The Jamaica government transferred two properties Albion, St. James, to the Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society (BENEFICA SOCIEDAD Rastafari Coral Gardens, RCGBS)), that will serve to Host a permanent care For the Rastafari Community Elders.

The land transfer ceremony was held last week in the Kingston Prime Minister and is part of a broader program of reconciliation with the Rastafari community in recognition of the atrocities committed against its members in the tragedy known as Coral Gardens, in 1963, As reported by the island's own government.

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange, He said in this regard that for more than half a century the Rastafaris have lived with the physical scars, psychological and emotional of what happened in Coral Gardens.

The Secretary of State also highlighted the decision of the Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who in 2017, 54 years after the incident, apologized by the island's government, He assumed the responsibility of the government of the time in the events and also promised reparation to the victims.

The transfer of these properties is precisely framed in the reparation to the Rastafari community, as well as the creation of a fiduciary fund in 2019 For the survivors of the facts. Minister Grange said they have contributed 122 millions of dollars in the background, which has been administered for the benefit of 35 Survivors.

The Acts of Coral Gardens

The Coral Gardens incident, also know as The Coral Gardens massacre, the riots of Coral Gardens O Bad Friday, They were a series of events that occurred in Jamaica of the 11 al 13 April 1963, Only one year after the independence of the island.

During those days there was a burst of violence in Coral Gardens, A small town located some 16 kilometers of Montego Bay, When a group of Rastafaris burned a gas station.

Police measures and subsequent repression fed violence and caused the death of both civilians and police officers, as well as persecution, The abuse and detention of Rastafaris throughout the island.

Although the exact number of victims is unknown, Estimates place arrests in around 150 people, many of whom suffered the cut of their dreadlocks or beating by the police, and an undetermined number of dead.

"We are sorry": Government apologizes to Jamaica Rastafari community for slaughter of Coral Gardens

Official report and government apologies

An examination of the events carried out by the Office of the Ombudsman of Jamaica and released in 2015 He ruled that what happened in Coral Gardens had been a violation of the human rights of the Rastafaris, that had long -range effects.

“The events of April 1963 In Coral Gardens they were a waters divide in the relations between the Rastafari community and the State. The discrimination that this community has suffered since then was also the work of citizens. Actually, The Rastafaris had to face a hostility of multiple origins”, The report pointed out.

further, The report formulated various recommendations, among others to apologize to those who were directly involved in the events of Coral Gardens, The creation of a Rastafari Culture Center and a trustee to compensate for the incident survivors.

After that, Two years after the report came the prime minister apologies Andrew Holness, whose government has been hosting and carrying out the recommendations.

While, The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Horace Chang, He said that the provision of land to the Rastafari community is a fundamental step to address historical errors and create a basis for the growth and empowerment of the movement, Rastafari culture and community.

further, said, As a member of Parliament by St James North West, The Coral Gardens community, including its painful story, is close to him.

“Despite the difficulties, The Rastafaris have not only survived, They have persevered in the search for recognition, JUSTICE AND REPAIR SANATION. It is a testimony of its strength, courage, dignity and perseverance. I am proud to have firmly supported the repair justice program”, Chang said.