Nokia Cowen was chased into Kingston harbour. To escape his attackers, he jumped into the water.  Unable to swim, he drowned.

This latest tragic news comes from the Jamaican gay rights movement, J-FLAG (Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays).  It is calling on the police to investigate Cowen’s death and for the government of Jamaica to speak out against homophobic violence (see JFLAG’s statement below).

Nokia’s death follows the murder of Jamaican gay AIDS activist, Steve Harvey, in November.

“J-FLAG calls on the police to investigate the death of Nokia Cowen in downtown Kingston on 28 December 2005,” the group said in a statement today..

“Information reaching J-FLAG suggest that he was chased by an angry mob because of a perception that he was gay.  In an attempt to flee this mob, the young man jumped into the Kingston harbor and perished because he could not swim.

“J-FLAG condemns the prevalence of incidents such as this and calls on the police to fully investigate the matter.  Most importantly, we implore the highest members of government to clearly indicate that violence based on sexual orientation, both perceived and actual, is unacceptable in Jamaica.”

Speaking in London, Peter Tatchell of the British gay human rights group Outrage!, reiterates its call for tougher action by the Jamaican government and police against hate crimes.

“We send our condolences to Nokia’s family and friends, and extend our solidarity to the heroes and heroines of J-FLAG who are campaigning for gay human rights in conditions of great danger and adversity,” said Mr. Tatchell.

Outrage! is calling for:

■  Comprehensive hate crimes laws to protect all Jamaicans, including women, LGBTs and people with HIV

■  Stronger enforcement of the existing laws against incitement to violence and murder, including incitements to assault and kill LGBTs

■  A ban on incitement to hatred against all vulnerable social groups, including women, the disabled, religious minorities, LGBTs and people with HIV

■  Police training in human rights issues, including challenging sexism and homophobia, and action to ensure police awareness of, and sensitivity to, women's, LGBT and HIV issues

LINK

F-FLAG website