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Cummings calls for local athletes to take stand against British 'racism' toward Jamaicans

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Dr. Christine Cummings
 
Former University of the West Indies lecturer Dr. Christine Cummings is calling for Jamaican athletes heading to the Commonwealth Games later this month to stage a protest against the British Government for what she says is that country's racism.
 
The Games will be held July 28 to August 8.
 
Dr. Cummings is suggesting that the athletes kneel to register their disgust at the ill-treatment of Jamaicans, some of whom are residents in the UK.
 
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Tuesday morning, the former lecturer in the Department of Government said she was incensed at the report of British resident Tiffany Ellis who is stranded in Jamaica with her 15-month-old son.
 
According to a report in Britain's Guardian newspaper, Mrs Ellis gave birth to her son on April 30 last year in Jamaica and has been trying to return to the UK ever since.
 
Mrs Ellis has been told by Britain's Home Office that the child cannot go to the UK because he has an established life on the island.
 
But Dr. Cummings argues that the treatment of the family amounts to racism.
 
She said Britain's treatment of the woman was "absolutely ridiculous" considering Mrs Ellis, her husband and another child they share are all British citizens.  
 
The former lecturer said the situation demands that Jamaica athletes, especially those heading to the Commonwealth Games, "stand up for these Jamaican victims of Windrush and its racist aftermath". 
 
She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should intervene.
 
In a letter of refusal of the baby's visa application, British Home Office officials said the decision is justified by the need to maintain an effective immigration and border control and will not have unjustifiably harsh consequences.
 
They added that the baby's life can continue as it is now in Jamaica with financial support from his mother in the UK.
 


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