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About Kate Chappell

"And all I offer here is the distilled poetry of my existence..." Claude McKay, Poet Laureate of Jamaica, 1890-1848 I have been a reporter since 1998, covering mainly business and politics. I have also capitalized on the many skills journalism requires to become an all-around communications specialist. In addition to being a professional curious person and communicator, I have a bad case of the travel bug and can't seem to stay put. Finally, I have put my skills to work as a volunteer in the community wherever I have lived. Now, follow me as I combine these compartments of my life in Kingston, Jamaica, where I am a writer, reporter, journalist and lecturer.

Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica


Jamaica is among the most beautiful places on earth. However, over the years, garbage has accumulated EVERYWHERE. I’m not sure why, but people throw everything, anywhere, anytime. This was one of the first things I noticed when I moved to JA, how beautiful it is, but how much garbage there is.  Much of it is plastic bottles, black scandal bags and food containers.

A while ago, I went on a tour of the mangroves in the harbour, and the amount of refuse collected at the shore was heart-breaking. The guide told us that it had started to degrade the land and that it was affecting the wildlife, in that they were starting to moderate their patterns to avoid the garbage. And when it rains? The storm drains all over are clogged with garbage, so flooding occurs.

Orchestrated by the Jamaica Environment Trust, Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica is a new campaign aimed at educating the public about cleaning up after oneself. It is catchy and it is airing on television and radio. It also features a “drama” series on radio and gives people a chance to win prizes. I hope it has an impact.

Garbage at Port Royal.

Garbage at Port Royal.

Anthony’s* Story


I am reposting this blog today because the young man featured in the story is asking for help. He would like to start his own business selling spices and sauces. But he needs mentoring and some guidance. I am also seeking a suitable person, but as you can imagine, it is difficult to find someone who is sympathetic and has the time to devote. Anthony has nothing, no resources, so he has many obstacles to overcome. But after getting to know him, I have seen his passion, resourcefulness, intelligence and ambition, qualities he needs to survive and thrive. If you have any ideas, please leave them in the comments. Thank you.

Kate Chappell's avatarJamaican Journal

This is not Anthony, but one of the boys who lived i the Gully. This is not Anthony, but one of the boys who lived i the Gully.

Life in the garrison, amongst members of the Rat Bats gang, was good for Anthony (not his real name) until he was about 12. “At a younger age, coming up, I had flamboyant behavior,” he says. At that time, people in the community started calling him Dandy Shandy or batty boy and tormenting him. He began to seek comfort in a group of boys he met while going through Halfway Tree on his way home from school. He felt comfortable with them. “I started to meet friends who had my type of behavior,” he says during a conversation at Devon House, one of the few places in Kingston boys like him feel safe to congregate. “Persons in my area started to talk (when he started coming home later). They  discriminate me, call me batty boy. And…

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Washington Oaks Park


Washington Oaks Park in Palm Coast, Florida. Scene of the wedding.

Market day


Produce on the ByWard Market in Ottawa, Canada. Soon come.

Lillies


More wedding loveliness.

Wedding!


After a week of rain in Florida, Friday dawned perfectly sunny and not too hot. The ceremony was perfect, one of those days when everything seems to work out just as it should. There were even pairs of butterflies swirling around us during the ceremony (I’m told- I was trying too hard not to break down crying to notice). We had family and friends come in from five countries and there was lots of love, laughter and Jamaican food. We are grateful and happy today.

May 1, 2015


Marriage date, May 1, 2015. So I will likely not post much for a bit, if I can stay away. I am grateful for this beautiful time and person. Enjoy your day.

Burst of color


Some street art in downtown Kingston. Happy Friday!

Now it is blooming


A state park in Florida, a couple of months ago. Soon to be the scene of a cherished memory.

Stay tuned.

Peacock


A resident of Negril. Enjoy your day.