CHURCH & CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS ASK PRIME MINISTER HOLNESS TO WITHDRAW SUPPORT FOR JAMAICAN IACHR COMMISSIONER, MARGARETTE MACAULAY
March 22, 2019 - A number of Church and civil society groups have written to Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, requesting that the Jamaican government withdraw its support for Margaret May Macaulay as a Commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The Lawyers Christian Fellowship, Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, Jamaica CAUSE, Love March Movement, Hear the Children’s Cry, Jamaica Evangelical Alliance, and Portmore Holiness Christian Church have expressed their grave concern regarding Jamaica’s nomination of Margarette Macaulay to a second term as a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The IACHR is an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States and has been at the forefront of championing LGBT and abortion rights.
In the letter dated March 19, 2019, the groups pointed to a recent interview in the United Kingdom where Prime Minister Holness called on other nations and international bodies to show “respect for the process that is taking place in Jamaica as a democratic society ... that believes in freedom and the protection of human rights.”
Unfortunately, Commissioner Margarette Macaulay and her predecessor, at the IACHR, Tracy Robinson, have been working against the Prime Minister’s reasonable petition to respect the sovereignty and constitutional order of democratic nations. Commissioner Macaulay has made public statements as Commissioner, that are inconsistent with Jamaica’s laws and norms.
Recently, nine United States Senators highlighted the “ideologically-motivated actions” of Commissioner Macaulay, meant to unduly influence ongoing legislative debates. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, the U.S. legislators stated that Commissioner Macaulay traveled to Argentina and attempted to influence the democratic deliberation by Argentina’s legislature by calling for the legalization of abortion under an erroneous interpretation of international law.
On the topic of homosexual marriage, Commissioner Macaulay has shown a lack of respect for those who do not share her opinion and a willingness to use her official position to impose acceptance of her flawed ideology that is a danger to human flourishing. The position that she adopts would undermine the sovereign democratic right of nations like Jamaica to determine their own social policies.
In asking the Andrew Holness led government to withdraw its support for the re-nomination of Margarette Macaulay, the Jamaican Church and civil society groups said support for human rights does not necessitate support for her personal ideology to be imposed upon the people of Jamaica. They say the outcome would be arbitrary and unreasonable discrimination against the majority of Jamaicans. The groups’ position is that any nominee to the Commission supported by the Government of Jamaica, ought, at the very least, to represent the norms and values of the Jamaican people.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
The IACHR is an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States and has been at the forefront of championing LGBT and abortion rights.
In the letter dated March 19, 2019, the groups pointed to a recent interview in the United Kingdom where Prime Minister Holness called on other nations and international bodies to show “respect for the process that is taking place in Jamaica as a democratic society ... that believes in freedom and the protection of human rights.”
Unfortunately, Commissioner Margarette Macaulay and her predecessor, at the IACHR, Tracy Robinson, have been working against the Prime Minister’s reasonable petition to respect the sovereignty and constitutional order of democratic nations. Commissioner Macaulay has made public statements as Commissioner, that are inconsistent with Jamaica’s laws and norms.
Recently, nine United States Senators highlighted the “ideologically-motivated actions” of Commissioner Macaulay, meant to unduly influence ongoing legislative debates. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, the U.S. legislators stated that Commissioner Macaulay traveled to Argentina and attempted to influence the democratic deliberation by Argentina’s legislature by calling for the legalization of abortion under an erroneous interpretation of international law.
On the topic of homosexual marriage, Commissioner Macaulay has shown a lack of respect for those who do not share her opinion and a willingness to use her official position to impose acceptance of her flawed ideology that is a danger to human flourishing. The position that she adopts would undermine the sovereign democratic right of nations like Jamaica to determine their own social policies.
In asking the Andrew Holness led government to withdraw its support for the re-nomination of Margarette Macaulay, the Jamaican Church and civil society groups said support for human rights does not necessitate support for her personal ideology to be imposed upon the people of Jamaica. They say the outcome would be arbitrary and unreasonable discrimination against the majority of Jamaicans. The groups’ position is that any nominee to the Commission supported by the Government of Jamaica, ought, at the very least, to represent the norms and values of the Jamaican people.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
National Identification and Registration Bill (NIDS) - Why the undue haste? Personal freedoms are at risk. Delay passage of the Bill.
'Anyone who does not enroll after three years of the NIDS implementation can be fined the sum of $100,000.00 or be subjected to other forms of punishment such as community work.'
Read full release HERE.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
Murder of 17 year old Meadowbrook student
August 8, 2017: The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, the Love March Movement, Hear the Children’s Cry and the National Association for the family are horrified at the news of the murder of a 17 year old female Meadowbrook High School student and injuring of her younger sister. The murdered student Micholle Molton was killed because she reportedly refused the sexual advances of men in her community.
If this report is true, it means that Micholle, a high school student, was killed simply for saying “no” to sexual advances of predator(s). This is absolutely distressing as our children should be allowed to flourish to adulthood without this type of tragic pressure and irrespective of their places of abode.
We express our deepest sympathy to her grieving family, classmates and friends.
We urge law enforcement to work assiduously to achieve a speedy apprehension of the perpetrators. We appeal to those with information to have courage to speak up so that the matter can be successfully brought to trial and conviction(s) secured. Preserving the rule of law is critical to protecting every member of society.
Every effort must be made to prevent a repeat tragedy. This is not the role only for the police but for all Jamaicans. We each share in the responsibility to protect our children and their future. Only by collective action against the scourge of crime, can Jamaica become the place of choice to live and raise families.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
If this report is true, it means that Micholle, a high school student, was killed simply for saying “no” to sexual advances of predator(s). This is absolutely distressing as our children should be allowed to flourish to adulthood without this type of tragic pressure and irrespective of their places of abode.
We express our deepest sympathy to her grieving family, classmates and friends.
We urge law enforcement to work assiduously to achieve a speedy apprehension of the perpetrators. We appeal to those with information to have courage to speak up so that the matter can be successfully brought to trial and conviction(s) secured. Preserving the rule of law is critical to protecting every member of society.
Every effort must be made to prevent a repeat tragedy. This is not the role only for the police but for all Jamaicans. We each share in the responsibility to protect our children and their future. Only by collective action against the scourge of crime, can Jamaica become the place of choice to live and raise families.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
Jamaica Independence 55August 6, 2017: The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) celebrates with all Jamaicans on the 55th anniversary of our Independence. As we pause to reflect on what our Independence means to us, we recall the words of National Hero the Right
Excellent Marcus Garvey, “a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. We therefore remember with gratitude to God Almighty those who fought both for our freedom and for our independence as a sovereign nation. |
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We are the beneficiaries of their legacy as we are now living in a country where we enjoy certain fundamental rights and freedoms. We ought to remind ourselves of the caution issued by another National Hero, the Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley Q.C, on the passage of the Jamaican Constitution in Parliament. He stated that, “it is not Constitutions that preserve these rights...It is the spirit of the people.
It is the vigilance of the people; it is the public opinion, and it is the constant awareness of itself; and it is the quality of leadership that exists.”
As an independent people we assert the right to forge our pathway as a nation. We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court in the Bain v UWI case which vindicated the Professor’s and by extension all Jamaican’s right to freedom of speech. The court decision also handsomely validates the actions of those who protested their concerns about the death of free speech at the gates of the UWI for 6 weeks. Like the sons of Issachar, they recognised that much was at stake and they knew what to do.
As we proceed on the course of building our nation, let us put aside greed, envy, ‘bad-mindedness’ and crime. Instead let us all work hard at our occupations with the aim of being self-sufficient and also of helping our country to be independent of foreign forces who would want to exploit our economic weakness by imposing their values on us.
That they desire to continue in their propaganda and imperialist activities should be clear to us after the recent pronouncements of the US Embassy in Kingston.
Let us protect our children, the future of this nation imparting to them wholesome values. Let us work diligently and creatively, let us think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. In so doing we will fulfill our 2030 vision making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
It is the vigilance of the people; it is the public opinion, and it is the constant awareness of itself; and it is the quality of leadership that exists.”
As an independent people we assert the right to forge our pathway as a nation. We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court in the Bain v UWI case which vindicated the Professor’s and by extension all Jamaican’s right to freedom of speech. The court decision also handsomely validates the actions of those who protested their concerns about the death of free speech at the gates of the UWI for 6 weeks. Like the sons of Issachar, they recognised that much was at stake and they knew what to do.
As we proceed on the course of building our nation, let us put aside greed, envy, ‘bad-mindedness’ and crime. Instead let us all work hard at our occupations with the aim of being self-sufficient and also of helping our country to be independent of foreign forces who would want to exploit our economic weakness by imposing their values on us.
That they desire to continue in their propaganda and imperialist activities should be clear to us after the recent pronouncements of the US Embassy in Kingston.
Let us protect our children, the future of this nation imparting to them wholesome values. Let us work diligently and creatively, let us think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. In so doing we will fulfill our 2030 vision making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
Contemptuous statements by Hon. Delroy Chuck
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June 9, 2017: The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) is alarmed at the disturbing remarks made by the Honourable Delroy Chuck, Minister f Justice, at the Regional Parliamentarians Forum organised by the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) on May 30-31, 2017 in Kingston, Jamaica.
Minister Chuck suggested to over 30 Parliamentarians from several CARICOM territories, to lead by removing the buggery law in their countries “regardless of the consequences”, and not follow “the “herd mentality” to keep it. PANCAP is the regional entity overseeing national HIV programmes, but uses this mandate to aggressively advocate for the advancement of the LGBTTQQI political agenda. Chief among PANCAP‟s political objectives is the removal of “Jamaican Buggery Law”. The removal of the law is a necessary first step in a legislative strategy to re-organise the Jamaican society. It would appear that Minister Chuck shares PANCAP‟s political objectives. One is led to this conclusion because like PANCAP the minister claimed that “‟stigma and discrimination‟ is the “greatest threat to the success in the fight against the disease”. |
Gordon House, the seat of Jamaica's Parliament.
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Min. Delroy Chuck
This position is grossly flawed as it goes against standard medical epidemiological practice, in which behaviours associated with high risk for a disease are actively discouraged. HIV/AIDS has the highest rates among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). It is well established that 98% of the difference in HIV rates between MSM and heterosexuals is due to anal receptive intercourse, “buggery”, and role reversal in MSM networks. Role reversal refers to the fact that males can be either the inserting partner or the receptive partner in the act of buggery.
Neither PANCAP nor the minister address this fact in their strategy for dealing with HIV / AIDS.
For a parliamentarian of Minister‟s Chuck‟s experience to be seduced by PANCAP‟s unsound arguments brings into question his judgment, decision making and motives. His remarks also show contempt for the sincerely held and logical beliefs of the majority of Jamaicans. The voice of the people has been heard over the last 3 years through public rallies and other fora, and the 2014 Bill Johnson poll that “91 % of Jamaicans believe lawmakers should make no attempt to repeal the controversial 'buggery law'".
The Minister‟s statements at the PANCAP meeting raises even greater concern, as he has clearly articulated a bias against the views of the majority of Jamaican people, even before the conclusion of the Joint Select Committee debate, of which he is the current Chairman, The Committee is currently deliberating the Sexual Offences Act, the Domestic Violence Act, the Offences Against the Person Act and the Child Care and Protection Act.
According to Minister Chuck “the region needs a social revolution built on the fundamental principles of human rights”. The Honourable Minister is either deliberately unaware or careless as to the impact of revolution he seeks. It both normalises and prioritises LGBTTQQI behaviour and has resulted in the loss of fundamental human rights such as the loss of the freedoms of speech, conscience, religious liberty, and the loss of parental rights, loss of jobs and ultimately punishment of citizens in developed countries who do not support LGBT agenda.
Why then is Minister Chuck insisting that parliamentarians lead the Jamaican people into an illogical experiment which will remove the fundamental human rights which ALL Jamaicans currently enjoy?
We remind all Members of Parliament that their primary obligation is to their electorate and not to any unelected, politically appointed foreign entity or interest, regardless of the consequences.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
Neither PANCAP nor the minister address this fact in their strategy for dealing with HIV / AIDS.
For a parliamentarian of Minister‟s Chuck‟s experience to be seduced by PANCAP‟s unsound arguments brings into question his judgment, decision making and motives. His remarks also show contempt for the sincerely held and logical beliefs of the majority of Jamaicans. The voice of the people has been heard over the last 3 years through public rallies and other fora, and the 2014 Bill Johnson poll that “91 % of Jamaicans believe lawmakers should make no attempt to repeal the controversial 'buggery law'".
The Minister‟s statements at the PANCAP meeting raises even greater concern, as he has clearly articulated a bias against the views of the majority of Jamaican people, even before the conclusion of the Joint Select Committee debate, of which he is the current Chairman, The Committee is currently deliberating the Sexual Offences Act, the Domestic Violence Act, the Offences Against the Person Act and the Child Care and Protection Act.
According to Minister Chuck “the region needs a social revolution built on the fundamental principles of human rights”. The Honourable Minister is either deliberately unaware or careless as to the impact of revolution he seeks. It both normalises and prioritises LGBTTQQI behaviour and has resulted in the loss of fundamental human rights such as the loss of the freedoms of speech, conscience, religious liberty, and the loss of parental rights, loss of jobs and ultimately punishment of citizens in developed countries who do not support LGBT agenda.
Why then is Minister Chuck insisting that parliamentarians lead the Jamaican people into an illogical experiment which will remove the fundamental human rights which ALL Jamaicans currently enjoy?
We remind all Members of Parliament that their primary obligation is to their electorate and not to any unelected, politically appointed foreign entity or interest, regardless of the consequences.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
JCHS concerns with Cybercrimes Act
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March 20, 2017: The recent arrest of Tambourine Army co-founder Latoya Nugent has drawn particular attention to the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2015. We refer specifically to section 9 (1) on use of a computer for malicious communication and which contains the subjective and undefined terms of ‘threat’, ‘menacing’, ‘harass’, ‘harm’, and ‘apprehension of harm’ among others.
The vagueness of these terms makes it possible for the State to arbitrarily suppress citizens’ freedom of speech. The JCHS affirms that freedom of speech is the cornerstone of a democratic society. We therefore call upon the Jamaican legislature to review the Cybercrimes Act to ensure that it is clear, precise and does not facilitate abuse of freedom of speech of all Jamaicans. Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219 |
Sexual abuse by church leader
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January 10, 2017 The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) makes reference to the distressing story of Rev Rupert Clarke who has been charged with offences relating to sexual intimacy with a minor. We say emphatically that the law must be allowed to take its course in this matter.
Of great concern is the story carried in the Daily Gleaner of January 10, 2017 that the church’s leadership was aware of the behavior of Rupert Clarke. The JCHS firmly states that there cannot be any room within church leadership for paedophiles. Once such allegations have been made then this becomes a matter for investigations by the Police. Leaders who cover up wrongdoing of others are just as guilty as the actual perpetrators. |
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We urge Churches to develop and adopt a Child Protection Policy setting out protocols in the event of child molestation allegations. This policy would bring guidance in these situations according to our child protection laws so that crucial decisions are not left to the discretion of any one leader. However there has to be transparency, accountability and responsibility on the membership of the church itself in monitoring adherence to such policies because human leadership can fail.
We want to remind the society that sex is sacred. God the Creator designed this act of intimacy to be enjoyed in one context only; consensually between adults, husband and wife in covenant marriage. The purpose for this design is for the physical, emotional and psychological health of both husband and wife, and the safety of the rest of society especially children. It would do well for all Jamaican society to re-discover the logic of this biblical principle. The JCHS acknowledges that wrongdoing is everywhere but to cover up sin because of the status, title or position of authority of the wrongdoer is truly evil. We call on fellow Christians who are committed to biblical sexual ethics and the truth, whether they are in leadership or of the laity, to rededicate themselves to lives of sexual purity and to being protectors of the nation’s children.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
We want to remind the society that sex is sacred. God the Creator designed this act of intimacy to be enjoyed in one context only; consensually between adults, husband and wife in covenant marriage. The purpose for this design is for the physical, emotional and psychological health of both husband and wife, and the safety of the rest of society especially children. It would do well for all Jamaican society to re-discover the logic of this biblical principle. The JCHS acknowledges that wrongdoing is everywhere but to cover up sin because of the status, title or position of authority of the wrongdoer is truly evil. We call on fellow Christians who are committed to biblical sexual ethics and the truth, whether they are in leadership or of the laity, to rededicate themselves to lives of sexual purity and to being protectors of the nation’s children.
Contact: jchsadvocate@gmail.com | Dr Wayne West, Chairman 798-5548 | Philippa Davies, Advocacy Officer 779-6219
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November 18, 2016 - Jamaican Gov’t must resist pressure from the UK and any other Government, international or local agents, to pressure Jamaica into abandoning our sovereign right to self-determination and participation at the United Nations General Assembly on the vote on Resolution 32/2 , this coming Monday November 21,2016.
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NOVEMBER 8, 2016 - Encouragement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica ahead of critical UN vote on preserving national freedoms. Read more. The UN General Assembly is expected to vote on a Resolution seeking to appoint a global LGBT advocate on Thursday, November 10, 2016.
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 - we regret to announce the passing of Rev Earl Thames, a man of Issachar
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JANUARY 22, 2016 -Statement for Anniversary of Roe v Wade, the 43rd Anniversary of America’s Day of Shame . Read more...
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JANUARY 19, 2016 - PROTEST AGAINST NORWEGIAN STATE
The JCHS protests against the forcible and inhumane removal of 5 children from their nurturing parents by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services...Read ___More
The JCHS protests against the forcible and inhumane removal of 5 children from their nurturing parents by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services...Read ___More
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JUNE 29, 2015 - CARICOM CIVIL SOCIETY DECLARATION . ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SIX (1286) churches and civil society organisations representing hundreds of thousands from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) supported by individuals from 80 other countries across the globe ...Read More_
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MAY 22, 2015 - JOINT JCHS and LCF Media Release: USA APOLOGISES TO JAMAICA
An official with the US Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica has apologized to the Government of Jamaica for what he described as “a diplomatic faux-pas and miscommunication’ regarding the on-going visit..Read More |
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MAY 21, 2015 - STATEMENT ON VISIT BY US Special Envoy for LGBT Human 'Rights', Randy Berry
Jamaica Must Reject US Foreign Policy of Exporting Buggery and Sexual Confusion. Read more APRIL 5, 2015 - STATEMENT ON VISIT BY US PRESIDENT OBAMA
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) has noted an open letter to President Obama by various LGBT groups in the USA published online (April 3, 2015) Read_ more |
APRIL 10, 2015 - JCHS and LAWYERS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, JAMAICA STATEMENT AT CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM, SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS, PANAMA
The JAMAICA COALITION FOR A HEALTHY SOCIETY (JCHS), a family advocacy NGO based in Kingston, Jamaica and the LAWYERS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, JAMAICA welcome the opportunity to have participated in the Civil Society forum at the 7th renewal of the Summit of the Americas. Read_ more |
MARCH 20, 2015 - STATEMENT BY JAMAICA CAUSE ON THE MURDERS AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN
Jamaica CAUSE is outraged with the recent upsurge of violence in our society. We are greatly distressed at the number of children that are part of these statistics. Our society has reached a new low when instead of caring and protecting our children, we are slaughtering them. Read more
Jamaica CAUSE is outraged with the recent upsurge of violence in our society. We are greatly distressed at the number of children that are part of these statistics. Our society has reached a new low when instead of caring and protecting our children, we are slaughtering them. Read more
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JUNE 2014 - PANCAP 'JUSTICE FOR ALL' DECLARATION AND ROADMAP. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY (140) organisations from 12 CARICOM territoriesrepresenting thousands of citizens and voters have sent their clear objection to plans to subjugate the region to a new kind of imperialism which will fundamentally re-order our way of life. Read more..
June 2014 - sex, lies and rights: a jchs documentary (contextual statement)This documentary addresses the reality of the homosexual/Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) agenda and its implications for Jamaica. We respectfully encourage you to watch this DVD so that you are aware of another side of the debate. Read more..
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june 2014 - unauthorised intervention in children's homesThe Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) is incensed - but not surprised - at the recent news reports of unsolicited and unauthorised interventions by Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVCC) in several Jamaican children’s homes. Both groups have acted in concert with FAMPLAN, the local affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), which is a known advocate of harmful sexual behaviours. Read more..
MAY 27, 2014 - THE DISMISSAL OF PROFESSOR BRENDAN BAINThe Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) joins others in strongly objecting to the dismissal of Professor Brendan Bain, Director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training network (CHART) by the University of the West Indies (UWI). It has been well documented in the USA, UK and Canada that public disagreement with homosexual behaviour is now a basis for victimization. Read more..
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