Research Institute for the Study of Man | |
The Earth Most Strangest Man: The Rastafarian by Mortimo Planno | |
We are strongly of the opinion that the Government of Jamaica should take the initiative in arranging for the emigration to Africa and settlement therein of Jamaicans who wish to go there. Several reasons lead to his conclusion.
The first step is to find out which African countries are prepared to receive
Jamaicans. There is evidence that the Emperor of ETHIOPIA has granted a few hundred
acres of land on a trial basis for settlement of "Black People of the West."
His willingness to admit Jamaicans to ETHIOPIA should be formally explored. Some
Ras Tafari brethren fix their eyes exclusively on ETHIOPIA. Others mean by "ETHIOPIA"
the continent of Africa, and would be glad to emigrate to any African continent of
Africa, and would be glad to emigrate to any African country. The first step is therefore
to send an official mission to visit several countries of Africa, and seek permission
for Jamaican imigration. Such a mission should be led by a prominent Jamaican, perferably,
not indentified with one of the political parties. It should include civil servants,
and prominent Ras Tafari brethren. Since the Movement has no universally accepted
leaders this presents rather a difficulty. The various groups will be able to nominate
people to discuss with the Government the necessary preparations, and also to go
on the mission. However, if the mission fails, the brethren will probably repudiate
their representatives. Failure of the mission would not prove to the brethren that
repatriation is a mirage. This should not be used as an excuse for failing to take
the initiative. Emigration is necessary, and the Goverment has a duty to discover
whether it is possible, and to exploit every possiblity.
If any African Government agrees to permit immigration it will probably impose tests
on the immigrants. Possible such tests are literacy, artisan skills, and economic
viability. Many Ras Tafarians could not pass such tests without preparation and help.
They would have to use opportunties provided for learning to read, or for acquiring
technical skills.
Settlement of migrants costs a great deal of money, which is required for opening
up land, for roads, houses, water supplies, and industrial capital. Even if a Government
is willing or able to spend the large sums required for settling them.
Opportunities for emigration could not be confined to Ras Tafari brethern. Many other
Jamaicans, who do not accept the divinity of the Emperor of ETHIOPIA, would gladly
seize an opportunity to emigrate to Africa. Indeed, since so many Ras Tafarians have
had long spells of unemployment, Ras Tafarians in general may find it more difficult
to pass the tests which the African Government may impose than would other Jamaicans.
The immediate step is for the Government to invite a small group of representatives
of the Movement to discuss practical moves.