London-born, Oxford graduate, living in Kingston, Jamaica for 36 years. Writer, blogger, social media activist. A passion for human rights, the environment, climate change and issues affecting Small Island Developing States. Formerly Public Affairs Specialist at U.S. Embassy Kingston (16 years) and worked in publishing/retail book business (8 years).
Latest posts by Emma Lewis
After decades of campaigning, Jamaicans rejoice over President Biden’s pardon of National Hero Marcus Garvey
"Garvey’s life was dedicated to [a] vision of justice larger than any single race or nation. His wrongful conviction [is] a reflection of the work that remains before us.”
Guided by the light: Photos from Latin America and the Caribbean, with love
For the Caribbean and Latin America, it's not just the quality of light — it's what the light represents: hope in the face of many issues that threaten the region.
In Jamaica's Rio Cobre oil spill case, activists and civil society say there are outstanding issues
'The public deserves full transparency and accountability [and the] assurance that environmental laws will be enforced openly, vigorously and with due regard for environmental standards, principles and best practices.'
A veteran Jamaican journalist is murdered, shocking the country and heightening security concerns
Gayle was a well respected court reporter and much loved by her media colleagues, all of whom were deeply shocked by her murder.
From shadows to sunlight: Why access to information matters in Jamaica
As environmental defenders in the region face a range of challenges, there is an urgent need to highlight this information dilemma. This is where the Escazú Agreement comes in.
The fascinating ghosts and monsters of Jamaica's folklore
Jamaicans don’t really “get” Halloween, but the island's folklore is replete with stories of “duppies” – ghosts or spirits – and monsters, many of them with roots in African retentions.
Heroes or icons? Jamaicans are divided on the creation of a new national honour
Bob Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley are to the inaugural recipients of Jamaica's “Order of National Icon” for their legendary contributions” to Jamaica’s cultural heritage. But has the honour fallen short?
History or productivity? Jamaica erupts over national holiday proposal
“Comfort and convenience cannot be our response to the deaths and atrocities of the Middle Passage.”
Jamaica needs a new prison, but rehabilitation is a must
"There is the perennial issue of corruption in the prisons, which confronts us time and again but is continuously papered over."
Some Caribbean podcasts to tune into on International Podcast Day
After a somewhat slow start, Caribbean influencers began to embrace the format over the past decade, as Internet usage in the region increased — and many have established regular audiences.
A controversial dancehall star appears on a political stage: Why are some Jamaicans concerned?
"[I]t is a fact that individuals popular with the public — [including] former notorious criminals, sportsmen [and] entertainers — can help mobilize votes for a political party [...] especially in close elections."
Jamaica's finance minister’s appointment as deputy managing director of the IMF, a first for the region, brings plaudits and some local concerns
The IMF lauded Jamaica's remarkable economic transformation, adding that Clarke has demonstrated “it is possible to build strong institutions, to have a remarkably resilient economy [and] to overcome challenges.”
The passing of an iconic Guyanese singer sparks patriotic feelings, as border dispute with Venezuela drags on
"It may have been triggered by a border controversy, but Not a Blade of Grass is simply a case of Guyanese people expressing fervently and passionately their love for Guyana ... "
After some disappointments, a record-breaking discus throw gives Jamaicans their first gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games
Rojé Stona won gold — and broke the Olympic record — in the men’s discus throw, beating the world record holder and gaining Jamaica’s first-ever gold in a field event
After he spent 13 years in jail on a murder charge, what does dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel's release say about Jamaica's judicial system?
Kartel's case has highlighted not only issues of judicial process, but also poor conditions within the country's prisons.
Beryl in Jamaica, the colour of the sea
'The most painful part for the island in general is after the storm. It has become increasingly obvious that enormous destruction has taken place in several parts of the country.'
For many Jamaicans, tea is much more than just a refreshing drink
“Bush tea” – herbal tea that is drunk for health reasons, but also enjoyed by many – is embedded in Jamaican tradition and history, including its African heritage.
The historic repatriation of a giant lizard in a jar from Scotland to Jamaica is more than a symbolic gesture
“By returning the galliwasp to its rightful place, we take a small but significant step towards laying the foundation for a regional and international discussion on repatriation.”
Brian Heap, a generous teacher and inspiring figure in Jamaican theater, dies at age 73
"He had the ability to incorporate ordinary details of Jamaican culture in his work and to turn the ordinary into something special."
The ball is back in Jamaica’s Appeals Court as UK Privy Council quashes dancehall star Vybz Kartel’s conviction
The Privy Council said “juror misconduct” was the primary reason for quashing the convictions since this would likely have affected the jurors’ reasoning and their verdict.
As Haiti's president prepares to step down, will CARICOM's new plan help his country?
Haiti's prime minister resigns amidst growing social unrest; can the involvement of the country's Caribbean neighbours make a difference?
