The Rastafarian movement paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Spouse. The enthusiastic group started by thanking Mrs. Ann Marie Davis for receiving them. They called the visit “historic” because this was the first time that a first lady received them.
They were highly appreciative and felt comfortable expressing the issues that were dear to them.
The Rastafarian Movement is a religion, a community, and a way of life, but the organization has not been given the kind of respect that is accorded to other religions.
The government has given certain concessions and grants to all other religions to ease the burden of operation since their only income is supposed to be tithes and offerings. But nothing for Rastafarians.
The sacrament of Marijuana is no secret and has been scorned by society. Now, there have been talks about legalizing it. Out of decency and respect, this process of legalization should not happen without the direct input by the Rastafarians.
No educational assistance is given to the Rastafarian movement, especially since the movement would prefer schooling their children to the teachings of the movement.
It stands to reason that if the impressionable children attend public schools who indoctrinate them with an antiquated system, then the Rastafarian teaching that is taught at home will only be dilute, contaminated and confuse the children.
So, respect must be given to the people who practice their faith. It is well known that Rastafarian feed themselves, they grow their own food and do not contaminate themselves with processed old meat, and poison from over the counter medication. Therefore, the immunization that is forced on an unsuspecting society would not go well with Rastafarians.
Their religion must be recognized just like any other and dealt with the same hand, straight across the board.
The inferior treatment of the religion, its practices, and lifestyle must cease, forthwith.
They have rights, too. any attempt by the Bahamas to recognize the United Nation charter on human rights can not exclude the Rastafarians in no way, shape, or form.
Rasta are a self-sufficient community. They feed and support themselves by handwork. Grants that are available to others for the creation and production of craft should be given to them also.
Dialog must be had with the government and united authorities about the indignity that rastas, especially the ladies, when traveling. they are made to suffer humiliation by undressing and removing their sacred headdress.
If the Bahamas are to be looked at as s signatory to human rights, then discussions with the Rastafarian movement will only be a win-win situation, especially since they are voters too and Bahamians.
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