AfriKa CRY BLOOD

THE JUSTICE COMMITTEE, a lobby group fighting the cause of the late I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney, plans to take its case to the United Nations.

This was revealed Saturday night on the anniversary of the death of the 23-year-old Rastafarian of Hutson’s Alley, Reed Street, St Michael. Maloney died on June 17, 2008, at Land Lock in St Lucy.

The circumstances of his death were investigated by Coroner Faith Marshall-Harris who returned a verdict of misadventure.

Attorney at law David Comissiong, in his presentation at the anniversary celebrations at the Israel Lovell Foundation, My Lord’s Hill, St Michael, lauded the Justice Committee for its stance. (more…)

THE JUSTICE COMMITTEE has reiterated its call for an independent investigation into the death of 23-year-old chemical engineer Ras I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney on June 17, 2008.

Coroner Faith Marshall-Harris ruled that his death was due to misadventure, that there was no evidence to suggest Maloney had been unlawfully killed by police nor that he had committed suicide.

Maloney is alleged to have jumped off a 50-foot cliff at Landlock, St Lucy, as he was about to be escorted to Holetown Police Station by police.

Last Sunday night, the Justice Committee staged the launch of a DVD chronicling the events of the coroner’s inquest, and a reflection of the former Barbados Exhibitioner’s life as outlined by his mother, Maggie, and brother, Mandela. (more…)

by Phillipe Aimey

APOLOGISE!

That’s what members of the Rastafarian community want the Royal Barbados Police Force to do before there is any meeting between the two bodies to discuss a long list of issues.

This was only one of the conditions outlined by the Justice Committee at a Press conference held at the I’Akobi Youth Resource Centre, Tweedside Road, St Michael, yesterday.

It was called to respond to Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin’s invitation to meet and discuss the issue of “Rasta profiling”. (more…)

by Maria Bradshaw

THERE MUST BE a full and lawful recognition of the Rastafarian faith if there is to be mutual respect between them and the police.

And this recognition must first come from Government, said secretary of the Justice Committee, Ras KudosSage I.

He was responding to coroner Faith Marshall-Harris’ observation that there was a high level of mistrust between Rastafarians and the police and her call for the Royal Barbados Police Force to examine its relationship with members of the Rastafarian community.

“The first tangible way would be to have the state make some official recognition of Rastafari as a legitimate religious body as is being done in the United States, Jamaica, Italy and other countries.

“That is where everything originates because the ones with the authority tend to neglect the rights of Rastafari and how we worship and practise,” KudosSage argued. (more…)

by TIM SLINGER

Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Darwin Dottin says he’s willing to meet with the Rastafarian community to discuss any problems the group might be facing.

But he wants them and Barbados alike to know that the Royal Barbados Police Force does not engage in singling out any particular group, regardless of race, colour or creed.

“I want to state categorically that the Police Force does not enforce the law by targeting any groups. We carry out our duties without fear or favour and with sensitivity,” Dottin told the SUNDAY SUN yesterday.

He was reacting to charges from the Rastafarian community that dreadlocked I’Akobi Maloney met his death through police profiling.

On Friday, Coroner Faith Marshall-Harris in ruling that the 23-year-old Barbados Exhibition winner’s death was by misadventure, urged the force to look closely at its relationship with the Rastafarian community, saying there was a high level of mistrust.

To this end, Dottin said the force was willing to meet with the community to discuss any issues of concern. (more…)

by Barry Alleyne

LEAVE RASTA ALONE!

That was the clear battle-cry from the Rastafarian community yesterday, moments after Coroner Faith Marshall-Harris determined that former Exhibition winner I’Akobi Maloney dies by misadventure last year.

Tension reached fever-pitch in the small courtyard of the Coroner’s Court on Roebuck Street at 5 p.m., when grieving mother Marguerita Maloney exited the court, raised her hands on the air, shouted “misadventure”, then crumpled to the ground before berating a number of police officers regarding their conduct when I’Akobi died on June 17 last year at Landlock, St Lucy.

The mother’s cries only fuelled emotions, as I’Akobi’s father David, and his younger brother Mandela, also started to shout at police officers stationed at the court.

“I have pictures of my son’s body, brutalised, manhandled,” she said.

“I call on the ancestors to deal with all the perpetrators… This is only an earth verdict,” she said before collapsing for a second time.

Sergeant targeted

Most of the insults, however, were hurled at Sergeant Wingrove Headley, one of the two officers who were on hand at Landlock, and alleged that I’Akobi suddenly ran away from their custody, and jumped over a cliff, 50 feet to his death.

A stoic Headley stood outside the court for a few minutes while more than 30 Rastafarians shouted accusations at him.

In a corner, the Maloney’s attorney Andrew Pilgrim broke down in tears, then receded to the empty courtroom, as the grieving mother was comforted by supporters.

At the gate of the court, armed members of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s Task Force stood on watch, automatic weapons at the ready in case of trouble. Inside, uniformed cops quickly escorted the coroner to her private office after the verdict, then told the crowd to leave. It was 5:07 p.m.

The Rastafarian members, all decked out in red, helped Marguerita to her feet, but continued to hurl insults, and vowed the movement would continue to seek justice.

“This is not the end. This verdict is not the end. This is just the beginning. This is the straw that broke the camel’s back,” father David screamed, whilst pointing and waving a flag of Ethiopia. (more…)

Only days before the coroner returns her verdict into the unnatural death of 23 year old Chemical Engineer I’Akobi Maloney, representatives of the Justice Committee are questioning the lack of attention given to a petition that was submitted to the Hon Prime Minister David Thompson and the Attorney General Fruendel Stuart.

The petition, submitted prior to the start of the actual inquest in November of 2008, was signed by 5200 Barbadians and called for a private and independent team of investigators to fully examine all of the evidence in the untimely death of the Barbados Exhibition winner. It was hoped that a team or approach in that manner would have the appropriate transparency necessary to adequately rule out any foul play.

From the many calls, letters to the media, and general public conversations it is very clear that there have been a number of questions consistently raised about the case, including some about the status and subsequent impact of the petition.

Ayesha Delpeche, member of the Justice Committee, voiced concern over the lack of communication surrounding the petition.

“Throughout the entire inquest, we have received no reply from either the Prime Minister or the Attorney General. The case of the tragic loss of I’Akobi Maloney has been in the media countless times, brought up in Parliament, and has gained the attention of law schools overseas, yet the petition has not been addressed at all.” (more…)

The Coroner’s Inquest into the death of I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney begins today in the Coroner’s Court, Roebuck Street, St Michael.

Maloney died June 17 at Landlock, St Lucy, where, police have stated, the former engineer jumped to his death. The police have denied they had any physical contact with him.

Since then there has been much concern from the public and Maloney’s family surrounding the circumstances of the former Barbados Exhibition winner’s death, with his family citing what they said were numerous inconsistencies in the police account of what happened on the day of the incident. (more…)

by Enricco Bohne (www.barbadosadvocate.com)

This was the plea yesterday at the I’Akobi Youth Resource Centre in Tweedside Road as the Justice Committee formed to promote, protect and defend the late Ras Tacuma I’Akobi Maloney’s case, met with various media houses to publicise the status of Maloney’s case.

Tacuma, whose demise at Landlock, St. Lucy on June 17th was met with much controversy, was represented by Committee members KudosSage I (Secretary of the Justice Committee), Brother Heru (Director of I’Akobi Youth Resource Centre and member of the Justice Committee) as well as Ras Lumumba (Priest of Church of Haile Selassie I), and Tacuma’s brother Mandela Maloney.  Also present was the mother of I’Akobi and other Rastafari Elders. (more…)

by Philippe Aimey (www.nationnews.com)

MERE DAYS before the Coroner’s inquest into the death of former Barbados Exhibition winner I’Akobi Maloney , the Justice Committee has upped the ante in its fight to get an independent investigation.

Clearly stating it was not questioning the office of the Coroner, members of the committee said they specifically believed the information that would be analysed during the November 10 inquest should come from an independent body outside of the Royal Barbados Police Force.

Speaking during a Press conference at the I’Akobi Youth Resource Centre, Tweedside Road, St Michael, secretary of the Justice Committee, Ras KudosSage I, said 5200 signatures had been submitted to both the office of Prime Minister David Thompson and Attorney-General Freundel Stuart on Wednesday, citing the independent investigation as critical if justice was to be achieved. (more…)

by PHILLIPPE AIMEY

The Justice Committee announced yesterday that it has accumulated more than 5,000 signatures in support of its call for an independent investigation into the death of former I’Akobi Maloney.

Assisting the lobby group was Independent parliamentarian Hamilton Lashley who gathered more than 500 signatures from residents in The Pine and Wildey areas which he represents in the House of Assembly.

Lashley handed over the signatures following his arrival at Parliament yesterday to loud cheers from over 30 of the lobby group’s members who adorned him with ‘red, gold and green’ scarf, similar to the one he wore during the budget debate in July.

“I want people to know that this is not just names on paper,” Lashley said, “it has value that lends support to one of the most serious matters in the history of Barbados. (more…)

by Phillippe Aimey (www.nationnews.com)

GOVERNMENT has received a special report from the Royal Barbados Police Force regarding I’Akobi Maloney’s death.

But Attorney-General Freundel Stuart isn’t rushing to judgment on the former Exhibition winner’s death on June 17 at Landlock, St Lucy.

A justice committee formed to protest the police’s report, as well as the People’s Empowerment Party’s president David Comissiong, issued statements in July calling on the Commissioner of Police to suspend the officers until the investigation was complete.

“That is not normal procedure. You can only do that if the findings reveal that they would have acted improperly . . . if there is evidence to prove it. Mr Comissiong was not down there as far as I am aware, and none of the people who are shouting were down there,” Stuart told 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 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…)

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 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…)

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

THE MYSTERY surrounding the death of I’Akobi Maloney at Cove Bay, St Lucy, on June 17, has deepened with the return of his haversack to his mother.

Police returned Maloney’s bag to his mother Maggie Maloney last week, and she had serious issues with its condition and its contents.

“The police statement that they released clearly states that he jumped with clothes on and his haversack on his back.

“If that is the case, and the cause of death they gave was drowning, then everything in the bag should be water damaged. The bag and its contents are dry – no sea-salt, the papers in it are not mildewed, not sticking together, just dry,” said Maloney. (more…)

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

FULL SUSPENSION pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

That is what the newly-formed Justice Committee is requesting for those police officers who were present at the scene of I’Akobi Maloney’s death.

Maloney met his death at Cove Bay, Landlock, St Lucy on June 17.

In a statement released yesterday, the committee highlighted various demands regarding the investigation being carried out by the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF).

One demand was that the police (peace) officers “who were present at the scene at the time of the death of the late Ras Tacuma [Maloney] be immediately relieved of their duties [paid suspension] . . . since this is reasonable, procedurally fair and proactively preventing the obstruction of justice”.

Another demand was “an independent and transparent investigation be conducted by an unbiased team of regional or private investigators”. (more…)

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

INVESTIGATIONS have begun into the death of I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney.

There has been growing concern from the public regarding circumstances of death, since he allegedly jumped from a cliff at Landlock, Cove Bay, St. Lucy on June 17.

Police released a statement yesterday stating that they had taken note of articles in the WEEKEND NATION and SUNDAY SUN attributed to persons speaking to the Press concerning the circumstances surrounding Maloney’s death.

“We wish to advise members of the public that in all cases of unnatural death an investigation is carried out into the circumstances leading to the death, and also that a coroner’s inquiry is conducted following the same investigation.” (more…)

by Philippe Aimey (www.nationnews.com)

The committee set up on June 30, states on its website that it intends to clear the name of Maloney from any involvement with drugs, among a wider mandate that deals with the right of Rastafari people.

There is also a petition on the committee’s website, which can be signed online, or tributes sent in.

Yesterday, in Bridgetown, under the watchful eye of police, family and friends of Maloney marched with placards to raise public awareness. (more…)