'It's enough': Jamaicans protest in support of George Floyd and against racism on the island

  • Reggae dancehall artists were also part of this demonstration: Kabaka Pyramid, Bounty Killer, Razor B were some of those who published their participation in their social networks. 
  • According to a government-backed study, more of 3.000 Jamaicans have been killed by law enforcement officers since 2000.

 

"The police are killing our children and our brothers are killing each other. Enough is enough!” was the cry of a Rastafarian woman from 70 years he protested in front of the United States Embassy in Liguanea, Kingston, yesterday morning.

The call for urgent social change launched by this woman Rastafari attracted the attention of protesters who gathered outside the embassy in solidarity with the latest manifesta Black Lives Matter protests’ throughout the United States and other parts of the world, after the murder of George Floyd.

Several hundred people protested peacefully in front of the Embassy with signs and T-shirts that said “Black Lives Matter” Y “Enough is Enough”, demanding justice for Floyd and the Jamaicans who have been killed by the security forces.

"I am a Rasta woman since 1976 until now, praising His Imperial Majesty who taught us to love each other. So I'm out here. ", He said.

The woman, who is a craft dealer, regretted the senseless killing of Jamaicans by members of the police force and fervently advocated for social and racial justice.

"We have to fight for our rights and the rights of our children. Look what they put the man who died in a prison after being there for more than 40 years without trial “, he said referring to the shocking news about Noel Chambers, an inmate of the Tower Street Adult Correctional Center, who passed away last week in prison without trial.

“We as black people have to fight for our rights”, added Sister Monica. "I do not give up my rights. I prefer to die for my rights ”.

The protest was one of at least two others that happened yesterday in the corporate area of ​​the capital. And Half-Way-Tree, main transport and trade center, individual protesters were seen holding placards. Protesters also gathered in the Emancipation Park later, where those who previously participated in the protest outside the US Embassy joined..

In a country where the vast majority of people are of African descent, Jamaicans say racism can take subtler forms. As reported by various media, attendees protested not only about what happened with Floyd in the United States, but also because of the classism that exists on the island, several protesters agreed that there is a lot of discrimination against those with darker skin versus those with lighter black skin.

Jemila Henry, of 23 years, expressed solidarity with American protesters and called for raising awareness of local issues.

“There are people in Jamaica who don't think we experience anything remotely racist, but technically we have what can be described as colorism”, He said, and pointed out that “Jamaicans with lighter skin are perceived as superior to those with darker skin”.

Alice Hogarth, organizer of what has been called the Justice for All movement, told the local Sunday Observer newspaper that the protest was against social inequalities in Jamaica and that it will continue until a commitment to “radical change”.

"We have a problem of classism and it is the poor who are suffering. This is a new movement that has started and will not end with Floyd. This will be a movement to hold leadership accountable. ”.

“If things don't start to change, we will have protests against injustices right here in Jamaica, be it police brutality or rude, so that we can have a radical change”, Hogarth said.

Source: Reuters / Jamaica Observer