Social Impact with Emma » tourism : A Jamaica Gleaner Blog

Does Kingston Deserve Its Bad Reputation?

December 27th, 2016

I am currently reading a book – a sort of cultural/historical tour of the Caribbean islands – which attempts to find a “common Caribbean culture.” I plan to write a review of it shortly. The chapters on Jamaica were disappointing. Jamaica does consist of more than tourist resorts (Rastafarians and tourists) and Kingston (gangsters). Is […]

Downtown Kingston: Has Its Revival Time Finally Come?

December 7th, 2016

Last week, I was at the official opening of UN House (where all the UN offices in Jamaica will shortly be residing, under one roof) at the International Seabed Authority Building. A sight glimpsed through an empty office window really moved me. Beyond rows of corrugated roofs, barbed wire and satellite dishes and flanked by […]

Is There a Right and a Wrong Way to Celebrate National Holidays?

July 24th, 2016

The Independence and Emancipation Day holidays are nearly upon us (I refuse to use the word “Emancipendence.” Whoever thought that one up?) How quickly the year has passed! It’s as if the holiday is a kind of marker; from here on, the year just slips away until Christmas arrives. Another year done! Tempus fugit. Recently, […]

Healthy Seas…Happy People. Makes Sense!

May 27th, 2016

Do we think about the health of our seas, which occupy seventy-one per cent of the Earth’s surface? Or do we just assume they are managing just fine? It’s a funny thing, but I believe we tend to think “out of sight, out of mind” when it comes to the ocean. We rarely peep beneath […]

Talking Trash: The Important Role of the Private Sector

April 1st, 2016

“Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica.” We have heard the catchy song and watched the witty and clever videos with Rushaine “Dutty” Berry, Bella Blair and other young and talented performers. Everyone is enjoying the social media content. The Jamaica Environment Trust’s (JET) “Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica” campaign is making an impact, at least with a certain audience. […]

Freedom is a Process, Says Farmer and Cafe Owner Anne Bailey

December 23rd, 2015

“I know it’s hard for Jamaicans to change their eating habits,” says Anne Bailey, smoothing down her apron. “It takes time.” Dr. Bailey has just opened a café in Kingston’s busy Half Way Tree area. It’s a café with a powerful message, as its name, Forever Free suggests. Tucked away upstairs in a small plaza, it offers a […]

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