Mahogany CoConut Blog

One Caribbean Nation. Former Jamaica Prime Minister Mr. P.J. Patterson Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson has slammed the Holness administration’s decision to abstain from voting on the United Nations resolution calling for an end to the embargo against Cuba as “an abominable betrayal which history will never forget”. The vote marked a shift in policy by Jamaica as historically the island has voted “yes” in favour of ending the United States economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba for over 30 years since the annual UN resolution began. In a scathing rebuke of the decision by Jamaica, Patterson said “It was a day of shame for the land of Marcus Garvey, and a stain on the record of a nation which, before we had even raised our own flag, closed its ports to trade with apartheid South Africa.” Patterson recalled that in December 1972, he accompanied then Prime Minister Michael Manley to the meeting at which four newly independent Caribbean states resolved to establi...

One Caribbean Nation. The Mighty Sparrow Calypso King of the World   The passing of Dr. Slinger Francisco, whose stage name was The Mighty Sparrow, represents a profound loss to the Caribbean. He was recognized as the Calypso King of the World and an artiste of immense talent, that many believe will never be surpassed in the Calypso art form. To have maintained that standard could not have been as easy or comfortable as he made it appear. His vast volume of work, represents an encyclopedia of what Caribbean culture means to those who are unafraid of embracing, respecting and promoting the Caribbean civilization. Sparrow through his music, magically turned all of us into his students when he instructed and generously shared his vast wisdom. He was a teacher par excellence. Like all great teachers, he made us comfortable and excited in his class. His mastery of Caribbean wit with its poignant message about politics , sex, injustice along with social and economic messages, always ...

One Caribbean Nation. Kamla – slide to irrelevance  Professor Tennyson Joseph Kamla – slide to irrelevance   CARIBBEAN PEOPLE are not often afforded the privilege of witnessing the inevitable slide towards irrelevance, in slow motion, of a key regional figure. Thus, when it occurs, it should be grasped as a precious teaching moment.  The “independence” day speech by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar as well as her public interventions in the preceding months, has presented such a moment.   Political leadership, by its very definition, implies greater levels of intellectual sophistication and articulation than that of the ordinary citizen. Ordinary citizens may be forgiven for “talking foolishness” but the political leaders cannot.  If Persad-Bissessar hoped that her “I’m cool with colonialism” independence speech would have shock value, she failed miserably.   No one was surprised. Since Donald Trum...

One Caribbean Nation HISTORIC APPOINTMENT PANAMA CANAL GETS FIRST FEMALE CHIEF Naval engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta takes the helm Monday as the first woman to lead the Panama Canal administration, stepping into the role at a challenging time for the vital maritime route. Buoyed by her leadership of the multi-billion-dollar expansion project last decade, Espino moves up from deputy administrator to take full command of the canal. Only three other Panamanians have held the position since the United States handed over the interoceanic waterway in late 1999. Her appointment to the canal's top post is already seen as a symbol of women's capability for executive leadership roles in the industry. The canal serves as the engine of the Panamanian economy and handles nearly three per cent of global maritime trade. Shortly before taking office, Espino told The Associated Press that her priority would be advancing the project to build a reservoir on the Indio River within the canal...

One Caribbean Nation Professor Justin Robinson        THE UNFINISHED MEANING OF EMANCIPATION IN 2026  By Professor Justin Robinson (The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of this publication.) Caribbean people can't wait for summer. Long school and university vacations, Vincy Mas, Lucian Mas, Antigua Carnival, Kadooment, Spice Mas, beach days and overseas shopping. Many hardly notice that August 1 is Emancipation Day and quietly grumble: who are these mad people talking about a season of Emancipation? Slavery and colonialism went together as the imperial powers, England, France, Holland and Spain in the main, decided the fates of people resident in these idyllic Caribbean islands. This season of Emancipation, I intrude on your vacation time to ask you to examine the imperial habits that survived Emancipation. I want you to consider a crazy-sounding question. What if, like Greenland, Washingt...

One Caribbean Nation. Daily Nation Barbados , Tuesday, August 18, 2026                                               BARBADIAN WORKERS played a significant role in the construction of                                                the Panama Canal  by BOLÍVAR JACK BARRIOS LA FONTAINE   THE STRONGEST BRIDGES between nations are not always built through treaties, trade agreements, or official visits. More often, they are built quietly by ordinary people whose lives cross borders in search of opportunity, carrying with them their traditions, memories and aspirations. The relationship between Panama and Barbados is a remarkable example of this truth. Long before modern diplomacy connected our governments, people connected our...