Jamaica Observer online readers blast buggery law review

Jamaica Observer online readers have weighed in on a claim by international gay news website, Gaystarnews.com, that the People's National Party (PNP) is fielding at least two homosexual candidates in the upcoming general elections, following PNP President and Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller's disclosure during last Tuesday's national leadership debate that a PNP government would review the contentious buggery law. The story was published in last Friday's Daily Observer and is one of the most-read online. Below are some of the comments:

 

ANONYMOUS: A waa yu a say! Two man soon can get married den. Jamaican people do you really want that?

YELLOW YAM: I guess in 50 years they'll be fighting for open paedophiles to be in Parliament... hmmm... the buggery law also includes buggery with animals... I guess we should let them in also. Let them all in... prostitutes, homosexuals, people who practice bestiality, paedophiles, everyone. After all, it's their own private business right? (I'm being sarcastic).

VIVIAN STEPHENSON: Jamaica because of its beggy beggy attitude, is kneeling to the shaft of homosexuality. Portia knows better than that, but she is desperate for votes. She wants to win so bad she will put her principles in the closet and allow this reprehensible lifestyle to permeate Jamaica...

R COOL: This whole issue at hand just proves and shows the high showing of illiteracy and its common practice of our people in Ja. No wonder the other so-called small islands are ahead of us with the exception of athletics. People have the right to live their lives the way they choose as long as they're not infringing on your rights as a person. The total misconception, misunderstanding and (misquoting) of what was actually said by Mrs P Simpson is so outrageously negatively propaganda.

TJ JACKO: We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God at times. We should not judge but I do not think we are judging, we are simply saying this is wrong. We have kids who are already confused and to add more confusion would be so unfair. Your sexual orientation should be kept to yourself and NOT be thrown in the faces of people who are not used to this way of life. If Portia wants to review it, then she can go ahead, but GOD forbid if she changes the law to suit homosexuality if she should win.

ANTONETTE W: People need to use their time and energy to stomp out sexual predators, child abusers, workplace sexual harassers, murderers, robbers and other malcontents who are destroying Jamaica and stop worrying about what adults do in their bedrooms. Oh, but I guess it's more exciting to gang up, ki-ki-ki-ki and point our hypocritical fingers at gay people rather than look at our imperfect selves.

PIERRE BUCKLEY: ...And so it begins. We are on a slippery slope. Jamaica has the choice to defend their moral tradition come December 29, 2011. Why can't gays understand that they are all welcome to Jamaica, but respect that we will not endorse their lifestyle nor treat it as normal? Is sex such a big part of their lives that we can't live in harmony without them bringing up their sexual orientation?

JAKAN: I have to give it to Portia for saying it BUT I wonder how that plan of hers would work. MPs would be voting by conscience yet by feeling in their constituency and that to me is an impossibility for the two won't jive. Would it not be a waste of time to even try when we know the majority belief? Also, if constituents have a say, why not do a referendum? I get it, we know the result already.

JAMES PITTERSON: The Lord God is Almighty and his words supersedes all. God created Adam and Eve for them to inhabit the earth and to procreate. God is the master of all. He made all things bright and beautiful. He knew what He was doing when he created Adam and Eve. HE is against HOMOSEXUALITY. If HE was for it, HE would not have created Adam and Eve.

JUS IRIE: In hedging his bets on a very controversial issue in Jamaican society Mr Holness has displaying an inability to lead from the front. In so doing, he handed Portia the moral high ground on the issue. The Bible Thumpers can quote verses until they are blue in the face. The good book does not address the issue. Amend the law to protect children; let consulting adults do what they want in privacy, even if it disgusts the rest of us.

COMMON SENSE: ...Over a third of the population have cancer but that does not make it good. We must stand up to the perceived fluffiness of what the first-world countries see in homosexuality. We here in Ja look at the physicality of it, which is disgusting and nasty; it should not even be called sex because the part of the body used for it is not a sexual organ but for waste release. Stand up to the big, bad guys Ja.

MR NEMBHARD: Why is the gay community calling this a victory?? All the lady said is that she'd be willing to put this law up for review, she went on to say how it would be done CLEARLY. The Cabinet ministers would basically have (to consult) their respective constituents on the matter. So, in essence, all would have a chance to individually answer to the question WOULD YOU LIKE THE BUGGERY LAWS TO BE CHANGED?... Yes Or No. The findings would then be brought to Parliament

MELVIN CONSTANT: Why now? Why go against the grain at this time? We should be talking about economic issues that matter. Jamaica is not up for sale. Jamaican people are God-fearing and would not want what happened in the Bible days to come upon them. Be careful how you get votes. We have ears, we know what we hear.

MAROON C: There they go, trying to bring that dirty American way of choosing a leader to our shores. I am appealing to u all, do NOT get caught up in this ungodly way of life. Jamaica is a God-fearing country and we should not loose sight of that. To those who want to join that bandwagon, maybe Portia can arrange for u one of their usual five flights a day to one of those place where people have rights to do wrong.

also see: Vaz gets death threats after gay-funding question to PNP

Frankly speaking I do not like where all this is going and the temperature seems to be unnecessarily being stoked by an enthusiastic media who knows very well that papers sells and interest increases vastly when this issue becomes mainstream. What I have come to see here is that the PNP tried to get the gay vote here but it seems to be backfiring in their faces but with much support from the noveau intelligentsia of the LGBT community who seem to miss in my view the possible fallouts this may have including violence to the least amongst us but those of course can be statistics to prove homophobia in Jamaica, who cares?

One word of advice to Mrs. Miller if you aren't sure of a win in a conscience vote do not suggest one in the first place, we all know the outcome of this if it is moved across the parliament floor in the absence of proper debate, unemotional thinking and proper engagement by the advocacy structure namely JFLAG, now we see why I have been criticising them as we have not sought to clear the air on certain issues including the perception of male homosexuals as paedophiles. 

also see:

Buggery law backlash - Blair: The church has been sleeping

Blair warns review could lead to same-sex marriages

Peace and tolerance

H

Gay pressure - US to limit aid (Observer) and more

Countries that criminalise non-heterosexual behaviour to be impacted


A memorandum from US President Barack Obama to heads of US executive departments and agencies on the treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons (LGBT) could have wide-ranging impact on Jamaica.

The memorandum, issued Tuesday by the White House, sounds the charge for increased pressure on countries that refuse to end discrimination against non-heterosexuals -- lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons.

The memo specifically requires that US agencies target, among other things, countries that criminalise the status or sexual behaviour of these groups.

United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Human Rights Day & LGBT rights abroad with US hlelp - December 6, 2011, Geneva 

Obama noted his deep concern about violence and discrimination targeting LGBT persons around the world, "whether it is passing laws that criminalise LGBT status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful LGBT pride celebrations, or killing men, women, and children for their perceived sexual orientation".

He reiterated his recent stance at the United Nations, where he declared that no country should deny people their rights because of who they love, and that all countries must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere.

"Under my Administration, agencies engaged abroad have already begun taking action to promote the fundamental human rights of LGBT persons everywhere. Our deep commitment to advancing the human rights of all people is strengthened when we, as the United States, bring our tools to bear to vigorously advance this goal.

"By this memorandum I am directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that US diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons," wrote the president in his memo.

Among the agencies sent the directive are departments of state, the Treasury, Defence, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank and the United States Trade Representative.

Specifically, Obama directed them to "strengthen existing efforts to effectively combat the criminalisation by foreign governments of LGBT status or conduct and to expand efforts to combat discrimination, homophobia, and intolerance on the basis of LGBT status or conduct".

Secondly, the memo covers persons seeking asylum because of anti-gay violence and persecution.

"In order to improve protection for LGBT refugees and asylum seekers at all stages of displacement, the departments of State and Homeland Security shall enhance their ongoing efforts to ensure that LGBT refugees and asylum seekers have equal access to protection and assistance, particularly in countries of first asylum," he said.

Thirdly, the memo directed that agencies involved with foreign aid, assistance, and development enhance their efforts to ensure regular Federal Government engagement with governments, citizens, civil society, and the private sector in foreign countries in order to build respect for the human rights of LGBT persons.

The remaining directives cover the provision of swift and meaningful US responses to human rights abuses of LGBT persons abroad; engaging international organisations in the fight against LGBT discrimination; and speedy reporting on the progress of the new initiatives.

"All agencies engaged abroad shall prepare a report within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, and annually thereafter, on their progress toward advancing these initiatives," the memo said.

All such agencies are expected to submit their reports to the Department of State, which will compile a report on the Federal Government's progress in advancing these initiatives for dispatch to the president.

Also see: A Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the President's Memorandum on International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of LGBT Persons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, President Obama directed all agencies to protect and promote the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons abroad. At the United Nations, we have strongly supported efforts to codify and enshrine the promise of equality for the LGBT community, and the President’s action adds yet more force to our urgent fight.

Since taking office in 2009, the Obama Administration has worked tirelessly within the UN system to advance the human rights of the world’s LGBT persons. Early on, we signed the UN General Assembly’s Statement on Sexual Orientation on Gender Identity. We joined the LGBT Core Groups in Geneva and New York. We won NGO consultative status for the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. We championed the first UN resolution dedicated to advancing the basic and fundamental rights of LGBT persons. Last December, on Human Rights Day, we pledged to restore language including LGBT individuals in a resolution condemning extrajudicial killings. Within two weeks, we did so.

There is far more work to do before our LGBT friends, neighbors, parents and children live in a world free of discrimination. Through steadfast defense of our universal values, persistent engagement with international partners, and the full force of U.S. efforts under the law, we will get there. I look forward to continuing our work and proudly carrying out the President’s directive.

-###-

meanwhile

David Cameron urged to back Obama in global campaign for gay rights.

UPDATE 09/12/11

The cartoonists Clovis and Lasmay from both major newspapers are either seeing something we as advocates are suspecting will happen soon given the strong feelings by locals of the imposition of gay rights agendas by foreign states on us or they are simply expressing their own sentiments, it is interesting however that the reaction towards the United States' decision to attach aid to rights based issues is far lower than that of the UK's position when it was first postured in November. Sadly the feeling expressed in the latter cartoon is that sodomy is what is being pushed and not LGBTQ rights equity in society.

Is it the election fever that has wore the nation down to not respond to the US announcement or is it the colonial perception attached to the Brits that has led to them being scolded more by the homophobes, even after they retracted the aid cut move and redirected it instead?

Who knows.

Peace and tolerance

H

Why the British PM can wield a big 'homosexuality' stick (Observer) ...... smoke in the room buggery vs homosexuality confusion

The threat by British Prime Minister David Cameron to withhold aid from governments that fail to reform legislation banning homosexuality highlights the importance of a position we advanced in this space exactly a week ago.The point we made was that Caribbean countries need to get our economies to the point where we will need little or no borrowing.We had put forward the argument against the background of a vicious strategy being employed by the Taiwanese Government to collect a US$28-million judgement against Grenada for non-payment of loans received from Taiwan's Export-Import Bank in the 1990s.Essentially, what the Taiwanese have done is to have their lawyers file papers in the United States compelling cruise lines and airlines to hand over any money they owe Grenada in fees or other payments. 


It's not that Grenada is unwilling to honour its obligation. 


The Caricom nation has made a proposal to renegotiate the loan as its economy is still feeling the effects of the devastation brought on by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and a drop in tourism after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.The Taiwanese, however, are not prepared to enter into any debt rescheduling arrangement because the Grenadians made the 'error' of severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of rival China. 


 So, now, Grenada faces the indignity of having its port fees seized -- a move that would further depress its economy — simply because it upset a benefactor.In the case of the threat issued by Prime Minister Cameron over the weekend, the British are in no way being as iniquitous as the Taiwanese. After all, the aid they are pledging to slash is their own money and they are at liberty to do with it as they please."Britain," Mr Cameron is reported as saying, "is one of the premier aid givers in the world. We want to see countries that receive our aid adhering to proper human rights." 


But while the British leader's statement is directed more at African states that have strong anti-gay legislation, his policy essentially applies to all Commonwealth countries, including Jamaica, where, due to religious and/or cultural beliefs, homosexuality is not accepted.Of course, he conceded that the countries targeted could not change immediately. That, we hold, should be the general position of the international community and the homosexual lobby. For it is unreasonable to expect that societies with prejudices rooted in a culture that, in most instances is a legacy of British Empire laws, will, overnight, accept a lifestyle that runs counter to those laws.Where the homosexual lobby and their supporters have erred is in trying to force their lifestyle on societies that regard it as wrong and ungodly. 


 And while we do not support laws that persecute people because of their sexual preferences, we hold firmly to the belief that threats, like that issued by Prime Minister Cameron, would not have seen the light of day had those countries that now gleefully accept monetary aid put their economies in order. 

ENDS

Smoke is in the room and it is choking us and everyone else so much so that we all are saying and believing foolishness and the hype or wrench thrown in the mix whenever this debate comes up. HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOT ILLEGAL IN JAMAICA, sorry but I had to scream it and that is precisely why the debate is clouded, the beginning of this article/editorial just turns me as I have heard everywhere else including supposedly knowledgeable journalists and lawyers saying it is. What is illegal is the act of buggery or sodomy and even that is debatable as well as sodomy infers a kind of predatory tinge to it or forced sexual advances from a same sexed perpetrator as was deemed in the 1500s when this law came to be under Henry VIII.  As for the supposed imposition I was made to understand the  veiled threat from the UK PM was directed towards more caustic states in Africa to which some have responded in kind claiming being dictated to. I had hinted to the issue of imposition by foreign bodies in a previous post when the story first broke on GLBTQJA Wordpress seen below:


.........But what will that do though in the long run if most states and including Jamaica outside of the region mentioned in the article have a strong beliefs or perception that homosexuality is an import and that actions such as this are forcing the hand of countries with “christian principles” and “high moral values” to capitulate to the powerful gay lobby from first world nations yet The Prime Minister David Cameron is not gay but could be viewed as a puppet in the scheme of this with the pressure coming and positions from the European Union side of things and other bodies such as the United Nations on sexual orientation.Is forcing countries to comply the way to go?Or hitting them economically?I don’t think so, certainly other diplomatic methods can be employed but what about the notion that anti gay forces in the United States are in effect exporting homophobia and funding anti gay and religious fanaticism especially in parts of Africa in recent times. What does Mr. Cameron et al have to say or do about that?, these powerful backers behind such moves are said to be numerous and are some of the biggest companies and individuals allegedly. 


Will the UK also criticize those backers and demand they stop this kind of clandestine support or be made to stop? Can or will the UK Prime Minister stand up to the police man of the world and call it for what it is? Are we going to solve the issue of tolerance this way folks? I don’t think so, the hitting of the economic prosperity of these non compliant states as it were may only serve to bring more harm to the voices and populations on the ground who are made to pay the price as involuntary martyrs for this kind of pressure.While I can understand the need for rights and recognition to be extended to the common man this incessant push to seemingly impose it on the rest of the problematic states is unjustified for now, I say more dialogue bearing in mind also other countries who may have similar anti gay positions and laws with dire societal consequences are watching this and may feel justified in tacitly supporting homophobic acts even more so whilst becoming hardlined on budging from their no ease on buggery positions. We saw the recent comments but the Antiguan and Barbudan Attorney General on the law there on the strength of a legal challenge mounted by a group in Belize named UNIBAMThis debate has no end soon so let us see. 


The particular tranche of aid that maybe affected is a bilateral one known as general support,the aid was vital as it was used to rehabilitation programs for deportees who are helped to rejoin society, training and support. National Security Minister Dwight Nelson said on a radio interview that if aid was cut Jamaica could not afford to run such a program at this time.

Why is Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays, JFLAG so silent?


In response to that an answer from one of the Programs personnel dismissed the question as if it is not important, the exact words in a forum were:


"Truth is, if you read what Cameron said you realise it has no bearing on us. Do we even get budgetary support from Britain? Cutting aid is standard practice, it is nothing new. Why are we getting so fussed up about it? If my memory serves me correct, US withdrew money to an organ of the UN last week because of its work in China. The person who has the power of the purse use it to their benefit and it is a very old practice. There really isn't that much of a story in this. Activists are using the opportunity to respond to requests from the media to speak on the issue"



Aloofness as per usual, so much for that, I guess the negative perceptions that we are trying to homosexualize Jamaica, bugger our children and white foreigners imposing their beliefs on us are of no importance to the J coupled with the fallouts in the form of homophobic and lesbophobic violence that usually comes with when homosexuality hits the mainstream news?


Peace and tolerance 


H


also see more comments on these posts from other rights activists:


Jamaica should refuse British aid – Families Against State Terrorism convener ………………

CVM TV's Live @ 7 on the UK AID Withdrawal threat & responses .......

The Line in The Sand for The JLP part 13 - the ascention but the question:Will Holness be a pro-rights prime minister?

With yesterday's October 23rd historic moment for Jamaica's youngest and ninth Prime Minister as his predecessor Bruce Golding demitted office the Honourable Andrew Michael Holness was sworn in, many are asking what will he be bringing to the table? The People's National Party PNP who say they are government in waiting has poured cold water on his ascension saying he will not be changing any of Golding policies and die hard PNP supporters still hurt from the shock of Golding's sudden departure a full year before due albeit they were calling for his head are cynical to say the least and venomous in some places. It seems the shock is too much for them as the JEEP plan for unemployed persons that was touted by sister P as in its leader Portia Simpson Miller has stalled for too long and they can't seem to regroup with the JLP receives well needed traction and positive press for the most part.


A Gleaner poll today so far as at this post shows favourable ratings for Prime Minister Holness 

Meanwhile Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays JFLAG's Programs Manager Jae Nelson had written a piece on October 7, 2011 that has mysteriously disappeared from the Gleaner's site that asked will Holness be a pro rights minister?

Prime Minister, the Hon Andrew Holness, and his predecessor, Hon Bruce Golding, share a laugh during the swearing in exercise at King’s House on Sunday (October 23).

PM Holness' Swearing Speech: Better Politics, Better Policies, Better People

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The new Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon Andrew Holness, and his family wave to the audience at King’s House, after being sworn in on Sunday (October 23). At right is his wife, Juliette, and in front his sons, Adam (left) and Matthew.

Mr Nelson wrote:

It is widely accepted that development is about the respect accorded to human dignity and freedoms. Rights facilitate democracy and participation, as well as accommodate diversity of languages, identities, cultures and different models of development.Unfortunately, Jamaica and familieshere has been a deficit in the Jamaican Parliament over the years where human rights are concerned. As a consequence, we have suffered a horrendous branding internationally, especially in relation to extrajudicial and summary killings, treatment of prisoners,Netherlands. homosexuals and children.Martin Henry once said, despite the soundness of our Constitution, there is a rampant breach of rights by fellow citizens while the state and its government stand aside and look. Many of us rubbish such commentary despite the ct that our prisons are overcrowded, schools built to accommodate 600 students have double and triple occupancy, more than 200 persons are killed by the police annually, negligence at one state-run facility resulted in a fire which killed seven juveniles in 2009, and more than 120 persons have been abused because of their sexual orientation between 2009 and 2011.However, the most egregious violation of our rights is that we are denied the opportunity to challenge the constitutionality of any law that predates political Independence. To make it worse Czech Republic, the Parliament resaved this law (Section 26 of the Constitution) when the Charter of Rights was enacted this year.There is deafening silence when many of these abuses are perpetrated or when the vulnerability of some of these groups to discrimination must be taken into consideration. For example, health status, sexual orientation, and disability were not included as grounds for non-discrimination in the Charter of Rights. 


The Sexual Offences Act Kenya, passed in 2009, is biased towards women and girls, thereby ignoring the vulnerability of males to ual violence. This is partly because our well-intentioned political leaders perhaps lack the knowledge and appreciation for human rights and fear that any support for the unconventional will ruin their popularity at the polls.Bold StepsNone of us should continue to accommodate human rights abuses. Our 50th anniversary of Independence is an important time in our history, and we must take more bold steps to become fully compliant with the myriad human rights conventions we have ratified. We often say the right things internationally,Ghana. but they are rarely translated into laws locally. Protecting and promoting the human rights is imperative, because if Jamaica is ever to become the place of choice to live,Sudan. work, raise milies and do business Bahrain, development policies and laws must encourage and promote equity and social justice among all people and within groups, regardless of our ideological persuasions.Understandably, we will not be able to subjugate our personal, cultural, religious and other beliefs overnight. However, given that the breach of human rights has negative implications on reducing poverty and conflict, and promoting peace and justice, we must lend our support to efforts that seek to guarantee the rights of all Jamaicans.Jamaicas goals are to: 


(1) ensure that we are empowered to achieve our fullest potential; 


(2) the society is cohesive and just; 


(3) the economy is prosperous; 


and (4) we live in a healthy environment. Fifteen national outcomes support the goals to become a developed country,Search. which is our vision for 2030.As citizens, we must begin to assess the extent to which human rights are applied towards achieving the goals of the national development plan. Enriching the lives and freedoms of ordinary people is fundamental to the process of human development because it empowers oppressed and marginalised groups within our society.Crucial LegislationMany strides have been made over the years. A number of important pieces of legislation, such as the Child Care & Protection Act, Charter of Rights, and Sexual Offences Act, have been enacted. 


There are also policies in place governing the management of HIV in schools and ensuring non-discrimination in workplaces, to name a few. There is also an Independent Commission of Investigation, childrens advocate and public defender. In some respects, our quandary is enforcement of these policies and legislations.Nevertheless, we are routinely serenaded with these unflattering reports from human rights organisations such as Jamaicans for Justice and J-FLAG. International players such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the US Department of State have also chimed in with their reports.We are most desperately in need of a prime minister who will be pro-rights. Andrew Holness, the endorsed successor of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, must take bold steps in ensuring that the human rights of all Jamaicans, including the most vulnerable and marginalised persons, Peru. will be protected and widely promoted. 


 Email feedback to lgbtevent@gmail.com or jaevion@gmail.com 

ENDS

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen, looks on as Prime Minister, the Most Hon Andrew Holness, raises his hand and takes the Oath of Office at his swearing in at King’s House on Sunday (October 23)

Political commentators had mixed reactions about the speech and one influential said he sounded more like he was in parliament than at a formal swearing in ceremony, he may need to work on his charisma and projection as he comes across to the public, a younger more hip generation may zone out I fear if he doesn't manage his communications which in my mind all the more reason he needs a proper communicator in information as suggested in Part 12 of this series early days yet but let us see.

Line in The Sand? may not just yet, when all this feel good atmosphere cools down and he decides on the election and the way forward with a new cabinet (which may include closet cases as before) will be the ultimate test of his mettle. 


Peace and tolerance


H 

The Line in the Sand for the JLP part 11 ..........

Since part 10 in this series from June in essence diverting from the regular LGBT entries to matters of state we looked at the Manatt furor leading to a reshuffled cabinet then the issue of Harold Brady being taken to court for not appearing at the commission of inquiry, shouting matches between members of the opposition and the Jamaica Labour Party and agitations from persons such as PNP Gen Sec Peter Bunting and Peter Phillips shadow spokesman on Finance on the well perceived failed International Monetary Fund  IMF test results for August/September 2011. In a press release on October 6 he called for the government to immediately tell the country whether the scheduled quarterly review by the IMF for the period ending September 30, 2011 is being undertaken. Dr. Phillips said in a statement that the fact that there is no reported progress in the negotiations between Jamaica and the IMF, plus the massive unplanned increase of $33 Billion of debt, coupled with the under-performance of revenues, all point to a deepening of the economic crisis being faced by the country. “The Prime Minister or the Minister of Finance needs to clear the air so that our Local and International Creditors, Investors and all other stakeholders, can be satisfied that there is a plan to return stability to the Jamaican economy,” Dr. Phillips said.
It is critical, he said,that the Government discontinues the practice of with-holding vital economic information from the public and that the economic affairs of the country are not left unattended. The PNP has been playing the "trust" card for some time now since the Manatt inquiry.

Meanwhile the rapid developments in the Jamaica Labour Party cannot go unnoticed as everyone has something to say on it as to the actual resignation date of Bruce Orrette Golding as soon as a new leader can be identified and so he has been so identified and supported in the form of the education Minister Andrew Holness and in a set of swift political moves and show of solidarity speculations have been put to rest as to the other aspirants for the position challenging him, the PM of course has been severely tainted since the whole Manatt Dudus affair with his image taking a battering and persons raising hell on social networks and elsewhere but the opposition in the meantime thought their just ended bus tour and in effect campaign launch would have staggered the JLP further as their ratings soared, well it hasn't in fact the opposite now seems true as statistically the JLP has gained on the near 32 point lead the PNP had with more and more persons liking the Holness factor despite the release of a Progressive Agenda document by the PNP to include a job creation programme, the JLP has poured cold water on it calling it another "crash program" from the seventies.

In a short television poll on CVM TV's Live @ 7 program many persons when asked if the election should be called early disagreed and suggested Andrew Holness show some of what he is made of while putting his team together but there are those however leaning to the PNP who are putting all kinds of spins they can find to smoke up the room. All of the rapidly coming announcements and endorsements of Mr Holness have certainly knocked the wind out of the PNP's JEEP - Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme to which they have yet to properly present how it will work and what actually is it. They refused a recent debate on the matter

Golding did the right thing — survey

Senator and former Minster of Justice Dorothy Lightbourne (seen above) said in a recent television interview when asked how she felt about the PM summed it that the whole Manatt affair was taken out of context and that he was a good leader and the JLP had achieved much in the short space of time. My question is apart from the line in the sand is how are they going to market their achievements and there are many if one were to be honest but in the face of a tainted Prime Minister (who is on his way out). Noted Professor David Rowe also hinted to the PM's possible Obstruction of Justice in the extradition matter on social networking site Facebook on October 3, 2011

Mr. Rowe posted the following note:

OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE- THE CASE AGAINST BRUCE GOLDING

By David Rowe · Last edited on Monday · Edit Doc

OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE- THE CASE AGAINST BRUCE GOLDING

The Federal Statutes criminalizing Obstruction of Justice are found in Title 18 United States Code Chapter 73.

18 U.S.C. 1502 states:

“ Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs, resists or opposes an extradition agent of the United States in the execution of his duties shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year.”

18 U.S.C. 1503 is the common Obstruction of Justice charging section. This section of the Obstruction of Justice statute has two prongs. The first prong relates to interfering with Judicial Officers, the second prong concerns obstruction of the “Due Administration of Justice”.  The second prong of the Obstruction of Justice statute is extremely wide and can lead to an unlimited number of scenarios being subject to prosecution. These scenarios include foreign-based conspiracies.

Bruce Golding’s conduct in deliberately putting off or delaying the extradition might meet the statutory requirements for Obstruction of Justice, which are very broad.   

Bruce Golding’s positions and actions in attempting to prevent the extradition of Christopher Coke may be viewed as deliberate attempts to circumvent the U.S. State and U.S. Justice Department. In addition, by hiring the well connected Law Firm Manatt, Phelps to lobby the White House to thwart the Extradition unquestionably meets the statutory basis for Obstruction of Justice and might also violate the terms of 18 U.S.C. 1510 which states:

  (A) Whoever willfully endeavors by means of bribery to obstruct, delay, or prevent the communication of information relating to a violation of any criminal statute of the United States by any person to a criminal investigator shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

Whether the payment to Manatt, Phelps constitutes “bribery” is matter of interpretation. If the payment was made by the JLP then, it is possible that it meets the statutory standard.   

The Tivoli Gardens incident is a human tragedy inflicted upon the people of Jamaica by the corruption and possible Obstruction of Justice of the Bruce Golding Administration. Seventy five or more people died in that incident, many of them would be alive today had it not been for the misconduct of the Government.  

David P. Rowe is a Professor of Law at the University of Miami School of Law 

ENDS

This could spell more trouble if followed up I think is what Mr. Rowe is trying to put across, it may not be over for Mr. Golding as he departs.

But what if the People's National Party decides to follow suit and Portia Simpson Miller decides to resign albeit she is in her late sixties and puts up a Peter Bunting as leader presumptive whilst parting ways with old stalwarts such as Omar Davies (who has been blamed for many of the country's economic woes) and Bobby Pickersgill plus other most of whom have been in politics since the late seventies? The we may have a great race on our hands but the "money" factor must not be left out as seeing the huge ratings jump by the JLP business donours and campaign supporters may throw big bucks at them to boost the high they are now on. As the sections of the very supportive LGBT community towards the PNP sound off and launch their own campaigns on pages and in chat rooms all the past events in the last three years plus are being rehashed but I fear the other eighteen year nightmare of the PNP with P. J Patterson at the helm are not being looked at. The cartoon directly above this paragraph shows a list of scandals that rocked them in their 18 year tenure.  

preview the PNP's Progressive Agenda

Open publication - Free publishing - More agenda

The People's National Party Constitution

People’s National Party Financial Statements30 June 2010

Line in the Sand for the JLP? .............. Maybe not as they have sure shot now with the new young leader at 39 years old but PM-designate Andrew Holness will now have to elucidate his Sept 2010 position that Golding did not have to resign as leader because it was not a majority position then. Does he feel that way still?

But certainly for Prime Minister Bruce Golding as he departs, a colourful political career done due to mistakes probably and a controversial support base within the Jamaica Labour Party that in my view used him just to get into power. Andrew Holness was formerly nominated on October 10, 2011 at a special sitting of the area council meeting.

Peace and tolerance

H

Skewed and still no justice after 49 years

Originally posted two years ago as "..after 47 years"



By the way, Happy Independence Day if you feel so moved but judging from the cartoon in the Observer two years ago in 2009 it makes one question how independent are we?



Yes we are free from colonial rule and are supposed to be managing our affairs but our former colonial masters left a template for us to use in the form of the Westminster parliamentary system and as far as freedom of choice and orientation goes they have removed the buggery and other related acts and laws to secure citizen's rights and privileges. Not to mention the other ills which I won't go into now.

A law for the rich and and law for the poor is what we have ended up with for the past 49 years which still dogs us in however subtle forms it may present itself. I mean I never expected things to happen overnight but one would have expected more enlightened legislation and thought from the intelligentcia on class, sex, sexuality and sexual orientation. With three major University campuses, various law schools and an additional 4 overseas institutions operating here all of whom offer some Psychological and related studies independent and liberal thinking are woefully lacking.



The two types of justice at least exists but for gay people in general as we all know there is very little for us when we have to access the state mechanisms to achieve closure. We are ignored or vilified and accused of paedophilia even without proper investigative procedures. It's only since the new Police Commissioner stepped into office we have seen slight improvements as far as the police community relations are concerned. Gays and lesbians still have it hard and to think our motto says "Out of many, one people" we are eons away from it. Older gay folk with tell you that in the sixties and seventies we never had this kind of trouble except for the occasional taunt by kids whose parents would discuss a suspected neighbour over their dinner table or some ostracism but that was as far as it went, now even under the slightest suspicion you can be beaten or killed at the least warned before the impending doom is enacted.



Justice where is it for us?, most gays are subject to ridicule and forced outings when allegedly caught in the act, we are dragged into court, cases are tried (if it gets to trial) in open court instead of "in camera" meaning without the public present in the room, names published in the papers, stories embellished for sensationalism to sell papers, cases languish in court that is if we persistently attend mention dates (if it gets so far as arresting officers scarcely follow up) we may get a sine die adjournment long after then the arduous task of clearing your police record if you want to access certain services or to clear ones name.

Is it that we are going to have to consider civil unrest and have martyrs among us to get the point across or to effect change and How many of us a are willing to take that stand? We are so busy living in our own worlds and have become so individualistic we forget others because we are not poor so many feel we won't get beaten or hurt and are far removed from the realities on the ground, so we can hop on a plane and go somewhere else. Justice is a reciprocal process as I see it we can't just sit by and demand it, we have to act as well legally firstly and if needed, civil disobedience. Even our advocacy has been tainted by this elitist stance in a sense, the powers that be aren't from the larger LGBT body politic and are immune or far removed from the matters of homophobic violence etc of which they speak on, which is not to say they cannot speak but we have to include those voices directly in the mission but often times they are missing from the agitations over these many years, just take a look at the latest video campaign which has persons of a "lighter shade" who may never know save and except for reports what violent homophobia is all about, the video would have made a better impact if real victims were used if it means concealing their identities that has been done before. Many in the community are not pleased with the video although the intent is noble and is a start from the rigor mortis that had set in over the years, thankfully vigilance by us is also forcing the sleeping giant to act as was evidenced in several party interventions which JFLAG booths have been seen lately a feature that was not present before, we hope it continues and not die which would suggest it was used to keep the criticisms to a minimum.



Hmmmm some questions for us:

Are you comfortable as a GLTBQ citizen in this country?



What has happened to the legal agitation that started in 1998 to decriminalize buggery?



What about the public engagement for tolerance and understanding?



Why do gay politicians ignore who they are and join the band waggon in the name of political correctness?



Why are we hiding in the shadows (DL) instead of coming out?

Is JFLAG doing a good job on our behalf?

How can we mobilize ourselves to become effective?



Independent? I think not as far as gays are concerned, we have imprisoned ourselves in certain respects as well there are powerful movers and shakers in this land who can help to shape a more tolerant society instead they sit and are quiet. Even as we celebrate there are reports of only continued homophobic violence but gay on gay violence as well and a oblivious advocacy system that seeks to heap praise on itself more than directly engage certain sections of the LGBT body politic that are deemed undesirables.



Tolerance is what counts we all can co-exist, we can't go asking for it from John public and we can't even extend or agree on the cohesive way forward.



FREE UP YUSELF



H

More compliants about Clovis cartoons ................

As more complaints come in about Jamaica Observer's resident cartonist Clovis's take on the community and recent pronouncements on gays being involved in illegal activities from the Superintendent Fitz Bailey here is another letter on the subject with some of the cartoons below:

published July 29, 2011

this was the last one as published July 26, 2011

Clovis and homophobic cartoons

Dear Editor,

Surely, there is always room for dissent. Every society must respect opposing points of view. That is the essence of every democracy. Yet dissent itself ought to ensure that it is productive, fair and without prejudice. Clovis, the Jamaica Observer cartoonist, is indeed talented. He often colourfully highlights important social issues being discussed within the public arena. Yet, while his pen describes reality, it also often prescribes a deadly dose of condemnation, specifically on the issue of homosexuality.

Clovis's pen leaks not only ink, but blood as well. His caricatures of homosexuals depict transvestite, cross-dressing males who seem to lack all sense of decorum and common grace, whose personality is cantankerous and belligerent. Is this the sum of the LBGT, or specifically, J-Flag community? Clovis seems to think so. Certainly, I appreciate an atmosphere of dissension and I am gleefully ready to express my divergent point of view. Hence, this is not a petition to confiscate Clovis's pen, but rather it is a clarion call to ask the cartoonist to check his conscience and his religious principles - which I am sure he invokes as he offers his disapproval - when creating his caricatures.

When he assails the LGBT community with his virulently homophobic sketches, he muzzles sensible debate by fanning the flames of the Bun Chic-chic man mentality. The most fatal consequence of Clovis's sketches, which is not readily apparent as the bright colours he uses, is the blood that drips from his stained paper. He emphasises a woefully inaccurate stereotype. I am not asking Clovis to paint J-FLAG or any gay lobby in a favourable light. My request is that his dissent should not encourage a bloodthirsty mob. It is one thing to disagree, but quite another to inject animus. The latter, I am sure, cannot possibly sit well with his religious values, or if the case may be, his secular morality.

John E Sabio
Miami, Florida
USA

ENDS

Also see my take on it from sister blog GLBTQJA on blogger

Why does Clovis make gays look effeminate? (Observer Letter) .....

Cartoons and the use of gay typed characters part 2

There have been mixed reactions as is expected on most matters from the LGBT community itself with some taking a more satirical stance on them but other including myself have concerns about the last one published on July 26th (see above) where it had a so called gangster with a machete dripping with blood as several horrific crimes of late have had the heads of the deceased removed and missing thus adding to the horror and grief for the families who cannot get closure for the passing of their loved ones. Though these latest crimes are not homophobic ones the cartoon's linking to them is disturbing.

The sad part of the complaints is that the people complaining aren't cross dressers themselves but mostly members of the intelligencia, advocacy and those who stay away from engaging this very grouping and those who before now snubbed their very own noses at the same drag culture, and effeminacy what hypocrites are we? how convenient it has become to be used now as pro gay arguments? they stay away from events that may be directed at that community but now find it convenient to write letters about it, that is not to say this particular writer is one such person.

Peace and tolerance

H

Cartoons and the use of gay typed characters part 2

cartoon above published July 26.07.11

See part 1 where I briefly looked at the Shebadarization of entertainment on a whole with brief effects on Jamaican psyche and associated gay typed characters on Jamaican stages.

Over these many years cartoonists in particular have been weighing in on the issues with every thing from very disturbing and stereotypical pieces to more satirical ones poking fun at the issues, many persons in the LGBT community and by extension the advocacy groupings have expressed some outrage specifically to today's Observer image as done by resident cartoonist Clovis:

This is following on the recent apology from the police high command on Superintendent Fitz Bailey and his assertions on gays involved in organized crimes without specifically naming the ones they are involved in.

also see:

Apology Accepted JCF but some questions on several fronts still linger ...

Other popular cartoons include the now infamous call from public defender to put prisoners to work however Clovis gave a spin on the issue by showing the two prisoners in a romantic position in jail-house fatigues, another was the barred closet door as hammered blocked by former Attorney General A.J. Nicholson.

Certainly the Boom Bye Bye one I included here was one of many others that were too offensive so I left them out of this entry that was a supposed response to the "Not in My Cabinet" rant on the BBC's Hard talk show in 2008/9 however one can also appreciate the cartoonists are also carrying the views of readers and John Public which may be for or against LGBT issues but given our very slow change to a more tolerant society the toons seem to be reflecting more comedic themes especially the Clovis ones that have a stereotypical cross dresser with male features also visibly shown.

As I said elsewhere sometimes we have to laugh things off sometimes if not we all may go mad.

Peace and tolerance

H

UPDATE July 20, 2011 - in response to the last cartoon (above) a letter to the Observer

Bad precedent

Dear Editor,

This is in regard to your cartoon of July 19.

I find your portrayal of gay people to be most offensive! Do you really believe that all gay people carry themselves in this manner? You are setting a bad precedent and initiating a stereotype that will just help perpetuate the rampant homophobia that plagues the Jamaican society.
Please act responsibly by understanding the ramifications of what you publish! I sincerely hope you will see the gravity of this and take corrective action.

P Valentine
Saxhomes@aol.com