Explore every episode of the podcast Storytelling In The Tropics with Allison Harrison

St Thomas Band Plays Kumina At Rebirthing Celebrations In Portland 

Spirituality has always been a calling for Alex. As early as seven years old, he has experienced and witnessed the power of Jamaican spirituality at its lowest and highest. I got the opportunity to speak with Alex on the occasion of the first staging of the Rebirthing Celebrations and Kumina held in East Portland. For Alex, Kumina is, has always been and always will be a space for unity, reverence and reconnection with the ancestors. I learned a few things. I hope you will too.

Happy 2025! In this Storytelling In The Tropics Special Report, Allison shares her experience at the recently concluded Freedom Street Concert on December 31, 2024 in Jamaica and shares some of the concert moments. 

Superstar Vybz Kartel has been a staple on the Dancehall scene in Jamaica from as early as 2002 when he went out on his own, creating hits like "Tek", "Badman" and "Most High". Having been incarcerated since 2011, released on July 31, 2024, Adidja "Vybz Kartel" Palmer returned to the stage for the first time on December 31, 2024 at the National Stadium in Jamaica. 

If you were not able to attend the concert, or if you want to relive the concert experience, this episode does just that.

Storytelling In The Tropics with Allison Harrison is a podcast about the art, business and impact of storytelling in the lives of everyday people based in the island nation of Jamaica.

In This week's episode, Voice of The People and Allison discuss Staff Shortage Affects Port Morant Health Centre, Morant Bay By-Elections, Urban Centre Development, St Thomas Football Association, Church Feud, Miss Lou & Bob Marley, Keeping Up with Kartel and more. 

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In This week's episode, Voice of The People and Allison discuss the reopening of Port Morant and Arcadia Health Centres, Morant Bay Fishing Village Gets Bathroom, Round About Rehabilitation, Morant Bay By Elections, Integrity Commission, Vision 2030, Infidelity Investigators and more. 

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In This week's episode, guest co-host Veronica Facey joins Voice of The People and Allison as they discuss JPS, Yallahs Residents & Health Centre Closure, Water Trouble In Pear Tree River, Morant Bay Division Elections, Happy Grove High School Hurricane Beryl Recovery, Bob Marley Beach, Sunning Hill River Standoff, Jamaican Officers In Haiti, Keeping Up With Kartel and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In this week's episode we discuss challenges with the JPS, Primary Exit Profile, New CNG Buses, Nigel Clarke Supermarket ambitions, World Athletics Under 20, Leon Bailey, Caribbean Music Awards and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In this week's episode we discuss Yallahs High Prepares For The New School Term amid earthquake damage in October 2023, Tia Clayton Wins 100m at her first Diamond League, St Thomas Native Wins Pan Chicken Competition, JPS, Oil In Jamaica? Bunny Shaw's Award, Keeping Up With Kartel and more!

In this episode Voice of The People and Allison discuss The Companies Office Experience, Crocodile In Grants Pen St Thomas, Taxi Operator Shot In Morant Bay, Motorcyclist From Nutts River Killed, Jamintel Strip Repairs In St Thomas, Keeping Up with Kartel And More.

 In this episode, The Voice of The People and Allison discuss Vybz Kartel's Release, Jamaica's Olympic Performance and Botswana's Tebogo wins The 200m Men's Final and more. 

It's a new season and new format. In this episode, The Voice of The People, Sheri and Allison discuss the Paris Olympics now underway and learn more about Professor Harrison, Associate Dean at The University of Missouri, a member of the Jamaican diaspora and more. 

 In Episode 12, the season finale, we discuss Road Rehabilitation Experience, Jamaica Invitational Meet, Former KC Athlete Faces Deportation, Nigy Boy Graduates, Cannabis Reclassification, Vaginal Revenge? and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In Episode 11, we discuss - Accessing Healthcare at Princess Margaret Hospital, Indian Nationals Arrive In Jamaica, Bomb Threats In Schools, Jamaican Party Names, Jamaica's Relay Culture, Man vs Bear, Ice Spice and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In Episode 10, we discuss - Rasheda Green Advances In Miss Universe Competition, 52 Year Old Dr Sandra Swaby Advances In Miss Universe Competition, Suicide In Ramble St Thomas, Fake Curry, Portland Lashed By Heavy Rains, Heritage Site In Bull Bay? Water Schedule. and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In Episode 9, we discuss St Thomas Native & The Prime Minister's Youth Awards, Rasheda Green Places In Miss Universe East, Violence In Schools, DPP's Tenure Cut Short, Water Woes and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In episode 8, we discuss Luxury Tourism For St Thomas, St Thomas Municipal Council, NIS Office Experience in St Thomas, Morant Bay Urban Centre Expansion, Western Westmoreland Water Woes and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In episode 7, we discuss The Passing of a loved one,  The Morant Bay Urban Centre, Jamaica's Dry Spell, Carnival in Jamaica, Solar Eclipse, Leoda Bradshaw  and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In episode 6  we discuss Constable Shayon Francis, Chronixx, House Speaker vs Clerk,  P. Diddy, Kate Middleton, Tragedy At Baltimore Harbor and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In episode 5  we discuss Rasheda Green and Miss Universe East, Kite Festival in Morant Bay, Church Corner Dump, St Thomas Exotic, LA Lewis, Leon Bailey, Cowboy Carter, Kate Middleton and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In episode 4  we discuss new developments surrounding the New Mayor For Morant Bay, Water woes continue, Vybz Kartel's Privy Council Ruling, Haiti's Future, the opening of the Budget Presentation and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

In episode 3  we discuss the New Mayor For Morant Bay, International Women's Day, Miss Universe East, Lyssons Beach, Cannabis Babies and more.

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. 

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. In episode 2  we discuss Water Woes...again, Local Government Election Recounts, Lost In Time Fest, Mental Health  Check In & Cannabis Babies

Wha Dis? (What is this?) is a storytelling space where hosts Allison, M-Boogie and the Voice of the People discuss current affairs and trending stories coming out of St Thomas, Jamaica, the region and the world. Wha Dis? is reflecting the times. In this episode we discuss Jamaica's Local Government Elections, Water Woes, Unruly Fest, Morant Bay Urban Centre, Black History and Reggae Month.

Conroy  Green is a self taught painter. His African ancestry inspires his work even as he progresses through a health related setback. Conroy does not shy away from controversy and uses his everyday life as fuel for his brilliant work. Follow Conroy's story closely.

In Part 2 , Folashade outlines the ups and downs on her search for healing.

Folashade is the product of Jamaican/ Nigerian parentage.  After losing her father at a very early age, Folashade sought spiritual comfort in the church. Pay close attention as she recounts her very challenging journey.

Maylynne Lowe has performed in many Jamaican theatre productions and spent over a decade playing 'Tanya Blackburn' in the popular Jamaican series Royal Palm Estate. Having spent a number of years being formally trained as an actor, Maylynne is no stranger to personal struggle and after a brief rough patch, she continues to channel her experiences into her art. Maylynne's story of triumph is inspiring and wonderful.  

Lisa Rhooms was born, raised and currently lives in St Andrew Jamaica. A lover of history and  using writing as an outlet, Lisa has published a number of books, written screenplays all while acquiring her own brand of wine, "Boundbrook Estate". Lisa works hard, effortlessly manages her time and has no plans to stop anytime soon. 

Dianne O. Brown wanted to perform on Broadway. From working at a game arcade to competing in Miss Jamaica and then on to Miss Universe, Dianne has always wanted more and continues to walk her oftentimes difficult path through helping and empowering women to become better versions of themselves. 

Dr. Sonjah Stanley Niaah is a Senior Lecturer of Cultural Studies at The University of The West Indies Mona in Kingston Jamaica. Born in Sandy Bay in Hanover, Sonjah has always had a strong awareness of self and despite multiple attempts aimed to set her back, she continues to work towards leaving her mark on the Jamaican cultural landscape. Author of the book "Dancehall: From Slave Ship to Ghetto", Sonjah's story will absolutely inform and inspire. 

Jamaican Alvin Harvey otherwise called Iyah T hails from New Pera in St Thomas. From his days on the sugar cane estate at Serge to working on cane farms in the United States, Iyah T shares stories from his youth and his eyewitness account of the political unrest in Jamaica in the 1970's. 

Lorenzo Bogle hails from the district of Norris a couple miles from Yallahs in St Thomas. From a very early age, he knew his calling was within the teaching profession and invested many years into learning about how to improve upon his skills as a teacher and administrator. A descendant of National Hero Paul Bogle, Lorenzo Bogle has impacted many lives and his story will challenge you to continuously challenge and  improve yourself.

Barrington Willis believes in acquiring as many skills as possible. A full-time police instructor, he was exposed to watch repair and the jewelry business at 14 and more than 30 years later, he still finds peace in jewelry making. This interview was recorded before the pandemic so the format is a bit different but Barrington's story will educate and entertain.  

Pumpkin was a young man on the day  everything changed in his home community of Font Hill in St Thomas. He was only a few feet away when only a particular section of  a banana tree caught fire setting off a series of occurrences in the rural community. Pumpkin's  story will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Cha Cha Ben has a gift that allows him to communicate with the ancestors. At 15, he excelled in the tradition and over the years, has witnessed the tremendous power in the Kumina. Cha Cha Ben's story is a lesson in St Thomas and Jamaican cultural history. 

Clive Warmington was born, raised and built his multiple businesses in St Thomas. Mr Warmington's simple mantra "You have to work hard to win" has carried him from his first entrepreneurial venture at 17 until today. His approach to life and business is simple, "Work hard, praise the Lord and you will get your reward". His story and philosphy will inspire. 

In this episode, our storyteller, Rasta Mokko shares his story of growing up in Sunning Hill, St Thomas in Jamaica, his adoption of Rastafari as his spiritual journey and his popularity as a chef on social media.

In this episode, our storyteller Jah Bouks shares his journey from humble beginnings in the bird bush of Winchester St Thomas to the release of  the reggae hit song  "Angola", changing his management team and the opening of his "Angola Restaurant" in Old Pera St. Thomas.

Today's Storyteller is Veronica Facey.  A retired teacher but a lifelong educator talks about her beginnings in Cashew Bush in St Thomas at Aunt Clary's Private School through to Shortwood Teacher's College in Kingston.

Audley Harrison has quite the story. From humble beginnings in Nonsuch Portland, he has had a number of life changing moments. Harry shares his experiences in the early years with his Aunt through to his transition to entrepreneurship.