KINGSTON, Jamaica—A prominent Christian youth organization has reported escalating hostilities against its members during an ongoing prayer vigil outside a medical facility in Kingston. Dr. Daniel Thomas, president of the Love March Movement, detailed a series of physical assaults and threats targeting his team near the Ivy Green Medical Centre, where they have been conducting peaceful demonstrations as part of the international ’40 Days for Life’ campaign.
According to Dr. Thomas, the incidents began on February 19 and have involved projectiles including water, stones, gravel, and glass bottles being hurled at participants from individuals associated with or near the medical facility. The activists maintain a 12-hour daily presence at the site, where they engage in prayer and outreach to women considering abortion procedures.
‘Our team has endured significant abuse and threats from persons inside the Ivy Green Medical Centre,’ Thomas stated in an interview with Observer Online. He described personally evading a thrown bucket of soapy water before being targeted with rocks and gravel from an upper floor of the building, accompanied by verbal abuse.
The organization has filed at least four formal reports with local law enforcement regarding the incidents. Thomas acknowledged police responsiveness but noted delayed response times of approximately one hour, during which activists continued to face physical danger. He expressed concern that their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free speech were not being fully protected.
In a contrasting statement, the Cross Roads police division indicated they had not received any formal complaints from the Christian group at the time of inquiry.
Despite the hostilities, Thomas reported that their outreach efforts have yielded positive results, with three women reportedly choosing to continue their pregnancies after engaging with the group last week. This brings the campaign’s total to 36 such interventions since its inception.
The Love March Movement emphasizes its comprehensive support system for women in crisis pregnancies, offering practical assistance including medical referrals, employment assistance, grocery support, and help escaping violent situations. Their 40-day vigil, which began February 18 and continues through March 29, aligns with the international campaign’s focus on prayer, fasting, and peaceful advocacy against abortion practices.