The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is preparing to bring together representatives from its Member States and other key stakeholders for regional discussions aimed at addressing the challenges facing Rastafarians across the Caribbean.
According to a CARICOM press release, the initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about discrimination and marginalization experienced by Rastafarians both within the region and internationally.
The press release said the decision was made during the Forty-Second Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held on May 8, 2026, where regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting equality and protecting the rights of Rastafarians.
During the meeting, Heads of Government acknowledged that many Rastafarians continue to encounter barriers in several areas of everyday life, including access to education, employment opportunities and full participation in public life. They emphasized the need to ensure that Rastafarians enjoy the same rights, recognition and protections as all other members of society.
As part of the agreed way forward, Member States reportedly approved the establishment of a regional committee to further examine issues affecting Rastafarians at both the Caribbean and international levels.
The press release said that the committee will include representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The group has been tasked with advancing discussions and identifying practical approaches to addressing concerns raised by Rastafarian communities.
The Heads of Government also pointed to a number of measures already introduced by individual CARICOM countries to address historical injustices experienced by Rastafarians. These include official public apologies, the allocation of land grants, and the enactment of legislation designed to protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace.
Regional leaders viewed these national initiatives as examples of meaningful progress that could help shape a more coordinated CARICOM-wide response.
The upcoming meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for governments and stakeholders to examine the issues in greater depth and explore ways to strengthen the protection of the rights of Rastafarians while promoting greater inclusion throughout the Caribbean Community.
