Vatican says cover-up accusations due to Pope's opposition to gay rights

Vatican officials have refuted claims that the Pope was involved in a cover-up of the child abuse scandal, saying that the allegations are part of a "hate campaign" against him.

Two senior cardinals suggested on Tuesday that the claims were revenge for Pope Benedict's opposition to gay marriage and abortion, AP reports.

Spanish Cardinal Julian Herranz, head of the disciplinary commission for Holy See officials, said on Vatican Radio: "The pope defends life and the family, based on marriage between a man and a woman, in a world in which powerful lobbies would like to impose a completely different [agenda]."

Meanwhile, dean of the College of Cardinals, Angelo Sodano, told Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romana: "The pope embodies moral truths that aren't accepted, and so, the shortcomings and errors of priests are used as weapons against the church."

The Pope recently launched an unprecedented attack on UK equality legislation, saying it went against natural law. He also said in 2008 that gay and trans people were a threat to humanity and has criticised gay marriage laws in countries such as Portugal.

He has refused to comment on the paedophile priests scandal, despite the numerous allegations aired in the last month in Ireland, Austria, the United States and Germany, the Pope's home country.

There have been allegations that he was aware of paedophiles continuing to work as priests and allowed them to do so.

He was Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1977 to 1982 and it was alleged earlier this month that he sent one paedophile priest to therapy in 1980. The priest reoffended and was convicted, although he continues to work as a priest to this day.

Abuse victims have spoken of being made to sign confidentially agreements about their experiences under the threat of excommunication.

They say they want an apology from the Pope and compensation.

http://gay.pinknews.co.uk/2010/04/08/vatican-says-cover-up-accusations-due-to-popes-opposition-to-gay-rights/

US pays star witness $270 million in Buju case (says Herald)

The US government’s star witness in the case against Jamaican singer Buju Banton is being paid US$3.3 million.

The convicted drug trafficker who provided information used by Federal Law Enforcement agencies in the case against the reggae singer, travelled with him on a flight from Barcelona to Miami.

Mark Myrie, popularly known as Buju Banton, is languishing in a US jail awaiting trial for charges of possession and intent to distribute cocaine.

The informant, who sources alleged should have been deported, was permitted to stay in the US after deciding to co-operate with US law enforcement in the prosecuting the Jamaican singer.

Based on information disclosed in US District Court Middle District of Florida Tampa Division early last month, the informant has not paid his taxes and another judge found him to be untruthful in another matter. Additionally, the court on March 4 ordered full disclosure off all cases in which the informant has testified.

Recommendations or other favourable treatment from prosecutors or law enforcement with regard to the informant’s immigration status and the civil matter involving a tax lien and debt currently being negotiated between him and the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) Buju’s counsel David Oscar Markus said, “I’m still awaiting specific information relating to law enforcement assistance to the informant concerning visas to continue cooperation.

In addition, two agents appeared at the deportation hearing on the informant’s behalf. Markus disclosed that the prosecution was tardy in handing over important details such as the informant’s plea agreement from his original criminal case and agreements with law enforcement, and transcripts of his testimony.

The attorney argued that the trial was fast approaching on Tuesday April 20 and he needed the immigration information to effectively cross-examine the government’s witness. In addition, defense attorney Markus said the informant has not turned over items that were acknowledged that must be disclosed.

If the DEA has provided any assistance to the informant, Markus said, such information including the quantum and the government’s position must be disclosed. All of this, the attorney argued, goes to honesty, bias and motive to curry favour with the government.

US promoters worried over artistes visa woes (Star News)

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

With the United States visa of several artistes being revoked, promoters of reggae and dancehall events in the United States are very worried.

Only last week, the Fraud Prevention Arm of the United States Embassy in Kingston, in a document obtained by THE STAR, said the visas of Bounty Killer, Mavado, Beenie Man, Aidonia and selector Ricky Trooper were in the process of being cancelled. This only adds to the list of top local artistes, including Busy Signal and Vybz Kartel, who no longer hold US visas.

The news shocked many people in the reggae/dancehall industry, especially promoters in the US who regularly host shows with these artistes.

Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Media, said he is concerned about the future of his event, Irie Jamboree, and other events that are held in New York.

"As a promoter, I am very concerned, very nervous. I am very unsure of the future promotions of reggae events in the New York area. This is a very sad day in the history of reggae. About 85 per cent of the people named for revocation were acts we were in negotiations with.," he said.

Adding, "The promotion (of Irie Jamboree) would not be effective if we don't confirm artistes early. If we don't have anything confirmed, we can't promote," he said of the event that is scheduled for September.

not pleased

"I am hoping that it will be resolved as soon as possible. We need to find a way to fix our industry that we started."

Clarke said the timing was especially bad for his counterpart in Florida, Jabba, who will be hosting Best of the Best in May.

While he remains optimistic, Clarke said he is not pleased with the situation and how it will affect everyone.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of revenue for anybody in this music fraternity," he said noting that a lot of people depend on these entertainers for their survival.

In the meantime, he said promoters will have to find alternatives for events like using sound systems.

An alternative is what G City, of Road Block Radio in New Jersey, said one of his associates will have to find if he is to host his show this week, as the two headliners were Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.

"They are basically fishing around to try and find a substitution," he said.

With his event, New Jersey Fest scheduled for August, G City is also in a tight spot.

"It is gonna affect us tremendously. This is a big setback for the concert community in the tri-state area. We wish all the artistes a speedy recovery 'cause of course it's a damage right now. That's gonna be a big blow for the dancehall/reggae scene. Summer time is when they put in a lot of their work," he told THE STAR.

Dave Rodney, a media and events marketing consultant, said the timing was especially bad.

"It is not good news at all. It comes at a bad time. It comes when tours are being prepared for the summer season," said Rodney, who has worked with events like Irie Jamboree, World Creole Music Festival, New Jersey Reggae Fest and Sweet Auburn Spring Festival.

"The economy is still bad, so concert promoters had already been hurting in terms of trying to bring out maximum numbers. If there are more cancellations, it will be a big blow for the reggae concert circuit."

Rodney said people are already spending less of their income on entertainment. In addition, he said it is hard to get sponsorship for events in the very challenging economy.

"It really makes the tour circuit very challenging. It paints a grim situation for reggae," he told THE STAR.

The Walk for Tolerance ...... scenes and more

the ambulance parked nearby to assist just in case the heat got too much for the participants
Interpride representative taking shots of the walk
poignant message
Esteemed MCC Reverends Nancy L. Wilson and Robert Griffin
the flagggggggg
A success ...... yesssssss!

The Walk for Tolerance (April 7, 2010) as launched by Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) and The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) group from Florida and the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) went on unimpeded that is of course until the media got hold on footage and photos of the actual walk then questions are now being raised by many public commentators as to the genuine nature of the walk. Was it really for HIV/AIDS issues as they say or was a gay agenda involved? One radio personality asked. Of note TVJ television Jamaica reported that members of the gay community participated in a Walk for Tolerance and the footage clearly highlighted the LGBT elements of the event pointing out the openly lesbian MCC leader Nancy L. Wilson and Reverend Robert Griffin . Other international LGBT groups were also present namely Interpride, the International Association of GLBTI Pride Coordinators. www.interpride.org, Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition CVC, Sunshine Cathedral Jamaica (all three chapters, the parent church being MCC in Florida) and Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays (JFLAG). I was invited but had prior commitments so I was unable to attend but from the looks of it the balanced reports and exclusive photos I have received it seemed to have gone over well.

The Chairman of Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, Mr. Ian McKnight was interviewed on Nationwide FM radio afterwards where he was quizzed as to the real reasons for the walk, the hosts Owner and manager of Nationwide Radio Cliff Hughes and one Ealon Parkinson pressed the Chair if the walk were a guise to push the envelope of the gay agenda without saying it in so many words, Mr. McKnight responded by saying it was a mix of faith based groups and civil society with representatives from the Ministry of Health pushing for the need for tolerance for persons living with HIV/AIDS and other minority groups affected by same . The reason why Montego Bay was chosen for the march he said was to highlight the higher instances of infection rates in that side of the country than elsewhere and to tackle the issue of discrimination towards persons living with HIV. I am not so sure he was able to diffuse the perception that there was a strong gay agenda intertwined in yesterday’s exercise as one commentator on another radio station remarked at the large gay coloured flag that was present in the march as told to him and the tone of the signage used by the participants. Several newscasts also used language to the effect that openly gay persons marched in Montego Bay.

When asked if another such march would take place Mr. McKnight was careful to contextualise the reason for it to happen, he said that with the high rates on infection within the transactional and commercial sex groupings in the tourist areas they (JASL and possibly others) would target a similar area on the north coast, that sounds to me like Ocho Rios where JASL also has an office that serves the public including GLBTQ people through GLABCOM (Gay Lesbian and Bisexual Community Outreach).

Whether the organizations in question will be able to host another such walk is unclear as this one came in quietly through the back door and surprised even members of the GLBTQ community who were not told of the walk until they saw it on television or on the internet. The down side to this is that many feel the groups involved are too selective about whom they want to have in these activities and in a way they feel left out of the loop. I am sure the press is not going to let this one slide so easily as JASL already has a reputation over its head but with this successful walk they are going to be scrutinised much more from now on whenever they launch any other public education drives or similar activities.

Tents were set up by an area after the walk from the Montego Bay shopping centre to the dump up beach where a mini conference was held with HIV testing and talks conducted.

Let’s watch the aftermath of this one folks.

Peace and tolerance

H

Don't Blame Homophobia on God (Kweerspirit)

(a rant by Durrell Watkins, M.A., M.Div., D.Min. of MCC Florida)

A fundamentalist defender of homophobia recently quoted the bible verses below and added the rhetorical question, “How much clearer could the bible be?”

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6.9-10 (NIV)

1. 1 Corinthians 6.9-10 is not “the bible.” It is a statement, made by the Apostle Paul in mid-first century in a letter he wrote to a particular church about particular issues in that community. That letter, MUCH later, was included in the bible. We are talking about one sentence from an ancient letter from a man who assumed the world was flat to a community other than one any of us find ourselves today. This is hardly a council of the gods of Olympus voting unanimously to dehumanize all same-gender loving people for all time!

2. Regardless of what Paul believed, are we not (even as faithful people) free to disagree with him? We (surely!) disagree with the biblical statement, “slaves obey your masters.” Many (though sadly not all) disagree with the statements, “women remain silent in church” and “wives submit to your husbands.” One of the commandments (about which the bible could not be much clearer) is to avoid idolatry. I won’t make an idol of Paul or of the bible or of homophobia.

I won’t confuse Paul’s culturally shaped opinions with God’s own prejudices! To do so would be to try to limit God to the words of Paul, and that would be idolatry (and by the way, idolaters are in the list that someone believed to be so “clear”).

3. The passage, or rather the fragment from a much larger missive, in question was written in an ancient language that has been translated (after being hand copied many times). Translations always involve the choices and even biases of the translator (which isn’t a criticism; it’s just how it works). For example, the translators of the version of the bible quoted above chose to use the words “homosexual offenders” to translate the ancient Greek word in the text.
However, the world “homosexual” is rather new (coined in the 19th century), so it would not have been Paul’s choice in any language!

Moreover, even given the translation used above, the text doesn’t say “same gender loving people.” It doesn’t even say, “those who experience same-gender attraction.” It definitely doesn’t say, “those who find themselves in consensual, adult relationships.” It says, “homosexual offenders”. What is an “offender”?

Does that mean “rapist”? Does it mean a heterosexual person who “offends” his wife by cheating on her with a man? Or, given the context of the passage (“male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders”), does it mean male prostitutes and those men who pay for their services? The passage is ambiguous, not clear. There are many possible understandings other than blanket condemnation of LBGT people.

There are only about 6 biblical proof-texts (which prove almost nothing) to which homophobic religionists cling to justify their fear of same-gender love and attraction. And yet, fear (and the hatred that results) seems so inconsistent with the God that is said to be “Love.”

In fact, even St. Paul said, “Those who love their fellow human-beings have fulfilled the law” (Romans 13). Judging, condemning, hating, vilifying in the name of God…that seems to me to be using God’s name in vain (whoops! There goes another commandment).

In the end, I suppose everyone has a right to his or her prejudices. But own them; don’t try to blame them on God.

--Durrell Watkins
www.kweerspirit.com

Travel guide says Jamaica not gay friendly

According to the STAR NEWS

Cheapflights UK, a popular online resource that provides information on travel, including guides, tips and flight information, has released a list of the top-five places gay travellers should stay away from.

At the top of that list is Jamaica.

In an article posted on marketwire.com, the organisation announced that it compiled a list of the best and worst places for gays to travel, in commemoration of the the many cities and countries that have legalised civil partnerships between gays.

After describing the top-five locations, which included San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Provincetown, in the United States, as well as Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the article went on to describe the five worst locations.

It said: "Of course, the news isn't always good when it comes to diversity. Believe it or not, there are still several places in this modern world where being gay is actually illegal and can actually result in abuse and even arrest in some cases.

So as well as telling travellers where they should go, we also highlight where they shouldn't".

The list of the five places to stay away from includes Jamaica, Fiji, Poland, Nicaragua and Mauritius.

Wayne Cummings, head of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, said while he was not aware of the article, he was not concerned that it would adversely affect Jamaica's tourism product.

He said: "I don't think it will really affect us. We tend to appeal to a more mainstream market and the same sex market tends to be informed about the benefits of coming to a place like Jamaica.

While it is disturbing to know that the travelling public may think Jamaica is unsafe, we have some laws, be it archaic or not, and we have to work within those parameters."

Prevention knowledge on HIV high nationally but myths & other issues affect knowledge indicators.

During a radio discussion this morning on HOT 102FM with representatives from the National Program through the Ministry of Health and PANCAP, the matter of HIV/AIDS was discussed overall, the MSM community was mentioned in as far as our high rates of infections were concerned and the moral issues attached. The experts suggested that the respective HIV/AIDS activists be they governmental or private find ways to solve the causes of the high rates and not just deal with the symptoms despite sexual orientation.

Despite all the HIV/AIDS, Sexual Transmitted Infections education programs prevention knowledge is high at 70% but myths still affect the work and outreach hence overall knowledge indicators have dropped to 40% when the ideal situation calls for a 90% rate.

There have been gains as mother to child transmission over the years the knowledge is present but it is not being transformed into the requisite behaviour change for reductions in infection rates.

Some areas briefly examined:
Prevalence rate in the general population is 1.6% and considered a generalized epidemic.

Among men who have sex with men the rate of infection is now 30% based on the last national study in that group done in 2007

Among commercial sex workers one in ten pen persons or ten percent (10%) are infected which is far higher than the MSM group combined but also includes male sex workers as well.

Amongst crack cocaine and other hard drug users the prevalence rate is 5%

Multiple risk factors are identified chief among them are multiple partners where some 60% of the males surveyed in the general count reported that they had more than two partners in the last twelve months.

Transactional sex was identified in and outside of commercial sex work where persons engage in sex for favours such as “top up sex” where sex is exchanged for phone credit or minutes purchased or high end transactions where bills, rent, tuition, an apartment or gifts are purchased in exchange for sexual favours especially with men in position of power in the white collar environment. This carried a high risk, 20% of the population have reported they have engaged in such activity.

Some actions taken through the national program include prevention messages, early childhood interventions that highlight recognition of self and sexuality, negotiation of safer sex and letting persons understand really what HIV is along with other sexually transmitted infections. Risk of transmission and empowerment of young persons are recently added areas that are and will be stressed through the Ministry of Health.

Gender inequality and other social ills were brought into the mix as possible factors for or to influence HIV infection rates. Cultural issues need to be addressed and those are not simple. In as far as the millennium development goals stress eradicating the epidemic and universal access to treatment to improve the life of PLWHAs.

Generalized epidemic refers to a prevalence rate of 1% and above the development goals seek to get that down to less than 1% however prevalence is interpreted as the total number of cases but with improved treatment the total number of cases will increase by virtue of persons living longer and better quality of life but at the same time the expectation is decrease the total number of cases by preventing new infections therefore it is hard to determine the rise and fall of the prevalence rate overall bearing in mind the new factors affecting it. One would have to measure new infections to see that side of the equation. Treatment not only has implications for better and longer quality of life but also prevention effects as well as persons on antiretroviral drugs are less infectious although they still have HIV/AIDS thus impacting on the rate of infection as transmission is less likely.

There is a need to push for reduction of infection rates in the age groups of 15 – 24 as this cohort is ore likely to be the bulk of new infections as a myriad of factors are at play here chief among them is age mixing sexual activity.

Younger persons are having sex with older men and women thus increasing their risk for acquisition. Condom use or proper condom use is of concern as many persons know the messages but lack the skill in negotiation and application of a condom during sex.

My added two cents to this in as far as the MSM community is concerned is a lack of sustained and properly structured intervention programs that will have some impact on empowerment and self reliance and development. Maybe we are going to have to work with the national program’s structure despite the political sensitivities as they don’t really want to be seen working openly with this group given the buggery law and such.

More on this as it unfolds.

Peace and tolerance

H

London, Equality Bill passes through parliament

London, Equality Bill passes through parliament
The Equality Bill has passed through its final stages in parliament and will now become law after receiving royal assent.

The bill, which gives new protections to gay people, was sent for royal assent last night.

It is designed to consolidate and simplify existing equality laws, encompassing characteristics such as race, gender and sexual orientation.

A flagship feature of the bill is equality duty on all public bodies, which will require institutions such as schools, councils and the NHS to actively promote equality.

Employers will be permitted to use positive action to select candidates from under-represented groups when two people applying for a job have the same qualifications.

The bill will also prohibit private members’ clubs from discriminating against members or guests based on their sexual orientation or gender reassignment and introduce the concept of “dual discrimination”, where people can show they were discriminated because, for example, they are both gay and of an ethnic minority.

An amendment added last month will allow gay couples to have their civil partnerships in church.

However, the bill has been criticised by gay groups, opposition politicians and secular groups for a number of "grey areas".

One contentious issue is harassment protection for gay people, which critics say does not exist in the bill. The government has said gay people are already protected from harassment due to direct discrimination laws and that there was a duty for schools to continue the existing ban on discrimination.

Trans campaigners argue that there is not enough protection for the many people who live as the opposite gender but have chosen not to seek medical treatment.

The government said last month it would not continue to fight the House of Lords over an amendment clarifying who churches can refuse employment to.

Provisions in the bill would have clarified the law requiring churches only to discriminate in terms of sexual orientation when hiring those who will teach doctrine or lead worship.

But after the Pope publicly criticised the bill, equality minister Harriet Harman backed down. She is thought to have made the climbdown to avoid a continuing dispute with church leaders.

The new laws will begin to take effect in the autumn. The public sector equality duty will be introduced in April 2011, while provisions to ban age discrimination and force companies to reveal pay packets will come into force in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

http://gay.pinknews.co.uk/2010/04/07/equality-bill-passes-through-parliament/

LGBT History: Constitution of the Gay Freedom Movement of Jamaica, West Indies: January 13, 1980

Great news as GAY Freedom Movement archives are finally in the hands of the originators of the movement, the first actual gay group in Jamaica launched in the late seventies, 1974 to 76 to be precise. It consisted of some 6 persons including a Jesuit priest and named as follows: Joseph Owens, Clive Wilson, Gary Muirhead with its very vocal out and proud General Secretary then Mr. Larry Chang who now resides overseas. 

You can find more information under the tabs Gay Freedom Movement and LGBT History Month.

I am pleased that the founders have also decided to share some of the pieces themselves as I have been sharing some on my blogs both here and on GLBTQ Jamaica and HERE as well.

Not many younger persons are aware of the development of this group at all so it would be good to have this information now readily available.

Please click the photo above or here

Constitution of the Gay Freedom Movement of Jamaica, West Indies: January 13, 1980

to see the original version of the Gay Freedom Movement's Constitution as posted on OUTHistory.org or HERE and also on the host site for the retrieved archives International Resource Network (IRN) where they captioned the following:

The Gay Freedom Movement in Jamaica (GFM) was formed in 1974 as the first movement in the English Speaking Caribbean to seek rights for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) people.

It focused on consciousness-raising within the LGBT community and professional organizations; issued a newsletter - the Jamaica Gaily News (JGN); and ran a Gay Youth Program, Prison Outreach Program and a free STD clinic.General Secretary, Larry Chang, who was also publisher and editor of JGN, was the first Jamaican to come out publicly, being interviewed on radio and the then JBC-TV and through his letters to the press.

These archives consist of the papers which relate to the work of the GFM which Mr Chang kept in his possession until he left Jamaica in 2000. The documents were kept by the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (JFLAG).

The digitization of this archive was made possible through a City University of New York Diversity Grant. Special thanks to Stephanie Harvey, who organized and digitized the archive, and to Marianne LaBatto and the entire Brooklyn College Division of Archives & Special Collections, which facilitated that process.

This material is contributed to the Digital Library of the Caribbean by the Caribbean IRN, a network that connects activists, scholars, artists and other individuals and organizations who do research and work on issues related to diverse genders and sexualities in the Caribbean. For more information about the Caribbean IRN, please visit our website www.irnweb.organd select Latin America / Caribbean Region. Also feel free to email us at caribbeanirn@gmail.com.

I look forward to many more posts like this to share this information and I will share what I can about the Gay Freedom Movement as well.

We certainly need to know our past so we can move forward.

Peace & Tolerance

H

US Coy Why Jamaican Haters' Visas Revoked (Petrelis Files)

Michael Petrelis posts:

The State Department's revocation of visas for five Jamaican hate singers this week continued to generate media attention on the island over the weekend, and the top item that caught my eye was this claim about U.S. silence regarding the canceled visas in the Jamaica Observer:

Are concerns about homophobia behind the recent travel bans? We do not know and the United States will not say. After all, they owe us no explanation. The granting of a visa is a privilege, not a right. Of course, the current detention of Buju is seen by many in Jamaica to be part of a grand homosexual conspiracy. [...]

The State Department is apparently more than content to let rumors fly about why the performers won't be allowed into America, and I have no problem with Jamaican musicians, political leaders and media outlets speculating on the possible gay angle because it keeps Jamaica's gay-related problems in the public eye, but I also want the U.S. to clearly spell out its reasoning.

Whose interests are served by the State Department unwillingness to provide transparency to the revocations? Whatever the reasons, gay- or criminally-related, the U.S. shouldn't be coy.

And is that grand ol' homo conspiracy something I can become part of? I'd like to join it and help make additional trouble for the Jamaican singers who incite violence against gays.

The Jamaica Observer provides more info about the wide range of travel troubles for many acts:

What is more is that the Europeans are becoming increasingly reluctant to grant visas to Jamaican acts due to what are reported to be homophobic concerns and the Barbadian government (through the intervention of Prime Minister David Thompson) recently cancelled a show featuring Mavado and Kartel in Bridgetown, pointing to an accelerating trend to restrict Jamaican artistes from performing in Caribbean territories. [...]

That trend is part of the universal message to Jamaican performers to curb their hatred and murder music, if they want to travel to other markets and turn a profit. Speaking of making money off hating gay people, the Jamaica Gleaner reports the acts who won't be coming here, are crying all the way to the poorhouse:

Local dancehall stars Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Mavado and Aidonia, as well as selector Ricky Trooper, are set to lose millions of dollars in earnings based on United States decision to revoke their visas.

Last Wednesday, news came that the US had decided to revoke the visas of the five but, so far, there has been no word from the embassy in St Andrew as to why.

And even as Jamaicans speculate about the reason for the about-turn from the US Embassy, the fact is the decision brings devastating financial consequences for the four deejays and one sound-system operator. [...]

To drive the crocodile tears point home, the Jamaica Observer ran this editorial cartoon, featuring Prime Minister Bruce Golding answering the door and finding three of the singers pleading for help:



Let's hope none of the visa troubles adversely impact upon the April 7 Walk for Tolerance, being organized by the Jamaican AIDS Support and JFLAG orgs.

United States Embassy’s Fraud Prevention Unit revokes Jamaican Entertainers visas.

click photo for the Star News version

In a suprise move by the United States Embassy’s Fraud Prevention Unit, they issued a statement which was posted at The Sangster’s International Airport naming several big named dancehall artists. Curiously this has come on the heels of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Kenneth Baugh’s presentation appearing at the Standing Finance Committee on March 31, 2010 answering questions posed by the People’s National Party opposition where he essentially said that Jamaican artistes are facing opposition from other countries because of their bad behavior. Interestingly Latin American states have now joined in the banning of several acts either because of said bad behavior, violent lyrics and the homophobic stance taken by some of the artists.

Speculation on video with firearm and current extradition issue

There is a video that is alleged to have been placed on YouTube by one of the named artists in a drunken state boasting and grandstanding about having his visas and the usual shenanigans along with several members of his entourage where a gun was drawn and shown in the clip. He also pulled out his passport and showed it to the camera containing several visas, speculation is rife that this was one of the mitigating factors that led to the United States action, the video was said to be shot in Atlanta at the time. The video is very popular and is the subject of several chats by other DJs on sound systems and dub plates that make reference to it. The current “Dudus” Coke extradition matter has been linked to this recent move by the United States embassy although it is considered a secondary matter but not far from the recent vigilant actions by them. As we may now know the hot issue of the Jamaican government not acceding to the request to extradite the gentleman to face various drug related and murder charges in the US where the ruling JLP linked strongman has been kept here because the Prime Minster pointed out in Parliament that the United States authorities breached the way they obtained evidence via the wire tapping done on Mr. Coke’s phone. So by virtue of that he will not be extradited as the PM said the Extradition Treatise was broken and Jamaican laws were breached by the United States.

Some details of the Memorandum

Bracketed information was added by yours truly, bear in mind also that it is unclear if the revoked visas constitutes all the visas issued to or held by the named individuals.

The named artists, their passport numbers, date of birth and US visas control numbers were posted at the Sangster Airport in Montego Bay in the directive issued to the American based and other airlines that have routes to the US by the embassy.

The memo as reported read as follows:

To Whom It May Concern,

The embassy of the United States in Kingston Jamaica is in the process of revoking the visas of the following citizens of Jamaica. The people mentioned here currently hold a US visa that we have not yet able to physically cancel, do not allow these passengers to board any flights bound for the United States in reliance on this visa. The specific information is as follows:

Garfield Augustus McKoy aka Ricky Trooper (sound system operator) 2 visas revoked

Moses Anthony Davis aka Beenieman (popular Dancehall DJ, self proclaimed king of dancehall, 3 visas revoked

Sheldon Ricardo Aitana Lawrence aka Aidonia or Idonia (Fast rising Dancehall DJ) 1 visa revoked

David Constantine Brooks aka Mavado or Movado (controversial Dancehall DJ) 2 visas revoked

Rodney Basil Pryce aka Bounty Killa (veteran Dancehall DJ) 2 visas revoked

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of state of Visa services in the United States Miss Janice Jacobs has been quoted as saying that the state department is continually receiving information that affects the eligibility of aliens to hold their visas she continued that any information received subsequent to the visa issued that calls into question the suitability of the visa holder as a potential threat to the security of the United States that visa will be revoked.

One wonders if the present Buju Banton case as well is an underlying factor as he is accused of being involved in drug activity. The Homophobic lyrics as performed over time by some of these artistes listed seem to be a non issue or if so is at the bottom of the list of reasons for the revocation of the visas be they working or visiting.

The plot thickens over these cross cutting issues let us continue to watch and track what goes down folks, I hope there are no negative fallouts as it relates to the gay community here or other national diplomatic relations between ourselves and the United States.

Peace and tolerance

H

Buju Banton's Lawyer Wants Details on prosecution’s Confidential Witness

Mr. David Oscar Marcus the lawyer representing jailed dancehall/reggae act Buju Banton has demanded the details of the prosecution’s confidential witness on Monday March 29, 2010 via an application filed in a middle district Florida court. The prosecution was accused of not disclosing more facts about their confidential source despite the court’s order to them to do so. Mr. Marcus said the information is needed urgently as the April 19 trial date draws near. The defense according to Mr. Marcus has so far found out that confidential source was paid an alleged three plus million dollars and the name of the individual.

He is said to be a convicted drug trafficker and that he should have been deported but was allowed to stay in the country due to cooperation the defense said information from the prosecution shows allegedly that the confidential source owes taxes and another judge had found him untruthful. Mr. Marcus says that the prosecution complies with the disclosure order as a matter of importance as witch was so given on March 4, 2010 originally. The disclosure should also reveal cases in which the confidential source was said to have testified as well as recommendations and other favourable treatment from prosecutors or law enforcement regarding the sources immigration status, the defense also wants to know about the civil matter involving tax debts being negotiated between the confidential source and the IRS. He said the information is needed to effectively cross examine the government’s witness.

Buju Banton is answering charges of Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

The emergency motion that was asked of the court by his legal team in Florida to remove, transfer or bail him from the county jail where he is presently incarcerated was denied. His lawyer had told the court that since his arrest in December 2009 Buju Banton had lost some 40 pounds and has not been provided with the vegetarian diet as his religious beliefs dictate. Mr. Marcus said Buju is being treated in an inhumane way as he was sent out of the general population to the maximum security wing of the facility because he had the audacity to share his food with another inmate the court however found that the allegations of inhumane treatment and unfair treatment in lockup cannot be proven. The US magistrate presiding at the time ordered on Monday march 24, 2010 that Buju be detained pending the final outcome of the trial he also ordered that the reggae star be afforded reasonable opportunity to private consultations with his attorney.

Contrary government records and court matters

The government exhibits according to the presiding magistrate tell a different story, according to the judge Buju Banton gained 11 pounds since January 5, 2010 when he was taken to the county jail. Government documents also reveal that his weight gain may have resulted from him consuming meat products such as ham, chicken, tuna, sausage, cheese and other non vegetarian purchases at the commissary while he was housed in the general population section of the facility. A jail official named Captain Fletcher was said to have told the court that the first he heard of Buju Banton’s special dietary needs was days before the court hearing on March 24, 2010. The magistrate says the court cannot overlook the fact that concerns about Buju’s weight were never previously raised with the court until the defendant was transferred from one section of the jail to another, the magistrate said the wardens were right to transfer Buju from the central division to the south division of the jail due to him sharing his food with another inmate. Captain Fletcher testified that the jail prohibits inmates from giving away food as it is a valuable commodity in jail and can be wrongfully used by inmates however that was not the reason why Buju Banton was transferred to the south division.

The court found evidence that Buju Banton violated jail rules not only by giving away food to another inmate but by confronting one Corporal Johnson when he was being reprimanded about it. The magistrate found that the core of Buju’s displeasure is his transfer to the other section where certain amenities do not exist as previously. There is said to be no running hot water, no microwave oven and less access to the recreation yard. Contrary to Buju Banton’s assertion of him being moved to a maximum security wing the south section is not so.

He will not get any special treatment than any of the other inmates the magistrate hinted.

So we now see the real reason for the transfer as I had hinted in a previous post that just the sharing of food alone could not have been it. While I can understand the need for council to represent their client I am still weary of his conduct and presentation as a lawyer it looks on the face of it all kinds of moves are being made to present a sympathetic stance in the eyes of the public. Public sentiments though concerned has died down considerably as other legal, national and entertainment issues have taken center stage and the slow pace of the trial issue isn’t helping either as Jamaicans are known to have a short attention span.

One thing is for certain there is still a belief that he is being set up by the gay community as punishment for his anti gay stance and the Boom Bye Bye song recorded several years ago which is still available today.

Let’s watch this carefully as I want to see a fair trial without the cloudy gay issue spoiling it.

Peace and tolerance

H