#JaNoVote2016: Misleading "Pro-Voting" Preaching

 "A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user" - Theodore Roosevelt

During the election season "pro-voting" media content and conversations become almost unbearable trying to save "nonvoters" and "undecided" from everlasting torture in pit of Hell-ocracy, with everyone reading from the same bible. 

Vote evangelists wants you to put a X beside something, thinks that everybody has to identify with a political party, and they keep skipping the first commandment of a democracy; participation. I was compelled - possibly touched - to write this with hope of relieving many "non voters" and "undecided" of their 
"sins."


I will declare that I have not voted and will not vote until I have seen a candidate or a political party or a candidate that best represents and voices the issues that concerns me the most; which includes making comprehensive constitutional and governance reform a top level priority, environmental protection, equality and closing the income gap, until that appointed time I will withhold exercising this sacred right. 


Many would immediately choose to castigate my choice, by automatically replying "If you don't use your right, you will lose it;" indeed this message intended to support citizen empowerment and participation cannot be used to justify irresponsible use or abuse of a your own rights. As I was I understand it, being a citizen in a democratic society, one has individual rights with mutually linked responsibilities. These rights ensure equality and justice for all regardless of what 'divides' us and the responsibilities are there to prevent us from infringing upon others and own rights.

Right to Vote & Its Responsibilities

If you do decide to cast your ballot then you've decided to engage in a single part of "the 
process" that is linked to generations of hardships, fights, bloodshed, activism and political 

willingness across the world. The right to have a say in who is allowed to govern locally or nationally is an awesome task and is constraint by 2 main responsibilities: become informed 
and vote according to ones certain belief.


Therefore a vote should be respected as it symbolises a conscious decision in which the chosen person or party is indeed the best representation of one's belief at that moment with all issues factored in. Hence, to defy ones conscience and express his beliefs wrongly on a ballot is to behave as a irresponsible citizen and soil the sacredness of the vote. It is then safe deduce that one should not be chastised for being an informed "non-voter" or an "undecided" who has weighed all options and come to a conclusion, those who are to be shamed are the irresponsible voters who are the legions of "die-hearts" and "party loyalist" who are uninformed and their only certain belief is that "mi is born PNP or JLP." 

A Dangerous Farce

Any political messaging that seeks to segregate or render a group of people as second class citizen must not be entertained and rebuked as dangerous to the social fabric of our nation. 

Many declared "nonvoters" and "undecided" receive flack; before, during and after election season because the prevailing belief is that "you have no say" and should not say anything because you don't vote. It is encouraged by our political leaders especially those who could benefit from higher turnouts, when they take to political platforms "looking votes" as disguised advocates of citizen involvement. The undue burden of being told how horrible not voting is, and how your allowing bad people to win.


It is a selfish practise to satisfy a politicians own shortcomings in their own inabilities to inspire 
or motivate. Which is often discussed as an aside to blaming "nonvoters" and "undecideds" for the state of nations governance and democracy. 

"The Process" and Participation

I, like so many other young, politically untethered Jamaicans are aware of the encryption and political warping since independence of what a democratic society truly represents in the 21st Century, then we can easily resist and counter the calls for "undecideds" and "non-voters" to "come off the fence" or "come into the yard," respectively. 

We know that voting is not "the process" but apart of the process that includes: 

• dialogue between state and civil society, 
• advocacy, activism, 
• volunteering, 
• affecting/writing policy, 
• old media/social media interactions, 
• civil action/protest, 
• by keeping yourself informed and the list continues. 

Discussions must begin to focus on how we get people involved not just to lead towards a ballot box but create long-lasting positive changes in their society by speaking up and speaking out against bad governance.


Only voting every 5 years cannot and shouldn't be seen as participation. One doesn't affect govt policy or hold government accountable when its convenient for the government, you have to disrupt and intervene whenever there is need to tell the government: We want Fixed Election Dates! Leave the Goat Islands! or #FireFenton!


I don't vote and I don't feel any pressure to vote, because I know I've a well informed and certain decision to withdraw from voting, nothing separates me from someone voting PNP or JLP. I subscribe to my responsibility as a citizen of democratic state to participate otherwise until I decided or find necessary to vote.

Will North East St. Elizabeth Start a Political Revolution in Jamaica?

On February 25th the voters of North East St Elizabeth will be going to polls to choose from 4 candidates (1PNP, 1JLP, 1PNP-Independent and an Independent) that have declared their interest in being the Member of Parliament for the constituency well-known as a People National Party (PNP) stronghold or garrison. But should the word “revolution” will be tagged to the race that could possible see the first Independent Member of Parliament (MP) be elected to Gordon House?

One of the Independent candidates Joseph Patterson, President of the United Independent Congress (UIC) in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, believes his campaign; victory and following historic entry into Parliament would “bring forth arevolution like never before” being the first elected Independent MP.  The United Independent Congress’s platforms are based on strong constitution and governance reform, and Mr. Patterson is committed to bringing the Congress’s platforms to parliament; reforms that the current political establishment has been unwilling to touch for over 53years.

Why is it a Revolution?       

To understand why the outcome of the North East St Elizabeth electoral race may be framed as a revolution we must first know what revolution is; the Oxford     dictionary assigns two definitions to the word “revolution”, firstly “a forcible overthrowof a government or social order, in favour of a new system,” secondly “adramatic and wide-reaching change in conditions, attitude or operation.”

Within the context of Jamaica, a two party system controlled by elected representations at both central and local government, a revolution would constitute any disruption to this system of government. We should not underestimate the ability of Jamaicans to recognize “change” as swing accordingly, hence there is no doubt in my mind that constituents in other areas of island will begin to question their own situation and stop settling for “the lesser evil.”

This change in attitude towards politics, governance and what we must begin expect and demand will no doubt only come when a single constituency decided to spark something much bigger than North East and give back Jamaica its Independence almost 54 years after it exchanged one master for another.

I encourage the all voters in North East St Elizabeth especially the youth, not to fear or intimated by whispers of revolution but embrace the fact you don’t need guns or bombs but a vote tocreate real change.

via GIPHY

Local Authorities and Local Advisory Committees

Although there has been a major leap in central government's agenda on Local Government Reform with the passing of the 3 pieces of legislation in 2015 aimed at giving greater authority and autonomy to the local authorities to be called "Municipal Corporations" and "City Municipalities" over their own affairs.

The laws are by no means perfect but are the result of many years of study and lobbying by
stakeholders, wanting to preserve and strengthen the bastardized institution that often receives
criticism for being a unnecessary economic burden and a political tool for rewarding the political parties' grassroots activists seeking representational roles.

But we shouldn't undervalue local government's importance in the day to day running of a nation by
actively fulfilling the national policies of the central government in nooks and crannies, translating
registration into action that directly affect the people, providing the communication channel between
state and people and most importantly the nearest point of contact the people have to affect state
policy; these are just a few basic roles.

Local Participatory Process

In the memorandum of objects and reason the Minister Arscott states "a participatory process which
facilities the direct involvement of key local stakeholders."

And If local government is indeed crucial for 'affecting state policy'; then local authorities must not fail to give life to sections "21" "22" and "37" of the "Local Governance Act 2015" which gives them power to create committees that will help in governance of their perspective parishes.

Sector specific advisory committees or taskforce are constituted of civil society, experts, private sector and citizens that are impacted by the decisions or nondecisions of state and are better placed to
understand best ways to craft and implement policy. The likes of local civil groups and advocates are
often overshadowed by the more influential national groups but this bypass is detrimental to local
governance.

Although we have numerous public agencies involved in community agencies that function under the Local Government Ministry, they too often operate as independent cells and The Parish Development Committee is private sector driven.

Few Councils have already implemented taskforce, but the government must see the need to make
mandatory at least four committees or taskforce: Youth. Women, Environment and Health. These
committees are usually voluntary or stipend hence no additional cost and the outcome outweighs the
cost.

However, leaving the local governance as a political tool would create more waste, more corruption and less governance.

Haiti Elections 2015: Political Intervention, CARICOM Deficiencies & Missing Aid

Map of Haiti/Haitian Flag

It is no secret that elections underway in Haiti have been filled with allegations and reports of wide spread fraud, intimidation, violence, external interference and general corruption; all are components of past and recent Haitian democratic processes.

But with the Nation still recovering from a devastating earthquake that only served to weaken its public institutions, the United States' State Department has taken guidance over the current presidential vote, with CARICOM merely an observer to the proceedings.

Democracy Protests

Even as the State Department overlooks the process there are further reports of misconduct among the political actors only adding to growing unease of the common Haitian and placing democracy further away from them.This has led to on/off clashes between democracy protesters and Haitian security forces before, during and after the voting in August and October. Voting continues in December with still occurring clashes daily.

Haiti Special Coordinator Kenneth Merten 

In his teleconferenced remarks on November 16th about the Haiti elections, Haiti Special Coordinator Kenneth Merten acknowledged "the disagreements" among the political players then stated "the good news is that the elections are taking place" and response to a question asked by the moderator Dr.Theramene(Haitian Americans for Progress) to elaborate on whether or not there is political interference by his government, Merten explained "We will work with whoever or whatever president comes out of this process." Even if 900,000 party monitors received credentials to vote at multiple voting centers.

Haiti Military Coup

His statement falls inline with the subvert quarters of US foreign policy which is protect their interest though by inducing "stability" - the key word - in simple terms, the works of democracy are shelved for a government, any government so that business as usual may carry on.


The flip side to that shortcut approach is that the peoples dissatisfaction and the governments spoon fed power often end up clashing and this creates instability leading to what we saw in Haiti before in the military coup..

POTUS Obama & CARICOM PMs

The United States(US) is apart of a Core Group in Haiti and as stated by Merten, that includes Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, European Union and representatives of the OAS; the US has the major influence and is working accordingly.With the US committing $31 Million to support election activities its not too cynical to say they will expect value for their money.

With Several organizations representing the Haitian Diaspora in the United States have joining to find solutions to the election crisis in Haiti there will hopefully be group that is fighting the best interest of nation and its people.

Why CARICOM's Limited Role?

The group with least influence though and seemingly with the least interest in the Haiti's current critical democratic redevelopment is the 'regional' body: Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Caribbean people, with little to no Caribbean media coverage of the current events.


Not to unfair to the regional body and its people, CARICOM past actions of support for Haiti count as admirable between the banning of illegitimate Latortue government, Aid, observer missions to recent support against Dominicans Republic's policy making Haitian descendants stateless.

Although most of the electoral observer missions were joint operations with the Organization of American States(OAS). CARICOM  has once again limited itself to spectator seat of a overheated election.


The Caribbean media on the other hand seem to have descended past the usual local market driven news content when it comes to Haiti with almost a complete black with most content coming from extra regional sources.I will not question the news editor choices but only urge newsroom rooms regional to encourage regional interest of some sort.


But Haiti has long been wrongly classified as the stepchild of the Caribbean and continues to be seen as economically 'dispensable' and a "burden"  to CARICOM. Although Haiti's relationship with the organisation has not been steady since its admission in 1999 there is no question in my mind that this is a critical juncture for Haitians in their redevelopment.

CARICOM needs t be ready to gain and have greater influence for the strengthening of a regional integration with shared values,similar economies, common culture and geopolitical interest the reasons deepen Haiti-CARICOM relations out weigh disadvantages.


CARICOM's ability to intervene as the regional overseer is hampered not only by financial andresources restraints but by its own unwillingness to create powers to intervene beyond strong worded statements and the cold shoulder:

Hon. Dr.Kenneth Anthony

Hon.Dr.Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia noted in a speech delivered in 2001: "The organization [CARCOM] is not fully seized of the significance of its involvement."   

This calls for reform and restructuring of the regional organization to better suite the current regional integration unions and political-economic area blocs that supports wider influence locally, regionally and internationally.

C.Grant states in his 2007 paper for "Intervention, Border and Maritime Issues in CARICOM" entitled "CARICOM:Non-Intervention & Intervention" that

“While the current diplomatic modus operandi has served the Community reasonably well, there is the need for indicators for intervention to be developed and for a formal institutional mechanism to mediate political conflicts among stakeholders in the political process of the various Caribbean states to replace the reliance on ad hoc interventions such as those utilized in Guyana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Humanitarian Fail: Where are the Missing Aid Funds ?

Haiti 2010 Earthquake Aftermath (NPR)

I end on an extremely sour humanitarian note that concerns Haiti's aid pledge; Its reported that of 15 000 homes promised to be built only 900 have been delivered, US $7.6 billion has been disbursed and little to show for it, lack of accountability leading to corruption surrounding aid, relief and rebuilding expenditure means the many of those suffering from the 2010 quake are still in tents, on the streets, children not attending school, living conditions and hygiene at inhumane levels.


By all means Haiti is still in the midst of a Earthquake and its allies lead by the US and CARICOM are not back to pre-2010 misconceptions, mistreatment and disregard of Haiti-Pearl of the Caribbean and the free Haitian people.

Dead Democracy: From The Ballot to The Streets

"A stable democracy" is often how those in leadership positions describe the current health of our politics and democracy, with no major shock waves in our system of governance over the last 3 decades since the ideological rift that formed during the years of Micheal Manley's lean towards democratic socialism clashing with Seaga's capitalist sentiments that received further push from outside forces. After this period, the word ideology became invalid and political activist reduced to squabble between grassroots supporters defending their respective parties, as the economy sank - the tight fiscal space narrowed our vision with only the  IMF and other global creditors in our sight.

As a millennial belonging to the 90's and having experience the birth and and super expansion of the Information age, there has been no substantial period for Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) as to compare governance records against the People's National Party's tenure. Hence the search for comparisons in this modern age would lead us youth, regionally and internationally to get an understanding of the level of governance that we should be expecting and encouraging through our public participation.

With the current situation in mind, I would like to suggest to will thinking Jamaicans that as for our democracy our vitals are flat lining  and for all intensive purposes we are a dead democracy.Lifeless from the ceremonial zombie-like walk to the ballots to fulfill our 'rights' to the bustling streets filled not with voices of protesters with a cause but with hustlers just trying to make a living without such concern for the process that controls how taxes are spent or the minimum your to be paid for a days work.

The Ballot 

We have been dead at the ballot boxes from the time our political parities decided to encourage 'area leader' mentality  that saw the creation of garrisons and safe seats that are manned by the die-hearts who swear upon their ancestors grave their bloods are either green or orange not red like our national heroes, 2 are accredited founder of these political parties. Even after the creation of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) and Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) to ensure free and fare elections in all constituencies, the sanctity of votes are still being corrupted with the buying and selling of votes.

For those not considered die-hearts of any kind, they often make voting into a symbolic gesture to our ancestors who fought for suffrage, with little thought given to issues, because elections in Jamaica are about party and personalities not issues. Plaster a face on a sign with a slogan and you have yourself a campaign, although you may speak on topics - who is really listening? Not the die-hearts they are only concerned about their party winning, half the independent voters are tuned out until election day and the other half is the minority who decided to vote on issues but their numbers wont affect the outcome much - then there are those who don't not to vote because of apathy.

I can only compare our 5 year general election cycle to life support and with sprinklings of local government elections in between as minor brain activity. In the 2007, we showed a miraculous  sign of recovery that had a generous turnout including the youth that drastically dwindled in 2009 when Holness in tried to tap into the youth-phoria after Golding's quick departure under circumstances that left a immeasurable trust deficit.

We have lost the essence of being a voting and being voters.

The Street

The current Simpson-Miller led administration has demonstrated that we have slipped into collective coma as we shun our civil duty to keep our government accountable and transparent. There has been no end to the controversies  and contradictions that only inspired limited outcry hence got limited results from the Azan affair, NHT saga, Riverton fire mess and the Ms Haughton's unpunished nepotism. But the administration biggest mockery of our Westminster system was allowing a Cabinet Minister to pursue business with entities that cabinet itself decided not to do business with.

Yet, we 'articulate minority' have not found these blunders, so offensive to our sense of judgement that we would alight the streets with our concerns, discontent and disapproval. Are the silent streets a picture of deeper fear? A fear of being relinquished to doldrums of social mobility, where those without the proper surname, professions and nod of approval are placed for speaking out of turn prevented from moving upward - the creation of a classicist society.

S.O.S

This perception also consumes our universities and especially civil society groupings, many see these groups as only caring for those who pay their dues or make considerable donations. This idea that civil society, is only for the sophisticated  upper echelons of Jamaican society who can speaking the queens english when making representation is troublesome in a context such as Jamaica - where those who are most oppress belong to a lower socio-economic standing with perfect patios and sub standard english and education.

These issues reinforce in the minds of poor Jamaicans  that the system is too complicated for them to speak beyond localized matters such as bad roads and lack of water, they dare not venture into governance and constitutional reform out of ignorance - this vacuum leaves them powerless thus they place their entire trust in the political leadership to govern themselves and set their own standards.

The masses are out their waiting to galvanize around a single source of either strength, sacrifice or shock whether they know it or not. Who will inject the well needed adrenaline to get our civil blood pumping again?

Support for Public Sector Shutdown

The People's National Party(PNP) government and its economic oversight reps of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) have made it quite clear that they are passing on the hand dealt to them by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the public sector workers who largely constitute the Jamaican middle-class in form of a 5% wage offer. Although, in the weeks immediately following the 5% disclosure the administration was insisting that it was just a starting offer and that negotiations would bear good fruits.

People's National Party

It would not be long after that the government, now under more pressure by the defiant unions and workers began to colour its own workers as inconsiderate; saying that they were selfishly ignoring the administration's tight fiscal space as dictated by the IMF and that there defiance could possibly derail the economic reform programme - although the public workers had agreed to wage freeze for 6 years despite increase in cost of living to give the government sufficient time and maneuverability to stimulate growth.

Let Actions Speak

It  was encouraging to see the leader of the Jamaica Teachers Association motivating his charges to email Public Service Minister, Horace Dalley, sending him countdown reminders for the government to respond to the teacher's offer, even drawing irritated response from the minister. Hopefully union leaders and other activist will see the value in utilizing new media and social network to not just mobilize the troops but engage the wider Jamaican populace in their cause especially to build awareness and gain support.

As the weeks pass; the public sector workers and their families are anxious for deal of mutual interest to reached - the unions have threatened inevitable industrial actions with only their sense of duty to nation sustaining them. But we challenge the unions, workers and Jamaicans not to be caught in individual battles that only serve a single interest, its time we awaken to possibilities of sustained change that only arise from us presenting a united front in the face of our new reality.

Public Sector Shutdown 

Public Sector shutdown and walkouts aren't unheard of and here in Jamaica it follows the traditions of the early union movements that led up to our independence; such an action will have large support and could be a catalyst for the type of awakening that will get turn our general apathy into ACTION!.

Don't Downplay, Encourage and Participate

It is a reoccurring theme among Jamaicans to downplay the cause, advocacy and motives of those among us with the intention of disrupting the status quot. 

It indicates a level of fear that has been driven into the people through a political culture of "don" and "area leader", but also the injustice brought about by the cronyism that amass power for the selected few and the only way to make some head way is by supporting them or "dawg nyam yuh suppah". Many are quick to place political labels hence making it easier for them to dismiss and avoid participation.

We must decide to reject the "we can't do anything" and "is dem run things" mentality that has kept governance from truly progressing. Realizing that we have the power and should be constitutionally be given more power to hold those in elected and other public offices accountable.

Despite this, we must seek to encourage, motivate and participate in the activities be them discussion or civil actions that will create CHANGE, so that everybody has a chance for reach strive for the top.

Jamaica's International Image: Reaping What We Have Shown

President Obama didn't hide his 'evolution' on Same-sex marriage, and during his visit to Jamaica President Obama was not bashful about his administration and nation's fundamental views on Human Rights that are ensured in their constitution since the USA's conception, in fact during his presentation he made the effort to point out a LGBT/Women Rights activist and endorsed her efforts to advance these rights for the communities she represents. 

It would be foolish to assume that the bilateral Obama-Simpson-Miller discussion at Jamaica House excluded Human Rights - specifically Jamaica's LGBT community, therefore it is was foreseeable that any group/person was prepared to say "told you so", if the United States decided to initiate serious diplomatic discourse on the issue, as we see now with the special envoys.

Any attempt to lead the impressionable population – those on the middle ground not convince either way – down the path of believing that nothing is wrong with how human rights is talked about and dealt with currently in Jamaica is dangerous. We can't continue rejecting the outside criticism of our internal affairs if we proclaim to be a western democracy, we must introspect or decide to isolate and block out the noise of the international community that we are apart.

Reaping What We Shown

Jamaica in the eyes of the international community has many things to be praised and rebuked for including our culture, music, athletics, economy management and homophobia - It was not too long ago the TIME magazine labeled us the most homophobic place on earth, so many other headlines have came before and still continue to be seen even as we improve.

The international community is still concerned about our how our laws and culture continue to affect the treatment of some vulnerable groups and minorities as reported by the Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding in debrief of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review; including women, disabled and lgbt.

We are surely reaping what we have sown, its equated to our economic mismanage-rs label that has brought us to our knees before the IMF,as the world watches closely to see if we stay the austerity course towards being fiscally prudent, before they decide to seriously invest in Jamaica. 

Jamaica will continue to receive human rights nudges  from our developed international partners - It is important we reject any attempts to 'meddle' or 'strong arm' our sovereignty into submitting before our native culture and society advances either naturally or local disturbances in form of activism.

Write-In Candidates for Jamaica

A write-in candidate is one in an election whose name does not appear on the ballot but for whom voters may vote nonetheless by writing in the person's name on election day.

Some US States allow voters to paste a sticker with the name of a candidate they perceived should have been given the opportunity to contest the election. Write-in candidates rarely win, and votes are often cast for ineligible people or even fictional characters. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy are counted among those who have won by write-in votes.

Write-in candidates have also been elected in Sweden, Brazil and Ecuador among other countries.

In recent times, we have seen ‘in-fighting’ within Jamaican political parties as incumbents feel threaten by a challenge, especially if the incumbent was thrown into the constituency for the sake of winning a seat and/ fails to perform. We have seen the preference of the Jamaican people to be represented by ‘one of their own’, someone they trust and have a rapport with either through family and committed community advocate and leadership. The main political has largely ignored the plight of the people, and instead stimulate loyalist thinking – one size, fit all.

The People's Representative

Currently the political scuffle within the JLP between MP Gregory Mair and Sharon-Hay Webster, which sees establishment seat filler against constituency native and people’s likely preference. The initial statements suggest the fear of Mair ‘losing power’ – such thinking continues to hamper our governance and democratic development as the ability to perform and represent is linked with being “in power” which is also a constitution reform issue that should give greater role and muscle to government opposition and the people.

The Jamaican electoral system should consider if not actual law, but absorb the spirit of write-in and encourage independent candidates. As I believe that political representatives put forward as the people's representative of whichever political party should have years of hard work on the ground, should be familiar with the development plans and can understand the needs of the constituency better than any new-comer politician.

This could stir more participation within the democratic process – allowing people to suggest a preferred choice creates some level of trust and satisfaction.

#TruthBeToldThursday: #TivoliCOE

Truth be Told:  

We must complete the Tivoli Commission of Enquiry, at the any cost (cheapest possible cost included, of course) - It was nothing but a serious injustice that the state could have killed over 70 people within a single community and the masses of the population didn't decide in outrage to protest such a criminal act against our own people - then again - we all heard the whispers of some (not so nice) Jamaicans "yea man, killed them off", "a only badman live there".  Even as we call for the expected money of 350 million being budgeted to run the Commission off Enquiry in its entirety to be dispersed as compensation to the people of Tivoli Gardens, we must not be ignorant of the significance of getting to the truth and apply the expected recommendations as to not repeat the events of the past. We must not allow our apathy and contempt of the system/process rob us of our rights - the Jamaica Labour Party must own up to the cause and structure of this enquiry - it was the government lead by Bruce Golding that decided to carry-out the incursion and it was their decision not to be apart of the enquiry in its planning stages, so this flurry of concern over cost is a bit overdone. 

#TuesdayTalk: Democracy Is Not Just Voting

#TuesdayTalk: Democracy is not just “Vote Out and Vote In”

When we #Talk about the issues surrounding democracy, governance and voting; the parameter of the discussion always includes our forefathers fighting to give us adult suffrage for both men and women so that we would all have a voice in the running of the nation. At first glance there is nothing to disagree with but to allow the struggles of our ancestors to be limited and set as static would be an injustice to their fight and continued cause that many people’s across the world continue to uphold and strive for, as democracy isn’t as widespread or as straightforward as we in Jamaica must now come to realize.

If we are to be truthful about how seriously we have taken governance in this country and holding these political representatives feet to the flame, we would be downright cross with ourselves.  We have been lead, paid and tricked to believe that we would have fulfilled our democratic obligations by making an ‘X’ (preferably beside a head or bell), and dipping our fingers – only if it was that easy.  Your obligations don’t end and begin with a vote but includes other critical building blocks of democracy and governance for example:  identifying the issues, discussing the issues, keeping up with local and central government  policies, sharing your cause and ideals through a medium (including social networks ) – support and encourage peaceful  protest actions.

The mass public of apathetic citizens and loyalist identified as “ordinary Jamaicans” by a certain Member Parliament has far too long been dragged about by the repressive political winds and must decide that they want something more– the “articulate minority” must not see themselves as a fixed group of tweeting Jamaicans but in fact as messengers of change that must reach out and grow.

We must not be comfortable any longer with a governance system that represses the voice of the people and rejects other forms of democratic action (e.g. recalls) – there must be change by way of constitutional reform that will reaffirm that democracy is by the people. 

Let it then be known that voting is not the absolute and will never be.

Those Who Know Better: Extremism Hindering Debate on Human Rights

We must not allow Fundamentalism and/ Extremism to take hold of our consciousness whether it be Faith based or otherwise; history has proven that crusades only ensure the victory of one side and the mass slaughter of the ‘enemy’ but Jamaica is better than this backward stepping series of events that may see us regurgitating our past of violent intolerance of our differences including religious. 


When we speak of tolerance or equality we need to include all the other forms of prejudice and narrow-mindedness that Jamaicans have not properly addressed because we can’t hide behind our ‘Christianity’ when we speak of things like racism and xenophobia.

With both sides of this ‘war’ being guilty of the same sins in order to win the propaganda battle of words and conviction, its certain that anyone caught in the middle will be placed on either side by those ardent on seeking and subduing the ‘enemy’ based on the appalling belief of “If you’re not (entirely) with me, then your (entirely) against me”. 

Middle Ground

I refused to be told that, I, a young supporter of Human Rights and Equality am immoral and confused because American right-wing influenced and funded Christian groups relating all Human Rights as “Gay Lobby” and “Gay Agenda”.

I refused to be forced or morally ‘brainwashed’ to accept conduct contrary to my personal belief and crosses my particular red line that may or may not align with popular or unpopular behaviour and doctrine. 

Many young people like me have slowly realized that we are all individuals; and as much as we want to generalize gays, Christians, women and men; there is no oversimplifying the extraordinary human experience.So even now, when Gay Rights activist label Christians as Homophobes and Christians return to the dangerous narrative of linking Homosexuality and Paedophilia – We know better. 

Finally, Government cannot escape from this melee of social issues blameless; there is no leading from behind for a Jamaican government and most importantly a Jamaican elected representative on these issues, specifically Sexual Education. Don’t kill the messenger, because you don’t like the message – Where were you when the message needed to be delivered?

As a Human Rights supporter I must compel the Human Rights lobbyist to get the Jamaican Government to put a non-binding referendum to the people, so we can get a proper understanding of where we stand now and how we proceed.