The Safe House Project 2009 for Displaced & Homeless MSM/Transgender reviewed & more


In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ Youth in New Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

LGBTQ History Month - Entertainment despite challenges

Thanks to the oral histories, sometimes clear memories from those who shared them and the archival materials I was able to get my hands on plus my own 15 year work as a disc jock/party promoter I was able to put this list together thus far which has been updated several times over. I am still looking for any data I might have omitted or mistakenly posted so if there is anything out of place please feel free to email me: lgbtevent@gmail.com




For as long as same gender loving Jamaicans have existed in Jamaica it's safe to say there have been gay spots for entertainment for the community to unwind and de-stress, from one of the first major clubs in New Kingston at the time to house parties to other smaller joints and clubs around Kingston in some of the most unlikely of places. The hip and the elite also had their own shin-digs in uptown locations and were often held by invitation only to weed out certain types at that time. Older gays folks in their late sixties and seventies speak of two clubs on Waltham Park Road in the early seventies and other major spots in "uptown" Kingston via what oral histories we can capture from those surviving members of the community. The capital of course was the place to be except for the occasional out of town weekend retreat type event usually done on or around a major holiday. 


The Closet:

One of the first major same gender loving spots in Jamaica started in 1974 situated in the then business district and newly developed New Kingston strip and was operated by a well known business man, Peter Frazer, then the monster of homophobia was not so caustic by virtue of class of many of its patrons there were not exposed to any possible anti gay rhetoric in the very class and colour conscious seventies. It was more a bar than a dance club but the disco songs and music which was the rage at that time were spun by the resident DJs on vinyl records and dancing was in, not posing in a get together with hot clothes to see who could outdo whom. The "fighting" element was not a feature then as it was about just pure enjoyment and good music.

Cherry's:
This was a pub in the heart of Kingston near the now Central Police station on East Queen Street in the seventies when Jamaica was much more quiet and not as violent towards gays and lesbians. It was known to a certain extent what transpired at the night spot which was also frequented by music stars and straight persons as well, all round it was a meeting place of sorts. There was a motel nearby where persons would overnight if they had too much to drink or would patronise the local commercial sex workers business who were always present nearby to catch their customers. It is not clear whether male CSWs operated their at the time as CSW work was still considered a very taboo subject. The joint eventually was phased out by the eighties. The operator Miss Cherry is now abroad.

The White Lady

This was a mainstream joint in Spanish Town St. Catherine at the time that was operated by a caucasion bisexual the name was given to it by the local patrons at the time as he was said to have been somewhat effeminate and as words like "battyman" never existed at the time it was a kind of satirical jest used amongst the "sports" to identify the spot. It was deemed more a bisexual or downlow spot (even though the downlow phenomenon was not so mainstream and a matter of public discussion) as mixed crowds were seen there according to a source who used to be a fixture there, the former owner whereabouts are unknown but if one wanted a same sex hookup all one had to do was ask the right people.

Marhall's:
This was a club that was in the Hills of St. Andrew and was well supported by the community it ran for a good five plus years before the mainstream media and tabloids such as the Enquirer (now defunct) wormed their way in as guests and exposed the venue with embellished stories of sexual impropriety thus the activities came to a halt as many persons feared being seen at the venue. The owner at the time was known as Marshall (his real name) and offered the latest in music including the underground Chicago house music servings which the drag queens thoroughly enjoyed plus the then newly introduced dancehall that was taking the nation by storm. He came out to a recent discussion on February 23, 2011 during a public meeting on Black history month called Open Mic Open Soul where he  reminded older folks like myself of the early problems in the community some of which are still with us such as homelessness and gay on gay violence, his reputation though as a club promoter though was the main matter of the evening. He recalled the early days of police harrassment of his establishment and the tabloid press's hounding and putting out stories casting a cloud on his activities. He remained resolute in carrying on business as he was determined to see his patrons happy at best while making that needed pink dollar.
There were other party promoters but without the rivalry that now exists with some strange and disastrous results and he expressed his concerns about the happenings briefly. He also touched briefly on the other communities such as the lesbian and bisexual communities.

The Entourage Club:
Probably the most popular gay club in History owned and operated by the late activist and JFLAG's co-founder Brian Williamson where he turned his Office complex by day into a hip music pumping high action night spot. It was one of the few gay entertainment spots listed in the Spartacus annual publications complete with telephone number and directions at one point. Spartacus of course is the Bible of all things in gay entertainment at the time and the elite publication prided itself of being the authority on such, it was considered a plus for any club, villa or hotel to be listed in it, The Entourage was secure as Mr. Williamson had armed private security teams and cameras to see to his patrons' safety, a new phenomenon in LGBT entertainment at that time. The music servings were great as well with many DJs passing through serving reggae, house, r & b, soca and dancehall (non murder music type) as Brian insisted. DJs were suspended at one point if they violated the rule, I was one such on two occasions. The occasional fight or two did not stop proceedings and he instituted a membership only system for a while to control the bad eggs but some original patrons who were very territorial weren't happy with the mix of unruly "kidz" and a new hipper generation hooked on voguing and sassy dancehall styles. The club was exposed in the media several times with one story claiming that members of a police raid saw men kissing each other and having sex on the dance floor which turned out to be false when the Senior Superintendent Ionie Ramsey arrived one Sunday morning in the height of fevered dancing and shouting. One other Star News story carried photos of motor vehicles parked at the then Haughton Avenue address with registration plates in full view.

However Brian kept the facility opened despite pressure from the business district, church groups, the occasional prying eyes and repetitive tabloid references where the club was situated bearing in mind that offices on his property were rented by the gentleman as well. At one stage a former tabloid named the The Enquirer (a local version of the US print but much racier) carried a damning piece that he Bryan was harbouring boys there suggesting he was a paedophile. He did eventually close as competition came on stream from other house party and moving target venues and the police claiming he didn't have the proper permits to operate hosting so many persons with the requisite fire and exit stipulations. It was in the very area where the bar and dance floor was in the original floor plan where he was murdered in 2004 after he converted the area into a lovely living space. It is on the Entourage's premise and structure that nearly all other clubs and spots since then have built their products on catering to the community. Those Jamaicans who still reside here or abroad in their thirties or fourties have fond memories of that small but hip spot and often reminisce.

Club Escape:
This was the other spot that took the place of the Entourage in a sense (not to be confused with the mainstream club Escape that was in New Kingston on Knutsford Boulevard) but never filled the huge shoes that the Ento as it's sometimes referred to wore, it was well attended by the young hip crowd, University and the white collar typed folks. It lasted for almost 4 years before closing as it's location was in fact a residential area and many nights police did arrive to close the proceedings down or to cut the noise level often times working for a smalls (payola)..... they would allow the events to go till 4am rather than the 2am cut off time. It was operated then by a two friends and was reopened under the management of two females at another location carrying on the tradition.

Other short lived spots:
The Office in New Kingston was probably the only mainstream spot at that time that allowed lesbian events to take place before it folded late last year 2008. Other spots since have extended space rental for same gender loving events usually at a higher premium than the market rates. There were other private spots in the hills of St. Andrew that made them well attended as they were away from the glare of the public's gaze and folks felt safe to mingle and socialise. The original Deck was another short lived spot that lasted just under two years that attracted more white collar type patrons in the hills of St. Andrew and attracted many celebrities because of where it stood but so called ordinary folk and even members of the drag community made the occasional Saturday night treck as no other steady spot were open at the time of its operation.

Other parties have been held by gay friendly celebs or mixed parties as well where gays and str8s mingle these are usually exclusive and by invitation only. Sophies was operated by a lesbian couple who would often compete with Escape and the Entourage before they were closed, they still operate privately hosting exclusive events for her loyal fans. Halo also was a short lived spot that ended when again media intrusion by operatives posing as gays or are gays themselves who for what ever reasons seem to conspire with newspapers got wind of the spot hence the article about noisy gays sometime ago. That spot has since been rented as a party venue by respective party promoters and is known known as the "Boardfloor" due to its old time board flooring in sections of the building. 

Calabash
Calabash was one of the last ventures opened in the western part of the island and was privately managed until recently where a series of shootings have occurred thus putting a damper on things for some time, events still do occur but are low keyed. Club Heavens is the present hot spot in rural Jamaica where several events continue to date with upcoming fashion and drag queen shows and parties planned. They have developed a reputation for ending their parties at 8 or 9am on Sundays. Small rural spots have popped up as well with well coordinated network for advertising events and ticket sales where applicable. The infamous Kling Kling Villa has not been used since the trouble with the police in that part of the island and a certain JFLAG Programs Manager who now resides overseas, the unfortunate wide circulation of a private party DVD of an event that was recorded there and also the threats by those same rogue cops to the property's care taker then so the decision was taken not to rent to the community. 

All in all Same Gender Lovers in Jamaica have found ways to entertain ourselves despite the problems we have but life goes on.


Added UPDATE for 2011

The Loft, The 'New" Deck and Couture Oasis 

New spots have emerged since with the two main stayers being the Loft in Kingston and the Couture Oasis Bar which recently won the Best Hang Out Spot award at the 2011 Grammy Awards party. Both spots have been holding their own with the latter also doubling as a home for an advocacy group known as The Underlined Response. The Loft also acts as a temporary meeting spot for some advocacy issues and the occasional wake for brothers who have departed this life. The Loft will celebrate their first anniversary on October 30th with a series of events for 2011 despite the challenges and a recent Star News hint to the spot. 

The "New" Deck

A revived property situated in North East Jamaica that used to host private LGBT parties some years ago owned by an older still lively character we all know as "Indeed" as he usually ends his sentences with an elongated "Indeed!!!" the spot now carries some uber fierce events as of late but many complain as was with Club Heavens in St. Ann of the long trek to get there although the events tends to go on for long hours sometimes till five in the mornings.

O.P.E.N

An all female joint owned by a male businessman but who specifically caters to same gender loving women with a full cadre of female DJs, given its location it would make sense to house that kind of joint there as a volatile area is nearby and given the homo-negativity to male homosexuality or aesthetics women are more tolerated. They have offered some very interesting servings for their clientelle which is good in my eyes as the ladies can also have a space for themselves to party and socialize. The acronymn does not really have a meaning per say save and except for it being opened to women as the given reason by one of the managers of the club.

Other mainstream venues that I won't mention here just yet are also allowing LGBT typed events usually for a  little more than the typical market price and also with strict guidelines attached probably in fear of exposure and the risks involved. New players also have made the entry into the business and so has changed the diversity and quality of offerings to an ever expanding and younger hip LGBT audience with all identities under the umbrella making themselves visible.


Keep on.

Peace and tolerance

H

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hear recent pods as well:

Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

This blog contains pictures and images that may be disturbing. As we seek to highlight the plight of victims of homophobic violence here in Jamaica, the purpose of the pics is to show physical evidence of claims of said violence over the years and to bring a voice of the same victims to the world.

Many recover over time, at pains, as relocation and hiding are options in that process. Please view with care or use the Happenings section to select other posts of a different nature.

Not all persons depicted in photos are gay or lesbian and it is not intended to portray them as such, save and except for the relevance of the particular post under which they appear.

Please use the snapshot feature (if available for your device(s) to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

God Bless

Other Blogs I write to:

Recent Homophobic Incidents CLICK HERE for related posts/labels from glbtqjamaica's blog & HERE for those I am aware of.

contact:

APJ Website Launch & Link


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1




audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

The Hypocrisy of Jamaican Anti Gay Groups & Selective Actions of Societal Ills


The selectivity of the anti gay religious voices on so called societal ills is examined in this podcast as other major issues that require the "church" to have spoken up including sexual abuse by pastors in recent times yet mere silence on those matters is highlighted.

Why are these groups and so called child rights activists creating mass hysteria and have so much strength for HOMOSEXUALITY but are quiet on corruption in government, missing children, crime in the country and so much more but want to stop same gender loving persons from enjoying peace of mind and PRIVACY?

Also is the disturbing tactic of deliberately conflating paedophilia with same gender sex as if to suggest reforming the buggery law will cause an influx of buggered children when we know that is NOT TRUE.

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



When are lives interrupted be allowed a real honest chance to move from interruption to independence and stability? I just cannot tell you friends.

An article appeared in the gleaner today that just sent me into sadness mode again with this ugly business of LGBTQI homelessness. The author of the piece needs an intervention too as he (Ryon Jones) uses terms such as cross dressers and or homeless men which if transgender persons are present they cannot be described or seen as such, sigh another clear display of the lack of impact and reach of so called advocacies and advocates who are more interested in parading as working but really aint having much impact as they ought to or claim.

We are told of houses being put together from time in memorial; the Dwayne’s House project seems dead in the water, the Larry Chang (named after a JFLAG cofounder) seems stuck in the mud and Colour Pink’s so called Rainbow House seems insignificant in relation to the size and scope of the national problem. JFLAG as presented on this blog is obviously not interested in getting their hands dirty really on homelessness save and except for using the populations as cannon fodder and delegating same; as far as I am concerned presenting them as victims of homophobia which is true but where are the programs and the perceived millions donated or granted since President Obama’s visit to address LGBTQ matters?

More HERE

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?


Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?


It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation


Sexuality - What is yours?

The Deliberate Misuse of the “Sexual Grooming” Term by Antigay Fanatics to Promote Their Hysteria



Just as I researched on-line in NOT EVEN five minutes and found a plethora of information and FACTS on Sexual Grooming (and thanks to Dr Karen Carpenter for some valuable insight I found out what Sexual Grooming was) so too must these fanatics go and do the same and stop creating panic in the country.

The hysteria continues from the Professor Bain so called protests to protect freedom of speech and bites at the credibility of the LGBT lobby collectively continues via Duppies Dupe UWI articles when the bigger principle of the conflict of interest in regards to the greater imperative of removing/preserving archaic buggery laws in the Caribbean dependent on which side one sits is of greater import when the professor’s court testimony in Belize went against the imperative of CHART/PANCAP goals is the more germane matter of which he was former head now temporarily reinstated via a court ex-parte injunction. The unnecessary uproar and shouting from the same hysterical uninformed quarters claiming moral concerns ....... MORE CLICK HERE

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

In a shocking move JFLAG decided not to invite or include homeless MSM in their IDAHO activity for 2013 thus leaving many in wonderment as to the reason for their existence or if the symposium was for "experts" only while offering mere tokenism to homeless persons in the reported feeding program. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ENTRY HERE sad that the activity was also named in honour of one of JFLAG's founders who joined the event via Skype only to realize the issue he held so dear in his time was treated with such disrespect and dishonor. Have LGBT NGOs lost their way and are so mainstream they have forgotten their true calling?

also see a flashback to some of the issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless LGBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

Steps to take when confronted by the police & your rights compromised:


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tense

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated

i) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

Vacant at Last! ShoemakerGully: Displaced MSM/Trans Persons were is cleared December 2014





CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:

the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE


May 22, 2015, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

The same cop who has factored in so many run-ins with the youngsters in the Shoemaker Gully (often described as a sewer by some activists) has delivered on a promise of his powerpoint presentation on a solution to the issue in New Kingston, problem is it is the same folks who abandoned the men (their predecessors) from the powerful cogs of LGBT/HIV that are in earshot of his plan.

This ugly business of LGBTQ homelessness and displacements or self imposed exile by persons has had several solutions put forth, problem is the non state actors in particular do not want to get their hands dirty as the more combative and political issues to do with buggery's decriminalization or repeal have risen to the level of importance more so than this. Let us also remember this is like the umpteenth meeting with the cops, some of the LGBT homeless persons and the advocacy structure.

Remember JFLAG's exclusion of the group from that IDAHO symposium on LGBT homelessess? See HERE, how can we ask the same people who only want to academise and editorialise the issue to also try to address their own when they do not want to get their hands dirty but publish wonderful reports as was done earlier this month, see HERE: (re)Presenting and Redressing LGBT Homelessness in Jamaica: Towards a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Anti-Gay Related Displacement also LGBT homelessness has always been with us from the records of Gay Freedom Movement(1974) to present but the current issues started from 2009, see: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009 as carried on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch. CLICK HERE for FULL post of this story.

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





Radio program Everywoman on Nationwide Radio 90FM March 20th 2014 with Dr Karen Carpenter as stand-in host with a transgender activist and co-founder of Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica and a gender non conforming/lesbian guest as well on the matters of identity, sex reassignment surgery and transexuality.

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

BUSINESS DOWNTURN FOR THE WEED-WHACKING PROJECT FOR FORMER DISPLACED ST CATHERINE MSM



As promised here is another periodical update on an income generating/diligence building project now in effect for some now seven former homeless and displaced MSM in St Catherine, it originally had twelve persons but some have gotten jobs elsewhere, others have simply walked away and one has relocated to another parish, to date their weed whacking earning business capacity has been struggling as previous posts on the subject has brought to bear.

Although some LGBT persons residing in the parish have been approached by yours truly and others to increase client count for the men costs such as gas and maintenance of the four machines that are rotated between the enrolled men are rising weekly literally while the demand is instead decreasing due to various reasons.



Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14



debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.


What to Do .....




a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

If one is locked up then the following may apply:
Locked up over a weekend - Arrested pursuant to being charged or detained There must be reasonable suspicion i.e. about to commit a crime, committing a crime or have committed a crime.

There are two standards that must be met:

1). Subjective standard: what the officer(s) believed to have happened

2). Objective standard: proper and diligent collection of evidence that implicates the accused To remove or restrain a citizen’s liberty it cannot be done on mere suspicion and must have the above two standards

 Police officers can offer bail with exceptions for murder, treason and alleged gun offences, under the Justice of the Peace Act a JP can also come to the police station and bail a person, this provision as incorporated into the bail act in the late nineties

 Once a citizen is arrested bail must be considered within twelve hours of entering the station – the agents of the state must give consideration as to whether or not the circumstances of the case requires that bail be given

 The accused can ask that a Justice of the Peace be brought to the station any time of the day. By virtue of taking the office excluding health and age they are obliged to assist in securing bail

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

 Bail is offered at the courts office provided it was extended by the court; it is the court that has the jurisdiction over the police with persons in custody is concerned.

 Bail can still be offered if you were arrested and charged without being taken to court a JP can still intervene and assist with the bail process.

Other Points of Interest

 The accused has a right to know of the exact allegation

 The detainee could protect himself, he must be careful not to be exposed to any potential witness

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

 If over a long period without charge a writ of habeas corpus however be careful of the police doing last minute charges so as to avoid an error

 Every instance that a matter is brought before the court and bail was refused before the accused can apply for bail as it is set out in the bail act as every court appearance is a chance to ask for bail

 Each case is determined by its own merit – questions to be considered for bail:

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

b) Are there any other charges that the police may place against the accused?

c) Is the accused likely to interfere with any witnesses?

d) What is the strength of the crown’s/prosecution’s case?

 Poor performing judges can be dealt with at the Judicial Review Court level or a letter to the Chief Justice can start the process

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

Popular Posts

What I am reading at times ......

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or Tel: 1-876-841-2923 (leave a message just in case)




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

  • To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus

  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

  • To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

Tel: 1-876-841-2923
lgbtevent@gmail.com








Peace

Battle Lines Javed Jaghai versus the state & the Jamaica Buggery Law



Originally aired on CVM TV December 8th 2013, apologies for some of the glitches as the source feed was not so hot and it kept dropping from source or via the ISP, NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED and is solely for educational and not for profit use and review. The issue of the pending legal challenge in the Constitutional Court in Jamaica as filed by Javed Jaghai an outspoken activist who happens also to be openly aetheist.

The opposing sides are covered as well such as
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society
The Love March
Movement Jamaica

The feature seems destined for persons who are just catching up to the issues and repositioning JFLAG in particular in the public domain as their image has taken a beating in some respects especially on the matter of the homeless MSM front. They need to be careful that an elitist perception is not held after this after some comments above simplistic discourse, the use of public agitation as beneath some folks and the obvious overlooking of the ordinary citizen who are realy the ones who need convincing to effect the mindset change needed and the national psyche's responses to homosexuality in general.


John Maxwell's House