Stories about Caribbean
A majestic palm that flowers once in its life is in bloom in Trinidad
Also called the Century Palm, there's a misconception that it flowers only once every 100 years — but it can flower once it reaches maturity, typically between 25 and 80 years old.
Why I must write about Amarah Lalitte, a little girl brutally murdered in Trinidad
"If it is the truth we are bringing to light, then a natural offshoot of that must be to effect change in the upholding of that truth."
Solving the problem of animal cruelty in Trinidad & Tobago needs more than just legislation
In April 2020, a video of a dog being hanged went viral, to the horror of social media users. Sadly, cruel acts like these are not one-offs.
Half a century after first flight, Trinidad & Tobago Carnival designer Peter Minshall's seminal hummingbird continues to bring joy
"It is monumental to underline that art coming out of Carnival and performance is equal to what is considered contemporary art.”
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."
Guyana’s rainforests play a central role in expanded eco-tourism efforts
"Even with a lucrative timber sector, the country’s annual deforestation rate averages at about 0.06 percent — a whopping 90 per cent lower than other tropical countries."
‘Jumbo,’ Trinidad & Tobago's treasured ‘Nuts Man,’ leaves lessons of patriotism
“Jumbo [was] plying his trade, but was also totally involved and engaged. He spoke about sport from a position of knowledge, and he helped make the experience fun."
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?
With the death of former head of the public service Reginald Dumas, Trinidad & Tobago loses a revered patriot
"He had conflicts with leaders at all national levels, born of his desire to do the right thing, and to hold individuals to the highest standards of performance and competence."
On International Women’s Day 2024, Jamaica's focus is on protecting women and girls
In Jamaica, as in other Caribbean territories where gender-based violence and femicide are pressing concerns, the notion that women's rights are human rights takes on a more urgent tone.
The year Palestine ‘played mas’ in Trinidad & Tobago
Despite the fact that Trinidad and Tobago does not officially recognise the Palestinian state, support for Palestine has been building, eventually coming into full view during the country's Carnival celebrations.
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.
‘Tek sleep and mark death': Oil disaster in Tobago is a cautionary tale
The recent environmental disaster in Tobago — and Guyana's emergence as an oil producer — have some Jamaicans wondering if their country is equipped to mitigate the impacts of an oil spill.
Understanding Tobago’s disastrous oil spill
The spill’s effects on the Petit Trou Lagoon – located on the coast of Lowlands, Tobago – has caused utmost concern, given the area is ecologically sensitive with dense mangrove cover.
Flying fish and bearded fig trees are on the decline in Barbados
Flying fish landings have reportedly decreased by almost 50 percent since 2011, and without strategic conservation measures, Barbados could see the bearded fig tree disappear from the landscape.
Tobago continues to grapple with oil spill caused by unidentified tanker
Just prior to the much anticipated Carnival long weekend, an overturned ship has caused an oil spill, polluting Tobago's turquoise waters and causing an environmental hazard and national emergency.
The Suriname book prohibition in a global context of free expression
Suriname's book ban on corruption exposure is more than a local issue; it's a global wake-up call for the defence of free speech and press freedom against authoritarianism.
‘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."
‘Remember the name': The unlikely triumph of Guyana's Shamar Joseph has brought joy to West Indies cricket fans
For many fans of the game, the moment was like a return to the glory days of West Indies cricket, leaving some to wonder whether they were witnessing a renaissance.
Could the Caribbean bridge the gap between culture and sustainability?
Tobago’s thriving culture, which includes farming and food festivals, is one example of the intersection of creative industries and concepts of sustainability like eating local and growing one’s own food.