AfriKa CRY BLOOD

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)

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 Carlos Atwell (www.nationnews.com)

THE JUSTICE COMMITTEE enquiring into the death of 23-year-old I’Akobi Maloney has no intention of approaching the police but still suspects foul play.

However, President of the committee, Ras Elias Tafari, wished to make it clear they were not saying that the police were involved in the death.

“We are not saying the police killed him as this has not been proven but he did die in their presence, and this is hard to accept, ” he told the DAILY NATION in an interview yesterday.

Tafari said they would continue to depend on legal advice (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…)

by Tim Slinger & PCA (www.nationnews.com)

“THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE to suggest any foul play in the death of I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney.”

That’s the word from police crime chief Assistant Commissioner of Police Seymour Cumberbatch, who also disclosed that investigations suggested that the 23-year-old man was going through a state of depression when he reportedly ran and jumped off a cliff at The Land Lock, Cove Bay, St Lucy, on June 17. (more…)