The US Embassy’s decision to keep flying the Rainbow Flag on its consulate grounds in Kingston Jamaica during Friday’s Independence Day celebrations has ignited a firestorm with protestors taking to the embassy.

The US Embassy in Jamaica has held its ground, chosing not to comment  at this time. It has always maintained that it is a defender of human rights and that members of the LGBT community should not be discriminated against.

One protestor speaking to Our Today said: “This is a major disrespect of Jamaica. To have this flag hoisted on our land on Independence Day is telling us that we are not truly independent, and our culture does not count.

“Both the Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson have not said a word and are allowing Jamaicans to be dissed in their own country because they are beholden to America. It is America that really run “tings” in Jamaica, and you are seeing that.”

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is calling on Jamaica to repeal laws prohibiting consensual same sex conduct. The United States has frowned against discrimination suffered by the LGBT community and has found Jamaica’s homophobic stance a major problem.

Speaking from outside Winefield House in Regent Park London, Victor Wilbur who has work closely with American diplomats across western Europe said: “ Jamaica must change its position on the LGBT issue. Homophobic practices are an abomination to human rights.

It goes both ways; you can’t be taking aid and expect America to come to your rescue if you cannot abide by decency and respect for all. It’s not about Jamaican culture – it’s about what is wrong and what is right. The Rainbow Flag signifies just that, tolerance, acceptance and respect for everybody regardless of their sexual persuasion. The reason behind the flag is its inclusiveness hence the different colours.”

“ These protestors and all of Jamaica are being put on notice; by  flying  the Rainbow Flag  this is a reproof of homophobia and the persecution of the LGBT community. Jamaica must comply with human rights.

The Love March Movement does not see it that way and holds fast to the belief that the U.S. should be respectful of Jamaican culture and the ways of its people.

One of the protestors, Dr Daniel Thomas, speaking  with the media was vehement on this declaring, “ While we are celebrating freedom from British colonialism and the ability to have national sovereignty and make our own decisions, America has decided to fly this Rainbow Flag promoting ideas and behaviour that we are not in agreement with, that we consider repulsive.”

‘We have to stand up for our own rights. We should not only celebrate Independence but defend it when persons try to impose their ideas. We have to stand up as Jamaicans and say “We are not going in that direction. We are not a U.S. colony. It seems that the U.S. has so much money and power, they can do anything they want but we are saying not so, not so in Jamaica. We are an independent nation; we can make our own decisions.

“ America has identified itself with evil powers and we say stay away with that. You can talk about that in America but when you come here, you are a guest here. This is an insult.”

Five years ago, the Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte garnered a lot of sympathy but was deemed political incorrect when she said, “ I find it disrespectful of Jamaica’s laws to have the #Rainbow Flag flown here.”

She had to quickly walk that back, no doubt because of the Jamaican government’s fear of  incurring the ire of the U.S. Government and its State Department.

“ It’s a delicate situation. The Munroe Doctrine still holds and there is a lot that Jamaica can lose if it persists with its tacit stance against the LGBT community. At the same time our laws are explicit and LGBT ways are not our culture. We are firmly against their practices. What America is saying is that if Jamaica wishes to be a part of the international community and have its backing then it must fall in line. It’s not as simple as just cultural imperialism.

“For Jamaica it is about realpolitik. For the U.S. it is about moral, ethical and ideological considerations, “said North Carolina writer Nathan Taylor.

President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting with Young Leaders of the Americas, during his visit to Kingston, Jamaica addressed the issue, saying, “ You’re more eager for progress that comes not by holding down any segment of society, but by holding up the rights of every human being, regardless of what we look like, or how we pray, or who we love. You care less about the world as it has been and more about the world as it should be and can be.”