Rastafarian Community Calling for Reparations

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The Rastafarian community gathered for a planned peaceful protest, where members of the community raised their banners and flags opposite the Clifford Park entrance before police officers moved them further down the western side to an isolated area.

Shouts for repatriation and restitution filled the air.

Independent activist and educator of 41 years Sharon Purser-Cooper was alongside the group, calling for the type of reparations she believes are needed.

Sharon Purser-Cooper – Independent Activist

“We are demanding an apology from England, and by extension, all of the European countries, the 52 countries who abstained from the vote to apologize to the people whose ancestors they slaughtered, raped and plundered. We are not begging for anything. We are making a demand from them. And I respect my Rastafarian brethren, but I do not wish to repatriate to Africa. I want to visit my homeland. I plan to stay right here, and I want to fix right here.”

While some call for fixing local issues, members of the Rastafarian community want an immediate break from the British monarchy.

Activist – Rastafarian Community

“We want freedom, redemption, international repatriation. That’s our only objective. We don’t want nothing to do with the British monarchy. Trust me, we know the history of the British monarchy, and we are not here to be disrespectful to any of them, okay? But where they aggravate us so much, and we know it’s in order to push us in the back, so that’ll make us vex with the King. He say he is our King. Don’t get vex with him. Pardon I, don’t tell me what to do. You do what you gotta do. The King tell us, say go in the back, push us in the back.”

Despite being relocated by police officers along the western Esplanade, leaders insist their resolve remains unshaken.

Outlining their stand for justice is Prophet and Director of the House of Rastafari Jah Micky Bowe.

Jah Micky Bowe – Prophet, Director of the House of Rastafari

“We are here. We’re gonna keep this fight on. We’re not gonna stand back. We didn’t expect nothing drastic to happen. No apology was gonna come out of this meeting today. But we stay here to say that we want our rights. Even though you say you’re not gonna give it us, we’re still ready, still demanding. We’re not asking for us. We’re demanding this right now. So this isn’t a peaceful ask. This is a peaceful demand.”

And activists say Tuesday’s turnout is just the beginning.

The group plans to assemble for a second day outside the Registrar General’s Office on Shirley Street to continue their peaceful protest and demand their right to be heard.