Description
Book SynopsisTrawling through public discourse and debates in Jamaica, this book distils and presents major issues that captured public attention at the onset of the 21st century. It is designed not only to aid memory but also to help us see the progress we have made and avoid reinvention of the wheel.
Trade ReviewDr. Livingstone Thompson’s Jamaica in the 21st Century provides a rich dig into what he describes as “a selective archaeological enterprise” of his commentaries published in the Daily and Sunday Gleaner newspapers between 2003 and 2007. This compendium not only shines a spotlight on the socio-economic and cultural issues that dominated public discourse during that specific period but also helps to put in context, nearly a decade later, discussions on the same topics of crime and violence, education, morality and sexuality, the death penalty and the role of the UK Privy Council in the life of independent Jamaica. Serious researchers should find this compilation a useful reference tool as they examine aspects of life in 21st century Jamaica. -- Colin Steer, Gleaner Associate Editor, 1999–2012
This publication is intended to be a snapshot of the first decade of 21st Century Jamaica, seen through a narrow window of writings in that period. The book can also serve as source material for further research into the politics, events and points of conversation during the first decade of the 21st century. -- Warren Wint, former Wire Editor and Staff Writer for the Gleaner
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1—National Issues and Policies UWI Trends and Policy Needs The Terrorism Prevention Act 2003 A Sterile Budget Debate Why the Fascination with Gambling? The Church, Party Leadership and Unity Teachers Need Inspiration Whose Victory Is This? A Blow to Political Bigotry Ras Noah and the Hawk: Making Fun of God And There Shall Be Rain! Dawn Ritch and the Educated Class Independence and Development The Ethics of Funding Education Is Hanging the Answer to Crime? Education of Persons with Disability The Duppy Economic Policy Implications of Independence The Electoral Advisory Committee: Cosmetic Change? Crime and Divine Intervention Chapter 2—Regional and International Issues Religion on the Caribbean Agenda A Crisis in Human Sexuality The Death of Thousands: a Theological Problem The Church and Human Sexuality Long Live the IRA Sexual Relations, Rape and Civil Unions Economic Success and Religious Affiliation Apartheid is Dead, not its Children CWC: Priced Beyond the Ordinary Migrating to Ireland: Pull Factors and Limitations Chapter 3—Religion, Faith and the Church The Church’s Influence on Emancipation Interfaith Relations The First Protestant Denomination in Jamaica Moravians in Wider Society The Bishop of Rome and the Anti-Popes Happy New Year my foot! In the Beginning, God A Female Primate to the Rescue? Religions and Economic Success Chapter 4—Letters to the Editor Comments on Religious Articles Early Role of the Moravians A Comment on C. Reynolds' Plea for "Sense” Re-interpreting Christian Tradition and History Moravian Position on Homosexuality Ganja Case Not Strong Enough Why the JLP is wary of the Social Partnership The Murder of Rev Dr RWM Cuthbert Reconsidering the Rights Law Postscript Jamaica’s Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education, by Petal Thompson-Williams
