Rastafarians gather at House of Culture

Over the years, their lifestyle has been revered and ridiculed but whether you’re down on or down with your neighbourhood Rastas, there is little argument over Bob Marley’s place in the musical and cultural history of our planet. Today, the House of Culture unveiled its latest collection featuring the legend that is Bob Marley and the religion that is Rastafarism. Patrick Jones has more.

Patrick Jones, Reporting
The exhibition features not only portraits of reggae music icon Bob Marley, but also puts the spotlight on his religious belief. Researcher with the Institute of Social and Cultural Research Froyla Salam is one of the organisers of the display.

Froyla Salam, Researcher, ISCR
?Well February is Black African month and it?s also Bob Marley?s birthday. The reason why we combine Bob Marley portrait and Rastafarianism is that Bob Marley was a Rasta man. And I think that we wanted to just be a part of black month, in February.?

Roughly twenty pieces, including paintings by various local artists are on display until the end of the month at the Belize City House of Culture. Promoters of Rastafarianism in Belize, like Ras Adowa, say the exhibition gives visitors a unique perspective of this growing segment of the population.

Ras Adowa, Rastafarian Prophet
?It brings a lot of people and Rastafari, most people would say well Rastafaris like they may be black supremacists. But we are lovers of humanity. But first we must love our race. So if that makes me a racist then if that?s what you want to call it, then that?s what I am. But I would first love my people with all my heart. You understand? But we are lovers of humanity and we love everyone. So this opportunity allows everyone of all cultures, creed, traditions race to come in and see what Rastafari is doing in Belize.?

And organisers say they see no reason why they should not help to spread that message.

Froyla Salam
?I don?t see what?s wrong with that.?

Phyllis Butler, Activities Director, H.O.C.
?We should respect people whatever is their religious belief; whatever their practice; whatever is their norms of life. We should respect each other.?

Froyla Salam
?I mean look at what Bob Marley was preaching, his philosophy. I mean if we all try to stick to his philosophy I think we would be a much better world.?

Ras Adowa
?Belize is like a new place and the Rastarfari levity is well aged in Belize, it?s well preserved. Only because most people isolate themselves because of the condition of the society not accepting. But now the ground has been broken and the world is ready, and Belize is ready to accept Rastafari.?

Patrick Jones, for News 5.

The exhibition is opened to the public, especially students during normal working hours. There is no entry charge.