By PETULIA CLARKE

BVI StandPoint Staff

October 28th 2003

Rastafarians from as far north as Canada and as far south as Trinidad are expected at a Caribbean Rastafarian Organisation conference, which begins here Saturday.

The event will include activities designed to dispel myths about the Rastafarian faith and celebrate the repeal of the Rasta Law earlier this year. The conference will be held under the theme "Rasta: The Law and Human Rights."

It is the 9th annual meeting of the Caribbean Rastafarian Organsiation. The conference starts Saturday with an opening ceremony at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, where there will be Niabingy chantings and songs of praise to Haile Selassie. It is expected that remarks will be made by officials including the Minister of Cultural Affairs and the Chief Minister, as well as other cultural presentations culminating with Niabingy drumming.

Sunday will be celebrated as Coronation Day, reminiscent of the day in 1930 when Haile Selassie and his empress were crowned. Activities will be held at Wickhams Cay and will include an emancipation show, more Niabingy drumming and addresses from elders from the movement.

On Monday, the Rastafarians will have in-house reasonings and each island will give representation of activities in their islands. Committees within the Rasta organizations will also give reports.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, there will be a public forum on Rasta law and human rights at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, which will look at the present status of human rights in the region as well as the decriminalisation of marijuana to be used a sacrament.

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, delegates will go to Virgin Gorda. There will be a public forum that evening to inform the people of local herbs that can be used for medicinal reasons. Executive members will also seek to dispel certain myths and give information about Rastas and family life.

On Thursday, Nov. 6 the conference will have an arts and craft exhibition at Wickhams Cay Palm Grove, which will feature music, poetry, food and a chance for persons to express themselves through poems or songs.

On Friday, Nov. 7 there will be a public forum on the history of the maroons in the BVI as well as discussions on reparation and repatriation. There will also be a visit to the BVI High School and a panel discussion on the above topic at the college.

A press conference will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, followed by an island tour highlighting Sage Mountains, where the maroons sought refuge. In the evening there will be a cultural and musical show with performers like Jamaica?s Luciano and other organsiation members, musicians and local artistes.