AfriKa CRY BLOOD

by Phillippe Aimey (www.nationnews.com)

THE FAMILY of the late I’Akobi Maloney has secured an attorney.

Maggie Maloney, mother of I’Akobi, who said she had been having difficulty securing a lawyer, has retained the services of attorney-at-law Andrew Pilgrim. The family has been voicing concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death of their loved one who was a former Barbados Exhibition winner.

“I always bring each case close to home, no one or institution is untouchable and we will be pursuing every available channel until this matter is taken seriously,” said Pilgrim in an exclusive interview with the DAILY NATION. (more…)

by Mr. Cummings (Secretary - Hamilton Lashley M.P.)

At an emancipation ceremony held on August 8, 2008, I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney was awarded posthumously as a positive role model for the youth and for his outstanding work in the country and community. Margaret Maloney, mother of I’Akobi, received the award on his behalf from Mr. Hamilton Lashley M.P.

Among those awarded for their emancipatory contributions to the Pan-Afrikan movement included David Comissiong, Buddy Larrier, Olutoye Walrond, Trevor Prescod and Elombe Mottley. Throughout the proceedings, high accolades were sent to the Justice Committee for the work it was pursuing.

Mr. Lashley said that he would further support the efforts of the Committee by soliciting signatures from his constituency for the petition. The ceremony at the Meadow Road Pavilion in Wildey, St. Michael was well attended and proved to be an impactful close of the 2008 Season of Emancipation.

by Wayne Quintyne (Director/Head Instructor - Unified Martial Art Academy)

I cannot speak to the events immediately preceding the death of I’Akobi Maloney. Only those who were present at that time can say for certain what circumstances led to his unfortunate and disturbing demise. What I can say is that a life full of promise and potential has been lost to us - both as a community and as a people. Personally, I am still coming to grips with the news of I’Akobi’s passing and I am sure the same can be said for other students of the Unified Martial Art Academy to which I’Akobi just recently became a member. (more…)

by SS (Heat Newspaper - Issue #139)

Emancipation Day celebrations at Bailey’s Plantation took on even greater significance for many Barbadians, some still grieving the untimely death of a promising young Barbadian and member of the local Rastafarian community.

There was a strong presence from the Justice Committee formed in the wake of the recent passing of I’Akobi Tacuma Hembadoon Maloney, and many other Barbadians braved persistent showers to show solidarity with the principles of emancipation. (more…)

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

“THIS IS MY SON. I bore him in my womb for ten months and they took him from me. I just want justice.”

These were the words of Maggie Maloney, the mother of the late I’Akobi Maloney, yesterday as she took part in a protest march yesterday during the official Emancipation Day celebrations which marched from Independence Square to Bay Street.

Maloney wept openly in front of Prime Minister David Thompson and other Government officials yesterday morning and repeatedly said those words. (more…)

We demand a fair investigation and trial. We demand elimination of the scourge of Rastafari profiling, stereotyping and victimisation. We demand equal rights and justice.

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

Emancipation Celebrations have been described as being a “total success”.

Acting Director of the Pan-African Commission, Deryck Murray, said he was pleased with the level of participation.

“We had a very good turnout this morning and I think that speaks volumes for this country with the wide cross-section of people who took part.

“The cultural presentations were on point. Odale’s Choice was dynamic and we are looking forward to next year.”

Reacting to a protest by a group of Rastafarians calling for an investigation into the death of one of their brethren, Murray said he had no difficulties.

“I think the protest added the final element to these celebrations. This is what emancipation is about, especially in a democratic society. It was orderly and all they are seeking is clarity. I am glad that the Justice Committee saw this as an opportunity to voice their concerns peacefully.”

Security for the walk was also well organised with police directing traffic from as early as 6 a.m.

by Voice of Barbados (www.vob929.com)

The Barbados Police Force states that there was never any physical contact between its officers and I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney, whose death has brought much concern to his family.

In seeking to clarify misconceptions concerning issues raised following the death, the Force states that I’Akobi was never apprehended by Police.

by PR/CA (www.nationnews.com)

THE ROYAL BARBADOS POLICE FORCE is clearing the air concerning the death of I’Akobi Maloney.

The force issued a Press release on Wednesday stating: “A number of articles, attributed to various authors, have been appearing in the Press, in which some issues have been raised following the death of I’Akobi Tacuma Hembadoon Maloney.

“The police would wish to take the opportunity to clarify certain misconceptions that may have been perceived following this tragedy.”

The 23-year-old Maloney died June 17 at The Land Lock, Cove Bay, St Lucy, and police reports were that he jumped to his death from a cliff there.

But there have been persistent calls for an independent investigation into Maloney’s death and last week his family queried the condition of the contents of a bag returned to them. (more…)

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

DESPITE the police’s promise of a thorough investigation, a lobby group will be pressing ahead with further demonstrations today to protest the death of I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney.

The Justice Committee, which comprises a number of Rastafarian groups, plans to publicly highlight its concerns during today’s Emancipation Day activities.

The committee will be joining the rest of the nation on the official march from Independence Square to Bay Street, following which the committee’s members will also make their statement during celebrations organised by the Clement Payne Centre at Bayley’s Plantation in St Philip.

In a statement released yesterday, the committee said: “We are very disappointed and distressed with the recent police reports related to the I’Akobi Maloney case. As a result, we are taking this to the streets in an effort to raise public awareness about this matter as we seek justice.”

The statement further stated: “We demand a fair investigation and trial and we also demand elimination of the scourge of Rastafari profiling and victimisation.” (more…)