FISH KEEPING JAMAICA

The Media as a Battleground: Deconstructing the PNP vs. Nationwide News Network (NNN) Conflict By: Raliegh D.G. Barnett, B.Ed., M.A. Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Sustainable Agricultural Management Date: March 4, 2026 Topic: Political Polarization and Media Credibility in Jamaica The relationship between the media and political directorates is often a delicate dance of transparency and tension. However, in the Jamaican context, few relationships have been as volatile as that between the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Nationwide News Network (NNN). For years, the Orange Street headquarters has labeled the station a "pulpit" for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), leading to a fractured landscape in local journalism. This post examines the roots of this dissent, the "4% listenership" narrative, and the resilience of a media house under political fire. The "Pulpit" Allegation: PNP Singles Out NNN The People’s National Party has frequent...

  The Political Pulpit: Navigating Partisan Influence in Jamaican School Boards By: Raliegh D.G. Barnett, B.Ed., M.A. Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Sustainable Agricultural Management Date: March 4, 2026 For decades, the appointment of school board chairpersons in Jamaica has been a subject of intense public debate, often described as the "Achilles' heel" of the nation’s education system. While these boards are technically tasked with the stewardship of public institutions, the reality on the ground frequently mirrors the partisan landscape of the wider society. This blog explores the historical grip of politics on school governance, the policy shifts aimed at disruption, and the workable solutions needed to finally decouple education from political interest. A Tradition of Political Influence Historically, the appointment of school board chairmen in Jamaica has been heavily influenced by the sitting Member of Parliament (MP). Although the Education Regu...

  Echo Chambers in the Antilles: The Politicization of Media in Jamaica By: Raliegh D.G. Barnett, M.A.T., B.Ed. Date: March 4, 2026 Qualifications: Master of the Art of Teaching, Bachelor of Education (UWI/WES Verified); Geography Educator; Founder, Fish Keeping Jamaica . In the landscape of Jamaican democracy, the media has long been hailed as the "Fourth Estate," responsible for holding the powerful to account. However, as we navigate the post-2025 election cycle, a concerning trend has solidified: the overt politicization of major media houses by the two dominant political forces, the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). This phenomenon is not merely about editorial preference; it is a geographic and systemic alignment that shapes how Jamaicans perceive reality, policy, and their fellow citizens. Understanding this alignment is crucial for any consumer of news in our 21st-century "information age." The Polarization of the Press...

  The Backyard Blue Revolution: Securing Funding for Tilapia Farming in Jamaica By: Raliegh D.G. Barnett, B.Ed., M.A. Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Sustainable Agricultural Management Date: March 3, 2026 As Jamaica moves aggressively toward food sovereignty, backyard aquaculture has transitioned from a subsistence hobby to a viable micro-enterprise. For many aspiring "agri-preneurs," the barrier to entry isn't a lack of space, but a lack of capital. Organizations like the Digicel Foundation have become pivotal in bridging this gap. This post outlines the roadmap for securing assistance and provides a structural blueprint for a backyard business proposal that wins over investors. Procedures for Applying to the Digicel Foundation The Digicel Foundation focuses on community-based projects and social enterprises through their "Build Jamaica" and "Social Enterprise" grants. To apply for tilapia farming assistance, follow these steps: Alig...

  Empowering Local Aquaculture: A Guide to Partnering with the Digicel Foundation for Sustainable Tilapia Farming By: Raliegh D.G. Barnett, B.Ed., M.A. Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Sustainable Agricultural Management Date: March 3, 2026 In the heart of Jamaica’s agricultural evolution, the push for food security has never been more critical. As we look toward sustainable solutions, the Digicel Foundation stands out as a beacon of support for community-based projects that foster entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. If you are envisioning a transition from traditional farming to a high-tech, sustainable aquaculture space, the path starts with a structured application and a vision that extends beyond the pond. How to Apply for Digicel Foundation Assistance The Digicel Foundation typically focuses on community development and social enterprises. To apply for assistance with a tilapia farming start-up, follow these institutional procedures: Alignment with Focus Are...

  From Pond to Plate: The Strategic Management of Tilapia Aquaculture vs. Artisanal Sea Fishing in Jamaica By: Raliegh D.G. Barnett, B.Ed., M.A. Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Sustainable Agricultural Management Date: March 3, 2026 The blue economy of Jamaica is a tale of two distinct worlds: the unpredictable, high-octane life of the artisanal sea fisherman and the disciplined, systems-oriented world of the tilapia aquaculturist. As an educator with a deep-seated interest in how structured management drives success, I find the "business of fish" to be a perfect case study in risk mitigation and economic planning. The Tilapia Production Cycle: A Managed Business Process Operating a food-fish farm is less about "fishing" and more about biological manufacturing . The process is cyclical, demanding high levels of intentionality and technical skill. 1. Pond Priming: The Foundation (January – February) To maximize yields, priming must begin during the dr...