Dear Editor,

I was deeply saddened to learn through the local media of the vicious murder of Brian Williamson. My heart goes out to his family, friends and the many whose lives he touched one way or the other, his life was surely not in vain.

I've never even met the man, but as a champion for human rights and primarily a gay rights activist, he was hard to ignore. We actually communicated occasionally across the miles and had some very interesting discussions on human rights issues affecting Jamaica. Brian, a Canadian/Jamaican who had the option to leave it all behind and return to living in a more progressive Canadian society, chose to remain in Jamaica, a place he loved, he dared to stand up for what he believed in, without fear or prejudice in a society filled with hate and so many prejudices. He used every opportunity to speak to the media, sharing his thoughts, values and beliefs without having to hide behind fictitious pseudonyms. Those responsible for his vicious murder are nothing more than savages; wild animals, who without a moment's notice will kill for their prey. Primitive as this may sound, it's sadly the reality of life and attitudes in Jamaica.

I recall that after a teen was almost brutally beaten to death at his school (Dunoon Tech) by fellow students, thanks to his father who urged the students to attack his son on suspicions that the son was gay, Brian was very perturbed, it upsetted him greatly and he went out of his way to look out for the interests of this young man, whose own family, friends and society on a whole turned their back. He wrote to me saying : "I am waiting until mid-week to call the police and find out if any charges have been made against the father and the students and will keep you posted as I am not going to let this go until justice for this kid is served and I also am going to use it time and time again until justice for all homosexuals are served by the government of Jamaica."

Brian was in constant communication with International Human Rights organisations and other Gay organisations around the globe, he was truly an ambassador, Jamaica's unofficial spokesman. He was not ashamed of himself nor his sexuality which never defined him as a person or his outlook.
For those who laugh at his murder, it's a sad reflection of the mental state of many Jamaicans, especially in this modern era, where we exist in a world where human rights infringements are not taken for granted. In many places, it's a serious offence even to dare to infringe on one's rights based on race, colour, sex or sexuality or even creed!

It's now difficult to fathom that those in high office across the spectrum of Jamaican society can sit back and see this as just another day.

LPCreary
Canada
creary_Lp@hotmail.com

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