876 Rights

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Week 10- NCU Campus Security Vs. NCU Students

Welcome back guys!!!! For this week we will be discussing the ways in which Northern Caribbean University campus security can approach students without infringing on the student rights as a citizen of Jamaica and as a student of the Northern Caribbean University.  

 As a student of NCU, were u ever approached by the campus security in an impolite way that made you feel as if the security was infringing on your rights? If yes, that is quite unfortunate because when the campus security approaches a student, that security should ensure that they are respectful, not causing harm to any student, treating all students fairly in spite of their religion, political stance, sex and age. Therefore, the security should respect the rights of the students and protect the students.

Some freshman may not have their identification because its their first semester and when that student tries to enter the school grounds, the security should confirm that the freshman is a student of Northern Caribbean University and allow the student on the campus so that student can access the education that the school provides.

The campus security should carry out his/her work but do so in the appropriate manner that does not infringe on the rights of students.  

 Thank you all for reading my blogs and remember to stay informed!!!

 Image Source- https://foursquare.com/ncueducation/list/ncu-campus-tour

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Week 9- Expectation of Policer Officer when Approaching Citizens/ Non-Citizens

Are there any rules that members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are expected to follow when approaching citizens?

Welcome back guys!!!! For this week we will be discussing what is required from a Police Officer when approaching citizens.

When Police Officers are engaging with members of the public, there are certain protocols or rules that must be taken in consideration. These are: Identification, Questioning, and Taking Statements.

When Police Officers encounters citizens, the Officers should at first identify themselves. The citizen has a right to know that the Officer is in fact a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force so the citizen can be aware that it is not a criminal disguising as a Police Officer. Therefore, that Officer should show the booklet that consist of the Officers name and signature. Secondlly, If the Police Officer asked a member of the public a question and that citizen do not follow through with an answer, the Officer should not use force because that citizen has a right to remain silent.

Thirdly, when you are taking statements, please be reminded that you should not take a statement from a minor unless a guardian is present and when you are questioning a citizen, ensure that you are patient and respectful as to not scare away the citizen. Also, the citizen as a right to request a lawyer before a questioning is done if the citizen is perceived to be a suspect.

See you all next week as we continue to discuss these exciting topics!!!!

Reference- http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/jam_res26.pdf

Image Source- https://twitter.com/JamaicaConstab/status/1314716776068976641/photo/2

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Week 8- Citizens Conduct when Approached by Police Officers

Welcome back to you the law abiding citizens!!!! For this week we will be discussing how you should conduct yourselves when approached by Law Enforcement Officers.

Can you just behave in any type of way when an officer approach you? The short answer is NO!

You are required to conduct yourselves appropriately when an Officer approach you and be respectful.

Simply stay calm because if you are innocent, why would you be fidgety or anxious? If you begin to look anxious or uneasy, it gives the impression that you may be hiding something. Also, DO NOT RUN. Running implies that you are in the wrong. Lastly, ensure to pay attention to everything the Officer is saying to you, so in the event you are dissatisfied with how the officer dealt with you, and you want to make a report, you will remember exactly what orders were given and if force was use or your rights were being infringed on.

 See you all next week!!!!

Reference- Reference- http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/jam_res26.pdf

Image Source-https://news.yale.edu/2019/09/16/study-finds-community-oriented-policing-improves-attitudes-toward-police

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Week 7 – Responsibilities of Citizens & Police

Week 7 – Responsibilities of Citizens & Police

Welcome back guys, for week 7 we will be discussing the responsibilities of both the citizens of Jamaica and the Police.

 As a citizen of Jamaica, do you know what your responsibilities are?

Under the Jamaican Constitution, you have the rights to life, safety, freedom to live in any area of Jamaica, leave the country, return. You also have the right to your political and religious beliefs, the right to not be treated unfairly and without remorse. Having mentioned your rights, you also have responsibilities.

Your responsibilities as citizens of Jamaica involves: respecting the rights of others, vote, stay knowledgeable about all the happenings within your community, pay your tax, take part in the jury process if asked and support the constitution.

 Please be informed about your responsibilities as citizens of Jamaica.

  Responsibilities of Police Officers

 Just like citizens, Police Officers have responsibilities.

Police Officers would’ve sworn to support the rights of Jamaican citizens and to safeguard them from injury, to keep their properties safe from criminals and to treat all citizens fair in spite of their race and sex. Police Officers are responsible to prevent and discover crimes, they are also responsible to preserve order in the country and to apply the law.

I hope our Officers will continue to acknowledge their responsibilities.

See you next week as we continue to discuss these exciting topics!!!

Image Source-

Reference- http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/jam_res26.pdf

https://www.mns.gov.jm/node/52

Image source

https://jis.gov.jm/jcf-recruits-accommodated/

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Week 6: Different Persons/ Organizations that can help if your rights have been breached

For week 6 we will be discussing about the different organizations or persons that can assist you in the event your rights have been breached. In my previous blogs I am sure you were informed about your rights. Now you will be exposed to various organizations or persons that can assist you if your rights were infringed upon.

Most Citizens of Jamaica would argue that their rights are not protected but the different organizations are there that can assist us when our rights are breached. These are: The Ombudsman, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), Office of the Children Advocate (OCA), Child development Agency (CDA), The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), and the Independent Jamaican Council.

The Ombudsman is responsible for investigating issues that the general public may have with public authorities. A cost is not attached to the complainant to report to the office of the Ombudsman. To contact this office, the number is 876-922-8653.

Jamaica for Justice is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the constitutional rights of citizens and social justice. They provide valid services to Jamaicans, in the event your constitutional rights are breached, you can contact this organization at 876-615-023/4 or email them at [email protected].

Office of the Children advocate is an organization that cares about the rights of children. They protect the rights of children. If children rights are infringed on, then this office will step in and ensure children rights are taken into consideration as they represent our children. They can be contacted at 876-967-225.

Child Development Agency is an organization that ensures children best interest is taken into consideration. They investigate matters of child abuse and neglect. They also supply kids with medical care, education and other necessities to children living in child care. You can contact them at 876-948- 6678.

The Independent Commission of Investigations is responsible for investigating matter where agents of the state abuse their powers towards citizens of Jamaica which would result in the citizen experiencing, injury, death or any form of abuse. So if you believe a member of the JCF abused you in any way, you can make a report to the INDECOM office by contacting them 876-968-1932.

The Independent Jamaican Council is the oldest non- government human rights establishment in the Caribbean. This organization is responsible for protecting the rights of citizens. Hence, when human rights are breached, they would petition to secure the rights of Jamaicans. This office can be contacted at 876- 967- 1204.

Please take in consideration the persons or organizations that can help you if your rights are breached and reach out in such an event.

See you in the next blog!!!!!

Reference:

Jamaicans for Justice- Do Good Jamaica

https://jamaicansforjustice.org/

 The Independent Commission of Investigating (INDECOM). 2010

https://www.indecom.gov.jm/

Protecting Jamaica’s Children: The OCR, OCA and CDA. (2017).

 ROSE, I. (2004). Ombudsman – An Institution Protecting the Rights of Citizens.

Image source

https://ibew569.org/calendar/ibew-569-legislative-committee-meeting-zoom-11

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Week 5: What to do if your rights are breached?

What remedies are available if your rights are breached? Do you think there is anything that can be done if your rights are breached? Is it a possibility that people will infringe on your rights?

Your rights are your privileges, and people may not respect your rights and it is important that you understand the measures you can take as a citizen of Jamaica to protect your rights. Also, it is important to note that your rights are guarded by the constitution.  

Remedies that are available involve applying to the Supreme Court or other Court of Appeal to rectify or make an appeal if you think your rights were in any way infringed on. You can also contact INDECOM if you believe that your rights were breached by a Law Enforcement Officer.

Jamaica signed various international documents to show how dedicated the country is to protecting the rights of citizens. These are: The United Nation Declaration of Human Rights, The international Covenant on Civil, and Political Rights, The American Convention on Human Rights and United Nations Convention for child rights. Hence, it is necessary that rights are equally available to all and is not violated.

What are some rights that are regularly infringed upon?

Some rights that are usually breached involve the detention of citizens without bail which at times exceeds the timeframe allowed under the law. The bail act gives you the citizen the opportunity to apply for bail. In the event you are charged with an unlawful act, you should be given regard in a period of 24 hours.

Based on The Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedom (Constitutional Amendment, 2011), you have the right to a lawyer and if you do not have one, ask the police to contact duty counsel on your behalf. You should not be interrogated until the lawyer arrives.

image source

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20180421/stop-interfering-police-operations-jcf-warns-citizens

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Week 4:Your Rights As A Child

Do children have rights? Do you think your rights as a child matter?

 Children have the same rights as adult and they have specific rights to enhance their development. As a child, you are fragile and you need special rights other than the ones that adults have.

What are your rights as a child?

According to Chapter 3, section 13, subsection 2k of the Jamaica Constitution, you are provided with certain rights. These are: to be treated as a minor and be a part of the society, family and state. Hence you should not be cast away but must be included actively in society, you have the right to go to preprimary and primary school free since the public fund it.

According to the United Nation Convention, Other rights you enjoy as a child include: the right to not be harmed in any way, the right to a legal name and to be cared for by your parents. So your guardian is required to provide you with the necessary resources needed for your development.

As adults, we must take in consideration the best interest of our children and ensure we care for them because they need us to function well.

Image source

https://theconversation.com/how-young-black-people-in-care-made-their-voices-heard-141410

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Week 3: Knowing your rights as student of Northern Caribbean University

Do you know your rights as students of Northern Caribbean University?

 Northern Caribbean University is a private Seventh Day Adventist institution that provides Christian based education to students. Just like any other institution, Northern Caribbean University has rights but it is important to note that you the student have rights as well.

Your rights include having access to school facilities, example: library, clubs, micro lab, cafeteria, gymnatorium and even the church. You can enter these premises as you are paying to have access to them. Since you now know that you have this right, you should now enjoy the resources that the school offers. As a student, you also have the right to receive fair and unbiased treatment from lecturers. Each lecturer must treat you with respect and respond to your queries to advance in each course. You have the right to query about your financial records, grades and other transaction. Hence, if you fail a course, you can inquire to see what would’ve resulted in you failing and how best you can attempt to pass it the following semester. Lastly, you have the right to know from your lecturers if you are advancing in the semester before it ends.

Image source

https://scholarshipjamaica.com/northern-caribbean-university-financial

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Week 2- Knowing your rights as citizens of Jamaica

What rights do you have as citizens of Jamaica?

Chapter 3, Section 13, Subsection 2 of The Jamaica Constitution, 1962 provides citizens of their rights in spite of their gender, skin tone or political orientation, you are granted with your rights as long as you are a citizen of Jamaica.

Some of the rights that you enjoy as a citizen of Jamaica are: Freedom from discrimination, so you have the freedom from biased or unfair treatment because of your gender or even age. An example of discrimination is where a woman is not hired at a government agency because she is a woman and seen inferior to a man, and freedom from discrimination protect you the citizen from that. You also have your freedom to move across Jamaica, freedom from bad treatment that causes any psychological or physical harm from any government body or other citizens, freedom to your own religion where you can worship freely based on your beliefs and freedom of speech. You have the right to a private life and lastly freedom to associate yourself with other Citizens of Jamaica.

With these rights, come responsibilities because these rights are not absolute and can be taken away if you infringe on the rights of others, or if there is a pandemic, the government can limit your rights for the interest of the country. Also, if you are arrested you immediately lose your rights to move around freely. So, given the specific circumstances, your rights can be limited or taken away from you.

The government of Jamaica should protect your rights and law enforcement must enforce them.

Catch you in the next blog!

Image source

https://nlj.gov.jm/story-jamaican-national-flag/

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Week 1: An introduction To Citizens Rights & Law

Do you know your rights as a Jamaican citizen? Do you know your rights as students of Northern Caribbean University? Do you know your rights as a child? Do you know what to do if your rights are breached?

Hello, my name is Janelle Roberts, student of Northern Caribbean University doing the course Citizens Rights & Law. Each of us as citizens has rights that are protected by the law and the coming blogs will go more in-depth regarding the different rights you have, as it is important that you are educated about your rights.

Image Source

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/lady-justice