LETTER: Bobo Shanti Group Says Authorities Failed to Engage Rastafarian Community

Dear Editor,

We, the people of Pares Main Road who are members of the Bobo Shanti Worldwide organization, also known as E.A.B.I.C. (Ethiopian African Black International Congress), feel deeply disrespected by the way we have been described and addressed by both the Police and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA).

The Bobo Shanti is one of the oldest Rastafarian religious organizations in the world. We have churches throughout the world, with our headquarters in Jamaica, where our movement has long advocated for freedom, justice, and the upliftment of people who have suffered under colonial systems.

We wish to make it clear that when our members gathered recently, we were not protesting. We were simply waiting for our members who had been detained to be released. It was the Sabbath day, and as part of our religious tradition we wore white garments, played drums, sang, and worshipped. This was an expression of our faith and salvation, not a public demonstration.

According to our members, the situation surrounding the cannabis charges has been unfair. We believe there should have been greater efforts to engage with and educate the Rastafarian community so that misunderstandings could be avoided.

What concerns us most is that public statements were issued only after arrests had already taken place. We ask why there was not more dialogue beforehand. Why was there not greater effort to help the Rastafarian community understand exactly what was required under the law before people’s freedom was put at risk?

We believe that dialogue, understanding, and education should come before confrontation. The Rastafarian community has historically faced discrimination and misunderstanding. We are asking for respect, communication, and fairness.

Many ordinary Rastafarians and working-class people feel excluded from systems that can be difficult to navigate. We ask whether enough consideration has been given to the concerns of those who have limited financial resources but sincerely wish to practice their faith and contribute positively to society.

We call on the authorities to engage with the Rastafarian community in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding. We are not seeking conflict. We are seeking fairness, recognition, and meaningful dialogue.

Respectfully,

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]