Jamaica is known as an island of reggae music and pristine beaches, but this presentation takes a look at the another, more troubled side of Jamaica.

Dr. Damion Blake holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA.) and a Master of Science (MSc.) from the University of the West Indies (UWI) at Mona, Jamaica. He taught as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Government at UWI (2005-2008) and in the departments of History and Political Science at Virginia Tech. Currently he is Lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Policy Studies Elon University. Blake is also a guest columnist with the Gleaner newspaper in Jamaica, contributing commentary pieces on Caribbean electoral politics, political economy, violence and organized crime. Blake has authored and co-authored four published peer-reviewed journal articles. Blake is currently writing and revising two manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals in the Spring of 2015.