Independence Edition

Educator and public policy analyst Dr Charlene Sharpe celebrates Jamaica’s resilience as a small island-state that punches above its weight on the international stage, noticeably in athletics and other sports. However, Dr Sharpe, an Associate Vice-president at Northern Caribbean University, points to significant cracks in the socio-economic fabric as the nation marks its 60th anniversary of...

Jamaicans are a proud people, and despite the challenges, their spirit and tenacity remain undaunted. As Jamaica celebrates 60 years of political independence, this edition of Impacting Jamaica reflects on the things that make Jamaicans famous.Author, actress and cultural expert Dr Amina Blackwood-Meeks points to people’s stubborn belief in the impossible, the willingness to stand up for justice,...

Beloved teacher Marcine Parkinson-Pike maintains a positive relationship with students long after they have left her classroom.With a firm belief in a Frederick Douglas’ quote, “It’s easier to build strong children, than repair broken men,” Mrs. Parkinson-Pike, a grade 6 teacher at Bethlehem Primary and Infant, is advising parents to “love your children, be a good role model and create a balance...

Corporate leader and distinguished public servant Earl Jarrett is calling on the political directorate to modernize the rules of doing business in Jamaica to attract investment from the international community and generate economic growth. This is part of his vision of Jamaica for the next decade.Jarrett, who is CEO of the financial conglomerate, Jamaica National (JN) Group, argues that the...

‘Jamaica Strong and Free: A Civic Education Handbook’ promises to help every Jamaican, so interested, learn about their rights, their constitution, their country.The book has come at a time when there are numerous calls for a return to the lessons of civics in schools. That call has also come from Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown, who has spearheaded the creation of the civics...

Principal of the Year (2015-2016) Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith is still passionate about supporting education in Jamaica, even as she is making amazing strides as vice-principal of Desert Sands Community School in Ashcroft, Canada.Proud of brand Jamaica’s impact globally, Kandi-Lee wants Jamaicans to celebrate and accept who they are.Join Impacting Jamaica host Shelly-Ann Harris for an inspiring...

Music-loving clergyman, Astor Carlyle dream envisions the establishment in Jamaica of an international reggae Academy where the rudiments of Jamaican music and other art forms are taught along with the business aspect.The Academy, he proposes, would recognize and award artistes, local and international, who excel in the Reggae music genre. He says the island-nation has adequate practitioners,...

Social Media Ambassador for Jamaica 60, Juliet ‘Julie Mango’ Bodley,wants to see more opportunities for Jamaica’s young people as thecountry celebrates its political independence.The private sector has an essential role to play in this objective, she tellsImpacting Jamaica host Shelly-Ann Harris.Like Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) executive Donna DuncanScott, the Social Media Ambassador for...

Dr Asburn Pinnock, the transformational president of the Mico University College in Jamaica, is preparing the institution to strengthen its role in training teachers for the nation and other countries.He's set to fast-track the ‘smart classroom, smart college’ concept, targeting candidates from the Caribbean, North America, and Europe.Additionally, the educator wants the Government to re-energize...

Corporate leader and distinguished public servant Earl Jarrett is calling on the political directorate to modernize the rules of doing business in Jamaica to attract investment from the international community and generate economic growth. This is part of his vision of Jamaica for the next decade.Jarrett, who is CEO of the financial conglomerate, Jamaica National (JN) Group, argues that the...