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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.

Community health


These are the hardworking women who act as community representatives for the government’s COVID efforts in some inner-city areas.

“ China Extends Reach in the Caribbean, Unsettling the U.S.”


Make a wish


My daughter had an eyelash on her cheek. Her friend told her to put it on her finger, blow it away and make a wish. So she wished for this: “I want things to go back to how they were before Covid.” We all do.

Harris and Eta


I contributed to both these stories over the weekend, for Reuters and the Washington Post.

Dedication


I took this picture last week when visiting Taneka Mckoy in her community of Delacree Lane in Kingston for the Reuters story I wrote. She gets up before dawn every morning to prepare lessons and then draws them on chalkboards her husband has painted on walls. She is dedicated and loving and speaks quickly and passionately.

Peace


I visited Poor Man’s Corner, St. Thomas for a story I’m working on. This is a field of scallions. It was so peaceful, the only sound the wind rustling in the vegetation. Clear, blue skies, sunshine and nature. An escape, which I think we all need right now.

Results


I scheduled this post before we know the election results…I’m not ignoring it…let’s hope it is good news…

#Eta


Clouds gathered as Eta passed south of us. The rain has been falling on an off, with little damage compared to the last storm. One community on the north coast suffered more than most, and a water spout appeared in St. Mary, but for the most part, Jamaica yet again was lucky…