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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.

“Cold” weather


For the first time since I landed here almost eight years ago, I was cold this morning. It was 21 degrees Celcius, I believe, and my Jamaican-born and raised children are also complaining of being “cold”. There are also a lot of people wearing hats and jackets. It is a strange feeling…

The Marella Discovery II


Cruise ships regularly visit Jamaica’s north coast, but yesterday, for the first time, a cruise ship docked at the Kingston Harbour. Port Royal to be exact. Most people are ecstatic, saying that this represents development and progress and prosperity. To be sure, it does, but it remains to be seen how this development will affect this historical site. (Apparently, there are still historically significant underwater sites yet to be explored.) It also remains to be seen how the development, along with the thousands of tourists, will affect the nearby community, as well as marine life. The area is already vulnerable and plagued by garbage, so hopefully, the development is adhering to environmental standards. I wonder if the tourists will remain at the site, or if they will venture into Kingston.

Gerald โ€œBogleโ€ Levy


This is a good article on dancehall legend Gerald โ€œBogleโ€ Levy in the Economist, of all things.

Morning meeting


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Apple season


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It is Otahetie apple season. We have a tree in our yard so we have been eating them everyday. Yum.

Bolt at PayPal



This is cute.

End of day


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Boats at the end of the day in Treasure Beach.