Why are you punishing us? JaBBEM seeks judicial order to open Little Dunn’s River/Beach…Seven days a week

March 12, 2026

Environmental defenders, including the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM), have had enough. Nearly four years ago, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), a Government agency, had one of the very few free beaches along the North Coast closed by the police. It finally reopened for just two days a week. I am talking about Little … More Why are you punishing us? JaBBEM seeks judicial order to open Little Dunn’s River/Beach…Seven days a week

Jamaican coffee is not a mere commodity; it is community

March 7, 2026

What does Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee mean to you? A delicious coffee to savour, with that smoky aroma – a gourmet experience? A cup to be sipped in your favourite café, while catching up with a friend? Or a special gift for family and friends overseas? Or is it more than that? When I sip … More Jamaican coffee is not a mere commodity; it is community

Civil society calls for restructuring of environmental and planning governance in Jamaica

March 7, 2026

Several weeks ago now, I attended a meeting at the Kingston offices of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) along with a number of environmental advocates. The meeting did not turn out to be what we expected; it was not with NEPA officials, but with a very nice consultant who had been hired to look … More Civil society calls for restructuring of environmental and planning governance in Jamaica

Give your children love, not pain: Jamaica’s Children’s Advocate takes a deep dive into corporal punishment

March 6, 2026

“Spare the rod and spoil the child.” How often do we hear this Biblical quote uttered by Jamaicans, who tell us this is the best way to “discipline” a child (in fact, the original quote apparently did not come directly from the Bible, but is included in a verse in Proverbs: “Those who spare the … More Give your children love, not pain: Jamaica’s Children’s Advocate takes a deep dive into corporal punishment

Caribbean officials, civil society meet ahead of the first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels

March 5, 2026

This was a “first” – and a very important first, too. The first two working days this week were devoted to a Convening of Caribbean government officials, civil society representatives and environmental defenders, in Saint Lucia, ahead of the FIRST – yes, another first – International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, to take … More Caribbean officials, civil society meet ahead of the first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels

As International Women’s Day approaches, Jamaican women and men seek justice for victims of gender-based violence

March 4, 2026

Sunday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. After 115 years, the discrimination, the inequality, and the downright cruelty march on, regardless. This year’s theme is #GivetoGain and the focus is on fundraising, and funding in general, for women’s rights. In Jamaica, the spotlight has moved (as it so often does) towards the issue of gender-based … More As International Women’s Day approaches, Jamaican women and men seek justice for victims of gender-based violence

“Blood money,” Cuba and Marco, and remembering Black Angel: Jamaican News, February 19 – 25, 2026

March 1, 2026

It’s been a strange week in the media, with a lot of distractions from overseas of course. How are the unpredictable antics of That Man Up North going to affect US – the Caribbean, so very small? Time will tell… Agriculture: We need more of this… Over 200 young people were certified under the Food … More “Blood money,” Cuba and Marco, and remembering Black Angel: Jamaican News, February 19 – 25, 2026

Advocates for Jamaican seniors welcome Health Ministry’s focus on ageing

February 27, 2026

Jamaica’s population is ageing, quite rapidly. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, some 17 percent of the population is 60 years and over, and the numbers are rising. When this was reported last year, there was great concern about a dwindling workforce in the near future; however, as Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, Director of … More Advocates for Jamaican seniors welcome Health Ministry’s focus on ageing

The Prime Minister’s compensation increase: a bad signal to all, says Stand Up for Jamaica

February 23, 2026

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness left the island today for a critical 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in St Kitts and Nevis. He will return on Sunday, March 1. Yes, he’s a busy man. He left behind a statement (on Friday, February 20, 2026) for … More The Prime Minister’s compensation increase: a bad signal to all, says Stand Up for Jamaica

Budget complaints, a Big Run, and a tax on sugary drinks: Jamaican News, February 12 – 18, 2026

February 21, 2026

It has been a busy kind of week, with lots of discussion surrounding the Budget. Valentine’s Day was much celebrated, and the weather in the city has turned quite dry and warm. Apart from money matters, the Caribbean is, in varying degrees, concerned and/or expressing concern over the current situation in Cuba. Ash Wednesday was … More Budget complaints, a Big Run, and a tax on sugary drinks: Jamaican News, February 12 – 18, 2026