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, November 16, 2015

Homeless Awareness Month 2015: Displaced MSM/Trans versus Cruisers




November is homeless awareness month here on Gay Jamaica Watch and GLBTQ Jamaica and here is my first entry in writing. I had done a previous podcast as I had done annually except last year on the challenges I am aware of and some concerns for 2015.


Displacements or forced evictions are on the rise anecdotally; as I typed this entry a young man who I am housing barring any strong finances was in the kitchen finishing frying an egg for a sandwich breakfast; I can only offer two weeks or so to him as money is low on both our parts, a challenge faced by some who want to help; I was prevailed upon by a senior statesman who also offered the client some shelter for two weeks but cannot go further and asked me to assist him as he was kicked out of his house by his father in March of this year after a smartphone was left unattended and other perceived profiling by siblings which led to the final edict. I was only made aware of this case upon the request being made of me which raises the issues of under-reporting or low knowledge of such matters as impacted persons suffer in silence and do not reach out until too late of screams for welfare become relevant as a last resort. The unattended phone in this matter was reviewed by siblings, a cousin and again as in previous cases carried on this blog the numerous likes by males of his photos and listed as friends was used a confirmation of his perceived homosexuality; so he was given marching orders though less violently than other cases. With social media making corresponding far more easier than in my younger days when face to face or phone contact was the modus operandi it is just still too easy for mishaps like this one to occur to brethrens out there who just want to navigate gay life peacefully.

Sadly the forward thinking interventions for safe social media navigation by LGBT people is so missing yet still despite so many cases linked to fallouts from that medium or their misuse.

The longstanding tense relationships between genuinely displaced or homeless MSM/transgender individuals and who also practice commercial sex work in open/outdoor spaces versus cruisers or those whose sex seeking behaviour are of a non commercial type but for the pure pleasure of the outdoors has produced some disastrous results these many years I have been involved as an active member of the latter grouping. In so called homophobic Jamaica it is remarkable to me the kinds of men I run into in such spaces where otherwise one would be judging that same person in other spaces as heterosexual based on their demeanour or public homophobic attitudes. Men who hunt other men literally in open spaces aside from a plaza or street dance/outdoor event patroller are usually territorial in the hunt and do not take kindly when their spaces are ‘invaded’ or polluted by genuinely or even friends of displaced groups. The scenes vary and each have their own unique variables.

As numbers increase dramatically still since recent years and loss of some spaces in recent years to development or demolition of spaces and buildings once patrolled as good hiding places, exposure by mistakes from previous cruisers and invasions from homophobic persons that territorialism has become more intense than ever before with some in-fighting as well as men jostle for partners and a good ‘catch’ for some quick but intense fun. The mantra of ‘the closer one is to danger is further one feels from harm’ drives the man as a form of aphrodisiac who wants that good time however short it may be; personal intimate contact is key for us cruisers. Homeless MSM/trans often scorned by other MSM in open spaces and looked down upon due to the sometimes scandalous pigeon-holing by some media and even so called LGBT advocates or undisciplined behaviour of some as shown in numerous newspaper reports, indeed previous blog posts here makes the entire group an anathema so cruisers not interested in CSW type liaisons avoid them as all costs and sometimes chase them away when they are seen to be too close for comfort to spoil the safety and occupation of such safe and valued spaces; especially when the archetypes are effeminate or perceived to be cross dressers they are seen as persona non grata and by mere public association and for protection from any attacks .

Jamaican cruisers who migrated but make occasional visits to Jamaica sometimes return to old haunting spots and that can have some unexpected outcomes as ew faces and gaydar strategies change locally and the visitor may not have known the new styles in train. Smart returnees ask around before visiting a space they once frequented prior to leaving to find out how are things.

The last report I received was in my down period nursing my leg injury and one I was able to confirm in August with some other unconfirmed skirmishes within the MSM populations; thankfully no homophobic instances have occurred to obfuscate the spot’s relevance then but since a popular spot in downtown Kingston has had several challenges as nomadic populations are forced to go there and reside as pressure from police towards the group formerly occupying the Shoemaker Gully and who since relocated to the old cholera cemetery (always a cruising spot and CSW spot as well back in the day) frequented by gays and females alike for commercial and non commercial sexual liaisons. I will declare interest as I resided on an apartment complex nearby at Gore Terrace and we all knew the shenanigans of the guys at night or by the gate of a certain deceased Ambassador or the Sandy Gully nearing the Marketplace complex (when the bridge was single with two lanes). The groups would keep their distance with some cross fertilization but since homelessness in Kingston had become so chronic the lines have been blurred. Another report came to hand some weeks ago where so called protectors of the Cholera cemetery crew had a heated clash involving stone throwing in that valued and longstanding cruising spot in West Kingston. So incensed were the subject of the stone throwing that they had thought of paying the cemetery population a visit to return the favour. There were no injuries but the regulars upset by the incident have curtailed their visits or simply stopped and conduct their hook-ups by phone and social media for now while lamenting their loss as they or I should say we had done so many times before.

Earlier this year a smart phone was stolen by one of the homeless guys (or their friends) downtown in the same spot by knifepoint I since gathered, incidents of which never occurred by MSM perpetrators with regularity but moreso by decoys who know or suspect that ‘battyman’ always traverse the spot so they plant themselves as attractive bate; despite the unwritten rule that persons must not be robbed in certain parts of downtown or West Kingston for that matter. One robbery report I can recall by a decoy the man was fully nude to attract his prey and then the dartstardly deed was done. The failure of agencies such as JFLAG (my frustrations and disappointment noted on this blog and elsewhere) to address homelessness as it ought to be dealt with instead we are left with years of explain-aways and public relations gimmickry. Discomfort comes to folks like me who also in or sex seeking behaviours or practice go ‘out-a-road’ for some good dick to suck of jack off or in some cases a full anal ride with cautious review of the surroundings to void being caught.

Kingston is not Jamaica and other spaces in central and western Jamaica seem to be undergoing this clash of populations and violence as outcomes according to the cruiser grapevine. A man was said to have suffered blows from another man when they clashed at a beach front space in Montego Bay aka Dump up over a ‘catch’; that space has been an old one from way back in the day; both men lost out as the ‘catch’ moved on to another man he found attractive nearby and both apparently left the scene to conduct their affairs; in blaming each other for the loss of the prospect a fight ensued. I too have had that kind of clash but not violently over a ‘catch’ or prospect in sight but is also seen by another in the space. Spots in St Ann such as Ocho Rios have had the intervention of the local government authorities changing an old space cleared by bulldozers and it is to be used for concerts in the wake of the Noise Abatement Act impact on hotels and guest houses; while another spot is now occupied with vendors. An older beach front resort (sorry cannot call the name) that was once a party spot I DJed at several times and doubles as a cruising spot for more mobile middle class gay/bi men on the hunt has been bought and refurbished late last year hence that one has gone forever I suppose.

St Catherine has seen the most in my view disappearance of spaces maybe due to residing there but major changes have come from squatting by persons on old sugar cane lands and river/canal bankings as some of them have been evicted from elsewhere to the almost done new highway by China Harbour (CHEC) have effectively chased away seekers of some testicular fun. Such spaces hardly had any cross-fertilization of homeless MSM/trans as the numbers were not so high prior to 2007 and even if men jumped the scenes the outcomes were not so confrontational. Men of all classes would flock to one particular water way if just to see the endowed ‘thugs’ in the open bathing or the occasional lucky break where one of them may be interested. I was lucky such some years ago and we had a good time for some months before he was forced to move away. One can recall the old rice mill or other spots in the town of Spanish Town itself (now the JUTC/Bashco area) that were frequented by again men of all classes surprisingly with an extortion system of sorts by the hetero-thugs who squatted in shacks across a rail line and who became aware of the shenanigans of lovers of men when a publicised incident in the nineties exposed it; so they capitalised on it by charging the hunters a small fee to access the old structure with time limits too imposed. Younger turks have stepped up their game and a claiming new ground I have gathered in recent years along the waterway spaces; recent robberies generally on said areas and subsequent police patrols in response however have shut down some of the action for now.

Curtailment of outdoor hunting may be the temporary solution for now to avoid clashes and also for safety reasons as general crime is of concern. With more displacements coming especially since the heightened public LGBT advocacy barring any serious redemptive or catchment interventions for the expected spike in numbers of homophobic cases I am wondering how long will the peace between the sub groups be maintained? Some cruisers find normalized sex seeking behaviours boring and lacks the excitement that is the driver for him towards eroticism. I can switch from scene to scene but some of my colleagues in the game do not or simply cannot adjust; there seem to be a psychological issue so well when they have become so used to acting in that regard; especially men who do not have spaces where they live to enjoy sex so they are forced to go out in other spaces and operate in outdoor spaces.

There seems to be an attraction to masculine spaces where there is part concreted areas with shrubbery and old or aged structures that pulls in men for sex in the outdoor. I can recall a space in St Catherine where old buses were parked and it had unusual traffic when compared to other spaces be they beach front or old structures in urban areas. Strangely my visits there as a hunter and HIV outreach back in the day resulted in meeting men who I would not see at other scenes such as parties when I am wearing my DJ hat or other MSM/trans attended gatherings such as the old bi-weekly GLABCOM meetings at an older NGO.

Guess we have to wait until the dust settles on this and the populations have a truce of some kind and things can come back to near normal.

Peace & tolerance

H


also see:
Homeless Awareness Month: Flashback to New Kingston's Displaced MSM 2013

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard Oct 2015



Yvonne McCallah Sobers of FAST Families Against State Terrorism and Dwayne's House as carried on CVM TV's Live @ 7 show earlier this year May 21, 2015 HERE



Sadly designated sites (167 King Street) for general homeless assistance still remain unused since as evidenced above they were launched by a JLP government so continuity is not the name of the game for the benefit of the least amongst us.

also see: Some good news on the homeless MSM front ..... guarded & waiting part 2: Dwayne's House Project 

New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker MSM/Trans homeless persons

MP Julian Robinson claims he wants help for New Kingston homeless gays 2013


also see some previous post from as early as 2009:

On homelessness, evictions, hypocrisy & now JFLAG's own displacement ...............

The Safe House Project background from the conceptualizer …………………

The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes

The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

And MSM continue to be ready material for data collection

Street MSM Stone J-FLAG – After Being Cleared From Gov’t Property

Kingston’s Homeless MSM challenges scream for proper attention

And we continue to reap the world-wind for not addressing homelessness when it was manageable

Utmost hypocrisy , J-FLAG

A claim on How to help homeless LGBT Jamaicans ..... let us not forget it was the same Jamaica Observer who accused JFLAG of abandoning the homeless MSM specifically in New Kingston in an older editorial:

Marauding homosexuals and J-FLAG (Observer Editorial) ……………………

Homelessness, rape and HIV (Observer)

Think on these things people, lots of our lessers have fallen through the cracks right under the very noses of the ones who shift responsibility and just basic concern and well funded agencies who simply do not care. All this happenings when exactly a year ago in a town-hall meeting JFLAG's Executive Director said a space was identified yet no follow up to actually tell the community the deal fell through due to legal challenges.

also see: Homeless impatient with agencies over slow progress of promised shelter (with a podcast included)

Interfaith group treats homeless MSM in St Catherine







Street MSM Stone J-FLAG – After Being Cleared From Gov’t Property, Homosexuals Launch Assault another such clash occurred earlier this year in January which forced JFLAG to vacate yet another office space.


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 mostly youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston







More forced evictions reported for 2013



Video from Loop: VIDEO: Homeless gay men, rejected by their families, beg for place to live

With images such as that one above of one of our homeless MSM and the obvious emaciated state more evidence of the lack of interest in addressing homelessness and HIV/AIDS. I am reminded of when friends, colleagues and party patrons at my parties I DJ or promote used to drop like flies in the early nineties; when one would wonder who will be off the scene this month or week or if someone is missing the guess would be they are in the hospital; then when one actually finds them they are mere skin and bones. Sigh

We are told repeatedly of promises to deal with it or flimsy excuses that a space cannot be found etc


finally WHD 2015 was celebrated this year and NO ONE offered any assistance to the LGBT homeless on the day; I was already housing a young man at my house by request of a previous person who was helping him.

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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