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

Thursday, April 10, 2014

JFLAG has no moral authority to speak on homeless gay men in New Kingston says members of the public.

Firstly True tolerance MUST be demonstrably clear for it to be an effective tool for change.

So it seems that the public in times gone by thought that when JFLAG spoke to LGBT issues via public advocacy it was representing a united front but that belief seems to be dying rapidly within the last couple of years especially owing to the homeless MSM/Trans issues in New Kingston in particular showing the class divide, hypocrisy, elitism (terms such as monied homosexuals used) and perceived institutional bigotry that exists in the LGBT populations and a feeling of the have and have nots being more pronounced seeing said populations are a microcosm of general society, current public sentiments seem to support all of the above.

I agree in some respects and have been bringing this and other concerns to bear via this and my other blogs/podcasts but impervious minds don’t listen, do they? One cannot be asking for tolerance and acceptance when said items are only editorialised and academised for masturbatory intellectual sport via public advocacy but nothing more. Tolerance must be clear cut shown and visible in order to enhance credibility and then some of the lobbyists complain of resistance when the thrust is missing the active evidence? I was made aware of some of the comments via a recording sent to me by a reader of the discourse on some talk shows locally and have been monitoring some shows when I can. 



The justifications and sentiments: 


Reactions continue to come in following the latest public advocacy on the homeless LGBT youth in the business district of New Kingston as a recent press conference hosted by Jamaicans for Justice (video above), which also had the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition, CVC and JFLAG present, a clip was carried on CVM TV on April 7 on the matter although the more substantive issue of the recent IACHR report where all the named organizations were present to address Jamaicans position in terms of recommendations by the body, former ED of Jamaicans for Justice and now Director of the CVC Carolyn Gomes spoke to the Northern Caribbean University cheer leading matter where a female student who played a male role in a routine and who also kissed the hand of another female has come in for disproportionate disciplinary action by the student leadership body and has caused a fire storm in the court of public opinion, Miss Gomes seems to have been made the mouth piece for JFLAG again instead of JFLAG speaking stridently on its own behalf a silence that has not gone unnoticed as well by members of the public all over where in one instance on social media a user asked why is only gay men issues that they are the loudest yet this one has a female involved yet they are quiet. So the cynicism in regards to lesbian-invisibility is present not sure how high it is though although coming from anti gay voices which points to credibility yet again. 


Jamaican human rights advocate uses the "H" word in submissions on intersex/lgbt issues at IACHR hearing where Miss Gomes erred using an outdated term to describe intersex individuals.
The crisis communication has not been an strong element of the struggle even after all these years and successive management that needs to be tightened.

None the less Dane Lewis Executive Director of JFLAG spoke to one of the recent police actions towards or against the homeless persons by that gully (described as a sewer for exaggeration by some) saying that he is concerned about the police harassment, I did not like the description however by CVM TV of JFLAG however as “one minority group” as if to search for a proper term for political correctness. Mr Lewis spoke to the police abuse and the diverse sexual identities in the group thus making the discrimination in his eyes more damaging.

Callers to several talk shows since the airing of that clip on CVM TV and even on social media have been weighing in, I do not dismiss these responses as gibberish as some lobbyists tend to do in contempt while reclining in their privileged positions, the court of public opinion must be watched to see where the minds of the people are at and then tailor the public advocacy alongside the crisis communication interventions where applicable as it is a cultural battle that we face not necessarily a legal one, instead what we continue to have is a corporatist behaving agency in handling LGBTQI matters while doing all that is possible to protect its image more so than being straight forward on the urgent situation of homelessness in New Kingston in particular. That does not include the other populations across the island. Callers expressed the continued disbelief for example of homophobic violence and or killings and the one female caller in particular on Newstalk 93FM built on the recent article by Dr Michael Abrahams on the lobby becoming a bully or bullyist tactics in public advocacy a growing perception since the Queen Ifrica matter, the airwaves have lit up since the article came to hand despite other matters of national importance competing for attention. HOT 102FM’s Mic 1 2 3 show host Steven Golding (son of “Not in Cabinet” former Prime Minister Bruce Golding) took a swipe as well as he always does on the matter as well in a one liner bearing in mind the station is owned by CVM TV that carried the aforementioned clip, sister program hosted by Betty Ann “Peter King Tape demanding” Blaine has not been so vocal on this recent set of issues yet by cursory glance, unless I missed it. Power 106FM’s Justice show as well has since some activity regarding the bully perception although the NCU student suspension matter has taken centre stage in as far as LGBT mattes are concerned. Nationwide radio too since the Gleaner article and the matter raised on different current affairs shows have also seen some hint to the perception of the poor response to the homeless one caller went as far as to suggest a similar “have and have nots” scenario or the “us and them syndrome” with the fat politician versus meagre selected populace, such inference was drawn with Mr Lewis’s appearance versus the homeless men as photoed and video captured in the gully.

Mrs Barbara Gloudon also raised some concerns on her Hotline show on RJR (was not able to hear alternate hosts Clive Mullings and Dr Orville Taylor’s take) similar to those she raised in July 2013 after the eviction of the homeless or squatting MSM/Transgender youth at MIllsborough Avenue where she asked what is going to happen to them while mindful of the “dem fi dead” (they are to be killed) sentiments by sections of the public. She questioned the identity of the men in terms of cross dressing etc and how did they get to be homeless and basically abandoned by more privileged gay persons, she questioned what is the lobby really doing than just talking about it and crying foul, “are they worthy of any human consideration?” “is it worth doing anything for them?” “What did their parents discover when they were children?” “We have been marching, we have been preaching, will any church consider giving them sanctuary?” she asked. Since the CVM news item she repeated her query/advocacy of sorts. (Tape not available unfortunately)

Ronald Mason’s Newstalk 93FM show that mostly deals with politics also segwayed into the matters as well where he asked what is going on when there are reportedly six lawyers who defend the men when they are allegedly abused yet JFLAG is missing, he reiterated a question he asked during the Millsborogh Avenue eviction “Where is JFLAG, you’re always aggressive in your advocacy for them, how about dealing with the disorderliness of them, that comes a part of your territory too, not just advocating for acceptance but where they create challenges to society we have to react to them or do you think they should be allowed free reign in that particular part of the corporate area?” he lamented as to the length of time it is taking to deal with the men so much so that the numbers have grown. Here comes the tossup between public order and the screaming welfare issues from a section of the LGBTQI populations.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s recent comments at the opening of the parliamentary year on the poor and vulnerable and her attempt to try to identify with their plights saying that she has felt the pain has not gone down well either as cynicism rises in that regard on the larger backdrop issues of job, the economy and crime, one caller on Power 106FM’s Justice show on Tuesday while opposing homosexuality as it were wondered aloud the hypocrisy or trickery by the PM as to their perception of a promised repeal of buggery or a conscience vote but she has ended up playing the usual three card trick in order to get votes, so it is not lost to some of the dithering or deception which ever suits. Other callers on Power 106FM, RJR and Nationwide also expressed similar opinions as well.

Then came the future victimization belief by some of the church/religious voices in free speech via local and international LGBT groups seeing that they oppose the “homosexual lifestyle” and related matters, the recent move by anti gay group Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship, LCF on offering pro bono legal services for representing children who are abused has not escaped the notice as well of several callers and some see it as a covert move to address homosexual abuse of children of course playing also on the long held belief of predatory behaviour perceived or real of boys by older men or girls by older women or even teen on teen abuse. Terms such as homosexual grooming and rape are used especially on Love 101FM the leading Christian station and on NCU radio as well at the times I have been able to scan them. Also we must be mindful that with every public appearance of spokespersons or JFLAG on LGBT matters there must be a review of the temperature on the ground as experience has brought to bear there is always some spike of some sort in response to said public advocacy.

I have been watching the sluggish developments or lack thereof for some time in the recently hyped Dwayne’s House proposed solution even as the persons were or are still residing in the gully (sewer for some for exaggeration of the matter) or other dilapidated buildings and open spaces despite four or five other agencies also do outreach (HIV predominantly) interventions to the group including faith based owned and managed ones as the persons are peddled as vulnerable populations by the LGBT specific ones yet their conditions have not improved, not to mention the older populations prior to the advent of the gully (sewer) group who have been ignored now especially those who were the occupants of a previous residency you may have heard me mention the Safe House Pilot Project 2009. JFLAG sat back and watched that project close without any opposition to its parent organization Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, JASL as its board used the “bad behaviour” of the men mostly as justification to do so well before the expiration date while not allowing the various psycho social elements written into the project concept/rationales to be effected. Laudable as the Dwayne’s house looks on paper or public advocacy via social media and with certain names attached to it such as Yvonne McCallah Sobers of Families Against State terrorism the real power lies in the executives who sit behind JFLAG, JASL and CVCC to name a few yet no real moves seem afoot to address the issues. Laudable as well the visibility based campaigns in terms of voices coming out again pristine aspirational PR is not enough. The cop out excuse as well used by some apologists that there is not wide funding available for homelessness is an outright lie it is reintegration program funding and subsequent psychological support for families that is lacking and a cause for concern internationally which has been raised by others involved in similar interventions. Said funding for housing is not readily available for newer none state actors but for older ones with strong evidence of stigma, homophobia and crisis hence my resting the blame at the foot of JFLAG especially with fifteen years of existence but one wonders if they are only for that? Existing.

The powers that be apparently thought the men would simply disappear in the underground as was so prior to the shelter’s opening but instead we have ended up with five years of grief to date and yet JFLAG uses public advocacy to pretend they care, that all? The J could not speak up or out on the clear wrong of the closure of that shelter as the board/management committees of both Js are incestuous in nature in terms of composition so fiduciary responsibilities disappear all this despite anecdotal and hard evidence of displacement due to stigma etc. Yet the campaign is steeped too much on victimhood and still kept to the level of importance here as the populations are obviously used as martyrs voluntarily or not as if we cannot survive in Jamaica somehow while the underground railroad to asylum is overused in my eyes. It is not lost to the public that something is amiss while not knowing the inside shenanigans, despite changes to the leadership over time the same organizational psychology seems to still exist just by observing the public advocacy. A discussion on Newstalk 93FM’s Point Counterpoint morning show the matter of the homeless group in New Kingston, masculinity and sexuality came for mention on April 7th the dithering, refusal to offer real solutions and cloudy concepts of tolerance by the gay student representative displayed an elitist positioning on this was clear as crystal, while we understand there is room for academic review of the issues the academising and editorialising as pointed out by the social anthropologist on the show won’t solve the issue, making the populations poster children is not enough and smacks of a kind of hypocrisy on the part of the LGBT lobby collectively but I am not surprised as this has been the modus operandi for years as intellectuals recline in that world.

Mistakes, deceptions or omissions in public advocacy have had an effect for all involved including those who aren’t even involved directly.

JFLAG and others cannot be asking for tolerance when it is not already demonstrably clear and functioning not just presented as aspirational public relations or playing catch up when the issue has festered to the point of decay. More and more LGBT persons are being forcibly evicted or displaced, only last month three new cases came to hand through Aphrodite’s P.R.I.D.E Jamaica alone outside of other reporting mechanisms. The public and indeed some in the populations want more hard evidential success so as to change the homo-negative mindset out there, ignoring or dismissing the public sentiment especially that of the common or everyday Joe is not a good sign as it smacks of a kind of contempt while on a frolic of their own also while getting ahead of themselves in their perceived success. Elitism has no place in the struggle.

The HIV prevention credibility with respect with MSM is also being challenged with the latest ad campaign by the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, JCHS with their continued HIV is gay disease ploy which has the eyes and ears of locals and foreigners alike as evidenced in the Human Rights Day 2013 event hosted by them at the Emancipation Park, ironic that the park signifies freedom yet theocratic imperatives are made manifest repeatedly. Who is going to stand up openly for the least amongst us or I should say which individual or group with clout and power with HONESTLY stand and assist the youths to more from lives interrupted to some sort of independence eventually?

Why are the religious voices too creating outcasts and who really has the moral authority in these matters?

Lastly let me say it again True tolerance MUST be demonstrably clear for it to be an effective tool for change.

Interesting times ahead folks 


SITUATIONAL HOMOSEXUALITY AND OR “PREDATORY BEHAVIOUR” REASONS FOR THE CLOSURE OF ALPHA BOYS’ HOME RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS? and this related clip 


Peace and tolerance

H

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Bad Man Nuh F*** Batty (Masculine Men Don't F*** Ass) (The Fear of The Feminine in JA ) 16.04.15


A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.



After catching midway a radio discussion on the subject of Jamaica being labelled as homophobic I did a quick look at the long held belief in Jamaica by anti gay advocates, sections of media and homophobes that several murders of alleged gay victims are in fact 'crimes of passion' or have jealousy as their motives but it is not as simple or generalized as that.

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

hear recent pods as well:

Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Other Blogs I write to:

Recent Homophobic Incidents CLICK HERE for related posts/labels from glbtqjamaica's blog & HERE for those I am aware of.

contact:

APJ Website Launch & Link


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1




audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

The Hypocrisy of Jamaican Anti Gay Groups & Selective Actions of Societal Ills


The selectivity of the anti gay religious voices on so called societal ills is examined in this podcast as other major issues that require the "church" to have spoken up including sexual abuse by pastors in recent times yet mere silence on those matters is highlighted.

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

Also is the disturbing tactic of deliberately conflating paedophilia with same gender sex as if to suggest reforming the buggery law will cause an influx of buggered children when we know that is NOT TRUE.

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



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

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

We are told of houses being put together from time in memorial; the Dwayne’s House project seems dead in the water, the Larry Chang (named after a JFLAG cofounder) seems stuck in the mud and Colour Pink’s so called Rainbow House seems insignificant in relation to the size and scope of the national problem. JFLAG as presented on this blog is obviously not interested in getting their hands dirty really on homelessness save and except for using the populations as cannon fodder and delegating same; as far as I am concerned presenting them as victims of homophobia which is true but where are the programs and the perceived millions donated or granted since President Obama’s visit to address LGBTQ matters?

More HERE

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?


Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?


It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation


Sexuality - What is yours?

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



Just as I researched on-line in NOT EVEN five minutes and found a plethora of information and FACTS on Sexual Grooming (and thanks to Dr Karen Carpenter for some valuable insight I found out what Sexual Grooming was) so too must these fanatics go and do the same and stop creating panic in the country.

The hysteria continues from the Professor Bain so called protests to protect freedom of speech and bites at the credibility of the LGBT lobby collectively continues via Duppies Dupe UWI articles when the bigger principle of the conflict of interest in regards to the greater imperative of removing/preserving archaic buggery laws in the Caribbean dependent on which side one sits is of greater import when the professor’s court testimony in Belize went against the imperative of CHART/PANCAP goals is the more germane matter of which he was former head now temporarily reinstated via a court ex-parte injunction. The unnecessary uproar and shouting from the same hysterical uninformed quarters claiming moral concerns ....... MORE CLICK HERE

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

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

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

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

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

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


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

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

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

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

Also see:

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

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

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

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE


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


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

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

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

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

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





Radio program Everywoman on Nationwide Radio 90FM March 20th 2014 with Dr Karen Carpenter as stand-in host with a transgender activist and co-founder of Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica and a gender non conforming/lesbian guest as well on the matters of identity, sex reassignment surgery and transexuality.

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

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



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

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



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



debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

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


What to Do .....




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following may apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

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

There are two standards that must be met:

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

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

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

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

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

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

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

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

Other Points of Interest

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

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

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

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

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

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

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

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

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

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

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

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

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Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

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

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




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

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

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

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

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

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








Peace

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



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

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

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


John Maxwell's House