Seeing Red

If your nation has one of the highest murder rates in the world, it’s news when a day goes by without a killing. It’s also a national pastime in Jamaica to propose and investigate different hypotheses for its high number of homicides. The economy, drug trade, and dancehall music have all been pointed to for the alarming rate of violence on the small island. A short video, Seeing Red: The Science of Violence, by UWI and UNESCO looks at the role played by human psychology on violent behavior.

Global Reggae Conference

I just returned from a whirlwind week in Jamaica, where I did my best to experience the Reggae Month festivities. The short bit UWI’s Global Reggae Conference that I participated in was immensely gratifying. The conference was very well organized and with speakers from all walks of life and from all around the world. It is a shame the conference was not better attended, as most of the chairs at the sessions I sat in on were empty. For those who missed the conference, UWI has streaming video of each session and event on its website here, which I am hoping they do not remove any time soon.