Camille's Blog (7)

Jim taught Second Life at the Container. I dropped in on a class before we went to Portland. By the time we returned, his students had made amazing progress. Winston is one of the participants in Jim’s Second Life Class. Here is what Winston had to say about Second LIfe Second life is a very interesting program. When I first saw it I was amazed. I stuck to second life because I love it and it can be great fun. So far I’ve built the container that we operate from and our toilet. I’… Continue

The last two weeks flew by. At this moment, I am sitting on a plane heading back to Toronto. Its raining. The whole island is under storm alert. The entire time I was in Jamaica, there was nary drop of precipitation in Palmers Cross but yesterday rivers ran down the streets, the thirsty ground could not hold it all. Unfortunately, our community celebration was planned for last night. I was looking forward to seeing a new video that was created iindependently by some of our students. It was going… Continue

Just before Jen left, she and I went to a dance with a friend who was one of our students during our residency here in 2006. It was held in an empty field lit by candles in glass bottles. There was food, drink and dj's. The crowds got thicker as the night wore on. Dancehall rhythms pumped into the wee hours and skilled dancers showed off for a roving camera with a ghastly bright light. Sadly, the event was for a "fallen soldier". There is much gun violence here and the man being honoured was one… Continue

Its morning and I am sitting on Frederica's balcony reflecting on this week's incredible adventures. We started on Friday morning by recording Frederica's story. She spoke passionately about carrying out her mother's wish to build a community centre. We walked down the road to Freddy Campbell's shop and recorded the story of how he taught himself his craft by taking orders for things he had never built. The next story began with a long journey straight up a steep hill. Leon cleared the way and m… Continue

Hi all, Jen and I just got back from a trip to Caenwood Road, Portland—a tiny community without internet. I wasn't able to post to the blog but I continued to write. Here are a few of my ruminations as they happened. The Container just won the prestigious Stockholm Challenge beating out many international community projects. What has made it such a success? Because there was no money, it was built by the community. Cross, like many communities, has its share of carpenters, electricians, welders… Continue

The digital storytelling workshop Jen and I taught in Negril ended on Saturday. The following day we frolicked on the beach whilst awaiting our ride back to Palmers Cross. The turquoise water was warm and the waves, gentle. A smattering of bodies baked in sun so hot it made the sand unbearable to walk on with bare feet. We are back in Palmers Cross now and finally have time to reflect on our experience in Negril. Tourist towns are strange places to negotiate. Everyone's lives are affected by to… Continue

Jim and I arrived in Jamaica a couple of days ago. Jen arrived a week ago to help mervin set up the three workshops—in Negril, Palmers Cross and Portland. We were greeted by mervin who brought us to Palmers Cross where we spent the night. We left the next day with Jen for Negril and yesterday we started our first 3 day workshop. So far there are six participants, including Sue who owns the internet cafe where we are teaching. We decided, since the participants would range in numbers throughout t… Continue