The Caribbean Community, CARICOM, is taking steps to address the challenges faced by Rastafarians across the region, including longstanding concerns over discrimination and social exclusion.
CARICOM has announced that it will convene a meeting of representatives from member states and key stakeholders to examine issues affecting Rastafarians. The decision follows an agreement reached by regional leaders during the Forty-Second Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held on May eighth.
According to CARICOM, many Rastafarians continue to experience discrimination in education, employment and public life, both within the Caribbean and internationally. Regional leaders stressed their commitment to ensuring the full recognition and protection of the rights of Rastafarians as equal members of society.
As part of that effort, CARICOM will establish a committee made up of representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The committee will advance discussions on issues affecting Rastafarians at both the regional and international levels.
CARICOM also stressed several initiatives already implemented by member states to address historical injustices against Rastafarians. These include official public apologies, land grants, and legislation aimed at protecting individuals from discrimination in the workplace. The regional body says these measures could help shape a coordinated Caribbean approach to promoting equality and inclusion.
