ADDIS ABABA– The Jamaican Rastafarian Development Community (JRDC) praised the government of Ethiopia for issuing the Rastafarian community living here a national Identity Card as foreigners of Ethiopian origin.
Desmond Martin, Chairman of the JRDC said possessing the ID would help the community to enter in the economic sector in the country.
He noted that the Rastafarian community have been living with Ethiopians in harmony and contributing in the development progress of the country for decades adding that the JRDC has built kindergarten and elementary school in Shashamane town of Oromia State educating children of Ethiopian Origin.
Lorna Curtis secretary of the JRDC for her part said that it is blissful to know that Rastafarians have been accepted and recognized as part of a community with legality, which would offer so much benefit.
According to her the ID gives the holders the rights to live, be employed in Ethiopia without work permits, participate in pension schemes under the development pension law, own immovable properties like houses, to be considered as domestic investors, to utilize economic, social and administrative services without restriction in Ethiopia.
“The ID would give us the opportunity to contribute to the fullest towards the development of Ethiopia, which is why we are here for and we have a thriving community unity in Shashamane. We are so excited and I am confident that we Rastafarians will contribute a lot,” she stressed.
Larry Curtis, Rastafarian living in Ethiopia also told The Ethiopian Herald that the legal recognition of the Ethiopian government for Rastafarians would encourage more people, specially educated and qualified people who are living in the west to come to Ethiopia and assist its development.
The Ethiopian Herald April 27/ 2011
BY HENOK TIBEBU
