Barbados Says “No Problem” With The Double Standard
There is a double standard that exists with artistes and celebrities. We allow them to break all kinds of rules because… well, they are special. Hollywood is most famous for this, excusing and even continuing to fete celebrities who take sexual advantage of children. (Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, Michael Jackson)
We’re no different on this island – and maybe even more willing to tolerate the excesses of the rich and famous because they bring big dollars and prestige to Barbados.
Under ordinary circumstances, Bajans would be horrified that their government issued a work permit to a foreigner man who was convicted of rape, robbery and gun possession and has recently been granted parole after 8 years in prison. Citizens would be calling for answers as to why the government would let such a man on our island when he is not a citizen.
Don’t Worry Folks… He’s A Musician On Parole
When I get to the heart of the story and say that I’m talking about Jah Cure in Barbados to perform at the upcoming Reggae On The Hill at Farley Hill, the same folks who were upset about our headline will now wonder what the fuss is all about.
Just remember friends, we don’t want convicted gun-toting rapist-robbers on our island home. Unless, of course, we can make some money by letting them visit.
Just some thoughts on a Sunday afternoon.
The rape victim, Suzanne Ferguson, who waived her anonymity to speak out after she heard Cure was due for release, told the Jamaican press last year: ‘Every time there is a lot of publicity about Jah Cure, I have even more flashbacks.
‘Sometimes I am so afraid to leave my house. It seems to me that entertainers are more valued than everybody else in Jamaica and, as a woman, I feel seriously undervalued.’ She has claimed she was offered money by Cure’s supporters to retract her claims.
… from The Guardian Rape row as ‘new Marley’ comes to UK
37 Comments
March 30, 2008 at 6:05 pm
[...] Gleam – Celebrity Gossip – Hollywood Rumors / Published News wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt Barbados Says “No Problem” With The Double Standard There is a double standard that exists with artistes and celebrities. We allow them to break all kinds of rules because… well, they are special. Hollywood is most famous for this, excusing and even continuing to fete celebrities who take sexual advantage of children. (Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, Michael Jackson) We’re no different on this island – and maybe even more willing to tolerate the excesses of the rich and famous because they br [...]
March 30, 2008 at 6:44 pm
BFP, I don’t want to make any excuse for what Jah Cure did, but has he not paid his debt to society? And what do we do with our own gun-toting-rapist-robbers if we don’t want any of their ilk on our island?
March 30, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Is it a case of the person has served his time so no problem?
Is there a law that can prevent this individual from entering Barbados and performing?
If he does perform at the “Hill” the audience will show by their numbers how they feel about this issue.
March 30, 2008 at 7:09 pm
He is still on parole.
I see where BFP is coming from. If he were an ordinary person looking to work at some trade on Barbados we wouldn’t give him a work permit with his record.
March 30, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Paying a debt to society does not mean that we have to let him into OUR country.
March 30, 2008 at 7:23 pm
So, Hants, you are saying that the punishment by the court was not enough? A prisoner will only be suitably punished if you say so?
March 30, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Shut yall ass and tell me how is he a threat to bajans
March 30, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Judging by Redds syntax, Jah Cure’s primary threat is to the English language!
March 30, 2008 at 9:48 pm
There is an entertainer here in Bim who served time for both rape and herbal usage and we still revere him, so I think we should mind our glass houses – drink a glass of ruby red wine and mull it over, ok?
March 30, 2008 at 10:50 pm
He served his time. I see no problem with him working. Everybody deserves a chance. ” He that is without sin cast the first stone.”
March 30, 2008 at 11:52 pm
BFP….you have got to be the most ignorant people to date.
This man paid his debt to society…what the hell do you want now , blood?
What about the Bajans who had charges against them and still are headlined as show stoppers?
Politicians are walking around free, when they should be in Dodds. Jah Cure did his time , by the way …this will be his second performance here since his release.
You talk of the Ronja Juman case and question the RBPF. Why dont you do some serious research and see the similarities in Jah Cure’s case. He was convicted on the flimsiest of evidence….a voice and the smell of weed……guess every Jamaican should have been charged also. Do some research…..please !!!
March 31, 2008 at 12:03 am
For Your perusal BFP..
http://www.jahworks.org/music/features/jc_reasonable_doubt.htm
March 31, 2008 at 12:50 am
the reality is that anyone seeking to come to Barbados including investors and short term executives must go through a criminal records check in order to get a work permit and simply could not touch foot in Barbados with this kind of a record. You bet there is a double standard. This hypocrisy and double dealing at its worst.
March 31, 2008 at 1:26 am
double standard for sure
March 31, 2008 at 12:50 am
the reality is that anyone seeking to come to Barbados including investors and short term executives must go through a criminal records check in order to get a work permit and simply could not touch foot in Barbados with this kind of a record. You bet there is a double standard. This hypocrisy and double dealing at its worst.
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You must live in a cave to think that that is the way things work around here….wake up and smel the coffee.
Investors…..short term executives get criminal records check??? Guy….where you from??
March 31, 2008 at 2:14 am
“Investors…..short term executives get criminal records check??? ”
Yes all the ones I have heard about comng to Barbados complain about having to get in line to have their fingerprints taken and a police check in order to fufill their requirments to get a work permit in addition to medical, tax returns etc.
Do you know of people who have done it otherwise or are these people just suckers or live in caves?
March 31, 2008 at 3:08 am
BFP
If we don’t want him here!
See if he can get into the States or Canada or may UK with a criminal record,I think not!!
March 31, 2008 at 3:43 am
Justice says…”So, Hants, you are saying that the punishment by the court was not enough? A prisoner will only be suitably punished if you say so?
You misinterpreted my questions and I do accept the judgement of the courts and have no interest in determining anyones punishment.
I asked questions because I do not know the law in Barbados as it relates to people convicted of crime in foreign countries.
Also, It is reported that he was convicted based on the victim having memorized his car number and his voice.
Does any of you know the details of this “case”?
I hope he was not wrongfully convicted.
Law where I live.
“Any activity that is considered a criminal offence in Canada, such as driving while under the influence of a substance such as alcohol, may prevent you from entering into Canada, even if the activity was not considered criminal in the country where it was committed.”
March 31, 2008 at 4:33 am
He’s most welcome in Barbados
March 31, 2008 at 6:23 am
Is it that musicians, along with politicians, journalists, graduates et al, are one of the favoured classes within Caricom?
Allowing them to move and work without restriction throughout the region.
March 31, 2008 at 11:39 am
What I detect from the posts above which support his performing here, is a kind of acceptance that rape isn’t really that bad. We’re not alone in the West Indies for thinking this way, it happens the world over, as part of the treatment of women as second class citizens. The fact is that most countries will refuse entry to anyone with a criminal record. I ask those supporters: What if he had raped and robbed your sister or mother at gunpoint? Would you still say that it’s okay because he’s done his time, and just because you like his music? I think not.
March 31, 2008 at 12:22 pm
This comment was deleted by BFP editors because the author who first used the name “Koova” has been leaving comments under multiple names.
March 31, 2008 at 1:41 pm
One other thing regarding “he’s served his time”. In some jurisdictions in the U.S., it is mandatory for a community to be advised if a convicted sex offender resides in their midst, once he or she has been released from jail. The reason is that quite often these people become repeat offenders, and rape is a particularly heinous act of violence. I suggest that if we want to hear this “performer”, we should download his recordings.
March 31, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Peltdownman says
“What I detect from the posts above which support his performing here, is a kind of acceptance that rape isn’t really that bad”.
Only sick twisted people think Rape is “not so bad”.
The issue here is whether serving time for a crime allows a person “freedom” after he is released from prison.
What we need to know is what the law in Barbados is in this case.
Can he enter Barbados and perform legally?
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BFP says,
Hants, if we wouldn’t take a convicted rapist into our home to be with our family, why would we allow him the privilege of coming into our country considering he is not a citizen? Foreigners have no right to enter Barbados except as we allow them to. Once again, the issue is not this one man – it is that we have a double standard.
For filthy money.
March 31, 2008 at 3:59 pm
What is the double standard, BFP? And are you saying that a convicted murderer, thief, rapist…should have no chance at rehabilitation? Once a criminal, always a criminal?
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BFP says,
The double standard is that convicted gun-toting rapists from other countries are not usually given work permits in Barbados because our government usually agrees that Jamaica and other countries can rehabilitate their own rapists and robbers, thank you. If you can’t see the double standard then you are blind and we certainly can’t make you see it.
March 31, 2008 at 9:05 pm
He is from Jamaica, which makes him from the Caribbean like us. We need to be unified and welcome him here.
He was charged and did his time, he should be allowed to come here if bajans want him to. You would be a fool if you though bajans did want him here. Everywhere you go, you can here him on the radio.
The large numbers at reggae on the hill will show the demand for Jah Cure. If he was not wanted here, surely farley hill would be empty.
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BFP says,
So… just to poke a bit … John, do you mean that ALL convicted persons from Jamaica should have free access to Barbados if they have done their time… or only high profile artistes?
… Which, of course, is the whole point of our “double standards” article.
March 31, 2008 at 11:16 pm
If they have done their time they should be allowed to come, especially if they are wanted by many bajans, which clearly jar cure is.
Also the Jah Cure case is very complex and it is very difficult to prove he is guilty.
But i do understand the point on double standards and it should be kept in mind.
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BFP Says,
Hey John, what about the fact that better than 50% of violent criminals re-offend… even if they have “served their time”?
You seem to view getting caught and doing time as some kind of cleansing, fresh start, when the reality is quite different!
April 1, 2008 at 1:41 am
It boggles me the hero worship young Bajans give to Jah Cure and Jamaican dub artistes. I wonder if people are aware Jamaicans view all Bajans as gay and supporters of homosexuality. Its a very disturbing view of us from that violent island.
Al Gilkes, Sherlock, Hinds and whoever dont care about the criminality of these Jamaicans. Its all about making as much money as possible. With Al fired from cash cow NCF you can see him maximising whatever he can find. Reggae aristes are widely popular with the youth but the downsides are horrible. We have many angry, frightening youth among us who terrorise our neighbourhoods. Its God’s grace and luck in my view that our island has stayed relatively peaceful. One thing is for sure if the youngsters persist in following the lyrics and lifestyle of Jamaican artistes all bets are off.
April 1, 2008 at 2:18 am
…not USUALLY given work permits because our government USUALLY agrees…..where is the rule, BFP? I’m not the one who is blind here. Which gun-toting rapist was refused entry?
April 1, 2008 at 4:26 am
Would BFP be happy if Sir/Madame Elton John was coming instead?
You people are hypocrites to the max. Buggy was paraded around in this country along with John Simpson and Basil Yarde in what was Barbados’ first so called porno case. Yet still every day you can find pics and video on the same internet of Bajan girls and men doing the most lewd and nasty things, has any of them been charged?
These three guys did their time (community that is) after being dragged through the media for weeks .
Buggy went on to be awarded the Reggae artiste of the year. Does this make him a repeat offender…NO!!. What it did was to teach him and the others a lesson. The have learnt from their mistakes and are now striving to be better people.
I can understand to a point what BFP is saying but to be fair, has Jah Cure committed any crimes since his release?
His case alone would have the biggest idiot questioning its merit but oh no….BFP goes as far as to publish the ‘victims’ view to emphasize their point and agenda. At least have the testicular fortitude to research the whole case before using her words to gain support.
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It boggles me the hero worship young Bajans give to Jah Cure and Jamaican dub artistes. I wonder if people are aware Jamaicans view all Bajans as gay and supporters of homosexuality. Its a very disturbing view of us from that violent island.
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I have many Jamaican friends and I have not heard this from them yet. What I hear is that we as Bajans are very tolerant to homosexuals.
You talk about following the lyrics of Jamaican music…maybe if you knew any of Jah Cures lyrics and listened to the songs and not the ignorant propaganda, then you would realise that like our own calypso, there are dity songs and clean songs.
I am yet to hear Jah Cure sing any song promoting violence or degrading women.
It is this kind of narrow minded thinking that has us where we are today as a people.
April 1, 2008 at 5:13 am
Rape. Gun. Robbery. 15 years sentence. Out in 8 years.
That is heavy duty. If Barbados wants to let him in because he can sing and is high profile famous so he (probably) won’t do any more raping or gunning, that is fine with me.
If Barbados is going to let anybody in with this kind of record, that is not fine with me and your country would be foolish.
April 1, 2008 at 11:32 am
This is going to be his second performance here.
April 1, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Techie
Two wrongs never made it right. Inform your Jamaican friends(?) Barbadians are not tolerant of homosexuality. Inform them Barbados is a heavily Christian society (with hypocrasy like other nations.) Inform them homos per capita in Barbados same percentage as Jamaica and rest of world.
April 3, 2008 at 4:18 pm
wunnah does really make me laugh. Bajans are truly something else. I truly agree with Technician. We are very unforgiving, backward and intolerant of almost everything. Grow up and stop living in the 40s and 50s. Be more appreciative and forgiving of others (and we call ourselves a Christian society). Steeupse!!!! Every time I travel, people always have something negative to say about Bajans. And you know what? They right. We are not a loving, forgiving people. We gine kill he because he did a crime. People do worse. Check wunnah backyards. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I hate to hear Bajans talk sometimes, and I am a Bajan but a very open minded one. We are anal in our thinking, our attitudes and our outlook on life. That is why recidivism will always be high in Barbados, because we are not willing to rehabilitate. Wunna think Jah Cure bound to come here? Get real hear??
April 3, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I am not really concerned about whether he has paid his debt or not (incidentally in Barbados there is no parole so he would still be in prison) – I am concerned about the law and Section 8 of the Immigration Act clearly states that persons convicted of an offence for which they were given a custodial sentence of more than a year are prohibited from entering Barbados. I dont agree with him having been allowed in before and I dont agree with it now
April 3, 2008 at 10:54 pm
A poster asked “Wunna think Jah Cure bound to come here? Get real hear??”
The answer is yes (if he wants to make money). Other than Trinidad, where else can he go? We are a major market for his performances. Do you think he can get a US, Canadian or British visa with a criminal record?
He is lucky that our immigration department does not apply the laws of the land .
April 10, 2008 at 6:32 am
Because ssomeone served time does not mean that we should allow him in the island . What about the victim we treat the abuse of women and other crimes too lightly in Barbados.
He should try to get a visa for the USA. Barbados does not need this Bum or others like him.
What if it was your Mother, Sister,Daughter or Wife. We need to get serious abut crime.
May 15, 2008 at 5:00 am
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