Members of the Bobo Shanti Worldwide organisation based on Pares Main Road have issued a public letter accusing both the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) of failing to engage the Rastafarian community before making arrests related to cannabis charges. According to Antigua News Room, the group says it feels "deeply disrespected" by the manner in which authorities have described and addressed them.
The Bobo Shanti, also known as the Ethiopian African Black International Congress (E.A.B.I.C.), is among the oldest Rastafarian religious organisations in the world, with churches globally and its headquarters in Jamaica. The group has long advocated for freedom, justice, and the upliftment of communities affected by colonial systems.
The organisation moved to clarify the nature of a recent gathering that drew attention from authorities. Members say they were not engaged in a protest, but were waiting for detained members to be released. As it was the Sabbath, members wore white garments, played drums, sang, and worshipped — a practice they describe as an expression of faith, not a public demonstration.
Central to the group's concerns is what they describe as a lack of proactive communication from authorities. They question why public statements were issued only after arrests had already taken place, and why no meaningful effort was made to educate the Rastafarian community about legal requirements beforehand.
"We believe there should have been greater efforts to engage with and educate the Rastafarian community so that misunderstandings could be avoided," the letter states. The group argues that dialogue and education should precede enforcement action, particularly for communities that have historically faced discrimination and systemic barriers.
The organisation also raised concerns about the financial burden facing working-class Rastafarians who may find it difficult to navigate complex regulatory systems surrounding cannabis, despite sincerely wishing to practice their faith and comply with the law.
The Bobo Shanti concluded their letter with a direct call to authorities to engage the Rastafarian community with mutual respect and a willingness to communicate. "We are not seeking conflict," the letter reads. "We are seeking fairness, recognition, and meaningful dialogue."
