The signature of Dr. Rupert Francis, head of the Jamaican Diaspora Crime and Prevention Task Force has caused some stir among other groups, and organizations that are a part of the Jamaican Diaspora community.
The stir triggered because of a recent letter sent to Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks. The undated letter signed by Dr. Rupert Francis informs the ambassador of a planned island wide demonstration by members of the Diaspora, concerned Jamaicans and donors.
Francis noted in the letter also that certain Diaspora members will “lawfully and peacefully” stage protests outside Jamaican embassies, consulates and other government buildings in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It is anticipated that the demonstration will attract the interest of the foreign media, the letter noted.
Dr. Francis, also the former captain of the Jamaica Defence Force, said that the letter was written as a call to action by concerned Jamaicans residing in the Diaspora and Jamaica. In the letter Dr. Francis wrote, “I wish to inform, and by extension, the Jamaican government, that the Diaspora will engage Jamaica’s international partners to seek redress of our grievances. These international partners will include donor countries and organizations and Congressional, and Parliamentary committees.”
The letter highlights some of the reasons the demonstration is planned, “the increasing state of public corruption; the high level of violent crime; the (government’s) failure to provide promised service delivery; unfulfilled promises to the Diaspora regarding its involvement in the political process; and the legal defense that the Diaspora members do not have standing to sue the government.”
But the letter is slammed and rejected with objections from other Diaspora groups, which are strongly resenting public demonstration and campaigning that could prevent donations to the island.
One such group rejecting the letter is the Global Jamaica Council’s elected representative, Nathaniel Peat. Peat stated that as a Jamaican Diaspora representative the imagine that he is trying to create for investment from Jamaican entrepreneurs will be affected negatively with an international demonstration against the government.
In continuing, Peat comments, “I do not agree with what Rupert has done. Why are you trying to pull away support from Jamaica? That goes against Diaspora policy. And why right now when Jamaica is at its greatest need in terms of support for youth, education prisoners?” Peat said that the letter would harm Jamaica’s image at a time when it is dire need of assistance.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Minister of State in Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Trade, Anthony Terrelonge said that many people have expressed disagreement with the content of the letter and see it as unprecedented.
Dr. Francis, in confirming his disappointment, said that the Diaspora has not seen any growth between diaspora issues and policies. “It has just been in limbo.” He said the letter was long overdue and that going forward, the nation has to be reformed.
The former Jamaica Defence captain said that he rejects theories that his motivations are political, saying that many people saw him as a member of the present government. “I used to be involved in politics in Jamaica for a while and for this government in particular, so why would I be political about this now. We are looking for betterment. We want to reduce crime and violence. We want to reduce corruption. We want to improve education. We want to get our monies worth out of our raw materials. We want to export more and import less. Young people need opportunities,” Francis said.
Caribbean Life newspaper also spoke with retired Jamaican government employee Clover Jones who mentioned that most Jamaicans are in a plight but are living in fantasy, even though they are seriously struggling from day to day to survive.
Dr. Francis said that he is encouraged by the overwhelming support that he has received from both the Diaspora and non-Diaspora residents, who are telling him to continue with his work. Dr. Francis said also that the plans for the demonstration are still in place.
