Hurricane Dean update

With the passage of Hurricane Dean Jamaicans in major urban centres had water supply restored starting Monday and today some areas had electricity restored as well as the clearing of major roads. Notably, the telecommunications network was up throughout the hurricane and still is, while the International Airport was re-opened this morning. The state of emergency implemented on Sunday during the hurricane on Sunday will last for a month while the elections have been postponed until September 3 according to unconfirmed reports. more

Jamaica under Hurricane (warning)

The latest report indicate that rain has started in Kingston for what should be the worst hit of the century yet. The shelters are open and those who can afford to, have stocked up on supplies to last for the next week. Curfews have been effected in commercial areas and one would hope for the same in the areas where residents are being evacuated. Hoping for the best in this very bad situation.

Jamaica threatned by hurricane Dean

Jamaica has a lot at stake in the coming elections and this could be further complicated with the arrival of hurricane Dean tomorrow. The country's infrastructure, economy and life will be disrupted and hopefully JPS/Mirant will not be adding to the woes by charging consumers for restoration of service as they did after hurricane Ivan. In the next couple of weeks Jamaica's most vulnerable will be faced with the task of re-building their lives often from ground zero.

Nominations, Debates, Elections...

With the nominations and debates in the recent past the focus is now on the Jamaican general elections. Will Prime Minister Simpson Miller get her mandate or will the people opt for a change? Portia Simpson Miller is likable and well loved but will she get the uncommitted support from all key members of her party? Her ascent to power is an important juncture in Jamaican history and could represent a bridge over that chasm which has divided the different classes in the society for decades. However, after 18 years at the helm the vote might just reflect an electorate wanting a "change" from the Peoples National Party and nothing else.

Jamaican food in the GTA

There are Caribbean restaurants as well as Jamaican restaurants in Toronto and then there are those on the scale somewhere between the two. For a good roti I will choose a restaurant with speciality for southern Caribbean flair however Jerk has to be cooked a special way. My quest today for Jerk Chicken was disastrous. Jamaican food is cooked a particular way and meats are prepared with herbs and seasonings, allspice (pimento) is the noted exception to this. It is not Jerk Chicken if it has been prepared with nutmeg and cinnamon and cooks need to adjust the name to indicate this.

Island Soul

Today's Island soul was a tremendous success. Barrrington Levy was in Toronto and the visitors at the Harbourfront Centre were treated to the best of Barrington. Looking forward to more of the same next year.

Trevor Rhone making waves

Trevor Rhone may be known today in Jamaica more for his plays that the hit Smile Orange of the 1970s. Trevor Rhone's recent recognition as one of the last century's significant international Black/African personalities in film and television globally came as a pleasant surprise as one would not have expected this given his operation outside the Hollywood sphere. Good going Trevor!