Howard Campbell, Gleaner WriterALTHOUGH GOVERNMENT is adamant that the legalisation of homosexuality in Jamaica is not on the cards, Ian Cruickshank of the Jamaica AIDS Support says his organisation would be more effective if there was a change in attitude to same-sex relationships in this country.
"We would definitely be in a better position to promote programmes in the communities we serve," said Mr. Cruickshank, the group's targeted intervention officer. "The present situation prevents us from doing things like going out and educating persons (on the dangers of having unprotected sex, etc.")
The 'present situation' Mr. Cruickshank spoke about is the aggression against homosexuals and groups perceived to support homosexuality, in Jamaica. He believes that if there was less discrimination against homosexuals, it is likely the Jamaica AIDS Support could reach out to more persons suffering from HIV/AIDS.
More importantly, he forsees an increase in financial support.
Currently, Mr. Cruickshank says the organisation is primarily funded by three organisations: the Global Fund For HIV/AIDS through the Ministry of Health; UNICEF's Orphans and Children Made Vulnerable fund; and, the European Union.
According to Mr. Cruickshank, it costs the Jamaica AIDS Support J$54 million annually to keep its programmes going.
Since it was established in 1991, the Jamaica AIDS Support's main function has been counselling persons with HIV/AIDS. He says if one person is affected by the disease, the organisation, on request, goes in and gives counselling to the individual's family.
The Jamaica AIDS Support also offers information on safe sex to commercial sex workers such as prostitutes and exotic dancers.
Gay man's plea THE EDITOR, Sir:
THIS IS an open letter to the influential church group which is seeking dialogue with the Government on the business of the Constitution. Thanks for intervening. Thanks for being there now when it matters.
Please, I beg of you church leaders, consider the rights of this bright, young, intelligent Jamaican male of 28 who is a Christian and a member of one of the very churches represented in the group. I am human, and I am Jamaican, and I am proud to be gay.
So how will you my goodly church leaders speak on my behalf in protecting my rights when you make your presentation on March 2? Can I count on you to be sensitive to my rights also, and not be the homophobic, tongue-lashing souls others make you out to be? Can I count on you to fight for me too, like Jesus would have done?
I wonder how you would react if I turned up in the gallery to hear you and sought to have a hearing myself?
How would you react if other marginalised groups turned up to defend their rights also?
Where were you when young children were being raped and murdered? Where are you when our citizens are being murdered? I am sure I will hear from you and your team each week as we defend the rights of ALL Jamaicans bar none.
God's greatest love abounds.
I am, etc.,
JONATHAN PRENDERGAST
JonPrend@yahoo.com
Via Go-Jamaica
