Top 15 Worldfocus Signature Stories of 2009
Our signature stories delve into issues around the world -- from the long-term effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam and escalating gang violence in Mexico to discrimination against whites in South Africa and Afghan immigrants in Iran. See our best Signature videos of the year.
Gays in Jamaica worship in underground church
Jamaica is often said to hold the world record for the most churches per square mile. There's a public place of worship for almost everyone -- unless you’re gay. Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report on the secret underground church that is welcoming gay men and women to practice their faith.
Violence and venom force gay Jamaicans to hide
In Jamaica, anti-sodomy laws are still punishable for up to 12 years in prison. And society is not ready to tolerate openly gay lifestyles. Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report on the dark side of Jamaica's anti-gay violence and attitudes and explore the ideological beliefs that perpetuate a culture of homophobia.
No daggerin’ on Jamaican TV and on Worldfocus
Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti shares why Worldfocus didn't air daggerin' images, addresses the realities of rampant violence and adolescent sex and explores how some Jamaican artists are singing more uplifting gospel Dancehall music.
One island, two Jamaicas and a ‘whole heap’ of difference
A public debate erupted earlier this year when graphic Dancehall music lyrics and images were banned from Jamaica's airwaves. The public responses reveal the legacy of two Jamaicas dating back to the country's slave history, as correspondent Lisa Biagiotti reports.
Dancehall artist sings of poverty plaguing Jamaica’s ghettos
Dancehall artist Spice came under attack because of the sexually-explicit song Rampin' Shop, a duet with Vybz Kartel. But not all of her songs are so graphic. Spice talks about growing up in Jamaica's ghettos and sings a refrain from her new song about her life story.
Ida’s story: Reversing the stigma of HIV in Jamaica
Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report on how Jamaica's national AIDS program is targeting community leaders like Ida Northover to educate people on HIV and change the stigma surrounding the disease.
Jamaica’s battle against AIDS fought in the shadows
Jamaica may be on the verge of losing its battle against the AIDS epidemic because of deeply entrenched anti-gay attitudes and laws. Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report from the front lines of Jamaica's battle against HIV and AIDS, a war waged in the shadows.
The Worldfocus broadcast went off the air April 2. Our website will remain online, but we will not be adding new content. Thanks to our many partners, experts and viewers for your generous support.
Produced by Creative News Group LLC ©2010 WNET.ORG All rights reserved
Distributed by American Public Television
