BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEMBERS of the Organisation of Rastafari in Unity (ORU) in St. Kitts and Nevis held a March and Rally on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 22) in protest against what they termed all forms of discrimination.
Under the theme “Join the fight for truth and equal rights ‘free de herb’”, the Rastafarians commenced their March on Cayon Street and concluded at the Independence Square with a
This is the fourth successive year that the Rastafarian community has held its Rally and the focus was on raising awareness on the use of Cannabis Sativa, also known as ganja and marijuana.
In his opening remarks, Director of the ORU, Delroy ‘Ras Iroy’ Pinney said, “The ORU meets once monthly, on the first Sunday of every month. The ORU is where we come together as a unified voice towards a common cause. This year’s focus is to free de herb”.
He noted that the ORU was there to take part in “what we call the Annual Ganja Rally”.
“For the past four years, we have been trodding, marching, protesting against all forms of discrimination against Rastafari and the whole nation. But this year we are concentrating on the herb. It is time Babylon free up the herb. They want to criminalise and legalise, but Rastaman say when you are doing all that, first and foremost, I and I have the sacramental right for the herb, so free up the herb,” Pinney said.
A petition was passed around for persons to partner with the ORU in its fight for the legalisation of marijuana.
“We are hoping to get at least 3 000 persons to sign this petition so we can take it before the Court. The herb has been illegal for 75 years and we need to change that,” said Pinney.
Among those in attendance of the solidarity rally was Jonel Powell.
When asked how he felt about this year’s focus, Powell said, “It is a debate that is ongoing internationally. With first world countries legalising it, I believe the discussion should be had in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Pinney pleaded with those present at the Rally to sign the petition and join the fight to have Cannabis Sativa legalised.
