The Safe House Project 2009 for Displaced & Homeless MSM/Transgender reviewed & more


In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ Youth in New Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Justice Minister exploits homophobia to gain CCJ support




Justice should be blind

Justice Minister suggests CCJ may preserve the buggery law, Privy Council would not if left as our final court.

This entry can easily double as one of my Line in the sand for the PNP series I am running on this blog. See previous parts for that: 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 & 8 & 9 & 10

Mark Golding

today's Gleaner headline has the PNP worrying in my view

So the Justice Minister in a desperate bid in my eyes to gain ground and support in the aftermath of the Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ stalled debate in the Senate and the bathroom break shenanigans, a headstrong idiotic senate presidents, misogynistic senators complete with suspensions and video footage has said that a referendum maybe the way out to solve the CCJ matter if the three bills now in flux on the floor remain there, we have a parliamentary opposition that has still refused to return to the chambers of the upper house in protest of the treatment of Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte and that of her suspension in that same debate has said no to the CCJ as or final court. They are demanding an apology while the dead babies’ scandal rumbles on with leaks of the guarded so called audit of the hospitals. 

old Clovis toon

Given the Jamaica Labour Party JLP’s re-commitment in the form of pandering to the religious right groups on opposing any Buggery Law amendments or repeal via a referendum on the matter as well the Justice Minister has suggested that he expects a constitutional challenge to the buggery law and that it may go all the way passed the constitutional court all the way to a final court.

Political parties tend to degenerate while in power and strengthen in opposition as the ruling one thrive on their feelings of importance in the Yes Minister! Euphoria, if not arrogance and narcissism. The Simpson Miller is hemorrhaging and is being hammered hence any straw it can grab then so be it. Take note of the PSOJ, JMA & the Chamber of Commerce who are big PNP supporters have been sounding rumblings of discontent.

I hope this is a temporary madness on the Justice Minister’s part. Fearmongering and exploiting homophobia to gain votes.

The subtext from the Justice Minister is clear as a bell to me, the buggery law won’t be changed by him or even via any court challenge at the appellate level and as for conscience votes, nowhere in sight and sound, in other words screw the suggested (promised for some) buggery review while the CCJ will block the perceived imposition of homosexuality from white former colonial masters. So the LGBT advocacy’s goal for decriminalizing buggery and such is now being offered as the lamb to the slaughter to win the election to play on the feelings of us ditching the UK Privy Council, the queen and reparations. The LGBT vote is not sufficient in numbers and open presence to give some jolt or power for the genuine push for change which just further complicates matters but then again nationally we are not a nation of voters as has recent polls proved once again voter apathy is high.




A. J. Nicholson as captioned in 2007 by the Gleaner's Lasmay


I am reminded of the similar dodging by previous Justice Ministers & Attorneys Generals when they were both the same person; when A. J. Nicholson held both posts he too obnoxious as he is dodged the matter of the sex bills review and made it clear no gay marriage (although no one asked for it) and no buggery law amendments or repeals; then came his successor Dorothy Lightbourne in the change of government; I remember the meetings I attended with then JFLAG Programs Manager Gareth Henry Ms Lightbourne after some prodding albeit with her defensive Permanent Secretary (a Seventh Day Adventist) suggested we go the route of the judiciary as the buggery law was effectively too politically radioactive and could spell doom for any political party in power or senator’s legacy which as we know politicians dread; such politician or senator could end up in the political abyss. The judiciary route suggests precedence could be set via the high court level as resident magistrates judgements do not. Politicians’ legacies are more important for preservation and no one wants to be blamed for letting go battyman on the nation. It could spell doom for a politician even at the level of cabinet I have learned over the years when certain matters are brought up. Privately these politicians know very well and indeed some agree that the law needs to be removed or amended. That may have implications for parties gaining power in subsequent elections. Years later we see the religious right using that big stick to press their opposition. Given the growing disenchantment in recent times with the PNP with scandal after scandal, a poor performing Prime Minister who hardly speaks to the media or nation, a vexed youth cohort, a callous and uncaring Health Minister I am not surprised at this latest move.

Speaking at a Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ townhall forum in Vineyard Town at the local Methodist Church on November 1, 2015 he said if the matter was taken beyond the constitutional court it would make sense for a body such as the CCJ to make a final ruling.

“I have no doubt that the buggery law will be tested in the constitutional court of Jamaica .... I have no doubt that that test will be taken to the final court; we feel that it’s appropriate that when that goes to a final court it should be a final court of judges that comes from the societies from the Caribbean ........ which share a common identity; a common history; a common culture and a common set of values around these issues.”

Mr Golding continued that those who are resistant to the CCJ but want to keep a buggery law better be careful what they wish for, he says the UK based Privy Council has already showed its hand where the right of persons to live in same sex unions is concerned.

“The United Kingdom is part of the European Union has abolished the buggery law; has same sex partnerships protected by law since 2003 and legalized same sex marriages; that court is a court which reflects the value of the contemporary British society which has essentially embraced the rights of the LGTB community; now I am not saying what would be the outcome were this case to go to the Privy Council or what the outcome would be were it to go to the CCJ and I think it is appropriate that when those challenges go, those decisions and those types of issues should be by a final comes from the same place that we are.”

In other words the Privy Council will impose the UK’s will despite the local law would be used to adjudicate such matters while a Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ will maintain such old laws although 482 years old while the same bodies such as the hypocritical anti gay Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship support the CCJ but also wants or supports reparations and ditching the queen as head of state. Obviously this is also a shot at the Jamaica Labour Party who wants a local final court as opposed to a CCJ and also wants the buggery law to go to a referendum or preserving the old legislation. This is the same Minister and administration that JFLAG stupidly wants to put their trust in and expectations as espoused in a Gleaner article a few days ago.

There is the view that to put such a “sensitive” matter to the public would expose the Judicial system to the vagaries ( and vulgarity ) of politics. Somehow this would “politicize” the matter—a somewhat dishonourable and ignoble exercise.

“We commit to a Constitution that is truly grounded in the will of the Jamaican people and pledge that, as soon as
possible after the General Election, we will seek consensus to pass the legislation required to achieve the main elements of constitutional reform that have so far been
agreed. 

 These include:
• A Jamaican Republic headed by a Jamaican
• Substitution of the Caribbean Court of Justice for the UK-based Privy Council and
• An updated Charter of Rights to reflect current thinking on human rights

Before taking effect, we will ensure that these constitutional changes are submitted to the Jamaican electorate for their approval.”
[Source: People’s National Party Manifesto 2007 Chapter 1; Constitutional Reform, p8] 

That commitment by the PNP represented a reversal of its position as highlighted by the Jamaica Observer in an article “Now PNP says it will put CCJ to referendum”, 

It was clear to those of us who were watching things albeit from the outside closely the utterances via first time MP Damion Crawford as far back as two months after the PNP took office with perceptions of promises in the air for review that it was not important at the time and other matters are more important; so we knew it was not on from way back then. I am not surprised as the minister’s posture especially since 2014 at the periodical review and on radio interviews is clear that he effectively won’t cross it which was so characterized in that now infamous Jamaica observer Clovis toon I have posted in this blog in my ‘The line in the sand’ series.

Remember the days when the Privy Council was seen as the hanging court and politicians also played with it so much so that the conscience vote then was run and the outcome went the other direction, so again I am not surprised at this move by Golding. He seems to forget this is a democracy and we must avoid the tyranny of the majority.



SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland on October 27th -- Opposition Leader Andrew Holness said a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government will allow the Jamaican people to vote in a referendum to determine if there should be any amendment to the Buggery Act.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earlier in May Holness blasted the PNP for being hypocritical by suggesting a referendum on the CCJ & Buggery. Holness described as hypocritical the People's National Party's (PNP's) objection to a proposed referendum on Jamaica accepting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the country's final court on criminal matters and accused the ruling party of holding "a convenient view of democracy".

At the same time, Holness recommended that the CCJ and the question of whether Jamaica should repeal the Buggery Act be part of a grand referendum because of the weight of their importance and effect on people's lives, as well as the fact that parliamentarians are divided on the issues. Here JFLAG limpwristedness is most evident as no one is requesting a repeal as I understand it but decriminalization but have they said it loud enough so a lot of the arguments and hardened positions can be avoided?

also see: LGBT Community Eyes More Than Conscience Vote (Gleaner) from GLBTQ Jamaica.

"When important national issues come to the fore, it is always good and healthy to have a frank and vigorous debate that encompasses opinions from all quarters. But in the end, only the people can decide what is best for the people. To argue otherwise can never be anything but arrogant intellectual elitism," Holness said in a statement released to the Jamaica Observer.

He said that when the issue of Jamaican self-determination was first raised some 70 years ago, there were those who argued that only the literate and those who owned property should be afforded the right to vote.

"When the question of the form of our Independence was raised some 50 years ago, there were those who felt that the Government of the day should have just decided to continue with the federal arrangement without reference to the people," Holness added.

"It is ironic that the preachers of 'power for the people' and 'people power' are the same ones then and now preaching, 'don't let the people vote'," Holness said.

"Hypocrisy is a euphemism for the PNP's convenient view of democracy."

'Power for the people' was the campaign slogan used by the PNP in the 1972 general election which the party won under the leadership of Michael Manley (now deceased).

Thirty-nine years later, the party -- under the leadership of current Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller -- revived the slogan with a slight modification to 'People power' for the 2011 election, which resulted in the Holness-led Jamaica Labour Party being voted out of office after only four years.

Several former British colonies have replaced the Judicial Committee of the United Kingdom Privy Council with the CCJ as their final court for criminal and civil matters.

However, Jamaica and a few other Caribbean countries, while accepting the CCJ's authority in interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas on trade issues, have not yet signed on to the court in its criminal jurisdiction.

In February 2005, the Privy Council, in a case mounted by the Opposition JLP and civil society groups, ruled as unconstitutional the route taken by the Jamaican Government to establish the CCJ as its final court.

While the Government could end appeals to the Privy Council by a simple parliamentary majority, the UK law lords held that the Government required special procedures to entrench the CCJ as a court superior to the Jamaica Court of Appeal.

The implication is that establishment of the CCJ as Jamaica's final court will require either a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and/or the winning vote in a referendum.

But the idea of a referendum has been consistently rejected by the PNP, while being supported by the JLP.

Holness also argued that if issues affect the very core of the constitutional structure of government, or seek to abridge or expand rights, or if they affect the sovereignty or territorial integrity of the State, then those issues ought to be brought to the public. Obviously as established in my previous posts the JLP is pandering to the religious right to gain votes and given the raised stridency by such anti gay groups whose advocacy is predicated on playing on Jamaica’s homophobia the party is seeking to capitalise on same given also the veiled threat by said groups.

He said the argument that having a plebiscite is unnecessary, unless there is a clear constitutional requirement for a referendum to decide an issue, defeats the role of elected representatives and could ultimately undermine Jamaica's representative form of government.

"There are some issues that qualify for referendum; however, they could very well be decided by the representatives in Parliament, once there is agreement on both sides," Holness said. "This was the case in the passage of the Charter of Rights. Recall that this started almost two decades before and went through a long deliberative process until consensus was reached."

He said it was clear that establishing the CCJ is one such issue that meets the criteria for a referendum and added that there are other current and far-reaching issues that could sensibly be placed on a referendum ballot alongside the CCJ.

"Repealing the Buggery Act, for example, could be part of a grand referendum. The argument for a referendum is even stronger since representatives in Parliament are divided on these issues. The solution is, let the people decide," Holness said. But my issue is the short time for a proper education process as decades of deep seated fear, ignorance and hatred cannot disappear overnight or by a vote, in fact it may enhance it with disastrous consequences in the end.

"We recommend to the Government a grand referendum to put the sovereign seal of the people on these issues," the JLP leader argued.

"Other countries have had similar referenda. A few years ago, St Vincent held a vote on whether or not to keep the Privy Council (fundamental change in the constitutional structure of government). A few months ago, Scotland voted on whether to stay part of the United Kingdom or become independent (sovereignty and territorial integrity)," Holness pointed out.

"Just last weekend Ireland voted on whether to legalise same-sex marriage or not (rights and freedoms). Are Jamaicans somehow lesser beings than Vincentians or the Scots or the Irish that we should not also have the same opportunity to decide our own fates?" he asked. Nice take via the high road but we know the outcomes of such a referendum.

He said that Jamaicans should take note of the position adopted by the Trinidad and Tobago Government on the CCJ.

"Trinidad, which hosts the headquarters of the CCJ, has now changed its position from partial acceptance of the final appellate jurisdiction, to now saying it will seek a referendum of the matter," Holness said. Since the elections in 2015 though the new party in power has expressed some review of that position departing from the Kamla administration’s stance.

"Though international pressure, which we have seen from various quarters over the past week, and partisan political imperatives such as the PNP's stance on the CCJ, can influence the actions of government, it is not always the case that such actions and influence accord with the will of the people. Governments should, at all times, seek to fulfil the will of the people," he said.

"We maintain that true political independence can only be attained through economic independence. Too much time and energy are being expended on these political matters which do not enhance our critical economic affairs," Holness said.

"It is time to put them to bed, one way or another, and focus on the truly critical issues of improving our dysfunctional health system, reforming our education structures and growing our moribund economy. Let us concentrate on moving Jamaica from poverty to prosperity," he said.

"Of the people, by the people, for the people. That was Abraham Lincoln's famous definition of democracy. And this remains as true today as it did 150 years ago," he added.

Pious hypocrisy or genuine reference to democracy?

Given our political culture I say the former; anything for votes and given the one term curse since the 2011 polls; the break of the long held tradition of multiple terms for parties the JLP and now the PNP with the Justice Minister’s latest utterances are jostling for votes. Voter apathy might have a different outcome than the expected and this one is hard to predict.

But oppositions when not in power tend to side on with ruling governments when it suits them let us not forget that the same Portia Simpson Miller led party sided with the then Jamaica Labour Party administration (Andrew Holness as deputy leader) headed by Bruce Golding during the Charter of Rights debate when the invented gay marriage debate was used to deny the inclusion of discrimination linked to sexual orientation in the document Portia then on her feet in the house said:

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

also see: Opposition sides with Govt on No to same sex marriage (2009 post when the PNP was in opposition)

Let’s keep watch of the proceedings.

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:

PM scolds gay-rights protesters in New York ........ challenges truthfulness of Homophobic Claim

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

Portia Simpson - 'Uncouth behaviour of others to make me look less than polished'

When did anyone ask for gay marriage rights in Jamaica when we can't get basic tolerance ....



Vaz Says Constituents Stand Firm Against Homosexuality

also see: Holness Dithering On Homosexuality from 2011


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Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

This blog contains pictures and images that may be disturbing. As we seek to highlight the plight of victims of homophobic violence here in Jamaica, the purpose of the pics is to show physical evidence of claims of said violence over the years and to bring a voice of the same victims to the world.

Many recover over time, at pains, as relocation and hiding are options in that process. Please view with care or use the Happenings section to select other posts of a different nature.

Not all persons depicted in photos are gay or lesbian and it is not intended to portray them as such, save and except for the relevance of the particular post under which they appear.

Please use the snapshot feature (if available for your device(s) to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

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contact:

APJ Website Launch & Link


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audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

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Why are these groups and so called child rights activists creating mass hysteria and have so much strength for HOMOSEXUALITY but are quiet on corruption in government, missing children, crime in the country and so much more but want to stop same gender loving persons from enjoying peace of mind and PRIVACY?

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MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



When are lives interrupted be allowed a real honest chance to move from interruption to independence and stability? I just cannot tell you friends.

An article appeared in the gleaner today that just sent me into sadness mode again with this ugly business of LGBTQI homelessness. The author of the piece needs an intervention too as he (Ryon Jones) uses terms such as cross dressers and or homeless men which if transgender persons are present they cannot be described or seen as such, sigh another clear display of the lack of impact and reach of so called advocacies and advocates who are more interested in parading as working but really aint having much impact as they ought to or claim.

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More HERE

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also see:
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JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

In a shocking move JFLAG decided not to invite or include homeless MSM in their IDAHO activity for 2013 thus leaving many in wonderment as to the reason for their existence or if the symposium was for "experts" only while offering mere tokenism to homeless persons in the reported feeding program. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ENTRY HERE sad that the activity was also named in honour of one of JFLAG's founders who joined the event via Skype only to realize the issue he held so dear in his time was treated with such disrespect and dishonor. Have LGBT NGOs lost their way and are so mainstream they have forgotten their true calling?

also see a flashback to some of the issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless LGBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

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Steps to take when confronted by the police & your rights compromised:


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tense

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated

i) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

Vacant at Last! ShoemakerGully: Displaced MSM/Trans Persons were is cleared December 2014





CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:

the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE


May 22, 2015, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

The same cop who has factored in so many run-ins with the youngsters in the Shoemaker Gully (often described as a sewer by some activists) has delivered on a promise of his powerpoint presentation on a solution to the issue in New Kingston, problem is it is the same folks who abandoned the men (their predecessors) from the powerful cogs of LGBT/HIV that are in earshot of his plan.

This ugly business of LGBTQ homelessness and displacements or self imposed exile by persons has had several solutions put forth, problem is the non state actors in particular do not want to get their hands dirty as the more combative and political issues to do with buggery's decriminalization or repeal have risen to the level of importance more so than this. Let us also remember this is like the umpteenth meeting with the cops, some of the LGBT homeless persons and the advocacy structure.

Remember JFLAG's exclusion of the group from that IDAHO symposium on LGBT homelessess? See HERE, how can we ask the same people who only want to academise and editorialise the issue to also try to address their own when they do not want to get their hands dirty but publish wonderful reports as was done earlier this month, see HERE: (re)Presenting and Redressing LGBT Homelessness in Jamaica: Towards a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Anti-Gay Related Displacement also LGBT homelessness has always been with us from the records of Gay Freedom Movement(1974) to present but the current issues started from 2009, see: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009 as carried on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch. CLICK HERE for FULL post of this story.

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





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CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

BUSINESS DOWNTURN FOR THE WEED-WHACKING PROJECT FOR FORMER DISPLACED ST CATHERINE MSM



As promised here is another periodical update on an income generating/diligence building project now in effect for some now seven former homeless and displaced MSM in St Catherine, it originally had twelve persons but some have gotten jobs elsewhere, others have simply walked away and one has relocated to another parish, to date their weed whacking earning business capacity has been struggling as previous posts on the subject has brought to bear.

Although some LGBT persons residing in the parish have been approached by yours truly and others to increase client count for the men costs such as gas and maintenance of the four machines that are rotated between the enrolled men are rising weekly literally while the demand is instead decreasing due to various reasons.



Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14



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Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.


What to Do .....




a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

If one is locked up then the following may apply:
Locked up over a weekend - Arrested pursuant to being charged or detained There must be reasonable suspicion i.e. about to commit a crime, committing a crime or have committed a crime.

There are two standards that must be met:

1). Subjective standard: what the officer(s) believed to have happened

2). Objective standard: proper and diligent collection of evidence that implicates the accused To remove or restrain a citizen’s liberty it cannot be done on mere suspicion and must have the above two standards

 Police officers can offer bail with exceptions for murder, treason and alleged gun offences, under the Justice of the Peace Act a JP can also come to the police station and bail a person, this provision as incorporated into the bail act in the late nineties

 Once a citizen is arrested bail must be considered within twelve hours of entering the station – the agents of the state must give consideration as to whether or not the circumstances of the case requires that bail be given

 The accused can ask that a Justice of the Peace be brought to the station any time of the day. By virtue of taking the office excluding health and age they are obliged to assist in securing bail

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

 Bail is offered at the courts office provided it was extended by the court; it is the court that has the jurisdiction over the police with persons in custody is concerned.

 Bail can still be offered if you were arrested and charged without being taken to court a JP can still intervene and assist with the bail process.

Other Points of Interest

 The accused has a right to know of the exact allegation

 The detainee could protect himself, he must be careful not to be exposed to any potential witness

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

 If over a long period without charge a writ of habeas corpus however be careful of the police doing last minute charges so as to avoid an error

 Every instance that a matter is brought before the court and bail was refused before the accused can apply for bail as it is set out in the bail act as every court appearance is a chance to ask for bail

 Each case is determined by its own merit – questions to be considered for bail:

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

b) Are there any other charges that the police may place against the accused?

c) Is the accused likely to interfere with any witnesses?

d) What is the strength of the crown’s/prosecution’s case?

 Poor performing judges can be dealt with at the Judicial Review Court level or a letter to the Chief Justice can start the process

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

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Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or Tel: 1-876-841-2923 (leave a message just in case)




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

  • To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus

  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

  • To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

Tel: 1-876-841-2923
lgbtevent@gmail.com








Peace

Battle Lines Javed Jaghai versus the state & the Jamaica Buggery Law



Originally aired on CVM TV December 8th 2013, apologies for some of the glitches as the source feed was not so hot and it kept dropping from source or via the ISP, NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED and is solely for educational and not for profit use and review. The issue of the pending legal challenge in the Constitutional Court in Jamaica as filed by Javed Jaghai an outspoken activist who happens also to be openly aetheist.

The opposing sides are covered as well such as
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society
The Love March
Movement Jamaica

The feature seems destined for persons who are just catching up to the issues and repositioning JFLAG in particular in the public domain as their image has taken a beating in some respects especially on the matter of the homeless MSM front. They need to be careful that an elitist perception is not held after this after some comments above simplistic discourse, the use of public agitation as beneath some folks and the obvious overlooking of the ordinary citizen who are realy the ones who need convincing to effect the mindset change needed and the national psyche's responses to homosexuality in general.


John Maxwell's House