Scale up HIV/AIDS programmes behind bars says activist

Thanks to Carla Gullotta formerly of AMNESTY International USA in Jamaica and who now works in the prison system now the issue of prison sex has been raised openly. Bearing in mind the 1997 prison riots five months after my exit from a prison cell myself the issues of persons coming in HIV positive and or allegedly contracting HIV while incarcerated was known, persons were at one point said to be using plastic bags torn up in pieces as makeshift condoms seeing condoms are seen as contraband and attracts serious punishment if found. Others just go bareback (ass it tighter thinking and I am not gay but buttfuck) 

Suggestions on condoms in prison was met with sheer anger on one hand but other rival prisoners used the conflation of sneaking homosexuality through the 'back door' in homophobia violence to kill or harm said enemies.

Miss Gullotta penned:

The issue of HIV/AIDS among inmates continues to pose a public health risk. This delicate issue is one which requires a more comprehensive approach even as international funding to combat HIV/AIDS continues to dwindle.

Global research indicates that correctional administrators continue to struggle with meeting the needs of inmates with HIV/AIDS. This situation is further complicated by the fact that there is a taboo culture which prohibits open discussions about sexual issues behind bars.

HIV hit prisons early and hit them hard. Data indicates that the rates of HIV infection among prisoners in many countries are significantly higher than those in the general population. While most of the prisoners living with HIV in prison contract their infection outside prison, before imprisonment, the risk of being infected in prison is heightened.

The importance of implementing HIV interventions in prisons was recognised early in the epidemic. After holding a first consultation on HIV in prisons in 1987, World Health Organization (WHO) responded to growing evidence of HIV infection in prisons worldwide by issuing guidelines on HIV infection and AIDS in prisons in 1993. With regard to health care and prevention of HIV, the guidelines emphasised that, “All prisoners have the right to receive health care, including preventive measures, equivalent to that available in the community without discrimination, in particular with respect to their legal status or nationality.” This was recently reaffirmed in the 2006 framework for an affective national response to HIV/AIDS in prisons, jointly published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, WHO, and United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS.

Since the early 1990s, various countries have introduced HIV programmes in prisons. However, many of them are small in scale, restricted to a few prisons, or exclude necessary interventions for which evidence of effectiveness exists. There is an urgent need to introduce comprehensive programmes, (including information and education, particularly through peers; needle and syringe programmes; drug dependence treatment, in particular opioid substitution therapy with methadone and/or buprenorphine; voluntary counselling and HIV testing; and HIV care and support, including provision of antiretroviral treatment) and to scale them up rapidly.

Jamaica has made attempts to expand its HIV/AIDS programme in prisons, but these efforts need to be sustained if the gains made are to be lasting. At a time where there is a small window of opportunity to benefit from the little international funding that is still available for HIV/AIDS programmes, the Government should seek to tap into this funding and direct it towards correctional facilities.

Prisoners eventually return to the communities from which they come and they carry with them everything they would have picked up in prison. Scaling up AIDS/HIV intervention in prisons is therefore in the best interest of not only the prison community but also the fragile health system and the nation at large.

Carla Gullotta is executive director for Stand Up for Jamaica, a human-rights groups that carries out rehabilitation work with inmates in the island’s correctional facilities.

ENDS

Pity Miss Gullotta did not address the psychology of some of this in terms of substitutional sex or situational homosexuality or the prison wife phenomenon or 'gay for the stay' pieces to it as a layman; anal penetrative sex in such circumstances I have found is a feature even for gay men in a non conjugal visit systems or policy locally, so men fool around with other men to relieve sexual tension. The activity between the ears is not about the man in the physical as he is a means to an end but about the opposite sex and the engagement comes with rules. (need to do a post on this and go in depth)

Previous efforts to deal with some of this has not gone down well with the correctional services or warders in the system as they feel they will be labelled as gays or supporting such; warders have had a longstanding stigma and urban myth thrown at them for years, I came up and heard it that many it is believed enter the profession to gain access to men and that they have gifts of endowment due to regular sexual activity. 

In 1997, Lieutenant Colonel John Prescod(left in photo), then Commissioner of Corrections, suggested that condoms be distributed in the prisons as a means of stopping the spread of HIV. The suggestion sparked a riot that claimed the lives of 16 prisoners, some of whom were accused of being homosexuals and as it turns out many who died weren't actually gay but prior rivalry and a golden opportunity for a disturbance led the way to the attacks. The National AIDS Committee had recommended again in 2000 to the then Peoples National Party administration launch Mandatory medical examinations for all inmates, segregation of HIV positive inmates, legal conjugal visits, a health education programme for the prison, and permission for terminally ill patients to be allowed to die at home, were also among the recommendations made to the Government which were ignored.

Dr. Raymoth Notice (right in photo above) medical expert in the penal system had said at the time, "...We recognise that the incidence of HIV is increasing in the general population and not only that, studies have shown that the incidence of AIDS in prison is six to 10 times greater in prisons than in the general population," also he continued "the level of homophobia and ignorance as well as the lack of resources have hampered the education process a whole lot. Before we even get to the condom issue it is important first and foremost to educate the population about AIDS. But everyone has been too afraid to do anything since the riots. There is no analysis being done, no reliable data, inmates are leaving with the disease and taking it back to their communities."

Lambert Brown, the UAWU's the then first vice-president, had said that although he was still opposed to condom distribution in prisons, he had nothing against the other recommendations made.

"The fight against AIDS is not based solely on condom distribution," Mr. Brown said. "Those who are promoting condoms in prison are using the back door to promote homosexuality which is illegal." here suggesting fear.

The usual response from governments over the years when NGOs and others push for it is that the buggery law will not allow it while being afraid of the public and prison population backlash, not to mention the antigay religious fanatical penny section.

Let us see what the reaction if any will be like.

Peace & tolerance

H

Also see:
Male Rape .... nobody wants to talk about it 2011 and Should prisoners have conjugal visits? 2013

Phone Found in Prisoner’s Rectum for a Second Time in Lockup

Review condom policy for prisoners ......... 2011

Inmate attacks alleged gay prisoner

Buggery Accused Tried to Commit Suicide in Lockup .......

Man charged for assault of gay prisoner

When power differentials (of a car) attracts homophobia 

Homophobic Yet Homosocial (Repost)

Bareback popularity concerns

Given the Safer Sex Week activities and some issues raised in a previous post on this blog on barebacking in anal sex I and indeed some others have concerns. It has surfaced also that some HIV positive men who feel that they do not need to practice safer sex anymore as they are already positive simply enjoy sex in a kind of complacency or abandonment thinking that once they are positive once then that is it; there is no need for vigilance, risk assessments and avoidance of re-infections of other strains of HIV which can be more deleterious to one’s immune system. Albeit that a trend cannot simply be designated within a year or without strong empirical data but cultural practices however can be used as a sign or guide to said trends developing. Just a cursory glance at some private groups on social media or WhatsAPP for that matter or other platforms such as AdamforAdam and hookup sites/blogs suggest more and more men are openly requesting bareback fun even while declaring their HIV positive status, once kept ultra private, it is as if it is a badge of honour to be HIV positive these days and surviving which maybe encouraging to a certain extent but all too risky in other realms. This may be outside of bug chasing or chasers.

Millennials for example have been declaring discomfort with condoms (an old criticism) and with readily available anal hygiene and enema cleansing products in local pharmacies and sex toy shops for example buffered by a kind of legitimization of barebacking in black gay porn men are daring themselves for share pleasure it seems while ignoring that risks are still high despite better working antiretrovirals and that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. 

As for the FEMIDOM female condom as an alternative suggested to be used with the inner ring removed that is now being laughed at or scoffed at as the device is deemed too cumbersome and too thick which may be less comforting during sex; with the outer ring also hanging outside seeing it is larger than the rest of the device some say it is like screwing a condom instead of an anus. Indeed this is a sentiment expressed also by older men as well who simply dismiss the FEMIDOM as a balloon to be blown up or used for something else.

also see: Female Condom (FEMIDOM 2) recommended for Gay Sex

The short lived Origami condoms for example that were supposedly designed for anal sex specifically seemed to be off or discontinued despite a launch campaign and an awareness program online, the uniquely shaped and grooved surface is supposed to enhance pleasure for the wearer and the receptive partner as well probably the latter more so; given the mucosal riddled sphincter area and lower opening with millions or nerve endings. Also see: World’s first condom specifically designed for anal sex 2013 and Origami Condom Delayed Due to Embezzlement

Hookup demands

from GMSH

My own experience recently with a mystery stalker of sorts who found the number on one of my blogs publicly listed where he repeatedly asked for a hookup of sorts (despite not knowing me) and declaring he wanted it “raw” meaning penetration without any barrier or a condom. While it is tempting to do same as the good old 1980s for example in the height of the sexual revolution somebody needs to remind or inform men who have sex with men, MSM in the form of anal penetration that HIV is still out there.

Complacency or near fatalism

The heightened HIV social marketing through Global Fund funded efforts nationally and other NGO work has helped but seems to hurt the thinking and sensibilities involved. Persons have concluded that if I am going to die from HIV it won’t happen soon because I can live long with just a tablet a day similar to other lifestyle diseases as diabetes or hypertension but what some folks seem to overlook or ignore or are unaware of or not properly informed in support groups are that there are several other strains of HIV which while one may be positive with one strain that does not impair their immune systems the newer strain can be far more harmful and only seek to reduce one’s immune system to stay sustained. That ‘I am going to enjoy my life’ thinking no matter what is still out there if one is to go by the comments on blogs and porn related fora on social media. Yes the ARVs or HAART treatments are effective in terms of control of Viral loads and improved CD4 counts but missing dosages too can be a challenge; a point that was forcefully made recently on Facebook by an advocate to a young man who insisted he was going to “Fuck til mi dead”

Hot pumped gym and tattoed bodies, well endowed persons coupled with objectification and just the sheer excitement for younger MSM can turn persons into tongue wagging excited persons who end up making wrong or misguided decisions about sex in the heat of the moment. Sadly the Safer Sex Week impetus is near silent on anal sex between men publicly and seem to want to the rely on the hetero-normative sexual relations psychology to trickle over into gay culture. That type of messaging does seem to be getting through to some, I have heard some men say that when they are with a woman they use condoms with them but when they are with a man they don’t as anal sex is better to them in terms of feelings and the ‘grip factor’ and that includes men who do not identify as gay, given that the concept of the word for some is loaded woman aspiring oriented and so called thugs do not want to be a woman but they still hit ass under the radar. There are other psychologies involved stemming from the prison systems as in prison wife culture, gay for the stay psychology and indeed curiosity that seems to be overlooked by the folks who design these fluffy, sometimes simplistic and patronizing sounding campaigns.

Those intersectionalities with gay men who self identify and those men who don’t with the latter thinking that bareback sex is an escape from reality and therefore no thought of risk must interfere cannot be left out of the mix. There are men out there who really believe that they are not at risk once I do it with a men in secret and that the secret albeit without a condom will not expose them to HIV risk; whilst seeing heterosexual sex as the one to use a condom with an outside female partner other than the babymother or wife. At some point there has to be a reality check and a tie-in of those sub cultural matters.

Touching the anal hygiene matter hinted above while the ‘hole maybe clean’ there is the business of that hole being ‘too clean’ meaning the so called good bacteria maybe washed away if one is not too careful, although the self adjusting PH balance Fleet enemas products for example are out there to help to avoid that destruction of those bacteria if one uses other non traditional forms of cleansing the area is exposed without physiological defences naturally. Barebacking especially almost immediately after a cleansing or enema exercise can leave one open to infection if the penetrating partner is infected to transmission of STI including HIV. There are persons who believe that a clean hole by virtue of it being ‘clean’ of faecal matter and odours that all is well afterwards for penetration. Some persons suggest that even rimming (using the tongue to stimulate or even penetrate the anus/sphincter muscle) is OK after an enema but I surmise that a simple pleasurable rim session will not just end there, at some point someone is going to be probed to the ultimate pleasure of it.

The gay porn industry is thriving on bareback for sales even while showing disclaimers in the opening sequence of DVDs and streams identifying HIV risking and encouraging testing and single partners; the challenge is that that disclaimer only runs for a 30 second or so period while the rest of the movie sometimes up to two hours long is all about the ass and dick of it thus almost killing the important message.

Antigay (un)bareback anal sex abhorrence

The very bareback issue and the sex police of religious fanatics have sought to capitalise on the matter to enhance their push for maintaining a 486 year old buggery law with all its amendments and adjustments in between. Anal sex bareback or not is not the untidy affair as some such as Dr Wayne West of the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society JCHS has sought to present it to his loyal following and misguided or ignorant persons. He has sought to use the thin lining nature of the area to suggest we are deserving of an HIV as the transmission will be greater which is true but so it is also for the vagina provided if the penetrating partner is already positive. But intellectual dishonesty is part and parcel of the strategy even by so called Christians who misplace God’s purpose to promote hate.

Encourage monogamous or outer-course sexual activity as an option more

Even monogamous unions with uninfected partners and trust have to also consider safer sex issues I suggest; as safety and hygiene are crucial especially the latter but I get the impression that such other considerations are not part and parcel of the MSM interventions more forcefully. Suggesting non-penetrative sexual activity via a penis seems all but missing from the scheme of things is one is to take into account the discourse on sexual matters with younger MSM. I have been trying via my blogs to promote proper anal health but one blogger is not enough and I do not get the feeling

The message has to be repeated more loudly in terms of the risks involved and more openly about barebacking; after all buggery is not proven by mere eyesight but a physical examination by a doctor providing that the accused did not take a shower or enema in between the accusation, the arrest or detention pursuant to preparing the doctors’ report; a report premised on the thinking of no barrier sex and residual materials left behind in or around the anus or sphincter muscle. The doctor’s report unfortunately even in today’s world is still prepared on a thinking of no condoms used in the act in the first instance, it is usually after the examination or during that the harvested samples or culture related spermicidal findings that in the comments section of the standard form the doctor may make a note of the presence of spermicidal material to indicate a condom was present. The reluctance by the NGOs and the national program to openly speak to anal penetration way more forcefully seems a little ridiculous or near unfounded to me in addressing risky behaviour linked to men who are going that route for sexual pleasure.

More anon

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:

Safer rimming or anilingus .......... tips & suggestions

Anal sex mistakes gay men makes ..... some suggestions 

Anal: Should you go back there? 

Oh really! ............ Penile/anal penetration is NOT SEX Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society?

Safer sex week 2017 ................

The National Family Planning Board Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency (NFPB-SRHA) hopes to make sex even safer this Valentine’s Day during their annual observance of Safer Sex Week from February 12 to 18.

To commemorate Safer Sex Week, the agency will be hosting a Health Fair tomorrow, Valentine’s Day, at the Prison Oval in Spanish Town, St Catherine, at which the public will have access to family planning methods, including condoms, free HIV testing, and other health checks and Valentine’s Day treats.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Condom + Another Contraceptive = #UltimateProtection”, which underscores the agency’s push for dual contraceptive use. Condoms are an effective method to protect against pregnancy, HIV and other STIs, but according to the NFPB-SRHA, it is always best to have a back-up method such as the pill, the injection or an intra-uterine device.

Regrettably, Jamaicans, particularly those within the 15-29 age group, are not practising safe sex every time. This is evident in the latest data in the 2016 UNAIDS Prevention Gap Report which found that the highest increase of new HIV infections is within that age group, the agency said. Additionally, one per cent of all live births in Jamaica are to adolescent girls, many of whom reported that their pregnancy was either mistimed or unwanted.

To address this trend, the agency is imploring Jamaicans to ensure that they, and their partners, are fully protected before engaging in sex, and as a result, the activities planned for Safer Sex Week are aimed at increasing dual method use for all ages.

The health fair will feature performances by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and will be hosted by comedian Christopher “Johnny” Daley. This will be the first official activity as the NFPB-SRHA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017.

But as usual the business of anal sex between consenting gay adults is quietly slid under the radar so as not to avoid any noise from fanatical religious voices; while the NFPB and others seem to want an overflow of the messaging to gay men to come from heteronormatively tinged social marketing efforts.

Sad that this is the nonsense that still obtains and with the talk sometimes openly by more younger gay men in practising bareback sex as it is seen seemingly to be more attractive given the proliferation of gay porn which tacitly legitimizes it. 

also see:

No gays allowed at freaky party with one sided bi-erasue by The National Family Planning Board (NFPB)

Sex-ed does not say have sex — NFPB head

But the same NFPB folks as indicated in the post above showed up their lack of understanding in a sense on the issues of MSM sex, risk and a refusal on the face of it to engage bisexual persons who may have wanted to attend the planned freaky party then.

In the meantime I want to encourage persons to go get tested if one is engaged in; barebacking is a challenge though tempting and although we don't see folks suffering via visible AIDS related/opportunistic infections anymore complacency might be an issue not properly addressed with the millennials and younger.

Peace & tolerance

H

Man charged for assault of gay prisoner

A matter recently involving an alleged gay inmate at a medium security facility came to light in July as another inmate accused of assault was slapped with a charge after he attacked the victim for being gay. The remand centre a place I am all too familiar with during my own incarceration there in 1996 for of all things alleged buggery was reportedly the scene of a brawl involving a gay man accused of looking too long at other men having their morning shower in the open bathing stalls. I recall another incident during my time there of a man who was kicked in the face by inmates who claimed he was too fixed staring on them owing to the fact that many persons only wore underpants or boxers which displayed penis prints which obviously would attract any gay man’s attention.

During the daily routines where prisoners with minor charges are allowed to take their showers supposedly under supervision to avoid fights and such (do not drop your soap either as you may be accused of being gay) the accused gay man was also waiting in line to have his shower prior to breakfast serving. In what amounted to a cellblock shanking he was accused of watching the other male prisoners for too long taking their showers albeit in their underpants as is customary. Persons do not bathe in the nude as that is considered to be an invitation to gays and one  can be also accused of being gay as well.

The main protagonist said he noticed the attention being placed by the victim on himself as he lathered or soaped himself up before washing off. He wondered out aloud why the gay prisoner was staring at him for so long and proceeded to accuse him of being a battyman. Such charges even if they are not true tend to stick once made especially very loudly and consistently by the accuser. This is not the first time such allegations have been made by other inmates to fellow ones as it is often used to intimidate persons or belittle others in the alpha male struggle for dominance or power in such settings. The man was attacked by the accuser and others who cornered him and eventually pushed him away from the shower line so as to avoid him supposedly having anymore viewing capabilities. He was subsequently slapped up and assaulted by other men who left a mark on his right hand as he tried to block some of the attacks.

The matter was reported to the block supervisor as things got louder when other prisoners with more serious crimes who were still on lock down supposedly wanted a ‘piece’ of him. Shower time usually consists of lesser crime charged inmates bathing first then hardened ones coming after. The cops arrived as the facility does not have warders like other maximum security structures do, the chief protagonist was pointed out alongside the man who inflicted the wound on his hand, it was he who was charged with the assault while the other prisoners were warned not to let this happen again. Some prisoners were upset that the police seemed more concerned about protecting gays (battyman) than bashing them as is expected to be normative. The matter was brought up in parish court on the same day as the ongoing matter that was scheduled to be dealt with. When asked by the judge reportedly as to why he attacked the man the accused said he did not like gays and that the man was looking at him too much as he showered.

There have been other challenges similar to this one at other lockups and maximum security facilities as more and more gays find themselves in trouble with the law. A gay lotto scammer for example in April who was being pressured to pay some sort of extortion fee in exchange for protection was allegedly beaten while in custody by inmates as his bleached looked and tattoos were said to be too feminine looking and that he was ‘mean’

There was a stabbing incident in 2015 of an inmate who was accused of being gay despite he was in the slammer for wounding with intent, a fight had occurred with a cellmate who insisted he should have been put to another cell as he was not prepared to share that space with a ‘fish’ (derogatory colloquial term for gay man), the victim apparently was too masculine for his abuse and both ended up in a fight which led to the stabbing as the outcome on the hand of the victim via a ‘dog’ (cellblock term for a poniard or makeshift pointed device) the man was also charged but the outcome of that case is unknown while the victim was released from the facility as he served his time for the previous charge(s).

There is the business of cell slavery as it were where prospective slaveholders will sometimes use intimidating innuendo, as opposed to overt threats of violence, which the prospective slave unwillingly accepts, thereby disguising the coercive nature of the sexual activity from even the enslaver. Slaves might not even see themselves as being coerced, if the enslavement is negotiated as repayment for a debt o sex for favours or 'gay for the stay' phenomenon. Also, some consider themselves transformed into a homosexual. There have been unofficial accounts in which an inmate is coerced in this way. It is however argued by some experts that in prison, consent is inherently illusory.

It can be a tough ride in jail or prison speaking from experience and one has to be very observant and whistle and ride as it were just for survival sake. A simple allegation can lead to all kinds of problems as one serves time or is in remand. Lest we forget the mass murders in the 1997 prison riots with several persons who were killed not being gay but by mere accusations coupled with the febrile environment linked to the call by some to distribute condoms in prisons. Other smaller riots have had outcomes similar to that of 1997 such as one at the general penitentiary, GP which has a reputation of housing and having more homosexuals than other facilities (the ‘Kid Ralph’ character comes to mind) 1980s riots. Old feuds, rival inmates and gangs used the 1997 furore to label each other as suspected gays and as cell block shankings always become they give justifications for abuse and killings in some instances. Substitutional sex is a subject also that no one seems to want to touch as it does happen in our lockups, either by extended incarceration or bisexuality or other reasons men do get involved sexually with other men but may not go all the way to anal sex as that is still seen in the eyes of some as abhorrent. So oral sex or intercrural sex are the more preferred options.

Intercrural sex is the placing of an erect penis between the legs of the intended passive partner to fake the feeling of vaginal or anal penetration while other sexual play is restricted so as kissing and such as those are seen as too cuddling or effeminate driven. The psychology suggests that the fantasy of the persons involved is for a woman but the situation is only a means to an end very physical contact with very strict rules of engagement.

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:

Buggery Accused Tried to Commit Suicide in Lockup 

Another phone in body cavity story .. the third in succession, what's up Star News? 2011

Should prisoners get conjugal visits? 

Situational Homosexuality or Behavioral Bisexuality 2009


Inmate attacks alleged gay prisoner 2014


Review condom policy for prisoners ........ 2011

Do Prisoners Have a Right to Condoms? ...... 2011

Male Rape .... nobody wants to talk about it

New Kingston gangs embedded in homeless MSM/tans group 'worries' police

Here we are again this old familiar place where will this all end? and yet the tokenistic gestures continue from monied NGOs, so called concerned folks whose only interest it seems to to use the men in image propping optics.

WORRIES POLICE

A criminal group, known as the Shoemaker Gang, has been wreaking havoc in the New Kingston area for more than five years, stretching the policemen and women at the New Kingston Police Post to their limits.

The criminal activity has become an increasing nuisance over the past three years despite the police making an estimated 80 arrests.

Last month, 23-year-old Kemar Jones, alias Boobie, who is believed to be the deputy leader of the gang, was apprehended and subsequently jailed for two years after pleading guilty to the theft of a Samsung smartphone at the intersection of Holborn and Trafalgar roads.

Deputy Superintendent Christopher Murdock, who has been in charge of the New Kingston Police Post for more than three years, said that the problem is a challenging one because of the vast area that they have to cover to bring the criminals to book.

He explained that gang members who have been responsible for the robbery of items valued at millions of dollars, keep a close eye on the police's single patrol unit, and strike when it is out of range.

"It's not just in the immediate New Kingston area, they also work in the vicinity of Holborn and Ruthven Roads in the area of the Shoemaker Gully that runs all the way down to Medical Associates Hospital and into sections of Maxfield Avenue," he said.

"That is a wide area which makes people vulnerable when the patrol vehicle has moved on to other areas."

Murdock said the criminals target unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians, stealing smartphones, laptops, and jewellery.

This is the same Murdock who cleared the area in December 2014 much to the relief of many including LGBTians but it seems we have slipped back into the abyss on this one:

remember this?:

One police officer estimated that the gang has committed more than 250 robberies in the past five years which yield the gang members between $170,000 and $300,000 a month from their nefarious deeds.

Murdock said the robberies are committed mainly by men who masquerade as women selling sexual favours. He said some persons seek out these men for sexual favours and eventually become victims. These persons, he said, are reluctant to either report the crimes or assist in helping to dispose of cases in a timely manner by attending identification parades.

We have had MPs claiming interest, dancehall acts who ae washed up posing with persons and claiming they are helping when only a few do get some intervention compared the greater population, which is not only New Kingston but islandwide as they do migrate from time to time. Some of the atrocities are committed by other miscreants as they are aware who will get the blame as well which further complicates matters as to who are the guilty parties? 

The clashes with respective security guards at various locations and businesses nearby, the previous and continuing tense standoff with the Escape Club folks on Knutsford Boulevard is ongoing as some of the persons allegedly try to solicit sexual favours from patrons at the joint with death threats coming back in return and an alleged gun pulling incident earlier this year. 

What is next in this awful continuing saga, lord knows.

More anon

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:
Homeless gays return home ..says shelter promise not fulfilled

Treating Infection of the penis, foreskin

Der. W is a young diabetic who has recently been seeing a "gummy" discharge on his penis. The penile skin has become tight and he is unable to retract the penile foreskin. Because of this, he is unable to participate in sex. He wonders what has happened and asks for a remedy. He is 19 years old and is missing his sex life! He says that going without sex for a 19-year-old male means multiple masturbation occasions!

Participating in sexual activities is hopefully always by "choice". We can always say no and for the individual with a high libido, masturbation is a practical option and a viable alternative to sex! Sex just to "scratch an itch" - because of an urge - can lead to many harmful outcomes. One is infection, others are unwanted pregnancy, problems with committing to a monogamous relationship later in life, erectile dysfunction, partner dissatisfaction, and failed relationships. Studies show that a committed relationship will always enhance the sexual experience.

The gummy discharge that Der. W is seeing on his penis is most likely caused by an infection. A penile discharge is known as a urethritis, and with Der. W as this has not been treated, the infection may well have spread to the penile foreskin, causing an infection known as a balanitis (penile foreskin infection). When a foreskin infection goes untreated, the skin can swell and become a tight constriction, which in the uncircumcised man can prevent retraction (pulling back) of the penile foreskin (phimosis).

BLOOD SUGAR

Diabetic men are more prone to balanitis than the regular male population as their defence against infection is relatively compromised. When the blood sugar is not well controlled, the high blood and tissue glucose levels make these men highly susceptible to penile foreskin infections. The high sugar also contributes to poor healing.

Poor genital hygiene in an uncircumcised male can also contribute to a gummy discharge and balanitis. Other causes of a swollen penile foreskin include allergic reactions to soaps, sprays, creams, and condoms. Literally any substance with which the genital tissues come into contact will cause an allergic reaction in some people.

SEXULLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

When sexually transmitted infections occur in uncircumcised men, they commonly result in a penile discharge with foreskin swelling (balanitis).

Genital candida infections occur mainly in women but can also occur in men, resulting in an inflammation of the penis and foreskin. Risk factors for contracting a candida infection to the penis and foreskin would include use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppression, poor hygiene, using harsh cleansing substances on the penis, and diabetes. Symptoms include an itchy rash, swelling of the penile head, a lumpy discharge under the foreskin, and sometimes, pain with sex. Genital candida infection is not considered to be an STI.

INFECTIVE SOURCE

When there is significant swelling the entire foreskin a bacterial infective source must be considered.

Antibiotic or antifungal treatment will need to be taken orally and applied topically depending on the causative agent. As Der. W is diabetic and is also usually highly sexually active, it is very likely that he will need antibiotic and antifungal treatment. He may also require tighter control of his blood sugar levels! He should visit his family doctor or nearest clinic for examination, treatment, and a screening for sexually transmitted infections.

For men who notice this problem recurring:

• Wash the genitalia well

• Dry off well after washing

• Use unscented soaps

• Retract the penile foreskin daily and wash it

Over-the-counter antifungal creams and antibiotic creams and ointments can be applied as directed as long as the balanitis is not accompanied with a penile discharge

All penile discharges and balanitis that are unresponsive to topical over-the-counter treatment will require a doctor's visit for examination and treatment with oral medication.

Where the condition recurs frequently, circumcision is an option.

Peace & tolerance

H

Anal: Should you go back there?

BY KIMBERLEY HIBBERT

IT is not much of a taboo topic anymore, and more and more couples are seemingly exploring the phenomenon of anal sex.

But are their explorations medically safe? Deviant? Or is it just a matter of how cautious you are?

According to sex therapist Dr Sidney McGill, many Jamaicans will think it is deviant behaviour because it does not fall within the status quo of religion or socialisation.

“Status quo wants to maintain what is considered to be the proper or right action, and culture is maintaining the status quo,” he said, adding that publicly many people maintain the status quo but privately they do otherwise.

He said sexual acts are governed by our cultural and religious norms, so no matter what somebody says that is scientifically informed, if a belief is strong then people will do it.

He also explained that though anal penetration or anal sex has always been associated with male homosexuality, having anal sex doesn’t mean you’re homosexual.

“There is this one guy who I know who’s been married for many years but enjoys having anal sex with his wife more than vaginal sex and she’s growing accustomed to it, but he’s not a homosexual,” Dr McGill said.

The sex therapist stated that there are a number of couples who come in and contemplate anal sex because the men complain that they no longer enjoy sex as a result of numerous vaginal births.

“So a woman who wants her partner or husband to be sexually satisfied or a couple who’s fairly liberal may consider this [anal sex] as an alternative use,” he said.

He said while the primary purpose of the anus is to expel faecal matter, and at the beginning anal sex is painful, and there may be risks involved for the receiver and the penetrator, pleasure can be had and all people need is a little counselling.

“There are nerve endings in the rectum that some people find very pleasurable. So you’d recognise that this is not the primary purpose, but that there are benefits or pleasure once you take the necessary precautions to ensure that the person receiving is not harmed in any way and the person giving does not pick up infections,” the sex therapist said.

He added: “Sex is more than science; it has to do with feelings and a lot of the time feelings are irrational, so you have to take this into consideration when making decisions. If a couple is doing it and there’s no resistance from either party I am not going to discourage them. If a couple comes to me and one partner does not want to have anal sex, I’d be willing to explore the topic with them so that they can make decisions about their sexual activity. I’m not going to come out and say that this is right or wrong. It can be right or wrong depending on whom you’re doing it with. I want to stand on the fence in a neutral position and help people to sort out their lives in terms of what’s right for them or wrong for them.”

He said that there are many variables that should, however, be considered if you are going to have anal sex.

These include being free of sexually transmitted diseases, being screened for HIV, and taking into consideration if one partner is having multisexual relations.

Meanwhile, Dr Charles Rockhead, obstetrician-gynaecologist, said from a medical standpoint he cannot dictate to people or legislate sexual activity to individuals; rather he can only advise them as to the safest route.

“What I can do if they ask me about it is to help to prevent the complications or creating any damage. My view as a scientist and a physician is to prevent complications in a patient. If a man makes up his mind and says he wants to have anal sex with his wife, I can’t stop him. I can’t tell him don’t do it. That’s not my job. My job is to tell him how to prevent complications,” he said.

“If they ask me about it I’m not there to counsel them against it. I’m there to say if you do it, this should occur — that is, proper lubrication, proper sheathing. Complications may include anal fissures, anal tears, and further complications if you have a rectal injury or tear. Also to try to avoid double dipping — anal and then straight vaginal as it cannot be healthy for the female.”

Anal sex mistakes gay men makes ..... some suggestions

Anal sex is one of the primary methods of sexual exploration among gay men. Not only is it popular but it also is one that has more misconceptions attached to it. Although many enjoy the act, there are a number of men that don't. For them, what was supposed to be pleasure turned out to be painful. And rather than deal with another person who could potentially cause damage, they have given up the act. If you are interested in enjoy better anal sex, it is important that you avoid the most common mistakes gay men make. Your partner will appreciate you not breaking one of these important tips.

You Don’t Think You Need To Learn Anything

When it comes to anal sex, you don’t rely on your instincts. You need to come prepared if you want it to be an awesome experience for both of you. This means having the proper supplies at your home for his comfort including an anal douche. Cleaning the anal canal helps to prevent accidents that may occur. The Stream Master Hydra is easy to use and last for years to come. Even if you think that having an anal douche is the bottom's responsibility having one available can ensure that any issues can be addressed. Anal is not just sticking your penis inside his ass. You should be aware of his body works, where his prostate is and what you can do to stimulate him. If you don’t enter the situation sufficiently informed, you are not going to rock his world.

You Don't Use the Right Kind of Lube

It may sound of stupid to repeat the obvious but men don't produce lubrication to allow them to have comfortable anal sex. In order to ensure that he is comfortable, you have to use sex lubricant. Many men make the mistake of getting a lower quality brand thinking that all lube is the same. It's not. A premium quality lubricant will not dry out. It stays in place and provides a silky glide that makes the experience enjoyable. There are specialty lubricants made for anal sex that relax the muscles of the body and allow greater comfort. Pjur Analyse Me has jojoba extract to soften the skin and helps increase enjoyment.


You Don’t Find Out How He Likes It

Every man that enjoys anal sex doesn't enjoy it in the same way. While you may think he wants to be banged out, he may only find pleasure from a sensual stroke. To truly know how to create pleasure for both of you, you must have a conversation. This should take place outside of the bedroom. It is your responsibility to put his concern first since he is vulnerable to pain and injury should you not listen to what he needs. Take your time and assure him that the experience will be done in the most comfortable manner possible. Find out exactly what makes him hesitant and then see what you can do to ease his fears. Communication is a big deal.

You Don’t Stimulate Him During Intercourse

It is important that he is very turned on before you get busy. Foreplay is essential. If you think that your dick is enough to get him hot, you are sadly mistaken. You are not all that. When he’s aroused, he body is more open to penetration making the act easier. You should stimulate him to the point where he craves you inside of him. And once you enter, you need to ensure that he stays in the mood. You should caress his nipples, rub his body and stroke him sensually. Although some men may be able to have an orgasm from penetration, using a masturbation toy on him can send shock-waves through his body. The Mood Pleaser Frost is a toy that feel like the real thing. It has sensual beads that provide pleasure from base to tip. While he's on his back, you can slide it on providing him the constant stimulation needed to ensure anal sex is hot.

You Think You Are In Control

There is a rule that I believe should be the standard for anal sex. The bottom controls the show. I know that men think that bringing the dick gives them some sort of power in the bedroom. This couldn't be further than the truth. For anal sex to happen, the bottom has to be comfortable. Therefore the job of the top is to put the pleasure of the part at the forefront of the activity. Loose the ego. Dick is around every corner. Invest in your happiness by allowing your partner to get adjusted to your body and when he is in his zone, you can go for broke. Let him guide it slowly inside of his anus. Even if it takes some time to insert an inch, let him do it. If you try to rush things along by pumping with a sudden movement, the thought of having lost the control will make him tense up. Just talk to him and shower him with praise. He’ll really let loose.

SOURCE: DICK'Z TOYS 

Watch Shorty J get the phone in that ass

Word of advice however do not put phones up your butt, take a dick instead lol, enough said or be like porn star Shorty J if you can manage (scene pic above) who took a phone (encased in a condom) and his partner called him to let it vibrate while inside then they proceeded after removing it to penile penetration through to climax.

also see:
Anal sex does not complete us as male homosexuals 2013

Men who have anal sex with women are (likely to be) gay! ..... oh boi 

Phone Found in Prisoner’s Rectum for a Second Time in Lockup

Oh really! ............ Penile/anal penetration is NOT SEX Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society?

Are you a top or bottom?

Is douching all its cracked up to be?

Safer rimming or anilingus .......... tips & suggestions

Peace & tolerance

H

Sodomy is an Issue for Teens says Jamaicans for Justice Interim Chairman

As Jamaicans for Justice settles itself and the pending police investigations which to me is going too far in a witch hunt to punish someone continue the interim chairman has spoken again on the issue of sodomy, early initiation and youngsters as highlighted in today's Gleaner below. He had spoken to it in a radio interview in a previous post on this blog via RJR's Beyond The Headlines.

See that post here: Jamaicans for Justice Slowly Recovers & Appoints an Interim Board

Ryon Jones, Staff Reporter today reports:

Dr Barry Wade, the interim chairman of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), has declared that a controversial education programme introduced in six private children's homes by the under-fire human rights lobby was justified, arguing that many of the nation's children are being exposed to anal sex.

"A lot of the children in Jamaica are sodomised. That's the reality," Wade told The Sunday Gleaner shortly after his appointment was announced last week.

"What we were doing was helping the children with how to deal with it; first of all, how to avoid it, then how to report it in instances of it happening, and how to manage themselves in a sexually safe and sound way."

Copies of the course outline obtained by The Sunday Gleaner showed where the wards at these homes were taught that "vaginal sex, anal sex and oral sex are forms of sexual penetration".

actual slides from the instructor's version of the JFJ manual (not included in the article) 

The course outline went on to state: "Anal and oral sex have traditionally been frowned upon, but with time, these practices are becoming more accepted."

The children were urged to "use a condom and lubricant during anal sex" to protect themselves against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Despite Wade's utterances, chairman of the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, Dr Wayne West, believes information of that nature should not have been included in a course geared towards children.

"I would suggest that probably the more important thing is to make people aware of the risk and of the harm that persons who seek to do that to them are in fact doing to them, both physically and psychologically," West said.

"Sodomising children is a criminal offence, and if you are seeking to protect them, you seek not to make it safe, but tell them how to bring the perpetrators to justice. But I am not hearing Jamaicans for Justice doing that."

The sex-education programme, which started in the homes in October 2013 and wrapped up earlier this year, saw children as young as 11 years old being taught about what many consider controversial alternative sexual practices.

An interim report by the Child Development Agency (CDA) stated that a review of the content of the JFJ training programme found that sections were "inappropriate for the age cohort and a departure from that approved by the Ministry of Education for use in public schools".

NECESSARY COURSE

But Wade, who was last Tuesday co-opted as chairman of a provisional 10-member board, believes the type of information the children were exposed to was necessary.

"The youngsters who we were engaging with, many of them were already sexually active, and that is a problem in many of the children's homes. These children - willingly or unwillingly - are being exposed to these things," Wade argued. "The purpose of the programme was to indicate to them that these things were there, how they could handle it, and how they could protect themselves in such situations. They weren't being introduced to something that they either had no knowledge of or that was outside of the so-called Jamaican culture. This is reality for many of the youngsters in the children's homes, so the context in which it was being taught was a very real one."

West is, however, of the view that if Wade and the other interim board members continue to sing from the same hymn book as the previous board, and do not get back to the organisation's roots, the JFJ will struggle to regain the confidence of Jamaicans.

"When they (JFJ) came into being, they were protecting the right to life, which would be of the citizens, and they were very good at that, and what they were doing was a good thing," West said. "The question of sexual rights is a whole new concept, which does not have international support and which, from the perspective of culture, may be something that the vast majority of Jamaican persons will not embrace. The concept that young people 10 years old have a right to sex as they choose is a cultural phenomenon that Jamaicans may not accept. So, to the extent that Jamaicans for Justice plans to include that in their mandate and continue to pursue it, it will, I think, give them a challenge to their image."

The training programme, titled 'Realising Sexual and Reproductive Health Responsibly: JFJ's Pilot Intervention in Children's Homes', was undertaken without the knowledge of the CDA or the relevant ministry at Alpha Boys' Home, St John's Bosco, Jamaica National Children's Home, Sunbeam Home for Boys, Elsie Bemand Home for Girls, and Best Care Children's Home.

The police are currently carrying out investigations into the programme to ascertain whether the Child Care and Protection Act and the Offences Against the Person Act were breached, and if anyone should face charges.

ENDS

Frankly the JCHS will do anything to oppose "homosexuality" as it were alongside the recently formed Jamaica CAUSE as as well og which Dr Wayne West is a founding member so I am not surprised at the well crafted rebuttal that really means nothing in the final analysis.

Even when common sense should prevail we see rubbish before us, this course is needed the only thing that has and still bothers me is the bypassing of the constituted authority which is the Child Development Agency, CDA as is legally required and the fact that they with all the proxy and monitoring powers they have of children's homes with abilities to not seek permission from their administrators to access the wards of the state did not see or hear of this seven month long course, someone is not speaking the truth.

Let us watch this development, I hope the JFJ regains its position of trust and the principles which it has come to be known via public advocacy, transparency, good governance and accountability.

A letter in the Jamaica Observer August 4 challenges the legality of the board which raises more questions of in-fighting:

It Read:

Dear Editor,

It is necessary to challenge by what authority do Dr Barry Wade and other members of the newly announced Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) board of directors act.

Only two board members remained following the children's homes 'scandal' that caused the majority of board members to resign.

It is written in the JFJ Board of Directors Manual, Item 2(f) iii that the board shall consist of no less than seven persons. Therefore, new elections should have been held at the recent JFJ extraordinary general meeting to select new directors to direct the affairs of JFJ. This did not happen.

The so-called new board of directors has no authority to act on behalf of JFJ. A properly constituted board of directors needs to be elected forthwith.

Beverly Sinclair
sinclairbv311@yahoo.com
Kingston 8

I am sure this is not the end of this as some persons seek to de-legitimize the work of JFJ apparently. 

And as sure as I gave the last update above here comes another:

August 4
KINGSTON, Jamaica:  Wade Insists JFJ Board is OK

Interim chairman of Jamaicans for Justice, Dr Barry Wade is today insisting that the interim board of the human rights lobby group was constitutionally appointed.

JFJ has been plunged into crisis over its unauthorised implementation of a sex education course in six privately-run children’s homes.

The human rights group has also been facing a leadership meltdown following mass resignations and counterclaims over who is responsible for the introduction of anal and oral sex content as part of the course.

The interim board was appointed last week during an emergency meeting of JFJ’s membership.

However, following the announcement, questions have been raised in some sectors about the constitutionality of the board.

According to the Interim Chairman, the group’s constitution gives remaining board members the authority to co-opt to the JFJ.

He says this is what was done for the interim board.
Peace and tolerance

H

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

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


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

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

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

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

speaking of manual grab the actual manual here:

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

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

The Gleaner story today read in part:

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

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

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

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

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

NO APOLOGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Excuse me!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ex-prisoners.

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

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

ENDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

also see

Urgent need for sex & sexuality to be discussed nationally 2012

Minister of Education says no to condoms in schools & grooming of children to see homosexuality as accepted

Insensitive parents & Displaced MSM part 2

Talk 'bout what you love (Observer) 2011

Gay Parenting (a view on the ground) Functional Bisexuality, family units & the discourse

Gay Parenting (a view on the ground) (repost from 09) ........ International Family Day

Paedophilia, the predominant sexual aberration says Psychiatrist and the church’s response.

And to think in April of this year the Observer carried this: What would you do if your child was gay? now hysteria as of late. A church march is planned for June 29 in Half Way Tree Square supposedly in opposition to the "homosexual agenda"

Mi gone fi now yah

UPDATE June 23 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

BLAINE NOT SURPRISED

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

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

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

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

Yield No Ground To Gays 

Jamaica at a crossroads

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

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

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

source Statistical Institute of Jamaica

My comment on the article pending approval on the Gleaner:

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

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

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

The gay agenda is to muzzle the press

On hubris and the rights of the child

Peace and tolerance

H