Stories about Jamaica
Americans voted and the Caribbean has reacted
The outcome of the 2024 American presidential election has Caribbean netizens wondering about what Trump's upcoming second term in office might mean for things like immigration, trade, tourism, and climate cooperation.
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."
Why aren't Caribbean artists better funded?
A series of recent, sizeable grants from a US-based arts and humanities foundation has regional artists hoping that this endorsement will inspire regional financial investors to follow suit.
Jamaican Safiya Sinclair, author of ‘How to Say Babylon,’ reflects on her journey
“It was always about saying no to Babylon [...] a huge part of our childhood, figuring out the binary of us versus them, inside the house versus outside the gate.”
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.”
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.
The Caribbean marks Emancipation Day
"Today, we remember and honour our ancestors’ courage and determination to break free and build towards a better future where there is fairness, equality and opportunity present for all."
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.'
After devastating the Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl has been downgraded, but can continue to bring ruin
The death toll from Beryl is estimated to be at least seven people thus far, surprising give the level of ruin to infrastructure, buildings, and the natural environment.
Waiting for Beryl in Jamaica
"I know this from hurricanes past, trees will fall, hillsides will come down, the coastline will be redrawn. And there will be damage, maybe even disastrous damage, to the [island]."
As Jamaica braces for a direct hit, relief efforts have begun for islands shattered by Hurricane Beryl
Weather experts may be fascinated by Beryl's exceptionality, but those who have been routinely battered fear that all the factors that make Beryl stand out may well become the norm.
Hurricane Beryl continues to leave its mark on the Caribbean
The hurricane is currently moving in a west-northwesterly direction at a pace of about 32 km (20 miles) per hour.
Beryl, the first major storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, has the Caribbean's Windward Islands in its sights
Even as some social media users focused on “hurricane history” being made, Caribbean netizens were feeling deeply anxious.
A message from a Jamaica-born Briton on Windrush Day
As victims still wait for adequate compensation, the ongoing fiasco has prompted calls for a public inquiry into the UK's repatriation policy.
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.
Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Guyana shine at Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Awards
"At the heart of it is people. Climate justice goes hand in hand with human rights."
