Alexander advocates for reparative justice within the Rastafari community

Aron Alexander, the newly elected President of the Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari (ICAR), is excited about the potential benefits that the impending cannabis industry in Saint Lucia could bring to the Rastafari community. Alexander highlighted the long history of persecution that the Rastafari have faced due to their association with marijuana and expressed the hope that they would be the first to profit from its legalization. He emphasized the need for the Rastafari community, which has been decimated and discriminated against for years, to benefit from a legalized regime involving cannabis.

Alexander’s election as ICAR President took place during the biannual general meeting on March 24, where he secured victory through a rigorous electoral process with broad support from council members for his dedication to the Rastafari cause. Guest speakers at the meeting included the President of Saint Lucia’s Freedom Coalition, Fremont Lawrence, and Dennery North MP and Minister for Education and Sustainable Development, Hon Shawn Edward. Grateful for the trust placed in him, Alexander pledged to uphold the principles of unity, equality, and justice that are central to the Rastafari movement.

Taking immediate action after assuming his new role, Alexander revealed that ICAR has already submitted a comprehensive reparatory justice proposal to the government and the Cannabis Task Force for review. This proactive move showcases ICAR’s active role in advocating for the interests of the Rastafari community, functioning as a platform for both education and cultural preservation. Looking ahead, Alexander stressed the importance of collaboration and community empowerment in achieving ICAR’s goals, highlighting plans to prioritize initiatives that highlight Pan-African groups in Saint Lucia and fill the gap left by the absence of a pan-African movement in the country.

In his role as ICAR President, Alexander is focused on advocating for the Rastafari community and ensuring that they are not left behind in the emerging cannabis industry in Saint Lucia. He recognizes the historical injustices that the community has faced and aims to rectify them by pushing for reparative measures that benefit the Rastafari. By actively engaging with the government and the Cannabis Task Force through their proposed reparatory justice proposal, ICAR under Alexander’s leadership is working to secure a place for the Rastafari community in the evolving cannabis landscape of the country.

Alexander’s commitment to unity, equality, and justice within the Rastafari movement is evident in his approach to leading ICAR and advocating for the community’s interests. By prioritizing collaboration, community empowerment, and cultural preservation, he aims to create a platform that not only benefits the Rastafari community but also fills a gap in the representation of Pan-African groups in Saint Lucia. Through his active involvement and proactive initiatives, Alexander seeks to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society where the Rastafari community can thrive and be recognized for their contributions.