ANTIGUA AND Barbuda has become the first Caribbean country to grant the Rastafari community official sacramental authorisation to grow cannabis.
Last week, members of Antigua and Barbuda’s Rastafari community were presented with their legal authorisation during a historic signing ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne praised the Rastafari community for their resilience over the years and granted religious and cultural group the landmark authorising under the 2018 Cannabis Act.
At a special ceremony, renowned Rastafari leaders, Glasford “King Sagyefo” Mack of the Nyabinghi Theocracy Church, Kiyode Erasto Straker of the RasFreeman Foundation for the Unification of Rastafari, and Kenrick Lloyd of the Wan Love Chant were presented with certificates by the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), which will legally allow them the right to cultivate cannabis for religious purposes.
“I believe, as a faith-based institution, that your organisation should be respected by all,” the Prime Minister said.
“We have adopted many European and non-European religions and we have a Pan-African religion … and instead of embracing it, we have sought to destroy it … I want to encourage you to stand your ground [and] continue to exercise that resilience.”
The PM said there needs to be more collaboration between his government and Rastafari community in areas like developing the cannabis industry and in agriculture – to help ensure food security on the twin islands.
“One of the areas that we are very pleased … the Rastafari community is well vested, is agriculture and I am hoping that we can have a stronger relationship with the various organisations … to increase food production,” Mr Browne said.
He also added he would like the community to assist where they can in preventing youth in Antigua and Barbuda from using cannabis.
“The use of cannabis by the youth is strictly prohibited by law and we also want to appeal to the Rastafari community to help us to uphold the law and the standards that the government has put in place to protect our youth,” he added.
The new changes make Antigua and Barbuda the first country in the Caribbean to document the right of Rastafari to use cannabis as a sacrament.
At the presentation, MCA Director Regis Burton hailed the occasion as an important milestone for the Rasta community.
“We know that the history of cannabis has been a long journey and the history of Rastafari has been a tedious one, and we are here to acknowledge the rights … of the Rastafari community,” Mr Burton said.
MCA Chairman Daven Joseph acknowledged the significant of the sacramental certificates not just for Antigua and Barbuda, but the rest of the Caribbean.
Mr Joseph said: “Antigua and Barbuda is the first in country in the Caribbean that is making the sacramental authorisation lawful—not Jamaica, not St Lucia, [and] not Trinidad and Tobago — so we will stand as a beacon for human rights for the Rastafari movement in the Caribbean.”
The government and MCA said it was vital that the Rastafari community are able to reap economic benefits from the growing medical cannabis industry, having been advocates of its medicinal benefits of the herb for several decades.
Rastafari elder Glasford “King Sagyefo” Mack of the Nyabinghi Theocracy Church welcomed the move by the PM and said he was “making a great step forward.”
In September 2022, Mr Browne’s government condemned schools that discriminate against Rastafarians and students who wear their natural hair in locks.
According to the government statement: “The Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda protects freedom of religion, freedom of association, and the right to hold different beliefs from the majority.”
According to the government’s policy, schools are not to discriminate against members of the Rastafarian community or those who wear their hair in the same way.
On June 14, 2021, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the Medicinal Cannabis Authority issued the first official licence for the production of medical cannabis.
The first licence was issued to Grow Antigua – a public/private hybrid company that includes the government, Rastafari communities, and private enterprise as central Stakeholders.
The Rastafari Movement is a religious, spiritual and cultural way of life, which started in Jamaica during the 1930s.
Rastafari communities can be found across The Caribbean, Africa, the UK, Europe, the USA and other parts of the world.
Rastafarians believe, the last Emperor of Ethiopia, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, is the Second Coming of Christ.
Early teachers of the Rastafari faith were heavily influenced by the philosophies of Marcus Mosiah Garvey and began preaching about the divine Kingship of Ethiopia and the divinity of the Emperor.
Last month, anger erupted after it emerged that Canada has been granted a license to import cannabis into Jamaica.
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‘Mr Joseph said: “Antigua and Barbuda is the first in country in the Caribbean that is making the sacramental authorisation lawful—not Jamaica, not St Lucia, [and] not Trinidad and Tobago — so we will stand as a beacon for human rights for the Rastafari movement in the Caribbean.”’
Voice readers, the Elected politicians and government, and institutions of the Caribbean need to hold their head in deep shame, for being so late in recognising and legalising the proven benefits of cannabis; and failing to outlaw discrimination against Rastafarians, and legalising the herb revered by followers of the Rastafarian faith.
I am upset that once again the Governments of the Caribbean are merely following sheep-like behind the policies and behaviour of the Western Caucasian governments; institutions and people.
The ineptitude of the Government of Jamaica deserves special derision, for her lack of real authentic vision: especially considering the Jamaican Government’s public reverence and tourist dollars, Jamaica earns, from the legacy of the world’s most famous Rastafarian, the Rt Hon Bob Marley.
However, and despite the public acclaim in Jamaica for Bob Marley, Rastafarians are not legally permitted grow and celebrate, using the herb of their choice; and discrimination against Rastafarians is still common-especially from middle-class and institutional Jamaicans.
In order to please the U.S. Whitehouse, and England’s Whitehall, the government of Jamaica has spent millions upgrading its airport, and in forcing its Subjects to abandon cash.
Whilst these measures are welcomed by the Whitehouse and England’s Whitehall, Jamaica’s money ought to be used to benefit the many needs of Jamaica’s rank and file; rather than streamlining Jamaica airport and access to cash, for the benefit of the New World Order.
How can Jamaica, Grenada and other Caribbean governments talk excitedly about becoming Republics, when in practice, all the governments of the Caribbean sheepishly obey unquestioningly, the fiscal orders from the White House; Whitehall, from the IMF, and the World Bank: whilst offering no real authentic vision for their Subjects; along with measures to combat the crime; functional illiteracy, and delinquency that has infected the youth of the Caribbean.
The awful truth is that the governments of the Caribbean have progressed little from the days of slavery.
It is hard to demonstrate how the people of the Caribbean have benefited from sixty years of political independence from England.
This is a well articulated response to acceptance of Antigua Rasta culture. Most of the views highlighted are known by many.
However, I’m hoping that just as you’re observant of the issues at hand, that behind the scenes you’re putting your shoulders to the wheel and involved in activity (mental / spiritual/ physical) or otherwise to help progress the situations you see are lacking.
Bob did his share, even risked his life in the process. Tosh and Bunny and many many of the singing angels and instrument players too have contributed to keep us awake to the conditions we find ourselves in. Jah literally Blessed Jamaica with HIS presence.
Now, question is, What are doing / going to do, to contribute for a better society / world for the next generation to inherit. AND for when / If we reincarnate to reap the rewards of our labour?