Introduction
From January to April 2024, several protests took place across Jamaica addressing various issues. At the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Technology (UTECH), staff have taken partial strike actions demanding improved labour conditions and compensation reviews. Meanwhile, Westmoreland and West End residents have staged roadblocks to protest poor road conditions and inadequate water supply. Additionally, the Nurses Association of Jamaica held a march in Kingston to raise awareness about violence against children. Amid these events, alumni of Jamaica College have called for the resignation of the school board chairman in relation to a financial dispute involving the alleged mismanagement of funds.
Peaceful Assembly
Staff take action at UWI and UTECH
Staff at the two leading tertiary institutions in Jamaica, the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Technology (UTECH), went on a partial strike to demand better labour conditions. On 5th January, lecturers at UTECH suspended the submission of grades pending a compensation review.
Initially, academic and senior administrative staff at the University of the West Indies, Mona, decided not to pursue a strike, stating that efforts were being made to implement an interim salary adjustment while a compensation review took place. However, on 22nd January, some lecturers and administrative staff protested after releasing a newsletter to the students of the University (see Image 1 – WIGUT newsletter to UWI students).
President of the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT), Jamaica, Paul Brown said: “There was zero impact on classes because it was not a protest because we were unhappy with the process. The process is ongoing, there is a tripartite committee that was established by the Ministry of Finance after our meeting on the 4th of January and this is in train to deliver a recommendation that will be taken on board by the end of this month [January 31] and we anticipate that the work will continue. So we are not unhappy with it at all, in fact we are very happy. It is a show of solidarity for that part of the process.” Negotiations are ongoing.
Protest for better roads in Hertford
On 8th January, taxi operators, residents and teachers staged a protest in Westmoreland by blocking a section of the Hertford main road, Westmoreland region. This was in response to poor road conditions in the Hertford Community since 2022. It was also reported that the protest affected the resumption of the new school term for several schools in the parish.
Nurses march against violence against children
The Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) staged a march in Kingston on 17h February to raise awareness about violence against children and rally citizens to help end it. The march was part of the 2023 LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year, Shantal Remekie’s national project, “Stop Violence Against Children.” The march started at the NAJ Secretariat and ended at the Secret Gardens Monument in downtown Kingston, where roses were laid in honour of children who had died by violence.
Protest for Improved Water in West End
On 13th March, residents of West End, Negril, set up a roadblock with large rocks, trash and old furniture to express their dissatisfaction with the inadequate water supply and deteriorating road conditions in their area. This obstructed the primary route from Negril town centre to West End of the resort town. The protesters also used placards to urge the state-run National Water Commission (NWC) to resolve the ongoing water issues in their community.
Alumni association protest for board chairman's resignation amid financial dispute
On 4th April, alumni Jamaica College (JC) Old Boys’ Association members staged a protest seeking Lance Hylton's resignation as school board chairman amid ongoing disputes over financial management. Acting Principal Wayne Robinson is pressing for accountability regarding over $20 million (USD 127,700) purportedly raised by the Old Boys’ Association under former President Major Basil Jarrett.
Acting Principal Wayne Robinson’s lawsuit alleging Major Jarrett misappropriated $3 million (USD 19,156) was dismissed due to Robinson’s lack of standing. Robinson and ten board members have since filed defamation suits against Jarrett, who denies wrongdoing and views the actions as a vendetta.