Stories about English from July, 2017
Jamaica's First Woman Prime Minister Retires Amidst Praise, Criticism — and a Contentious Battle to Succeed Her
"Portia Simpson came to representational politics at the parliamentary level in 1976 when political tribalism and its ugly pickney, political violence, were on the upswing."
French Bank BNP Paribas Accused of Complicity in the Genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda
"France contributed to training and the international recognition of the government which organized the massacres (in Rwanda)".
Truths From the Front Lines of Climate Change in Europe’s Far North
"It should be about taking care of what we have left… It’s not only us Saami that pay the price. We will destroy our planet."
Ghana's Social Media Scene Opens New Spaces for Public Debate
"Today, Ghanaians on social media are quick to make permutations of what number of public schools, hospitals, roads and sanitised water systems could have been constructed..."
Bahraini Rights Activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh Charged Under Terrorism Law
Bahraini authorities have constantly harassed Al-Saegh because of her rights activism.
Arrest Over a Facebook Rant Brings Trinidad & Tobago's Cybercrime Legislation Into Sharp Focus
"Overbroad content offences are always illegitimate, but are particularly dangerous online, where many people are still in the process of discovering their voice."
Brazil’s First Indigenous Online Radio Station Uses Digital Media to Promote Native Languages and Communities
Rádio Yandê uses technology to shred stereotypes and misconceptions about Brazil’s native communities.
With China Now the Top Market for Initial Public Offerings, One Economist Fears for Ordinary Investors
"To be honest, the Chinese stock market has become the tool of the state to make money."
Lebanese Government Bans All Protests Right Before a Syrian Refugee Solidarity Sit-In
Activists called for a protest after four Syrian refugees died while in the custody of the Lebanese army.
Between Worlds: The Complicated Life of a Young Japanese Returnee
'We said "sorry" in Japanese, to which she replied, “Oh, you're Japanese? Then always speak Japanese, you foreigner!”'
Thai Academics to Be Summoned by Military for Raising ‘Anti-Junta Placards’ at an International Conference
The Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights reminded authorities that the country's constitution does not forbid people from holding up placards.
Up-and-Coming Trinidadian Soca Singer Devon Matthews’ Journey Comes to an End
The 36-year-old, whose "star was on the rise", collapsed after performing at a Carnival band launch and was rushed to hospital, where he could not be revived.
Dhaka Citizens Show Mayors Red Card for Failure to Control Mosquito-Born Diseases
"No, Mr. Mayor, nobody has called you to fix mosquito nets inside their homes. You were given the responsibility to kill mosquitoes so we don't require mosquito nets..."
A Water Weed Is Damaging Ethiopia's Largest Lake and Putting Livelihoods at Risk
The lake has become a symbol of the dire state of Ethiopia’s natural resources at a time when Ethiopia’s fast-growing population needs more of everything.
How the Assault on Independent Media in Bahrain Silenced a Trusted Regional Watchdog
"Freedom of expression is under sustained attack here. With the shuttering of Al Wasat, there is no real journalism left.”
Is the Legalisation of Marijuana in Trinidad & Tobago an ‘Idea Whose Time Has Come'?
"The only ones benefiting from keeping marijuana illegal are the drug gangs and they will be forced out of business by legitimate dealers..."
China's Xinjiang Residents Are Being Forced to Install Surveillance Apps on Mobile Phones
Local netizens reported that police officers at check points are randomly searching residents' devices to see if they have installed the surveillance app.
Poles Rally to Defend the Independent Judiciary From Ruling Party's Reforms
"Warsaw rally for #democracy and #ruleoflaw in #Poland continues... Candles symbolise hope for freedom and a better future."
Lost in Translation in Central Asia: Keep it in the Family
'Tuuganchylyk' has already jettisoned two Kyrgyz leaders and their kin into lives of exile. The Trumps clearly weren't paying attention.
In Bangladesh, Fear Drives Headline-Making Spate of Snake Killings
"The mainstream media is spreading the news with enthusiasm. This is leading to more people being interested in killing these animals."
What Will it Take to End Child Marriages in Afghanistan?
Practices such as “baad” and “baadal” were prohibited under a 2009 law, but continue unhindered in the country today.