These are the working objectives of the Organisation of Rastafari in Unity — the practical commitments that turn our mission into action.

1. Unity and a lasting organisation

To achieve greater coordination and unity amongst the Rastafari Community in St. Kitts and Nevis, and to build a firm, unshakable organisation for the development of future generations of Rastafari. We are building more than a moment — we are building an institution that will still be standing, and still serving, long after today’s members have passed the torch.

2. Advocacy, representation and negotiation

To advocate, lobby, represent and negotiate at all levels of government and civil society — nationally, regionally and internationally — on behalf of the Rastafari Nation. Wherever decisions are made that affect our people, ORU intends for the Rastafari voice to be present, prepared and impossible to ignore.

3. Raising the standard of living

To find and implement ways and means of raising the overall standard of living of our people, with particular focus on the economic and educational development of the Rastafari Nation. Rights on paper mean little without bread on the table and knowledge in the mind; we pursue both together.

4. Education in African and Rastafari history and culture

To educate ourselves and the wider society about African and Rastafari history and culture. Knowledge of self is the beginning of freedom. We work to teach our own community and to correct the record in the wider society, so that the truth of African civilisation and the meaning of Rastafari livity are properly understood.

5. Human rights and the social ills

To set up and implement committees and structures to address — legally and otherwise — the human rights concerns of the Rastafari Nation and the social ills facing Rastafari in society. From discrimination and stigma to the everyday injustices our people encounter, ORU is building the mechanisms to confront these issues with discipline and with evidence.

6. African-centred economic cooperation

To facilitate and coordinate African-centred economic programmes, and to provide the mechanism for economic cooperation and assistance among Africans at home and in the African diaspora. We believe in trade, partnership and mutual support that keep value within the African family — locally and across borders.

7. Agriculture and culture as sustainable development

To market and promote Rastafari agricultural and cultural industries as the most viable basis for sustainable development. The land and the culture are our inheritance and our economy. Ital farming, craft, music, art and heritage are not only who we are — they are how we can build prosperity that lasts.

8. Developing the sub-committees

To put in place developmental programmes for the various sub-committees, so that each arm of the organisation has the training, structure and resources to deliver on its part of the mission.