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


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

Thursday, December 29, 2016

George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ indeed


in his younger days

The legendary George Michael aged 53 left us unfortunately in his “Last Christmas” in 2016 peacefully at home in the UK according to reports much to the surprise of many as there were not much news of any life threatening illness in the latter part of this year although it is known he had some issues prior. Ironically “Last Christmas” performed by the group Wham in one of their lasting songs in the repertoire and is a radio fixture annually worldwide. Born into a Greek family in 1963 he would later join his partner in crime Andrew Richie in song writing, producing and kick starting their careers as Wham, to be picked up by a major label in 1984 releasing a string of minor hits and while they put out a mix of everything from dashes of rap to elements of disco they decided to change direction to a more soulful style (Blue eyed soul later) but not before scoring their biggest worldwide hit “Wake Me Up Before You Go” who can forget that now infamous introduction of George by Madonna where she said “The diva himself” and “George I want your sex”. In 1985 Wham became the first western group outside of communist China to perform in that nation they then split in 1986. That however proved he had arrived that the queen of pop could recognise it. He decided on a solo journey was the way for him as both men grew apart creatively as a group but remained friends for the most part and co wrote some materials.

“My career seems to always right itself like a duck in a bath, like a plastic duck in a bath” BBC interview with George Michael 2007.

George Michael had an unusually large and loyal following in African descended circles in the United States in particular as a UK artist; he was more seen as an album artist than a singles seller, the albums usually went platinum in a short time after release (over 100 million worldwide). On the continent itself George sold in the millions as well even to the 2014 releases and his Youtube channel has huge subscribers numbers; meanwhile a trend he helped to start in terms of UK crossover success kept him in the public eye; of course the likes Elton John, Sir Tom Jones and the Beatles to some extent laid the ground for that to happen with Eurhythmics’ front woman/diva Annie Lennox and which had other UK based artists follow suit such platinum selling diva Lisa Stanfield of “All Around the World” fame on Arista records, Seal with his string of big hits and even dance diva Kristine W formerly of Champion Records with her signature hit “One More Try” to name a few. For George to move from tracks like “Young Guns” bubble gum pop sounds to more serious releases as “Praying for Time” is just commendable even as many dismissed him as a flavour of the moment, instead he has outlasted contemporaries who are washed up.

The gay thing

“Jesus to a child” was a 1996 tribute to his Brazilian born lover who passed away who he met in Rio De Janeiro in 1991 and other relationship challenges dotted his mostly successful career; but that bathroom incident changed his direction altogether albeit the battle with drugs, slumping record sales, souring of public opinion for a while and his former record company court battles for ownership and release of tapes etc. As social attitude changed he finally in effect came out and was better able to concentrate on more prolific work but success slowly dwindled but loyal fans such as myself stayed true as we know good and honest talent when we hear and see it.

I became even more drawn to him more so in the nineties after the release of “Praying for Time” which was his last major number one in the US, other 12” singles drew my attention and my dollars too such as “Freedom” “I am Your Man” “Fast Love 1996” and the remixes collection of “Freedom”; the latter song was in protest against CBS/Colombia Records with whom he wanted to exit the recording contract and have master tapes control. The lyrics for “Freedom” for example are quite clear where it says “....Take back the picture in the frame...” he effectively retrace his Wham journey as a pop star, he continued “I was every hungry school girl’s pride and joy but I guess it was enough for me ......... I am rocker on TV ............. I wanna make me soul happy” but he got frustrated with the labels’ restrictions and creative control and the demands for albums faster than he cared for.

Other artists like Prince and Chaka Khan who had similar issues with Warner Brothers they faced court battles and some reputational damage. In Prince’s case he wanted to release more materials and albums faster as his writing was prolific but the label wanted no part of it hence he left to form his own label Paisley Park Records. Fortunately all three artists were at the level of prestige, success and financial prowess so they could fight their cases and brought about change in the way some business is now done, Chaka was not happy either and she eventually broke free and released a platinum selling CD in 2007 called “Funk This” which delivered two hit singles “Angel” & “Disrespectful” a duet with Mary J Blige. The remixes for the latter were and still are a fixture for many a dancemusic DJ, I still include them in my sets and several updates since by remixers and bootleggers show there is renewed interest. Prince who also surprisingly passed earlier this year was the most successful of the three as he with the infamous “Slave” tattoed to his face took it all the way to the bank but George Michael is to be credited for really going against the grade at the time as it was almost an anathema to do so. George did the unthinkable as well by insisting his image does not appear on his releases so the latter albums prior to his release from CBS hardly had any images of him and by the time “Outside” came to market it was the photo of a handcuffed person’s hands (maybe his).

Who can forget the double CD collection “Ladies & Gentlemen presenting George Michael” with all those hits and more, it has been a Sunday morning favourite especially after the long drive from the club, “A Different Corner” especially is the relaxer for me.

Inadvertently the face of gay cruising

After that now infamous bathroom incident George Michael, single at the time found himself in a media frenzy with ridicule mixed with curiosity and condemnation by some others even though he was ‘mainstream’ and effectively “white” it was still not fashionable to be out that easily as a gay man; although fellow colleague Elton John with whom he recorded “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” was openly gay and never gave a hoot. George inadvertently was seen as the poster boy for the proverbial cruiser in the sub MSM categories that have those sex seeking behaviours for supposed ‘dickage’ or a quickie. His fans still stayed loyal for the most part. George Michael was set to have been caught in an entrapment sting operation of sorts in a restroom and the paparazzi went nuts with critics claiming the episode was the confirmation they were waiting for, some religious voices were waiting for some error to substantiate their claims that he was a negative influence on teens. Other gay, bisexual and downlow celebrities have been caught in bathroom situations before but not involving an undercover cop as the intended target of affection. I was even more attracted to George then as a gay man who understands the tenets of the thrill and risks of the hunt. Other MSM may see this sort of thing as out of place and instead stick to a more politically correct way of existence, the bathroom incident helped to smash that hypocrisy indirectly over time I think.

Artistry & some music highlights

George however used the ugly episode to his advantage playing on the sensationalism and responded in kind through artistry and song writing. He released tracks such as “Freeek” which was nicely remixed by the elegant Scumfrog, “Outside” which spoke to outdoor sex in subtle way and “Every Other Lover” one of his last releases spoke to the “queer” of it; earlier songs such as “Father Figure” and “I Want Your Sex” already were going in that direction of a alpha male power differentials in gay liaisons. ‘Careless Whispers” genderless lyric structure is one such early solo recording by George that was subtle hints to the direction he was heading and messages in the subtext. His has done some good duets over the years with some major divas, surpsingly more African American collaborations such as Aretha Franklin on “Knew You Were Waiting” which was Aretha’s only US pop number 1 million seller, then “As” with Mary J Blige a cover version of Stevie Wonder’s original production, then there is “if I Told You That” with Whitney Houston which appeared on her greatest hits in 2000.

Michael commented in a documentary some years ago the he was very selective about who he works with and admires singers with good voices hence his choice of the three ladies above, he also worked with a young singer named Mutya on a track named “This is Not Real Love” which was a minor dance hit on the club scene mixed by the respected Moto Blanco team. Many remixers have been called upon to transform the works over the years to include unlikely folks such as RazorNGuido, Hex Hector (“Outside”) and the white label community and tribalizean fellas have all taken a touch of the hits, especially tracks such as “Careless Whispers” “Outside” and “Father Figure” there are always updates within the last decade or so.

He struggled with fame versus his private life, there is a story of him while in China as he and Andrew Richie were on tour breaking records he burrowed a camera from one of his associates and turned that camera at the paparazzi who followed him everywhere he went and told them so that he is shooting them to effectively let them feel how it felt being hounded.

Huge Jamaican popularity

Although his sexuality was openly questioned locally and abroad with the infamous comparison with Elton John especially after the duet with both gentlemen “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me” the optics also played a role as the video of the live performance and an interview with them together was talked about for a long time afterwards. His imagery was often questioned as to how he looked into the lens provocatively when miming the lyrics while adding a teasing element to it and then there was the hair often compared with Prince and their androgyny which he (George) would later adjust in an image flip over after the bathroom incident.

Let us not forget the uproar when it was just hinted that Elton John would have been performing in Jamaica at the then Jazz Festival and the comparisons were made by homophobes with Elton and John as gays and not welcomed in Jamaica; hypocritically the loudest voices were from the church apart from anti gay entertainment journalists/promoters although they would not have attended I imagine as the headline acts be take the stage on a Sunday night. It was similar nonsense when the Village People who were booked to perform also ended up cancelling as misplaced uproar came through to mislead and drive fear-mongering that a simple live show via earshot or visuals would have transmitted some gay gene or gamma ray to change some in the audience. SMH

George Michael songs have managed to remain popular in Jamaica outside of decent adult contemporary radio rotation even Elton John too (“Sacrifice”) both men have had serious and unexpected rotation in the caustic homophobic dancehall sounds systems circles, a disc jock worth his grain of salt knows in any slow jams set, mix-tape and or live juggling had to add a George somewhere in there with tracks such as “A Different Corner” “Faith” (slower BPM) and the soulful call “One More Try” often with the hardcore of gangsters belting out the lyrics to their women in the street dance or as we say colloquially ‘rent-a-tile’ romantic embrace. As a young disc jock in the early 1990s I had no choice but to add George’s material to the collection and my mix-tapes and sets. The songs are still a part of the arsenal for newer DJs around.


As the news spread of his passing I was in the middle of a set at my DJ residency and was forced to whip up a remix line up in tribute to the man, gonna miss him, of note the dark deep RazorNGuido Epic Dub Re-rub of “Outside” was damaged at the time of recording the above set so I did not include it in this set at this time but I know the attuned DJ is well aware that that mix is the bomber of the entire double 12” and white label releases. The set also contains “Careless Whispers” “Fast Love” “Knew You Were Waiting” “Every Other Lover” “If I Told You That” “Father Figure” “Killer”(Dub) “Everything She Wants” plus a few more.

He has gone to join David Bowie, Miss Whitney, Prince and all the other greats, can you imagine the entry at the gates , St Peter maybe saying instead “come inside” and I guess Bob Marley is looking on with Peter Tosh et al and remarking “Irie” 2016 is easily seen in my book as a changing of the guard with the greats leaving us but we are being replaced by some not so hot ones although they are selling well while the good quality folks are still struggling under the radar, more greats will come I have no doubt and we have the archives to reflect on or unreleased materials that will come out eventually if properly managed.

Peace & tolerance

H

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

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

hear recent pods as well:

Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Other Blogs I write to:

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

contact:

APJ Website Launch & Link


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




audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

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

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


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

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

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

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



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

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

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

More HERE

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


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


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

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

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

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


Sexuality - What is yours?

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



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

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

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

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

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

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

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

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


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

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

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

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

Also see:

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

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

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

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE


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


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

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

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

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

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





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

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

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



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

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



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



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

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


What to Do .....




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following may apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

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

There are two standards that must be met:

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

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

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

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

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

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

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

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

Other Points of Interest

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

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

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

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

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

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

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

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

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

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

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

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

Popular Posts

What I am reading at times ......

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

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

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




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

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

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

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

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

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








Peace

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



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

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

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


John Maxwell's House