Greetings All,
Not only should we take care of the dead with our own ceremonies but more importantly we need to take care of the living. Over the years the Rasta Movement has been insufficient in both catagories. We cannot afford to continue like this. It makes no sence.

We who hold up HIM and Marcus as examples to follow only do so by word of mouth. We have failed to live by example. Not talking about individuals which I am sure you can find examples of upfull living but of the Movement as a whole.
We should be continuing the enterprising spirit of Marcus with businesses. The diplomatic and governing examples of HIM.
First of all we don't even feed ourselves. A people who cannot feed themselves are beggers and not choosers. We need the organic Rasta Farms to feed the ital restaurants, communities, schools, hotels and supermarkets around the islands, the Caribbean and the world.

These farms can diversify into value added products, services and expertise which can bring more needed financial resources and employment into the Movement. We need to explore other uses of the herb cannabis which is mainly used for sacramental purposes in the Movement. We need to be at the forefront of it's industrial, medicinal and theraputic developments. There are over 30,000 products that can be generated from this plant. Why are we not lobbying the governments for start up cannabis industries. The U.S. government is probably the only industrialized gov. that still outlaws industrial cannabis. the rest of the world is ours to explore especially Africa concerning this issue.

Therefore when someone passes on to the ancestors we don't have to be running around begging for money as is usually the case. Our only concern should be for individuals to find the fare to reach the event. We can perform our own send off service in our own buildings and internment in our own burial grounds if we so choose. I was slightly surprised to learn that Bongo Tawney was buried in his yard. These practices although common must stop. It is unhealthy and unsafe. The dead should be separated from the living by clear boundaries. What if in 300 years or so the headstone is gone and someone decides to build at that loction?

Those of us who may fall on hard times like Ras Historian as reported earlier could then rely on a sort of social security network of assistance.
We would not need to go begging for reparations or repatriations. With financial and industrial stability the Rasta Movement could easily locate land for sustainable developement almost anywhere in Africa with a good plan. I would not rule out the caribbean either. Don't tell me that Jah mash up what man plan. He also helps those who help themselves;

With that kind of power base, the powers that be cannot ignore the call reparations. Power only recognizes power. We could then build our holocaust, science and historic museums around the world.

Do not tell me that "me na go build up babylon we a go a zion". I have heard that before. If you don't practice where you are you won't know what to do when you reach your desired destination.

Wake up from you slumber Rasta Movement, it is full time. Maybe we need to put down the drums and chanting for a little while and focus on the needs and requirements of the Movement. 80 years has proven that we cannot do both..........yet