The First 21 Years of the 21st Century: Observations from Jamaica

This book examines from a Jamaican perspective significant local and global events occurring between the year 2000 and early 2021. It explores the new millennium and early digital life starting with the deregulation of the world telecommunications industry, the resultant competition in the Jamaican telecom market, and the phenomenal rise, use, and influence of social media. The emergence of China as a player on the world stage and its impact on Jamaica are also highlighted; also given spotlight are the historic election of Barack Obama as President of the USA and the rise of the far right led by Donald Trump; attention is also drawn to the advent of a more inclusive world and same sex marriages, despite homophobia; the author also looks at the issue of corruption, the controversial extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, and Jamaica's undisputed status as the World #1 Sprint Nation. Rounding out the topics covered are the COVID-19 pandemic and its massive impact on socio-economic life, elections in Jamaica and the United States in 2020 and their aftermath, racism, and, finally, a gaze into the next 21 years.