Jamaican News

Jamaican Government Committed to Safeguarding Rastafarian Legacy

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange views the Rastafari exhibition mounted at the National Museum West with His Imperial Highness, Prince Ermias Sahle – Selassie and Princess Saba Kebede. . The viewing was done during the Prince’s visit to Montego Bay on Sunday, April 23, 2016
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange views the Rastafari exhibition mounted at the National Museum West with His Imperial Highness, Prince Ermias Sahle – Selassie and Princess Saba Kebede. . The viewing was done during the Prince’s visit to Montego Bay on Sunday, April 23, 2016

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tuesday, April 26, 2016 – Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange says the Government of Jamaica, through her Ministry is committed to safeguarding the legacies of the Rastafarian communities in an effort to reflect the country’s diverse history and culture.

Speaking at a reception for His Imperial Highness, Prince Ermias Sahle – Selassie at the National Museum West, Sam Sharpe Square recently, Minister Grange said, “We are committed to safeguarding the legacies of the Rastafarian community and to reflect our history from different perspectives. Through the work of the Institute of Jamaica, we are encouraging and fostering initiatives for communities to document, reflect and share their living histories. The Rastafari exhibition mounted in the National Museum West, located in the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, is an example of this initiative.”

She added, “The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, of which I am Minister is committed to supporting these initiatives. We want to ensure that the Rastafarian communities realize the importance of its tangible and intangible heritage and also the economic benefits associated with Rastafarian livity.”

Minister Grange also expressed that communities such as the Maroons and Rastas are to be encouraged to promote their culture and celebrations which have enhanced brand Jamaica.

In highlighting the Ministry’s commitment, the Culture Minister said, “The Ministry is steadfast in its support for infrastructure and technical expertise where feasible, for these communities to realize their full potential,” adding “You can depend on this government’s support, technical assistance and where possible our financial assistance.”

She also said, “It will take a collaborative effort from all the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that all our cultural communities will grow and prosper.”

“I wish to reiterate this Government’s commitment to review the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. We will ensure that the recognition and benefits to be derived from this designation will rightly be enjoyed by all these communities,” she said.

The United nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly, September 2007 and Jamaica was among the 144 states that voted in favour of the declaration, which speaks to recognizing the rights of indigenous groups, which often classifies as minority groups in some societies.

Commentary

The visit of His Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie and his Princess is a most significant event as it commemorates a significant milestone for the Rastafarian community.

It was fifty years ago that Emperor Selassie visited Jamaica to a tumultuous welcome by mainly Rastas who regard him as their spiritual leader. The diminutive figure of a man must have been taken a back at the crowd and outpouring of genuine affection. The Haile Selasse High School is a monument to honour His Majesty’s generosity on this his historic visit and show of love for the Jamaican people.

Security broke down as the massive crowd was not going to be restrained. It was unadulterated pandemonium as His Majesty’s plane landed on the tarmac at the Norman Manley International Airport April 1966.

Have Rastafarians been sidelined in this visit? Vision investigate … see my upcoming perspective on the Prince’s visit.

We welcome the Prince and his Princess to Jamaica and wish them an enjoyable stay.

Commentary By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.

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