Two children of reggae icon Bob Marley, Cedella and Julian Marley, came out publicly to support the call to establish a “Comprehensive Rastafari Rights and Justice Law” In Jamaica.
The initiative, driven by the Rastafari Mansions and Organizations (RMO, for its acronym in English) based in Jamaica, proposes a comprehensive legal framework that protects members of the movement against systematic discrimination and abuses that still persist in critical areas such as employment, education and health.
Julian Marley, recent Grammy winner, expressed his disappointment at seeing that other countries in the region, as Saint Kitts and Nevis, They have already taken concrete steps to legally recognize the Rastafari faith, while Jamaica—the cradle of the movement—was left behind.
“If you want to be an international place and invite people to your country, May all nations come to your island and may everyone be kind to everyone., be kind to your own people and your culture.”, The singer said The Voice.
He added that, hearing about new legal protections for Rastafarians in St. Kitts and Nevis, it felt “ashamed” that comprehensive and clearly defined legislation has not been introduced in Jamaica.
Cedella Marley: Rastafari has resisted discrimination for generations
Meanwhile, Cedella Marley highlighted the responsibility of the Jamaican State to protect a culture that it proudly exports to the entire world.
“My father not only gave music to Jamaica, gave the world a voice rooted in Rastafari (…) You cannot export culture and ignore the condition of the people behind it”, Cedella commented to the same medium.
Cedella emphasized that her father “I was very clear, defended the rights and dignity of the Rastafarian people, not only the visibility of their culture.
“That means justice where it has been lacking.. It means acknowledging the past and striving to improve in the present.. Because you cannot export culture and ignore the situation of the people who created it.. For me, It's about consistency.. If Jamaica proudly carries my father's legacy to the world stage, then he must also carry forward what he defended, in its entirety, not only partially”, stressed.
A call for legislative action
The campaign for Rastafari Rights and Justice Act It comes at a key moment for the medical cannabis industry, where the Rasta community — which has defended the sacramental and medicinal use of the plant for decades under persecution — seeks a fair and protected participation.
