Culture Minister, Olivia Grange, says there is no tension between the government and the Rastafari or Maroon communities in Jamaica.
Minister Grange made the statement as she appeared before the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Minister’s appearance before the Committee is part of a reporting mechanism on the measures implemented by Jamaica in keeping with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
The Minister says financial support has been given by the government to Maroon communities including Moore Town, Charles Town, Scott’s Hall and Accompong Town to assist with their festivals and development initiatives.
She also spoke of reparations to members of the Rastafari community who were victims of the Coral Gardens Incident of 1963.
Olivia Grange, Culture Minister.
She says Jamaica would continue to monitor the human rights situation in the country and make adjustments where necessary.
