It would be remiss of the Jamaican Government of the day not to fully recognise and pay tribute to the Rastafarian movement which is indeed an integral part of the nation’s indigenous culture. A close-up view of this religion will reveal that it has influenced as well as made its way into the Jamaican psyche, in terms of language, cuisine, music, fashion, politics, and the embracing of Afrocentric ideology.

It would be most appropriate and timely at this particular moment of our history when we celebrate 60 years of Independence. Of course, it is well known that the history and evolution of Rastafarianism has been a turbulent and controversial one. One recalls the infamous Coral Gardens massacre in Montego Bay on Good Friday, April 11, 1963, which brought to the fore that, at that time, Rastas were regarded as enemies of the State.

Following a violent altercation at a gas station, the police and military were ordered by then Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante to detain Rastafarians throughout the country, killing and torturing many in the process while detaining well over 100 of them in subhuman conditions, violating, in the process, many of their constitutional rights.

Owing to an intense and sustained lobbying by a representative group of Rastafarians, which led to a legal investigation, the Andrew Holness Administration issued an official apology and condemned the incident. A trust fund was also established to assist the survivors who were harmed and left destitute as a result of what took place. The compensation also included housing and succor, particularly for the elderly victims. Against this backdrop, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)-led Government must be lauded for the stance it took and its effort to make amends.

Perhaps the most seminal and lasting contribution that Rastafarianism has made to Jamaica’s culture is its lasting and strong influence on the development of reggae music, which gained global attention thanks to the iconic superstar Bob Marley, who unashamedly and unabashedly espoused and preached the doctrine of Rastafarian to the masses all over the world. He along with the Wailers took the world by storm with their blockbuster award-winning album Rastaman Vibrations.

Although the popularity of Rastafari declined in the 1980s after the deaths of Haile Selassie and Bob Marley, the movement, which has been recognised by the Government of Jamaica as a religion, continues to survive in many parts of the world while much of its Jamaican presence has been solidified by groups such as the Mansions of Rastafari, the Nyabinghi, the Bobo Ashanti, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Also, the preoccupation with its followers wanting to return to their motherland Africa, which was reinforced by the teachings and philosophy of National Hero Marcus Garvey, though ridiculed by many as a flight of fancy or just downright impractical, remains a focal point among the “dreads”.

In the meantime, it must be noted that many of the teachings and practices of Rastafari can have a very positive and productive influence on the Jamaican people. Their mantra of peace and love, especially at a time when this country has become so violent and fractious, needs to be fully embraced. And when it comes to healthy eating and lifestyle as is being promoted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, “ital” cooking presents a most attractive alternative for a desirable and tasty cuisine.

In terms of the economy, for many decades Rastas have been persecuted, imprisoned, and ostracised because of their use of marijuana, otherwise known as ganja or the herb. Peter Tosh, one of their most vocal proponents, was harassed and subjected to much humiliation because of his song Legalize It and that daredevil hit Buk-In-Hamm Palace in which he says, “Light up you spliff, light up the chalice, come mek we smoke it inna Buckingham Palace.”

It took many decades of lobbying and protests before the relevant authorities decided to free up the weed (but not totally) in addition to decriminalising the smoking of a certain amount. Indeed, it is ironic that now that Jamaica is pursuing a cannabis industry, which has tremendous potential for growing the economy, there is still an almost double-standard approach to this issue.

Many Rastas have been complaining bitterly that they have been sidelined while certain “privileged people” are being allowed to take over the lucrative ganja business, even though it is they who laid the foundation and for many years paid the price for defying the status quo.

Another controversial issue has been the rent-a-dread phenomenon, whereby dreadlocks-wearing men — interestingly, some of them are not bona fide Rastas — provide sexual favours and companionship to female tourists for a price. This practice is primarily seen in Negril and Montego Bay and has caused many citizens to have a negative impression of Rastafari. However, some players in the tourism industry dismiss this criticism, emphasising instead the fact that these men are providing a well-needed service to lonely white women who are fascinated by their earthiness and alleged sexual prowess, said to be enhanced by the smoking of the weed.

Rastafari has also added some colourful words and expressions to the Jamaican lingua franca, such as ‘irie’, ‘apprecielove’ (instead of appreciate), ‘raspect’ (an alternative for respect), ‘I and I’, and ‘I man’, just to name a few.

Then there is the influence of their locks, which has infiltrated the fashion world, Hollywood, entertainment, and sports. Surely this mode of hairstyle should be embraced as against the preoccupation with weaves and “horse hair” complemented by bleaching, which so many Jamaican women now prefer and spend thousands of dollars to enhance their Eurocentric affectations.

The red, green, and gold — the colours symbolic of Rastafari — oftentimes compete with the black, green, and gold, but it must be understood that Rastafari is very much part and parcel of the Jamaican landscape like the Jamaican coat of arms, which is replete with irony.

In the final analysis Rastafari has many positive vibes to impart which can infuse the Jamaican culture and economy with creative ideas and ventures that can and have already taken the world by storm. Without a doubt, “raspect” is due to Rastafari, which is more Jamaican than ackee and salt fish.

Lloyd B Smith has been involved full-time in Jamaican media for the past 45 years. He has also served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is popularly known as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lbsmith4@gmail.com.