Boycott (Jamaica) or not?

J-FlAG's position, released March 2:

> From: admin@jflag.org
> To:
> Subject: Response to call for tourist ban
> Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 16:59:36 -0500
>
> Dear All,
>
> In light of the challenges being faced by the LGBT community in Jamaica, a number of you have called for a tourist boycott of the island. Like you, J-FLAG has been deeply frustrated at the slow progress towards transforming the social climate that makes it difficult for gays and lesbians in Jamaica to lead lives free from homophobic violence.
>
> Yet, because of the possible repercussions of increased homophobic violence against our already besieged community, we feel that a tourist boycott is not the most appropriate response at this time. In our battle to win hearts and minds, we do not wish to be perceived as taking food off the plate of those who are already impoverished. In fact, members of our own community could be disproportionately affected by a worsened economic situation brought about by a tourist ban.
>
> J-FLAG believes that there are a number of avenues which can be explored to bring pressure on our government to respect, protect and ensure the human rights of LGBT people in Jamaica. We have called on the Prime Minister and influential leaders of industry to both renounce homophobic violence and commit to a course of action that will stem this scourge that plagues our island.
>
> The concern and support of the international community has been critical in focusing attention to our situation. We are open to further engaging with you in pursuing constructive interventions that both make our case for human rights protection and minimize risk to our physical and material well being.
>
> Thanks for your continued support!
>
> Please help us to circulate this information. Pass it on!!!


EGALE Canada's letter to Jamaica's Consul-General in Canada, released March 20:


March 20, 2008 OPEN LETTER

Ms. Anne-Marie Bonner
Consul General
Consulate General of Jamaica
303 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario
M4P 1L3

Dear Ms. Bonner,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for meeting with us.

As a follow-up, we have listed our concerns and issues below for your reference and look forward to your response.

Issues
- Government Public Service announcement denouncing homophobic/transphobic violence in Jamaica.

- National homophobia/transphobia Education campaign.

- Repealing the Buggery Laws and other legislation that further stigmatize, discriminate and criminalize consensual same sex acts.

- Public education campaign to sensitize the Jamaican Constabulary around dealing with the victims of violence around lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Jamaica.

- Government policy to protect human rights and the inclusion of sexual orientation as a ground for non-discrimination in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

- A focus at the Canada-CARICOM 2008 Summit to include human rights for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and trans-identified people.


Moving Forward
- Canadian tourism boycott to Jamaica.

- Boycott goods and services from Jamaica

- International call for LGBT community to support boycotts

- Suspension of Jamaica from the Commonwealth for human rights abuses.


Response
- Official Response from Jamaican Government by May 12

- Public Announcement for boycott on International Day Against Homophobia May 17


Sincerely Yours,

Helen Kennedy, Egale Canada

Rev. Brent Hawkes, MCC Toronto

Akim Adé Larcher, Egale Canada