has recently suffered a spike in gun crimes. Throughout my...

The results of the local government elections last February confirmed the findings of opinion polls that the political fortunes of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) had fallen and were falling. They lost the popular vote, and were it a general...

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has a peculiar leadership structure. It elects its next president a year ahead of time, just ahead of the inauguration of the person who will lead the organisation during the president-elect’s waiting...