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, September 28, 2010

Justice about truth or having the best Lawyer ...... it nuh look suh

Well with the Buju Banton trial deemed as having a hung jury the new date is proposed for December of this year, his lawyer is expected to launch a bail application today September 28, 2010.

One of the good things about this I feel is that the belief that the gay community was responsible for Mr. Mark Myrie's woes have died down significantly but it is surprising to see the excuses being concocted by media folks and some dancehall artists who have now suddenly appeared from the woodwork to cry for "Justice"

Where were they before now and one wonders if they are not jut using this as a photo opportunity to kick start their fledgling careers and we haven't heard of some of the names being banded about as being active supporters in such a long time.

There was a small protest in Half Way Tree on Saturday September 25th and yesterday as well with a sense of relief when the news came of the hung jury. The participants had dutch pot covers and a large hand painted sign simply worded "Free Buju" small debates and loud discussions could be heard at almost every point at the city centre with folks arguing for and against Buju's actions and the possible outcomes of the case, the nation is transfixed now.

Some questions that still remain are:

  • Why would a rasta be involved in dealings with the "white lady" (cocaine)?
  • How did this informant ended up beside Buju Banton on the same flight, is it a coincidence?
  • Will the two co-defendants now serving time be called to testify against Buju Banton in the re-trial as that may allow them to get deals and may even walk free after doing so ?
  • Is justice or having a trial at least to unearth the truth?
  • Is justice more about having the best legal defense to concoct or help the accused no matter how guilty they are to worm their way from the allegations?
  • What is going to happen to other young would be entertainers watching this?
  • What are the messages being sent in this matter? then we say we want morals as a nation
  • How hypocritical can one get with this?
  • How is he financing all of this?
  • Will David Markus, his attorney be around for the re-trial judging from his high price tag?
  • Is the pre-release of the new music set being used to capitalize on the collective sympathy from the public to offset legal costs?
  • Will he ever recover to re-commence touring and performing again especially in the United States?
  • How will the gay community internationally react to him after all this has subsided?

Despite the strong evidence of the tape of Mr. Myrie tasting the "white lady" and the expressed disappointment in certain circles including parts of the Rastafarian community persons are still calling for him to walk free even after engaging in dealing with a substance that is known to be dangerous to users, we are to believe that he was just "running off his mouth" I thought Rasta man supposed to be contrite and thinking on their feet given the tenets of the faith.

I am disappointed in him otherwise, you cannot be a Rasta and be involved in drugs then preach ital livity and cleanliness then here you are facing this and to think Jamaicans are so blind we are not looking at that part of it. Lest we forget when Mr. Myrie first made his sojourn into Rastafari there were some in various quarters who were skeptical of his new found faith and wondered of there were ulterior motives, some have gone as far to say he wanted to become the next Bob Marley and given his pronouncements about Marley some time ago I was surprised to see Stephen Marley was called as a character witness.

Remember this:

Buju Says Bob Marley Is Not The Greatest Jamaican Musician.............

at the launch of his ‘Rasta Got Soul‘album, Buju Banton reportedly said

“You know they say that the greatest musician in Jamaica is Bob Marley. I don’t believe that, because we have greater musicians to come.

Bob was the most promoted, and well promoted and we have to appreciate that because its our culture but don’t kill our culture with one living one. Enough is Enough.”

Buju’s comments reportedly received claps from the crowd

The original Jamaica Observer article carrying the complete happenings has been removed interestingly.

So one just never knows why things are done the way they are done in the entertainment industry but we will watch none the less and see how this pans out.

I am also heartened that the gay community on a whole decided to keep quiet and let it all hang out, no protests, no fanfare, no commentary as far as murder music was concerned.

Peace and tolerance.

H
Labels: , , Posted by Unknown
at 6:50 AM

3 comments:

m said...

I like it when you report from on the ground.
To answer (some) of your questions.

1) He is not a proper Rasta; his main interest is in money.
2) The DEA likely knew he was involved in cocaine trafficking, and placed the informant in the seat next to him.
3) I doubt there will be another trial, especially if his hotshot attorney can hammer out some reasonably favorable plea deal for him. Given that the jury was split down the middle, it's in the interest of both parties to reach a deal. But he would never be allowed back into the United States, in that case.

September 28, 2010 at 7:54 AM
Unknown said...

they may call the other two co-defendants as they are serving time, they may want to strike a deal to walk so they may go against Buju

September 28, 2010 at 8:03 AM
Anonymous said...

The other two defendants pleaded guilty, but have not been sentenced yet.

Let's wait to see what develops.

September 28, 2010 at 8:49 AM

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Reminder

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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

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GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

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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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