20 injured in Sting Event in Portmore

What sad news to a great event. Reports from the event put the spark of the incident in the hands of DJ Ninja Man and dance hall star Vybz Kartel who allegedly started a fight incensed by a hyped and "wild" crowd that were upset that headliner Bounty Killer would be a no-show. Security guards subsequently fired machine guns into the air after fans began hurling bottles and rocks onto the stage and into the VIP areas.

Their was also damage reported to several media vehicles on the scene. There had been no reports of anyone being shot, the paper reported. Many persons lost their cell phones, jewelry and shoes in the melee.

You know I just posted about how Crime was down in the many areas but I would be remiss if I did not mention that some " artist" and I use that word loosely did not think it was important to give a good show. The fact the Bounty Killer was not going to show should have been told to the crowd up front. Many paid good money, and travelled far to attend the concert.

Like I said sad. We have so much talented musicians that have to understand that without the people showing up and supporting your music you would not be in a celebrity status. One thing about Bob Marley, no matte who he had, "beef" with he always managed to perform at his best. His fans meant a lot to him.

source: Caribbean Net News

Crime down for the Christmas Week

Well, I hope the stats stay current for the beginning of the year, as reports are that the crime rate has gone down in several areas over the Christmas weekend.

Increased police presence has been the cited as the reason for the decline. Owen Ellington , the Officer in Charge of Operations, stated that there was an extra effort to put police officers in the shopping malls, markets and recreational areas.

I long for the days in Jamaica where during the holidays the only thing one had to worry about was a vendor cart rolling away down a hill and a man trying to catch it. It is not fun to be known as one of the murder country of the world. It takes away from the wonderful people who live, work and play in Jamaica. Who every day strive to bring back the hope that so many people have lost.

Good News For Woman Who Loses Her Son

Lurline Johnson, thought all was lost for her. She had just lost her mother, sister and niece, who were tragically killed in a fire on December 11th, when Friday she lost her only son as well. He was gunned down on the 28th on School Lane in Old harbor, St. Catherine.

According to the Jamaica Observer, Kenarthur Mitchell , CEO for Quick Cash Money Transfer gave Lurline a check for $150,000 to help with the burial.
It is good to read a story of giving. In a time when so many people are selfish, it is always good to read about something positive.

Happy Boxing Day

A TRADITIONAL FOX HUNT IN THE 1950's on BOXING DAY


Despite its name "Boxing Day," has nothing to do with fighting. It originated in Great Britain. (somewhere around the middle ages). Some stories have it that because many indentured servants were required to work on Christmas Day, they were given the next day off. They were often presented gifts in boxes by their employees. There is another story that circulated that Boxing Day started because that was the day many churches in Britain opened the collection boxes(the locked boxes where collections were taken) and distributed money to the poor.



Whatever the real origin the facts are that today many Countries, including those with Commonwealth ties, (with the United States being the major exception) celebrate this day as an official day off. This tradition survives today as people give presents to tradesmen, mail carriers, doormen, porters, and others who have helped them.

It is tradition in most families to spend the day with other family members as a sort of 'second' Christmas Day, where presents are exchanged, the left-overs of the previous day are eaten or another family meal is prepared in celebration. Another tradition on this day is the "FOX HUNT." (as well as a good game of Rugby)

Boxing Day in the UK is a day when stores launch one of the year's biggest sales periods. Boxing Day has become so important for retailers that they often extend it into a "Boxing Week".

So in America the biggest sale day of the year is December 24th but in England it is December 26th.

Runaway Bay Christmas Fire-50 years ag0

Early Christmas Day,about 50 years ago there was a great tanker fire that devastated the Runaway Bay Area in St. Anns. This inferno engulfed the site left 23 people dead, many of them children, and another 70 fighting for their lives in hospital.
The cause it was due to a tanker that was on its way to Donald Sangster airport when it overturned and crashed. Many of the residents in the immediate and surrounding areas, carried buckets, pans and anything they could to get some of the precious cargo. The driver urged people to get away from the overturned vehicle as he saw the danger. However very few listened.

Their was a man in the crowd who lit a cigarette and in that one brief moment the fire lept out and literally devoured so many people. Worshippers coming out of the Christmas morning service at the Congregationalist Church (now the United Church) about half-a-mile away were wishing each other 'Merry Christmas' when they heard the deafening explosion, followed by the roar of the fire and the anguished screams of the victims.

Last Friday, there were more than 65 people who attended a commendatory ceremony, including member of parliament for North West St Ann, Othneil Lawrence, and Winston Lawrence, councillor for the area

More information on this tragic event see the following: Runaway Bay Fire

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sexy Comments Galore!

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY..

ONELOVE..IRIEGAL

Bloody Christmas

Sadly this Christmas season has turned out to be one of the bloodiest in Jamaican History. There is no other Christmas season in recent memory when Jamaicans had to think about the murder of a senior police officer and the shooting of major politicians, as they have to do in 2007.

The Following Stories seem to sum up the recent events.

• 7 year old boy dies in Fire
• Remains of Gang Leader found
• Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin is Island's top Cop.
• Nephew Convicted in Trevor Berbick's Death
• Thieves target Dogs
• Old Woman Stoned

Sadly I can't keep up with some of the news in Jamaica. I would rather focus on the historical events of the country.

An Irie Jamaica-JonKunnu

In Jamaica the holiday fever is rising. However amidst all this festivity is the uncertainty of a new administration. Is Bruce Golding doing enough to keep the country flowing and making things better?

Old time people will tell you Christmas is not Christmas without a visit to t Grand Market. Where you do your final shopping. The smell of Grand market was strong with the fresh smell of thyme and scallion.

However what really makes Christmas the event is in Jamaica is "JonKunnu."Jonkunnu or some people call it "John Canoe." I think this is Jamaica's version of Halloween. This is a traditional Christmas dance in Jamaica. The dance features dancers. Some of these dancers dress in costumes disguising their true identity They dance contains very low budget costumes. The music is usually coming from a harmonica, old grater, fiddle..and other homemade instruments.
History has the festival originating around the 18th Century. It mainly comes from a combined European and African history.


John Connu pays homage to John Conny. He was an active and successful black merchant near Axim(this is an area located near the Guinea Coast). He worked for the Brandenburg Company on the Coast of Ghana. (Pokoso, Takrama, and Akoda). As we can see today however, Jonkunnu is a tradition dance (more of a liberation reminder), not exclusively performed at Christmas, because it can also be performed at State Functions.

Because it was one of the few times (Christmas) the slaves were relieved of their duties, it is the ideal way for celebrations.

I am Legend

I Am Legend Has A Heavy Bob Marley Influence

Well over at my neighbor's blog, YardFromAbroad, she went an viewed I am Legend this past weekend and she give an excellent review. She states it has a strong Bob Marley presence in the film. I did not see it, but after reading her excellent review I am going to check it out this weekend. Thanks MrsYFA for this review.

I Love New York 2 in Jamaica

The popular I Love New York was filmed in Negril Jamaica. For many fans of this show, by now you know Tailor Made won. Here are some clips from the show.

Summary of the Last Year in Jamaica

SIMPLY PUT THE SUMMARY OF THE LAST YEAR IN JAMAICA

CRIME!!

I really hope with this new government that they crack down on the guns entering Jamaica. It is sad, because we have many people who visit the country and enjoy all the beaches, scenery, Food, dancing and what have you. You have to understand though that when you leave, people who live there have to deal with the day to day living of fear.

Criminals in Jamaica have no fear. There is no fear from the police, soldiers, no one. Historically this lack fear is what gave Jamaica its independence. A proud people who would not allow colonial rule to bring them down. When you back a man in a corner though they will fight.

If you look in the many districts you see a lot of poverty. You see people who have to get up at the crack of dawn to go to market to make sure their family survives. This is a Jamaica that many do not see. As we come to the end of the year, my wish for NEXT YEAR is one of hope, peace and prosperity.

Munga Honorebel Attacks Deva Bratt

The funny thing is this was dubbed, "The Stone Love Anniversary." There was no love when a boxing match broke out at the concert, held on December 16. Well, if you have a song which attacks people this can happen. In his song "Talk Dem A Talk," he openly disses Deva Bratt.

Deva Bratt, who was also at the concert, tried to rush the stage during the sung and get hit on the head with the mike by Munga. Boy is it that serious that people have to be fighting at a concert? Deva Bratt was also reportedly pulled a knife.

For more informaton see: Jamaican Star

A fan that was there put up this video.

Altton Ellis-Godfather of RockSteady

Alton Neamiah Ellis, 63, has been in a hospital for weeks now undergoing Cancer Treatment. The Jamaican Observer reports that his nephew, Owen "Blacka. Ellis states,"His kids and wife were being vigil at his bedside," Ellis, know for such tunes as, Cry Tough, Can't Stand It, All My Tears Come Rolling, Tumbling Tears, Can't Stop Now, and Girl I've Got A Date.

I grew up with my parents and Auntie playing these tunes. Please keep him in our prayers.

Beenie Man says, "It wasn't Me"

Well, claims are out there that Beenie Man (who we also know as "The Doctor) took a 2 million dollar bribe to perform at the Boxing Day Show called, "Sting." According to Beenie Man, " Laing afta him threaten mi sey if mi guh pon radio guh talk sem mi nah do Sting again mi a guh get it"

Isaiah Laing, is currently the promoter of the Sting tour. Beenie Man claims he is definitely not going to perform this year. According to the Jamaican Star, Beenie claims he is not going to perform this year.

I like Beenie Man, however I feel that some of his popularity has gone to his head. Yes, he is a good artist but when you miss shows or say you are cancelling gigs, fans can sometimes not be that forgiving. I thing with Mavado and Bounty Killa being on the list that nobody is not really caring if Beenie show up or not. As for the money, he probably was offered the money to perform, wheter he took the money or not is another story.

Source: Jamaican Star

Hurricane Dean Still Wrecking Havoc

It seems months after Hurricane Dean that it is stll causing controversy on the island. The Jamaica Observer reports today that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is now suspected of filing false claims for clean up. The agency said, too, that until those investigations are complete, it will halt payments to the said group of contractors.

A quote from Joan Gordon-Weblley, (Executive Director of NSWMA) states, " "During a review of the list of the contractors... it was noticed that some of the licence plates listed were not for commercial vehicles although, the equipment indicated on the list were commercial," Gordon-Webley told reporters."

Well, I only hope the decison not to pay the contractores does not have the garbage piling up on the streets. The bill for the clean-up, according to the NSWMA boss, totalled $244.9 million, $197.9 of which has already been paid out.

JLP and PNP Face off

Okay local elections are over...I thought this video was a comedy, until someone told me it was real...lol

You see in the video Samuda jumping all over Danny Buchanan..Lawd what a bam bam

Featured Hotel: Heart Hotel in Runaway Bay

This week I am featuring: HEART HOTEL IN RUNAWAY BAY

Runaway Bay (for those not familiar with the location) is 10 miles west of Ocho Rios. Bob Marley's childhood home and mausoleum is in nearby at Nine Mile. Jamaican history is on view at Seville Great House and at Columbus Park Museum. Heart is cocooned in the lush hills of Cardiff Hall in St. Ann

This hotel is also a training hotel built on providing excellent customer service. The word Heart stands for "HUMAN EMPLOYMENT AND RESOURCE TRAINING TRUST.
You can find more information about this at Inns of Jamaica

This was one of the recent reviews of the hotel.

This hotel is inexpensive and clean. Maybe they can update things but this is the way it is. I stayed at the Royal De Cameron and left the next morning. If you want a clean room which is up the hill from the beach this is the place to stay. I have learned over the years to just chill out. I plan my days and have no problem. If you are bringing a family and want to do all the site seeing you can save lots of money staying at this hotel. Since swimming with the dolphins is an expense and everything else you can save a bundle staying here.

The prices are about 95.00 per nt. based on two adults and children under 13 I think are free. You can get a room that has two double beds and look how much cheaper this would be. If you want the all inclusive you can stay at the Jamaica Grand hotel where I stayed years ago. With that comes a price tag of around 300.00 for two and with children they charge no matter what the age. It all depends on each family. I also traveled alone to Jamaica.
If anyone needs know anything about renting a phone in Jamaica or if you need pick up from airport please feel free to contac me. Gail10036@aol.com

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Police and Gunman running neck and neck

This might seem like a funny cartoon, but the sad part is it is so true. We have the police and crimminals having hitlist out on each other. The sad thing is that the gunmen are getting so bold that they are shooting at police officers in broad daylight. I know Alexander Bustamante rolling over in his grave saying, "what the hell is happening to the country,"

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Sean Kingston

Sean Kingston is on everyone's jam. Check out baby Bash New Video, "What is it" with Sean Kingston bringing in the island flava. That young man is trying to catch up to P-Diddy in the worse way. Big Up Brotha Kingston

100 and still going strong

It is not uncommon in Jamaica to see a man or woman of 100 years old still walking and going to the market. One such person is Joseph Reid of Manchester. Mr. Reid stated that he actually started working right after he left elementary school. He has been working as a laborer since he moved to Kingston 55 years ago. He stopped working 4 years ago but still going strong He got married 4 years ago to Dorett Lynn-Reid. She says he is sometimes moody but still easy going and he like to "ramp" still.

I am telling you this story is a blessing. When I read the Jamaican papers lately my heart is sad, sad because if I did not know that such stories as this one existed, I would feel that all Jamaicans do is kill each other. I really and truly hope the new government can assist in getting rid of all the guns.

Source

The Bell Foot Pants War

I was reading the Jamaican Gleaner today and came upon an interesting story. It seems back in the late 60's their was a gang in Kingston known as the "Max Gang." The gang included Rastas and Bald head (non rastas). They operated in a place called,"Rosemary Lane." (Today that territory is called, "Tel Aviv and Soutside.)




The story goes that, Winston Green Aka as " Leliments, a member of the gang back then was walking down the street in Southside when suddenly trouble start up with members of the Max gang. This was back in 1969. Winston was a tailor and had on that day some pants known as "Bell Foot Pants," and a colorful shirt. Word is that one of Max men said, "Blood fire fe dem pants deh, only batty bwoy where dem pants deh." Green and his men retaliated for this remark and since then the area has never been the same. Out of this confrontation the gangs, Southside and Skull gangs were born.

You can read the rest of the story in the Jamaican Gleaner.

The sad part through this 10 and more years feud the people that have suffered is the community. Those gang members family members have taken over an now sticks are replaced with high tech guns. The killings in Central Kingston rival the most violent in many major cities in America (an more). Hopefully the current government will assist in getting rid of the guns and drugs in these areas. Giving people hope and away out of their poverty will help that community immensely.

Chris Brown a handle deh Big Gal Dem

Okay Chris, be careful when a big gal put deh whine on yah it bad suh.

Tribute to Dancehall

Big UP to Dancehall music

Claude McKay

Claude McKay was born in Clarendon in 1890. He was the youngestof 11 children. When he went to America around 1914 his success led him to become one of the leading figures of the 1920's. (we also know it as the Harlem Renaissance.

One thing not really known about or rather discussed about McKay is his involvement with a lot of Black Radical group. These included the African Caribbeans Cyril Briggs, Richard B. Moore and Wilfrid Domingo. They fought for Black self-determination within the context of socialist revolution. Together they founded the semi-secret revolutionary organization, the African Blood Brotherhood. However McKay soon left for London, England .

McKay's other novels were Banjo (1930), and Banana Bottom (1933). McKay also authored a collection of short stories, Gingertown (1932), and two autobiographical books, A Long Way from Home (1937) and Harlem: Negro Metropolis (1940). His book of collected poems, Selected Poems (1953), was published posthumously.

Becoming disillusioned with communism, McKay embraced the social teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and was baptized. He died from a heart attack at the age of 59.

Sources: If you would like to know more about Claude MacKay you can visit: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/history/story0039.htm

Out of the mouth of babes

Jamaica Labour Party Wins

Bruce celebrating his birthday ana the victory of his party

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is celebrating its second straight victory at the polls in just three months, its third in four years, having swept yesterday's local government elections.

Once the dust cleared it was declared that nine of the 13 Parish Councils were won. In St. Ann's Parish a tie was declared. This was due to the fact that the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labor Party won eight divisions each in the 16 seat council. The PNP has also picked up Portland, Hanover and Manchester.

A lot of dead streets were viewed throughout the election process yesterday. This probably due to the increase of crime that generally sweeps the area during election time. All I know it is time for change in Jamaica. The message sent with the Labour party is that the people want a change, tired of the corruption and want to see bigger and better things for the island.

Of course the usual cries of "foul" and the voting was rigged was stated, not to mention that many claimed the EIBIS (Electronic Identification of the Voter and Ballot Issuing System) was rigged.

Source: Voting results

Tribute to Ska

SKA MUSIC

Ska was one of the most exciting forms of music that
was embraced by the Jamaican Culture. Its sounds vibrated throughout the island.
Below is a brief history of the Ska music and its generation.

THE BIRTH OF SKA

(credit of article from link below)

http://users.bigpond.net.au/lvisser/skahistory.html

Like mento before it, ska was born out of a combining musical elements. Both mento and jazz were combined to produce a new style that was initially called 'Shuffle' Popular shuffle hits were recorded by Neville Esson, Owen Grey and the Overtakers. The newly set up recording studios were always on the look out for the next new sound. With the
popularity of American R&B artists like Fats Domino and Louis Jordan many
Jamaican performers incorporated the 12 bar blues chord progressions and boogie
bass lines with mento guitar rhythms. Increasing emphasis was placed on the
offbeat rhythms of mento.


The offbeats became shorter and more detached. These distinct syncopated rhythms
were sounded on guitar and piano. The new style of music became known as ska.
The first person to record this 'ska' rhythm was Ernest Ranglin when performing
with Cluet Johnson (Clue J.) and the Blues Busters

One day he was trying to get the
guitars to play

something, and him say 'make the guitars go Ska!,

Ska!, Ska!' And that's the way the ska name was born.

(Bunny Lee in Johnson and Pines. 1982 .49)

Clue J was well known for greeting his friends with a call of 'Love Skavoovie'. Many believe the name of ska is a shortened form of this greeting.

Ska quickly became the most dominant form of music in Jamaica. Its success coincided with the independence and the departure of the English in 1962. There was a new attitude towards indigenous music. Ska was already enormously popular in Jamaica and music producers attempted to export it to the rest of the world, a move that was supported by the government. It was the national music of Jamaica and was demonstrated to the the world at the 1964 Worlds Fair in New York. The Jamaican delegates included Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Jimmy Cliff , Prince Buster and dancers Ronnie Nasralla and Jannette Phillips who taught the world the moves for the 'Backy Skank', the 'Rootsman Skank' and the 'Ska'.

Early ska dance movements and some lyrics were influenced by the religious revival era. Songs such as 'Wings of a Dove' performed by both The Blues Busters and The Wailers, 'Oil in My Lamp' by Eric Morris and 'King of Kings' by Jimmy Cliff are revival tunes with lyrics that are sped up. 'Israelites' by Desmond Dekker also features revival characteristics in the lyrics. Other ska lyrics were pop orientated and feature very little Jamaican patois. These songs were either nonsense lyrics such as Eric Morris' 'Humpty Dumpty' and 'Solomon Gundie' or romantic such as Delroy Wilsons' 'Dancing Mood', which was one of the first songs to bridge the gap between ska and it's slower successor Rocksteady (more later). In stark contrast are the political ska lyrics that reflected the social
concerns of rude boys.

Journalist To Play More Active Part In Reporting

With the current climate in Jamaica (crime wise), Journalist have been asked to assist the police in reporting anything suspicious. President of the Press Association (PAJ), Desmond Richards said the surge in crime has reached crisis proportions.Mr. Richards was addressing the PAJ's breakfast in observance of National Journalism week Tuesday.

Source: Radio Jamaica

John Holt

John Kenneth Holt, born July 1947, is one of the most recognized singers in Jamaica. He started his career with the Paragons in the 60's. Who can forget "Wear You to the Ball." That was a lock down slow jam.
In the 1970's Holt soared in the Reggae scene with scene with his album, "1,ooo volts of Holt." This album has him doing remakes of so many hit classics, including the popular, "Help Me Make It Through The Night." He then switched to a more "Rockers" style with "Up Park Camp." I remember rocking out at the session with that tune.

Now as a dreadlocked rootsman he has put himself back on the scene touring and bringing back the wonderful sounds of the past. Across the decade, Holt made numerous acclaimed appearances at Reggae Sunsplash, and the singer continues to compose, record, and perform. All that's missing is a compilation worthy of Holt's genius. The best on offer was the Trojan label's My Girl Wears a Crown, which compiles the best of the singer's recordings with the Paragons. Of his solo material, Can't Keep Us Apart bundles up 20 singles cut with Bunny Lee and their dub companions.

I created a video to show my appreciation for his wonderful sound. It is done to his popular tune, "Stick By Me."

SourceS:

• John Holt biography at the All Music Guide website
• Riddim Base information
• Biography at Jamuzik

Army and Police want to merge in Jamaica

I tell you the new regime is not playing mon. Today, a new joint task force is coming together. They will operate out of the Police Commissioner's office on Hope Road. Former Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin is set to accept the position of post of Commissioner. This will be the first time the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) and the JDF (Jamaica Defense Force) will combat crime together. I see they are not playing. The rude bwoy dem and gang bangers better take heed, they intend to clean up Jamaica by hook or crook. Seems like Jamaica might need some more Jail built.

Source: Jamaican Observer

This is Too Funny

I found this funny clip on YouTube and wanted to share it.

Jevaughn-New Talent on the Rise

Javaughn started performing with the Sensation Band from Port Antonio from as early as four-years-old and it was really a dream for this youngster. While every other four year-old was busy watching cartoons or eating ice-cream on a regular Sunday evening, Javaughn was busy doing Sunday night stints at various hotels along the Portland Coast.

He has gotten the attention of Stephen Marley, who he recently has opened up for at the Temple Bar.

Doing eight subjects, Electrical and Electronic Technology, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, English Language, Technical Drawing, Chemistry, Building and juggling two extra subjects (Human and Social Biology and Social Studies) for the 2008 Caribbean Secondary Education Certification examinations means that Javaughn believes that education is the way to a secure future.

You can read more about JeVaughn in the recent article found on the Jamaican Observer

Aids In Jamaica-World Aids Day

Jamaica’s leading gay rights activist, was murdered in his home, his body mutilated by multiple knife wounds. Within an hour after his body was discovered, a Human Rights Watch researcher witnessed a crowd gathered outside the crime scene. A smiling man called out, “Battyman [homosexual] he get killed!” Many others celebrated Williamson’s murder, laughing and calling out, “let’s get them one at a time,” “that’s what you get for sin,” “let’s kill all of them.” Some sang “boom bye bye,” a line from a popular Jamaican song about killing and burning gay men.

The Aids epidemic in Jamaica is on the rise, primarily because of the silence. It has more to do with ignorance then anything else. Aids is not a "GAY DISEASE." It is a disease that can affect anyone, kids,women or men. With the rise of drugs in Jamaica, sharing the needle is also sharing the disease.

Because HIV/AIDS and homosexuality often are associate, people living with HIV/AIDS and organizations providing HIV/AIDS education and services have also been targeted. Both state and private actors join violent threats against gay men with threats against HIV/AIDS educators and people living with HIV/AIDS. In July 2004, for example, the Jamaican Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) received an email threatening to gun down “gays and homosexuals” and “clean up” a group that provided HIV/AIDS education for youth. In a 2003 case, a police officer told a person living with HIV/AIDS that he must be homosexual and threatened to kill him if he did not “move [his] AIDS self from here.

In interviews with people living with HIV/AIDS, Human Rights Watch found that health workers often mistreated people living with HIV/AIDS, providing inadequate care and sometimes denying treatment altogether. Doctors failed to conduct adequate medical examinations of people living with HIV/AIDS, sometimes refusing even to touch them. And, in some cases, lack of treatment in the initial stages made it even less likely that people living with HIV/AIDS would receive health care services at a later date. Visible symptoms heightened the discrimination they faced, which in turn created further barriers to obtaining treatment. People suffering from visible HIV-related symptoms were sometimes denied passage on public and private transportation, making it difficult to obtain any medical care at facilities beyond walking distance.

People come and visit Jamaica and see the beauty of the island, while the truth remains hidden. The ugly side of hatred and fear borne from years of misconceptions and lies. Jamaica’s failure to take action to stop human rights abuses committed by state agents, to take measures to protect against abuses by state and private actors, and to ensure access to HIV/AIDS information and services to all Jamaicans violate its obligations as a state party to regional and international human rights treaties.