In 1963, Rastafari in Jamaica was persecuted; Rastafari was hunted down, beaten trimmed, jailed, and even killed, just for being Rastafari.

A Rastafari man was farming on land, that was not owned by himself, the police were called to remove him, he was beaten, shot and wounded, and sent to jail.  On his return he was determined to seek justice, people came out to demonstrate on his behalf, the government of the day stated;

"Bring in all Rastafari dead or alive who cannot fit in the jail would fit in the cemetery".

Today, this incident is called the Coral Garden Massacre, and is commemorated on Good Friday which Rastafari call "Bad Friday".  To date, the government has recognized some of the wrongs that were inflicted on the Rastafari community, and has apologized and seeking to compensate, the elders that are still living, and are still suffering.

Sadly, the persecution of Rastafari has continued till this present day, as recent as 22nd July 2021 The eve of His Imperial Majesty Earthstrong!

On 22nd July 2021, A young vulnerable Rastafari lady was pepper-sprayed pulled from a taxi, taken to jail, and had her dreadlocks cut off, by a female police officer. This is a violation of her human rights. These atrocities should not be happing in these present times,  under the same government who were in power in 1963. 

Rastafari have been the vanguard for equal rights and justice for all humanity, and should not be subjected to this inhumane treatment and we are compelled to call upon the Jamaican government to intervene.   

“One of the most aggressive forms of state violence against Rastafari is cutting off the dreadlocks. They have suffered systemic brutalisation because of their refusal to bow down to Eurocentric definitions of black identity.”  Prof. Carolyn Cooper

We demand that All police officers involved should be immediately suspended. Pending an immediate independent investigation. 

We demand an apology to the family and to the Rastafari Community 

We are asking for you to support the Rastafari community by signing our petition.  Each and every Rastafari Community Globally should express its disgust to its embassy or high commission.

AN INJUSTICE AGAINST ONE IS AN INJUSTICE AGAINST ALL

Rastafari peace and love

On behalf of RASTAFARI MOVEMENT UK