Health impacts of climate change now being felt in the Caribbean, writes Advira Shand, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Manchester in Jamaica, underline the need for policies and public education to protect the environment and fight outbreaks. I still cringe when I remember the agony of being brought down on my knees by the chikungunya virus in …

“Is climate change creating a health crisis?” Read More »

Climate change affects entire populations, but Renice Bostic, 24, a Correspondent from Christ Church in Barbados, says that addressing the impact on women must be part of the conversation. Mary Robinson said that “climate change is the greatest human rights issue of the 21st century”. Indeed, the manifestations of climate change are likely to threaten the human …

“Gender equality and climate change” Read More »

Young people play an integral role in advancing development, democracy and peace. At the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta, 21-25 November, over 400 youth leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people, and devise relevant policy solutions through four main agendas – economic, environmental, social and political. The theme of the Forum is ‘Adding …

“Rising sea levels, temperatures and tensions” Read More »

Street harassment can take different forms in different places, writes Alicia Wallace, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nassau, Bahamas, but the impact on victims and responsibility of by-standers remains unchanged. It can be tough to explain to people that street harassment, though normalized, is not normal, and the practice is not linked to the culture of …

“I was harassed here. No one helped me” Read More »

A beauty competition set the stage for one contestant to challenge preconceptions and empower others to be agents of positive change, writes Rashaun Watson, 23, a Correspondent from Portmore, Jamaica. On December 19, 2015, all eyes were fixed on the grand coronation show for the 65th Miss World Competition in Sanya, China. The competition attracted beautiful women …

“Jamaica’s Miss World contest creates history” Read More »

Climate-smart agricultural practices are meeting resistance from some of the farmers most at risk to the negative impact of climate change, writes Jhannel Tomlinson, 24, a Correspondent from Kingston, Jamaica. Mr Jones, a vegetable farmer in the hills of Clarendon, Jamaica, is renowned for his succulent tomatoes, crispy lettuce and large peppers. A farmer of …

“Resisting the adaptations for climate change” Read More »

Promoting the rights of one gender above the other is divisive and counter-productive, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who advocates the goal of universal rights. Many of us living on this earth have heard about feminism. We know about its goals, its successes and its failures. We have also heard about …

“What a tangled web we weave with division” Read More »

Mothers are advocating for their daughters’ rights to exist as black people, unashamed of their roots – from historical to follicle – writes Alicia Wallace, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nassau, Bahamas.  Young women are holding fast to their identities and rights as citizens and members of the African diaspora. They are unapologetic about the natural …

“Natural hair, racism and gender equality” Read More »

Disappointment in one’s plans does not mean defeat, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but should be seen as an opportunity to reassess and use initiative. As a young individual living in the Caribbean, you sit and often times reflect on your past, present and future. You make a critical review of what has touched your …

“The youthful initiative to strive and thrive” Read More »