The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will convene a regional meeting to address issues affecting Rastafarians across its member states, reflecting growing efforts to tackle longstanding concerns about discrimination, inclusion and equal rights throughout the Caribbean.
The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat announced Tuesday that the meeting will bring together representatives from member states and key stakeholders to examine the persistent challenges faced by Rastafarians both regionally and internationally. A date and venue for the conference have not yet been announced.
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The decision follows discussions at CARICOM’s Inter-Sessional Meeting of Heads of Government last month, where regional leaders acknowledged that many Rastafarians continue to experience discrimination and exclusion in areas such as education, employment and public life.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the full recognition and protection of the rights of Rastafarians as equal members of Caribbean societies.
As part of that commitment, CARICOM agreed to establish a committee comprising representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The committee will examine issues affecting Rastafarians and help advance discussions at both the regional and international levels.
According to the Secretariat, the meeting also highlighted several positive steps already taken 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.
CARICOM said these national initiatives provide examples of progressive policies that could serve as models for a more coordinated regional approach to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Rastafarians throughout the Caribbean.
