The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is to convene a meeting of representatives of member states and other stakeholders to examine issues affecting Rastafarians across the region in response to continuing concerns about discrimination and marginalisation.
In a statement yesterday, CARICOM said the decision was taken at the 42nd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government on May 8.
According to the statement, Heads of Government noted that many Rastafarians continue to experience exclusion in areas including education, employment and public life, both within the Caribbean and internationally.
They reaffirmed the need to ensure the full recognition and protection of the rights of Rastafarians as equal members of society.
CARICOM also announced that a committee comprising representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago will be established to advance consideration of issues affecting Rastafarians at both the regional and international levels.
The regional body said Heads of Government also acknowledged a number of initiatives already undertaken by member states to address historical injustices experienced by Rastafarians.
These include official public apologies, the granting of land and legislation aimed at protecting individuals from discrimination in the workplace.
According to CARICOM, the Heads of Government said these measures represent examples of progressive action that could help shape a coordinated regional approach to addressing issues affecting Rastafarians.
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