An Interview with Crochet Couture Diva, Minka.
Nestled above the historic cane fields and factories of western Jamaica, is a small town called Grange Hill, which has produced one of the emerging fashion giants in Jamaica. She is what some would call a renegade and others a bellwether. A visionary, in more ways than one, Gillian Francis aka Minka, is one of Jamaica’s premiere designers with a promising future in world fashion domination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Immigration Benefits
The Immigration laws of the United States are governed by complex statutes, internal Immigration memorandums and case law. Consequently, it can be quite daunting for a non-citizen to maneuver his or her way through the entire immigration process. This article will address some common mistakes that clients usually make in applying to Immigration for benefits. I will also offer some easy solutions for those individuals who feel compelled to go through the process by themselves.

How To Manage Your Money
In a recent column entitled “The 3 Ms of  Money,” we discussed the principles of financial achievement - managing, multiplying and maintaining your money. Over the coming weeks, we will examine these three pathways to money success in greater detail. The key to managing your money is knowing what to do with the money that you are already earning, so that you can comfortably pay your bills and work towards attaining your goals. There are four components to successful money management, which, like the ingredients in a recipe, are all essential to producing the perfect end result.

Redundancy and its impact on those left behind
After the dust is cleared, come Monday morning the so called “lucky” ones who are left behind, huddle at someone’s desk discussing the sad events of Friday afternoon when some of their colleagues were given marching orders.

Food Shopping in Jamaica
Food shopping in Jamaica, while having some resemblance to the American experience, can be challenging at times. The Jamaican supermarkets are laid out with aisles of packaged foods and general merchandise similar to the US. Around the perimeter of the interior is the meat, dairy and produce sections. Glaringly absent is the ever popular and ever busy deli department. The only cold cuts I have seen come in blister packs and a very limited variety.

I’m Allergic - Jamaican Book Review
This book targets children who are ages 3 to 7 years old, and the family members that read with them. The tale introduces the topic of food allergies as told by a young character by the name of Li'l Al Lurgic, who is very sensitive to popular edibles that are common to children's diet. The book aims primarily to be fun, and only secondarily speaks to children who have special needs, or sensitivities of which the adult world is lovingly ignorant. In a subtle way, the author is opening a space for more sensitive handling of the individual perculiarities of all small chiildren.

Back in the Old Days, Agriculture Was King in Jamaica
Before bauxite was discovered and mined, before Jamaica had a "financial sector," before various governments sold the island’s birthright to attract screwdriver industries and garment-industry sweatshops, Jamaicans made their living mostly from the land. As I recall, it wasn’t easy. I wonder what became of all that hard work? How did it change? And who let it happen? I suppose it’s useless to point fingers now. I can only cheer the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on and wish him luck in reviving the island's aricultural tradition.

Book Review: From Saddam Hussein To Barack Hussein: The Story of Change, Legacy, and Ascendancy
From Saddam Hussein To Barack Hussein: The Story of Change, Legacy, and Ascendancy, by Jamaican author Donovan A. McFarlane ,communicates the paradoxical nature of change and leadership as processes shaping the very nature of existence, impacting the lives of ordinary and extraordinary individuals alike to forever alter the course of our world. This book chronicles the change process following an approximate decade of leadership, its ineffectiveness and effectiveness, and the breaking and making of strong leaders in national and global political contexts.

Interview with Kim Marie Spence, Jamaica's Representative in the Women's Antarctic Expedition
This month we interview  Kim Marie Spence who was recently selected to represent Jamaica in the Women's Antarctic Expedition. She is one of the eight women from countries across the Commonwealth, who will participate in the Women's Antarctic Expedition. The women represent five continents, six faiths and seven languages. On the expedition these women will tackle the immense mental and physical challenges of Antarctica.

Permanent Residence Through Your Spouse
Non-citizen spouses are able to acquire permanent residence through their spouse under the following four conditions. First, your spouse must be a United States Citizen or permanent resident.  Second, you must have entered the United States in legal status i.e. with a visa or under the visa waiver program. Three, you must be admissible to the United States.  Finally, your spouse must be willing to submit his/her immigration petition to Immigration on your behalf. This article will highlight the process of preparing, submitting and ultimately attaining permanent residence though marriage.

In Real Life, as in Fiction, Jamaica's Future Depends on Agriculture, Not Bauxite
In my book, "Hill-an’-Gully Rider," I have the Prime Minister resisting the efforts of bauxite companies to invade his fictional Caribbean island. Despite the wealthy companies’ efforts – including political machinations and even violence – the Prime Minister succeeds in protecting the island and eventually reaps great rewards through pursuing a policy of environmental preservation and innovation.

Health Care in Jamaica
Quality medical care in Jamaica is one of the prime concerns of many of my readers. Between my wife and I, we have had seven years of experiences with doctors and other medical facilities in the Montego Bay area. We have found the quality of medical care to be quite adequate, although not perfect. Considering this Third World country boasts over 1,000 people above the age of 100 one would have to say that the medical care throughout the island is more than adequate. 

The 3 Ms of Money
In a recent column you said that it was possible for persons to learn how to be financially literate. I am tired of always being low on funds and big in debt. What are some of the things that I should be doing in order to be successful with money?

Interview with Maas Gussie the columnist for "Hello Mi Neighbour"
This month we interview Silton Townsend known to many Jamaicans as Maas Gussie. His programme and column Hello Mi Neighbour is inspiring Jamaicans everywhere to help each other. He has motivatied people to think of how they can be of value to each other and make life better for others.

Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
Another hush hush topic in the workplace is the matter of sexual harassment but let’s take a look at this very “touchy” subject. Let us look at some scenarios and raise your hand if you are so affected

Caribbean Country Profiles
Every June we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage month. This month we profile all the Caribbean countries with their rich heritage, people and culture.

Jamaican Tourism hi-jacked by Mad-man
Mi  cyannot even get a finganail clippa or a bakle a lotion ova three ounces through de airport security line in Merica yet dis man was able to get a gun through de security and unto the plane. People; wi need fi understand dat Tourism is de ongly foreign exchange earner wi ave lef in Jamaica.

American Gun Control Laws Are a Matter of Life and Death to Its Neighbors
As long as assault rifles and other lethal weapons are freely available in the United States – at gun shows for example - neighboring countries such as Jamaica will remain at risk. The right to bare arms may be a matter of their Constitutional right to Americans, but to Jamaicans it is a matter of life and death.

Interview with Capoeira Instructor Dennis Eckart
This month we intervew Dennis Eckart a Capoeira instructor who lives in Jamaica. Created in Brazil by the slaves brought from Africa, Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that involves movements from martial arts, and dance. It was created some time after the 16th century in the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Acquiring U.S Citizenship through Naturalization
There are many paths that lead to the path of United States citizenship. The immigration path to United States citizenship is optional. Under the current immigration laws, it is not mandatory that permanent residents become United States citizens but the benefits are much better. This article will outline the key steps that will put you on the path to becoming a United States citizen.