PM Should Decry Homophobic Bigotry says Gleaner but some questions & issues present themselves

The story of Maurice Tomlinson, a lecturer at the University of Technology (UTech), reported by this newspaper yesterday, reverberates with the insensitivity of supposed students of the law and at the same time highlights the mediaeval attitude that still largely prevails in Jamaica towards gays.
And having declared her principled position on the rights of gays, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller should add her voice to the protection of Mr Tomlinson's rights under the Constitution of Jamaica.
Maurice Tomlinson is an attorney. He also teaches law at UTech. He came into public notice more recently when it was reported in Canada that he had married his male partner.

In homophobic Jamaica, where a former prime minister declared that he would have no gays in his Cabinet and his successor waffled, equivocated on and parsed his response to the subject, Mr Tomlinson's action is a potential death sentence.

Myopic law students

Indeed, he has gone into hiding and has told this newspaper that he was advised by the police that it would be unsafe to appear on the UTech campus "because my security has been compromised". Put bluntly, Mr Tomlinson has received death threats.

The university law faculty has been unable, as yet, to find a substitute lecturer for Mr Tomlinson's course, and students were advised - apparently by Mr Tomlinson - to sit in with other lecturers.

What has surprised this newspaper is the response of some part-time students affected by the disruption - an apparent absence of sympathy or concern for a man whose life is reportedly in danger.
They are angry over personal scheduling difficulties caused by Mr Tomlinson's absence, complaining that even with the arrangement he attempted to put in place, "we will still be at a disadvantage".
We would be forgiven if we concluded that this lack of empathy and compassion by the affected law students betrays both deep moral failings and weak appreciation for the course of study on which they have embarked. Put another way, it would seem that the concentration of these UTech students is on certification. The substance of the law is secondary.

Breach to one, breach to all

What even early students of the law, like those taught by Mr Tomlinson, should have already learnt is that their rights as individuals cannot be secure if his can be trampled on with impunity. The ultimate protection of one's rights is a democratic society's adherence to the rule of law. There is no more fundamental right than the right to one's life, which, incidentally, is among the first named rights and freedoms protected in Section 13 (3)(a) of the Charter of Rights in Jamaica's Constitution.

Perhaps, in time, the peeved UTech students will appreciate that the application of the law has to be universal, and universally fair, for it to be worthy. Prime Minister Simpson Miller can help in promoting this understanding.

The prime minister displayed courage in defending people's right to lifestyles of their choice when she declared that sexual orientation would not be a criterion for membership in her Cabinet. She must repeat often that there is no right to impunity against people whose lifestyles the majority does not like. For a real test of a democracy is how it protects the rights of minorities.

The PM should also champion the cause for the repeal of the buggery law.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.

ENDS

How much do we want from the Prime Minister in such a short space of time?, this is almost as dumb as the JFLAG error in stating a timeline within 100 days when the issue MUST be discussed then having to turn around and do damage control so as not to make it look like an ultimatum after the fire-storm from both inside the LGBT community and outside especially with that persistent thinking that the ruling party was funded by gay interests outside so as to push the battyman issue. 

Why should the PM only deal with this because it's Maurice Tomlinson, is he so special over all the others before and with him especially those persons who do their respective work quietly in the community without a song and dance? After all he chose to put himself out there so it comes with the repercussions.

The glaring contempt towards persons who work quietly in the local community is showing its head again as JFLAG operatives themselves have brought to bear when some rude criticisms have been brought to the fore regarding the recent departure of Mr. Tomlinson under questionable circumstances. He complained that the Observer for example published an unauthorised photo of him hence putting his life in danger yet he forgot to mention his very public television appearances long before the shots were seen in print and why did he send the shot of his signing the licence in Canada to a Catherine Porter of the Gay Star News? and the subsequent timing of this to coincide with the David Kato award collection in London with the large purse attached has left some doubt in the minds of many as professional dishonesty is reeking from all these circumstances. All the Observer had to do was republish the story under the creative commons license protection originally carried by Star News Canada written by the aforementioned author in a piece entitled: "Jamaican gay activist, Maurice Tomlinson, married a Torontonian" whils stating the source. The photo clearly showed it was courtesy of Tomlinson, if he did not want this issue out there why allow the overseas article to be put out in the first place?

All these set of circumstances so close to each other and so well timed does not look good. 

Criticisms have been rising about these and other issues and reputations are being re-examined to find out why is it some persons seem to easily benefit from activities in the name of defending the community? I have been on record to say it is all about superstardom and not about looking at the community as a whole, this first pass the post drama to see who will get the recognition is just too glaring these days while the least amongst us continue to struggle. The Gleaner also carried this piece: Threats force gay lecturer to flee which has had some reaction from influentials. This is how strong a comment that came from such a person:

"Frankly, from reading this article, I don't get a sense of someone who's been forced to "flee". People who "flee" don't have a return date scheduled. If someone is fleeing for their life because of circumstances beyond control, how exactly did he suddenly regain enough control to be able to"schedule" when his safety concerns had been resolved? What I do get a sense of is someone who's taking advantage of the reputation that Jamaica has gained, and using it to his own ends. That is, how convenient that such "safety concerns" emerge as significant right around the same time when he goes to London to go pick up his award?
http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/jamaican-activist-tomlinson-wins-first-david-kato-award

And who told the newspaper that he was away from work? Let me guess....

Suffice it to say, this story reeks of unprofessional and unethical behaviour on Maurice's part. It may well be that faculty members in Jamaica can and do mistreat students however they want - cancel classes, don't show up, don't give the students their grades, etc. - with no repercussions. But to use homophobia as the excuse for not showing up, ad to have the administration in knots over how to deal with this crisis, when I'm sure they sense that things are not as they appear - that is beyond selfish and self-involved.

I am totally sick and tired of lgbt Jamaican individuals manipulating the already hostile situation at home by making themselves into scapegoats and victims, just so they can appropriate resources and attention for themselves. I was wondering where the leaked story of the wedding was going, and I can already see.

In my opinion, there needs to be a total news lockout against Maurice Tomlinson unless what he's talking about or doing DIRECTLY involves broader community, and there's sufficient corroboration of his accounts. He is being very manipulative in his conduct, and is harming the movement in many ways. Others have pulled similar stunts in the past, but Maurice is taking the situation to a whole other level. And he's counting on the silence and gullibility of lgbt Jamaicans as well as the fears of straight people to help him accomplish whatever he's set his mind to, and which won't benefit anyone but himself. Enough already."

The comment when first made/posted was deleted from a Facebook group where JFLAG operatives converge by one of the administrators who work with the organization I have since gathered. Another dangerous precedence for muzzling and or dictatorship to the rest of the community? yet we ask for tolerance elsewhere.

also see: A marriage and another activist seeks asylum ............. 

ALSO AUDIO: 

Frankly this whole episode has stirred up a hornet's nest and the bigger issue of ethical professionalism is back at the forefront but for how long will it remain as usually when it does make centerstage some other items are quickly found to create a diversion.

Peace and tolerance

H

Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel call out Jamaican government on buggery law

Jodee Brown

Internationally acclaimed Reggae superstar, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel are letting their feelings known regarding the recent announcement by Jamaican Prime Minister, The Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller to repeal their buggery law.

Both artistes were headliners on the 19th staging of Rebel Salute at the Kaiser Sports Club in St. Elizabeth this past weekend. The annual concert, hosted by Tony Rebel, took place on the Reggae artiste’s 50th birthday; producing a strong lineup card that included Romain Virgo, Capletonand several others.

Queen Ifrica, who recently revealed that she’s pregnant with her third child, gained strong favour with patrons by performing several of her hit singles, including Below The Waist where she pointed to her growing belly in glee.

However, she got the loudest applause from fans when she called out Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Millerregarding her announcement that she’d look into tweaking the buggery law that’s been in place for several years. The law, which refers to the dispelling of particular sexual acts amongst heterosexuals and homosexuals, has been a strong topic of contention for several months.

During Ifrica’s performance, she warned that, "I would like to send a message to those who want to change the laws of nature. No buggery law nah repeal a Jamaica." She then performed the thought-provoking song, Keep It Yourself as a means to re-emphasize her stance.

Tony Rebel later entered the stage, performing several classics on his milestone birthday such as If Jah, Fresh Vegetable and I Can’t Recall. During his set, he called on Jamaica’s new Youth and Culture minister and former Miss World, Lisa Hanna not to review said buggery law.

Otherwise, many strong performances took centre stage; notably, Damian Marley and Stephen Marley. Both artistes gained mass appeal for their strong set and even took the time to shout out incarcerated Reggae superstar, Buju Banton, who awaits an appeal decision regarding his ten-year sentence on drug-related charges.

ENDS

In October 2009 I did a previous post on this sister Queen Ifrica and a song she did basically insisting that we (gays) keep it to ourselves. The subtle anti gay song "Keep it to yuself" echoes that message oh so loudly in which it says:

"Yu feel like a bad man (Keep it to yu self)Doan bring it to Jamaican (Keep it to yu self)We nuh want dat a jamrock (Keep it to yu self)Wi can't tek no more slackness (hear dis) .....

Yu can change di laws of manBut yu can't change di laws of god

So if dem nocking a big glass dem glad

Wan wi fi change a must mad dem mad

Somebody tell mi what is happening

A don't want no fish inna mi Ital dish

To see mi son become a father

Mi greatest wishDi situation kinda very ticklish

But everybody fed up from parish to parish(Yes) and to whom it may concern

A nuh dat deh way wi want di table fi turn

As a citizen wi got a lot of concern

Di truth is a nuh dat. Wi want wi chrilden dem, fi learn

Chorus

Verse 2:

Yu fi multiply an replenish di Earth

An dats why di woman labor inna child birth

Mi nuh want si mi brother Dress up inna no skirt

An mi sister nuh fi mek lift up her skirt

As a nation nuh matter what wi put god first

If yu pass eighteen issa blessing not a curse

Lighting an thunder Bown fi mek di cloud burse

A just di water from

Di Sugar Cane can quench nany thirst(Yes) and to whome it may concern

A nuh dat deh way wi want di table fi turn

As a citizen wi got a lot of concern

Di truth is a nuh dat. Wi want wi chrilden dem, fi learn"
Clearly the song outlines that heterosexism is to replenish the earth's population which enhances a popular sentiment expressed by the christian community and others, a challenge to the cross dressing of males is also evident. The "Fish" in the verse is a subtle term used here to refer to gay men who are mostly effeminate.

See: "Keep it to yuself mentality" on homosexuality and "Keep it to Yuself mentality" on homosexuality part 2 .... on "str8 Jamaica

Peace and tolerance

H

CVM TV @ Sunrise on the Buggery review & JFLAG's 100 days hope for meeting with PM

CVM @ Sunrise earlier today January 11, 2012 dealt with the supposed JFLAG gauntlet of sorts for a meeting with the new Prime Minister Mrs Portia Simpson Miller on her promise as it were to review the buggery law and a subsequent conscience vote in parliament on repealing it, she had not issued a timeline for the suggested move but JFLAG has been reported as saying they want the matter to be brought up within 100 days of the new government taking office and this is not going down well in certain quarters including the religious community who have arrived at conclusions that the lobby group is demanding action on the strength of some possible donations to the PNP political party during the last election campaign. They have denied such allegations since. 

video: here is a reminder of Mrs. Simpson Miller on the matter during the leadership debate preceding the elections:

In a post on my sister blog GLBTQJA on Wordpress entitled: JFLAG wants PNP to discuss Buggery Law within 100 days of assuming office a CVM TV news item was also included

Dane Lewis Executive Director of the J told CVM TV that he expected the issues to begin to placed on the table within 100 days, "To be realistic we would imagine within the first 100 days the issue could be raised we can look at how to proceed," Mr Lewis said while JFLAG is not expecting a conscience vote to repeal the buggery law within the first 100 days discussions are important as Jamaica has a 2012 deadline to meet according to the international covenant on human rights, “….one of the leading recommendations made in November last year was that Jamaica should report by 2012 on what concrete steps to removal of discriminatory laws,” Mr Lewis said.


According to Mr. Lewis JFLAG is willing to make small steps in acquiring legal recognition for homosexuals he says although gay marriage is legalized overseas JFLAG is not pursuing that as part of its lobby at this time, "gay marriage is certainly not an item on our agenda, we still have a large issue of discrimination …. people are being evicted from their homes, people are being physically abused because of their sexual orientation and we want to begin to address those issues."


He acknowledges that the discussion of gay rights will be met with strong public opposition however he says as was demonstrated by Mrs Simpson Miller we should be strident in dealing with issues impeding human rights, a solution to the issues concerning gay rights will help to deal with HIV/AIDS.

 CVM TV @ Sunrise on JFLAG 100 days meeting/PM & the Buggery Law 11.01.12 by glbtqja7 

Co-host of CVM @ Sunrise Rohan Dailey had the Reverend Dr. Henley Morgan and attorney-at-law Arlene Harrison Henry of the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights at first to discuss the JFLAG's position on 100 days for a meeting with the new PM, as you may have gleamed from the audio above Reverend Morgan walked on eggshells trying to make his position between the folds thus leading to the church's position versus his own and some clarification from Ms Henry. He also made it clear he didn't think gay marriage rights are to be extended same gender loving persons. It almost sounded scripted on his part, he struggled with the nature versus nurture matter whether persons were born gay or not while Ms Harrison Henry was on the ball from the get go where she clearly stated the gay community was not asking for gay marriage rights. She also made mention of the fact that the Charter of Rights made it clear that marriage is between a man and a woman obviously infused in anticipation of the issue being raised again by the then joint select committees who finalized the document. She also said a conscience vote could not be had unless there is national debate and education. 

One thing I had an issue with in as far as Mrs Henry's definition of buggery was concerned was where she said "...the legislative scheme sections 76 of the Offences Against The Persons Act treats with Buggery which is intimate relations between man and man or man and woman,it is that which is prohibited but the loving of same sex is not an illegal act...." she was speaking in the context of homosexuality not being illegal in Jamaica. To simply leave it open as intimate relations is vague in my view seeing that the buggery law is specific to anal penetration intimate relations can also mean non penetrative sex or so called compromising positions which may include partnered masturbation, intercrural sex (faking penetration by placing erect penis between legs of a passive partner, practiced by heterosexual couples when the female is seeing her monthly cycle) and or frottage, gross indecency would probably cover those outercoursal activity. She also said with women they cannot commit any act of buggery but I am thinking what about women who employ sex toys as part of their activities and said toy is used in anally penetrating a consenting partner?

Rev Dailey also reminded us of the former Senator Oswald Harding's position in 2004 on the buggery law repeal suggestion.Here is Mrs. Simpson Miller in a subsequent outdoor political campaign meeting defending her comment 


Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11 by glbtqja4


We must not forget the presence of some anti gay figures in the PNP who are still in the structure that of former Attorney General A. J Nicholson who supported nearly every anti gay move during his years including the tumultuous years of the Sexual Offences Bill Debates, the Charter of Rights struggles and his open castigation of gay marriage, even Portia Simpson Miller herself sided with Bruce Golding on the no to gay marriage smoke screen after digging my archives I found the presentation by Mrs Simpson Miller in 2009 (poor audio though) where she sided wholeheartedly with the then Prime Minster Bruce Golding (his speech linked) on the banning of gay marriage, gay marriage rights by the way was never asked for by the LGBT advocacy structure but it was dishonestly pushed on the agenda during the Charter of Rights debate then as a smoke screen to deny us recognition in the Charter. The same document that clearly defines marriage between a man and a woman, it also does not protect persons from discrimination due to sexual orientation but only on the grounds of ones biological form.

She said on 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 ..........."

Has her position changed so radically? ........ Interesting times lie ahead people.

Peace and tolerance

H


UPDATE Jan 13, 2012
Meanwhile JFLAG tries to clear up the ultimatum versus request mess on the 100 day issue with the PM and the buggery review via yet another press release:

J-FLAG DID NOT GIVE ULTIMATUM

Kingston — January 12, 2012
The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) wishes to clarify that the organisation has NOTgiven the government an ultimatum.

On January 3, 2012, CVM TV contacted the organisation for a comment on its expectations of the new administration following the Peoples National Party’s (PNP) win in the General Elections. This was in the context of the bold pronouncements the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller had made during the leadership debate. NewsWatch reported, J-FLAG’s Executive Director, Dane Lewis as saying “To be realistic, I imagine within the first hundred days at least the issue could be raised, with a look at how to proceed.”

However, many have misinterpreted this statement of expectation as an ultimatum. Mr Lewis also highlighted that Jamaica is required by the end of 2012 to report to the UN Human Rights Committee reviewing Jamaica’s status under the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights “on what concrete steps it’s [Jamaica] making towards removal of discriminatory laws”. It is within this context that the comment was made. J-FLAG wishes to reiterate that it has not issued an ultimatum but offered a comment on what could be done by the Government within the first hundred (100) days to demonstrate its recognition of the broad human rights concerns that affect all Jamaicans. This is a common strategy which has been used by many other organisations in civil society and private sector.

Like all Jamaicans, J-FLAG remains committed to the human social and economic development of Jamaica. In so doing, J-FLAG will continue to defend the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jamaicans from discrimination, harassment and violence.

ENDS

As I hinted in a previous post on my sister blog GLBTQJA on Wordpress mistakes such as granting a telephone interview (sans any consultations with the community I might add) to the media in a "hot environment" when homosexuality or related matters are in the public domain is a no no, all the J should have done was waited and not mention anything at all to do with any time line in any way, shape or form now for it to be misrepresented as an ultimatum. We have had previous misconceptions before of JFLAG's position by media and one would have thought that as a former media participant himself the Executive Director of JFLAG Mr. Lewis would have known the ins and outs of local media with regards to hot button issues such as this. The San Francisco boycott some years ago and the suggested EGALE tourism boycott as well are prime examples of learning curves for the group and speaking just a little too much but when it's time to speak there is silence. How many mistakes are there to be made before it is perfected? one never knows.

Gleaner's associate editor on no to theocracy

Byron Buckley wrote

Church Picking On Gays

ALAS, PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller has named her Cabinet, notwithstanding the fear and hysteria expressed by some clergymen during the recent election campaign, about the possible inclusion of homosexuals in her administration.

 

Indeed, the overwhelming political mandate, in terms of seat count and geographic spread, given to Mrs Simpson Miller and her party is perhaps a rebuff to those who sought to vilify her position that she would appoint persons to Cabinet positions based on merit rather than sexual orientation.

It is shameful and scandalous for a Christian to support the victimisation (beat the B-man) and discrimination (job denial) of homosexuals and any other groups of persons.

The Christian community in Jamaica is grappling with the dilemma of how to embrace homosexuals while not condoning their sexual orientation and lifestyle.

Why do Christians regard homosexuality as an exceptional or grievous sin?

It is in a Christian's 'DNA' to object to homosexual practices. After all, homosexuality runs counter to the natural principle of procreation established by God. Copulation by Adam and Eve (not Steve) ensures the continuation of the human race. In underscoring this point, God, through Scripture, has regarded homosexuality and bestiality as morally reprehensible.

unnatural, sinful and inimical

Throughout Old and New Testament Scripture, God has expressed displeasure at men and women engaging in unnatural sexual acts with persons of the same sex. The Bible has even come out against men behaving effeminately. Importantly, the Bible forbids other kinds of sexual immorality, including fornication, incest, divorce/adultery and prostitution. Indeed, St Paul told Christians at Corinth that persons who practised homosexuality, adultery and idolatry, among other sins, would not enter God's kingdom.

So, the Church is on message in its opposition to homosexuality. And this article is not a call for the Church to abandon its teaching and stance against homosexuality as unnatural, sinful and inimical to procreation and family life as designed by God.

However, this is a critique of the Church's extreme and selective attitude towards homosexuality and those who practise it - which is contrary to Christians' mission to share the good news with ALL.

New Testament writers refer to homosexuality as part of sexual immorality in general. So to be consistent, the Church should oppose, with equal energy, adultery, fornication, wife-swapping, incest, paedophilia and the high rate of broken marriages. The Church can't cherry-pick its favourite sin to oppose. Homosexuals see straight through this double standard and ask, 'Why discriminate and victimise us?'

What's the real reason Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed? Although Christians often point to the destruction of these cities as caused by rampant homosexuality, there is reason to believe the practice was one of a suite of sinful behaviours that God found offensive. The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel explained the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrah as pride, fullness of bread (material wealth), abundance of idleness (hedonism), lack of care for the poor and needy, haughtiness and abominable (homosexual) practices.

transformative mission

So, again, Christians have chosen to take their own meaning or emphasis from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A more apt message to take away is that as a society, we should ensure that material prosperity does not cause us to descend into an orgy of immorality and sensuality. We should also ensure that we take care of the disadvantaged, the poor and needy. This is why Christians should never be found in the position where they are supporting harm being done to anyone - especially with the Church's dismal record during the Crusades and the transatlantic slave trade.

The transformative mission of the Church requires it to display a higher standard of behaviour towards homosexuals. Christians should be leading the way generally in protecting the welfare of homosexuals. Christians can't join the rowdy chorus of 'kill or beat the B-man.' The challenge for the Church is to establish a caring and grace-filled environment that enables it to share the transformative gospel with homosexuals as well. Jesus Christ came to heal the broken-hearted and set the captives free - in short, to transform lives.

The Church cannot be selective about who it ministers to, nor can it place boundaries against groups - such as homosexuals - as if they are beyond God's love.

I believe while there are persons who have accepted their homosexual orientation, others have not. This is where the Church has a mission to offer counsel and healing. But a condemnatory stance by the Church will only drive away such persons who are likely to be befriended by the wrong crowd.

The homophobic (I deliberately choose this word) reaction by some church leaders and Christians is tactically foolish. In the grand culture war and cosmic struggle between good and evil, Christians must secure victory with the weapon of love, which will bring transformation to individual lives.

Maybe Christians have adopted a hard line against homosexuals because, in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, God destroyed, rather than mercifully saving them.

But that's not the full story: Sodom and Gomorrah could have been saved if there were enough righteous people there! In the final analysis, no matter how repulsed Christians are by the haughtiness of some homosexuals, we should leave their fate to God.

In the meantime, we anticipate the PM carrying through her campaign promise to debate and review the law against buggery, allowing legislators to vote according to their conscience and upon their constituents' advice.

No doubt, the voice of the Church and faith-based community will be heard. After all, Jamaica is a pluralistic society as well as a robust democracy. And I prefer this to a theocracy.

Byron Buckley is an associate editor at The Gleaner. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the newspaper. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and byron.buckley@gleanerjm.com.

Did the talk of buggery turn persons off from the polls as well?

As the days roll on since the elections and the new year is in with today being the first official working day more and more as the Christmas and New Year's holiday sheen wears off reality seems to be setting in for Jamaicans, everywhere from radio news reviews, other blogs (gay and straight), barbershop/hairsalons, offices, on buses, downstairs from my workplace and even my African neighbour who is from Nigeria who is married to a Jamaican are adding the talk of the Buggery Law review as one of the turn offs from taking part in the polls. Let us also not forget no vote is still a vote and with the lowest turnout in many decades and the Jamaica Labour Party loosing even once key seats in the polls the shock to both sides is still real, it's as if persons are or were in a daze and are slowly awakening. There is a strong rumour although NOT true or proven that the government in waiting the People's National Party received money from gay contributors overseas hence the overwhelming vote for them supposedly by gays, at my office only this morning the workmen by a hardware were arguing vociferously on it saying they will not tolerate it if "Sista P" the affectionate name for Mrs Miller legalizes homosexuality, although it is not illegal but buggery is but the perception that it is still exists. This rumour I fear if not nipped in the bud and properly countered maybe the ruin of the PNP if they don't get their act together and any hope of a repeal may be delayed tremendously or derailed altogether. 


Many persons seemed more lost in the holiday merriment and making a buck or having traditional family celebrations and or were just upset that the elections were called in the period stayed away from the polls, not even the slick ad campaigns, the alleged vote buying, typical election excitement and online presence could get persons out. Some now conclude that the crowds we saw at both campaign tours on televisions and on online were persons bused in from Kingston or other parts of the island with strong support to create the illusion that there was a groundswell, why else would there have been low turn out by only core support for the PNP/JLP and an almost full ignoring of the voting process by the undecided with vexed feelings by disgruntled JLP supporters. One news review yesterday on radio suggested this as well and the gay vote was included as the LGBT community may have responded to the promise of the review of the buggery law by Sista P. The powerful religious community seems to have also stayed away from the polls whilst opposing the suggestion by Prime Minister designate Portia Simpson Miller to review the buggery law, powerful business interest also were quiet maybe expecting the continuation of the economic policies that benefited some of them, everyone seems caught by surprise on this one even the sharpest of wits on political matters Ian Boyne seemed stunned by the results.

Mark Wignall also who had predicted a possible JLP win retracted in essence his call in the Jamaica Observer, on January 1 Mr. Wignall wrote: Voters prove me horribly wrong. JLP soundly rejected that 

"A dwindling electorate is dangerous"


Where only the diehard, robotic base of both parties participated in the elections and one side captures two-thirds of the seats under such an arrangement, the question must be asked, which Jamaica do the political parties represent?
Can we honestly claim any broad-based representation, or is it that the PNP represents the poor and the JLP the not-so-poor?


As I asked in a recent column, 'Will unemployment, poor roads bite the JLP?' there was always going to be a believability factor facing both parties in terms of which one the people believed would deal with that pressing matter in a more urgent time frame.
The JLP Government had been claiming 'stability' of the macro-economic picture and 'continuity' as a springboard for development. This assumption was always centred on the idea that a poor man without a steady job or, more likely, perennially unemployed, could take that home with him and cook it for dinner.


The PNP countered with JEEP, which the party now says will be instituted. I wish it luck. This proposed emergency employment plan, workable or not, has been bought into by the people.
Because the JLP could not promise anything resembling this proposed crash programme, the assumption on the part of the JLP was always that the people would understand and wait, a most foolish position to hold if the JLP MPs had been in the trenches. What has in fact transpired is that not many discriminating people believed either party so must we assume that only those who walked through the gates of the big dance and arrived early believed it?


With the PNP capturing 53 per cent of the popular vote and 65 per cent of the seats in the lowest turnout in recent memory, it means that increasingly the majority of voters are deciding to remain at home as election cycles continue. The danger of that is that as the voter turnout decreases, the party which wins theoretically only has to pander to the wishes and the desires of its immediate base.
If it takes a crash programme to satisfy that need, then so be it, but that is a dangerous downhill slide in social and economic terms and it operates against the success of any long-term development.


It appears to me that even the PNP was surprised at the win. One JLP supporter who did not vote told me Thursday night, "Last Christmas, nuh work, no money nuh run; this Christmas, same ting. Den a how dem expect fi win?"


One PNP supporter e-mailed me the following: "Well, to say I am surprised is an understatement. Not only did the PNP win, but it was, in reality, a landslide. I never imagined that at all. I can only assume that the voters were upset with the JLP regarding lack of employment, the 'Dudus' affair, the Manatt enquiry, the JDIP scandal and the unimpressive debate between Mr Holness and Mrs Simpson Miller. Surprise, surprise. It was not even close.


"My worry is that the PNP did not expect this. It is like a "buck up". I do not believe they are ready to govern and lead Jamaica to prosperity and development. I say this as a PNP supporter. But I will watch carefully and see what the PNP does." Many people expect jobs next year."


The Buggery review matter has been heating up in the religious front as well since it was postured by Sista P and as we saw on December 31st on a television program "Word Power" restorative advocate and pastor Al Miller has now joined forces with a Singaporean anti gay Christian advocate and law professor Lian Thio 

who proposed among other things that laws that seek to destroy the family must be contested and not allowed to be passed, she is on the island to promote her new book "Mind The Gap" and participate in a lecture series as well on how Singapore mixes moral values and secularism in their society. She was at pains to say she does not support theocracy but as the interview progressed she kept hinting to the homosexual agenda and the need to fight it. She hinted to the gay agenda as very agnostic aggressive with secular humanism and  implanting its power in political circles while slowly opposing Christianity so as to inform laws and decisions. "Unrighteous laws breeds unrighteousness and lawlessness brings judgement, all this is in the book of Ezekiel ...... when it comes to homosexuality though I oppose same sex marriage, I argued to keep anti sodomy laws on the table ..... churches must not say it is wrong but also provide a solution," she continued she believed persons can be changed. Rev Miller agreed and hinted that the buggery review would be opposed from his standpoint. Miss Chio is the current editor of the Asian yearbook of international law and formerly the Chief Editor of the Singaporean International Journal and Comparative Law while also being a formerly government representative.


Clearly persons are now waking up either from a kind of slumber or daze just realizing that review was suggested, anger was the order of the day at a barber shop I was at the other night. The news was being read on television Jamaica TVJ and the buggery issue came up again, the reactions were mixed at first but when one male barber expressed outrage at gays flaunting their stuff in public the whole air of the discussion changed with some of the same persons who were tolerant before adjusting their tone, to me that is an indication of how fragile tolerance can be and can be influenced to the negative in short order as feeling run close to the surface for many persons just by observation.


The composition of the Senate is also of concern for some as the practice when members of parliament loose a seat they are not normally sent to the senate but the outgoing JLP may not have a choice when Andrew Holness thinks how to put voices that can guide the processes seeing that in the upper house the numbers are low and certain key voices such as Christopher Tufton are gone. The wise and tolerant outgoing President of the senate Ozwald Harding who also has been one of those open voices who advocated over the years for the Buggery Law repeal is no longer in the house. Albeit the senate may only be a slowing agent for key legislation reviews but since more younger persons are now in the mix how does a leader mix experience with youth while having proper representation?


My African neighbour who I referred to in the introduction in a spirited discourse yesterday morning by my gate as I bought my newspapers asked what I thought of the results? I told him I had mixed feelings as I was still wondering why the low voter turnout, he proceeded to reiterate some of the other opinions that the JLP was taught a lesson and the PNP too that it cannot sit by and not move quickly on issues to appease the turned off undecided voters. He also mentioned the buggery review issue and said he didn't have a problem with gay persons so long as they kept it private (I suppose a jab at me since he knows of my previous run in with the law and buggery charge in 1996) he was quick to point out though that he didn't think the gay community contributed money to the campaign as is rumoured but that there are obviously gay persons in the PNP just by looking at the makeup of the cadre of persons there. He like myself is concerned about the massive 2/3rds majority she has and her hold on such awesome power to make legislative changes almost a whim with very little counter from the soon to be opposition JLP, in his strong Nigerian accent he concluded: "it can be dangerous for democracy my friend but Jamaica is a fantastic place and one never knows what to expect" 
We were later joined by his University student tenant a 19 year old male who lived upstairs and another much older and experienced male neighbour two doors from me who originally hailed from Waterhouse, a former active PNP stronghold of the seventies and eighties, we recounted the previous elections and all realized that these are indeed interesting times, I was careful to infuse in the exchanges the buggery review component while not declaring my hand but they know very well that I am gay based on previous legal issues that were public except the 19 year old student tenant who is also a Christian, he just moved in some two years now, he said he was jaded by the ads especially the ones that attempted to make Mrs Simpson Miller out to be incompetent and never saw any messages that gave him hope so although he was enumerated/registered to vote he never voted he also went on to say that the buggery matter was a concern as well, the older neighbour somewhat jokingly said " ... a battyman run the werl" (gays that are running the world), an ode that also seems to be a kind of steadily growing resigning position coming from persons who once aggressively opposed any hint to homosexuality discussed publicly. This sentiment was also expressed by my own barber recently as well.


Several things confront us here friends in this time in Jamaica, the buggery issue may have also contributed to the aloofness by chiefly the undecided at the December 29th polls but it also seems to be gaining some momentum post the results, Jamaicans do not forget things easily as the other factors that went against the JLP is on the lips of the nation such as the Manatt Dudus affair, the JDIP program, the surveillance plane over Tivoli during the incursion with the subsequent denial of sorts by the outgoing National Security Minister who also lost his seat and the feeling of mistrust from former PM's Golding's departure coupled with the "Not In My Cabinet" stance that deeply offended the LGBT community. The incoming PNP also has a lot to do and its work is cut out regarding jobs, the hopelessness in the economy, the continuation of things that were functional or positive from the outgoing JLP, gone are the days when political parties running for or are in office can get comfortable and hope for second terms, the JLP is now the first one term administration and the people will put parties to pasture if they do not deliver if it means a low voter turnout, no vote is still a vote.


The gay community obviously had a hand in this time in the polls responding to the promise to review the buggery law by Sista P, it maybe the most votes ever cast by our cohort in any election ever.


Peace and tolerance


H


Also see: Internalized homophobia glaring since the elections …. a worrying trend

Milestones in 2011 in LGBT life ..............

originally Prepared and contributed by MT 

Additions and editing done 

1. People's National Party ,whose leader said that she had no objections to gays in her cabinet and that she would call for a conscience vote on the country's anti-sodomy law if selected as the country's 10th Prime Minister, won a landslide victory in national elections.

2. Two extremely anti-gay Members of Parliament, Clive Mullings & Ernest Smith, lost their seats after the December 29th 2011 general election.

3. The first gender non-conforming male elected to the country's Parliament December 29th

4. Jamaicans For Justice lambasts Bishop Herro Blair after his homophobic diatribe.

5. Prime Minister Andrew Holness calls for debate on gay issues.

6. “AIDS free World” launches first legal challenge to the buggery laws at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

7. First tolerance for gays and HIV public service announcement showed on television.

8. Gleaner comes out in support of Portia Simpson Miller’s statement about gay rights and buggery law.

9. Countless amount of supportive letters and articles in media about the buggery law and having gays in the cabinet.

10. Portia Simpson Miller defends her statement about gays and buggery law she made at the National Electoral Debate.

11. Church leader, Reverend Oliver Daley, comes out in favour of buggery law repeal.

12. The Gleaner newspaper lambasts Clive Mullings for his anti-gay rhetoric at JLP rally.

13. Documentary on HIV and Jamaican gays released.

14. Opposition leader Portia Simpson-Miller publicly declared at the National Electoral Debates that she would allow a gay person to be in appointed to her cabinet, would ensure that people are not discriminated because of their sexual orientation, while suggesting she like to would bring the Buggery laws to a conscience vote in parliament and disagrees with the former prime minister’s “Not in my cabinet” statement.

15. UN Gay rights resolution passes. Could spark change in anti-gay countries like Jamaica.

16. Hilary Clinton champions Global Gay Rights at UN Summit in Geneva. Promised to take gay rights into consideration when giving foreign aid.

17. President Barack Obama directed all government agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and aid programs "promote and protect" the rights of gays and lesbians.

18. Thanks to persons like Maurice Tomlinson we had over a dozen pro-gay, incident-free tolerance-themed public events.

19. Police Commissioner publicly declared that members of the police force should not discriminate based on sexual orientation.

20. President of the Senate, Oswald Harding, advocates for repeal of buggery law and protection based on sexual orientation.

21. Health Minister, Rudyard (Ruddy) Spenser advocates for repeal of buggery law and tolerance of gays for the fight against HIV.

22. Jamaica Gay rights activist, Maurice Tomlinson, is the 2011 recipient of the David Kato Vision and Voice Award.

23. Activists at UN demand an end to homophobic bullying in schools across the globe.

24. Pro-gay book launched at “Bookophilia” by Shirley Anderson Fletcher (sister of former first lady) who later came on television to promote the book.

25. UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, come out in support of gay rights globally and promised to redirect aid to nations with poor records on gay rights.

26. Gleaner comes out in support of buggery law repeal after David Cameron’s plea at Commonwealth Summit.

27. Coca-Cola apologizes for sponsoring event with anti-gay lyrics sung by “Sizzla”.

28. Gleaner editorial and letters to the editor in support of JFLAG’s “Unconditional Love” public Service Announcement.

29. Reggae Artiste, Mista Majah P, sings pro-tolerance song against homophobia and re-releases full album/CD. Promoted by Peter Tatchell.

30. “Unconditional Love” public service announcement calling for Jamaicans to love their gay family members launched. Rejected by TVJ and CVM but was shown on Youtube for all to see.

31. Police High Command withdraws Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey's controversial claims about links between homosexuals and organised crime.

32. Study shows street youth more accepting of gays.

33. Swedish film crew that visited Jamaica to record a documentary on the island's human-rights situation got a first-hand look at our notorious homophobia and police excesses.

34. US embassy pledges to help reduce HIV/AIDS among locals.

35. Dancehall artistes stop direct anti-gay murder lyrics.

36. Jamaican Islamic leader in Germany expelled for calling for the death of gays.

37. Charter of rights criticised by media for not protecting gays. Ian Boyne and Elon Parkinson from CVM agrees with buggery law repeal and protection of gays by Charter.

38. Gleaner calls for gays to be protected by Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.

39. Homophobic Jamaica Labour party embarrassed when JLP councillor gets charged for buggery.

additions

40. First ever business and lifestyle exposition called PRIDE FEST, making the pink dollar more worthy

41. Record numbers of commitment ceremonies on record in recent history ........ 7 SGL females and 3 SGL males

42. The most LGBT entertainment offerings since recorded history in one year ...... 43

43. Most successful asylum cases for LGBT persons overseas ..... estimated at 24

44. 8 more LGBT blogs added to the independent media list of bloggers

45. DJ Howie celebrates 15 years in the LGBT entertainment business and is awarded by the Sankofa Mgmt team

46. Lesbian community became more visibly in voice on the media landscape .... interviews on nearly all radio stations 

additions to come where applicable 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

PNP Wins ................Hope for LGBT People ???

Congratulations to the PNP

As for the question/title many say yes, Pollster Mr. Don Anderson had predicted and gave the People's National Party a lead of over 4%. This is in keeping with the trend which they said they had picked up and experienced on the ground.

Don Anderson had called – 51 seats

PNP – 28 seats

JLP – 23 seats

Unable to call – 12 seats

The PNP, according to Don Anderson, is leading in the 12 constituencies which he is unable to call but the results last night were called at around 9pm PNP 41 - JLP 22 and as jubilation set in mixed with awful comments from the LGBT community about other LGBT people who apparently supported the losing Jamaica Labour Party which suggests we have a long way to go in terms of our own so called unity that is so artificial flooded the social networking sites and blackberry services. The Jamaica Labour Party's main office at Belmont Road was described as a graveyard as the news spread. 

The victory added to general election success secured by the PNP in 1955, 1959, 1972, 1976, 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2002.


The JLP won the elections in 1944, 1949, 1962, 1967, 1980, 1983 and 2007.

The hint to the People's National Party leader's conscience vote on buggery albeit not a party position still as was suggested by leader and Prime Minister in waiting Portia Simpson Miller that the Buggery Law should be reviewed came some days before by way of Peter Phillips at a press conference on December 24 and a follow up from Mrs Miller that her administration will not get into people's bedrooms at a meeting in a rural area. The campaign had been scarred since that answer to a question of her agreement or not with former Prime Minister Bruce Golding's Not in My Cabinet rant. She of course disagreed and then proceeded to suggest the conscience vote in parliament similar to the death penalty vote some years ago. then came:

Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11 by glbtqja4 (audio)

on December 27th came a second press release from the PNP on the issue:

NO REPEAL OF BUGGERY ACT, SAYS PNP

December 27, 2011: The People's National Party (PNP) has labeled as deliberate mischief making by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), suggestions that it supports a repealing of the Buggery Act. The PNP says that is not its position.
The PNP says the JLP has been circulating the false assertion about the Party's position on the matter in a desperate bid to make the matter an issue of contention to gain political advantage.

PNP Campaign Director, Dr. Peter Phillips said at a press conference to wrap up the party's campaign today that the PNP has no position to repeal the Buggery Act, and that the issue arose out of a question posed to party leader Portia Simpson Miller during the recent national debate with prime minister and JLP leader, Andrew Holness.

"This arose out of a question and there is no position taken by us of a repeal. We recognize that there are some persons, who for their own partisan political reasons, would wish to distort the Party's position as it relates to the Buggery Act," Dr. Phillips said.

He adds that the Party Leader has proposed a review of the Act, and not a repeal of it.

"During the review, every Member of Parliament will be required to bring to bear on the discussions, the views and the opinion of his or her constituents. At the end of the review, if a vote is to be taken, the vote will be a conscience vote, which means each Member of Parliament will vote according to the directive of his/ her constituents," Dr. Phillips says.

This is in keeping with the position taken by the PNP President, who indicated at the national debate that the people of Jamaica should let their voices be heard on the matter through consultations spearheaded by Members of Parliament, so that a Parliamentary debate and vote on the issue would not be confined to the views of Parliamentarians alone, but rather, would be reflective of the views and will of the people in constituencies across the country.

Responding to questions posed by journalists about accusations leveled on the campaign trail by Daryl Vaz that the PNP had received funding from overseas-based gay rights groups, Phillips said such accusations were not true and a "total fabrication" as the party had in no way supported "any gay agenda".

"This is a total fabrication of Mr. Vaz and his very active imagination and speaks to the desperation in that (the JLP's) campaign," said Phillips.

The PNP will end its election campaign today with a tour of western parishes and culminate with a meeting in the South West St. Andrew constituency of Party Leader, Portia Simpson Miller, followed by a gospel concert at the party's 89 Old Hope Road headquarters.



Since then some LGBT persons have reposed all faith that the PNP will in essence "free up" the buggery law and gay people can be free but in my view it is not so easy as saw the very morning after the leadership debate and the suggestion by Mrs. Simpson Miller on the Buggery review that Christian right movement coming out on the issue while worrying about gay marriage demands following that and even the Ombudsman who is supposed to be an impartial arbiter found himself making what seemed disparaging remarks from his church pulpit in a supposed attempt to influence voting against the People's National Party just days before the polls were opened, Human rights group Jamaicans for Justice came out swinging and had called for his resignation but he replied firstly that he was misquoted by the group this coming some thirty six hours after he was quoted and reported on in news media while he made no attempts to challenge the outlets and to correct the reports but suggested the JFJ was disingenuous and that they should get the tapes of his sermon, he then responded afterwards that he can separate his role as a Bishop from that of Ombudsman and still be an impartial judge when the time came. 

The Jamaica Labour Party's humiliating defeat raises several questions:

Is the Dudus matter still fresh in persons minds that West Kingston although reclaimed by the JLP has lost serious support?


Is this a majority of available votes but still a minority government in terms of national percentages?


Does the LGBT community have to wait till it reaches a conscience vote before action?

What else can be done to encourage discussions on the decriminalization of buggery or its full repeal?

Why was the voter turn out so low despite an aggressive campaign on both fronts?

Did the pink vote have alot to do with it and how so?

Will Mrs Simpson Miller be able to call the conscience vote she hinted to, if ever?

Are the other 40 members of her upcoming cabinet prepared to come out if and when this debate begins, be it in parliament or in the public domain?


Was the feeling that there was not a major crisis the undecided made a decision to stay away from the process?  ... since major crisis pulls out or forces voters to the polls on the day

Were the crowds we saw on the campaign trails travelling muses to present and create an illusion of support (just from core)?

Will the JLP take this humiliating defeat lying down or will there be awful revenge actions?


Has civil society won here in terms of pressure to parties on corruption?


Did the negative ads turn off persons?

Will the JLP brass and followers blame homosexuals for this and launch covert attacks on gays?

What has caused the majority of registered voters to be so aloof and not participate?


Did the technical issues on the day cause voters to turn away as well, including die hards?

Did the previous aid controversies force Mrs Simpson Miller's hand to suggest the buggery law review?


Was the timing of the "gay question" in the leadership debate planted to introduce the matter as a platform issue to get the pink vote?

Will there be violence from the PNP towards JLP strong winners despite their poll victory? as some reports suggest a JLP MP had to seek protection in his own home following threats

Certainly the new administration has its work cut out for it and celebrations will have to be short but some of us in the LGBT community and those on the ground are concerned about any possible perception that homosexuals are responsible for giving the PNP the landslide victory while not taking into account the non interest by the eligible voters and the undecided. Just by scanning the radio stations yesterday callers to phone in shows persons are not happy with the Buggery Law review suggestion but it was not reflected in the vote for the PNP or is it the just the pure satisfaction of seeing the back of the Jamaica Labour Party while in the Christmas and new year's celebrations that have softened that usually strong anti gay anything response? There is also a suggestion that the campaign ads by the Jamaica Labour Party which attempted to paint the People's National Party and the leader Mrs Simpson Miller as incompetent while not presenting any meaningful alternatives of what the JLP intended to do was blamed too for their shocking demise as persons may have arrived at a conclusion of revenge voting to send a message. A message has also been sent I feel to the new administration in waiting that the populace is not prepared to remain supportive if they fail to deliver one term or not as it is the first time any political party has ever been in office for only one term, usually sympathy votes or continuity interests keep a party in power for a second term. The loss of certain key seats too is of major concern, did the Bruce factor as I call it cause that as persons described his successor Andrew Holness as "baby Bruce" hinting to a continuation of the previous agenda but under a new leader.

A conscience vote on buggery should not have even been mentioned I think by Mrs Miller during that leadership debate as at that time of the campaign as we were not sure where the vote would have went, we most certainly never expected a landslide but with a 22 seat majority how many of them are on her side or even actually support the suggestion made by Mrs Miller which to me gave the JLP the ammunition they needed to launch the openly homophobic campaign presentations (she should have kept that in her pocket), but even after strategic interventions and talks to get support for the review and subsequent good reasons for repeal or decriminalization of the act the nation is left to convince and create an air of real tolerance. How much of the other 40 members of parliament on her side will support this? despite the fact that the PNP has voting majority to change deeply entrenched legislation. 

We must not forget the presence some anti gay figures in the PNP who are still in the structure that of former Attorney General A. J Nicholson who supported nearly every anti gay move during his years including the tumultuous years of the Sexual Offences Bill Debates, the Charter of Rights struggles and his open castigation of gay marriage, even Portia Simpson Miller herself sided with Bruce Golding on the no to gay marriage smoke screen after digging my archives I found the presentation by Mrs Simpson Miller in 2009 (poor audio though) where she sided wholeheartedly with the then Prime Minster Bruce Golding (his speech linked) on the banning of gay marriage, gay marriage rights by the way was never asked for by the LGBT advocacy structure but it was dishonestly pushed on the agenda during the Charter of Rights debate then as a smoke screen to deny us recognition in the Charter.


She said on 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 ..........."

Her predecessor former PM and party leader Percival James Patterson, PJ also made it clear that he was not going to legalize buggery in his tenure despite the strong perceptions of his own sexuality, Miss Simpson echoed nicely in the right time as well a sentiment previously expressed by one of PJ's greatest critics radio talk show host Wilmot Perkins who has been constant by saying persons should be hired due to their competence and qualifications than sexual orientation, he even went as far as to call for the repeal of the buggery law, a call he has had to defend vigorously, only this year after the International Day of Tolerance he was scolded for his stance by way of a letter to a newspaper along with several phone calls to his talkshow. 

The JLP early in the game showed their hand via several anti gay slurs some to the unease and disgust of their own supporters who are LGBT though supposedly small in numbers after the leadership debate clearly playing on the national feeling on homosexuality to gain momentum in their campaign but with the putrid, contemptuous and bitter hatred of the Labour party and any other LGBT community members who openly supported them prior to the homophobic moves they undertook it shows there are deep seated feelings that have been stoked by this election and are coming out loudly that seems to be resting on a shaky hope but hope none the less that buggery between consenting adults may be reviewed if not decriminalized. The confusion for some however that the law is going to be lifted by the PNP still exists and seems to be growing while not understanding it was a review with a possible vote in parliament that will follow that was the suggestion. With an already ineffective Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays, JFLAG and other advocates in as far as poor communications and public relations on gay issues both to the community and general society over the years we may find ourselves in a quandry on this sticky matter we would have been in a better position to merge efforts in this seemingly new found enlightenment by the then opposition leader now turned Prime Minister in waiting. Progress? but with some fallout I fear that we never bargained for as we know well whenever this matter reaches the mainstream the more visible stereotyped gay and gender non conformists suffer at the hands of homophobic violence. We should have been better prepared for this, other eventualities and other opportunities so we can move on them when they arise instead of having to worry about strategies, arguing and bucking.

We just have to wait and see as there are other major issues to do with the economy and jobs more so with the outside shocks from the worldwide recession. The cultural dynamic also presents itself as persons tend to prefer bitter medicine from mothers than fathers, matriarchal elements?


The PNP in my view has to be mindful that while it won the majority due to core support it has not gotten a majority mandate from the numbers of persons who were eligible to vote numbered just over 1.6 million with only just over 50% voter turnout, it therefore does not fully represent the majority of the nation and may have some issues later in its tenure despite the numbers in the house to make changes to items that are entrenched in the constitution. Interestingly Guyana is still struggling to get their election results settled while we maturing as we are have settled this so well.
We should learn the lesson of the fragility of hope here as well and how easily people can be turned on or off.


Peace and tolerance


H