London-born, Oxford graduate, living in Kingston, Jamaica for 36 years. Writer, blogger, social media activist. A passion for human rights, the environment, climate change and issues affecting Small Island Developing States. Formerly Public Affairs Specialist at U.S. Embassy Kingston (16 years) and worked in publishing/retail book business (8 years).
Latest posts by Emma Lewis
From shadows to sunlight: Why access to information matters in Jamaica
As environmental defenders in the region face a range of challenges, there is an urgent need to highlight this information dilemma. This is where the Escazú Agreement comes in.
The fascinating ghosts and monsters of Jamaica's folklore
Jamaicans don’t really “get” Halloween, but the island's folklore is replete with stories of “duppies” – ghosts or spirits – and monsters, many of them with roots in African retentions.
Heroes or icons? Jamaicans are divided on the creation of a new national honour
Bob Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley are to the inaugural recipients of Jamaica's “Order of National Icon” for their legendary contributions” to Jamaica’s cultural heritage. But has the honour fallen short?
History or productivity? Jamaica erupts over national holiday proposal
“Comfort and convenience cannot be our response to the deaths and atrocities of the Middle Passage.”
Jamaica needs a new prison, but rehabilitation is a must
"There is the perennial issue of corruption in the prisons, which confronts us time and again but is continuously papered over."
Some Caribbean podcasts to tune into on International Podcast Day
After a somewhat slow start, Caribbean influencers began to embrace the format over the past decade, as Internet usage in the region increased — and many have established regular audiences.
A controversial dancehall star appears on a political stage: Why are some Jamaicans concerned?
"[I]t is a fact that individuals popular with the public — [including] former notorious criminals, sportsmen [and] entertainers — can help mobilize votes for a political party [...] especially in close elections."
Jamaica's finance minister’s appointment as deputy managing director of the IMF, a first for the region, brings plaudits and some local concerns
The IMF lauded Jamaica's remarkable economic transformation, adding that Clarke has demonstrated “it is possible to build strong institutions, to have a remarkably resilient economy [and] to overcome challenges.”
The passing of an iconic Guyanese singer sparks patriotic feelings, as border dispute with Venezuela drags on
"It may have been triggered by a border controversy, but Not a Blade of Grass is simply a case of Guyanese people expressing fervently and passionately their love for Guyana ... "
After some disappointments, a record-breaking discus throw gives Jamaicans their first gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games
Rojé Stona won gold — and broke the Olympic record — in the men’s discus throw, beating the world record holder and gaining Jamaica’s first-ever gold in a field event
After he spent 13 years in jail on a murder charge, what does dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel's release say about Jamaica's judicial system?
Kartel's case has highlighted not only issues of judicial process, but also poor conditions within the country's prisons.
Beryl in Jamaica, the colour of the sea
'The most painful part for the island in general is after the storm. It has become increasingly obvious that enormous destruction has taken place in several parts of the country.'
For many Jamaicans, tea is much more than just a refreshing drink
“Bush tea” – herbal tea that is drunk for health reasons, but also enjoyed by many – is embedded in Jamaican tradition and history, including its African heritage.
The historic repatriation of a giant lizard in a jar from Scotland to Jamaica is more than a symbolic gesture
“By returning the galliwasp to its rightful place, we take a small but significant step towards laying the foundation for a regional and international discussion on repatriation.”
Brian Heap, a generous teacher and inspiring figure in Jamaican theater, dies at age 73
"He had the ability to incorporate ordinary details of Jamaican culture in his work and to turn the ordinary into something special."
The ball is back in Jamaica’s Appeals Court as UK Privy Council quashes dancehall star Vybz Kartel’s conviction
The Privy Council said “juror misconduct” was the primary reason for quashing the convictions since this would likely have affected the jurors’ reasoning and their verdict.
As Haiti's president prepares to step down, will CARICOM's new plan help his country?
Haiti's prime minister resigns amidst growing social unrest; can the involvement of the country's Caribbean neighbours make a difference?
Jamaican musicians and fans shocked at passing of soulful roots reggae singer ‘Peetah’ Morgan at age 46
The group became known globally as a “conscious” reggae band, with lyrics infused with social awareness backed by roots reggae rhythms.
‘The bass is the backbone': Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, bass player for Jamaica's iconic ‘Wailers’ band, passes away at 77
"[T]he world lost not just an iconic musician and the backbone of The Wailers but a remarkable human being whose legacy is as immense as his talent."
Celebrities, celebration, and a touch of controversy at the Jamaica premiere of the Marley biopic ‘One Love’
"Last night at the Jamaican premiere of #OneLoveMovie [...] you could sense that there was something special about his music [...] encapsulated in his anthem of One Love!"
Benjamin Zephaniah, a unique British poet with Caribbean roots and a wide appeal in a multicultural society, passes on at age 65
He became a beloved artist and performer who crossed all boundaries and sought to heal the fractured society engendered by colonialism, racism and social injustice.
