Demonstration, counter-protest, and meditation all to take place at Jamaican consulate in New York
Published:Friday | May 10, 2024 | 12:13 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
The offices of the Jamaican Consulate in Manhattan, New York, will be the staging ground for a demonstration, a counter-demonstration and a meditation to bless the new office space today.
The Jamaica Diaspora Crime Intervention and Prevention Task Force, in association with the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and their supporters, has indicated that they will stage a protest against the Jamaican Government for good governance, transparency, accountability, and human rights in front of the Jamaican Consulate located at 300 E. 42nd Street, NYC (near the corner of 2nd Avenue).
According to a news release from the planners, the demonstration will highlight issues they said are impacting the lives of Jamaicans and tarnishing ‘Brand Jamaica’.
They said attempts to engage the Government regarding many of the issues have been to no avail, resulting in the rallying cry for a ‘Call to Action on May 10, 2024, in front of the Jamaican Consulate located at 300 E.42nd Street from 9:00 a.m., to 1:00 p.m.’
This will be the second such demonstration by the group, having staged a similar demonstration in front of the Jamaican Consulate in Miami, Florida.
Dr Clovis Nelson has organised a counter-demonstration to counteract the demonstration planned by the Jamaica Diaspora Crime Intervention and Prevention Task Force.
Nelson told The Gleaner that while he is expecting about 30 people to show up, he was not calling it a counter-demonstration but rather showing solidarity with the Government and protecting Brand Jamaica.
In a statement, he listed several initiatives that he said the Government has either undertaken or implemented to combat crime and corruption.
CRIME PLAN INITIATIVES
Among the initiatives he listed are the establishment of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, implementation of the National Crime Prevention and Community Safety Policy, expansion of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, introduction of body-worn cameras for police officers, launch of the Crime Stop Mobile App, and the establishment of the anti-corruption unit and strengthening of the Witness Protection Programme, among other initiatives.
Nelson called for Jamaicans to “stand with me to defend the dignity of our nation”.
At the same time, the consulate itself will hold a meditation and office blessing on Friday.
A statement from the consulate indicated that it is proud to announce the hosting of “Midday Meditation” on Friday, May 10, at 12:00 p.m. This event, it said, will also serve as a formal blessing of the consulate offices and aims to provide a moment of calm amid a busy schedule of activities following the consulate’s relocation to its new office space.
The event is expected to be attended by a number of clergy members and representatives of the Jamaican diaspora in person. For individuals who are unable to attend physically, plans are being put in place for the proceedings to be streamed live across various social media platforms. This will enable Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica worldwide to participate virtually and share the experience with their loved ones.
The statement further stated that Consul General Alsion Wilson looks forward to welcoming the blessings into the new space as the consulate general embarks on this journey in its new location.
Adding to the spirit of giving and community upliftment, the event will also feature a special presentation to Carmeta Albarus, founder of the Family Unification and Resettlement Initiative (FURI). A cheque of more than $3,100 will be presented to support FURI’s mission of helping deported persons rebuild their lives while contributing positively to their home countries.
“We invite all Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to join us virtually and share in this meaningful event, bringing blessings and serenity to the new consulate general offices,” the statement said.