A view of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Str8 Friendly & Queer Landscape here in "homophobic" Jamaica from the ground up...hopefully enriching posts and other media for your consideration. lgbtevent@gmail.com, glbtqjamaica@live.com
Do you think the Buggery Law should be?
Poor leadership & dithering are reasons for JFLAG & Jamaica AIDS Support’s homelessness
The embarrassing situation of JFLAG's eviction from their rented offices along with JASL with the code of silence including the dithering and poor responses to homelessness via the requisite programs and monitoring.
Civil rights activists delivered a petition containing almost half a million signatures to Uganda’s parliament today in protest over the country’s anti-homosexuality bill.
The online petition was organised by campaign group Avaaz, which hopes to eventually garner one million signatures.
It was delivered to Uganda’s parliament in Kampala this morning by a delegation led by Anglican priest Canon Gideon Byamugisha.
The petition was accompanied by a letter asking parliament to reject the controversial bill and instead pass legislation to protect gay people.
The Daily Monitor reports that the Speaker of Parliament Edward Sekandi promised the delegation he would refer the petition to a committee for scrutiny.
If passed, the legislation will impose the death penalty on those who have homosexual sex with a minor, disabled person, while infected with AIDS.
The death penalty would also be imposed on repeat offenders, while others convicted for having gay sex would be jailed for life, instead of the current 14-year term.
Those who fail to report homosexual activity, such as relatives, teachers, landlords or health workers, would also face prison sentences.
The bill is now before parliament and awaiting debate.
Pressure has been building on Uganda to reject it in the past few months and world leaders such as US president Barack Obama and UK prime minister Gordon Brown have urged Ugandan leaders to withdraw it.
I'm happy to know the petition was delivered. It shows just how people can come together despite their difference for the common good or in this case preventing a greater evil. I hope it has some impact on the proceedings of the bill. It's sad how some of the churches are treating the bill, but also heartening that there are those who believe in the dignity of life and freedom for such.
I'm praying to will impact the debate and the bill. All things happen in God's own time, and I believe that God won't make His children suffer more than they can bear no matter how hard it may seem.
My prayers are with those members of our community within Uganda who are already subject and may be increasingly subject to pain and hardship. But keep pressing and they shall have wings like an eagle and they will walk and not faint, God will be their support, guide and friend. The international community has them in our thoughts/prayers.
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VACANCY
Background
The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is a
non-profit, human-rights organization that advocates for human rights...
Hypospadias: Intersexuality and Gender Politics
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If you are looking around for information about intersexuality, one of the
first things you're likely to read is that "most intersex children are
assigned ...
Great News For the LGBT Community in Oregon
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This just came out today and I thought I would pass it on... First step
for November 2014 election This morning, Oregon United for Marriage
established a p...
How Eduboard.com Helps Students
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http://eduboard.com/ is one of the best sites where you can
find easy helps to help you understand more about certain subjects in
school that ...
Research on faith and internalized homonegativity
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I am posting on behalf of William Skelton.
Your participation in a research project is requested. This study is
seeking Gay men and Lesbian women, 18 years...
Connect the grains
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Last week the newspapers reported that two unnamed hotels on the northcoast
had the stolen sand. This week, they’re reporting this. Am I missing
something ...
where are my lesbian SDAdventist sisters?
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Chicas, where in Trinidad and Tobago are you? We need to come together and
support each other. inbox me at lucretiatt66@hotmail.com or
gldnvirginia@gmail.com
Group 4 housing consultation disrupted
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At 11.00am on Tuesday 5th of July activists attended and disrupted a Group
4 (G4S) consultation in Cardiff. G4S are bidding to run a service called
COMPASS...
The Truth Has Been Told
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Life is filled with options and each one that we choose affects our lives
in incalculable ways. I started this blog a little over a year ago in an
effort t...
God and the Transgendered Woman
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*I don’t know exactly where to begin when it comes to a subject as weighty
as this one but I will do the best that I can.
Spirituality, Faith, Religion, G...
Kenyan bisexuality myths
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The thought of a person that is attracted to both men and women can be
confusing and frequently leads to misconceptions and stereotypes. Kenyans
are quick ...
Respect to Tanya Stephens
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Not very often we hear Jamaican music or artists for that matter deal with
tolerance and homophobia in their creations as balanced and level headed as
this...
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*Effeminacy* is character trait of a male showing femininity, unmanliness,
weakness, softness and/or a delicacy, which contradicts traditional
masculine,...
7 years ago
What do you think is the most important area of HIV treatment research today?
Do you think Lesbians could use their tolerance advantage to help push for gay rights in Jamaica??
Secretary Clinton Delivers Remarks at the 2012 International AIDS Conference
Violence and venom force gay Jamaicans to hide
Violence and venom force gay Jamaicans to hide
a 2009 Word focus report where the history of the major explosion of homeless msms occurred and references to the party DVD that was leaked to the bootleg market which exposed many unsuspecting patrons to the public (3:59), also the caustic remarks made by former member of Parliament in the then JLP administration.
The agencies at the time were also highlighted and the homo negative and homophobic violence met by ordinary Jamaican same gender loving men.
The late founder of the CVC, former ED of JASL and JFLAG Dr. Robert Carr was also interviewed.
At 4:42 that MSM is still homeless to this date but has managed to eek out a living but being ever so cautious as his face is recognizable from the exposed party DVD
Thanks for your Donations
Hello readers, thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venure that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part.
Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact:glbtqjamaica@live.com
Activities & Plans: ongoing and future
To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus
Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives
To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony
Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions
To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term
Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere
Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public
Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner
Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially and otherwise
Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL
lgbtevent@gmail.com Individuals who are mentioned or whose photographs appear on this site are not necessarily Homosexual, HIV positive or have AIDS.
This blog contains pictures that may be disturbing. We have taken the liberty to present these images as evidence of the numerous accounts of homophobic violence meted out to alledged gays in Jamaica.
Faces and names witheld for the victims' protection.
This blog not only watches and covers LGBTQ issues in Jamaica and elsewhere but also general human rights and current affairs where applicable.
This blog contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please view labels, post list or exit.
Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics.
This blog is not designed to provide medical care, if you are ill, please seek medical advice from a licensed practioner
Thanks so much for your kind donations and thoughts.
As for some posts, they contain enclosure links to articles, blogs and or sites for your perusal, use the snapshot feature to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.
Recent Homophobic Incidents CLICK HEREfor related posts/labels and HEREfrom thegayjamaicawatch's BLOG containing information I am aware of. If you know of any such reports or incidents please contact lgbtevent@gmail.com
Peace to you and be safe out there.
Love.
Steps to Take When Contronted or Arrested by Police
a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council
b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist
c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tensed) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation
e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports
f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)
g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible
h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violatedi) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions
j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it
A look back at 2012 and some of the issues affecting LGBT life and Advocacy on the island (CLICK IMAGE) from GLBTQJA on Blogger
More anti-gay deception on sexual practices in gay Jamaica
Anti gay & abortionist Dr Wayne West is taken to task for his continued universalising of fisting, felching, scat and chariot racing as normative in our culture and hence the reason for high rates of HIV infection within the MSM populations by using overseas studies that have very little bearing on our reality ................ the deception has been spotted and so exposed in this entry (CLICK IMAGE)
Some Homeless MSM challenges in Jamaica February 2013
Respond systematically to homophobic violence and discrimination
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has called for a systematic response to homophobic violence and discrimination. This message was screened during a conference on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Oslo, Norway - held on 15 - 16 April 2012.
American Academy of Pediatrics Supports Gay Marriage ..... says it is good for kids
The American Academy of Pediatrics, representing 60,000 pediatricians and other pediatric specialists, “supports pediatricians advocating for public policies that help all children and their parents, regardless of sexual orientation, build and maintain strong, stable, and healthy families that are able to meet the needs of their children.” The AAP’s position comes from the perspective of what is best for the children’s well-being: these factors include potentially better access to health insurance, as well as the legal rights for the children and families by marriage, such as parental visitation and custody in case of divorce. There are estimated to be three million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents in the United States, according to the Family Equality Council (CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE)
2013 IDAHO Campaign : Fight the Homophobia Web Virus
Follow This Post for more on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch (CLICK IMAGE)
Love 101FM's Moment of Hope - Love March & Buggery, fear mongering & paranoia
Representatives from the Love march 2012 and The Coalition for a healthy society continue their anti gay posturings post the UTECH student abuse on the religious station LOVE 101FM recorded on November 11, 2012
Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II
JFLAG's rejection of rowdy homeless msms & the Sept 21st standoff .........
We Are Jamaicans ...........Trans visibility finally lifted
Great, now how long will this last and will Whitney get the needed assistance for hormonal and surgery needs for her SRS course(s)?
Newstalk FM's Freshstart host Clyde Williams on nondiscrimination laws & msms
anti gay marriage proponent, talkshow host and lawyer Clyde Williams associated with the PNP's Human Rights arm suggests we need to have anti discrimination laws regarding sexual orientation, he also went on to look at aesthetics matters in cross dressing in public coupled with effeminacy in open spaces that do not attract a mobbing.
Unimpressed with the CVM TV show on MSM Homelessness
Unimpressed with the CVM TV show on MSM Homelessness
The September 6th appearance of representatives from The National Council of Drug Abuse and AIDSFREEWORLD's Maurice Tomlinson to address the recent public eviction of homeless MSMS from Cargill Avenue was at best damage control to another embarrassment regarding the poor response from the relevant LGBT agencies. JFLAG WAS NOT PRESENT AT THIS CVM TV LIVE @ SEVEN Program
The attempt to use old programmatic language by Maurice Tomlison to suggest MSMs have no access to condoms while the CVM newscast itself showed the movers holding the condoms in their hands they found on the site and saying the men were practicing safer sex should be instructive to ALL in view
Jamaican Church says it won't support same sex unions (as if LGBT Jamaicans asked for that)
CVM TV carried this story on October 20, but at no time did the LGBT community in this country ever out-rightly asked for gay marriage rights and recognition, WHERE IS THIS DISHONEST PREAMBLE COMING FROM?
Anti Gay views on Homosexuality And Abortion In The Society
originally aired September 25, 2012 on TVJ with Dr Wayne West and Shirley Richards of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, LCF hosted by Ian Boyne
Homeless MSMs evicted from Cargill Avenue (evening edition)
28/08/12 CVM TV again rebroadcast a story of homeless msms and the deplorable living conditions coupled with the almost sensationalistic narrative of the alleged commercial sex work the men are involved in. Gay Jamaica Watch has been following this issue since 2009 when the older populations of MSMs who were for the most part displaced due to forced evictions and homo negative issues and their re-displacement by agencies who on the face of it refused to put in place any serious social interventions to assist the men to recovery
Jamaica Attitudes Towards Homosexuals Study 2012 on CVM's Live at 7
More on the Ian Boxill study commissioned by JFLAG and funded by AIDSFREEWORLD as discussed by host Elon Parkinson, it was revelaed that 78% of Jamaicans are opposed to the repeal of the buggery law see more on Gay Jamaica Watch HERE:
Followers
More on Cargill Avenue Homeless MSMs Eviction
CVM TV continued their coverage on Aug 30, 2012 of the story in their midday newscast of the Cargill eviction matter but disturbingly the men supposedly denied that they were commercial sex workers, CSWs which we know better, also the voice who indicated they were "Peer educators" clearly was lying, why would peer educators live in bushes? The real homeless men lost a golden opportunity to speak on their issues to the nation and by extension the world but instead the moment was hijacked by some other persons.
Only the truth will make our advocacy effective, homeless or not.
11 (or12) LGBT Murders so far, not all are directly homophobic
more analysis of the "Big Gay Lie" allegations by Betty Ann Blaine against the local advocates JFLAG but some issues arise including some ethical problems and the inability of advocacies to address homophobic vs non homophobic killings properly.
DIscussing some LGBT issues from Jamaica on Australian gay radio
Check out my recent radio interview on Australian LGBT Radio as hosted by Squirrel, Tom & Matt
Loss of another community member (Mandy Moore)
Can the homeless msm situation get any worse?
More review of some of the latest problems our homeless brothers are facing out on the streets and within their populations as well
Jamaica Gleaner talks Gay marriage on track for UK law
UK Justice Minister Kenneth Clarke sat down with The Jamaica Gleaner for a wide ranging interview, where he spoke about the UK's intention to legalise gay marriage.
with Arlene Harrison Henry, Reverend Clinton Chisholm and Dr Wayne West on homophobia in Jamaica with theocracy as a backdrop aired originally on Television Jamaica, TVJ, Ms Henry was on point in this program
Voice From The Street - Crime against Jamaican homosexuals (Homophobic or non homophobic?)
The Jamaica Observer vox pop after recent pronouncements by ACP Les Green (now abroad) and Betty Ann Blaine who says the gay lobby is in essence lying about homophobic murders.
Most persons still believe killings with LGBT victims are caused by lover's quarrels. A few persons say real homophobic killings exist based on the cross dressing and effeminacy in public.
The deceased pattern of nudity was suggested at (1:04) in the clip one female went as far to suggest they are already in parliament (2:42)
UNAIDS Director says the PNP offers hope for the repealing of the buggery law …… but some concerns
UNAIDS Regional Director of the support team in the Caribbean Dr Ernest Massiah says the return of the Peoples National Party PNP in Jamaica offers hope that the tide will turn where the repealing of the Buggery Law is concerned this he interprets as a pre-election commitment by the then opposition leader now ruling Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to review the legislation which I still see as a suggestion by her in answering the question posed by Dionne Jackson Miller in the leadership debate in 2011 in the run up to the general election in December last.(CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL POST ON WORDPRESS)
AP - Transgender advocates seek new diagnostic terms
Rachel Sorrow, a transgender woman, smiles as she attends a therapy session with Dr. Dan Karasic, a psychiatrist with the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, at San Francisco General Hospital in San Francisco, Friday, July 20, 2012. The nation’s psychiatric establishment is wrestling with questions on proper treatment of transgender people as it works to overhaul its diagnostic manual for the first time in almost two decades. Advocates have spent years lobbying the American Psychiatric Association to rewrite or even remove the categories typically used to diagnose transgender people, arguing that terms like Gender Identity Disorder and Transvestic Fetishism promote discrimination by broad-brushing a diverse population with the stigma of mental illness. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE)
MORE PROBLEMATIC MSM HOMELESSNESS ISSUES JULY 2012
The PNP's first 100 days ............. buggery review looks far away
It is strange that there has been no detailed analysis of this government's first 100 days in office by the mainstream media except on radio to some extent via Nationwide FM so far, which is something that we have grown accustom to albeit there was no clear guide from the party what they wanted to achieve in this traditional marker for new administrations Also see the analysis on MP Crawford's sarcastic view on the promised buggery review by his own party & leader (CLICK IMAGE)
Some Concerns so far for 2012 ... recorded 25.03.12
PNP's Damion Crawford on Homosexuality's legality .
Says Gays maybe in Cabinet but too coward to come out, he also snarls at the buggery review motion being moved in Parliament as SUGGESTED by his boss PM Portia Simpson Miller (click image to see more)
Don Anderson Poll March 2012 on Buggery Review
When Anderson asked Jamaicans for their perception on reviewing the buggery law, a big 61 per cent said they would "be less favourably inclined", while only seven per cent said they would "be more favourably inclined". For a significant 23 per cent reviewing the law, "would not make a difference" while nine per cent said they had no answer.
Lesbians & Learning – Situtational Homosexuality at a Kgn All Girls School? (CLICK IMAGE)
Are the alleged older fondlers actually lesbians or are they just exercising psychological intimidation over the younger students? ....It was earlier last year that the Observer published an article by Janice Budd claiming lesbian gangs were terrorizing schools
Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11 (audio)
Africa: Investing in Africa's Women
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[allAfrica]Cape Town -Invest and empower other women on the continent. This
is the key message that came from former South African first lady and head
of t...
The Daily Agenda for Friday, May 24
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TODAY’S AGENDA: Pride Celebrations This Weekend: Alkmaar, Netherlands;
Birmingham, UK; Cambridge/Kitchener/Waterloo, ON; Chicago, IL (Bear Pride);
Eilat, I...
Slap Upside The Hiatus
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The astute among you may have perceived somewhat of a reduction in the
frequency of updates over the past several weeks. With Slap approaching its
seventh ...
Incognito
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I decided to change my name on my blog posts for some strange reason. Primarily because I promised those dearest to me that I would be more careful with the ...
Respect to Tanya Stephens
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Not very often we hear Jamaican music or artists for that matter deal with
tolerance and homophobia in their creations as balanced and level headed as
this...
I am a 39 y/old single Gay Jamaican previously involved in Interventions at JFLAG & HIV work at Jamaica AIDS Support for Life & still volunteers for other NGOs in similar veins. With a renewed focus on some issues and concerns especially with inter/intra community developments and problems.
My Blogs History:
Gay Jamaica Watch blog was started as Sunshine Cathedral Jamaica on 20/2/08 while The GLBTQJA blog was started as JFLAG on 8/5/08 both I have renamed to reflect my points of view,other individual lgbt opinions and to encourage more conversations on LGBTQI issues from a Jamaican standpoint outside of the advocacy structure for solutions.
Thanks for your support and words of encouragement & donations, Donate today safely via paypal, so I can continue this activity. All donations go to GLBTQ Jamaica for Research & Development, Blog continuity. I can be reached at: lgbtevent@gmail.com or glbtqjamaica@live.com.
First, be calm: Do not panic; it may be very difficult to maintain composure if attacked but this is important.
Try to reason with the attacker: Establish communication with the person. This takes a lot of courage. However, a conversation may change the intention of an attacker.
Do not try anything foolish: If you know outmanoeuvring the attacker is impossible, do not try it.
Do not appear to be afraid: Look the attacker in the eye and demonstrate that you are not fearful.
This may have a psychological effect on the individual.
Emergency numbers The police 119
Kingfish 811
Crime Stop 311
GLOBALGAYZ
LGBT Africa
Shout outs
Look in, Look out, Look around you This blog contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit.
Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics.
Individuals who are mentioned or whose photographs appear on this site are not necessarily Gay, HIV positive or have AIDS.
This blog is not designed to provide medical care, if you are ill, please seek medical advice from a licensed practioner.
SPEAK UP People!!! Hi Folks a word from us to you: Visit the newspaper sites or purchase the paper(s)
Read the Letter to the Editor
Write your own Letters to the Editor
Respond Appropriately to the Author(s) where neccessary and respectfully
a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you
The following may apply: 1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries
2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial
3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.
4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.
5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence
6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts
7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.
1 comment:
I'm happy to know the petition was delivered. It shows just how people can come together despite their difference for the common good or in this case preventing a greater evil. I hope it has some impact on the proceedings of the bill. It's sad how some of the churches are treating the bill, but also heartening that there are those who believe in the dignity of life and freedom for such.
I'm praying to will impact the debate and the bill. All things happen in God's own time, and I believe that God won't make His children suffer more than they can bear no matter how hard it may seem.
My prayers are with those members of our community within Uganda who are already subject and may be increasingly subject to pain and hardship. But keep pressing and they shall have wings like an eagle and they will walk and not faint, God will be their support, guide and friend. The international community has them in our thoughts/prayers.
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