The President of the Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari (ICAR), Aron Alexander, has welcomed the government’s commitment to cannabis reform while demanding that the Rastafari community, historically persecuted under prohibition, be prioritised in both policy and economic opportunities.
His statement follows Governor General Sir Cyril Charles’ Throne Speech announcement of a regulatory framework for cannabis and industrial hemp, including the formation of a Cannabis Advisory Council. Alexander praised the move as a step towards justice but stressed that the changes must centre Rastafari voices and redress decades of harm.
“It is indeed a pleasure to see that the Governor General paid particular attention to the establishment of a framework as far as it concerns the regularisation of the cannabis industry,” Alexander said. “It is important for us to have this regulatory framework in place to ensure that there is no abuse of cannabis and [it] is consumed and used in the right way.”
Yet he reiterated that ICAR does not recognise the authority of the Governor General or the British Crown, calling the position a “remnant of colonialism.” Despite this, he acknowledged the government’s inclusive approach, noting ICAR’s active role in consultations.
“We’ve always maintained the point that we who have suffered the most from the prohibition law when it comes to cannabis, when cannabis is legalised, we should be benefiting the most,” he said. “We were brutalised. We were murdered, we were prosecuted and persecuted in all different ways and forms; heavy fines placed on us for small quantities of cannabis.”
Alexander detailed ICAR’s reparatory justice proposal, which includes:
- Land grants for Rastafari cannabis cultivation
- Free licences for cultivation, transportation, export and religious use
- A Rastafari Development Fund, funded by $1 million initially and sustained by 15–20 per cent of cannabis tax revenues
- Subventions to rebuild cultural and religious institutions destroyed during anti-drug crackdowns
Many Rastafari homes and religious and educational institutions were destroyed during the era of strict drug laws, he said, in justifying the call for a fund.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has engaged constructively with their demands, Alexander said.
“We are very pleased that he has an open door policy, and he has welcomed us. We’ve had a delegation visiting, about 11 of us … from elders to youth and women.”
While advocating for full recognition, Alexander acknowledged the need for balanced public education, stating cannabis has “pros and cons”. “There are dangers associated with cannabis, that is something we have to accept,” he conceded.
For the Rastafari community, he stressed, reform is about dignity, restitution and self-determination, not just regulation.
“Promises made, promises kept,” he concluded. “So we are hoping to be part of the process all the way to the finish line.”
