By Klao Bell, Staff Reporter
Rastafarians protest along the Palisadoes Main Road, near the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday after the arrival of the Queen. - Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer
SIX MEMBERS of the Rasta-farian community are expected to be among the guests at Kings House today where a cultural gala in honour of Queen Elizabeth II will be held.
The Rastafarians, from the Nyahbinghi and Bobo Ashanti houses, are reported to have acquired the invitations through the mediation of Howard Hamilton, the Public Defender.
The main objective of the Rastafarians' presence at Kings House is to observe the presentation of a letter outlining certain demands to the Queen. They are demanding reparations for slavery from Great Britain and also monetary assistance towards the repatriation to Africa.
"Six representatives will be at the gala, they will be met at the gate and given further instructions. I will also make the presentation of their letter to the Queen's representative, who will be indicated to me tomorrow," said Mr. Hamilton.
Ras Irie Irons an elder of the Nyahbinghi House was, however, disappointed with the restrictions imposed as a condition of the visit.
"There are some terrible restrictions. We can't carry any emblems or posters and only six of us can go. But the most important thing is that the letter gets to her," Ras Irons said.
He said he has selected representatives from three Rastafarian Houses to attend the event.
"I and two other brothers from the Nyahbinghi, two others from the Bobo Ashanti and two more from another house will be going," Ras Irons said.
This is not the first time that members of the Rastafarian community have been invited to a Royal event. In 1994, noted Rastafarian leader, Samuel Clayton, was invited to a reception at Kings House. According to Mr. Clayton, the Queen 'came over' and struck up a conversation with him.
The letter to be presented today briefly states that Africans were forcibly removed from their homeland and demands that return to Africa should be facilitated monetarily and diplomatically.
Mr. Hamilton reiterated that those who are sceptical of the Rastafarians' request, "may be surprised," by the Queen's response. He pointed out that that other nations have won compensation for atrocities committed against them.
