BVI HOSTS 9th CARIBBEAN RASTAFARI CONFERENCE

The BVI Rastafari Turtle Dove Deliverance Organization is hosting the 9th Caribbean Rastafari Organization (CRO) conference at the East End/Long Look Community Centre November 1-8, 2003. The theme is "Rastafari the Law & Human Rights" and is being presented to get a better understanding of the Rastafari movement in relationship to the world at large and how everyone can collectively work together as a human race. 

Some of the highlights of the conference include the celebration of the removal of the Immigration and Passport Order (Prohibited Class of Persons) commonly known as the Rasta Law, which was in place from December 30th, 1980 to August 2003. Panel discussions on various topics such as human rights, historical sites, history of the maroons in the BVI, spiritual growth, education, employment, women and Rastafari, music, repatriation and reparation, were also on the agenda.  There will also be a regional arts and craft showcase on Friday. Closing the conference on November 8th is a cultural concert featuring Luciano, Dean Fraser and Mikey General and Jah Messenjah band from Jamaica at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.  Also on the bill is the Out of the Desert Band from the BVI and other local talent. The Rastafari Turtle Dove Deliverance Organization believes that this conference will bring great benefit to the Rastafarian community and the territory as a whole, "as we seek to promote greater understanding and cooperation between Rastafarians and the local community." Some of the specific benefits expected are good PR for the BVI which has been much maligned in the international community for its ban on visiting Rastafarians; establishment of a local Ethiopian Orthodox Church; promotion of economic empowerment for Rastafari and the BVI community and to continue to dispel myths and misperceptions about Rastafari and a realization that the Rastafarians are productive lawyers, doctors, business owners, teachers, skilled trade persons etc. 

At the opening ceremony Saturday night at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, Communications Minister Honourable Paul P. Wattley, speaking for Chief Minister Dr. Hon. D. Orlando Smith, pointed out the new administration is committed to assist the Rastafari movement in becoming a positive force for the change in these islands. "Despite the many positive activities of many members of this Rastafari community, the general feeling of the broader community is that the attributes of the Rastafari movement is not spiritually, morally, socially or economically based and many see members of this movement as untidy, drug smoking, engaging in criminal activities and other forms of anti-social behaviour," Hon. Wattley declared. He said in spite of that, this government, along with most of the members of the community, felt that we could not punish anyone based solely on their religion. "It is precisely because of this image and the behaviour of some persons parading as your followers, that this groundbreaking conference is so important to the survival of this movement," the government Minister continued. He said the movement struggles because it is a minority and it is different and prove itself it must. Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Lloyd K. Black, who also has responsibility for Ecclesiastical Affairs, in his remarks, concurred that all should have a right to certain freedoms, including freedom of religion. He said his Ministry has made every effort to collaborate with the local coordinators to ensure their visitors are comfortable and enjoy their brief stay.