The entertainment industry attacked the country's judicial system after the Supreme Court's decision last Friday when it said that the constitutional rights of a five-year-old girl (now of 7) were not raped two years ago when he was denied access to his elementary school because of his dreadlocks.
Bounty Killer, Tarrus Riley, Treasure Burrell, Etana, Tanya Stephens and Kabaka Pyramid were some of the artists who, through their social networks, expressed their opinions and strong criticism about what many of them described as an obvious act of discrimination..
While the country celebrated Emancipation Day last Saturday, industry professionals noted that the ruling could not have come at a worse time, since it shows that despite being “free”, the country still clings to colonial ideologies.
Keona Williams, entertainment consultant, told local newspaper The Gleaner that with the international attention the story has been receiving, The Government must be looking for ways to correct what it considers the error of the Supreme Court.
“This issue has brought a sense of shock and outrage not only in Jamaica, but all over the world. The story has been picked up by The Washington Post, Shaderoom and a host of other international media outlets, and it doesn't look good in the country. Jamaica's identity was built on Rasta, the most famous international icon of the country, Bob Marley, he is a rastafari. Our music, tourism and culture is identified worldwide because of Rasta, "So banning the use of dreadlocks in schools is clear hypocrisy.", said.
Williams added that “even more insulting, This decision couldn't come at a worse time.. It was the last business day before the Emancipation Day holiday.. This brought instant awareness of this anti-black movement by the judicial system on a pro-black day. As an artist's representative (Etana) that embraces his black skin, your natural hair, I am horrified by this decision. This decision shows that colonial values are still accepted at the highest levels of society”.
