The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to mark a significant moment in its history with the inaugural Rastafari Day on July 23, following a proclamation signed by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach on June 16. This declaration includes an official apology to the Rastafari community for the oppression and religious persecution they have suffered as well as cultural events including musical performances and recognition awards, on all three islands between July 22–24.
The community is encouraged to attend these celebrations and learn more about Rastafari culture and its significance to the Virgin Islands. Performers including Ras Batch, Empress Ima, Jah Roni, Mystic Soul, Revolution and others are scheduled to be at the events on all three islands along with others from throughout the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
The proclamation acknowledges that Ras Tafari is “more than just a religion. It is a movement and way of life” that exists within the United States Virgin Islands. Bryan, on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, issued the apology, stating that Rastafari have endured “many years of persecution and prosecution,” including being jailed, ridiculed, and subjected to “religious profiling because of their Culture and cannabis use.”
A key aspect of this recognition is the Rastafari community’s “knowledge of the Cannabis plant and its many health benefits and its use in sacramental ceremonies for spiritual enlightenment.” The proclamation highlights that cannabis, as a sacrament, “brings them closer to the Almighty and his creation.” This aligns with Act No. 8680, signed into law by Bryan on Jan. 18, 2023, which legalized the sacramental use of cannabis in the Virgin Islands.
“The stone that the builders refuse has become the head cornerstone, and the main thread that binds/ holds the fabric of our community together. Although we were persecuted and prosecuted, we were still able to bring positive vibrations and help to lift up the consciousness of our community on all levels,” said Tafari Tzaddi, president of the V.I. RasTafari Sacramental Cannabis Council, Inc. (VIRSCC INC) and a minister in the Theocracy Reign of the Ancient Ivine Order of the Nyahbinghi.
The VIRCC INC., in collaboration with Theocracy Reign of the Ancient Ivine Order of the Nyahbinghi and the V.I. Rastafari community, extends an invitation to the wider community to celebrate the 133rd Earth Light of Emperor Haile Selassie 1st and the inaugural V.I. Rastafari Day.
The Rastafari movement in the Virgin Islands includes three main houses:
– The Theocracy Reign of the Ancient Divine Order of the Nyahbinghi
– The E.A.B.I.C. (Ethiopian African Black International Congress), also known as the Bobo Ashanti
– The Twelve Tribes of Israel
“I am grateful to Governor Albert Bryan and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach for issuing a proclamation to declare July 23, 2025, as Rastafari Day in the Virgin Islands of the United States. This declaration symbolizes a powerful recognition of not just the mere presence of the Rastafari community in our midst, but our numerous and meaningful contributions to the culture and overall fabric of the Virgin Islands,” said Louis E. Petersen Jr., Virgin Islands Agriculture Commissioner
A series of events across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix will commemorate this historic occasion.
St. Thomas-St. John Event Dates
Tuesday, July 22 – St. Thomas:
7 p.m. — Nyahbinghi Opening Ceremony at the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, July 23, St. Thomas:
9:30 a.m. — Rastafari Day Proclamation program at Government House
10:30 a.m. March to Emancipation Garden after assembling at Coconut Square in Roosevelt Park
Noon–midnight — Cultural Day at Emancipation Garden
Thursday, July 24 – St. John:
4-8 p.m. — Rastafari Cultural Day at the Franklin Powell Sr. Park (Cruz Bay Band Stand)
Thursday, July 24 – St. Thomas:
9 p.m. — Nyahbinghi Ises Seal Up at the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market
St. Croix Event Dates
Tuesday, July 22:
7 p.m. — Nyahbinghi Opening Ceremony at Serenity’s Nest
Wednesday, July 23:
4-8 p.m. — Rastafari Cultural Day at General Buddhoe Park
Saturday, July 26:
Noon — motorcade from Lagoon in Christiansted to Frederiksted
3 p.m.–midnight — Rastafari Cultural Day program at the Department of Agriculture Fair Grounds
On each island, cultural day programs will generally include drumming, prayer, reading of the proclamation, remarks from representatives of various Rastafarian organizations and government representatives, honoring those in the movement who have transcended as well as those still living, live entertainment and poetry.
On St. Thomas, at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, a Rastafari Day Proclamation program will take place at Government House, by invitation only, after which the participants will assemble at Coconut Square in Roosevelt Park. All are encouraged to bring their red, gold and green clothes, banners as well as signs to then march to Emancipation Garden around 10:30 a.m. Once at the garden a DJ will play music, then the official program will start, including a reading of the proclamation by Terrance Positive Nelson, remarks from senators and representative of the various Rastafarian houses, and tributes for the trailblazers who have paved the way. From the British Virgin Islands there will be a representative from the Rastafari Progressive Inity organization. There will also be live entertainment from musical artists and poets including Reggae Dynasty, Ambassadah 7, Niyorah, BamVI and others
“Rastafari Day is a new day. A day I and I start fresh. A new day to meditate on a new life filled with good health, wealth, abundance and success. A day to rejoice because doors are opening, people are saying yes, and the right idea came at the right time. Confidence is the order of Rastafari Day. Thank you, Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the Virgin Islands,” said Ras Zimba, president of We Grow Food, Inc. and vice president of VIRSCC.
Out of respect for their customs, dress attire for women who choose to attend their opening ceremony in Bordeaux is long skirts or dress and covered hair. For men, no short pants or tank tops, no alcohol, no cigarette smoking and cultural attire preferred at all events. Food vendors are being asked to donate $50 and other vendors $25.
For more information, the community is encouraged to call 340-423-7113 regarding St. Croix events and 340-244-4229 for events in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
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