Debbie James Smith's Page

Today was spent interviewing six musicians for a radio segment on music coming out of the Container Project. Once we were finished, Andre drove us over to a salt spring that was about 15 minutes away, but a completely different climate caused by the salt water spring coming from underground. Beautiful clear blue-green water surrounded by vegetation and limestone hills - lots of kids playing in the water.

I spent the day facilitating a short workshop in Windsor Height today. Andre produced and directed 12 interviews, took photographs, and shot a few video interviews with the stellar help of Phillip - both of whom I met in Toronto at the Subtle Technologies conference in June.

The stories we were told were amazing - we asked youth what it was like growing up in Windsor Heights and how they believed the forthcoming container project would benefit them, and their community. Photos to come.

Tonight… Continue

I spent the day in Windsor Heights driving around on a tour of the community. I met the community elder who has been instrumental in bring a number of programs and services to the area - not the least of which is his work from decades ago when he worked to broaden access to electricity.

Today, I am working with Andre to produce a small promotional video composed of interviews of people involved with community projects including a literacy school, pottery studio, cement block manufacturer, and t… Continue

I'm back and have today to get a few blog messages out, answer emails and contemplate on how dependent I am on being connected via technology. Thank goodness Elaine lent me a cell phone on the day I arrived which has allowed me to chase down my suitcase - an exciting story in itself, and to keep in touch with my loved ones who needed to hear I arrived safely.

I am uploading a number of photos that represent my first week in Jamaica.

so, I've arrived, without my baggage. I hope to get everything by Tuesday. Other than that, I've been having a great time. Drank fresh coconut milk on my ride from the airport, visited the new site for a container in Spanish Town. Met up with all the people who I met in Toronto - Andre and Phillip, who are helping to build the new center.

At the house where I am am staying there are chickens, a really great roaster who knows when dawn has broken, kittens and a dog. Pictures to follow.

Today I… Continue