Diane Abbott

This is a historically significant victory for women worldwide but for Jamaicans in particular. Portia has already made history, and read more

This is a historically significant victory for women worldwide but for Jamaicans in particular. Portia has already made history, and looks set to consolidate her place in the history books of the future by becoming Jamaica's first female prime minister. She has proven herself to be a likeable and strong-willed woman. I am sure she will prove herself very worthy of this place in history and will serve as an inspiration for women the world over.

Many young people carrying real or imitation firearms do so in a mistaken attempt to either boost their image, or read more

Many young people carrying real or imitation firearms do so in a mistaken attempt to either boost their image, or from a misguided idea about self-protection. In addition, most London shootings involve members of the black community and are often related to deprivation, gang rivalry or the illegal drug trade.

In my 26 years I haven't run into a baby who was rolled over on in bed, or who suffocated read more

In my 26 years I haven't run into a baby who was rolled over on in bed, or who suffocated next to mom. Possibly it happens, but it happens a lot more often with moms who are bottle-feeding and have babies in cribs.

My mother liked Jim Reeves. I hated his records. He was unbearable.

My mother liked Jim Reeves. I hated his records. He was unbearable.

Whenever I felt like slitting my wrists I used to like listening to depressed singers from the 1970s. It was read more

Whenever I felt like slitting my wrists I used to like listening to depressed singers from the 1970s. It was great music for a misunderstood teenager. And when I'm feeling misunderstood these days, I'll stick on a bit of Leonard Cohen.