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

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Carolyn Gomes resigns as JFJ Board Member, JFJ Apologises For controversial Sex Education Course

The first casualty has emerged out of this latest fiasco exactly one month after the Professor Bain matter broke in the papers thanks to the antics of CVC and others all kinds of dancing and covering up of the truth is now on as the spin doctors work behind the scene and leave the credibility of the LGBT lobby collectively looking like a bunch of deceptive no goods.

I am so distraught and upset at how all this has played out and I like many other older advocates and volunteers now feel we waisted our time in service just to watch poor management and unethical actions wipe out the results though incremental wiped out before our eyes as we have been set back psychologically some ten years, so much has happened in between the Bain issue and now in just one month exactly as it was May 18 that the former matter broke in the newspapers.

Now today the Gleaner carried this: 



Jermaine Francis & Gary Spaulding, Gleaner Writers

With concerns mounting yesterday over the involvement of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) in an explicitly worded sex-education programme, the human-rights lobby's former executive director, Dr Carolyn Gomes, has resigned as a member of its board.

JFJ has also rushed to apologise for the inclusion of the controversial content in the training course it implemented in six private children's homes eight months ago.

Word of Gomes' departure came after a meeting with the JFJ board, which accepted her resignation.

When contacted yesterday for a response to the issues surrounding the sex education course, Gomes curtly replied in a text to The Gleaner: "I am not authorised to speak for JFJ."

In April 2013, Gomes negotiated and signed the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition contract for the contentious programme in her capacity as JFJ executive director.

In this role, Gomes, who now heads the CVC, reportedly had responsibility for developing the programme's content; negotiating the partnership agreements with the Jamaica Family Planning Association (FAMPLAN) and with the children's homes' administrators; and rolling it out to the facilities.

She was also responsible for all the administrative functions the programme required.

Gomes supervised the programme until her resignation as JFJ executive director in December 2013.

The latest events, including the JFJ's apology, come nearly a month after the May conclusion of the controversial course.

It was previously believed that the course had been scheduled to be completed next month, leading Youth Minister Lisa Hanna to, on Monday, order its immediate halt.

JFJ-SPEARHEADED INITIATIVE

The CVC Coalition, which serves as the umbrella group for the project, has also responded to the furore, which began with a Sunday Gleanerreport and continued when The Gleaner yesterday revealed elements of the course that were being taught to state wards age 12 to 18.

While it stressed that neither the Global Fund nor the CVC Coalition dictates the final training curriculum of any project, the organisation said in a release over the names of Veronica Cenac, a CVC board member, and John Waters, the group's co-chair, that the project was implemented by JFJ, with funding from the CVC under the PANCAP Global Fund Project.

"Neither the Global Fund nor CVC dictates the final training curriculum of any project," the coalition said in the release.

"The CVC component of the PANCAP Global Fund Project (Phase 1) has already been evaluated independently and adjudged to be of the highest standard in addressing the critical determinants among populations vulnerable to the HIV epidemic. The project has been commended for its work with vulnerable groups by the Office of the Inspector General of the Global Fund to Fight Tuberculosis, Malaria, and HIV."

JFJ ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY

Yesterday, the JFJ unreservedly apologised for the controversial material injected into the curriculum titled 'The Healthy Sexual Growth and Development in Marginalised Youth: Rights, Responsibilities, and Life Skills'.

"Following recent media discussions that JFJ has been providing age-inappropriate content to children in six children's homes … the JFJ Board of Directors accepts full and unconditional responsibility for not vetting the programme content and its release," stated the JFJ in a statement late yesterday.

The human-rights group said it has also extended an apology to its programme partner, FAMPLAN, which, it stated, was unaware of the inclusion of the controversial material.

"We also apologise to our other stakeholders for not first clearing with them the programme content prior to its release," the release stated.

JFJ claimed it acknowledged that a breakdown in its "usually scrupulous in-house vetting regime" had occurred.

"JFJ wishes to assure the public and its stakeholders that immediate safeguards have been reinstituted to mitigate against any recurrence of the kind," the release stated.

The JFJ said it was continuing an internal review of the entire matter and would, at the earliest opportunity, advise the public as to the result of the review and the remedial action that would be implemented.

Yesterday, civic group Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society said it was "incensed, but not surprised, at the recent news reports of unsolicited and unauthorised interventions by JFJ and the CVC in several Jamaican children's homes".

I am not authorised to speak for JFJ.

ENDS

After listening carefully an interview on radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines and then on Nationwide with representatives from Jamaicans for Justice, CVC and Family Planning Jamaica I am left that JFJ will no longer partner in any LGBT work based on the utterances by the board member with what was described as irreconcilable differences between JFJ and Mrs Gomes. The big question of the hour though is who made the changes to the slides or the curriculum that was finally presented to the wards?

Yesterday's Gleaner Headline only sought to muddy the waters even further on "Indecent Exposure"

 The story read in part
"THERE ARE signs emerging that the sexual education course introduced into six private children’s homes by human-rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) was hijacked by gay-rights promoters. The target group of the project was approximately 120 children aged 12 to 17 who are current wards at the Jamaica National Children’s Home, St John’s Bosco Home, Elsie Bernard Girls’ Home, Sunbeam Home for Boys, and Alpha Boys’ Home. 

 The programme, titled ‘Realising Sexual and Reproductive Health Responsibly: JFJ’s Pilot Intervention in Children’s Homes’, for which content was originally provided by the Jamaica Family Planning Association (FAMPLAN), was funded by the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC). Youth Minister Lisa Hanna has ordered that the six homes be told to end the course immediately. “Last year, JFJ applied for funding to support their work in children’s homes with the delivery of human-rights training in the area of sexual and reproductive health,” revealed St Rachel Ustanny, chief executive officer of FAMPLAN. “We were approached and we had an existing PowerPoint presentation laid out in an eight-module format with about six specific topics, including gender, interpersonal relationship, puberty, reproduction and advocacy – teaching young people how to advocate for themselves.” 

 PARTNERSHIP 
Continued Ustanny: “There was a partnership between JFJ and FAMPLAN, and as part of that plan we made commitments to provide information and training to select personnel from within Jamaicans for Justice, who would be responsible for the implementation of the education programme within the homes.” The Gleaner has received copies of the course outline in which the wards of these children’s Indecent exposure Oral, anal sex acceptance sneaked into JFJ course in children’s homes were taught that “vaginal sex, anal sex and oral sex are forms of sexual penetration”, with no immediate reference to the fact that anal sex remains illegal in Jamaica. FAMPLAN has, however, distanced itself from some of the programme’s content, as two modules were added. These modules deal with the normalisation of anal sex and homosexuality. 

 “Clearly, there were structural and content changes that took place in terms of what was given to JFJ by FAMPLAN and what they eventually produced. “In terms of what we delivered to JFJ and what I reviewed on Saturday, there were clear insert ions. It demonstrated, too, that JFJ, as a funded organisation, was not only to deliver elements that we introduced to them ... but as a recipient of funds from CVC, they, too, would have complied,” Ustanny explained. “CVC has their own sexeducation curriculum which I think would be oriented towards their focus.” 

 The programme, which started last October, and was slated to conclude next month, saw the youngsters being introduced to three forms of sexual penetration and told that not all three are suited for everyone so they should discuss their preference with their partners. “Anal and oral sex have traditionally been frowned upon, but with time, these practices are becoming more accepted,” outlined the course manual as it urged the children to “use a condom and lubricant during anal sex”, to protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A Gleaner source, who wished to remain anonymous, said the course, which was undertaken without the knowledge of the Child Development Agency (CDA) or the relevant ministry, was modified and presented as a human-rights issue. 

 NOT AGE-APPROPRIATE 

 “These were never in the FAMPLAN information and, as a matter of fact, were not age-appropriate,” said the source who noted that the entity was a major advocate of school-based comprehensive sexuality education and the need for health professionals to understand and support youth-friendly services. “But it uses age-appropriate material and would not tell a 12-year-old that anal sex is normal,” added the source. Gender was defined in the material as “the way persons choose to act out their masculinity or femininity in society. For example, a person may be born with male sex organs but may have a feminine gender and even choose to live as a woman”. The wards in the six private children’s homes where the programme was introduced were also told that they “have the right to access contraceptives, but young people are hindered from doing so because of ... minority laws”. The youngsters were, however, advised that they can utilise the “withdrawal method, where the male removes his penis......"
ENDS

Strangely the article is no longer available online on the Gleaner's site which now has me wondering what has changed within the last twenty four hours? meanwhile Hanna demands answers:

another story that has mysteriously disappeared from the Gleaner's online page as well

 JFJ had issues this text on June 5 via Facebook:

Text from Reform Matters: Realising Sexual and Reproductive Health Responsibly...
June 5, 2014 at 3:53pm
Realising Sexual and Reproductive Health Responsibly: JFJ’s Pilot Intervention in Children’s Homes

June 2014 - In the previous issue of the special edition of reform matters, the issues surrounding healthy sexual growth and development in marginalised youth were examined. This second newsletter in the series will explore Jamaicans for Justice’s pilot project in children’s home.

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) in partnership with the Jamaica Family Planning Association (FAMPLAN Jamaica) and with the kind support of the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) and Centro de Orientación e Investigación Integral (COIN) have combined resources to foster healthy sexual growth and development in marginalised youth in children’s homes. The ten month project spanning October 2013 to July 2014 focuses on rights, responsibilities and life skills as a result of the increase in HIV and AIDS infections in adolescents.

JFJ has been concerned with the situation of children in state care from 2001 and has since been advocating for improvements in their condition. The intervention is the first of its kind for the organisation and is being carried out in six privately run children’s homes.

Sexual and reproductive health is a human right that is not always recognised, and marginalised youth are at greater risk of not having this right realised due to limitations with age of minority laws and discriminatory practices. These limitations help to contribute to the contraction of HIV among marginalised youth. JFJ’s intervention therefore aims to promote a culture of responsibility regarding realising sexual and reproductive health in order to reduce the incidence of HIV infections in the adolescent population. In order to take steps toward realising this goal, the project has three main objectives:

1. Provide marginalised youth in children’s homes with rights-based information on sexual and reproductive rights to allow for their empowerment

2. Furnish vulnerable youth in children’s homes with knowledge and life skills to ensure their participation and enable improvements in their health seeking behaviours, access to key health and protective services and sustain healthy lifestyle practices.

3. Engage with and empower caregivers of targeted marginalised youth in children’s homes, in order for them to improve the enabling and protective environment, allowing young people to claim their sexual and reproductive rights responsibly.

The target group of the project is approximately 120 children ranging ages 12 to 17. These young people are girls and boys housed in urban and rural children homes for various reasons, including behavioural problems, neglect, abandonment, parents having died or are alive but unable to financially care for them, as well as due to physical or sexual abuse. Along with the children, approximately 80 caregivers are targeted due to them occupying a supervisory and in loco parentis role in relation to the children. It is due to these roles why it is imperative that the caregivers also receive the training.

After receiving training from CVC-COIN and being aided by FAMPLAN Jamaica in October of last year to develop the curriculum for the project, JFJ’s facilitators began implementing the intervention the following month. Caregivers of the homes, including teachers and other staff members who interact with the wards, were the first to receive intense training in human rights, sexual and reproductive health issues affecting youth, and communication for providing a protective and enabling environment for wards who may need assistance. The training with caregivers was subsequently followed by sessions with the wards. Some children’s homes had wards that were being home-schooled while some had wards who attended public schools. Of those who attended public schools, some were on a shift system. These factors affected which homes were able to facilitate training on weekdays or on weekends. Sessions spanning January to May were carried out with the wards of all six privately run children’s homes. The targeted wards from these homes received education and training in: human rights; sexual and reproductive rights and responsibilities; puberty, reproduction, body image; gender relations; sexuality and society; relationships; and communication and decision-making skills. This included providing them with information on where to access youth-friendly non-discriminatory spaces that offered health and protective services.

Participatory Approach

A project of this nature required careful delivery and recognition of the input of the target group. Therefore, a participatory approach was taken with the delivery of the intervention. Participatory activities to educate adolescents on critical health issues hve been stated as one which works in reducing high risk sexual behaviour, and promote social adjustment, among other things. This participatory approach is an educational approach based on the belief that the purpose of education is to expand the ability of people to become shapers of their world by analysing the social forces that have historically limited their options. JFJ’s implementers recognised that the participation of the wards would be integral in shaping the outcomes of the project. Children have different experiences and as such approach sexual and reproductive health in their own personal way, allowing for a wealth of knowledge to be dispersed.

A participatory approach in human rights education and training promotes and values the sharing of personal knowledge and experience, encourages mutual respect and reciprocal learning, and seeks out and includes the voice of the participants in the learning process. It enables the targeted marginalised youth with different values, beliefs and backgrounds to learn effectively together and learn from each other. It encourages social analysis aimed towards empowering youth participants to develop concrete actions for social change that are in accordance with human rights values and standards.

Even though the intervention explored a range of issues, some of which resulted in the children sharing their preconceived notions, the JFJ facilitators made certain not to impose their beliefs but provided information to widen the learning scope of participants with the hope that they would use their new knowledge to shape their understanding and make better decisions.

Reception

The administrators of the homes welcomed the intervention as it was felt that it was timely and necessary for their wards. The zeal of the administrators was not at first shared by the caregivers. Caregivers were at first apprehensive about JFJ, human rights and the rights of children taking precedence over their rights which they indicated often times resulted in bias in favour of the children in many situations.

After completing the first session, the caregivers realised that they had certain misconceptions and in order to get the equity they desired, it was possible that what they needed was their own representation instead of looking for this through to the state and non-governmental organisations set up to preserve the rights of children. By the end of their training, they realised the value of the project and wished that there were more capacity building interventions for caregivers in children’s homes.

The children waited with baited breaths to see what the JFJ facilitators would bring. They turned out in their numbers for the initial sessions and seemed to like the participatory techniques employed.

As the training with the children progressed, the number of participants fluctuated due to several reasons. These included children returning home to their families, some running away, some sent to other homes as well as sessions clashing with other activities that required the attendance of some of the children.

Training sessions were at times difficult to complete due mainly to behavioural challenges presented by the children. Although these children came from a wider society with a breakdown in values and decorum, it became obvious that they also needed interventions on propriety, how to minimise confrontations, deal with conflicts and stop bullying. 

At about the mid-point of the intervention, it was evident that some administrators prioritised other activities for the children over training sessions, even though initially they indicated their commitment by not only welcoming the project’s facilitators into their homes but also signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs). Priority was given to people coming to provide the children with “treats” and freebies or the mainstream academic curriculum was prioritised over the intervention which resulted, at times, in sessions having to be postponed.

By the end of the intervention, the administrators, caregivers and wards were in disbelief that it was over and were sad to see it end as they professed that they had been learning a lot.

Sustainability

The children’s homes that benefited from the intervention seemed to be devoid of long term interventions suited for their wards to function in the wider society. Education and learning should not just be about academics nor should care and protection of institutionalised children consist mainly of providing food, shelter and clothing. Priority also has to be placed on children’s complete development. The wards of the state should not leave the same way they entered the system nor should they leave in a worse state.

There exist 52 children’s homes in Jamaica: five state-run and 47 privately-run. An intervention of this nature which focuses on the healthy sexual growth and development of marginalised youth from a rights, responsibilities and life skills approach needs to be implemented in all children’s homes and even youth-populated correctional centres. Therefore, the sustainability of this intervention requires buy-in from all stakeholders especially government which has the power to facilitate this expansion. The Ministers of Education, Youth, Health, National Security and even Finance and Social Security (as risky sexual behaviour among marginalised youth impacts the country’s welfare system) need to take a vested interest in not only JFJ’s pilot intervention but in others that address the additional social issues faced by the wards and caregivers.

The impact of JFJ’s pilot intervention will only be bolstered when these other initiatives are implemented.

The next issue will focus on the lessons learnt from JFJ’s pilot project in children’s homes.

Send your comments to:

About Jamaicans For Justice:
Founded in 1999, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is a non-profit, 
non-partisan, non-violent citizens’ rights action organisation advocating for transparency, accountability and overall good governance in state affairs.

JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE

2 Fagan Avenue, Kingston 8, Jamaica, W.I.
Tel: (876) 755-4524-6
Fax: (876) 755-4355
Facebook: Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ)
Twitter: @JAforJustice
YOUTUBE: jamaicansforjustice

 Let us stay focus despite the blows from outside as well as within the struggle.


also click the Jamaica CAUSE label/tab immediately below for other posts on the anti gay groups actions and commentary.

 UPDATES
JFJ Split Widens - Long-Time Members Demand Extraordinary Meeting As Human-Rights Group Seems Set To Implode

 Former JFJ Head Carolyn Gomes Distances Self From Controversial Sex Ed Material

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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

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