Pity the Nation
Pity the nation whose people are sheep, and whose shepherds mislead them. Pity the nation whose leaders are liars, whose sages are silenced, and whose bigots haunt the airwaves. Pity the …
The Problem With American Democracy – A Few Perspectives
In the aftermath of the United States presidential elections of 2024, despite the person who won the contest, and despite the political party that has regained the ascendancy in the governance …
Issue # 195
Yup, Old Athens Is Definitely My Scene
I love historic Athens, but new Athens, no, not so much.This will probably shock Greeks and Europeans in general, but when it comes to the sea and sun, it’s almost impossible …
‘de Laurence’, ‘Obeah’ and Jamaican mysticism
“I am going work de Laurence pon you, if you don’t stop bothering me!” Or, “This month has had all kinds of problems. Hmm, I wonder if somebody working de Laurence …
Winning the lottery
To some people, there is only one word that can appropriately describe the recent salary increases to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his fellow politicians, and that is “craven.” For it’s …
The Family in Cuba
Would you believe I now know more relatives from my father’s side in Cuba than in Jamaica, although that side of my family was born right here! Maydolys, (Back) Hector Ian Casrlos (Front) A few years ago …
Bullhead Mountain, Dead Center Of The Island
Isn’t it fascinating that dead center of the beautiful island of Jamaica stands a mountain range from which you can get a fantastic view of sections of the parishes of Clarendon, St. Ann, St. …
Jamaica An English-Speaking Country?
Every time I hear someone say Jamaica is an English-speaking country, I have a good laugh. Not only because the last survey (2007) done on the topic showed that less than …
Thank You, Miss Lou
The entire month of September every year, should be dedicated to honour the late Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley O.M., O.J., M.B.E. D. Lit. For not only was she Jamaica’s first recorded artist, a literary genius, comedienne, actress, …
Don’t Dilute Our Culture!
I couldn’t agree more with the late great Marcus Garvey when he said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture are like a tree without roots.” …
Tallawah, Keeping Mento Alive
Mento is one of Jamaica’s oldest music genres and still remains popular, thanks to small bands like the Florida based Tallawah Mento Band. Tallawah leader Colin Smith is a successful businessman, …