Two Saturdays ago, America’s politics, democracy and its immediate electoral future fell into a pit of despair out of which it may have trouble in climbing. While speaking at one of his usual raucous rallies, this time in Pensylvania, Donald Trump...
People in the Caribbean know that from June 1 to November 30 is the Atlantic Hurricane Season. However, no one expected that within the first month of the 2024 season, Hurricane Beryl would turn into a Category 5 storm, barrelling on a westward...
Congratulations are in order to UK’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, on his Labour Party’s resounding victory and to David Lammy on his appointment as UK’s foreign secretary. With the perception of a Labour Party-led UK government being more...
The World Bank periodically publishes data on global remittances as does the Bank of Jamaica in regard to Jamaica. As well, we are frequently reminded of the importance of remittances to Jamaica’s economy by Government and other political leaders,...
In his book The Power of Reconciliation, Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Justin Welby, points to the damaging effects of slavery as well as other economic, social, and political maladies and means of exploitation that undermine human dignity...
Apart from civil engineers who admire the construction style and functionality of the paved gullies of Kingston and St Andrew, the average citizen seems to barely tolerate their existence — judging by how the ‘gullies’ are so frequently treated...
Global warming has a far greater impact on countries in the Caribbean region. When problematic weather conditions occur, the restoration of energy supplies is always at the forefront of any meaningful recovery. Sadly, in Jamaica, we are in a...
One reader rightly suggested that Beryl was not as devastating as Hurricane Gilbert, but for the people of Manchester, St Elizabeth, and Clarendon, well, they were hit very hard. I know Beryl could have been worse. But overall, many have suffered...
Hollywood loves a sequel, so it is fitting that the current US presidential contest is a repeat of the bitter 2020 slugfest. The recent presidential debate between Joe Biden, the incumbent 81-year-old Democrat, and Donald Trump, his 78-year-old...
Generally, people prefer to live in a society where they feel safe from being victims of daily crimes. However, this requires good public order. A good public order is an environment where citizens can feel safe and free to go about their lawful...
The question of dual citizenship has evolved into a vexing issue for Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, perhaps for different reasons. Some really don’t care. I have heard some express displeasure that their loyalty to Jamaica, the land of...
“Stay strong. Be resilient. Save the planet.” Powerful, but burdensome, words for our youth. Too much responsibility, no platform, and often, they are too young to even vote, let alone hold power. As a result, the social and emotional well-being of...
On July 31, and as Jamaica has been doing for many years now, hundreds will gather at Seville, St Ann, in a space that used to be a plantation and which some call ‘The Great House’ (what was so great about a space that enslaved our ancestors, I do...
In Jamaica, when we were little, we learned a nursery rhyme that summarised the span of the hurricane season: June, too soon July, stand by August, it’s a must September will remember October, it’s all over. By all meteorological...
Last Tuesday, a woman who lived near a gully bank community asked me if I thought her house, a board structure with poorly attached zinc roofing, would be able to survive Hurricane Beryl. I lied to her and told her yes but only if she placed some...
It’s hard for me or any well-thinking Jamaican to believe the minister of national security or the commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that crime is under control, or that there is a reduction in crime. The often-repeated positive...
“Colonialism and the slave trade were, at best, minor factors in Britain’s prosperity and may have been net loss makers.” This according to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). In support, Kemi Badenoch, UK secretary of state for Business and...
In recent months, Jamaica has found itself at the centre of a humanitarian crisis involving 59 disabled Haitian orphans and their caregivers. This situation, which began as a compassionate gesture, has taken a troubling turn with the deportation of...
It would be safe to assume that Prime Minister (PM) Andrew Holness took expert advice before he decided to combat the spread, er, the scourge, of fake news in Jamaica. But, we need to question his premise. Is Mr Holness really that concerned about...
The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference recently convened over 1,200 attendees in Montego Bay to discuss strengthening engagement between Jamaica and its diaspora. Key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders,...
From climate change to nature loss and pollution, we exist in a world of persistent existential threats that require of us a coordinated, elevated response in order to ensure our survival over the long term. To succeed, it is necessary that we...
In the last few weeks, sadly, more than 150 people have died from oppressive heat in India. In Africa, while some countries are experiencing torrential rains, others are suffering from terrible droughts. At the recent Commonwealth Health Ministers...
Sex is a touchy subject, no pun intended. From conception to the grave, sex drives desire, power relationships, identity projects, advertising campaigns, political intrigue, religious dogma, and educational curricula. In other words, sex meanders...
Stories stick with us, shape us, and teach us. That is why stories are the most valuable resource we can give all students. Written stories are powerful, but oral stories are even greater because books are not always as accessible. Oral...
The Republican party has lost its way. That’s grossly understated. The Republican party is on a path to self-destruction. It is now subsumed by the Trump-led MAGA movement. Most Republicans know this. Most Americans see this happening in real time...
