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, June 14, 2012

Murder, Homelessness and fallouts ..................................

This Post is subject to periodical Update(s)

Sad news again has come this time to a group under the msm umbrella who have been seriously overlooked by the advocacy structures mainly JFLAG, where we now have two murders.

Condolences to their friends and family (if they really care) but this raises serious concerns about MSM homelessness in Jamaica.
Five days ago the post immediately preceding this entry spoke to msm homelessness and a confirmed murder of a relatively new comer that population in the New Kingston area by Dumfries Road with other incidents no one else bothered to mention at a another site where substance abusers and commercial sex workers gather while a buggery matter was of concern in the same vicinity but sometime between last evening June 12th to June 13th on the opposite side of New Kingston again where another open area where substance abusers and msms also hang out was the scene of a brutal murder of two members of the population which some sensationalism from members of the public as news spread and both major television stations carried the story.

here is the TVJ version or HERE on their website


The men were found partially dressed and having female underwear allegedly, also stones with what appeared to be skin and blood tracings on them. One eyewitness suggested that some serious struggle took place based on the blood and scattered clothing with some personal effects on the scene. The police surmise jealousy as a motive for the killing as they were said to be attacked by their assailants. I do not buy that story about jealousy based on information garnered from other members of the population and the fact that a third man who was on the scene also escaped the alleged attack at the time but as we know the truth will come out sooner or later in matters such as this. The typical belief for many Jamaicans over the decades is that murdered gay men are usually killed due to jealousy hence the motive presented by the cops I fear.

here is the CVM nightly news version, the midday news version was not so detailed


 In the distance you can make out the usually contracted undertakers for crime scenes preparing the bodies for removal from the site as a crowd had gathered curiously to see the men apparently.


One of the last entries made by one of the friends close to one of the deceased via his Facebook account who had been going through issues with other family members and community members where he commented that he was going through so much pain, just a hint of the troubles the guys go through, I needn't remind you my readers my position on the lack of proper interventions by the respective LGBT organizations and groups in regards to homelessness, the previous post should bring to bear a reminder and a timeline as to how we got here. We should not have had to wait until we have two gruesome murders to now hear talk by some that homelessness needs to be looked at while apologists continue to say that JFLAG does not have the resources to deal with those issues yet we spending on other lesser activities even in the face of a growing population of displaced LGBT persons predominantly young MSM.

also see an updated post on GLBTQ Jamaica on Wordpress: 

JFLAG’s needs to accept some responsibility for the Trafalgar Murders ….. homelessness not properly addressed


Coincidentally Television Jamaica, TVJ carried a story on Patricia House (a substance abuse rehab centre next door to JASL) that offered residential services for persons yet with all the powerful LGBT agencies and related NGOs we have no such facility for our MSM in particular and very little psycho social support if even by referrals. It was also disturbing to know that many of the JFLAG staff or operatives did not even know who the persons were though there are popular on the party social scenes and elsewhere, this strongly confirms how out of touch and disinterested the structure is in addressing homelessness and displacement and may just plan to use this as another springboard to put themselves forward as our defenders, typical, more on that below.

Meanwhile last evening as well we also lost a favourite on the social scene who was almost decapitated in the Havendale area, affectionately known a 'ronica his body was found after eight in the evening when his friend returned from shopping for a gas cylinder, the other guest who was in the deceased company was missing from the scene. There is a photo of the body that I will not post here. As the news made the rounds however many were shocked as they could not believe and concerns about cruising were brought to attention but unfortunately all that was overshadowed by the murder of the aforementioned men from as early as the midday news on both major television stations and major newspapers online editions. My sources confirmed pretty early as they were on the scene as the news broke and they too assisted the police in identifying the bodies.

here is the Gleaner's take -


also according to the Gleaner THE POLICE last night were still searching for leads into the death of two men whose bodies were found in an open lot along Trafalgar Road, St Andrew, yesterday morning.

"We are yet to know the identities of the men, the cause of death, or what really happened. We are conducting an investigation into the incident as we speak," a police source told The Gleaner.
According to the police, just after 8 a.m. yesterday, they received reports that two bodies were in bushes in an open lot near the stop light by Lady Musgrave and Trafalgar roads.

On arrival on the scene, they discovered the bodies at different locations in the lot, lying in a pool of blood.
The police said one of the bodies was lying face down with a gaping wound to the forehead, while the other was face up with a wound to the left eye. The police said they appeared to be chopped and stoned to death.

"It appears that people have been living in this lot because we found bedding, tarpaulins, doors, cardboard and cooking utensils. This is an area known to be frequented by drug addicts and prostitutes," one police officer said.


The population of homeless and displaced men for the most part has been an issue ever since the closure of the Safe House Pilot project as formed under Jamaica AIDS Support for Life with its offshoot Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays, JFLAG and the splintering on the men on the streets the very place the program was to have kept the men off the streets in 2010, the rowdy behaviour of the men was a concern but was used as an excuse by the then board of JASL to close end the program but the casualty was the Executive Director at the time who sanctioned and instituted the initiative as she was not a "yes man" or lady in this case to a board and its former powerful chairman who also happened to wear several hats in LGBT and HIV advocacy and activism which they still wear. Such is the messy set up of the advocacy structures that well needed interventions that do not meet the approval of or deemed unimportant in the scheme of things by personalities and bodies are scrapped despite their urgent relevance and the pilot project was not the only one. Without going into too much of the mess the sad part about all this death and uncaring is that all this could have been avoided if some sort of residential or semi residential program was continued and tweaked with the problem plagued Safe House Pilot that was stopped in 2010. The men have been languishing on the city streets since with new additions as more msms are marginalized and ostracized by family members.

It would be interesting to hear officially what the representative groups (and their apologists) are going to say and what measures will be taken to finally address the roaming homeless msm populations barring press releases as per usual, the populations which not only exist in Kingston but also St Catherine, St James and St Ann in growing numbers as well. Pardon my cynicism in this matter readers but some of us have come to understand the convenience at which public though tragic incidents like this are used as spring boards for certain agencies to come with pomp and ceremony to present themselves in elaborate public relation campaigns as if they care and are doing this yeoman service for what is expected to be a gullible lgbt community and we all sure cheer from the gallery and be grateful. We are reminded ever so often that there are no resources or requisite funding available to do these important programs and interventions but we see other activities that just on the face of it would cost money as well done post-haste in some instances.

When is the contemptuous treatment of our MARPS, oops I forgot only the experts use such acronyms, I mean most at risk populations going to stop? 
The perception by some persons that the men and the popular 'ronica also get themselves in trouble by supposedly inducing heterosexual men or more appropriately down low men (heaviots) into sexual acts that lead to violence from the same persons maybe true in certain respects but there are other issues related to identity, self acceptance, gay for pay and effemophobia that are too long to be included in this post at this time but there are other references via this and other blogs, certainly the loss of these two persons has brought into sharp focus the ever expanding issues surrounding men who have sex with men, let us hope we use the time and opportunity wisely and not lapse into complacency once again as we are used to the nine day wonder phenomenon.

Here is an audio commentary on the timeline leading to the early homelessness issues after the controversial closure of the Safe House Pilot Project and the resignation of the then Executive Director of Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, JASL leading to the re-displacement and subsequent homelessness if you will of the msm hence their scattering leading to the present situation over the past two years:


JFLAG has since put out the expected press release as it always does which included: "It is unconfirmed but we understand that there is a list circulating with names of persons who are being targeted. We encourage persons to avoid certain areas, events, travelling by public transport and generally being in spaces where we feel unsafe. Travel in groups if you can. Constantly be aware of your surroundings and report any and all violations you witness or experience to the police.

Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at 875-2328 or 376-2021 ."

Ok so there is this threat but how are the homeless men themselves be told this when it is they who are the real victims here, is the J finally going to go out there as they ought to have been doing all these years after sanctioning the closure of the previous homeless project and leaving the men to fend for themselves and engage the populations finally? I think not. It is just sad that this is where we are in as far as real work in the trenches are concerned. A fundamental question comes to mind: If The J knew of murders within the last three months why did it have to take this last well covered incident by the press for them to finally cough up a press release?


Frankly JFLAG and its parent Jamaica AIDS Support for Life are culpable in some respects and have blood on their hands, they have failed to properly serve the least amongst us, why didn't they engage the homeless groups as they ought to? They must accept some of the responsibility in all this and to now put out another press release from conveyor belt is not enough and trying to cover their aloofness.


UPDATE (June 15)
JFLAG along with Dr. Leachim Semaj (anti gay psychologist) and Orville Taylor public commentator appeared in the Radio Jamaica, RJR radio program "Beyond the Headlines" hosted by Dionne Jackson Miller but just by listening it was clear the J is using this to present themselves as credible while clearly out of touch with the homeless and displaced populations, this is indeed sad while Dr Semaj as per usual hinted to murders of gay men being caused by jealousy, he usually uses his appearances regarding this subject matter to present this point.

Suspect Held: aired on TVJ June 14th

Now comes news of an intersexed victim in Old Harbour: 

The St Catherine South police are searching for the killer(s) of a hermaphrodite, whose body was found in bushes in Old Harbour Bay yesterday.

Dead is Shannel Campbell, a 20-year-old labourer of Old Harbour Bay.
Reports from the Old Harbour Bay police are that about 10 a.m., the decomposing body of Campbell was found in bushes near an area known as Terminal. Campbell was last seen in the company of a male.

An on-the-spot post-mortem revealed that Campbell had male and female sex organs and that death was caused by a blow with a blunt object.
"It basically means that he got a blow to the head and died as a result," an investigator said
Police had not identified any suspects or established a motive for the killing.



Meanwhile Mark Sangumetti of a Waltham Park address in Kingston has been charged with the double killing of the homeless men. 

He was charged yesterday June 24 for two counts of murder. 
The bodies of 19-year-old Winston Ramsey also known as ‘Blacks’ and 20-year-old Jermaine Thompson also called ‘Avatar’ were found in bushes at the stoplight at the corner of Lady Musgrave and Trafalgar roads on June 13. 

The police had reported that several bloodied stones were found close to the bodies which also had chop wounds. 

 .... also of note the somewhat hypocritical concerns in a Gleaner letter entitled Gays Being Attacked Left, Right And Centre by a former board member of one of the organizations responsible for the closure of the previous Safe House pilot project, why aren't the organizations including JFLAG not addressing MSM homelessness  and are they waiting for deaths and abuse to stand on ceremony with these atrocities? Questions to ponder. 

Here is an audio summary after doing some leg work to confirm the story:
   (June 25, 2012 Update)

Here was the original murder of another homeless MSM as reported in the Star News on May 25 2012 this was not reported anywhere else as far as I have checked and JFLAG was silent on this one as well. 

Mutilated body found

The mutilated body of an unidentified man rumoured to be a homosexual was discovered on Dumfries Road in New Kingston about 8 a.m. yesterday by passers-by on their way to work.

News of the find started to spread across New Kingston like wildfire and THE WEEKEND STAR was informed by a source that scores of people came to the scene trying to get a glimpse of the body which was said to be sporting a gold chain.

According to reports, the scantily dressed body was discovered lying face down in a section of a gully which runs under the roadway and the police were notified.

THE WEEKEND STAR arrived as the body was being removed. Workman on a nearby worksite suggested that the man was a homosexual but could not say why he was killed.

A staff member from an establishment on Dumfries Road told THE WEEKEND STAR that she was almost late for work because of the chaos from the scene.
She said, "From yuh look at di man you can tell he was a homosexual ... you want see how him dress up. Mi tired fi come a work and hear say body find bout di place ... dem must take Dumfries Road for a dump."

When THE WEEKEND STAR contacted the New Kingston Police Post, the station commander confirmed that an unidentified body was found.

He also said, "The body could have been placed there overnight, however, the discovery was made this morning. The body had multiple chops, no motive has since been established and investigation into the matter continues."

Peace and tolerance

H

click the "Homeless MSM in Jamaica" tab immediately below for previous entries on the subject

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Bad Man Nuh F*** Batty (Masculine Men Don't F*** Ass) (The Fear of The Feminine in JA ) 16.04.15


A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.



After catching midway a radio discussion on the subject of Jamaica being labelled as homophobic I did a quick look at the long held belief in Jamaica by anti gay advocates, sections of media and homophobes that several murders of alleged gay victims are in fact 'crimes of passion' or have jealousy as their motives but it is not as simple or generalized as that.

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

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

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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