Columns

Crimedemic

Do all menKill the thingsThey do not love?— Shakespeare

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar: The global Indian

I wish to introduce you today to a globally relatively lesser-known Indian whose thoughts and actions have empowered a billion people in India, and who has had the courage and conviction to become the voice of the voiceless anywhere in the world. I am talking about Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar,...

Is the PNP going forward in reverse?

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) appears to be approaching a comatose state after being severely injured in the September 3, 2020 General Election by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which saw the Dr Peter Phillips-led party being walloped by the JLP 49 to 14 seats —...

Mistrust, violence, fear

This ain't a song for the broken heartedNo silent prayer for the faith departedI ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd.Your gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loudIt's my life. It's now or never

COVID-19 vaccination: The State, The Church and Me

Andrew Holness, Jamaica's prime minister, tweeted as soon as there is a safe, tested COVID-19 vaccine, the Government will ensure it is available for free to all citizens. Beautiful as it might have sounded, we need to probe the issue of acceptability of that vaccine by citizens, as it...

Supreme game of choices as retailers feel the heat

I make reference to a Jamaica Observer story published December 13, 2020, titled 'Battle for lottery pawns: Sellers caught in the crossfire as two new players prepare to enter multi-billion-dollar industry'.

A time of rebirth, renewal, and hope in the midst of COVID-19

The Christian community has just celebrated Easter Day when it reflected on the resurrection of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This might not have meant much to those who have no interest in religion other than as a sociological force in society. It certainly is of no importance to those...

How is Jamaica faring in the war against poverty?

The Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI) recently published a study entitled 'The components of an effective social safety net for Jamaica. I quote, in part, from the report. “In 2017, 19 per cent of the population failed to meet the minimum level of expenditure necessary to...

Lessons of Easter 2021: The pandemic the path to glory

At this time of year, when we take time to reflect and celebrate the saving Passion and the glorious resurrection of our Lord, by which the pride of Satan is vanquished, and the mystery of our redemption in Christ is accomplished, we do so aware that we are all impacted...

D-Day for the Sexual Harassment Bill

When the Joint Select Committee of Parliament meets today to continue its deliberations on the Sexual Harassment Bill it is my understanding that its chair, Minister Olivia Grange, is desirous of having this as the final meeting of the committee before the Bill is sent to both Houses of...

Justice is on trial in the George Floyd Murder Case

The murder trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has begun, some 10 months after George Floyd died in the street with Chauvin's knee on his neck. Americans, especially black Americans, are watching closely to see if justice will be done.

The Easter insurrections

Human blood is heavy; he who has shed it cannot run away. — African proverb

Jesus is risen!

One week ago I wrote that while we will need Easter this year like never before, sadly it won't be the same.

The tragedy of crime in Jamaica continues

The tragic death of 20-year-old Khanice Jackson two Wednesdays ago was not an oddity. We have travelled this ghastly road before. The horrible death of Khanice Jackson should be a blot on our collective consciousness. I am not confident it is.

Good things come to those who get up and get them

There were two important events that took place this year which may have missed the attention of the West. The first was on January 1, 2021, when the African Union launched its African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) — a single continental market of 1.3 billion people with a...