CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE Caribbean Rastafari Organisation (CRO) launched its 13th Annual Summit with a simple opening ceremony at Occasions, Pinney’s, on Thursday, August 20.
Delegates from Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique and St. Lucia listened as Minister of Gender, Culture and Social Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), Hon. Hensley Daniel urged Rasta to come off the fence on a number of issues in society. Minister Daniel said the Rasta is known for a strong sense of identify and this could be a great asset in helping to address the issue of young men who seek their identity in gangs.
Also speaking at the ceremony was the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Hon. Carlisle Powell, who said he and the NIA see the Rasta as they see any other citizen of Nevis. He said this is proven by the NIA’s decision to allow Rasta children to attend school with their head uncovered. The Minister explained that before the current government came to power this was not allowed.
CRO Chairman King Frank I also addressed the gathering, giving a brief history of the organisation. There were greetings from delegates, remarks by Advisor in the Ministry of Culture Halstead ‘Sooty’ Byron, and a performance by the I-Africana Drummers.
The evening’s proceedings were chaired by Ras Iroy.
The Summit runs until Tuesday, August 25.
