If you are like me where you only visit your hometown a few times per year then you may understand when I say “visiting my hometown is filled with moments being relived through deep reflections that evoke varying emotions.” Well, last summer, on one of those rare trips, I met up with a childhood friend and immediately my mind started jogging down memory lane. My friend … [Read more...] about How do you measure the value of a dream?
Social Systems
Dog, Cockroaches and White Elephants
Yesterday, Day 1 of a conference on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs, 3Ps or P3s) in the Caribbean, I heard references to these animals and creepy crawlers. As a new dog owner I took offense, as did several others. Speakers were trying to explain that a badly designed PPP turns out to be a dog, or a cockroach or a white elephant. Whichever is more palatable as a … [Read more...] about Dog, Cockroaches and White Elephants
Eat to Live. Not to Die.
The data is deadly! Almost too scary to put into words. But it’s time to face the fat ugly truth: Suriname like so many of its Caribbean neighbors has joined the fat parade. According to a local newspaper, 30% of the male population between the ages of 15 and 50 are well on their way to eating themselves to death. A recently published WHO/PAHO survey which looks at the risk … [Read more...] about Eat to Live. Not to Die.
Growing Jamaica’s Hotel Industry while Training At-Risk Youths
IDB approved a US$6.75 million loan to Caribe Hospitality Jamaica in December 2012 to construct and operate a 129 room Marriott Courtyard Hotel in New Kingston Jamaica. In addition to providing loan funds, IDB saw the opportunity to provide technical assistance to enhance the development impact of the project. IDB then conducted a Shared Value Appraisal, in partnership … [Read more...] about Growing Jamaica’s Hotel Industry while Training At-Risk Youths
Reducing Community Violence Starts at Home
Earlier this month I attended “Crime and Violence in The Bahamas: Data-Driven Policies for Effective Citizen Security”, a workshop jointly hosted by the IDB and the Government of The Bahamas. The purpose of the workshop was to learn about evidence-based approaches to violence reduction that have been successful elsewhere, and consider how stakeholders in The Bahamas can … [Read more...] about Reducing Community Violence Starts at Home