Peaceful Assembly
Several peaceful protests took place across the country during July and September 2023. Some of them are highlighted here.
Protest over police killing of two men
On 16th July, residents took to the streets in response to the alleged killing of two men by the police during an operation in Gordon’s Pen in Spanish Town, St Catherine. The two men—30-year-old Cleon Rowe and 17-year-old Tiwayne Cunningham—were killed while at their home. A week later, another fatal police shooting incident was reported by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). According to INDECOM, from April to June 2023, at least 40 civilians were fatally shot in security force-related incidents.
The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) ancillary, technical and administrative staff protest
On 2nd September, staff at UTech protested to demand better pay and improved working conditions, causing disruptions, especially for new students. According to the Jamaica Observer, in 2019, the Ministry of Finance and the institution’s management provided parity compensation to academic staff. In 2023, the management provided 70% parity and retroactive pay to executive management staff. However, the ancillary technical, and administrative staff have not received parity compensation, and the institution has stated that there are currently no funds available for this group.
The staff protested and demanded that parity be paid by the end of September and that retroactive payments be made before the end of 2023. One staff member expressed frustration at watching other staff members upgrade while they suffer financially. Janette Grayson, president of the University of Technology, Jamaica Administrative Staff Association (UTASA) declared that “school started last week and it has affected our students badly, and we truly apologise. I am sure that students would have left from far in St Catherine and other parts of Jamaica today, but up here, three salary levels fell below the minimum wage when the Government announced the new minimum wage.”
Three-day protest by taxi drivers in Westmoreland
On 13th September, taxi drivers in Westmoreland, western Jamaica, protested for three consecutive days against poor road conditions. They blocked the main road between Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar and demanded its immediate rehabilitation. This led to the suspension of classes in a handful of schools based in Westmoreland.
Patrick Forrester, president of the Petersfield Taxi Association, declared that his members have been very patient and have long called for better road conditions so as to transport passengers in comfort. “We are now forced to take action in order to get the attention of the authorities to get the road fixed because we are operating at a great loss and we can’t continue like this,” said Clifton Hines, one of the protesters.
According to the Jamaica Observer, a Jamaican newspaper, the protesters prevented security forces from disrupting the blockade.
Protest over missing dancehall artist Stephanie Medikk
On 26th September, family and supporters organised a peaceful protest at the Constant Spring Police Station after the disappearance of dancehall artist Stephanie ‘Medikk’ Williams, as they sought to get the investigation fast-tracked. She has been missing since 24th August 2023. According to the Gleaner, a Jamaican digital news outlet, her mother declared that Williams mentioned having a video shoot in Ocho Rios, St Ann, and her boyfriend and road manager told her to get ready for the event. Since then, all attempts made by relatives to get in touch with her have been unsuccessful.
As reported by Nationwide Newsnet, a media and broadcasting agency, more than 20% of the 1,000 people reported missing in Jamaica since the start of 2023 have yet to be found. Since January this year, there have been 1,114 reports of missing persons, with at least 60% being women.
Jacks Hill residents block main road to protest poor road conditions
On 26th September, residents of Jacks Hill, St. Andrew, blocked the main road to denounce its deplorable state, worsened by recent heavy rainfall. The community's dissatisfaction with the Member of Parliament, Delroy Chuck, is due to unfulfilled promises to address the road conditions, which it claims have caused significant vehicular damage.