Caribbean Times 68th Issue - Wednesday 4th January 2016

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6 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g Wednesday 4th January 2017 The Expert is independent; the Caribbean is not Dear Editor: It is not sophisticated to talk about God in public affairs. If, as a token gesture, He must be mentioned, then all references to Him should be politically correct. I choose to be neither sophisticated nor politically correct in addressing the ungodly appointment of what is essentially a Chief LGBT World Police Officer. The controversial appointment by the United Nations Human Rights Council of an “Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination against persons based on their sexual orientation and gender identity”, resulted in much tension between the Western nations of the world and a bloc of African and Asian countries, with the Caribbean holding the power to tilt the final vote one way or other. Discussing the issue in the UK House of Commons, Sir Alan Duncan, the Minister for Europe and the Americas, made it clear that every attempt would be made to sway the vote in favour of the appointment: “every single diplomatic post where we have an ambassador and representation has been absolutely, clearly and unequivocally instructed to try to persuade their host country to vote the right way in the General Assembly.” (To read the full debate, google ‘UN debate on the Independent Expert for the LGBT Community’.) Apparently, the persuasion was effective. The vote in the General Assembly was carried 84/77 with 5 CARICOM countries abstaining and 3 voting along with the Western countries. Informative, reliable, enriching! Think you have a good news story; did you witness anything that is news-worthy; did you take that valuable picture; things happening in your community but there is no outlet or voice for you? You can earn just by telling your story. Call Caribbean Times at (268) 562 8688 Email: editor@caribbeantimes.ag Or news@caribbeantimes.ag Reach us now with that breaking news! Most interestingly, St. Kitts and Antigua which had on November 21st voted along with the African-Asian bloc, had by December 19th changed their vote. It does not take a mathematician to see the role played by the region: 77 + 8 = 85. My objection to the post stems from my belief in the Sovereign God who created man and woman and who denounces homosexuality. Secondly, my objection is levelled at the interference in the sovereignty of “impoverished” nations (thanks, Sir Duncan), the lack of international consensus and the unscientific assumptions underlying the very nature of the post. Violence and discrimination against anyone for any reason is wrong. However, these terms have been stretched beyond recognition in the law courts of those materially rich but spiritually impoverished nations that have embraced sexual rights ideology. Further, the concepts ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ are based neither on objective fact nor justifiable assumption. Rigorous scientific studies have consistently indicated that homosexuals are not born that way; there is no ‘gay gene’. Yet, in an unholy departure from reason, the Nations (some by free will and others through coercion) have embraced the concepts of ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’. The Independent Expert, Prof. Vitit Muntarbhorn has pledged to wield his mandate in every country “under the sun and under the moon”. Commonwealth countries which hold fast to a godly view of sexual morality can therefore expect an unleashing of true violence and discrimination against individuals and institutions based on their moral orientation and faith identity; this will no doubt be expedited by groups of lawyers offering pro-bono services to “vulnerable groups”. One such Caribbean group was formed in December 2016. With the demonstrated division among Member States with regard to the appointment of the Independent Expert, CARICOM can at least be decisive now in demarcating boundaries. What is, and is not, ‘violence’ and ‘discrimination’? To what extent will ‘gender identity’ and ‘sexual orientation’ influence social policy and shape social institutions from 2017 and onwards? Caribbean citizens need to be ‘absolutely, clearly and unequivocally instructed’. Dr. Veronica C. Evelyn
Wednesday 4th January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 7 Protest in Bermuda over refusal by authorities to renew pastor’s work permit HAMILTON, Bermuda – On a day when the new school term opens and regular business resumes after the New Year holiday, Bermuda is likely to be without several essential services, including transportation. Bus operators advised last evening that their vehicles would be off the road from 8 a.m. as they attend a meeting called by the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) for its members. And according to the Royal Gazette newspaper, the move was also likely to disrupt ferry services and garbage collection. Transport Minister Michael Eahy has hit at the operators, labeling their action “irresponsible.” “Disruption of public transportation services is totally irresponsible, especially since many schools open on the very day of the meeting being called. The timing is obviously designed to cause maximum disruption,” he is quoted as telling the newspaper. “Those calling for such disruption should be ashamed of themselves.” The BIU is peeved at the Government’s refusal to renew the work permit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend Nicholas Tweed. Ahead of the talks, BIU President Chris Furbert described the decision “as a dark day in Bermuda’s history”, insisting that while Tweed was being “seen as a threat” even though he had family ties in Bermuda. The Government’s decision has also come under fire from the members of Tweed’s church who issued a statement saying the decision was an “injustice” and an “attack on the faith community”. They were also scheduled to hold a meeting this afternoon. However, there were no signs that the Government would change its position on the work permit, which Home Affairs Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin explained was denied because the pastor’s application was incomplete. Murders in Jamaica reach double figures just days into new year At the centre of the dispute, African Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend Nicholas Tweed. KINGSTON, Jamaica – 2017 is only three days old, but already there have been 11 murders recorded in Jamaica. And Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams – who will go on pre-retirement leave in just three days – is scheduled to meet this morning with the heads of the country’s various police divisions. The deaths were mostly the result of shootings, but they also included stabbings and at least one chopping incident, according to head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communication Unit Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay. “We will re-deploy strategically and maintain our presence in the areas that we know we need to cover,” she said, as she sought to reassure Jamaicans that police will get on top of the crime situation. There were 1,350 people murdered in Jamaica last year – a 12 per cent increase over 2015. (Caribbean360) Yesterday, Acting Home Affairs Minister Cole Simmons in a statement underscored that Tweed’s application was not unfairly handled. “All that was asked of the employer and applicant was to follow the policy that applies to everyone else seeking work permit approval: Advertise the job and fill out the application on time, accurately and completely. People fully understand, for example, that if they don’t fill out a passport application accurately and completely, it will be rejected. The same goes for a business licence, a driver’s licence or tax returns or any other paperwork related to government services,” he said. (Caribbean360)
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Caribbean Times 68th Issue - Wednesday 4th January 2016

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