Over three decades ago members of the Rastafarian community had to flee into the mountains or remain in hiding in order to evade being captured by security forces, and having to face the harsh reality of their dreadlocks being cut for no logical reason. They had to continually enlighten members of the wider community as to why they wore their dreadlocks, cooked ital food, expressed thoughts about migrating back home to Africa and partook in the ritual of smoking marijuana (ganja). Also, Rastafarians had to endure the worst forms of stigma living amongst his/her fellow brothers and sisters, sometimes being called nasty, bushman, crazy etc. Rastafarians found it almost impossible to attain certain jobs or positions in society, whether or not they met the relative qualification standard.
Although I do not wish to get into much detail about the history and the progress of the Rastafari movement in this piece, Rastafarianism is an Afro-centric religious and social movement stemming from the roots of Rastafari in rising against the post-colonial oppression of poor blacks; Rastas typically come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Especially difficult economic hardships faced by the black populace. However, the movement has gained a more international and cosmopolitan following as a result of Haile Selassie I Emperor of Ethiopia visiting to the Caribbean in 1966, more specifically Trinidad and Jamaica. Thus, the ideology and philosophy of Rastafari became more popular throughout the Caribbean islands and the world at large, through the influence of the teachings of Emperor Haile Selassie I and reggae music.
However, in this 21st century Rastafarians living in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis are still marginalized as second class citizens. In fact, this was evident when in the wee morning of Wednesday 27th March 2013; a former Bobo Dread member was approached by a group of persons and during his bid to escape, was shot in the back. He was eventually found dead between two buildings on Central Market Street, Basseterre in the vicinity of Jenkins Funeral Home later that said morning. Not only was the shooting death of this Rastafarian shrouded in mystery, but the handling of the investigation and the unwillingness of the St. Christopher Royal Police Force to release the autopsy report appears questionable. Citizens would only hope that the office of the security forces would be more corporative, in light of the fact that it is also widely rumored that the security forces were in fact responsible for the shooting death of Trevor Douglas, the father of three young children.
Despite continued requests by his family and members of the wider community for answers in the shooting death of this Rastaman via the office of the security forces, however, any information regarding his death is not forthcoming.
Then I ask myself what could possibly be the reason as to why Trevor’s death is being treated in this fashion? It can’t be because he was a Rastaman!
Again I ask myself this question, could it be that Trevor Douglas was shot in his back because he was a ‘Rastaman’?!
I would like to think that any reasonable mind would ask these hard questions! Because according to the Police Force Mission Statement, “The purpose of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is to uphold the law fairly and firmly, without fear or favor, to prevent crime, to pursue and bring to justice those who break the law, to keep the peace, to protect, help and reassure residents and visitors and to be seen to do all this with integrity and impartiality.”
But I say, so much for the Police Force Mission Statement because actions speak louder than words!
Section 7 Protection from inhuman treatment, Chapter II PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS of St. Kitts and Nevis Constitution states that, “A person shall not be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other like treatment.” In my view this fundamental right of Trevor Douglas was violated; because clearly the former Bobo Dread was shot and left to die in the streets like a dog, and persons responsible for this careless act aren’t willing and honest enough to come forth to take the blame.
Readers pay close attention to section 11. Protection of freedom of conscience, Chapter II of the Constitution St. Christopher and Nevis. (1) Except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
Although, it is quite clear that Rastafarianism has been accepted as a legitimate religion, or at least an understandable way of life. Rastafarians in the Federation still fail to receive certain privileges enshrined in the Constitution, the Supreme Law of the land. For instance, it is well known that the ritual of smoking of Marijuana is a significant practice in the belief system of Rastafarianism. But interestingly members of the Rastafari community who legitimately practice Rastafarianism as religion still face the humiliation of their homes being raided by security forces, regular harassment, heartless abuse and imprisonment for smoking marijuana.
An elder by the name of Sankofa Maccabbee who is the leader of a legally registered organization was wrongly convicted and sentenced to prison, to serve one month and pay a fine of $5,000 or serve another month for marijuana on Friday 17th May, 2013. This type of disrespect and humiliation thrown at Rastafarians must end immediately.
The same way Churches such as Catholic, Anglican and Methodist don’t have to justify their beliefs and practices; Rastafarians shouldn’t have to justify their beliefs and practices either!
The same way Churches like Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist drink wine as a symbol of the blood of Christ. Rastafarians must be allowed to use marijuana for its natural consciousness exalting properties for their sacramental and sanctifying rites; according to what they know as belonging to the truthful and faithful prophetic way of life "livity" of the ancient mystics whose history is described in the sacred scriptures.
THE BIBLE…………
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
