It’s 2020. The world is battling the novel coronavirus. Economies have shrunk and gone into recession. Person-to-person transmission is on the rise and death rates along with it. Governments have imposed lockdowns and people are jittery and reluctant to think beyond the pandemic and plan for the post-COVID-19 era. But as the saying goes, “when …

A better ‘new normal’ Read More »

On September 3, 2020, Jamaica will hold its next general elections amidst fears over the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. According to the Electoral Office of Jamaica there are over 1,910,000 voters in Jamaica, but will they show up to vote on Election Day, or will they stay away due to COVID-19 fears? Akelia Douglas, …

Jamaica votes amidst global pandemic Read More »

It’s Independence Day in Bangladesh. But instead of the usual March 26 celebrations, the government is stepping up measures to control the spread of the coronavirus. It has declared a national holiday which begins today and will last until Saturday, April 4, 2020. Over the 10-day period, public and private businesses are to be closed …

COVID-19: Independence Day lockdown Read More »

The cancellation of sporting events due to the coronavirus has had a devastating effect on one of the most powerful forces for peace and unity in a time when the world needs it most, writes Alvin Ma, a 28-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Canada. He is hopeful that people across the globe will utilize other avenues …

Filling the sports gap left by the coronavirus Read More »

Stay home, stay safe, stay alive. That is the global message as the coronavirus pandemic claims more lives. While many of us can practice social distancing, spare a thought for refugees, forced migrants and displaced persons who have no choice about how and where they live. Bismark Akoto, a 24-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Accra, Ghana …

Far from home and dodging coronavirus Read More »

Responses by leaders across the world to the coronavirus pandemic have ranged from efficient to questionable. As Canadian writer Robin Sharma eloquently put it: “Anyone can lead when the plan is working. The best lead when the plan falls apart.” Munguongeyo Ivan, a 27-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala, Uganda, looks at various interventions to a crisis that …

Leadership during COVID-19 Read More »

As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, what opportunities are there for creators and innovators? Jacob Masenga, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Zambia, talks to Zanga Musakuzi, a Zambian health tech innovator making it easier for people to find health services. Most great solutions came about through creativity and innovation during challenging situations. Here’s an example of how a …

COVID-19: Inspiring innovation Read More »

On May 4, Nigeria’s federal government gradually started easing a five-week lockdown in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos State, along with Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory. The aim was to gradually reopen some businesses, with a view to eventually fully re-opening critical sectors of the economy. Laila Johnson-Salami, a 23-year-old Correspondent from Lagos, Nigeria, …

Lagos: Lock down or open up? Read More »

The coronavirus pandemic has shown us the best of humanity. But it has also brought to light many inequalities and other issues that are often swept under the carpet. Ashlee Burnett, a 22-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, delves into how the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected some the most vulnerable members of society—women. …

Skeletons of COVID-19 Read More »

Life in Cameroon is slowly returning to normal despite the continued increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases writes Promise Forsuh, 23-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon. The government of the West African country recently eased the strict restrictions that were implemented two weeks after the first confirmed case of the virus in Cameroon on March 6, 2020.  …

Easing COVID-19 restrictions in Cameroon Read More »