Social Impact with Emma » United States : A Jamaica Gleaner Blog

But…Can It Be Business as Usual?

April 27th, 2019

Perhaps it’s just me, but the year 2019 seems to have been one of considerable upset for the world. A second, extremely fierce cyclone has arrived in Mozambique (the first one killed over 900 people, although it hardly received mainstream media coverage). On the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, which I visited in late 2017 and […]

On the Anniversary of a Genocide: What Is Your Idea of Hell?

April 7th, 2019

In Bob Marley’s reflective song “Time Will Tell,” there are the lines: Time alone – oh, time will tell: Think you’re in heaven, but you’re living in hell. Marley was referring to the people he called “baldheads” – those politicians and businessmen (“big men”), whom he considered greedy, corrupt and self-satisfied in their mansions on […]

The Nature of Violence, Youth and Broken Windows

December 27th, 2018

I was astounded to read in the New York Daily News that for five days over Christmas, there were no murders at all in that city of 8.6 million. Zero. Now, New York is a deep, dark, gritty city – everyone who has been there will agree. It is bursting with energy, day and night. It […]

Hate Has No Home Here

October 24th, 2018

I have taken some leave and have enjoyed some rest, relaxation, peace and quiet in deep rural Vermont, among beautiful forests and hills. The political temperature was fairly high (by Vermont standards) during our stay, because of the approaching “mid-terms.” This is the land of Bernie Sanders. There are three political parties in this state – […]

The Hidden Problem of Elder Abuse

September 30th, 2018

We often speak, nowadays, of our most vulnerable citizens and the need to protect and care for them. The fact is, their needs and concerns are often “swept under the carpet,” because they are unable or unwilling to speak up for themselves, and have no one to champion their cause. Because advocacy is certainly needed […]

Thoughts on Bastille Day

July 15th, 2018

In Jamaica, many parties and evening receptions are held outside, with stark shadows and artificial lighting. The annual celebration of Bastille Day (or Quatorze Juillet) on July 14 at the French Embassy is no different. The guests stand stiffly, almost in rows, while speeches are made, their faces turned slightly upwards. Then they begin to […]

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