In the wake of a recent protest outside the Jamaican consulate general’s office in Miami, Dr. Rupert Francis, Chairman of the Jamaica Diaspora Crime Intervention & Prevention Task Force, is anticipating parallel victories in seven other planned demonstrations across the diaspora.
The Jamaican diaspora wields significant influence, with approximately 1.1 million Jamaicans living abroad, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ Population Division (2020), with a majority being women at 57.5 per cent.
Turnout from the diaspora
Approximately 70 demonstrators, brandishing placards converged on the protest venue in Miami.
The gathering featured speeches by prominent figures, including Wilfered Rattigan, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent and attorney, and popular blogger Carlos ‘Jamaican Carlos’ Grey.
Notably, the event also attracted more than 3,000 virtual participants, tuning in from various locations.
An “excellent” display of unity
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Francis expressed his satisfaction, stating, that it was excellent in terms of what we are trying to achieve.
He highlighted the commitment of attendees who traveled from far and wide.
Highlighting Jamaica’s challenges
Dr. Francis, a retired captain in the Jamaica Defence Force, shaed with the Jamaica Gleaner that these protests aim to spotlight the government’s handling of Jamaica, particularly its struggles with rising crime rates and corruption.
Additionally, he plans to call for greater transparency in the allocation of donor funds.
The intentions for nationwide protests were formally conveyed to Ambassador Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s most senior diplomat in the US, last December.
Nationwide protests on the horizon
These expressions of discontent are not limited to Miami.
Protests are in the works for Washington DC, New York, Canada, and the United Kingdom, indicating a broad-based call for change.
Dismissing critics
Dismissive of critics who accuse him of political motives or tarnishing the administration’s reputation, Dr. Francis reiterated his stance as an advocate for “equal rights and justice.”
Francis highlights issues with social programs
Dr. Francis revealed that eight years ago, the task force had proposed social programs aimed at tackling Jamaica’s crime rate.
However, he shared that the government’s apparent reluctance to embrace these initiatives led to their stagnation.
Support from some Jamaicans
While Jamaica’s State Minister Alando Terrelonge pointed to significant engagement between the government and diaspora members over the last five years, Dr. Francis remains undeterred by pushback, emphasizing substantial support from Jamaicans in Jamaica and abroad.
