At Writes & Kulcha, we’ve always been dedicated to amplifying Caribbean voices, preserving cultural heritage, and advocating for holistic well-being. Today, I’m thrilled to announce that our mission has taken a bold step forward. I am honoured to have been selected as a Climate Tracker Caribbean Cycle 4 Climate Justice Journalism Fellow. This prestigious opportunity is not just a personal milestone but also a chance to expand our platform’s impact in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time—climate justice. As a proud participant in the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, our upcoming stories on climate justice in Jamaica will highlight the invaluable role of Indigenous communities in fostering resilience against climate change.
The Caribbean faces disproportionate risks in the climate crisis, from intensifying hurricanes to extreme heat and rising sea levels, all of which deeply affect our people, our culture, and our way of life. Yet, amidst these challenges, there is a profound strength in our stories, especially those of our Indigenous communities, whose connection to the land offers invaluable insights for adaptation. Through my participation in the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, I will be sharing stories that explore climate justice through the lens of cultural preservation. This means over the next few months, Writes & Kulcha will be bringing you stories that highlight the intersection of climate change, cultural preservation, and Indigenous knowledge.
Through this Fellowship, I’ll produce five in-depth stories that will shine a light on Jamaica’s climate challenges and the resilience of its people. These will include two short-form articles, a collaborative piece, a solutions-oriented video, and an investigative feature. Most of these stories will draw on the voices of those who know the land best—our Indigenous Peoples—and explore how their lived experiences and ancestral practices can guide us towards a sustainable future.
As part of the Fellowship, I’ll also engage in thought-provoking discussions Climate Tracker Caribbean’s platforms like the Caribbean Climate Calabash podcast, an Instagram Live session, and a newsletter contribution. This immersive experience is not just about storytelling; it’s about catalysing action and fostering connections across the region and the globe.
The Climate Tracker Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, a joint venture with the Open Society Foundations, underscores the importance of amplifying regional voices in the global climate conversation. It’s a call to action for us all—to preserve our cultural and environmental legacies for the next seven generations.
Writes & Kulcha has always been about inspiring change through storytelling. In our past work on Indigenous rights, we explored the deep connection between culture and the environment.As the founder and lead journalist, I’ve spent two decades weaving narratives that honour Caribbean culture, advocate for our mental and spiritual well-being, and amplify underrepresented voices. With this Fellowship, I’m excited to deepen this work and invite you, our readers, to join me on this journey.
In the coming months, you can expect stories that not only document the challenges of climate change, but also celebrate the ingenuity and spirit of our Jamaican people. From Taino ancestral grounds to Maroon communities and the heart of Rastafari traditions, these narratives will explore how cultural heritage and environmental stewardship are inextricably linked.
This is more than just journalism; it’s a mission to ensure our stories are not lost to the rising tide of climate change. At Writes & Kulcha, we believe that safeguarding the Caribbean’s future means protecting its cultural and natural resources, and this journey is one step towards that goal.
This fellowship provides an incredible opportunity to amplify the voices of those leading the charge in Caribbean climate justice. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for the powerful stories that lie ahead.
Tami Tsansai | Ke’tani
Founder, Writes & Kulcha
Climate Tracker Caribbean Cycle 4 Journalism Fellow
WK Admin