For anyone who’s been interested in the rights of Jamaicans – here is the (partial) summation of Section 3 of Jamaica’s Constitution on the rights and freedoms of its citizens[i].
Jamaicans are entitled to the freedoms and rights, which reinforce their dignity as citizens of a free and democratic society. In which case, if there is dignity in – being educated, healthy, free of debt, married-life, single-life and freedom of choice – ALL Jamaicans are entitled to it. These rights include –
- Life, Liberty and Security. Yes, these are found in our constitution as well. The US of A is not the only country promoting “liberty and justice for all”.
- Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Belief and Observance of Political Doctrine. We have the right to call our ministers of government “fool-fool” if we believe it to be true at the time. Side note – since Clovis has been doing this for years maybe more of us should follow suit.
- Freedom of Expression.
- Freedom of Information. There are Muslims, Christians, Skinheads, Civil-Rights Activists, Heterosexuals, Homosexuals and many other persons on the spectrum of humanity. Inform your charges adequately or others will do it for you. You both have that right.
- Freedom of Assembly. Yes, the Carnival revellers have a right to re-route the traffic on the churchgoers blessed Sunday. But they also have the right to grumble about it. Likewise, Churchgoers also have the right to set up loudspeakers and disturb your midweek with preaching; while the revellers complain about the noise (see points two and three above).
- Equality before the Law. Dudus, Dawg-Paw, Bicknell and Vaz have the right to their day in court and equal treatment. Take from that what you will.
- Equitable and Humane Treatment. Pummelling anyone for any reason is wrong. Stop it.
- Freedom from Discrimination whether you are male, female, born here or choose to stay here, black, white, uptown, downtown, Christian, Non-Christian, JLP, PNP, NDM or Independent. That should be self-explanatory but I’ll break it down for you. If a person does not prescribe to your theology, philosophy, or ideology – that is their right and vice versa. That doesn’t give you the right to kill them, imprison them, damage or remove their property in any way. And that holds true for all intangible aspects of their person as well, including their “spirit”.
- Protection from search of person and property. Spot checks are illegal. If the police and border control officers have no reason or warrant which indicates you’re conducting or about to conduct some illegal activity – drive or walk away.
- Privacy. What happens in your home or on your phone is my business. By now we all know this thanks to the fiasco that was The Manatt-Dudus Enquiry.
- Child protection and access to publicly funded primary education. All children below the age of 12 (at least) should be in school learning.
- Enjoying a healthy and productive environment free from the threat of injury or damage from environmental abuse and degradation of the ecological heritage. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Stop dumping the gullies. Go do something useful with the body God (or whatever deity or law of physics you prescribe to) gave you.
- Voting
- Owning a passport
- Protection from Torture
- Protection of property
- Freedom of Religion
The constitution exists to uphold ALL these rights. Incidentally, the law also speaks to each Jamaican upholding the right of others. Simply put, my rights are equally as important as yours and are protected by law as long as they do not prejudice your rights. Also, Parliament should not create laws that impinge on my rights.
Take from that what you will.
Interestingly, it would seem that the Death penalty is still legal in Jamaica, as well…
Will keep reading.
[i] The Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Constitutional Amendment) Act, 2011
Against the Grain 