PRESIDENT David Granger is expected to attend a Rastafarian National Conference on July 20 at the University of Guyana.
House of Nyabinghi representative and Secretary of the Guyana Reparations Committee, Woziero Esther Gittens said the two-day conference will be held under the theme, “National Rastafari Unity for Recognition, Justice and Development”.

She said President Granger confirmed that he will be the keynote speaker, and that the objective of the conference is to discuss reparation, repatriation and restoration within the International Decade for People of African Descent 2015–2024, which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in a Resolution adopted on December 23, 2013. The theme of the International Decade is “People of African descent: Recognition, justice and development”.

She said African groups need to come together under one umbrella to craft a plan for the remainder of the decade, and that overseas delegates and panelists are expected from Ethiopia, Jamaica and St Lucia. Also expected to be here for the conference is Ras Bunny Wailer of the CARICOM Reparations Commission.

“All are invited, especially families and relevant stakeholders are advised to attend since we want to promote developmental projects in our respective communities,” Gittens said, adding that of the 16 national holidays here, only one has been set aside for the African community.

“We are asking for a national holiday for Rastafarians, and we want to be recognised as a cultural religious movement,” Gittens said.
Ras Percy Bristol, Overseer of the Twelve Tribes of Israel said all Rastafarians should focus on the things that unite their cause instead of focusing on differences.

He called on the Rastafarian community within CARICOM and the region to send a representative to the meeting so their input can be recorded on the way forward in developing their way of life.

Ras Richard Taylor of the Guyana Rastafari Council treasurer called on all families to come out and support the event to learn more about the councils plans and works in Guyana and further afield.

Head of the Rastafarian Council Ras Simeon said the event is a collaborative effort between the Guyana Rastafari Council, the House of Nyabinghi and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Anyone willing to collaborate with the organisers can contact Ms Gittens on 684-4400.