By Vinette K. Pryce
An apparent union solidly supportive of the island of Jamaica showed up across the Third Ave. location of the consulate Friday to counter-demonstrate the annual Get On The Bus rally staged by Amnesty International.
Waving the colors of their nation, a mobilized consortium of proud Jamaicans demonstrated pride in the country as well as its black, green and gold banner during three hours of protests.
United in solidarity that Jamaica’s constitution should not be amended to include a gender provision protecting homosexuals, some carried banners saying “No Way, No Gay,” and “JAB – Jamaicans Against Bowing.”
They shouted their concern.
They screamed their contempt for Amnesty International.
And most vociferously they displayed national pride by dressing in garb that reflected the colors of the nation. Although many considered their presence a defensive stance against “an attack” on Jamaica others claimed they were unsure of the reasons they were asked to show up. “I don’t know why we are here, all I know is that nuh batty bwoy nah go tell mi nutten,” an emotional protester said.
Across the street, 11 buses emptied a predominant youthful gathering that arrived from the New England states of Boston, Maine, and other states for the decade-old Get On The Bus campaign. Nine pick-up points mobilized Amnesty International’s Somerville chapter 11.
Representing churches, schools, community and fraternal organizations youngsters corralled inside police barricades parodied The Wailers hit reggae recording “Get Up! Stand Up!”
Chorusing the reggae anthem, AI’s legions called for the repeal of Jamaica’s laws criminalizing same-sex intercourse and other issues of human rights injustices alleged to be committed by police in Jamaica.
Amnesty International brought Jamaica to the spotlight after seven men were killed by the Crime Management Unit in Braeton, Mar. 14, 2001. Invited to investigate the tragedy by activist organizations in Jamaica, Amnesty International monitored the case. With 140 deaths by police, Jamaica ranked worst in the entire world with the highest rate of police killings of any other country.
Organizers handed out hundreds of leaflets explaining their purpose on one side and on the other “what happened to “One Love,” a question they blazed with a call to “end homophobic violence in Jamaica.” Half the page carried a picture of Brian Williamson, identified as a Jamaican gay activist, murdered in 2004. Jamaican protesters claimed Williamson was killed by “one of his own.”
The topic was mute at the corner of 48 th St. & Third Ave last Friday afternoon. “We are not against Jamaica or Jamaicans, we are here today and every year to protest human rights injustices,” Rick Roth, group co-ordinator of the Massachusetts contingency explained.
“We came 10 years ago and protested the brutality against a Nigerian by Nigerian police,” he said. “We only had 50 people then. Since then we have been coming back every year.” Earlier in the day, buses carrying 55 individuals each unloaded participants willing to rally in front of the Indian, Belarus and Mexican consulates.
India’s bone of contention is the Bhopal disaster which AI holds Dow accountable. China’s reproach is related to the free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche campaign. With Belarus, the issue is the freedom of Yury Bandazhevsky. Mexico’s targeting is due to alleged violence against women in Juarez and Chihuahua.
The principal reason Jamaica received one hour of protest is because AI would like a repeal of the sodomy laws as well as the immediate stop of homophobia on the island. They stood in protest from 3 p.m. until their permit expired at 4 p.m. before heading to the Chinese consulate at 12 th Ave. for a final day’s protest.
Upstairs the consulate, Consul General Dr. Basil K. Bryan, Bishop Cecil G. Riley of Freedom Hall Church of God, and attorney Ransford B. McKenzie waited patiently for a meeting agreed by Amnesty’s representatives Larry Chang, Ariel Herrera, Colin Robinson and Kevin Mouchantaf, Outfront Regional Coordinator at Amnesty International.
“We have prepared coffee and tea and are prepared to talk with any representative wanting to talk with us,” Dr. Bryan said. Seemingly open to dialogue on behalf of his country, the Jamaican diplomat maintained an open-door policy to accommodate both sides of the issues.
“The purpose of the meeting is to call for a debate on the repeal of legislation criminalizing consensual same sex conduct in Jamaica,” Mouchantaf stated, “I also wish to urge law reform to protect LGBT (lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender) individuals from violence and discrimination.”
However, at the appointed 3 p.m. time agreed neither Monchantaf nor any representative of Amnesty International called or showed up to dialogue with the Jamaican patriots. “It is our sovereignty that is at risk why I am here,” Peculiar I, a dub poet explained. “I am actually from Toronto, Canada,” he added.
The Jamaican immigrant said he was visiting and heard about the rally. He said he kept attuned to 93.5 FM for updates. “When I heard they got the permit, I decided I had to be here.” “The reason I am here is because I heard attorney Donald Vernon talking about the issue,” a Jamaican woman who asked for anonymity said.
“I am definitely against violence against anyone, but I stand firm with my country on every issue.” After the rally, the consul general responded to a request from Jamaicans identified as representatives from the various factions. Reportedly, Dr. Bryan listened as various individuals spotlighted their interest. Allegedly a response from a governmental representative is high on the priority list of some of the JCAN members.
