The Gilling Papers

06/10/2026

From Colonial Subjects to Caribbean Citizens: Marcus Garvey’s Unfinished Vision

When Jamaicans think about Marcus Garvey, we usually think about Pan-Africanism. We think about Africa, racial pride, the Universal Negro Improvement Association, and the Black Star Line.

When Jamaicans think about Marcus Garvey, we usually think about Pan-Africanism.

06/08/2026

In my last article about Jamaica’s islandwide blackout, I took a lighter approach.

I reflected on duppies, rolling calves, vampire movies, banana walks, and the childhood fears that emerged whenever darkness covered the countryside.

Jamaica’s Electrical Blackout: The Unknown Is the Real Threat

06/07/2026

The blackout last night across Jamaica is not just a story about electricity.
It is a story about memory.
For Jamaicans born before widespread rural electrification, darkness was not an emergency. It was a normal part of life. The night had its own culture, rules, stories, fears, and entertainment

The blackout last night across Jamaica is not just a story about electricity.

06/05/2026

Every year, when examination results are released, the same conversation begins.
Which schools are ranked at the top?
Which schools have fallen?
Which schools have produced the highest number of passes?

Every year, when examination results are released, the same conversation begins.

06/04/2026

The murder charge laid against a police officer in connection with the shooting death of Latoya “Buju” Bulgin has reopened a national conversation that extends far beyond a single incident.

06/03/2026

It’s June 2026, which means it has been exactly two years since the last Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in 2024.

06/02/2026

Over time, I have come to realize that I do not write simply to express opinions. I write because too many important decisions are presented to ordinary people only through headlines, sound bites, and political talking points.

Over time, I have come to realize that I do not write simply to express opinions.

06/01/2026

One of the easiest explanations for many of Jamaica’s social problems is to blame the people. We hear it all the time. “De people dem lawless.” “All a dem need fi pack up and send go jail fi life.” “Dem nuh have no respect.” “Dem hate police.” “When police beat dem up, mi nuh feel sorry fi dem.” These comments have become so common that many of us accept them without ever stopping to ask whether they actually explain what is happening between the public and the police.

One of the easiest explanations for many of Jamaica’s social problems is to blame the people.

05/31/2026

Over the past few days, I have been reflecting on several high-profile legal cases involving attorney-at-law Isat Buchanan. Like many Jamaicans, I initially viewed these matters through the lens of the individual cases themselves.

Over the past few days, I have been reflecting on several high-profile legal cases involving attorney-at-law Isat Buchanan.

05/29/2026

Many Jamaican women who arrived through the domestic worker programs of the 1950s and 1960s experienced racism, isolation, exploitation, and loneliness. Their lives were often extremely difficult. Yet many persevered, bought homes, educated their children, and built generational stability from almost nothing.

Over the past few days, the same video kept appearing in my social media feed.