U.S. Embassy in Jamaica: No “Harassment” During Extradition Affair

By: - June 28th, 2011

Above: U.S. Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater (JIS Photo)

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston released a statement saying it disagreed with allegations made by Jamaican officials that U.S. personnel had been “aggressive,” “belligerent” or “harassing” in communications concerning the extradition of strongman Christopher Coke. According to the embassy, it “takes exception to this characterisation, and affirms that its communications with members of the Government of Jamaica were professionally courteous throughout.” [Jamaica Observer]

Jamaica

In the Diaspora, a Beacon for Reggae

By Alexander Britell Every Saturday afternoon in Miami, the world of reggae finds a home at the WDNA 88.9 FM studio, where Jamaican native Howard Duperly operates his Reggae Ride program, a musical odyssey that takes listeners from the Mento music of the 1950s to the latest music of the present day. Duperly, who is […]

Jamaica

Jamaica Works to Navigate Housing Crisis

The Jamaican government has tabled a new National Housing Policy and Implementation Plan in order to “chart the way out of the housing crisis,” according to Minister for Information Daryl Vaz. “The policy covers all the key areas critical to the housing sector, such as making houses more affordable, squatting, social housing, treatment of settlements […]

Jamaica

Buju Banton Gets 10-Year Sentence

Grammy-winning reggae star Buju Banton has been sentenced to 10 years in Federal prison for his cocaine conspiracy conviction. Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, had seen a wave of support for leniency, and his 10-year sentence fell below the 15-year mandatory minimum for the charge. “This is a sad day for Mr Myrie,” […]


Hillary Clinton, in Montego Bay, "Heartened" by U.S.-Jamaica Relationship

Above: Clinton in Guatemala last week (State Department Photo) By the Caribbean Journal staff U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended a high-level meeting between foreign ministers and CARICOM yesterday in Montego Bay, where she announced several new U.S. initiatives aimed at the Caribbean and expressed optimism for the U.S.-Jamaica relationship. “I am very heartened […]

Jamaica's McKenzie Urges Fast-Track on Natural Disaster Legislation

Flooding of the New River in St. Elizabeth in 2010 (JIS Photo) Jamaica’s government must fast-track legislation aimed at dealing with the mandatory evacuation of people from disaster-threatened areas, Sen. Desmond McKenzie urged in a resolution tabled in Parliament Friday. According to McKenzie, natural disasters have cost Jamiaca $100 billion (1.1 billion USD) over the […]

Jamaica Begins Disaster Study

Above: Clinton in Guatemala last week (State Department Photo) By the Caribbean Journal staff U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended a high-level meeting between foreign ministers and CARICOM yesterday in Montego Bay, where she announced several new U.S. initiatives aimed at the Caribbean and expressed optimism for the U.S.-Jamaica relationship. “I am very heartened […]

Anxiety as Banton Sentencing Nears

Reggae star Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is set to be sentenced on Thursday in Federal Court on his drug-related conviction from February, and anxiety is growing among those closest to him. “I just hope the judge doesn’t give him a long time in prison,” said Hopie Miller, a reggae promoter and […]