Commentary

An aerial view of Falmouth, Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
February 23, 2026

Shinique Walters | How aid financing can help with building back stronger

Almost four months after Hurricane Melissa, Jamaicans have begun the long process of rebuilding, even as some communities continue to grapple with the compounded devastation of storm damage and…
Rene L. Lambert is author of ‘Uphill Climb -: Cerebral Palsy Adventures’
February 23, 2026

Rene L. Lambert | The psychological and social history of Jamaica and African Americans in America

Study a country's customs and it will tell you so much about its people and its cultural norms. Examine its history and it will tell you a lot about its past, its current state and the intended…
The Windalco plant in Manchester.
February 23, 2026

Editorial | New mineral developments and strategic promise

The resurgence of the geopolitical battle between the United States and China present both challenges and opportunities for Jamaica's bauxite/alumina sector. The US, in attempting to rebuild…
February 22, 2026

Garth Rattray | Thoughts about the sugary drinks tax

The Government announced the introduction of a new Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages. It is expected to raise $10.1 billion during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.…
Comments
February 22, 2026

Orville Taylor | Diaspora Jamaiquina

A glass of sorrel, not laced with lethal ginger as we are accustomed on the Island. This is not Ghana or Kenya, where some Jamaicans do not even recognise it, because of its local name. Hibiscus is…
People walk past a mural of Che Guevara in Havana.
February 22, 2026

Byron Blake | Whither the people of Cuba?

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island with a land mass of 42,426 square miles, and a population of 11.6 million in 2024. Life expectancy was 78.6 in 2025, with the female rate at 81 and the male at…
UNICEF Jamaica 
Children, facilitators, and community members gather outside a UNICEF-supported temporary learning space.
February 22, 2026

Olga Isaza | Jamaica’s recovery must put children first

Almost four months after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the headlines are understandably moving away from response priorities. Electricity is returning, and daily life is resuming, but for…
From left: Pembroke Hall High School Principal Reverend Claude Ellis; Vice-Principal of Human Resources and Operation Yvette Shields-Green and Stacy-Ann McIntosh-Richard engage in a conversation.
February 23, 2026

Editorial | Celebrating small victories

Nine months ago, Pembroke Hall High School in St Andrew was in the spotlight for a crisis that affects too many of Jamaica’s secondary schools. More than seven in 10 of its grade-seven intake either…
Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
February 21, 2026

Tony Deyal | The Barbados fire horse

The Lunar New Year galloped in last Tuesday. This Year of the Fire Horse, according to Chinese beliefs, symbolises energy, independence, endurance, and loyalty, reflecting the qualities of the noble…