While more than two dozen protesters gathered outside the Jamaica Consulate in Miami, several south Florida religious leaders met inside with government officials Thursday morning to discuss recent attacks against LGBT (Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender) individuals on the Caribbean island. This scenario was played out simultaneously at Jamaica Consulates and Embassies in scores of cities across the United States. 

Spearheaded by the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), a worldwide assembly of gay and lesbian congregations, the event was planned to draw attention to the increase in incidents of violence against gays in Jamaica, most recently the Jan. 29 mob attack that resulted in two men being seriously insured by machetes and one man killed.   

Speaking to reporters and protesters after the hour long meeting with Jamaica’s Consul General, the leader of MCC, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, expressed hope that the Jamaican government would be more proactive in addressing the concerns of the LGBT community.  But she stressed that the Valentine Day rallies are just a start.  “I’m encouraged,” Wilson said.  “This is the beginning today of a global movement to stop the violence against gays in Jamaica.”    

Wilson and other religious leaders urged Consul General Ricardo Allicock to press the government to launch a public health awareness campaign about LGBT rights in Jamaica, and also to provide better training to police and other law enforcement officials in dealing with violence against gays.  When asked by a reporter if the group is considering a boycott of Jamaica if the government continues to be unresponsive to their concerns, Wilson said that an economic boycott is an option that is seriously being considered 

In an interview with GaySoFla.com, Consul General Allicock stressed that the Jamaican Government is concerned about the situation and is taking measures to address the rise in anti-gay violence.  “These are heinous and regrettable acts of violence which the government of Jamaica condemns.  Please know that the government of Jamaica is making every effort to enforce the law and disperse justice,” said Allicock.  The Consul General went on to say that his country had recently appointed Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin as the Country’s Commissioner of Police. “Admiral Hardley is committed to a zero tolerance policy in regards to any human rights violations,” Allicock stated.   

Responding to GaySoFla’s question about the safety of LGBT visitors and tourists to the island, Allicock said, “It is safe to travel to Jamaica.  Our country has the lowest rate of criminality towards tourists of any in the world.”  He says Jamaica graciously welcomes anyone, regardless of sexual orientation.   

While it may be true that gay tourist with money to spend are greeted with open arms, for the LGBT community living in that country discrimination and the threat of violence and murder are a daily part of life.  According to Human Rights Watch, an organization that monitors human right violations, Jamaica is considered to be one the most homophobic country in the western hemisphere.   

Rev. Elder Wilson hopes that by bringing attention to situation in Jamaica and addressing the government directly, the situation for the country’s LGBT Community will improve. “We will do whatever it takes to stop the violence, to end the fear and despair of LGBT Jamaicans, their families and friends,” she told the group rallying outside the Consulate.  “There is no going back and we will accept nothing less than an end to violent homophobia in Jamaica!” she stressed.   

MCC encourages anyone interested in helping bring an end to the long wave of violence and murder against LGBT Jamaicans to send an email to The Honorable Dr. Kenneth O. Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica, at hmfaftja@cwjamaica.com .   

To view more photos of this event please CLICK HERE. 

David L. Wylie is the Senior Editor of GaySOFLA Magazine.  Wylie is passionate about creating an online media outlet that will encourage, entertain and educate the south Florida LGBT Community.  Wylie hopes that GaySOFLA serves that purpose.  He can be reached at David@gaysofla.com