My latest piece on Jamaica’s states of emergency and Zosos. It is for the Christian Science Monitor.

People are very excited about DJ Khaled’s visit to Jamaica. He is apparently working with Buju Banton.

Can anyone help?
This is from a source:

A humanitarian appeal:

33 year old Patrick Delroy Thomas was in 2013 picking ackees with a metal stick to sell in order to make a living. The stick touched an exposed electrical line and he was electrocuted. He lost both arms and was crippled. His family thereafter refused to look after him and so he lives on the sidewalks of Papine (Kingston). where he begs money in order to survive. He also has to pay someone, anyone (including males) to look after him: feed, clothe, bathe, do hygiene change etc.

I appeal to all who read this to make a contribution to what he wants most: prosthetic arms so that he might be able to help himself and become a little more independent.

If you are willing to make a contribution — J$1000 per person or more? — please so indicate and we will get back to you.

Lloyd D’Aguilar
Human Rights Advocate and Activist

Jamaica’s tourism industry continues to be tarnished as reports of lawsuits against Sandals have surfaced. They were the subject of an ABC morning show report. That is a heavily watched show, and exactly the demographic the industry targets.

Of course, I am only speaking from a business perspective. More importantly, I hope the women who suffered the alleged sexual assaults have healed as much as they can.

I made a version of Jamaican Christmas cake. And it is delicious. That’s not just me saying that.

Koffee is amazing and I think she is only 18. Check her out.

And here’s a press release from the Prime Minister

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2018
Statement by Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Congratulations to Dalton Harris, winner of the prestigious XFactor title.

Dalton is a phenomenal talent who underscores the fact that Jamaica, though a Small Island Developing State, produces some of the worlds best talent in entertainment and culture.

Dalton, has progressed effortlessly throughout the competition always remaining humble and true to his Jamaican roots with his singing producing goose pimples and riveting performances.

His history making performances have placed him in a league of excellent performers and he is the first Jamaican to achieve the title XFactor winner.

His talent, like that of Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and many others is now highlighted for the world to see.

Jamaica is truly proud of Dalton and what he has achieved as a young man on the world stage.

—-30——-

So much retraining necessary this time of year.

Christmas concert time. We were treated to lots of singing, a ballet recital, a gymnastics demonstration and a musical instrument demonstration.