Up to the UN

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.“The Justice Committee is an inspiring example. Their work sets an example for the rest of us – a group of people coming together to identify wrong, fight and seek to overcome it. If we want progress, we have to engage in the process. “Why is it that in a 95 per cent black country [with a] 99 per cent black Government and a 100 per cent black Police Force, a man who stands up and talks for black people is seen as dangerous?” he asked.“This nonsense has to stop. We are taking this case to the United Nations. They’re not stopping within the parameters of Barbados. It’s going international,” Comissiong said.The DVD The I’Akobi Conspiracies has been produced in which mother Maggie Maloney and others give their version of the tragic events.The Justice Committee held the Saturday night concert to highlight its cause at the Israel Lovell Foundation after police had rejected its request to hold an open-air event in Jubilee Gardens, The City.Comissiong also spoke to the issue of profiling Rastafarians, which he said ran contrary to basic human rights.“We say there is in Barbados the real situation of profiling Rastas. This is the core issue which we will see through to its bitter end.”Supporters of Maloney, who was a Barbados Exhibition winner and then became an engineer, have pledged to continue their fight for justice. (UR)