According to Country Reports 1993, Dominica has a small Rastafarian community (1994, 417). A 15 February 1981 Associated Press (AP) report stated that the Rastafarians formed their cult in the Caribbean in the 1930s, and many members wore their hair in long braids called "dreadlocks." The same source notes that Rastafarians in Dominica tend to live in the rural areas. Country Reports 1993 states that Rastafarians are not looked upon kindly by Dominican government officials (1994, 417). The government passed the 1979 "Dread Act," which prohibited Dominicans from becoming members of the Rastafarian cult (Country Reports 1983 1984, 534). This law was repealed in 1982, but cult members are still occasionally harassed by government officials (Country Reports 1993 1994, 417). These documents are available at your Regional Documentation Centre.

In a 16 May 1981 Associated Press (AP) report, a state of emergency was declared on the island of Dominica in February 1981 after two police officers were killed in a gun battle with Rastafarians in the village of Giraudel. The New York Times reported on 7 October 1981 that the Rastafarians were involved in an attempt to overthrow the Dominican government. The Rastafarians reportedly alleged that the government of Eugenia Charles persecuted them (ibid.).

Latin American Regional Reports: Caribbean stated in a 20 February 1981 report that there was a "simmering conflict between the government and the Rastafarian community" on the island. This conflict resulted in the Rastafarians kidnapping the father of a government official, whom they stated would be released only after the government stopped persecuting Rastafarians (ibid.). For further details on the conflict between the government and Rastafarians in the 1980s, when that conflict turned violent, please refer to the attachments.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

The Associated Press (AP). 16 May 1981. AM Cycle. "Kill 3 Rastafarians in Clash." (NEXIS)

_____. 15 May 1981. AM Cycle. "Villagers Plead for Release of Kidnapped Farmer." (NEXIS)

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1993. 1994. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.

Latin America Regional Reports: Caribbean [London]. 20 February 1981. "Kidnap Challenge by Rastafarians." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 7 October 1981. City Final Edition. "Leader in Dominica Plot Depicts Rastafarian Plan." (NEXIS)

The Associated Press (AP). 16 May 1981. AM Cycle. "Kill 3 Rastafarians in Clash." (NEXIS)

_____. 15 February 1981. AM Cycle. "Villagers Plead for Release of Kidnapped Farmer." (NEXIS)

_____. 14 February 1981. AM Cycle. Perry Bellot. "Dominica Cultists Seize Hostage, State of Emergency Declared." (NEXIS)

Latin America Regional Reports: Caribbean [London]. 8 May 1981. "Rastafarians." (NEXIS)

_____. 20 February 1981. "Kidnap Challenge by Rastafarians." (NEXIS)

Latin American Weekly Report [London]. 20 February 1981. "Dominica/Rastafarians." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 7 October 1981. City Final Edition. "Leader in Dominica Plot Depicts Rastafarian Plan." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 2 June 1981. AM Cycle. "Dominica." (NEXIS)

_____. 6 May 1981. AM Cycle. "Dominica." (NEXIS)