Rastas want a place in the Senate
published: Tuesday | December 3, 2002
THE EDITOR, Sir:
NOW THAT the election in Jamaica has taken place and the PNP has been given
a fourth term in office, the established world and people who love justice and hate
aggression will be observing the behaviour of the government dealing with the
democratic and religious rights of the minorities such as the Rastafarian community.
For over two decades the leadership of the Imperial Ethiopian World Federation
Inc., (IEWF) has been advocating for the Rastafarian representation in the
Parliament without any interest shown to this agitation by the Government or
Opposition. This right for Rastafarian representation in the Senate cannot continue
to be pushed under the political carpet.
The PM calling for dialogue and meetings with groups and organisations to discuss
Jamaica's economic and social plight cannot be productive without the presence of
IEWF Inc., representation.
The Rastafarian community represented by the IEWF Inc., in two general
elections have established that there is a conservative minority within the
Rastafarian community who are prepared to actively participate in the political
struggle of Jamaica in the interest of economic and social development and most of
all insuring Rastafarian community in Jamaica.
Forty-two years ago the UCWI did a report on the Rastafarians commissioned by
N.W. Manley then Premier of Jamaica. This report established that there was a
Rasta community in Jamaica with aims and objectives. Recommendation was also
made by the commission to the government to assist the community economically
to create co-operatives etc., this recommendation was put under the political
carpet.
It is imperative that the question of appointment of Rastafarian Senators is made
known to the electorate seeing that it is fundamental to our development as a
nation. The principles of minority rights are the same rights and principles that we
fought for 1938-44. Leading to Adult Suffrage and election 1949. To continue
denying minorities these rights today 2002 is dangerous.
If Jamaica is a civilised democracy then the question is where are Rasta and
Maroon representation in the Senate.
The Rastafarian community is an integral part of Jamaican society. As an integral
part of the society, we should be given the right to participate in the business of the
nation because we have a contribution.
I am, etc.,
A. FOXE
Int'l President
Imperial Ethiopian World Federation Inc