RECENTLY a colourfully dressed contingent from the Rastafarian sect of the Bobo Shanties visited the Express office on Independence Square, Port of Spain.
Their message?
Repatriation.
Where?
To Ethiopia of course, because as every true Rasta is wont to say: "Repatriation is a must."
This particular contingent represented the Ethiopian and African Black International Congress Church of Salvation. They carried their traditional banners with them.
The colour red flying high on top, symbolizes the blood of the Ethiopian people. The green found in the middle represents the pastures that they wish to inherit someday and the black, the black house of the Israelites. The Bobo Shanti sect began in 1958 in Jamaica and they worship and serve their Trinity, Emmanuel Charles Edwards, Marcus Garvey and Selassie I.
Prior to their visit to the Express office, they said they met with advisers to Prime Minister Patrick Manning at his Whitehall office, where they received an "uplifting response." They were pleading for transport, namely ships, to "return" to their homeland, Ethiopia. Having been "stolen" from the African continent many years ago under the European system of slavery, it is only natural that they should want to return there.
Their goal at the Express that day was to impart the truth about the bondage, slavery and oppression of black people to the public. The Bobo Shanties are of the belief that every race on this earth must return to their respective homeland. In particular, they stated that Ethiopia was created geographically and climatically for black people.
The Bobos currently reside in Wharf Trace located in the mountains of Maracas, St. Joseph. Although the Bobo Shanti sect consists of more than 1,000 members, approximately eitht families commune together in St. Joseph. Other practicing fBobo Shanties reside in Jamaica, The Bahamas, The Virgin Islands, Nigeria and Ghana.
The group explained that there are actually 52 different types of Rastafarians – Bobo Shanti and Nyabinghi just being two of the more "popular" ones. They also explained that there were many Rastafarian impersonators, but the true 'Rastas' are those who not only grow dreadlocks, but also those who refrain from wine; strong, alcoholic drinks and meat.
Later this month, on July 23, the Bobo Shanties plan to host a celebration in houour of the late Emperor Haile Selassie I. This marks 112 years since his birth.
During this time, they sing hymns and have bible study. They also hold congressional seminars where they try to implement plans to gain their freedom and their rights. The celebrations will continue until August 17, when they celebrate Marcus Garvey's birth date.
Reproduced from the Trinidad Express Newspaper
For Fair Use only
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