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

Friday, June 20, 2014

Incestuous messes, poor NGO monitoring & ever deepening mistrust about "gay rights"

Ivan Cruickshank, programme manager of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition, addresses a press briefing in Kingston last Thursday. Listening are CVC Coalition Executive Director Carolyn Gomes (centre) and June Carr. The coalition has come under fire for fronting for the gay lobby, but its officials have labelled that characterisation as false.-Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer
Ivan Cruickshank, programme manager of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition, addresses a press briefing in Kingston last Thursday. Listening are CVC Coalition Executive Director Carolyn Gomes (centre) and June Carr. The coalition has come under fire for fronting for the gay lobby, but its officials have labelled that characterisation as false.-Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer


Well I for one have been the lone voice in the wilderness in a sense in as far as a gay man IN Jamaica who has asked for clear and open operations of allied or sister brother groups and agencies for so many years instead I have been viewed as taking nonsense, being alarmist and even ostracised in some instances, now we see the chickens coming home to roost in just over a month years of work by respective volunteers, allies and advocates wiped out.

I and others who just want transparency, timely and proper advocacy have had to watch and endure the eating away of what credibility that was left in public advocacy, then to see ethics alongside truth thrown under the bus and the innards of them dragged for a stretch and now one of today's lead stories is declaring CVC is NOT A GAY LOBBY!?, lest we forget it was founded and mostly staffed by powerful gay persons integral in its formation was the late Dr Robert Carr, so let us just be open and honest about it, if we really think that agencies and their boards can continue to mask or assume multiple identities and not run into problems then think again as the present set of circumstances clearly show.

A group or NGO should not have to be defending itself like this if it were at all operating on a principled and open basis in the first place. Fine that the CVCC has gotten what ought to have been a neutral head in the person of Miss Gomes but I was one of the first persons to share my concern that she was damaged goods from her stint at Jamaicans for Justice and the perception of her being arrogant, anti-police and such following her, now she is being twinned with the now termed deceptive gay lobbyists of which I am NOT.

Today's Lasmay cartoon just adds fuel to the fire:





speaking of manual grab the actual manual here:


Clovis of the Observer takes a jab at Miss Gomes public image please note the intended cohort were 13 to 18 year olds not the young kids shown above, clear deception eh?

one of the pages in the 148 paged/slides presentation that has everyone in a tizzy, does anyone remember the HFLE fiasco? (click the HFLE tab immediately below for previous entries)

The Gleaner story today read in part:

"The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) is denying it is a gay-rights lobby pushing a gay agenda.

The declaration follows reports in the media that an inappropriate sex-education course, implemented in six private children's homes by Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), was hijacked by funders of the gay-rights lobby.

It was revealed in those reports that the CVC was the source of funding for the programme.

However, during a press conference yesterday, the CVC said there have been many misconceptions regarding the group, which describes itself as a broad union of organisations.

Ivan Cruickshank, programme manager at the CVC, contended that the group was a human-rights and public-health organisation committed to helping vulnerable groups, including sex workers, marginalised youth, men who have sex with men and people living with HIV/AIDS.

NO APOLOGY

Dr Carolyn Gomes, co-chairman of the CVC, said the coalition would make no apology for defending the rights of the vulnerable.

"CVC is founded on the principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. We make no apology for fighting for the rights of minority populations and vulnerable groups to be heard, to participate as full citizens and to be treated with dignity and respect," said Gomes.

Meanwhile, the CVC said there was a misconception that the organisation was highly funded by private sources.

The coalition explained that it responds to calls for proposals for grants to support interventions with the vulnerable groups it serves.

The CVC said at present, it has three main donors, with a majority of the funds allocated from the Global Fund.

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the sex-education course, the Ministry of Youth has sought legal advice on what action can be taken against JFJ and the administrators of the children's home in which the course was implemented."



ENDS


Excuse me!

One of the other "journalists" Karyl Walker who was at yesterday's near ill-fated press conference wrote this piece "Sex education row grows", yesterday:

" ............Some civil society groups have described JFJ's move as an attempt by gay activists to sneak the tenets of their lifestyle into the curriculum of the manuals in order to penetrate the vulnerable minds of the children.

The JFJ implemented the programme, in partnership with Jamaica Family Planning Association (FAMPLAN), which it said was unaware of the inclusion of the controversial material.

FAMPLAN, in a release, expressed its regret at the revelation that wards of the state were exposed to age-inappropriate sexual and reproductive health and rights information.

"This situation has understandably caused much concern in our society because of the firm endorsement of Christian family values. FAMPLAN Jamaica believes that the national development and strategic agenda must reflect the values of the Jamaican people and the traditions that they embrace. Further, we believe that all supportive stakeholders should execute their work with full respect for those values," a release from the association stated.

Also, the National Family Planning Board has distanced itself from the manual as well as FAMPLAN.

"The National Family Planning Board (NFPB) unequivocally and categorically states that our organisation is not associated in any way with a sexuality programme reportedly being piloted by Jamaicans For Justice in some of the country's children's homes. The NFPB was not involved in the development of this curriculum, neither was our organisation consulted in the process. In fact, the issue came to our attention only through media reports," a release from the board said.

The infiltration of the content of the manual is reportedly the work of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVCC) — a group which provides services to homosexuals, sex workers, people who use drugs, orphans, and other children made vulnerable by HIV, migrant populations and

ex-prisoners.

The CVCC was the object of the anger of the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, which described the move by JFJ and the coalition as evidently targeting children to indoctrinate them about behaviour that are both harmful to the individual and society, and are incapable of promoting healthy lifestyles.

The CVCC has called a press conference, to be held today at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kingston, to outline its role in the sex education programme


ENDS

Of note the FAMPLAN representative some days ago had a strong rebuke for the JCHS describing as attempting to discredit the work of older agencies as a new kid on the block.

Here is a newsclip of the exchange between Carolyn Gomes and Gary Spaulding of the Gleaner and a Jamaica Obsersver "journalist" as well:



It is not lost to our enemies and such that the same folks who sit on or in the CVC are same folks who either have a seat in Jamaica AIDS Support for Life or Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays JFLAG and all this cross sitting incestuous mess has repeated caused problems so the latest public relations nightmare is nothing new for me what surprises me is the press conference yesterday and the subsequent remarks by one of the "journalists" who stormed out of the session is telling of the mistrust out there.



Gary Spaulding's (Gleaner) Facebook posting was clear as crystal after he stormed out of the session:

"This is the first time I am experiencing journalists being invited to a press conference ad then being insulted, another indication that homosexuals and the wider gay community are trying to "rest" from others who are not so like minded, it is a press conference hosted by a non-aligned group CVCC yet JFLAG's leaders were prominent in attendance. Another reporter sought to clarify a misrepresentation being perpetrated by a member on the panel of gay lobbyists when Carolyn Gomes still smarting from being separated from JFJ described his statement as a soliloquy with JFLAG leaders and the distinguished panel smarting; I need no further "urge" to walk out of their public relations seminar, there they were disseminating the plethora of false information while staring clear of the real issues that triggered this controversy which included the nastiness published in the booklet to children's homes as we have the Bain issue.

As we in the media remain silent to their propensities they are lamenting with righteous indignation that they were being maligned even as they brought a multiplicity of lofty quotes then they have the gall to be calling the editor in chief to complain about me ...... I bow to no one but God almighty."

So apart from breaching journalistic principles and a clear lack of professionalism Mr Spaulding has in my view made himself a former employee of the Gleaner since he "bows to no one" but let us see if the Gleaner will do what is right but the mistrust rings loudly and the likes on the post were numerous with disparaging remarks to follow. 

THE ALL IMPORTANT CREDIBILITY AND CRISIS COMMUNICATION arm of public advocacy has been hit yet again, the hint to the other journalists who have asked about misconceptions by gay lobbyists was a Karyl Walker from the Jamaica Observer that in recent weeks seems to be on a gay baiting binge to rack of sales in aftermath of the Gore-Stew matter that ended in court and allegations of poor coverage by the paper owned by one the principals of that entity, in recent days the credibility of the paper has also taken another set of hits in the male jogger mystery rape in Queenhill and its truthfulness and that fact that Danville Walker Managing Director of the paper is to be tried as well, RJR reported that Following several failed attempts to challenge the powers of the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) to bring charges against him, former Commissioner of Customs Danville Walker, is to stand trial for breaches of the Contractor-General Act.

The date of September 9 was set on Thursday when Walker appeared before the Corporate Area Criminal Court.

The former Customs boss is accused of failing to supply information to the OCG and obstructing the Contractor General in his investigation of breaches of the 2011 scrap metal ban, by customs officials.

Walker filed an application in the Supreme Court, challenging the jurisdiction of the OCG to charge him, but the court rejected his case.

The Contractor General had ordered him to submit documents regarding the shipment of scrap metal during the 2011 ban on the trade.

But Walker claimed he was not given enough time to respond to the OCG when allegations began floating that Customs had breached the ban. The former Customs head came under fire after it was revealed that more than 90 shipments left the island during the ban.



ENDS

There needs to be some serious overhaul of how agencies are set up (how many times am I going to say this yet we fall in a trap then we are collectively labelled as lairs and on some dark agenda) and to think the CVCC pointed out and rightly so the conflict of interest regarding Professor Bain's testimony and only to see days later after he got the court to grant an ex-parte injunction against UWI's decision to end his contract that this sex-ed course "conflict of interest" matter now lay before us. There ought to be either a steering committee type structure or some other type in the arrangements of non-governmental organizations and not the repeated overlapping of same persons running, deciding or managing programs it has gotten us nowhere.

We have been set back some ten or twenty years and the religious fanatics are rejoicing all the more for it all due to poor management, lack of monitoring and evaluation ad plainly operating on an ethical playing field, why wasn't the Child Development Agency consulted prior to rolling out this pilot project in private children's homes? On one hand agencies cannot be standing on principle for a point and then seemingly deceptively bypassing the relevant authorities to do their own bidding, I am sorry by that as we have now seen is counter-productive and not even the spin doctors could fix this one this time as they did in the explain-away and smooth over of the safe house project 2009 closure.

Sadly I feel defeated and some other older advocates and now wondering what else can go wrong in all this? Years of dialogue and work gone down the drain due to self-absorbed "leaders" who are more about their careers and self aggrandizement than true work and struggle for all.
The perception is clear in the minds of many Jamaicans as old or dormant feelings re-awaken and unknown religious groups jump on the bandwagon. How can the lost ground be re-gained?

Just recently we had the integrity of one overseas based student loan owing advocate questioned: Integrity of Jamaican LGBT Advocate Questioned, named as student loan delinquent it seems some of us do not understand the importance of operating above ground, all these things add up and to think Gareth Henry's own words have come back to haunt him in a recent Observer rehash of the Brian Williamson murder case: Jamaica Observer deliberately aiding the further discrediting of the remaining LGBTQ credibility in public advocacy & gay baiting?

But it seems both sides LGBT and the religious hysterics are employing deception for to strengthen their respective voices, where will this end?




above was a poll on teaching tolerance in schools some two years ago from TVJ News yet a study commissioned by JFAG supposedly found tolerance on the rise and here we are today, guess that study was a fluke then.

also see

Mi gone fi now yah

UPDATE June 23 2014

Now comes more attempts to destroy collectively the credibility of the lobby altogether thanks more poor dubious advocacy by CVCC et al as in yesterday's Gleaner headline blares: Duppies dupe UWI? (Ghosts dupe UWI) as if to suggest the groups named in the no confidence letter on his leadership of CHART actually do not exist.

The article read in part: 
"CVC rejects claims that ghost groups helped to oust Bain

The human-rights group Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition is scoffing at questions about the authenticity of some of the 35 groups whose combined pressure forced the University of the West Indies (UWI) to oust Professor Brendan Bain as head of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network.

"They are all real. They all exist and they are all operating," Dr Carolyn Gomes, executive director of CVC, told The Sunday Gleaner.

"If you check the media across the region, you will see a lot of these groups mentioned as having received government funds and participating in government programmes in their own particular regions," added Gomes, as she responded to questions from our news team, which was having difficulties finding some of the groups.

Gomes provided email and telephone contacts for all 35 groups, but even then, there was difficulty in reaching some of the less prominent ones.

BLAINE NOT SURPRISED

Children-rights activist Betty Ann Blaine is not surprised at the difficulty in finding some of the groups, as she declared that she was hearing of some of the groups for the first time.

"As a 32-year-plus member of the non-governmental organisation community, there are organisations listed that I have never heard about," declared Blaine.

"It appears as if one-third of the organisations don't really exist and are not registered or staffed. If the basis and premise for the dismissal of Professor Bain is faulty, then the conclusion must be faulty. It appears as if much of this was trumped up," added Blaine."


The comments such as the one above also reflect the continued disbelief of actual homophobic incidents and the credibility problem that has dogged the public advocacy component of the struggle for decades. Meanwhile Bruce "Not in My Cabinet" Golding has come back with his gay marriage fear again in his piece excerpted below: 

Yield No Ground To Gays 

Jamaica at a crossroads

Jamaica finds itself at a crossroads, some may even say tipping point. The pressure to repeal the buggery law will intensify. The pressure to go much further to legalise same-sex unions, including marriage, is emerging, as evidenced from the Gleaner editorial of June 4. The major countries of the world will continue to seek by example and persuasion to nudge us in that direction.

Times have indeed changed. Libertarian permissiveness, 'live and let live', has taken hold. Who would have thought it possible in England for the current leaders of both the Labour Party and Liberal Democrats to proclaim themselves to be atheists without suicidal political consequences? Barney Frank declared his homosexuality in 1987 and proceeded to win re-election to the US Congress 12 times. Iceland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the province of Ontario have all elected openly gay heads of government.

The Jamaican people cannot allow themselves to be forced into submission either out of fear or ambivalence. That fear is real. Many business owners and professionals are afraid to speak out because it could mean loss of business. Some pastors and church leaders are afraid because it could mean loss of membership or throw the church into controversy. No one really knows the reach and clout of the gay movement, despite all the anecdotal stuff I hear, but it is human nature to be fearful of the unknown." His previous piece also had a similar fear and to think the divorce rates for heterosexual marriages are alarming (see captioned below) yet here he and others are defending an institution that they themselves are not making good of






My comment on the article pending approval on the Gleaner:



also see: The Deliberate Misuse of the “Sexual Grooming” Term by Antigay Fanatics to Promote Their Hysteria

Here is an older podcast from one year ago when I expressed by disgust at the state of our affairs and the missing or ignored interventions by these powerful groups:


also see the latest credibility smash attempt of the lobby thanks to the CVCC's performance:

The gay agenda is to muzzle the press

On hubris and the rights of the child


Peace and tolerance

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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