Stories about Jamaica
Open letter to Caribbean leaders urges them to make COP28 transformative
The signatories identified three key areas to help address broader issues the region grapples with, including inequality, poverty, and "staggering levels of debt," which are exacerbated by climate change.
Jamaicans express disappointment over their country’s ‘no-show’ UN Gaza vote
Jamaica was the only Caribbean nation to not vote on the UN resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza.
What is the Jamaican government's position on Haitian refugees?
Some social media users and human rights organisations are accusing the Jamaican government of being "insincere" and "nonchalant" in its treatment of Haitian refugees.
An overseas media report reignites Jamaica's longstanding concern regarding limited beach access
Devon Taylor, founder of the advocacy group Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM), which recognises the cultural and historical aspects of Jamaica’s beaches, wants “the decolonisation of this land.”
‘Reggae Ambassador’ and founding member of legendary Jamaican band ‘Third World’, Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper, passes away
Cooper was "a maestro on the keyboards and collaborative composer [who] helped to take Jamaican music to higher levels of sophisticated instrumentation, appreciated and loved the world over."
The West Indies made history with the highest ever score in women's T20I cricket, but can they clinch the series?
The team's outstanding win was secured in part by the phenomenal performance of its captain, Barbadian Hayley Matthews, who scored 132 runs off 64 balls.
A shooting, a robbery and a political resignation — all in one day — makes Jamaica examine issues of governance
The country's Integrity Commission is embroiled in controversy, so when one of its senior members was shot and robbed, many threads began to unravel.
A look at period poverty experiences in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago
Non-profits in both islands have been advocating for the use of more environmentally friendly, reusable menstrual products as a way to directly combat period poverty amidst climate change events.
Water scarcity and its impact on period poverty in Jamaica
It is a widespread issue that affects women and girls who cannot afford necessary menstrual products such as sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.
Jamaican government swiftly returns a boat full of Haitians, as Caribbean officials express disappointment after latest talks
Thirty-six Haitian refugees landed in northeastern Jamaica on September 9 and were sent back two days later, while CARICOM noted the "alarming deterioration" of Haiti's security situation.
Jamaica's financial fraud investigation continues, but for affected investors — including Usain Bolt — the news is not good
Usain Bolt's lawyers say that his account value fell from JMD 2 billion (USD 12.7 million) in October 2022 to JMD 1.8 million (USD 12,000) in January 2023.
A plea to protect Jamaica's wild birds
Trappers have been piggybacking on the island's hunting season, which is currently open, but still limited in terms of which bird species can be considered fair game.
Unsustainable living in uptown Kingston, Jamaica
Global Voices contributor Emma Lewis is thinking of downsizing, but the cracks in the homes she's touring may point to more deep-seated issues around Kingston's "rash of new 'development'.”
How does Jamaica communicate about the climate crisis with the blind and visually impaired?
How easily can vulnerable communities access information on climate change? How much more needs to be done? Is the provision of climate funding, or lack thereof, a contributing factor?
Meet two Jamaican disability advocates who want vulnerable communities to become climate resilient
"People talk about being climate resilient, but not a lot is being done to educate. There isn’t [enough] public awareness [of] climate change resiliency for Persons With Disabilities."
As Jamaica reflects on 61 years of Independence, it also looks to its future
Jamaica has been independent of Britain since 1962, but is one of the few Caribbean territories that still retain the British monarch as head of state.
Caribbean art exhibit portrays the threatened beauty of the ocean as deep-sea mining negotiations come to an end in Jamaica
As the tense deliberations surrounding the International Seabed Authority (ISA)'s decision on deep-sea mining dragged on, a vibrant art exhibit brought the subject of the negotiations to life.
Haitian refugees land on Jamaican shores, while CARICOM’s efforts to help its troubled member state falter
"The anxiety among many social media commentators over the treatment of the refugees reflects an appreciation of the historical ties, and mixed feelings of admiration, helplessness, and obligation towards Haiti ..."
A ‘diplomatic tiff’ over same-sex marriage is downplayed, but differences on LGBTQ+ issues remain in the Jamaica-U.S. relationship
"While several Caribbean nations took positive steps towards recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in 2022, Jamaica was not among them.
Fish are poured into Jamaica's Rio Cobre after pollution incidents, but is this the end of the matter?
On three occasions, pollution from a bauxite company's holding ponds resulted in major fish kills and loss of livelihoods for communities depending on the Rio Cobre river.
The Caribbean Community marks its golden jubilee with a promise of free movement for regional nationals
"We believe that this is a fundamental part of the integration architecture [...] the core of the regional integration movement [is] people’s ability to move freely within the Caribbean Community. "