THE EDITOR, Sir:
AFTER 40 years of so-called independence, Jamaica still sees the fundamental rights of Rastafarians not envisaged in the Jamaica constitution. The IEWFINC in the early nineties established itself as the umbrella and the political arm of the Rastafarian community in a five-point document sent to the 'Commission on constitutional reform' in 1992, dealing with five areas for amendments to the present constitution. This led to a meeting with the Joint Select Committee on 12/10/94 where the IEWFINC gave oral testimony, followed by the launching of the IEWFIPP at the Jamaica Conference Centre on July 16, 1997.
In this 2002 general election the IEWFIPP is seeking the support of the Rasta community and the "Uncommitted" which will not interfere with the loyalty of the major party supporters. This is a strategy to maintain our presence in the ongoing struggle that eventually will lead to our gaining representation in the Parliament, and at the same time place Jamaican democracy on trial. The IEWFIPP reiterates the call for 'Free and Fair' elections and for the masses of Jamaica to demonstrate political growth by behaving in a civilised way during election campaigns.
The IEWFIPP also calls on the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to direct the Jamaican populace in such a way to put an end to political violence and tribalism which continues to have negative effects on our economy, by chasing away investors or make them afraid to come in.
Editor, Sir, we truly believe that Rastafarian representation in the Senate through the IEWFPP will play a major role in Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
LEROY LINDSAY
IEWFIPP
Caretaker
Western St. Andrew
