Dark Jamaican Reflections

Jamaican thoughts are milling about in my mind today. You might think images of reggae and paradise abound, but read on. One sad aspect is that I was recently asked by a reporter to comment on Jamaica's once magnificent reefs. While not one of the best headlines I've ever read, the reporter from Hospitality Jamaica allowed me to explain part of the reason behind the current sad state of Jamaica's coral reefs.

I love Jamaica and it's people. My time spent in Jamaica learning coral reef ecology was filled with fond memories of the people and ecology. But there's a dark side to the Island. While I didn't mention it in the interview, a significant downside for me in considering Jamaica as a holiday destination (or one that I'd recommend to others) has to do with it's absolutely deplorable human rights record in the treatment of gay, lesbian, bi, and trans residents.

Homophobia and violence against gay Jamaicans is rampant from cities to villages. Many popular dancehall artists promote violence against homosexuals in their lyrics. Intolerance is preached from the pulpit to the campaign trail of politicians. In 2006, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding declared in a BBC interview that he would not allow homosexuals to sit in his Cabinet. Gay men are often attacked in public and met with little assistance or compassion. The society neither prevents nor protects against acts of violence against gays and lesbians. The Jamaican Constitution does not protect individuals against discrimination based on sexual identity. In February of 2008, a 24-year-old police officer had to go into hiding in Jamaica after being abused and attacked by fellow officers because of his sexuality. He continues to hear death threats from former police colleagues yet no action is taken.

It says something about the current landscape in Jamaica that J-FLAG, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays--the only Jamaica-based group working actively for gay rights and protection--cannot publish its exact location for fear of attack.

Trouble in paradise would be putting things mildly. This isn't the Jamaica in Harry Belafonte songs, the one love in Bob Marley's lyrics, the Jamaican image sold in Club Med ads or depicted in How Stella Got Her Groove Back. But it is, sadly, the current reality. And it's certainly not the Jamaica I remember nor wish to promote.