"Many have the misconception that Rastafari started in Jamaica in the 1930's, but the reality is that Rasta has its genesis much, much earlier on the continent of Africa, from which all humanity originated."

And my point is Tyehimba is the above statement can be misleading. There are specific reasons why the movement emerged and has it origins on the Island of Jamaica. No where else in the Caribbean or the world had the cultural integrity that Jamaica possessed to give rise to this movement. So even though you and I agree ont he anciency of the Rastafari way of life you still carry what I have found to be evident in most Rastas from other parts of the Caribbean that emotion that prevents you from giving Jamaica and the Rasta Movement where credit is due. Not that it is most important. But the fact of the matter when you or anyone from Trinidad first heard the term Rasta or Rastafari, it came out out Jamaica.

Yes, if you visit the Osiris Shaft you will see Rasta and that for I'n'I is just another validation of I'n'I's anciency and rightness but as we see Rasta in this dispensation, in our quest we will find our way to Jamaica and it's origins.

Don't for a minute think that Brother Howell in particular was not aware of your knowledge that you have today and uses to explain Rastafari. That's why they cut his tongue out, so he could speak no more. That's why they did what they did to Marcus and Prince Emmanuel. Do you have any idea of the Afrikan knowledge these men possess. Study the history of Rastafari and find at what juncture the bible became the focus. Don't for a minute beLIEve because Marcus Garvey was A Catholic that he didn't know the mystical power of an Afrikan consciousness.

Many of the early Rastas in JA were Maroons. The bible was secondary to the high Afrikan spirituality that these individuals possessed. I was raised by a Maroon grandmother. I can tell you things that would make you go woe! This is where Rasta comes from in JA and it cannot be found on any other Island in the Caribbean.

It is nice that the I was raised in and around the Binghi but I will tell you that some of those who left JA and travelled the Caribbean to set certain foundations regarding the movement brought with them their doctrine. Most of which was based on a patriarchal brand of Rastafari which completely diminished the role of women. When Brother Howell put together pinnacle he was surrounded by women. He realized the importance and significance of what His Imperial Majesty did when he crowned Empress Mennen simultaneously with H.I.Mself on the 2nd. of Nov. 1930. Brother Howell was adamant about maintaining the Omega balance. He knew Rasta had to balance the power of male and female because that was the Afrikan way.

Those without knowledge of the origins of the movement as it emerged in JA will feel that it started with this patriarchal doctrine as set down by the bible. Well I am categorical stating that it was never like that in the beginning. That it was certain individuals who brought about this kind of man doctrine and transported it to other parts of the Caribbean. They will preach to you and falsely tell you that Nyahbinghi means "Death to Black and White oppressors". But the architects of the movement and those with any sense will know that as the movement emerged it did so simultaneously with the rise of the Mau Mau rebellions in Kenya. They will truthfully tell you that from reading of these rebellions in Marcus Garvey's publications during the 1930's, was when they became familiar with the spirit of Queen Nyahbinghi. And how iritically intelligent were these early Rasta to employ the spirit of Queen Nyahbinghi while burning fiyah on the downpressor. Queen Nyahbinghi would say death to all white oppressors but it was the Mau Maus who said death to all black and white oppressors. When the early Rastas held fast to this slogan they were right in using it. In Jamaica the oppressor didn't always come white. Some were light skinned blacks and some were blue-black. I have seen jet black policemen beating the living daylights out of Rastamen. So death to all of them for what they have done.

Many of the Caribbean Islands can give testimony to the persecution against early Rastafari brethrens and sistrens. Indeed the Death Squad still exist in Guyana(S.Amerikkka) and the Dread Act still exist in Dominica but none compares to the treachery against the early Rastas in Jamaica. I am not trying to lessen the pain and hurt of Rastas on the other Islands but my point since the movement has its origins on the Island of Jamaica, it is there that you will find more testimonies, the killing of more Rastas and it is their that you will find the true integrity of the movement. Just as the Yoruba is to Nigeria, the Dogon is to Mali, the "bushmen" is to Azania, so is Rastafari to Jamaica.

I hope the I can overstand where I am coming from. One Perfect Love from the Blackheart Man, The Ethiopian, The Kemetian.