CENTRAL Clarendon MP Mike Henry (JLP) wants Parliament to establish a “united and common” position on recognising the faith of Ras Tafari.

Speaking in the Sectoral Debate last Tuesday, Henry said that Parliament should take into consideration that “Ras Tafari livity is the faith of many Jamaicans, and that members of that faith have repeatedly appealed to Parliament for recognition without success”.

He said that all his attempts to establish what had been the outcome of the applications of Rastas for incorporation of their church and the vesting of property in the body so incorporated – a privilege usually granted to churches on application to Parliament – had failed.

He noted that the last application from the Church of Haile Selassie I was not disposed of by the joint select committee to which it was referred. He is asking that Parliament recognises the faith in all its forms and allow for incorporation.

Among other suggestions made by Henry was a proposed Order of National Treasure to honour persons who would be subject to controversy if they were proposed as National Hero, the late international reggae superstar, Bob Marley being one such person.

He also called for a political decision on reparation, the proposal that the Black race be compensated for their forced labour during slavery.

Henry also called for a revolution of thought, of the spirit and of systems.

Focusing on his constituency, he said he planned to transform community centres into production centres, with emphasis on sports, and the creation and development of intellectual property.