THE EDITOR, Sir:

I want to strongly commend a small group of brave gay Jamaicans who were protesting in front of the Jamaica Consulate in New York City on Monday, November 19. They were expressing outrage at the beating of the allegedly gay student at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

Honestly, I was startled by their fearlessness.

I was renewing my Jamaican passport that day and I came out just in time to witness the protest. Out of curiosity, I stood across the street and captured their image on my cellphone. Then I heard a gentleman shouting, "B—-man fi dead!" Several media people were there videoing and taking pictures.

I have lived in the United States for more than 30 years, and although I don't support the homosexual lifestyle, because of my Christian beliefs, I don't support the inhumane atrocities that are sometimes meted towards this group of people. As a Jamaican, I was ashamed to see this.

My grandson is gay and currently living in Jamaica. Not a single day passes where I don't fear for his safety and well-being. I don't think Jamaica will offer equal rights to homosexuals anytime soon, but I hope, for the country's sake, that the Government offers protection under the Constitution from discrimination for gay and lesbian citizens.

The image of gays fleeing to the US and other countries to live freely and safely is not good for Jamaica's image, particularly here in the US.

This is not the Jamaica I knew. We love our people, no matter who they are or where they come from, for out of many, we are one. May God continue to bless our nation.

DEBBIE J.