Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward: Recent Episodes
Ambassador Curtis Ward
Conversations and Commentaries on national, regional, and international geopolitical and security issues; Caribbean diaspora and regional issues and experiences; and issues impacting each country in the Caribbean and the region as a whole will be discussed.
Real Talk shares Ambassador Ward's perspectives on Ontological Security: Gender, Economics, and International Relations in the context of Jamaica's conduct of International Relations since 1959.
Presentation at UWI Seminar on November 30, 2023.
Ambassador Curtis Ward engages in conversation with co-hosts Ronnie Thwaites & Pearnel Charles, Sr., on "Public Eye", on Bridge FM radio - a Jamaican radio station.
In this Episode launching Season 3, Ambassador Ward responds to Earl Moxam, Host of "That's a Rap" on Radio Jamaica, on issues related to UN Security Council approval of the UN Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti.
In this Episode on ex-president Donald Trump's indictment, Ambassador Curtis Ward is in conversation with Ras Clem, Host of Mic Check on Groovin Radio, and with Anthony Turner. Ambassador Ward shares his perspectives on the significance and the implications, for Rule of Law and Democracy in the U.S. and around the world, of this historic and unprecedented indictment of a former U.S. president.
Ambassador Curtis Ward discusses Jamaican government failures on diaspora engagement and the failure of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council with Ronnie Thwaites & Pearnel Charles, Sr., on Public Eye - Bridge FM radio (Jamaica). Ambassador Ward proposes establishment of a Jamaica Diaspora Board similar to the Jamaica Tourist Board.
Human trafficking - Conversation on "That's a Rap" with Earl Moxam, journalist and author, on Radio Jamaica. Emphasis on recent developments in Jamaica. The discussion includes two Jamaican human trafficking commentators Latoya West Blackwood and Nicole Gordon, attorney at law.
In this Episode of The Washington Report I share my perspectives on Governor Wes Moore's connections to the history of Maryland and the United States and his relevance to the immigrant community; on the political distraction of the mishandling of classified documents by then Vice President Joe Biden, as well as a number of other important issues on the Washington political agenda.
In this Episode of The Washington Report I share my perspectives on the inherent weaknesses of the newly elected Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, who has ceded his powers to the Republican crazies in the Republican caucus, and the expected chaos that will ensue; the Brazil election denier and autocrat Jair Bolsonaro whose mob takes lessons from Trump's Jan 6 mob, and advised by Trump's acolytes; the trial of white extremist militia Proud Boys leaders commenced on seditious conspiracy in Washington; and appointment of Special Counsel to investigate Joe Biden's handling of classified documents as former Vice President.
In this conversation with my special guest, Rohan James, Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, we explored some of the issues plaguing the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and why the JCF is failing to fulfill its mandate of protecting the Jamaican public.
This Episode of The Washington Report on Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward examines the failed grab for power by two autocrats - Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin - and the implications of the January 6 Final Report and Ukraine's President Volodymyr's historic visit to Washington.
This Episode is extracted from a Conversation with Gerry McDaniel on Radio Jamaica - Hotline, on December 30, 2022, in which I shared my perspectives on the Jamaican Diaspora disappointment with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness' government response to offers of expertise by members of the diaspora to assist in dealing with the crime scourge in Jamaica. I shared my perspectives on the folly and indignity of the prime minister's visit to Washington for low-level talks at the US Justice Department, and his total misunderstanding of the role of Jamaica's prosecutorial and judicial systems with respect to the U.S. Criminal Code..
Ambassador Curtis Ward shares his perspectives and analyses on the January 6 Committee Final Report, and on President Biden's U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
Ambassador Curtis Ward's perspectives and analysis on domestic and international issues on the Washington agenda. A new generation of Leadership in the Democratic Party in the US Congress; Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute Donald Trump; and North Korea's ICBM capabilities rattles Washington and the international community. These and other issues in The Washington Report.
Video version available on my YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesQhAVaGXm3-6jnz4BP7ZQ
Ambassador Curtis Ward shares his perspectives on U.S. election results with special report as Caribbean diaspora members celebrate elections at federal, state, and local levels and the history-making elections in Maryland. Ambassador Ward also shares his perspectives on President Biden's international engagements at the UN COP 27 conference, competing with China in Asia, at the G20 conference, and face-to-face bilateral with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Video available on my YouTube channel
This conversation with Ambassador Aloun Ndombet-Assamba explores a number of issues: should Jamaica after 60 years of political independence sever ties to the British monarchy? Should there be Reparative Justice and what form should it take? Ambassador Assamba's legacy as tourism minister and much more.
Ambassador Ward brings clarity to little-discussed important issues on the Washington agenda overshadowed by by the mid-term elections: Iran's brutal actions against protestors and supplying kamikaze drones to Russia to kill Ukrainians make a new nuclear deal impossible; Russia's use of WMD in Ukraine a possibility, as Russia's actions makes designation as a terrorist state a possibility; the geopolitical naivete of the House Progress Caucus forces hasty retreat; Africa's most dangerous terrorist group al-Shabaab new U.S. sanctions target days before deadly terrorist attack; African Leaders coming to Washington for Summit with Biden; Haiti waits for UN to approve security force deployment.
The Biden-Harris administration targets China as the greatest threat to US national security; the January 6 committee stamped former president Donald Trump as the architect of the insurrection; access to Venezuela oil, perhaps, but not without preconditions; Russian attempted annexation of Ukraine territory and attacks on Ukraine civilian targets met with Washington and global condemnation; Saudi Arabia and Russia colluded on cutting global oil supplies negatively impacting the global community. Issues dominating the Washington agenda with implications for the November elections.
Ambassador Curtis Ward highlights issues on the Washington agenda - domestic and international, which seize the attention of officials in the U.S. capital and internationally.
Ambassador Curtis Ward discusses "Pillars of Democracy and overcoming citizen apathy", highlighting the importance of Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, and Freedom to participate in a free and fair electoral process. Citizen apathy contributes to lack of government transparency, poor governance, and corruption. Citizen apathy weakens democracy, encourages government obfuscations and lack of accountability, and encourages autocracy and political "bullyism". The Jamaican and Caribbean experiences are highlighted.
Ambassador Curtis Ward's commentary on Diaspora Engagement on the eve of Jamaica's Diaspora Conference in Kingston, Jamaica and virtually, June 2022.
Ambassador Curtis Ward's conversation with Ambassador Denis Antoine on his highly acclaimed book, "Get on Board Dear Children of the World", China's footprints in the Caribbean and the Americas, and the prevalence of disunity among CARICOM member states. Ambassador Antoine's book on the Sustainable Development Goals, is adopted by UN agencies - UNICEF and UNESCO, is available in five languages - English, Spanish, French, Korean, and Chinese, and is adopted as an educational tool in several countries.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
Human Trafficking - Ambassador Curtis Ward and anti-human trafficking expert Shamere McKenzie discuss the scourge of Human Trafficking in the United States, the Caribbean, and globally. Shamere McKenzie, a former victim of human trafficking, offers important incites into human trafficking and her untiring efforts to end this scourge, how to protect victims, and how to hold human traffickers accountable, including through her testimonies in state and federal legislatures crafting anti-human trafficking legislation, and providing expert testimony in human trafficking prosecutions.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
In this Episode of Real Talk, Ambassador Curtis Ward offers a Commentary on the increasing challenges to democracy and human rights on a global scale. Warning of the increasing levels of authoritarianism in certain countries and regions, Ambassador Ward highlights historical precedents in the context of today's realities in making a compelling case for a new paradigm in democracy and human rights advocacy. Apathy is not an option, as no one is free until all are free.Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
Ambassador Curtis Ward explains why responsibility to hold Vladimir Putin responsible for war crimes and other violations of international law in Ukraine shifts from the UN Security Council to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ambassador Ward reminds Putin of his statement, at the historic Security Council Summit of Heads of Government on September 7, 2000, during which he told fellow world leaders of the Security Council's actions"to safeguard politicians from the temptation to use any advantage to pursue objectives unworthy of mankind."
On the primacy of the principles of the UN Charter, Putin said "***The most important of these principles is the supremacy of international law."
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward*** is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
My special guest Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal, an eminent economist and experienced diplomat, in conversation with Ambassador Curtis Ward discuss the fragility of Caribbean economies and the economic impact of the double whammy, the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine . We discussed the disruptions in food and energy supplies and the prospects for near- and long-term relief.
Our conversation also elaborated on the positive impact of diaspora remittances on Caribbean development and economies, and the phenomenal increases in remittances during the COVID pandemic and other times of crisis. Ambassador Bernal advises Caribbean governments to view the Diaspora as an integral part of the Caribbean economy .
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
Ambassador Curtis Ward and Professor Rosalea Hamilton discuss a number of issues including: CARICOM disunity, Caribbean democracy and the importance of participatory democracy vis-à-vis citizen apathy, government accountability, political leadership, and more.
Professor Hamilton is the Founding Director, Institute of Law & Economics, a former Vice President of the University of Technology (Jamaica) and was awarded a Chair in Entrepreneurship and Development. Over the past 20 years, Professor Hamilton has given voice to the voiceless through her advocacy to support MSMEs, to eliminate gender-based violence, to protect human rights, and to improve participatory democracy. She is currently Coordinator of the Jamaica-based Advocates Network.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
Ambassador Ward occupying the hot seat in this conversation on Mic Check with radio journalists Ras Clem and Anthony Turner on Groovin Radio covered several topical issues - the dynamics of the UN Security Council and the urgent need for reform; Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and how to hold Russia accountable; the media-neglected crisis in Palestine; Jamaica's abdication of its traditional leadership role and erosion of respect on the global stage; misinformation and the implications for democracy in the U.S. and the Caribbean region; citizen apathy, and more.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
In this conversation with Attorney Gabriel J. Christian, a national of Dominica, we explored the erosion of democracy and the rule of law in the island nation of Dominica. The resulting political reality, creeping autocracy, is a dangerous trend for Dominica and the Caribbean.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
A conversation with Diana McIntyre Pike on Community Tourism with the originator of the concept in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, and who has received national and international recognition for her work. Diana's pioneering of Community Tourism resulted in Jamaica being designated globally as the home of community tourism.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
This Episode "Caribbean Integration Promises not kept - CARICOM needs a Renaissance" explores Caribbean regional integration as we listen to the voices of the visionaries, former prime ministers Dr. Eric Williams, Michael Manley, and P.J. Patterson as they articulate the vision and the urgency for moving the integration movement forward.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
This is the final of a four part series on "Crime & Security in Jamaica and the Caribbean" in which we explained the structure and purpose of fusion centers as a critical operational structure and mechanism for dealing with crime and security in the context of Jamaica and the Caribbean.
As we identify and explain the problems and weakness in crime and security, we offer practical and realistic solutions to political and law enforcement leaders to help them deal with the intractable crime and security problems. Our primary objective is to help political and law enforcement leaders to see beyond their own perceptions to enable them to develop and execute effective crime fighting security mechanisms that provide safety and security for the people in the region.
I am joined in these discussions by two experts: Attorney Wilfred Rattigan with some 30 years of experience as a former FBI Special Agent, and Herbert Nelson, Jr., a former Military Intelligence Analyst, with over 30 years experience in intelligence analysis.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
This is the 3rd of a four part series on "Crime & Security in Jamaica and the Caribbean" in this episode we discuss intelligence analysis and the role of intelligence-led policing, and we explain the differences between information (types, sources and collection of information) and intelligence (collation and analysis process to develop and use actionable intelligence); why these two distinct processes should not be confused; and the use of intelligence in policing. As we continue to identify and explain the problems, we offer practical and realistic solutions to political and law enforcement leaders to help them deal with the intractable crime problems. Our primary objective is to help those in charge to see beyond their own perceptions to enable them to develop and execute effective crime plans.
We bring to this discussion decades of experience at the highest levels of law enforcement and intelligence from the Jamaican diaspora.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
In this Episode on "Crime & Security in Jamaica and the Caribbean" , we identify problems, explain issues, and offer solutions to political and law enforcement leaders to help solve crime and security in Jamaican and Caribbean societies. Our objective is to help those in charge to develop and execute an effective crime plan.
We bring to this discussion decades of experience at the highest levels of law enforcement and intelligence from the Jamaican diaspora. My guests were introduced fully in Part 1 of this series.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
In this series on "Crime & Security in Jamaica and the Caribbean", we discuss the seemingly intractable crime and security problems facing Jamaica and Caribbean societies and the failure or lack of capacities of governments and law enforcement to take necessary and appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the populations. We discuss lack of adequate political and law enforcement leadership in law enforcement capacities to employ and empower modern law enforcement strategies and resources, to effectively stem the flow of illicit trafficking in guns, and dealing with other crimes, such as human trafficking and corruption,. We highlight the lack of a comprehensive crime and security plan and other deficiencies.
My special guests for this series:
Attorney Wilfred Rattigan, with 29 years experience as a former FBI special agent with extensive leadership, international experience, and specialization in several areas of law enforcement, enriches this discussion. Wilfred Rattigan served as unit chief at FBI Headquarters, on counter-terrorism task forces in New York, and as FBI legal attaché in US embassy in Saudi Arabia with responsible for the entire Middle East, and the US embassy in South Africa with responsible for all of southern Africa.
Herbert Nelson , a retired military and business intelligence analyst adds his unique experiences and incites as an intelligence analyst developed over 39 years in military and business intelligence. During the final six years of his 24 years service in the army, Herb Nelson provided support to Pentagon and White House units, and he has held Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances.
Produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions
Episode 4 is the fourth and final part in a series of discussions with Caribbean diaspora professional women who share their perspectives on “Caribbean Women Leading from the Front." My special guest, Attorney Dahlia Walker-Huntington, is a Jamaican diaspora leader who exemplifies Caribbean professional women leadership in a wide array of professional disciplines. She is an advocate for immigrants’ rights and another example of the vast expertise and experiences of Caribbean women in the diaspora and in the Caribbean region.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
(Note: March 8 is celebrated globally as International Women's Day.)
This Episode is the third in a series of discussions in which Caribbean diaspora professional women share their perspectives on Caribbean Women Leading from the Front.
Examples of Caribbean women leaders discussed, include, Prime Minister Mia Motley of Barbados; Dr, Carissa Etienne (Dominica), Director of PAHO; Dr, Carla Burnett (Belize), Secretary-General of CARICOM; Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman (Jamaica), Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force; and US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan (Jamaica), whose landmark decision denying executive privilege to former president Donald Trump was upheld by the US Supreme Court in an 8 to1 decision.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass of Sindass Productions.
Episode 2 is the second in a series of discussions with Caribbean diaspora women leaders on "Caribbean Women Leading from the Front." My special guest, Dr. Goulda Downer, is a Caribbean diaspora leader who exemplifies Caribbean professional women leadership in a wide array of professional disciplines. She is another example of the vast expertise and experiences of Caribbean women in the the diaspora and in the Caribbean region.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
(Note: March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day.)
This Episode of Real Talk, "Caribbean Women Leading from the Front, Pt.1." begins a conversation with four professional women in the Caribbean Diaspora discussing Caribbean women leaders in different areas of governance at the regional and national levels of the Caribbean experience.
The women discussed are Dr. Carissa Etienne (Dominica), Director of PAHO; Dr. Carla Burnett (Belize), Secretary-General of CARICOM; Prime Minister Mia Motley of Barbados; US Federal District Judge Tanya Chutkan (Jamaica); and Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, Head of the Jamaica Defence Force.
My guest on Pt. 1. of Caribbean Women Leading from the Front is Commander Denise McCala Creary, (Ret'd US Navy).
(Note: March 8 is celebrated as #InternationalWomen’sDay.)
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions.
Knowing your Host: This audio profile provides a synopsis of the extensive experience and knowledge which Ambassador Curtis Ward brings to Real Talk. It also provides a brief introduction of the areas of interest that will be covered in Real Talk podcasts.
Real Talk with Ambassador Curtis Ward is produced by Larry Sindass / Sindass Productions