I Hate Rapist! Dancehall Artiste Popcaan lend his voice to the cause
In light of the recent reports of sexual assaults and murders targeting women and children in Jamaica, the dancehall artiste Andrae Hugh Sutherland, known professionally as Popcaan, has expressed his support for the cause through a powerful statement: “I Hate Rapists!”
Kelsey Ferrigon was a student at St John’s Primary School and a grade-three student. She was murdered on May 9. Her body was found inside a barrel at her home on Job Lane in Spanish Town, St Catherine partially nude and bearing signs of physical and sexual abuse.
Sexual assault and violence against women is a long-running problem in Jamaica, deeply rooted in cultural, social, and economic factors that perpetuate gender inequality. Despite efforts from various organizations and campaigns to raise awareness and promote change, the stigma surrounding these issues often silences victims, preventing them from seeking help and support.
The Jamaican government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has passed and implemented laws to address violence against women. Specifically, the Domestic Violence Act (1996) and its subsequent amendments, such as the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act, 2023, provide enhanced protection for victims of domestic violence. These laws aim to offer remedies, protection, and speedy relief to victims of abuse, including both physical and psychological harm
Sutherland wrote on his Instagram page, Protect the kids in our communities, protect the ladies in our communities, protect the youths. Any bwoy rape a instant Death!!! No apology! fuckry a gwaan!
On May 22nd, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has instructed Cabinet members to strengthen Jamaica’s legislative framework to combat gender-based violence.
This was disclosed by Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, during Thursday’s (May 22) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
She indicated that Cabinet received an update from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, on investigations into acts of violence against women, which she strongly condemned.
“This is something that is happening across our country… it is a problem. Our girls are under siege. This is not acceptable… it cannot be acceptable in our country. So, the Prime Minister has told us that we can’t stand by and have this happen. We have to do what we can, as Cabinet Ministers, to take strong steps and change the laws to make it clear that this kind of action is not acceptable,” Senator Morris Dixon said.
On May 20, protests have erupted in the corporate area of Jamaica, prompted by mounting outrage over violence, murder, and sexual assault against women and children and including the physical assault against a member of the nursing faculty. Representatives from both political parties, alongside faculty members and the nursing faculty, as well as community members, have assembled in significant numbers, displaying signs that advocate for justice and call for an end to the pervasive culture of silence surrounding these egregious acts.
The demonstrators underscore the urgent necessity for systemic reform and enhanced protection for women’s rights, asserting that every woman and girls are entitled to feel secure within her own community. As they march through the streets, their voices convey a compelling message: it is imperative to take a stand against gender-based violence and to demand accountability from those in positions of power.