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, September 30, 2015

Gay man BEATS lover at court

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There was a strange scene at the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday when a man had to seek refuge inside a female bathroom after being attacked by his enraged male lover.

The incident, which occurred about noon while court was in session, started after one of the men heard that the other was taking out a restraining order against him.

People began paying attention after the men began arguing with one another, mercilessly, throwing punches at the other. In between being beaten, the man, believed to be playing the role of the woman, cursed that he was tired of being battered and needed to move on.

“You are just constantly abusing me, you not even working, but continue to beat me up. Look at my back,” the slimly built man said, showing onlookers several cuts and scars on his body before fleeing into the bathroom.

Sat outside

The other male, who is stoutly built, had a word of warning for him. “Yu can’t lef mi until mi ready fi yu lef so stop get mi angry,” he said, as he sat outside the courthouse waiting for his lover to come outside.

Unbeknown to him, the battered lover went through a window at the rear of the bathroom and fled the premises.

“Mi can’t believe mi eye! Mi only si when one of the man grabbed the odder one and sey mi no give yuh permission fi lef di yaad so how come yuh have mi name out yah,” Michael Denver, a bystander, who witnessed the unbelievable incident said.

Other persons expressed shock at what unfolded. “Even di rain stop when the two man dem start the ediat action, a real slackness dis and God a show we sign,” another bystander added.

meanwhile:

This story was the subject of much laughter; obviously not funny to me, sadly people continue to use such incidents to justify dismissal of rights seeking by lobbyists as crimes of passion in all cases; even when the issue is a genuine homophobic matter. 

Where words could not express the thoughts, memes certainly did.

Nadene Paige: 'You see why we can't get little rain from above.'

Pansy Poochie-loo Boswell: 'What a mix up...I am deading.'

Stephane Loyal Rose: 'Sas crise, all dem sitten ya.'

Angie Soso Bless: 'No seriously, everything just wata down suh. A dis a gwaan inna JA. Lord Jesus, intervene.'

Shanika Virgo: 'No sah, what this world come to.'

Sadly changing hearts and minds is the bigger issue than even buggery law reform.

Peace & tolerance

H

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

That UK aid issue again with Cameron ........

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Please also see previous matters concerning Cameron on UK Aid and misnomers on conditions from 2011 as posted on my sister blog GLBTQJA Wordpress:



FOREIGN AID FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES WITH ANTI-GAY RIGHTS RECORDS TO BE SLASHED, PLEDGES DAVID CAMERON


Gay pressure - US to limit aid (Observer) and more 2011 from GJW

UK couples say 'I do' as gay marriage becomes legal 2014
So here we are again this old familiar place as UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron is slated to land in Jamaica some idiotic groups claiming to be Christians as one wonders really the victimization card is used once again as the US clerk gay marriage licence fiasco is added to give it credence. The misrepresentation by some in 2011 when PM Cameron spoke to withdrawal of UK aid from countries who do not have a clean human rights record will not get aid until changes are made is back again and came in both a Jamaica Observer article and on radio by George Davis in his opening salvo on the ‘This Morning’ radio show during the What’s on my mind’ segment. Cameron has become the focus of reparations activists since evidence in their eyes that he is a descendant of former slave owners in Jamaica who benefited from a payoff of some 4000+ pounds sterling or about a couple million pounds in today’s money with other former owners as well hence the backlash on his visit and tied into that is the perception that he will dictate to Jamaica allowing gay rights and same sex marriage, Sadly anti gay groups have not come to recognize marriage equality. The UK finally moved from civil partnerships to full marriage equality in March 2003. As far as I am concerned foreign countries are free to remove aid as they see fit and even if Cameron decided to remove aid from countries that continue to have outdated anti sodomy laws (which is not true as we still get great assistance from the FCO – foreign commonwealth office and DFID) we should conduct our affairs in such a manner that we do not have to depend on aid in the first place so the folks who are repulsed by such decisions to stop aid an shut up and stop subscribing to a mendicancy position while demanding we still get aid on our terms; it does not work like as the old adage is still true he who pays the piper can and still call the tune.

also see: 
PAJ SENDS OPEN LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER SIMPSON-MILLER on the matter of no press conference activity for the press core.

Jamaica has become exceedingly efficient in my view of marketing ourselves as a third world country on the international stage with a broken wing or fractured leg economically so as to continue to benefit from certain automatic aid with such a designation especially from the EU and the UK; yet as some hints were forthcoming that we were to be lifted one tier to middle income and all kinds diplomatic dancing was done to delay or rebuff nicely such a change, only recently foreign affairs minister during his speech at the UN referred to developing states as requiring aid to continue development but he framed it as partnering so as to nice up the rhetoric. If we had handled our affairs properly to begin with s Singapore did there would be no need for aid grantors or donors to supposedly dictate the terms for such aid to be granted and persons would not be up in arms over a situation that can be changed by our prudent governmental management and planning. Grantors are free to attach any stipulation they require and we are free to deny the aid but can we afford to take the high road? Hell no or else our systems will crash as some ministries are heavily dependent on said aid.

The reparations call though on the face of it sound plausible to me reflects that same mendicancy hidden within as instead of making our country better for ourselves even in the face of the atrocities meted out to our ancestors a better response to me would be resist aid with strict conditions as we could have afforded to and instead request or even demand more cooperative arrangements in a better bargaining position so we would not be dictated to in the first place. This latest visit and talks will be frosty indeed or just one way and with a Portia Simpson Miller obviously lacking the skills in certain departments it will be a walkover almost for us to accept the aid with the so called gay agenda attached as espoused by the fear mongering class. Let us remember that aid is essentially tax payers money from other lands as leverage for bilateral cooperation and so forth and will always have attachments, taxpayers in donor countries are free to tell their representatives in their democracies that aid should be conditional or withdrawn altogether if they feel it is wasted or exploited and developing states cannot dictate terms and conditions so easily. Recall the Cotonou Agreement from the EU with ACP states?


The day we lose some of those grant aid assistance or donor funds is the day we will really begin to see our state systems crumble as truth be told most of our systems the health authorities is funded by said grants such as global fund, EU and trade matters under the Cotonou Agreement or the respective sugar deals with Europe.

Gay marriage (
Congratulations America! Cheers To Liberty! ....... Gay Marriage at last!) though not formally requested thus far by any group or advocacy structure may be included in the behind the scenes agitation or engagement with politicians and the judiciary yet still as during my time at JFLAG as Admin/Finance/Crisis Intervention Officer in our meetings with the then JLP administration Justice, National Security and other Ministers in private meetings it came up for mention but not with a view for law reform at that time, of course with the advancement and sensibly so in more mature jurisdictions it is bound to come up in discussions; the sexual offences bill is under its usual four year review cycle and no doubt the agitation is to decriminalize (NOT REPEAL) buggery as is presented by fanatical religious extremists locally and with powerful overseas help as was demonstrated recently in the form of the daughter of Martin Luther King departing from the collective struggle of oppression mantra he stood for. Sadly JFLAG’s slow and poor communications on what they are seeking only seeks to allow misnomers and hardened positions on ignorance of the issues and reforms being sought. The far smaller anti gay rally held on Sunday in Half Way Tree when compared to last year where they boasted a 25,000 numbered attendance obviously had the bread and butter issues for households and a looming election occupy the minds of Jamaicans thus impacting on the attendance figures and many even those who supposedly opposed homosexuality are at the same time dismissing some of the paranoia from anti gay groups such as Jamaica CAUSE, Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, JCHS, Lovemarch Movement (the baby of the groups) and the veterans Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship. Even when it has been clearly demonstrated that the marriage act in Jamaica cannot be changed on a moment’s notice or by a simple two thirds majority as is being attempted with the CCJ Caribbean Court of Justice bills to make that court our final court of appeal, the aforementioned groups simply reject the facts as they are and continue to infuse fear mongering and playing the victim card n a few cases and supposed choking of freedom of speech as a spin off from the Professor Bain matter. The marriage act clearly is protected in our constitution by entrenchment and would require all 63 members in the lower house to agree just to amend the protections; then another full support in the upper house of the senate and the Charter of Rights which replaced section three of the constitution. 

The fundamental questions in my mind are simple, when was the last time in our political culture we have had all members of the house present in person for important bills and they all vote in the affirmative on a controversial constitutional matter? The answer in my view is a long time; so this near impossibility or very tedious trajectory for such changes literally makes the agitation by anti gay groups laughable, yet other societal ills go overlooked; case in point the unravelling in a formerly quiet parish as Hanover where in the very week prior to the homophobes rally in Half Way Tree, HWT some 23 persons were murdered and it is as if it was birds who were shot and not humans. We have an ongoing commission of inquiry on the Tivoli issue and these groups despite the alarming testimony on pointing to extra judicial killings and atrocities in May 2010 no word, rallies, protests and such have come from these so called concerned groups yet millions are spent for an anti gay campaign; lest we also forget the welfare matters such as homelessness, poverty and so on yet these head strong groups ignore these matters and give very little attention to them. When challenged they cough up some half hearted response to deflect criticisms but simply go back to their true calling and imperative. Did these groups participate for example in that 10,000 man March in Montego Bay given the crime wave linked to lotto scamming there? The answer is no as the organizers were said to be of a different denomination in the majority although it was a coalition of religious leaders.

Other ills overlooked that ought to have rallies as the public awareness activities:

Pastors who molest children

Pastors arrested for lotto scamming and other fraudulent activity

Obvious corruption in government

Hypocrisy in theology and hugging up political parties

Spiraling crime and sexual abuse generally

Sluggish, unbalanced justice systems

Failing national health systems

Homelessness, elderly abandonment and other welfare matters

Lack of equity in society

Diminishing morals, ethics and principles while not conflating issues such as paedophilia and homosexuality or seeing transgender folk as suffering mental illness




Members of the Love March Movement pose with placards with traditional marriage and family slogans during the rally. (PHOTOS: PAUL HENRY)

RELIGIOUS leaders and other proponents of traditional marriage and the family have cautioned the Government ahead of today's visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron against caving to the gay agenda.

The call was made during a mass rally Sunday in Half-Way-Tree, at which the Portia Simpson Miller-led Administration was urged to resist international pressures to put the nation on a path to repealing the buggery law and legalising same-sex marriage.

Dr Alveta King, the granddaughter of famed American civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr, urged Jamaicans, in a video message at the rally, to maintain the resistance, as she described same-sex marriage and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) push as an "evil agenda authored by the father of confusion and lies".

She said this "anti-procreation" agenda distorts the meaning of human rights and destroys lives, families, and the communities.

"I urge you to resist this agenda with all your might. Please, do not fall for the deception of this anti-procreation agenda. Rather, expose their lies and affirm the truth that God made us equal as human beings, but not all behaviour have equivalent worth and outcomes," said King, who is director of African American Outreach for Priest for Life.

Cameron's pending visit has been a cause for unease among the church and those who hold a traditional view of marriage and the family due to his position on the issue.

Gay marriage became legal in the United Kingdom at midnight on March 29, 2014, due to the push by the Cameron Administration.

"I am proud that we have made same-sex marriage happen. I am delighted that the love two people have for each other and the commitment they want to make can now be recognised as equal," the UK Evening Standard newspaper quoted Cameron in 2013.

During Sunday's rally, staged by Jamaica Churches Action Uniting Society for Emancipation (Jamaica CAUSE), Cameron's position on same-sex marriage was highlighted by several speakers.

Fear that Jamaica may cave to the tide of the LGBT push has been further heightened by the fact that Jamaica's weak economy relies heavily on grants from European countries that tout gay rights.

"Be careful who you take grants from...," Bishop Alvin Bailey, chairman of the Jamaica Evangelical Alliance, told the rally.

Bailey also warned against the Government making "secret" deals that could take the country down what he said was the wrong path.

"David Cameron is coming, but we have to know where we stand on this thing," said Daniel Thomas, president of the Christian youth group Love March Movement.

He urged Christians to get enumerated in order to vote for candidates who share their views on marriage and the family.

Dr Everett Brown, president of Jamaica's largest denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, called on the Government to resist any international efforts to impose same-sex marriages and homosexuality on the country. He said these "evil" and an abomination, and said they are product of minds void of understanding.

Father Richard Ho Lung, of the Roman Catholic faith and head of Missionaries of the Poor, quoted scriptures and urged attendants at the rally to resist the LGBT agenda, which he said is from the devil. He urged the sea of people decked in the national colours of black, green and gold to stand up for God's truth, even if it eventually cost their freedom and lives.

Helene Coley-Nicholson, president of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, told the audience that the Jamaican Constitution recognizes marriages between a man and a woman and quoted Martin Luther King Jr, saying that the people had a moral duty to disobey unjust laws.

Representatives from a Christian delegation from the Eastern Caribbean also addressed the rally.

ENDS

More fear mongering and clouding the issues as Betty Ann Blaine without any proper proof to substantiate her claim repeated her allegations that all murders over the years and cases of asylum are predicated on lies taking another blow at the overall crisis communication component of public advocacy. She also continued that Jamaica is not homophobic while speaking at Sunday's so called ally for the family. Les Green's (former police Dept Commissioner) designation of such cases as not homophobic is what Blaine is still relying on from so many years ago and yet Mr Green could not have had all the records of such cases to begin with when the police/LGBTQ relations were frosty at least and abusive at its worse.

She has proven herself as one of those folks who lap up the vomit she is fed and then glibly regurgitate it without any fact checking.

see some previous entries with Blaine:
The Deliberate Misuse of the “Sexual Grooming” Term by Antigay Fanatics to Promote Their Hysteria

More Overreaction to the Jamaicans for Justice Sex Education Course & Media Senationalism

Hardened Positions by Religious Fanatics & Their LGBT Detractors Will Only Leave More Blood on the Floor



The long standing hole in the crisis communication via the lobbyists and advocates has once again reared its head remember the last time we saw a decrying of such agitation of murders of gay persons as lies by Betty Ann Blaine and then outgoing UK seconded police commissioner Les Green at the time with his parting shot Gay lobby claims not true, I had dealt with the matter via two audio posts/podcasts (pretty lengthy):

Big Lies, Crisis Archiving & More MSM Homlessness Issues 12.07.12 and

Big Gay Lie ... responses continued and

Homophobic Killings versus Non Homophobic Killings 12.07.12 (highly recommended)

Let us also bear in mind the public's perception that is yet to be dented that it is gay men who are really killing each other due to jealousy as this old Jamaica Observer vox pop brings to bear: 
NO GAY RAGE - Homosexuals Are Not Targeted For Violent Crime, Say Experts
Betty Ann Blaine Deliberately Conflates Same Gender Attraction & Child Abuse 2014 last year's rally

Betty Ann Blaine on Poverty, children and the Buggery Law .... and that awful confusion of homosexuality 2012

Betty Ann Blaine & foreign religious zealots continue their paranoia & misrepresentations 2012

The battle is on to change hearts and minds but it seems there is cloudiness on all sides pro and anti LGBTQI lines; how can we ever even start a proper conversation instead of the shouting match that now obtains as parties hold hard ends?

Peace & tolerance

H

Monday, September 28, 2015

Miss US Virgin Islands wins Miss Gay Caribbean USA 2015

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So one more year has come and gone and the show was a purrrfect success once again, here is our gurl Mimi Mancini





Mimi Mancini of Jamaica does Lady Saw's Sweet for my Sweet in true yaad style



The winner's presentation ......... congratulations are in order


Miss Jamaica MiMi Mancini second from right strikes a pose, all the gurlz really looked good this year











see more photos from Loud Impressions HERE from FB

The Line in the sand for the PNP part 3: More uncertainty, who will win?

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also see parts 1 and 2 


Observer cartoon


IMF updates HERE

Since my last sojourn summary as to the fortunes of the PNP and or JLP if they are chosen by the people in the now silly season leading up to the elections due by December 2016 we saw Raymond Pryce getting the boot while Redman and his supporters were seeing all orange with a win of 329 versus Pryce’s 127 votes and some homo-negative profiling reportedly of Mr Pryce happening with some denial from the Redman camp. Lisa Hanna still have the hits in her South East St Ann constituency as challenged by Lydia Richards; Lloyd B Smith under pain of exposure of very “earth shattering” information regarding his selection exercise and then getting the party to grant him a second run providing he kept his mouth shut only to bow out barring the threatening revelation (lotto scamming money buying influence) to force the PNP secretariat’s hand.

Persons seem to be jostling for the post Simpson Miller era and Lisa Hanna still has some love resonating from her Miss World title 22 years ago in 1993. She is likable and easy on the eye and has currency in politics hence Dr Dayton Campbell’s tirade against her pigeon-holing her ‘beauty’ and not brains. South East St Ann is a crucible in its own right I think in a safe seat. Will they settle in time for the polls or allow the JLP a quiet take over?

Lydia Richards also left herself out of the race in principle crying foul as the list she said was flawed while Lisa had no issue with Hanna winning with 468 votes while Richards only got 10 with very little open show of support as they stayed away but the death of young student Akela from the Prickly Pole Primary school only added more fuel to the whole scenario with outsiders looking in but barely affecting Hanna’s supporters. There are 1068 delegates eligible to vote. It screams volumes as her mandate has an asterix beside it Hanna claims she is humbled by the experience. Julian Robinson state minister of technology or STEM said the list was accurate and scoured. Miss Richards said in a serious letter to General Secretary Paul Burke essentially hinting it was stacked in a sense the list I mean, listing 10 issues including documents allegedly had forged signatures, with open hostility to persons who took a stand on corruption and who had been removed from the list and she has been treated with scant regard and that Miss Hanna is under investigation by the contractor general and may affect her place in the seat as MP. She also claimed several dead persons were not removed from the list even though she did not say whether she vetted the list prior to the race as is warranted. Comrades do not normally vote for JLP but stay away from the process; will that affect Miss Hanna on Election Day given less than 50% turnout (46%) in a safe seat race? Internal contests usually have far more turnout than that. Where were the other 54% of the delegates and why didn’t they turn up? South East St Ann is far from resolved in my view. A letter has since surfaced to the PNP secretariat that one Alfred Holiet was listed as a delegate and chair of a group in his travel company’s name ‘Full Moon’ yet as the man declared that he is not directly involved in politics he said his signature was forged; he has asked the affiliates to remove his name or legal action will be taken. That is just one of the many accusations questioning the cleanliness of the delegates list. Lest we forget and mentioned above Lloyd B Smith told us of alleged ‘skulduggery’ in his yes or no run off and the other numerous times we hear of battles over list.

The firing by the ministry of education or minister I should say of the chairman of the school board with the longstanding practice of politically aligned persons hired as such who said while she did not support the use or presence of children at that ill-fated demonstration/bus convoy at the school gate for that matter has since sought legal representation to challenge her dismissal. Attorney General Atkinson gets a tongue lashing on radio and threats of revenge voting for if he is sent back to them as a runner for MP with comrades literally saying they will vote JLP; a threat one would not have heard from persons in years gone by as it was usually the other way around.

Younger aspirants cry ageism while older members rebuke them claiming egotism and the airing of dirty linen in public with a major side swipe by none other than the eminent Reverend Garnet Roper chairman of the bus company and perceived PNP feeding tree the JUTC blasting the government for what he termed disgusting squabbles for scarce benefits and spoils a term made popular by his form talk show nemesis the late Wilmot Perkins, The PNP could do no wrong in Rev Roper’s eyes so is it that his comments are to be taken seriously or he is riding the wave of popular sentiments? Damion Crawford, Buchanan and a certain lawyer in St Thomas have had mixed fortunes with the latter dethroning the incumbent while Crawford’s utterances and attitudes forced a stalwart to resign in none other than Oliver Klue as referenced in part three of this series. Will those votes come in on election day for Crawford or Buchanan if they win the right to represent the constituents is left to be seen and now that a JLP’s Christopher Tufton west central St Catherine who was seen as a bright spark for politics overall and his maturity in the senate is sent packing even after all the troubles with him in his own party, what will be the quality in both houses for debate. Tufton lost by some 15 votes and he did not ask for a recount in the Elizabeth race and gave up his position as deputy leader in the JLP, he is the third most popular JLP person behind Holness and Shaw, instead of leveraging his popularity and supposed likability instead he choose a marginal seat and has been seen as having poor political judgement of which he is now paying the price. He is also seen as Prime Minister Material, former agriculture minister yet beaten by a counselor; it looks awful and he carries a tag of being a loser. In politics when one has that tag it is very difficult to shake; will he go off into the wilderness?



Lasmay from the Gleaner's take on the booting of Tufton & Hay Webster

Donors and funders for the JLP still like Tufton as said on the grapevine but will this affect the JLP campaign and funders are seen now as reluctant to write a cheque for the JLP and it may be perceived that the leadership does not want Tufton which since been denied by Andrew Holness backing him openly so much so it resulted in a clash with Andrew Wheatly from the neighbouring constituency. Can Tufton be parachuted in or does he have the stomach to continue after this rebuff by the locals on the ground?





Truth be told Raymond Pryce, Chris Tufton (seen as damaged goods), Ruel Reid (Jamaica College Principal who replaced Tufton prior to the court ruling on the undated resignation letter), Crawford (to a certain extent), Senator Camille Johnson JLP spokesperson on Education, Imani Duncan and even former senator Dennis Meadows brought some fresh air to the debates in both houses but with the hemorrhaging the already low quality parliament may only get lower and the kinds of draft legislation pending to include the four year review of the sexual offences bill (including the buggery law) what or whom are we left with to handle or make such important considerations?

Even if a buggery debate should come and the senate or parliament barring justice minister Mark ‘won’t cross the church on buggery’ Golding ends up with the folks above missing it may be all for naught as the maturity and the high quality review required is just not there in my eyes with the remaining persons especially an old foot such as the crass former justice minister now foreign affairs minister A. J Nicholson over whose signature in 2006 said the PNP was not into gay marriage via that stupid press release. Then his comments in 2014 warning that we should tread carefully on buggery obviously fearing political misfortune or backlash if seen to be supporting homosexuality overall. There can be no talk of any conscience vote this time around as that too may rile up already tense supporters in the diehard categories, bread and butter issues come first. We are not even sure if the sacrosanct cabinet has discussed the matter since the last time in any serious way although there have been closed sessions with ministers with foreign activists as well getting involved, will these meetings have a penetrative effect to legal reform given the fear f being sent into the wilderness by the electorate if the PNP is seen as supporting homosexuals?

Also bear in mind the tacit promise of a referendum on buggery as demanded by the religious right of the JLP. Party leader Andrew Holness has been walking through the raindrops on that issue. also see 
Jamaican Opposition Leader says he would allow homosexuals in his cabinet ...

also see:
Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson’s call for tolerance not genuine & sheer hypocrisy


Foreign Affairs Minister says Govt should be cautious on gay rights issues in Jamaica 2014

No Buggery Law Removal says Justice Minister, Gay Marriage parachuted in yet again





Anti Sodomy Decriminalization/Repulsion action intensifies from the Christian Community 2011



as for the moral panic from Miss Shirley Richards a member of the LCC:

"Our concern," said Richards, "is that these words, as innocuously sounding as they are, can be interpreted to allow for adult consensual homosexual conduct in private," said Richards. She added that once homosexual acts are decriminalized, there would be no basis to bar to gay marriage. Mrs. Richards added that the concept of privacy also deals with abortion rights.

"If the government wants to decriminalize either homosexuality or abortion then it must do so squarely. Don't tell us that this will never happen under your watch and then allow for a few choice words in the charter which you know are capable of having this meaning," said Mrs. Richards.

Other articles of interest:
Rev. Michael Kelly Jesuit Priest takes on controversial issues
Blair warns politicians - Hits at campaigns, abortion, gay marriage
Defending marriage
Other search results (may appear different depending on your location and browser used)


She said on October 20th 2009 - "Mr Speaker when we accepted the final report from the joint select committee that were looking at the bill we were completely satisfied with their recommendation of a provision to restrict marriage and like relationships to one man and one woman within Jamaica and that the provision should be specifically spelt out so that there could be no ambiguity ………. yes one man one woman (laughter in the house) and if you are Jamaican and go overseas the same applies ……….."

Obviously this gay marriage opposing argument was used to bolster the morality stance taken by the panicking Christian right who think that gays rights activists and gays themselves will somehow homosexualise the country. What nonsense? one is either gay, str8 bisexual and all other variants in between and if one so chooses one will act on the sexual urges or not where one feels to. Don't forget AsexualS as well who have no interest in sex but more on emotional connections.

Meanwhile as the three CCJ bills will be debated next month and the aftermath of the senate-gate issue then his isolation effectively at the run-off losing to his challenger will the PNP get the 1 vote from the opposition in the form of Tufton as he still sits in the senate that is required to make the bill go through thus cementing the Caribbean Court of Justice our final court.

Murdered gay party promoter, activist and vice president of the PNP’s western region who was alleged to be involved in lotto scamming aka Bebe has not gone unnoticed and has factored in many a discourse both on social media and traditional media and there is a perception that the party is wrapped up in bed with questionable folks both within and outside, then there are the questions of stewardship, accountability, the powerful being untouchable even when accused of shady deals etc; all being used by some to suggest the PNP must not be sent back into office.

Strangely the well dressed, well spoken and even relatively good performing MP on the national stage is not a guarantee of survival at the local level when it is the local level that has to ratify one prior to the ascension to the house by winning the seat as the representative as Sharon Hay Webster, Christopher Tufton of the JLP learned over the weekend at their run-offs which raises more doubts, questions and concerns from several quarters. Both lost badly in their races which started a debate on certain social media groups on rural MPs in particular are learning this the hard way as community folks are used to a more sociable MP with house visits for almost everything from dinners (sometimes uninvited) to wakes or nine nights observances when there is a passing of a district stalwart etc. Former MP and light bulb scandal survivor Kern “I am back” Spencer made mention of that feature of personalized representation in the same constituency where Mr Pryce was sent to replace him. The main question in all this uncertainty is who will take home the bacon on Election Day? and as persons wait with bated breath for the announcement which was not forthcoming at the PNP conference last Sunday at the National Arena as Mrs Simpson Miller seem to be more interested in dealing with her party base given all the in-fighting and squabbles but her hands off approach in tightening the reign on power and management of the party is being blamed for such and compared to her similar style nationally as Prime Minister by hardly granting interviews may go down as a marker against her; her opposition counterpart Andrew Holness despite media pigeon-holing especially from the Jamaica Observer is articulate, still young by political standards, uses social media well and has been speaking and sounding like a leader especially during the last three poverty to prosperity town hall meetings with much praise both at the venues and on social media but that internet war as launched by those under him in buying the portiasimpsonmiller domain name has not gone down well with some as clicking the link leads or re-directs persons to the JLP website. 

The younger articulate and savvy social media users from both parties (despite an older party chairman describing critics of his administration’s performance as the articulate minority) have been at each other’s throats with troll like commentary and actions with everything from photo-shopped pictures of candidates to dubious boards on Instagram and such. The PNP in the meantime has hit out at the JLP by claiming some sort of first passed the post with the usage of the present JLP tagline poverty to prosperity when it was used under the Bruce Golding administration then by PNP MP Dr Dayton Campbell; so in revenge the PNP of those associated have purchased the domain as well to supposedly stop the JLP from running with it.

The issues seems lost in the whole melee although the detailing of achievements by the JLP from their last time at the crease in the aforementioned poverty to prosperity townhall sessions for all intents and purposes they should have done in the 2011 campaign they seem to have learned from their arrogant mistake then. The PNP on the other hand is banking on the IMF tests passages; nine thus far and a staying the course mantra with very little else to add save except for more promises as outlined at the conference last week which did not resonate with the undecided it seems given the reactions via call in shows and articles online or in print. Jobs, Jobs, jobs as belted from the platform by Mrs Simpson Miller did not even get an applause at the conference which makes one wonder about the crowd at the conference itself and whether they were bused in under some bribe to fill spaces but the die-hards are not so on board. Then came the announcement with some fanfare by Peter Phillips Finance Minister of a call in show segment on Power106FM commencing this week where many see this as a side step:

1. to address the virtual silence or inability to engage the media and public by the Prime Minister and her hands off approach, lest we forget in Bruce Golding’s tenure he hosted a call in show on Thursdays drawing on his days as a talkshow host prior on HOT 102FM after departing the party he founded the National Democratic Movement, NDM then ascending to the PM after his return to the Jamaica Labour Party, JLP.

2. To use the show as part of a subtle campaign strategy as the public for the most part is not buying the hold strain yet passing IMF tests messaging

3. To try to allay fears of more taxes in the next budget after the public utterances from the IMF Jamaica representative that more needs to be done to met certain goals which may include job cuts in the public sector despite slight salary and benefits increase form some while nurses, police and warders and still up in arms alongside postal workers who feel they will be kicked to the curb as their snail mail services become obsolete without any real proactive thinking as elsewhere to transform such postal services to cafe, internet and express delivery type entities so as to make them viable and relevant in today’s world.

4. A diversion from the health sector so called audit when what is really was; was an internal review with damning results of equipment shortages, the issue of new mothers having gauzes sown up in them, reuse of old un-sterilized instruments and so on has sought to give the Health Minister and by extension the PNP a black eye and question marks hang over Dr Fenton Ferguson’s head as he is seen as the worse health minister and a non performer in the overall cadre of the cabinet with poor results; the retort minister chick-V has been stuck on him since his poor handling of the impact of the Chikungunya virus outbreak even after being warned.

5. A diversion from the unprecedented public in fighting for power in the PNP as pundits surmise Mrs Simpson Miller may not run again for another term and Mr Phillips who ran for the party leadership position against Mrs Simpson Miller back in the day is repackaging his image to ascend to the top though seemingly still not yet healed from that internal race and the awful things said by both candidates then and their supporters to include powerful ministers and back benchers.

Yesterday’s public meeting at Half Way Tree by the anti gay groups Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship LCF and the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, JCHS with Jamaica CAUSE raised the spectre of buggery again in the mix during the campaign, one waits to see if it will resonate nationally or as an item in the lead up or even an item for consideration for voters overall, die hards or undecided or disillusioned. Hardly any mention has been made of the buggery law reform push by advocates or the pressure from overseas as party squabbles except from JCHS et al as they essentially issued another one of their threat to government to suggest they won’t vote for them to return but I wonder if they are a powerful voting block as they never seemed to have factored in any of the studies by pollsters and political analysts. Their campaigns like last time is encouraging so called concerned persons on sexual rights to go out and vote predicated on the feared gay marriage imposition when sadly such groups even with some fair amount of being told by lawyers and journalists that our marriage act cannot be simply amended by a two thirds majority in the house or any amendment to the act without having to adjust the constitution as it is deeply entrenched in the constitution with strong protection they still persist with fear mongering and selectivity on issues while other more dangerous and egregious societal ills go for the most part unnoticed.

Betty Ann Blaine claims that there is a re-socialization of children with her usual alarmist crap and said parents must check books that they bring home but she conveniently left out the mainstream dancehall songs urging early sex oh but I forgot it is heterosexual sex not anal gay sex. She also went on via a telephone interview that atheism is now on the agenda and there are moves afoot to criminalize Christians, sigh sad that the whole issue is missed with still false dichotomies in my view as our struggle is not about whether or not god exists but the battle of the mind changing homo-negative feelings pinged to the buggery law and misnomers about what gay life is about. Some time ago in an audio entry I warned about this clouding of the issues and flawed focus but who listens or pays attention to what is really required.


They the paranoid anti gay voices seem to only have strength for homosexuals but are dumb on everything else; case in point the blood-letting in Hanover last week with some average three persons being murdered a day in a parish that never was on the radar so much for such atrocities. They have tried to repackage their message by claiming the meeting was on family life but we all know full well it was about the buggery law and feared gay marriage. There seems to be some snickering in a certain part of media and the public as when one listens to talk show hosts such as Joan Williams on Power 106Fm on Fridays sitting in for Cliff Hughes she comments cynically that it is not gays who are causing crime and other atrocities and that groups such as JCHS, LCF et al have misplaced priorities and agendas that are poorly informed. Strangely this is the same woman who also says (not sure if she has changed her mind) that gay murders are essentially lovers’ quarrels and not homophobic in causation with her now infamous 90% of such murders comment from the show.




I do not believe and some analysts have backed me up with their opinion that the buggery review or anything to do with homosexuality will factor in this election as bread and butter issues abound but a day in politics is a long one and as said before let us see if the protest/march in Half Way Tree will change the colour of the waters or will be ignored or over looked.

Finally for now with the representation of the people’s act calls for the discontinuing of campaigning 24 hours prior to the election date leader of government business and technology minister Phillip Paulwell says there is no need to amend the law to cover new media such Facebook; he may be right in one sense as it is hard to monitor such spaces but rules are rules or the law is the law; I can’t help but think such campaigns will go up right until the last minute as what happened last time around but not in large numbers.

Where oh where is the long held in limbo campaign finance bill and if it is to be debated in October will it be passed in time for this election cycle to avoid tainted money creeping in?

Until next time

Peace & tolerance

H

more readings and previous related entries:


Jamaica CAUSE issues Veiled threat to Govt to not Repeal The Buggery Law

Betty Ann Blaine Deliberately Conflates Same Gender Attraction & Child Abuse at Christian Anti Gay Mass Rally & in Public Advocacy


Reverend Al Miller continues his antigay advocacy while his integrity is severely damaged

More Overreaction to the Jamaicans for Justice Sex Education Course & Media Senationalism 

Betty Ann Blaine on Poverty, children and the Buggery Law .... and that awful confusion of homosexuality with paedophilia 2012

Hardened Positions by Religious Fanatics & Their LGBT Detractors Will Only Leave More Blood on the Floor

Anti Gay Voice & 'Child Rights' Advocate Betty-Ann Blaine Taken to Task on Public Advocacy

Why did CVCC & JFJ not Fund a Project/Home for Homeless LGBT Youth in New Kingston instead of the Children’s Home Fiasco that now obtains?

Justice Minister reiterates his personal position on the Buggery Law, Anal Intercourse, Consent & Privacy, government position

J-FLAG now advocating for decriminalisation of same-sex acts

Pastors Push Enumeration As Hedge Against Buggery Repeal (Gleaner July 1 2014) obviously the JFLAG change in the call to decriminalization has gone unheard deliberately or unnoticed. So much for pro-activity from our goodly advocates

The False Dichotomy of the religious right on the LGBT advocacy Godlessness

Espeut, West says “Homophobia” was invented to abuse Christians as hate speech

Betty Ann Blaine & foreign religious zealots continue their paranoia & misrepresentations of male homosexuality

Church claims future victimization if buggery is decriminalized in Jamaica

Spilling homosexual blood .... Observer Headline 29.11.09

Lesbians Do Have Morals 2009

More gay marriage paranoia & hijacking of the homosexual debate by fanatics 2014

Professor's Bain's Testimony Threatened Foreign Funding (Gleaner letter)

Lessons to learn from The Professor Bain Matter?

Anti Gay Voice & 'Child Rights' Advocate Betty-Ann Blaine Taken to Task on Public Advocacy

Ian Boyne: Bain exercised terribly poor strategic judgement

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

Anti gay religious voices where are they? .... Pastor charged with sexual assault


There goes gay marriage paranoia again

Healthy Coalition nonsense

'UWI had no choice but to dismiss Prof Bain' says Professor Rosemarie Bell Antoine (OAS Rapporteur)

Pro-Bain Protesters To Meet With UWI Today

Buggery the only thing that makes church butts sore?

Betty Ann Blaine on Poverty, children and the Buggery Law .... and that awful confusion of homosexuality with paedophilia

Blaine will be her own victim (Observer Letter 11.08.10)

Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society continues its “HIV is a gay disease” campaign with more deception added

What goes on in the minds of the overly religious?

BETTY ANN BLAINE’S ARRANT NONSENSE REQUEST OF PETER KING TAPES

THAT WON’T STOP AIDS, BETTY ANN SAYS GAY LAWYER

BUY NO RINGS, YOU WON’T WED; RELIGIOUS FEAR-MONGERING ON GAY MARRIAGE & THE BUGGERY LAW CONTINUES

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Gay man saved from mob by cop

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Oh boy it never fails, it never fails as one more of our brethren feels the pinch but this time another police man saves the day and thankfully so, this business of profiling though is still an issue for gender non conforming persons especially younger and poorer fellas.

Loop carried this one:







An openly gay man was rescued by police after an angry mob cornered him inside a bank parking lot in Half Way Tree on Tuesday.

Loop News arrived on the scene just in time to see police keeping the crowd at bay. The man, who said his name is "Sky", told Loop News that he was walking with three friends when the mob descended on them and they ran in different directions.

Sky said he ran into the popular bank's parking lot. A policeman arrived quicky on the scene and called for assistance. Not long after that, a team of cops descended on the location and drove Sky to safety.

"Is a good thing I used to play dandy shandy; that's why I could have sight the stones," Sky said.

"I am gay and they wanted to beat me because I am gay. But I am comfortable with who I am," added the man, who taunted the crowd by showing them his buttocks before entering the police vehicle.

Jamaica has a reputation for being intolerant of the gay lifestyle (Loop should have said homosexuality and stop confusing effeminacy with sexual orientation)

Members of the crowd were unsympathetic towards the man.

"Ah lucky him lucky, you saved his life," a dreadlocked man told the cop who had arrived first on the scene.

Added another man: "They should have let him out and give him to us."

Ironically, some members of the crowd praised the policeman for his efforts, some folks are getting sensible and are realizing that it makes no sense to attack persons simply because they are different than you.

Something seems missing from this episode as what was the actual trigger point leading to the attack was not clear in the report on Loop or elsewhere.

previous rescue missions by the police:



Peace & tolerance

H

Social enquiry ordered before three accused MSM/Trans are sentenced

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A social enquiry report has been ordered before the sentencing of three homosexuals who are charged jointly in a matter involving robbery and malicious destruction of property in the new Kingston area recently.

We have been told time and time again about interventions by some group of some kind but it seems this set of guys wrong as they may have been in committing robbery have been left out altogether from any training or diligence building exercises, sigh here we are again this old familiar place with our homeless brothers and transgender brethren.

When the matter was called up for sentencing in the Corporate Area last month Resident Magistrate's Court, Resident Magistrate (RM) Maxine Ellis said because of the age of the accused men, she had to consider their background.


In a previous post I had mentioned the matter as well, But our homeless factor in this one again despite we are told of Rainbow houses and such yet stuff like this continue to be reported both on traditional media and new media namely Facebook.

The Jamaica Observer carried this excerpt below but check out the style loaded with stigma, that aside why are we seeing the displaced factoring still so often?:

There was heightened drama inside the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court last week after three male prostitutes faced the court for their involvement in the robbery of a man's phone, after the man had picked up one of their friends whom he thought was a woman and had paid him for sexual favours.

The men, David 'Rihanna' Stewart, 21; Akeem 'Shelly-Ann' Barnett, 21; and Shevaun 'Batman' Lewis, 23, all of Kingston addresses, were recently arrested and charged with robbery with aggravation.

According to the police report, on August 17 around 11:30 pm, the complainant was driving along Waterloo Road in St Andrew when he was signalled to stop by someone whom he thought was a woman. The person reportedly shouted out: "Drop me down the road."

The man picked up the crossdresser and while he was driving on South Avenue the crossdresser reportedly told him that he did not have any money and was willing to perform oral sex on him for $500.

The complainant agreed, turned around his car and reportedly returned to premises on Waterloo Road and paid $1,000 to the crossdresser.

Upon reaching the compound, the crossdresser reportedly asked to look at the complainant's private member and realised that he did not have any condom and was asked by the complainant: "How you a woman and nuh have no condom?"

The crossdresser opened the car door and the complainant saw a group of people whom he recognised as men dressed as women and became uncomfortable, saying that he was no longer interested in the sexual transaction as he was doubtful about the crossdresser's true gender.

Further reports are that while the complainant was discussing the crossdresser's gender when he heard his cellular phone ringing and realized that it was in the crossdresser's bag. The accused reportedly had taken the phone and other items valued at $43,000 and quickly ran off in the direction of New Kingston.

more Here

ENDS


Charged with larceny and malicious destruction of property is Chevaughn Lewin o/c Batman, 23; David Stewart o/c Rihanna, 19; and 19-year-old Akeem Barnett o/c Shelly-Ann.

The court heard that the men entered the motor vehicle of the victim of a robbery with the intention of assisting in the recovery of what had been stolen.

However, allegations are that the victim was again set upon by the accused men, who robbed him and used stones to destroy his vehicle. The court also heard that another individual who was part of the robbery is at large.

Embarrassment

Ellis told the accused men: "Your syndicate is operating in such a way that persons are afraid to go about their lawful business. You are not here because of your lifestyle. You are an embarrassment to persons who want an alternative lifestyle. I am not the least bit concerned with what you want to do with your lifestyle, however, when you go about and rob, that's where I have to take a stand."

Ellis told the men that they would be given custodial sentences, however, she needed a social enquiry report.

The men were further remanded until October 21 for sentencing.

That judge however needs some intervention in differentiating lifestyle from sexual orientation though as she is obviously old language and references.

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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