London vigil takes place today for Jamaican trans teenager Dwayne Jones

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A vigil is taking place outside the Jamaican Embassy in London this afternoon in memory of Jamaican transgender teenager Dwayne Jones.

The 16-year-old was stabbed multiple times and shot at a party in the Jamaican suburban parish of St James last month.

Police have yet to make a single arrest.

The Out and Proud Diamond Group (OPDG), in association with the Peter Tatchell Foundation, have arranged for a protest to be held outside the Jamaican Embassy on Exhibition Road, Knightsbridge, from 4pm today.

OPDG’s Edwin Sesange said: “Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and other government officials and religious leaders should publicly condemn the killing. They should also work to end the criminalisation of homosexuality and create an environment that protects the rights of all Jamaicans.

“We also call on the Commonwealth to not tolerate homophobia in Jamaica and urge the Jamaican government to stop the persecution of LGBT people.”

At least nine homophobic or transphobic killings occurred in Jamaica last year.

Elsewhere in Jamaica reggae artist Sizzla has defended fellow singer Queen Ifrica from criticism over her recent use of homophobic language.

Queen Ifrica, whose real name is Ventrice Morgan, made statements denouncing homosexuality at a concert for Independence Day on the island earlier this month.

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