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

Thursday, April 1, 2010

United States Embassy’s Fraud Prevention Unit revokes Jamaican Entertainers visas.

click photo for the Star News version

In a suprise move by the United States Embassy’s Fraud Prevention Unit, they issued a statement which was posted at The Sangster’s International Airport naming several big named dancehall artists. Curiously this has come on the heels of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Kenneth Baugh’s presentation appearing at the Standing Finance Committee on March 31, 2010 answering questions posed by the People’s National Party opposition where he essentially said that Jamaican artistes are facing opposition from other countries because of their bad behavior. Interestingly Latin American states have now joined in the banning of several acts either because of said bad behavior, violent lyrics and the homophobic stance taken by some of the artists.

Speculation on video with firearm and current extradition issue

There is a video that is alleged to have been placed on YouTube by one of the named artists in a drunken state boasting and grandstanding about having his visas and the usual shenanigans along with several members of his entourage where a gun was drawn and shown in the clip. He also pulled out his passport and showed it to the camera containing several visas, speculation is rife that this was one of the mitigating factors that led to the United States action, the video was said to be shot in Atlanta at the time. The video is very popular and is the subject of several chats by other DJs on sound systems and dub plates that make reference to it. The current “Dudus” Coke extradition matter has been linked to this recent move by the United States embassy although it is considered a secondary matter but not far from the recent vigilant actions by them. As we may now know the hot issue of the Jamaican government not acceding to the request to extradite the gentleman to face various drug related and murder charges in the US where the ruling JLP linked strongman has been kept here because the Prime Minster pointed out in Parliament that the United States authorities breached the way they obtained evidence via the wire tapping done on Mr. Coke’s phone. So by virtue of that he will not be extradited as the PM said the Extradition Treatise was broken and Jamaican laws were breached by the United States.

Some details of the Memorandum

Bracketed information was added by yours truly, bear in mind also that it is unclear if the revoked visas constitutes all the visas issued to or held by the named individuals.

The named artists, their passport numbers, date of birth and US visas control numbers were posted at the Sangster Airport in Montego Bay in the directive issued to the American based and other airlines that have routes to the US by the embassy.

The memo as reported read as follows:

To Whom It May Concern,

The embassy of the United States in Kingston Jamaica is in the process of revoking the visas of the following citizens of Jamaica. The people mentioned here currently hold a US visa that we have not yet able to physically cancel, do not allow these passengers to board any flights bound for the United States in reliance on this visa. The specific information is as follows:

Garfield Augustus McKoy aka Ricky Trooper (sound system operator) 2 visas revoked

Moses Anthony Davis aka Beenieman (popular Dancehall DJ, self proclaimed king of dancehall, 3 visas revoked

Sheldon Ricardo Aitana Lawrence aka Aidonia or Idonia (Fast rising Dancehall DJ) 1 visa revoked

David Constantine Brooks aka Mavado or Movado (controversial Dancehall DJ) 2 visas revoked

Rodney Basil Pryce aka Bounty Killa (veteran Dancehall DJ) 2 visas revoked

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of state of Visa services in the United States Miss Janice Jacobs has been quoted as saying that the state department is continually receiving information that affects the eligibility of aliens to hold their visas she continued that any information received subsequent to the visa issued that calls into question the suitability of the visa holder as a potential threat to the security of the United States that visa will be revoked.

One wonders if the present Buju Banton case as well is an underlying factor as he is accused of being involved in drug activity. The Homophobic lyrics as performed over time by some of these artistes listed seem to be a non issue or if so is at the bottom of the list of reasons for the revocation of the visas be they working or visiting.

The plot thickens over these cross cutting issues let us continue to watch and track what goes down folks, I hope there are no negative fallouts as it relates to the gay community here or other national diplomatic relations between ourselves and the United States.

Peace and tolerance

H

Labels: , Posted by Unknown
at 3:22 PM

1 comments:

mark said...

Keep us informed, Mr H, this sounds interesting.

Not sure why Beenieman has three visas revoked. Why would he need more than one?

April 1, 2010 at 5:15 PM

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Reminder

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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

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Superintendent Murdock

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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

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