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

Monday, October 26, 2015

The line in the sand for the PNP part 10 : Buggery referendum & more CCJ


I am still befuddled from my last entry in this series, also see previous parts: 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 & 8 & 9

that's the question ......

So I decided to wait a bit until the smoke settled somewhat on the latest salvo by the PNP and one of its failing ministers; I wanted to adequately look at it with less emotional reaction. This one may figure in the election as so close to it and Mrs Simpson Miller may have to carry over to next year before she can call it; sensible pundits would not call it now or by November as expected as the PNP are good at recovery and spin doctoring but the public is up in arms and calls for Ferguson’s resignation come from everywhere.




Gleaner's Lasmay is on point lol ....... crosses indeed.



not to be outdone is Clovis from the Observer

in relation to the BIll Johnson polls

That 18 dead babies fiasco concerning the Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson has had a scapegoat made in that of the University of the West Indies Hospital UWHI’s failure to report the matter of viruses or suspicious infections and their effects; we are now being told it is still a paper-based report in the era of the latest technologies and such. But why did such a virus which is a hospital based or created one for the most part be allowed to go so out of control to arrive at such disastrous effects? If the experts know of these infections why or where are the necessary systems to control it so it does not get out of hand?

When the goodly Dr Dawes revealed the damning information on the shortages and lack of cleaning implements some months before at some hospitals; why was the needed obviously emergency actions taken to arrest them seeing that the outcomes are life threatening?



Between the correspondences involving chief persons at UHWI and responses by the chief medical officer after some two to three weeks elapsed as to the alert stated in the letter(s) yet the minister was not (made) aware! And then Mama P wants me to vote for crap like that; while she and others shields him.

Where are the figures for the last four years or so to show the trail or tracking of the trends, given we are told the babies were premature ones and are susceptible to such infections via incubators or intravenous lines etc. Why did it take so long to generate the report even in the Ministry even after they are sent late to them from the respective hospitals? Nobody seems accountable and the minister seems to be using every opportunity to oil his skin so the water can bounce off and he keeps referring to ignorance and his technical team is responsible for informing him. My further sentiments are contextualised also by that so called audit or report that is not released in full to the public with a press conference thrown in our face and a callous regard and we are to stomach or accept it and move on.

The Prime Minister, party leader has not said an official word on babies matter and it is as if it were animals died which further complicates her leadership style and indeed skills for me. Not even at her Petersfield appearance did she mention the matter. This health minister has failed at every turn during his stint and should go; he procrastinated during Chik-V even when alarms were raised and persons were reporting to hospitals sick with obvious symptoms and he was slow to act. The foot and mouth disease breakout in schools seem the other elephant in the room and it was the Education Minister who was quick on the draw to act making Ferguson look like a big doo doo. Isn’t this the same Mama P who pontificated on the platform at the conference held recently on the safety of children! Usually known as comforter in chief; her strength is that she connects with people and good at empathizing but something has gone wrong, although I still do think she is not Prime Minister-ship material to begin with.

What is troubling where the persons involved are concerned is that it seems normal to have outbreaks in care facilities and the babies are considered not healthy babies so who cares?

Meanwhile the Prime Minister’s and PNP President at a western Jamaica meeting on the campaign trail had me laughing like crazy as she accused the parliamentary opposition of making promises that they did not keep them; she never elaborated the promises in detail and the crowd of course cheered stupidly as per usual but I guess several boxes of chicken and Red Stripe Beer (NOT HEINEKEN as the bottle is green lol) were distributed as usual at these meetings to bribe and cajole die-hards and so called hungry bellies who just want a dollar without working for it, mendicancy anyone!. Mrs Simpson Miller needs to remember her suggestion in my eyes and seen as a promise by others of the so called buggery review she made in the leadership debate in the 2011 election campaign.

Not to mention the jobs, jobs, jobs she shouted from the platform in the 2011 campaign (thank God for archiving) and the highly touted logistics hub that is yet to materialize and her failing minister Anthony Hylton who is often described as the most educated of all of the bunch; now we are hearing the China Engineering Company (CHEC) who was to spearhead the project mostly at the controversial Goat Island is to move its headquarters from Jamaica to Panama which is kinda quiet to some; it was not until yesterday I saw an article by former Prime Minister Edward Seaga where he mentioned it. The JEEP item that was to provide temporary employment and as used to inflate job numbers although persons only work for two to one month cycles but are counted as one job on each engagement seems lost in translation, all one has to do is look at the once brisk so called beautification on main thoroughfares and the missing people with whackers is clear; the sheer numbers of them in the early stages has waned which had many asking if we really needed four or five people to manicure a space no larger than a few hundred squares?



Then this latest CCJ debate matter has just turned me off again with the obnoxious “keep the buggery law & no to gay marriage [2006]” A. J. Nicholson now Foreign Affairs Minister insulting opposition senator Marlene Malahoo Forte, his continued disrespect for female members in the house is disgusting and it seems the party leader is unable or refuses to discipline him. Not to be outdone was Justice Minister Mark Golding but why would Mrs Forte do all that, after she was once a resident magistrate judge the protestations by the government side is nothing more than a smoke screen obviously. Another example of Mrs Simpson Miller’s lack of hands on leadership. Then comes the four female senators who for political reasons in an attempt to create an air of the we against them mantra have stood up in support of the very man who offended not only them but the nation with that awful rape comment last year during a debate in the senate. (AJ Nicholson reprimanded in Senate for ‘flexi-rape’ comment) with the same senator as his target it seems the PNP female senators have convenient amnesia and are more interested in keeping the party line in tact more than principles. A letter of suspension has been issued to Mrs Forte.

The issue of another letter that was said to have been sent to the JLP when in power from the Privy Council on the court travelling to Jamaica has surfaced and it seems A. J. Nicholson’s latest barb is an attempt to obfuscate the debate; Mrs Malahoo Forte has since said a bathroom break was what held her back in returning the senate chamber during that section of the debate where she was to present the letter. She has since presented the supposed letter in the public square at a campaign meeting but says if she is banned from the senate then how is she to present same. I am old enough to recall the repeated clashes with the former JLP senator and Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne who time and time again we had clashes and interruptions by him and heckling during her presentations or debates. She was the one who revealed in effect that the letter existed yet Mark Golding claimed his inability to find it and where or where did Malahoo Forte found the letter and why did the government couldn’t find it? The answer has come that Mrs Forte wrote the Privy Council for a copy and she got it there. She further noted that the Government senators were embarrassed because she was able to access a copy of the letter and they couldn't.



"Let me tell you something, I gave a commitment that I would give them. They vex with me because I could call high places to get the document. It burn them, it burn them, it burn them. If they were diligent in their work when the Leader of the Opposition mentioned the same letter in his speech in the Lower House, if they really wanted to find out what better choices they can make on behalf of the people of Jamaica until we fully sort out our affairs, they would have gone in search of the letter," the suspended senator argued.

"And the fact that they said they couldn't find it in the ministry (of justice) they could have done the same thing like me to get a copy of the letter and that is how you work diligently."

She questioned the logics in suspending her until the document was produced.

"They suspend me until I present the letter. What opportunity will I have to present it so it goes on the record of Parliament that I have in fact produced it? I must send it outside of the Parliament? I don't think that is wise because I might hear that I did not send it at all. But the letter is here," Malahoo Forte remarked.

The JLP has since issued a warning that they won’t support the bills on the CCJ if the Senate’s President does not apologize, and through the member Delroy Chuck he said at a platform they would take the matter to the constitutional high court and the Privy Council to show the mockery of the constitution that is being made. He says the bills do not sit well in the constitution as echoed by former Senator Lightbourne says our courts were set in stone in the constitution while the CCJ is set via a treaty which can easily change to our detriment. It makes some sense but how to get around that. So A. J. Nicholson’s misogynistic behaviour is unacceptable now and something must be done about him if they return to power it cannot be business as usual with him and equally Mr Warmington of the opposition and his outlandish behaviour during his tenure.

It is not about whether the Privy Council is a set of old white men far away or not it is about the constitutional attachments; and why not our own final court while sprucing up own resident magistrate courts used for the most part by the average citizen.

Now we have confirmation again from the Opposition via its leader on the matter of the suggested and demanded by religious right movements’ referendum on buggery as he while addressing a meeting also in Petersfield Westmoreland as well said: “ ... You will also know that when it comes time to determine whether or not we should make any changes to the buggery act or to any other act that determines how Jamaicans see the family; you know that we are not going to take it upon ourselves in parliament to make that decision; we are going to come to you the people of the country to make that decision.” also see: 
Opposition leader (JLP) reiterates his call for a referendum on Buggery .... 2014
Obviously Holness is playing to the antigay groups and on the homo-negative environment nationally. I guess the JLP is using this to make the overtake in the polls as the statistical dead heat ensues. The PNP has been silent on that matter since this round of the race or I might have missed something but the JLP is out of the starting blocks in as far as that one is concerned and it is my burning issue apart from the economics.

And where oh where is the PNP at prayer group ....... oops sorry I mean the Jamaica Council of Churches on this buggery law reform matter?

All kinds of stunts of shows are being put before us to distract us; this business of working, working, working doesn’t wash anymore and is so worn out then it is no wonder according to the Bill Johnson poll as evidenced in the Gleaner 25th October shows clear apathy which worries me as the 18 – 24 year olds are the fibre of the society for growth; they cannot complain if they stay away from the process and then stuff happens then sound off and it is not about voting and then hoping for manna to fall from heaven afterwards. We must participate and guard our vote or monitor the items we are interested in to see to it that they are delivered.




Edward Seaga: In What Direction Are We Going?







The figures are disturbing to me  for the youth poll for example (no graphic available): Ages

18 – 24: 47% would not vote; 25% for JLP; 19% for PNP; 8% undecided

25-34: 40% would not vote; 15% undecided; 27% for JLP; 18% for PNP

35-44: 30% would not vote; 22% undecided; 25% for PNP; 22% for JLP

45-54: 20% would not vote; 31% for PNP; 29% for JLP; 18% undecided

55-64: 17% would not vote; 41% for PNP; 32% for JLP; 9% undecided

65+: 19% would not vote; 47%for PNP; 16% for JLP; 18% undecided

Things to think on seriously. The politics is to moribund and is a major turnoff. But the younger folks have alot to loose with the current decisions we make.

Ernie Smith (left) & Dennis Meadows



... suggests Meadows, Bartley as possible replacements good riddance to bad rubbish; that Ernie Smith fool from back in the day and his anti gay smear campaign, the house will be better for his departure. But as for Dennis Meadows, I am not so sure; while he did well in the senate his stance on the buggery law seems opposing.


Gonna be watching the landscape and see wah deh gwaan a John shop.

UPDATE October 27, 2015 from the Observer:



SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland -- Opposition Leader Andrew Holness says a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government will allow the Jamaican people to vote in a referendum to determine if there should be any amendment to the Buggery Act.


"You will also know that when it comes to time to determine whether or not we should make any changes to the Buggery Act, or to any other act that determines how Jamaicans see the family, you know that we are not going to take it up onto ourselves in Parliament to make that decision. We are going to come to you, the people of the country, to make that decision," Holness told a the JLP Area Council Four meeting held at the Mannings School here on Sunday

Holness, meanwhile, lashed Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller who he quoted as saying that her immediate focus is to address the poverty of the Jamaican people, when she was asked for a schedule on amendments to the Buggery Act.

"... So they asked the prime minister, 'Prime minister, what is the timetable for the removal of the Buggery Law? And she says: 'Well, we have to go and we have to consult with the people you know, we have to go and consult with the people, but right now it is not a priority because we have to deal with the poverty of the people.' And I reflected on what she said," Holness said, adding that he had to ponder how the Government's push for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was going to end poverty in Jamaica."

Said Holness: "I have asked the prime minister before and I have told the Parliament before [that] when you can tell me how the CCJ is going to end poverty in this country, I will join you in that crusade.

"In the same way that that matter is not a priority, I don't see how the CCJ is going to make one person in Jamaica richer than they were before. It might, maybe for a few lawyers, but I don't know," said the JLP leader.

"This is an independent country and when that time come you know that a Labour Party Government is going to put that question (of the CCJ) for you to decide where we go with it," said Holness.

ENDS

More pontificating to the religious right.


Peace and tolerance

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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.

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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

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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