Social Impact with Emma » Paris : A Jamaica Gleaner Blog

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 […]

Reggae Music Sustains Caribbean Climate Change Campaign

March 1st, 2016

Remember the slogan: One Point Five to Stay Alive? Well, the Caribbean campaign to keep global temperatures to a maximum 1.5 degree rise had an extraordinary impact on the COP21 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris last December. And musicians helped to amplify the message, guided and encouraged by the dedicated team at Panos Caribbean. […]

The Cliffhanger of Climate Change: Where Are the Citizens’ Voices?

June 10th, 2015

The French do love the word “citizen” (“citoyen” in French) and I like it, too. It signifies strength and purpose; someone who has a positive role to play in their nation. So on Monday morning, I was pleased to attend a “citizens’ debate” organized by the French Embassy in Jamaica, to discuss the broad issue of […]