Unruly gays worry store owners ............................

Just when we thought this issue would die here it comes again in the mainstream media with all the other unreported matters and the distractions from the Dwayne Jones transgender murder matter that is conflated by many as a homophobic crime when it is not so; the homeless men the last time we can recall had to move as the Millsborough house they had captured was destroyed and the subsequent house they took over was also closed up and they were forced to relocate with no definitive answer yet in the form of a shelter to address their concerns. Other homeless matters abound as well where a 19 year old had to beat a hasty retreat after his father threatened him with violence if he did not, he has since been assisted by a same gender loving sister temporarily; there are six other reports that have been brought to my attention that other community influentials are addressing since May of this year. Western Jamaica is also seeing its fair share of fallouts while the St Catherine group who were being helped by an interfaith set up are still going along seeking work with the weed wackers they have access to.

Now comes this article in today's star where the men have basically returned to New Kingston as they have nowhere else to go it seems.

Unruly gays worry business men in New Kingston:

A number of businesses along the top section of Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston have been bemoaning the behaviour of some men who are said to be homosexuals who use the corridor for the hanging of clothing, sleeping, loitering and other activities.

Delroy Collington, speaking on behalf of one of the establishments along the corridor, said the men are devaluing the businesses and that they are considering closing down because of their behaviour.

"They pose a whole heap of threat. They are devaluing the businesses. I told one of them who was sleeping to get up and I had to hit him with a piece of board after he was peeing at the door. Dem bigger than the police. The hit cost me $10,000 in court. The chain line (used to separate a parking section) they use to hang up clothing. We are near closing down because of them. Believe me the police afraid of them," he said.

nuisance

Collington also added that it has become a nuisance and that people are having a hard time dealing with the men's behaviour. He said one morning he saw one of the men lying down and hugging another man.

Just a few steps away, a senior staff member at one of the money businesses also expressed concern over the way the men were behaving. While she acknowledged that the men's sexuality had nothing to do with her, it is their attitude and behaviour she cannot stand.

"There have been challenges. The clothing and the rowdy behaviour would deter anybody. We are not fighting against anyone's sexuality; it's just that the behaviour is distasteful. I have complained about it to a guy who had his clothes hanging on the chain. They are loitering and we are asking the police to do something about that," she said.

A sub-officer at the New Kingston Police Post said they have been receiving complaints from businesses with regards to the behaviour of these homosexual men.

"Several businesses are complaining about them. We have reports and it never stops. Loitering is not so much an offence you arrest them for, you just chase them away," the officer said.

ENDS

also see the Gleaner's editorial: Gay-baiting at state events