Stop the Abuse-Sex Slaves in Jamaica

This is a REPOST of a POST I DID in March 2006. I am reprinting this for the STOP THE ABUSE CHALLENGE hosted by www.blogcatalog.com

This is a disturbing but true fact concerning what is currently happening on the island. It is sad.

"A 16-year-old girl who was abducted said she was used as a sex slave. She is stricken with fear that her abductor, an obsessed former boyfriend may return to commit the act again."

This is a recent article taken from the Jamaican newspaper "TheStar." The man in question is a 37 year old man which she claims is her boyfriend. Child prostitution in Jamaica is rampant. It is reported that near 8% of children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS virus is under 10 years old.

The reality, however, is that the modern prostitute is no longer only female, as there are a growing number of men and children who have either worked their way in or are forced into the "industry". The reality within the Jamaican society these days, is that we have children, who have been encouraged and even forced by their parents to sell their bodies for money and favours.

Many Jamaican women, for years, have been content with the understanding that their teenage daughters are sexually involved with mature men, old enough to be their fathers, in exchange for taking care of the family. What is not known is that there are Jamaica women who will send their daughters and sons out nightly to "work the beat" and take money home to them. Many of these children are not allowed back into the home unless a certain amount of money is made nightly.

Deportees

Now here is the kicker, the term, "Deportees" can be referring to imported cars from Asian countries or "criminals returning to the island." What comes to mind when I hear deportees though is the latter. You come back to the island with only the clothes on your back, loss of dignity and many times leaving your family behind. You handcuff to the airplane seat, with your paperwork in a manila envelope. That is all you carry. The majority of deportees though that come back to the island (contrary to opinion) are not all criminals. Their are many who have committed only immigration violations.

Sadly, the ones who do commit crimes abroad come back and lend their skills to the local gangs (bad bwoy dem). In the 70's and even some years of the 80's you did not hear about drive-bys in Jamaican communities. This is one thing that was brought back by the deportees.
A United States government commissioned study in 2004 done by the University of West Indies Professor of Criminology, Bernard Headley said the that over 5,000 Jamaicans sent back from the United States between 1997 and 2003, very few were guilty of murder.

Jamaica's Ministry of National Security though (at the time) Secretary Gilbert Scott argued that a large number of criminal deportees were indeed involved in serious crimes, focusing on drug related activities. The Head of Operation Kingfish, Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds said, "Deportees have always been involved in criminal activity, however, the level of involvement cannot be qualified."

Whatever the dispute in the reports, many Jamaicans know that crime has increased in Jamaica and they are hoping this new government helps in alleviating that. Sending back criminals to a country that is struggling to get back on its feet is a crime itself (that is my opinion). Wouldn't be so simple that if someone bothers you, you simply ship them over to someone else. Fact is that the deportees, many of them, when to make life better for themselves and their families, but were never properly educated about life outside of their native land.

Sometimes trading one prison, for another.

Jamaican Joke=Rapunzel

Digicel

I knew it wouldn't be long before I was writing about the fastest growing thing in Jamaica, "digicel." This is Jamaica's top telecommunications network. Everyone seems to have a mobile phone in Jamaica. Even children as young as 5 years old, can be seen with their own phone.

I gets its because Jamaicans like "labbarish." I remember when if you wanted news you would go to your neighbors house and listen to them gossip or the store at the corner. Now, Western Style text messaging has taken over.

Digicel recently introduced and emergency text messaging service, to help combat crime. This service works closely with the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF). Dicgicel's new service enables the public to text real time messages to the JCF's police control center by using the code 119. (I find the funny as they scrambled the numbers 911). Text messages will cost a Jamaican $1.00. (equivalent to 15 cents in the United States.)

Digicel is fast becoming the telecom giant of the Carribean. Currently boasting dealerships in over 20 countries. I know this is going to sound bad, but in the deep, impoverished area of Haiti's countryside, why would this company be pushing cell phone usage? I want to feel that that it is a "Starbucks" mentality. You know the company that goes into impoverished areas and try to bleed the masses dry. (okay, no hate mail only my opinion).

Jamaican Art

Jamaica has some of the most talented artist. I feel that at lot of really good artist get overlooked because of the type of subject matter they choose to use as a form of expression. Take for example the "Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

http://www.paostanigar.com/id161.htm

Which by the way has some of the most amazing architecture. Many of these graduates have created some wonderful artwork for Jamaica, but you seldom here about them when they leave to go abroad.

Artistic styles in Jamaica, in their earliest form, were strongly influenced by Europe. As with most of the arts throughout the Caribbean, the popular styles in Europe became the popular styles in the Indies. Classical art, in the beginning, generally ignored the Africans of the island, and their problems. William Hogarth is a particularly important artist from the colonial period. Regarded for his satire, he is one of the few who portrayed the problems of African slaves on Jamaica.

For travelers who want to view some of Jamaica's most revered works of art won't have to go far. If you're staying near Kingston, you'll have the chance to see some of the island's best at Jamaica's National Gallery.

The National Gallery is located in Kingston Mall at 12 Ocean Boulevard in the Roy West Building. The gallery is closed Sundays and Mondays, and a small entrance fee is required. Guided tours of the exhibits are available for an additional fee. Sometimes though if you venture off on your own you will have more time to savour the individual pieces, without hurrying along.

These exhibits include a famous bronze statue of Bob Marley and the "Ghetto Mother" statue by Edna Manley. You'll find works by Jamaica's best, brightest, and most famous, like Carl Abrahams, Cecil Baugh, John Dunkley, Kapo, and Barrington Watson. The gallery's annual exhibition, held from December to January, includes some of the island's best art work.

Da Shop Dem by Delores Anglin

Beach Party By Delores Anglin

Feeding of the 5000 by Albert Artwell

Bird is a good friend by Ras Dizzy

Should people migrate or stay?

This is a question that many young professionals face at some time in their career while living in Jamaica. Some simply say, "I am sick of living in Jamaica." Well, a sentiment that can be stated by anyone in any country that they have lived in their whole life.

I believe that many times the feelings of desertion are felt when relatives or friends return from (Foreign) aboard and bring back stories of streets paved with gold or suitcases bearing so many gifts they can barely close. This leads so many Jamaicans to believe that they will be so much better off living in the United States, Canada or England. What they fail to mention is the transitional stage when entering any of these countries.

First there is the acclimation process. This happens when you migrate to any new place. You have to adapt yourself to the lifestyle and various cultures. I know many that can tell you the "opposite" story to the streets of gold and the wonderful life a foreign. They can tell of the prejudice, how hard it is to find a place to live, a place of employment and sometimes even social acceptance. There are times sponsors that bring people from Jamaica to these countries abandon them. So they are in a foreign country with little to sometime no resources.

If they entered the country illegally, they are at the mercies of folks who "wheel and deal" to get them documents that allow them to stay in the United States. Often times these documents are not legal.

My own personal thought is that if Jamaica starts having large migrations to other countries that it will hurt the local economy and way of life.

The solution hopefully lies in the new government. It is so important to make life better for it current residents. Providing employment and adequate wages is vital. A feat that will indeed be a challenge. Years of corruption has changed Jamaica immensely.

A professional who moves to the US without understanding whether or not their training and education will be accepted is also not planning properly. Sometimes a man leaves the frying pan and jumps right in the fire.

The Maroons

A brief history of the Maroons. The struggle of the Maroons of Jamaica against the British colonial authorities, and their subsequent collaboration with Europeans with and betrayal by them is well documented. The Maroons is a story that took a circular voyage from West Africa to Jamaica, then to Canada and in the end returned to Africa. The Maroons of Jamaica originally came from West Africa. Some of them were IBO, a tribe from eastern Nigeria. On the 18th May, 1700 the slaver "Henrietta Marie" sank off the coast of Florida on its way back to England. The ship voyage took it from England to Nigeria where the crew acquired slaves and then travel to Jamaica where over 200 slaves were sold in the market place.


The British and the Maroons


It was the Spanish explorers frequent trips into the hills for Gold and their hunting habits contributed to their slaves becoming skilled hunters and backwoodsmen. The slaves were used more for hunting wild cattle and hogs than farming and so became masters of woodcraft. They learned the trails through the woods and mountains, an invaluable skill to them later on as guerrilla fighters. "It was these black slaves of the Spaniards who took to the hills at the time of the British conquest that were to form the the first Maroon society in Jamaica under the British.

In Jamaica you cannot complete Jamaican History in school without knowing about the Maroons One of the most popular Maroons was Sam Sharpe, who also is one of our National Heroes.
Maroons were "thorns and pricks" in the side of the British, they plunder and burn plantations, captured slaves and killed British soldiers who ventured out too far into the woods.



Where are the Maroons today?

They can be found in the Accompong Village. The future of the residents lies in question. With each changing government the question of employment and existences is threatened. The Governmentof Jamaica, along with the Tourist Product Development Company is currently trying to remedy this situation. Every effort is being made to not only preseve the history, music, craft and folklore but to build up the Cockpit Country. Currently approximately 500 Maroons live in Accompong. However, they can be found throughout the United States, Canada, and Africa.

Children of Accompong



The Accompong Maroons 2007

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Transportation in Jamaica

Getting around in Jamaica is not sometimes the easiest thing to do. Some of the more adventurous travelers (tourist) sometimes even rent bikes to go into the high mountain areas. I remember someone asking me once do they have trains in Jamaica. Of course their are trains in Jamaica. However not more so to carry the Bauxite. In 1992 Passenger trains ceased operation. Although I have heard talk, due to the congestion with the cars the government is looking into bringing back rail operations.

Now cars of course are the best way of transportation around the island, and potholes are vehicles best friends. Rural areas have the worst upkeep history. Their are some roads that not only are still not paved, but are so underdeveloped that even the donkey is afraid to go there. Jamaica also has very little stoplights in the rural areas. I suggest bringing Dramamine or some other nausea medication for traveling country roads. They are known to be quite bumpy and sometimes can be very narrow. Riddle of the day if you are traveling on a narrow country road and another vehicle is approaching you, which vehicle has the right a way.

The answer is the one going down the hill, because that vehicle cannot back up. Though we do have many adventurous drivers in Jamaica. So even that answer may be a challenge.

One of the more cheaper or should I say "economical" ways of visiting Jamaica is by taking the bus. Their are daily excursions from many of the popular hotels to the attractions on the island. Local people use the buses sometimes to carry their wares to the marketplace. Jamaica has mini bus or robot. This is the bus that many of the "higglers," use.

Route Taxis are another way of getting around. However, if you are a tourist it is probably advisable make sure you get a "licensed taxi." Route taxis generally run between specific places, but if you're in the central taxi hub for a town you'll be able to find taxis going in any of the directions you need to go.

Route taxis don't run very far, so if you need to get half way across the island you'll need to take it in stages. If worst comes to worst, just keep repeating your final destination to all the people who ask where you're going and they'll put you in the right car and send you on your way. You may have to wait until the taxi has enough passengers to make the trip worthwhile for the driver, and many route taxis travel with far more people in them than a Westerner would ever guess was possible. If you have luggage with you, you may have to pay an extra fare for your luggage since you're taking up space that would otherwise be sold to another passenger.

















Jamaican -American style taxi




unlicensed Jamaican taxi




Becoming a fast form of transportation in Jamaica

Jamaican Rum

I cannot leave this "blogging" world without paying homage to one of the greatest spirits created....JAMAICAN RUM. Originally made from fermented sugar cane.

In years past it was referred to as the "Devil's drink."It was used during the colonial times for trade with the American colonies for salted fish, pork, beef, timber (wood), and of course livestock. Jamaica produces the widest varieties of rum in the world. The island does have the capacity to produce up to 50 to 60 million litres of rum annually. Jamaican rums presently are sold in over 7o countries.

It use to be easy to get rum back into the United States but ever since 9/11, it has become more difficult. I mean what would RUM and COKE be without RUM. I can't imagine drinking GIN and COKE. Lawd, gag me.

Jamaica as the 51st state

As we finish another election, thought rolls around to a question put to Jamaica in the 70's, about becoming a New state in America. Joining the Old Union Jack.

Okay what would be the Pros:

• Premium Coffee (of course they might rape the Blue Mountain Hills to get it)
• Topless Beaches (one in Negril comes to mind)
• Hanging as punishments for crimes (well I don't know if this is a pro but it will save on prison funds)
• A fine agricultural asset (what Peter Tosh say, "legalize it")
• Outstanding Health Care Providers
• How to have an "effective" educational system in the United States
• Wonderful Resorts(reference:Hedonism Resorts)
• Well trained CIA operatives (just hire all the "RUDE BWOY DEM")
• Beautiful Beaches (think Hawaii people)
• The US would increase their military presence on the island, which might be a pro or con
  

Possible Cons:

• Heavy taxation on agricultural asset (see pros)
• Big Ass Potholes
• Too many people wanting to Jump on the bus as it drives away
• Jamaicans are not too happy about early work schedules
• America would try to turn it into a Commercial Disaster
• Hurricanes
• Hurricanes
• did I mention Hurricanes
• Democrats would be fighting with Republicans over what COLOR them wearing(political violence is commonplace)
• All the "deportees" would try to return to Mainland (anywhere on US Shores)
• America would have to endure all those "used" Japanese vehicles
• America would have to still deal with the British Mentality
• Everyone would be getting their "groove" back like Stella
• Soccer would replace "football" as the National Sport
  

So there you have it, seems more Cons them PRO. I think many MEN though would love to have those "island" women as neighbors.

Portia ,WHAT HAPPEN MON....YUH GONE??

According to the Jamaican Gleaner Portia stated yesterday that...

In a statement, PNP president, Portia Simpson Miller stressed that a determination of the "constitutional issues" by the court, as well as the final count in all seats could still have a bearing on the outcome of the election.

Well, what else can Portia say? My take on it is when people think that they have things wrapped up they don't give their 100%.

Where is the gracious attitude in that statement by Ex-Prime Minister Miller? When one gives a concession speech, you don't mar it with words of slander claiming foul. You "wait" until after the final count, if you feel anyway slighted, then and only then should one take a stance.

What does this new leadership mean for Jamaicans? I don't know. Jamaica knows that it has built its life on faith. Just as so many storms have come and gone and left Jamaica still standing, so too will the people of Jamaica survive.

So on American Labor Day, It seem it is "LABOR DAY" for Jamaica too!

Try Something New Mon

Well, I often peruse the blogging world, not only keeping up with my Caribbean Roots, but finding some wonderful surprises along the way. I came upon this site, http://www.fechr.com/
It is simply pronounced "featured". A simple way of getting more traffic to your site/blog. So it would be futile to write and not want anyone to read.

What logic is that? So I decided to go over there and see what the buzz is about. It is new, innovative and something I want to be a part of. Try it tell me what you think. Currently they are getting a hundred plus visitors per day. And it’ has one word that appeals to me "FREE!!" All you have to do is write a quick post about the site then, once your site is featured you just sit back and wait for the traffic. Simple right?..so why not

Osaka Japan-Jamaica did well

Jamaica, who finished fourth in the standings with 98 points behind United States (249), Russia (191), Kenya (123), were eighth overall on the medals' table. I enjoyed watching the Track and Field events sponsored by Osaka Japan.

Jamaica did its country proud. Jamaicans broke the old mark of 38.02, set by the quartet of Dwight Thomas, Steve Mullings, Carter and Powell the previous day.

The women's team of Sherri-Ann Brooks, Kerron Stewart, Simone Facey and Veronica Campbell stopped the clock at 42.01 behind the United States (41.98).

"The team performed above expectation," said KC Graham, who was in charge of the women's 4x100m. "When you look at the USA team compared to ours, I think the girls did well, they ran their hearts out," he said, while making reference to Campbell, who he said ran nine races.

Regarding Asafa Powell, I think he was a bit overconfident in many of his races. Jamaica, like the Kenyans, have always been very dominant in the track and field events over the years. All I know is that I am so proud of the accomplishments of the Jamaican team. In lieu of all the strife and anxiety over the elections, this has been a wonderful change of pace.