St. Kitts Nevis Gov’t apologises to Rastafarians for years of Oppression

The Rastafarian community in St. Kitts and Nevis, which for years has been the subject of societal oppression and religious persecution have been offered an official apology by that country’s government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for Ecclesiastical and Faith-Based Affairs, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley apologized to the Rastafarian community for years of societal oppression and religious persecution that they have suffered throughout the history of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Apologies without actions are of no use to anyone. Our action today in moving for a safe passage of this Bill is one of the many steps this government plans to take to make things right for our Rasta brothers and sisters, elders and empresses,” said Dr. Hanley during the National Assembly on June 20 while moving the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill, 2023.

Dr. Hanley noted that the government was be ensuring that Rastafarians are not only given the first chance “in profiting from our impending medicinal cannabis and cannabis tourism industries but that Rasta can have the sanctity and practice their religion in peace without any medicinal tags.”

He said that the 20th of June, 2023, will be another important day in the history of the Rastafari struggle. “This is a momentous day because from this day forward, the men and women of our society that call themselves Rasta and subscribe to the Rastafari way of life will have their constitutional rights recognized and it will be part of our law forever,” he said.

He added also that he was happy to be tabling and leading the debate on the constitutionally important Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Bill, 2023, which was also passed on June 20.

In the meantime, the Smoking (Designated Area) Bill, 2023, which was successfully passed in the Federal Parliament on June 20, falls in line with several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those that promote health, justice, and human rights among others.

Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke who piloted the bill, said it was about justice, peace and the rule of law.

When it comes to smoking in designated spaces and Rastafarian rights, it is about justice,” said Dr. Clarke. “Agenda 20/30 of the Sustainable Development Goals speaks to leaving no one behind – this means that we have an obligation as a progressive democracy premised on human rights, justice and freedoms, to push a legislative reform agenda built and grounded in human rights.”

“The aim is to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. If we are providing access to justice for everyone and building an effective and accountable and inclusive institution for everyone – Rastafari, smokers, non-smokers, young people, the elderly – then we have to respect everyone’s human rights, religious rights and we have to protect the most vulnerable. It is the rule of law,” said Dr. Clarke. ((WiredJA)