According to news reports, on Monday, July 15, 2024, the Jamaica Court of Appeal ruled in favor of a child who was denied access to Kensington Primary School in 2018 because she wore dreadlocks.
The Court ruled that the ban violated the constitutional rights of the child, who was five years old at the time.
In handing down the Court’s declaration, Justice Brooks said, “The child’s right to freedom of expression and the right to equitable treatment by a public authority in the exercise of any function were violated by Kensington Primary School.”
The ruling overturned a 2020 Supreme Court decision that the school’s policy did not breach the child’s constitutional rights.
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News following the ruling, the child’s mother, Sherene Virgo, expressed her relief, saying, “I have a second child. It means I no longer have to live in fear of whether or not he will be refused entry to another school because of his hair. For us, it also means that we have paved the way… This is the whole reason for really going at it. I don’t want no other child to have to endure all of this. Every single year, every single September we hear about students being refused from schools and, you know, not everybody has the voice, so I’m happy that we were able to pave that way for other students,” expressed Mrs. Virgo.
Embracing Equality: Government Urged to Tackle Discrimination Against Rastafarians.
The parliamentary opposition is celebrating Monday’s Court of Appeal ruling as a significant victory for Rastafarian rights.
The Court’s decision that Kensington Primary School breached the constitutional rights of a female student by denying her access in 2018 due to her family’s refusal to cut her dreadlocks is seen as a positive step forward.
Opposition spokesperson for Culture and Creative Industries, Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, expressed hope that the ruling will prompt the government to take meaningful action to address long overdue requests from the Rastafarian community, aiming to combat discrimination.
Dr. Hickling Gordon also emphasized that the Ministry of Education’s position in the case has raised concerns within the opposition regarding the government’s commitment to Rastafarian rights.
“The government needs to use this ruling as a clear indicator that it is time to actively and quickly move above and beyond the symbolism of celebratory days and apologies, as recently preferred, to also respond with meaningful action on behalf of the Jamaican citizens who form the Rastafarian community,” she insisted.
Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, Opposition spokesperson for Culture and Creative Industries
“We in the PNP find it telling that the government vigorously argued against the claim brought by the Rastafarian child, both at first instance and on appeal. By arguing against the claim, the government intended to negate her constitutional rights, which were being judicially recognized and protected. By claiming in other situations to stand with the Rastafarian community while fighting in Court to take away their rights, the government’s actions are nothing less than hypocritical, manipulative, and publicity efforts that are concerned only with optics,” she stated.
Two Suspects Apprehended in Nigeria for Cyber Fraud Attack on NWC.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Local police in Jamaica report that authorities in Nigeria have arrested two suspects in connection with a cyber-attack targeting the National Water Commission (NWC).
The commission detected the attack in August 2023, and the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and US law enforcement agencies launched an international investigation. Most of the stolen funds were frozen and recovered.
The investigation revealed the involvement of a cyber threat actor in Nigeria, leading to the arrest of two individuals in Lagos. MOCA continues to investigate with international partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing cyber threats.
MOCA praised the NWC for swiftly detecting the attack and involving them. They remain committed to safeguarding Jamaica’s critical infrastructure and financial systems.