In Focus

This 2022 photo shows an under-construction housing scheme in Bernard Lodge Estate.
December 9, 2025

Neil Richards | Stop taking over farmlands to develop housing solutions

Neither Government nor private developers should continue taking over Jamaica’s good farmlands with either simple or sophisticated housing schemes. The use of highly productive agricultural lands for…
Representational image of a stressed young man
December 9, 2025

Mark Wignall | Some are mad but don’t know it

I have never been to a psychiatrist in my life but, once, way back when my wife ditched me, I wanted to head east, knock on that big gate, and volunteer my mental insides to the skilled professionals…
Jimmy Cliff performs during the Timbre Rock and Roots concert on Friday March 22, 2013 in Singapore.
December 9, 2025

Gordon Robinson | Many rivers to cross

On Monday, the world lost another musical legend as Jimmy Cliff passed away at the age of 81. Although, as James Chambers, he was born in Adelphi, a hillside community in Somerton, near Montego Bay,…
FILE - Debris surrounds damaged homes along the Black River, St Elizabeth, on Thursday, October 30, 2025 in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025

Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie | Building back better after Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, made landfall at New Hope in Westmoreland, cut across the southwestern parishes, and exited Jamaica via St Ann. At least one-third of the island has been…
Residents gather amid debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa on a street in Black River, Jamaica, on October 30.
December 9, 2025

Jamel Banton | After Melissa: What future do we choose for Black River?

Hurricane Melissa ravaged the birthplace of so many of us, and, in the aftermath, a harder question has emerged: do we simply protect what remains of Black River, or commit to transforming it into…
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, interacts with residents of Whitehouse, Westmoreland, during a tour with regional and Jamaican leaders to areas that were badly hit by Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025

Mark Wignall | Kudos Holness administration

Beaming with pride but without the hint of a boast, a key part of the human component leading the super ministry; Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Robert Morgan recently told us that…
The police in St Elizabeth overlook recovery efforts in Black River in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025

Danielle Archer | Why Jamaica needs a public scorecard for disaster recovery

When Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, it didn’t just flatten homes, it exposed deep fault lines in our disaster-response systems. Weeks later, families still wait for relief, some communities…
Members of Parliament before being swore at the swearing-in ceremony for members of the upper and lower houses of Parliament held on September 18, 2025 in Gordon House.
December 9, 2025

Rosalea Hamilton | Hurricane Melissa’s lesson for constitutional reform

Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic Category 5 assault has ravaged Jamaica, laying bare – yet again – the fragility of an overly centralised system of government. As we confront the worst hurricane…
The situation demands urgent action by the Government to address the well-being of individuals, while at the same time helping to rev up industry and commerce in western Jamaica. The effect would also be positive for the national economy.
December 9, 2025

Gordon Robinson | The maths not mathsing!

Last week (“Do the Math”) we discussed some previously unspoken long term consequences of the devastation wrought by Melissa. It’s time to face another reality check. There are also some very acute…