CARICOM Moves to Address Discrimination Against Rastafarians

 

Rastafari is one of the Caribbean’s most influential religious and cultural movements. Born in Jamaica and carried across the world partly through reggae music, its ideas of African identity, liberation and resistance have become recognised globally.

Yet the people who live the faith have faced generations of discrimination because of their appearance, beliefs and religious practices. Members of Rastafari communities have been excluded from schools, denied employment, arrested, imprisoned and subjected to the forcible cutting of their dreadlocks.

That contradiction is what gives new action by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) particular significance.

CARICOM plans to convene representatives from member states and other key stakeholders to examine issues affecting Rastafari communities across the region and internationally. Recognising Rastafari only as a cultural brand while failing to protect those who practise the faith has remained a major concern for the community.

Following violence near Montego Bay, numerous Rastafari were detained, arrested, beaten and forcibly trimmed by agents of the State. The Jamaican Government formally apologised for the brutality, injustice and repression in 2017 and established a trust fund for survivors.