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Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica -Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy + The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica www.island-stage.com

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Page 1: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica

-Musically Speaking

HEMP-ocrisy+The Crabs and the 500 Acre

Bucket -Patrick Howell

Portraits of Rural Jamaica wwwisland-stagecom

Table of Contents

Cover Photo copy Roxanne Haynes

Table of Contents photo copy Reggae Reflection

Ziggy Marley

FLY RASTA

+ 5 Musically Speaking - Lloyd Stanbury

lsquoGanja Law Reform in Jamaicarsquo

31 The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -

Patrick Howell

38 HEMP-ocrisy - Sista Irie

46 Rural Jamaican - photos by Lee Abel

50 Forgotten Faces - Germantown

Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

3

FreeFree like the day I was born

Free like the wind on that Wednesday

Free like the souls be dancing through the fields

Free like blowing Breeze Free like the swaying Trees

Free like the morning dew

Free to do what I do

Free like the Herb Smoke I exhale

I just got to be free

Free to switch gears and go in double time

and Irsquom free not to rhyme

Free just to be

Free like the well spring of life thatrsquos in me

Free like my Mama she taught me to be

Free like the mind of the smallest of child

Free to stay on the playground for a while

Free like I feel when I step out on stage

and the Spirit of JAH Captivates me

Free like synaptic reactions thats happening

spawning creation of pure energy

Free like vibrations we hold in the cycle

Quite frequently mixed in with strong THC

Free to see through and free

to discern

all my wild fantasies from my

true realities

Free to be pushed from the

ledge when

Irsquom standing on the edge

Still standing firm on my feet

-Stevie Lightening

ldquoReturn of the Righteous Vol1rdquo

wwwrootzundergroundcomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Sista Irie Photography- Old Pinnacle Well

Musically Speakingby Lloyd Stanbury

Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica and the Pinnacle Debacle

The Jamaican Government has clearly signaled its intention to pursue a strategy

towards Ganja law reform aimed at facilitating decriminalization legalization and the

commercialization Marijuana Many are asking what took them so long

Over 15 years ago I attended an international training seminar in The Hague

Netherlands which dealt with the use of information and communications technologies

for development I recall that one of my fellow participants from Jamaica remained in The Netherlands after

the seminar to conduct a study on the legalization of Marijuana which according to him was commissioned by

the Jamaican government My understanding is that his report was submitted soon after his return to Jamaica

After all this time I cannot help but conclude that the apparent haste with which the Jamaican government

now seeks to address Ganja law reform is being driven by economic desperation and greed I am also

absolutely amazed that the Jamaican government and their ldquoexpert advisorsrdquo appear to be oblivious to their

blatant hypocrisy and lack of credibility as they seek to pursue Ganja law reform with vigour while dragging

their feet on the issue of Pinnacle restoration and other burning concerns affecting the RasTafari community

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

7

RasTafari culture is revered globally yet successive

Jamaican governments have failed to protect

respect and preserve Pinnacle the birthplace of

the RasTafari movement Pinnacle is reported to be

the first commercial Ganja farm in Jamaica and

was also a self sustaining RasTafari community

For the past 70 years however members of the

RasTafari community in Jamaica have been abused

persecuted and discriminated against by the

government and security forces primarily because

of their use of Ganja

It is my view that the proposed new Jamaican

government policy on Ganja MUST include

atonement and reparations for the abuse inflicted

on members of the RasTafari community for their

use of Ganja In particular the destruction of the

Pinnacle community and the incarceration and

committal to a mental institution of its leader

Leonard Percival Howell must be addressed Any

government supported initiative on Ganja law

reform (be it legalization decriminalization and

or commercialization) is hypocritical and lacking

in credibility if pursued without an equal resolve

to address the destruction of the first commercial

Ganja farm in Jamaica and the RasTafari

community that was Pinnacle

copySista Irie Photography

Music Shall Teach Them A Lesson

R

E

B

E

L

M

U

S

I

C

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 2: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Table of Contents

Cover Photo copy Roxanne Haynes

Table of Contents photo copy Reggae Reflection

Ziggy Marley

FLY RASTA

+ 5 Musically Speaking - Lloyd Stanbury

lsquoGanja Law Reform in Jamaicarsquo

31 The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -

Patrick Howell

38 HEMP-ocrisy - Sista Irie

46 Rural Jamaican - photos by Lee Abel

50 Forgotten Faces - Germantown

Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

3

FreeFree like the day I was born

Free like the wind on that Wednesday

Free like the souls be dancing through the fields

Free like blowing Breeze Free like the swaying Trees

Free like the morning dew

Free to do what I do

Free like the Herb Smoke I exhale

I just got to be free

Free to switch gears and go in double time

and Irsquom free not to rhyme

Free just to be

Free like the well spring of life thatrsquos in me

Free like my Mama she taught me to be

Free like the mind of the smallest of child

Free to stay on the playground for a while

Free like I feel when I step out on stage

and the Spirit of JAH Captivates me

Free like synaptic reactions thats happening

spawning creation of pure energy

Free like vibrations we hold in the cycle

Quite frequently mixed in with strong THC

Free to see through and free

to discern

all my wild fantasies from my

true realities

Free to be pushed from the

ledge when

Irsquom standing on the edge

Still standing firm on my feet

-Stevie Lightening

ldquoReturn of the Righteous Vol1rdquo

wwwrootzundergroundcomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Sista Irie Photography- Old Pinnacle Well

Musically Speakingby Lloyd Stanbury

Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica and the Pinnacle Debacle

The Jamaican Government has clearly signaled its intention to pursue a strategy

towards Ganja law reform aimed at facilitating decriminalization legalization and the

commercialization Marijuana Many are asking what took them so long

Over 15 years ago I attended an international training seminar in The Hague

Netherlands which dealt with the use of information and communications technologies

for development I recall that one of my fellow participants from Jamaica remained in The Netherlands after

the seminar to conduct a study on the legalization of Marijuana which according to him was commissioned by

the Jamaican government My understanding is that his report was submitted soon after his return to Jamaica

After all this time I cannot help but conclude that the apparent haste with which the Jamaican government

now seeks to address Ganja law reform is being driven by economic desperation and greed I am also

absolutely amazed that the Jamaican government and their ldquoexpert advisorsrdquo appear to be oblivious to their

blatant hypocrisy and lack of credibility as they seek to pursue Ganja law reform with vigour while dragging

their feet on the issue of Pinnacle restoration and other burning concerns affecting the RasTafari community

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

7

RasTafari culture is revered globally yet successive

Jamaican governments have failed to protect

respect and preserve Pinnacle the birthplace of

the RasTafari movement Pinnacle is reported to be

the first commercial Ganja farm in Jamaica and

was also a self sustaining RasTafari community

For the past 70 years however members of the

RasTafari community in Jamaica have been abused

persecuted and discriminated against by the

government and security forces primarily because

of their use of Ganja

It is my view that the proposed new Jamaican

government policy on Ganja MUST include

atonement and reparations for the abuse inflicted

on members of the RasTafari community for their

use of Ganja In particular the destruction of the

Pinnacle community and the incarceration and

committal to a mental institution of its leader

Leonard Percival Howell must be addressed Any

government supported initiative on Ganja law

reform (be it legalization decriminalization and

or commercialization) is hypocritical and lacking

in credibility if pursued without an equal resolve

to address the destruction of the first commercial

Ganja farm in Jamaica and the RasTafari

community that was Pinnacle

copySista Irie Photography

Music Shall Teach Them A Lesson

R

E

B

E

L

M

U

S

I

C

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

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16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

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18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

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19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

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Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

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26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

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27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

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36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 3: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

3

FreeFree like the day I was born

Free like the wind on that Wednesday

Free like the souls be dancing through the fields

Free like blowing Breeze Free like the swaying Trees

Free like the morning dew

Free to do what I do

Free like the Herb Smoke I exhale

I just got to be free

Free to switch gears and go in double time

and Irsquom free not to rhyme

Free just to be

Free like the well spring of life thatrsquos in me

Free like my Mama she taught me to be

Free like the mind of the smallest of child

Free to stay on the playground for a while

Free like I feel when I step out on stage

and the Spirit of JAH Captivates me

Free like synaptic reactions thats happening

spawning creation of pure energy

Free like vibrations we hold in the cycle

Quite frequently mixed in with strong THC

Free to see through and free

to discern

all my wild fantasies from my

true realities

Free to be pushed from the

ledge when

Irsquom standing on the edge

Still standing firm on my feet

-Stevie Lightening

ldquoReturn of the Righteous Vol1rdquo

wwwrootzundergroundcomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Sista Irie Photography- Old Pinnacle Well

Musically Speakingby Lloyd Stanbury

Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica and the Pinnacle Debacle

The Jamaican Government has clearly signaled its intention to pursue a strategy

towards Ganja law reform aimed at facilitating decriminalization legalization and the

commercialization Marijuana Many are asking what took them so long

Over 15 years ago I attended an international training seminar in The Hague

Netherlands which dealt with the use of information and communications technologies

for development I recall that one of my fellow participants from Jamaica remained in The Netherlands after

the seminar to conduct a study on the legalization of Marijuana which according to him was commissioned by

the Jamaican government My understanding is that his report was submitted soon after his return to Jamaica

After all this time I cannot help but conclude that the apparent haste with which the Jamaican government

now seeks to address Ganja law reform is being driven by economic desperation and greed I am also

absolutely amazed that the Jamaican government and their ldquoexpert advisorsrdquo appear to be oblivious to their

blatant hypocrisy and lack of credibility as they seek to pursue Ganja law reform with vigour while dragging

their feet on the issue of Pinnacle restoration and other burning concerns affecting the RasTafari community

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

7

RasTafari culture is revered globally yet successive

Jamaican governments have failed to protect

respect and preserve Pinnacle the birthplace of

the RasTafari movement Pinnacle is reported to be

the first commercial Ganja farm in Jamaica and

was also a self sustaining RasTafari community

For the past 70 years however members of the

RasTafari community in Jamaica have been abused

persecuted and discriminated against by the

government and security forces primarily because

of their use of Ganja

It is my view that the proposed new Jamaican

government policy on Ganja MUST include

atonement and reparations for the abuse inflicted

on members of the RasTafari community for their

use of Ganja In particular the destruction of the

Pinnacle community and the incarceration and

committal to a mental institution of its leader

Leonard Percival Howell must be addressed Any

government supported initiative on Ganja law

reform (be it legalization decriminalization and

or commercialization) is hypocritical and lacking

in credibility if pursued without an equal resolve

to address the destruction of the first commercial

Ganja farm in Jamaica and the RasTafari

community that was Pinnacle

copySista Irie Photography

Music Shall Teach Them A Lesson

R

E

B

E

L

M

U

S

I

C

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 4: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

copy Sista Irie Photography- Old Pinnacle Well

Musically Speakingby Lloyd Stanbury

Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica and the Pinnacle Debacle

The Jamaican Government has clearly signaled its intention to pursue a strategy

towards Ganja law reform aimed at facilitating decriminalization legalization and the

commercialization Marijuana Many are asking what took them so long

Over 15 years ago I attended an international training seminar in The Hague

Netherlands which dealt with the use of information and communications technologies

for development I recall that one of my fellow participants from Jamaica remained in The Netherlands after

the seminar to conduct a study on the legalization of Marijuana which according to him was commissioned by

the Jamaican government My understanding is that his report was submitted soon after his return to Jamaica

After all this time I cannot help but conclude that the apparent haste with which the Jamaican government

now seeks to address Ganja law reform is being driven by economic desperation and greed I am also

absolutely amazed that the Jamaican government and their ldquoexpert advisorsrdquo appear to be oblivious to their

blatant hypocrisy and lack of credibility as they seek to pursue Ganja law reform with vigour while dragging

their feet on the issue of Pinnacle restoration and other burning concerns affecting the RasTafari community

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

7

RasTafari culture is revered globally yet successive

Jamaican governments have failed to protect

respect and preserve Pinnacle the birthplace of

the RasTafari movement Pinnacle is reported to be

the first commercial Ganja farm in Jamaica and

was also a self sustaining RasTafari community

For the past 70 years however members of the

RasTafari community in Jamaica have been abused

persecuted and discriminated against by the

government and security forces primarily because

of their use of Ganja

It is my view that the proposed new Jamaican

government policy on Ganja MUST include

atonement and reparations for the abuse inflicted

on members of the RasTafari community for their

use of Ganja In particular the destruction of the

Pinnacle community and the incarceration and

committal to a mental institution of its leader

Leonard Percival Howell must be addressed Any

government supported initiative on Ganja law

reform (be it legalization decriminalization and

or commercialization) is hypocritical and lacking

in credibility if pursued without an equal resolve

to address the destruction of the first commercial

Ganja farm in Jamaica and the RasTafari

community that was Pinnacle

copySista Irie Photography

Music Shall Teach Them A Lesson

R

E

B

E

L

M

U

S

I

C

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 5: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Musically Speakingby Lloyd Stanbury

Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica and the Pinnacle Debacle

The Jamaican Government has clearly signaled its intention to pursue a strategy

towards Ganja law reform aimed at facilitating decriminalization legalization and the

commercialization Marijuana Many are asking what took them so long

Over 15 years ago I attended an international training seminar in The Hague

Netherlands which dealt with the use of information and communications technologies

for development I recall that one of my fellow participants from Jamaica remained in The Netherlands after

the seminar to conduct a study on the legalization of Marijuana which according to him was commissioned by

the Jamaican government My understanding is that his report was submitted soon after his return to Jamaica

After all this time I cannot help but conclude that the apparent haste with which the Jamaican government

now seeks to address Ganja law reform is being driven by economic desperation and greed I am also

absolutely amazed that the Jamaican government and their ldquoexpert advisorsrdquo appear to be oblivious to their

blatant hypocrisy and lack of credibility as they seek to pursue Ganja law reform with vigour while dragging

their feet on the issue of Pinnacle restoration and other burning concerns affecting the RasTafari community

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

7

RasTafari culture is revered globally yet successive

Jamaican governments have failed to protect

respect and preserve Pinnacle the birthplace of

the RasTafari movement Pinnacle is reported to be

the first commercial Ganja farm in Jamaica and

was also a self sustaining RasTafari community

For the past 70 years however members of the

RasTafari community in Jamaica have been abused

persecuted and discriminated against by the

government and security forces primarily because

of their use of Ganja

It is my view that the proposed new Jamaican

government policy on Ganja MUST include

atonement and reparations for the abuse inflicted

on members of the RasTafari community for their

use of Ganja In particular the destruction of the

Pinnacle community and the incarceration and

committal to a mental institution of its leader

Leonard Percival Howell must be addressed Any

government supported initiative on Ganja law

reform (be it legalization decriminalization and

or commercialization) is hypocritical and lacking

in credibility if pursued without an equal resolve

to address the destruction of the first commercial

Ganja farm in Jamaica and the RasTafari

community that was Pinnacle

copySista Irie Photography

Music Shall Teach Them A Lesson

R

E

B

E

L

M

U

S

I

C

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 6: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

7

RasTafari culture is revered globally yet successive

Jamaican governments have failed to protect

respect and preserve Pinnacle the birthplace of

the RasTafari movement Pinnacle is reported to be

the first commercial Ganja farm in Jamaica and

was also a self sustaining RasTafari community

For the past 70 years however members of the

RasTafari community in Jamaica have been abused

persecuted and discriminated against by the

government and security forces primarily because

of their use of Ganja

It is my view that the proposed new Jamaican

government policy on Ganja MUST include

atonement and reparations for the abuse inflicted

on members of the RasTafari community for their

use of Ganja In particular the destruction of the

Pinnacle community and the incarceration and

committal to a mental institution of its leader

Leonard Percival Howell must be addressed Any

government supported initiative on Ganja law

reform (be it legalization decriminalization and

or commercialization) is hypocritical and lacking

in credibility if pursued without an equal resolve

to address the destruction of the first commercial

Ganja farm in Jamaica and the RasTafari

community that was Pinnacle

copySista Irie Photography

Music Shall Teach Them A Lesson

R

E

B

E

L

M

U

S

I

C

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

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Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

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36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 7: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

copySista Irie Photography

Music Shall Teach Them A Lesson

R

E

B

E

L

M

U

S

I

C

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 8: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

M a r i j u a n aProgress

by Susan Underwood

According to the ACLUrsquos original analysis marijuana arrests now

account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States Of the

82 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010 88 were

for simply having marijuana Nationwide the arrest data revealed

one consistent trend significant racial bias httpswwwacluorg

criminal-law-reformmarijuana-arrests-numbers

When you look at marijuana arrest data in the US every 37

seconds someone gets handcuffed and booked for weed-related

crime and black people are 37 times more likely to be the ones

arrested (communities of color have felt this to be true for a long

time and now we have the stats to back us up)

Nine out of ten in the US donrsquot think a person should face jail

time for a small amount weed In 2010 alone states spent $361

BILLION enforcing marijuana laws in the US

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

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16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

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18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

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19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

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Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

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26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

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27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 9: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

11

Quoting Karl lsquoDice Rawrsquo Jenkins in a Huffington

Post article published on 3182014

ldquoI can think of so many different ways the money

can be better spent and Irsquom sure Irsquom not the only

one Start off with the most obvious areas in need

of improvement -- quality education More MUSIC

and sports programs for children and older youth

The money being spent on marijuana arrests and

convictions is a complete waste of taxpayersrsquo

money I mean with the dough thatrsquos being

wasted on arresting people up for smoking and

selling minuscule amounts of weed we could feed

starving children set up Internet-equipped rooms

in inner-city community centers for starters and

not just for inner-city youth but for all childrenrdquo

Here Here Karl We Agree Read Karlrsquos full article

httpwwwhuffingtonpostcomkarl-dice-raw-

jenkinswe-shouldnt-arrest-one-mo_b_4987544

html

In 1994 Dale Gieringer PhD wrote a detailed

analysis of the benefits of ending cannabis

prohibition In pointing out specifically the

revenue potential from legalization the numbers

were staggering and this was twenty years ago

Imagine the numbers now in 2014

Economic Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

Excise Taxes

$22 - $64 Billion

Sales Taxes

$02 - $13 Billion

Enforcement Savings

$6 - $9 Billion

Hemp Industry

$6 - $10 Billion

Spinoff industries Reduced hard-drug and alcohol abuse

So what does our progress look like today In

the US states of Washington and Colorado at the

state level (on 28 May 2013 Colorado became the

worldrsquos first fully regulated recreational cannabis

market for adults) A larger number of countries

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 10: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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12

jails with marijuana-related cases In 2003 a

government commission recommended legalizing

marijuana in small amounts for personal use

But lawmakers never acted saying legalization

might entail loss of their countryrsquos US anti-drug

certification Countries that lose it face economic

sanctions A US State Department report reports

that Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana

in the Caribbean Talks have resumed Letrsquos see

what progress can be made

Letrsquos look again at the economic impact as it

relates to the US state of Colorado specifically

According to our sources On New Yearrsquos Day

2014 24 dispensaries opened up in the state

to sell recreational marijuana and sales totaled

more than $1 million Over a week sales totaled

$5 million What do all these numbers mean for

Colorado and for the rest of the states in the

country Tax revenue

With state taxes at 35 percent and the ability for

have decriminalized or legalized cannabis On 10

December 2013Uruguay became the first country

in the world to fully legalize the sale production

and distribution of marijuana You can also view 20

Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws Fees

and Possession Limits here

httpmedicalmarijuanaproconorgviewresource

phpresourceID=000881

Here is where things stand by country

httpenwikipediaorgwikiLegality_of_cannabis_

by_country

It will suprise alot of you to know that Cannabis

is illegal in Jamaica You can be arrested for

simply possessing a spliff According to our

sources Jamaica is considering the legalization

of marijuana A seven-member government

commission has been researching possible changes

to the Caribbean nationrsquos anti-drug laws which

some police complain are clogging courts and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

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Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

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18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

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19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

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Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

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26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

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27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 11: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

13

cities to add their own sales tax the legalization

and taxation of recreational marijuana in Colorado

will bring in about $70 million in revenue this year

according to the Colorado Department of Revenue-

division of taxation The first $40 million in income

will be spent on education and schools while the

remaining will be spent on marijuana regulation

Alaska Arizona California Delaware Hawaii

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Montana

Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island

Washington DC and Vermont are next in line

to legalize recreational marijuana with current

initiatives and talks taking place in the states

Washington State is set to sell recreational

marijuana in the same fashion as Colorado later

this year

Although a bit slow we are making progress

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 12: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

copy Roxanne Haynes

ldquoAll religion should be wiped out so

that people may just live What divides us is an illusion made up by men in their

confusionrdquo -Ziggy Marley

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16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

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Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 13: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

16

Ziggy Marley ~ Fly Rasta by Maliika Walker

I believe music has the power to influence people

Spiritual music was used during slavery to heal

souls Billie Holiday used to sing her classic song

Strange Fruit which was about the lynching of

two black men in 1930 to her audiences in 1939

Gospel music has been sung in church every

day for centuries The 1960rsquos brought music of

empowerment and pride The late 60rsquos and 70rsquos

also brought a special gift to the world from

Jamaica Reggae

Bob Marley used reggae music to bring the

message of Rastafari to the world as part of his

evangelical campaign in the 1970rsquos Bob Marley

toured the world including Japan Australia

Africa Europe United States and others Rita

Marley joined her husband Bob and the Wailers in

delivering his message to the people

David ldquoZiggyrdquo Marley was born in October of 1968

on the Island of Jamaica and is the oldest son born

out of this blessed union of messengers Ziggy was

born the same month as the Rodney Riots which

took place in Kingston Jamaica The Rodney Riots

were influenced by the Jamaican governmentrsquos

decision to not allow a Guyanese professorWalter

Rodney to return to his teaching position at the

University of the West Indies Mr Rodney fought

for the rights of the disenfranchised in Caribbean

countries and was critical of those who did not

reach back and help the poor The riots started on

the UWI campus but eventually made it the streets

of Kingston Several people lost their lives due

to this protest 1968 saw an emergence of Black

Power protests in the Caribbean It is no mere

coincidence that Ziggy was born amidst a period

of political struggle in his country Ziggy has spent

his career using his music to deliver his message of

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 14: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

17

African pride truth love justice and positivity to

audiences everywhere

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were formed

while Bob Marley was was still with us in physical

form Bob Marley wrote their first song lsquoChildren

Playing in the Streetsrsquo which hit number one

in Jamaica in 1979 Ziggy was 11 years old at the

time The group released their first official album

in 1985 and they were off and flying from there

The group released music with profound lyrics that

influenced the minds of their generation Letrsquos look

at some of there songs

Lee amp Molly touched on interracial relationships

The group declared that love should be free They

were telling all of us that people should be able to

love who they choose if this is truly a free world

They asked us Have We Ever Been To Hell We

were informed that souls are bought and sold

so we should arm our souls They were having

copy Roxanne Haynes

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 15: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

18

Dreams of Home and knew they werenrsquot alone

Their audiences were introduced to a more African

style of music through the release of this beautiful

song On Justice they told us the innocent cry and

the innocent die The song told us we need justice

for the innocent now On Wrong Right Wrong

the group told us the bible was changed to suit

King James African history was brought to us

through the song Black My Story Ziggy Marley

and the Melody Makers just like their parents

used their music to send their message to the

people

Ziggy Marley amp The Melody Makers released 9

studio albums 1 live album 4 compilation albums

and 24 singles They won three grammyrsquos and

were nominated for four others before going their

separate ways

Dragonfly

Ziggy continued to use music as a vehicle to

spread his message to his audience His debut

solo album Dragonfly was released in 2003

The album includes songs

with lyrics so powerful

they challeng the way I

think about myself and

the world around me

On True to Myself Ziggy

tells us to deal with our

problems because it will kill us little by little The

song In the Name of God is a profound song for

me as well The song includes the lyric ldquoAll region

should wiped out save the people stand and liverdquo

I have always struggled with religion even though I

always believed in God I felt like I was committing

a sin by not going to church or following an official

religion This song brings comfort to me and tells

me that I am just fine I am simply living my life

the best way I know how praising Godrsquos name in

the process In the Name of God brought comfort

to my views on faith and God for the first time

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 16: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

19

Melancholy Mood told me I was blessed to

see another day To rise each morning with the

morning sun I internalized this to mean to rise

each day even if it was cloudy you are blessed to

see another day

Love Is My Religion

Ziggy declared that love is his religion with the

release of his first independent album through

his own independent label Tuff Gong Worldwide

Bob Marleyrsquos dream was to release his own music

independently through Tuff Gong With the release

of Love Is My Religion Ziggy was able to begin

living his fatherrsquos dream Ziggy has released every

subsequent album album through his own label

Love Is My Religion inspired a movement ldquoI donrsquot

condemn I donrsquot convert This is a calling have

you heardrdquo People all over the world heard the

calling and happily joined the movement This

song told me that love unites us all As long as copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 17: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

20

we all believed in love we are united as a people

Instead of letting religion divide us use love to

unite us Sure the album had great message

music but soothing vibes were on the release as

well Just take a listen to Beach in Hawaii your

mind will be swept to a peaceful place as you listen

to Ziggy tell you that he wishes you were there

with him Still the Storms Come told us that we

will never forget the atrocities of the slave trade

from West Africa Eternity will never be enough for

us to forget All generations after us will forever

remember We all got the message even though

it was stated in a calming and soothing way The

album won a Grammy award in 2007

Family Time

This childrenrsquos album was influenced by Ziggyrsquos

then three year old daughter and his infant son

Gideon The video for Family Time displayed Ziggy

having a fun time with his family Whenever I

listen to the Family Time album I reflect on the

fun memories I had with my family while growing

up The album also featured his mother and

sister Cedella I Love You Too was featured in

the film Why Did I Get Married 2 and is one of

my favorites Family Time represents the type of

music I can listen to with my niece music with a

message aimed at children

Family Time won a Grammy for Best Musical Album

for Children in 2010 Proceeds from the album

were donated to Chepstowe Basic School in Port

Antonio Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

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35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 18: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Wild amp Free

Wild amp Free is Ziggyrsquos

return to a more

adult themed sound

The album is pro-

marijuana work that

features well known

actor and marijuana

supporter Woody Harrelson on the title

track Ziggyrsquos son Daniel is featured on

the song titled Changes On Personal

Revolution Ziggy asks who has the power

and who can save me We need a revolution

from todayrsquos democracy and hypocrisy So

much of todayrsquos laws are full of hypocrisy

Letrsquos look at the fact the marijuana is still

illegal in most of the country while the

medical community is aware the plant can

help people with cancer and other diseases

However alcohol and cigarettes are legal

The albumrsquos CD packaging was cleverly

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 19: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

22

designed to look like a book of matches I found

the packaging fitting considering the project was a pro-marijuana album

Ziggy Marley In Concert

There is nothing that

can prepare you for the

experience of witnessing

Ziggy live in concert It is

truly an epic experience

to see Ziggy perform

songs from his expansive catalog in front of a

live audience What anecdotes will he share with

the audience that will draw them to look within

themselves The songs included on this live

release include selections from his time with the

Melody Makers through the Wild and Free album

This release was the first live album to win the

Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2014

copy Kii Arens

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 20: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

ldquoFLY RASTArdquo

I Donrsquot Wanna Live On Mars

Fly Rasta

Lighthouse

Sunshine

Moving Forward

You

So Many Rising

I Get Up

Yoursquore My Yoko

Give It Away

Purchase Fly Rasta

wwwziggymarleycom

wwwfacebookcomziggymarley

wwwtwittercomziggymarley

youtubecomziggymarley

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 21: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Fly Rasta

I made sure not to read any information on the album before listening to Ziggyrsquos new masterpiece Fly Rasta

because I wanted to listen and meditate to it with an open mind The first single Fly Rasta wet my appetite

for the album I was completely intoxicated by the rich production and backing vocals of his fellow Melody

Makers bandmates (Cedella Marley Sharon Prendergast and Rica Newell) The track also treats us to reggae

music legend U-Roy If you have any preconceived expectations based on the first single throw them out the

window An array of musicians from varying backgrounds are featured on the album Musicians that have

played for artists such as Tom Petty Eric Clapton Stevie Nicks Bill Withers Quincy Jones Beck De La Soul

and Michael Jackson

Fly Rasta is composed of ten tracks with not one of them sounding the same I found myself entranced by

the inspirational lyrics from the first track to the last The album sets the tone perfectly by opening to a love

song penned to mother earth titled I Donrsquot Want To Live On Mars The songrsquos heavy guitar sound informs

the audience that they will be hearing an array of sounds to fill your appetite for great music His versatility

is further on display with the folksy sound of Lighthouse If you mashed reggae and pop music you would

get Sunshine The opening lyric stuck to me like glue ldquoLife may have itrsquos cloudy days but it doesnrsquot mean

you have lost your wayrdquo How many times have you endured a day where nothing went the direction you

hoped This song reminds all of us that itrsquos ok it doesnrsquot mean you lost your way in life Ziggy even has an

acoustic sound on the album through So Many Rising The stripped down sound draws the listener to pay

close attention to the message Ziggy is sharing with the audience ldquoMany are confused many refused so

many abused so many risingrdquo On I Get Up Ziggy is essentially telling his audience that the things may get

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 22: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

25

down but find a way to see the light of day and get

up anyway The perfect song to end the album

Fly Rasta is another great album in Ziggy Marleyrsquos

repertoire that you will no doubt be listening to for

years to come I am already singing along with

every track and now you will too Ziggy continues

to do what he was born to do deliver a message

filled with positivity and truth to the world

One day in February I was informed that I was

scheduled to interview Ziggy Marley the next

afternoon Here is my conversation with Ziggy

Marley where we discuss his new album his

view on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana

market and Ziggy Marley Organics

copy Reggae Reflection

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 23: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

26

First of all congratulations on winning your

6th Grammy One of my dreams is to see

the Reggae Grammy given during the live

broadcast section Do you feel this will be

important to bring more attention to the

Reggae Grammy itself

Yeah it would be good I remember when rap

wasnrsquot televised I think the Reggae Grammy will

be televised eventually That would be very good

because Reggae is an international music and it

should be recognized for that Reggae is not local

music that is just popular in one little place The

whole world knows and loves reggae It deserves

that attention that light

Your new album ldquoFly Rastardquo opens with a

love song to mother earth I felt it was the

perfect introduction to the album What do

you think we need to do to awaken the minds

of people to the importance of taking care of

Mother Earth

Well we do what we can do How do we start the

thought process or the discussion or the action

about the realities of the situation We are

depleting earthrsquos resources and we need not just

try but we need to change the atmosphere that is

beneficial to life What is missing is the urgency

around taking care of Mother Earth There is so

much destruction going on I guess the people

that have the power to put attention on this donrsquot

want to put attention on this They would rather

have this divided issue so nothing ever gets done

and you canrsquot unite people around it

I love the versatility of your music and that

versatility is on full display on the album ldquoFly

Rastardquo What was your vision for this album

What portrait did you want to paint for the

audience

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 24: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

27

The vision was to push the boundaries of where

I am from musically widen the net push the

boundaries even more Donrsquot just stay in the

same space take over some landspace with some

vibrations of reggae music I wanted the album to

sound futuristic to have the best sound technically

So that was the main focus The album is only ten

songs because I said there were not going to be

any throwaway songs on this album The ten songs

are the cream of the crop

After listening to your album I was left

wanting more

Yeah we didnrsquot want to put anything on the album

that was not up to the standard we were setting

On the song ldquoSunshinerdquo you sing the

following lyric ldquoLife could have its cloudy days

it doesnrsquot mean you lost your wayrdquo This is the

perfect lyric for all the issues we are facing

today What is the message you would like

would like the audience to receive with this

song I interpreted the song to be Life may

be cloudy but Godrsquos love is always here with

us

Well the message is the message that you get

Everybody is going to get a different message and

some people will get the same message I can tell

you what idea I had in mind with that song but I

wouldnrsquot want to do that because I want it to be

your idea I donrsquot want it to be my idea The music

has a life of itrsquos own right now because I canrsquot

control the message you are getting from it What

the music is saying to you is what itrsquos supposed to

say to you

Music is open to interpretation and the

message you get is the message you were

meant to receive

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 25: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Yeah when we did the record I didnrsquot want to tell people what my idea of the song was I want the audience

to have their own idea and let it be that You talked about the first song I Donrsquot Want To Live on Mars and

you went straight to the mother earth thing When another person went straight to a girl or romance kind of

vibe You picked up where I was coming from Thatrsquos cool you know

On ldquoSo Many Risingrdquo you mention

money is mightier than the pen

What did you mean by this

Have you heard the saying the pen

is mightier than the sword So if the

pen is mightier than the sword and the

sword is such a terrible weapon and

money is mightier than the pen then

money is mightier than the pen the

sword everything What I mean by this

is the politics of this world is controlled

by money not by the peoplersquos vote or

the pen The most important thing to politics is the economy It is important but if you are going to give the

economy (banks) support yet ignore the poor people then something is wrong with the politics That is what

politics is pandering to interests that governments get from money while the poor people continue to suffer

So no matter who you vote for the man with the most money has the most influence Not the man with the

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 26: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

with the most votes So even if a million people vote the man with the most money will have the influence

over the politics and laws That is what I am trying to get across in that song

What are your thoughts on Jamaica entering the medical marijuana market Reports have surfaced

that Canada is interested in purchasing medical marijuana from Jamaica which could earn the

country billions of dollars

My perspective is why is it taking so long The world is behind time with marijuana and hemp The whole

world is catching up to nature Nature created this plant that has so many uses both medicinal and industrial

It can create great economic opportunity for poor countries because the plant can be planted very easily If

only the world would accept the truth that the potential of the marijuana plant is great It can really help a

country like Jamaica economically We must not just think about marijuana because that is only one element

of it Yes the medicinal qualities are important but we need to also consider Hemp Canada grows a lot of

hemp and uses it industrially Jamaica has to consider this as well Medical marijuana yes that is great but

Jamaica must think about hemp for the industrial side which is the future Letrsquos take a step ahead and not be

behind anymore Thatrsquos my perspective on it

ldquoThey are selling candy we are selling carrots Candy rots your teethrdquo You launched Ziggy

Marley Organics which includes hemp seed snacks and Cocomon All your products are GMO amp

Gluten Free What is your overall vision for the company Any new product launches on the way

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 27: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Itrsquos another way to expand the message The music is the music and with the food it further spreads the

message Message always accompanies what I do Yes I have a product and a business to sell the products

If business were purely my motivation then I would be acting more as a spokesman but itrsquos not just the

business itrsquos the message which we try to sneak in with the products The food we put in our bodies is

supposed to be the medicine We are not supposed to be doing so much drugs and taking all these pills Food

is supposed to be the medicine the cure The right food non GMO food the way nature intended it to be

The platform for having food products which business-wise can be alright gives me the platform to openly

discuss the importance of natural food that element of life Also people have the right to know what is in their

food Should be a fundamental right shouldnrsquot be something we even question So if you are going to alter

my food genetically it should be law to let me know as a consumer that the food has been modified There is

no reason why the public shouldnrsquot know

I watched the Marley Africa Roadtrip series and I have to ask this question will you ever release

ldquoAcross the Train Tracksrdquo

Ziggy and I share a laugh

I didnrsquot finish writing it yet It will probably be featured on an album in the future All I have so far is what was

featured on camera during the taping of the show

Well I will be waiting I love what I heard so far so count on me to support it whenever it comes

out

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 28: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Profits generated by this album will be used for the construction of a water well for a soup kitchen Shipibo community children in Pucallpa Peru heart of Amazonia where the master Alex Muntildeoz Vazquez (important shaman of this tribe) walks several times a day 2kms with buckets of water to supply the dining room and breakfast and lunch to give the little ones (120 kids) also for the reconstruction of the area of medical care

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 29: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

32

HEMPReggae Beatles tribute vol II

HEMP is the sequel to ldquoEl Album Verderdquo an

album released in 2005 to bring together leaders

of the major Latin American reggae bands to play

Beatles in a reggae key

Today is born HEMP In a triple cd format There

is a common place where everything is born and

there is love love for this land this album carrying

a message of ecological awareness and respect

that we have for her providing information on the

use of industrial hemp Here and now is the time

to change things from each place and possibilities

replace the toxic chemical and so organic plant

and give life hemp is a plant that can save the

planet

Love of music it is our weapon to transmit good

vibes and positive message the little ones love

for San Francisco community Pucallpa Peruvian

Amazon to give them a better present helping

them with a percentage of proceeds from this

album to bring clean water to your dining room

The love respect and admiration for The Beatles

who planted this large field with his melodies of

infinite inspiration and motivated to make big

changes in the paradigm of what really has

value in this journey of life and all of us involved

to make this jah work

This album tries to convey the virtues of Hemp an

ancient plant that can contribute to the salvation of

our planet Hemp is the name given to varieties of

Cannabis Sativa L and the name of the fiber that

you get from it this plant accompanied humans

along almost itrsquos entire history With it you can

produce many products from raw materials such

as textile fibers seeds rich in fats and proteins

biofuels plastics plant biobuilding materials paper

pulp medicinal and cosmetic oils to insulation and

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 30: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

33

construction materials

The decrease in cultivation in industrialized

countries began following a policy confusing

marijuana prohibition in the 30s of XX century

which directly affected hemp It was a campaign

disguised as health advocacy and ethical behavior

launched by opposing interests of certain US

industries to enhance the new synthetic fibers

(DuPont) as nylon and other polymers for which

hemp was a strong competitor

No culture as multifaceted as biomaacutesico ecological

and many varieties as east a botanical rarity a

gem of the usefulness and efficiency and really

hope for humanity

Has anyone stopped to think what would

happen if the economy collapses because of our

stupidity to continue running all without blackout

unsustainably Well at least we should be

prepared to survive on earth and cooperate with

others in solidarity selfless and without envy

because everyone would be and really are in the

same situation

Adding the energies and transmitting knowledge

together we can create a model of industrial hemp

and so enter the path of wisdom and hard work

and The Voyage constant while there is time

The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth

the harvest of the future

56 artists from different countries of the world gathered to

spice HEMP From Argentina to New Zealand produced in

Afro studios (AR) and in 35 studios around the world this

album features some of the most legendary bands from

Jamaica England Argentina Brazil Chile New Zealand USA

Uruguay and Puerto Rico

wwwelalbumverdecomar

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 31: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

The Tabernacle - Pinnacle Jamaicacopy Sista Irie Photography

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 32: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

35

The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket

From the forthcoming book by Original Gong Family

copyPatrick Howell 2014

I was thinkinghellip

What if my father had been working his father

Vivianrsquos land (as he often did) on one of those

days when his Uncle The Gong made one of his

frequent visits in order to gather family members

to show them a better way of life at Pinnacle

Knowing my Pops as I do (and according to how

he brought his children up) Irsquom almost certain

that he would have gone with his Uncle and would

have died at Pinnacle Since I know hersquos a man

who has no interest in prison accommodation he

would have given his life (whilst taking as many as

possible with him) in the course of defending his

Uncle on one of those legendary Pinnacle raids

I hereby set the tone of whatrsquos to come next

My musings about my father prompted my thought

process furtherhellipand I would like to invite the Rasta

community and the people of Jamaica at large

(plus any interested parties around the world)

into my reasoningshellip And before I proceed further

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 33: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

36

what yoursquore about to read has no bearings on the

LPH Foundation or its Directors as although Irsquom a

member of the foundation and we are related and

bonded by blood I write this entirely as my own

individual thoughts and action

I was thinkinghellip

What if The Gong never existed

What if Leonard never returned to Jamaica

from America (Babylon) in 1932

What would be the state of play in the current

landscape

The answer to these questions would depend

largely on the answer to the following question

which came to my mind whilst analysing the

Observers observing (and bear with me as itrsquos not

as easy an answer as it sounds)

What is Rasta

In one conversation that I heard recently on

a random Mutabaruka radio show Rasta was

described by Mutarsquos guest in three separate

sentences as a movement a community and a

religion It is also commonly referred to as a

doctrine and a philosophy

Well if I could be presumptuous enough to pose an

answer to that enormous question on behalf of my

Great Uncle ldquoThe Gongrdquo isnrsquot Rasta simply a way

of life according to the well-documented accounts

of how Leonard Howell (LPH) and his followers

(The Howellites) lived at Pinnacle Devised by LPH

as the anti-thesis of Colonial rule this simple way

of life then evolved as expected under rapidly

changing circumstances to the albeit globally

recognisable but fragmented unstable and

seemingly conflicted Rasta that exists today

Brand Rasta

Characteristics commonly associated with Rasta

clearly do not define Rasta but have become

stereotypical almost caricature features

emphasised and deliberately entrenched by global

media corporations with financial interest in Rasta

and more recently a long-bankrupt Jamaican

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 34: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

government whose very economic existence depends on what has become ldquoBrand Rastardquo So taking each of

those characteristics in turn

JAH RASTAFARITHE BLACK KING

copy Sista Irie Photography

Marcus Garvey prophesised Him (on the eve of his departure for New York in 1916) when he said ldquoLook to

Africa for a Black Kingrdquo But LPH named HIM the newly crowned King of Ethiopia Ras Tafari

And much more than simply naming the future figurehead of

Rastafari LPH was immovable in his determination to free the people of

Jamaica from the dreadful condition in which he found them upon his

return to Jamaica from New York by bringing to an end their continued

physical and mental subservience to the British Empire and the King

that had enslaved them For preaching the existence of this new African

King LPH was charged with and convicted of sedition treason and

lunacy and paid with his blood and his freedom being imprisoned

and institutionalised multiple times Now I consider Marcus Garvey to

be one of the greatest Black men in history and his achievements make me even prouder that he was born

in Jamaica Further evidence of his greatness is the citing of Garvey as an inspiration by many of the master-

teachers whom I love and respect especially John Henrik Clarke Ivan van Sertima Asa Hilliard Frances

Cress-Welsing Elijah Muhammad etc But great as he was Garvey seemingly did not consider Haile Selassie

to be the black king whom he had prophesised telling The Gong to his face that he was ldquonot to ever preach

this Rasta nonsenserdquo at any of the UNIArsquos meetings or assemblies Furthermore Garvey became increasingly

and publicly critical of Selassie after he was overthrown in 1934 by Mussolini

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 35: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Certainly Marcus Garvey never acknowledged Rasta as a movement of interest to him with his focus

(rightfully so) on the African continent When asked ldquoAre you an African or a Jamaicanrdquo Garvey replied ldquoI will

not give up a continent for an islandrdquo So if it was up to Marcus Garvey Ras Tafari as a figureheadconcept

would never have existed Therefore the name of Rastafari is attributable to Leonard Howell and only exists

today because he made it his mission to enlighten the people from the drudgery of Colonialism So how is it

that one man of all those you praise and exalt hardly gets a blip of a mention round a campfire of reasoning ndash

Leonard Percival Howell

There is no shame in admitting that the history of Rastafari is in need of a social update and in belatedly

righting that position Justice is owed to a man named Leonard Howell who is being ignored thereby stopping

Rasta from going forward until that acknowledgement is forthcoming

Imagine The Wailers without Bob ndash no disrespect to Bunny and Peter but without Bob the global phenomenon

would not have happened Similarly you donrsquot get Rasta without LPH And mostly certainly of all you donrsquot

get Pinnacle without LPH

DREADLOCKS

Since the black man has been on the planet for trillions of years sporting the locks amp afro then dreadlocks

pre-date and therefore cannot logically define Rasta My guess is that locks had already entered Jamaica long

before Pinnacle came into existence So before proudly taking ownership and trying to enforce that particular

identifying feature of Rasta we must remind ourselves that Selassie never wore locks neither did the Gong

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 36: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

39

and it certainly wasnrsquot a consideration for the

great Marcus Garvey ndash does this detract from their

position at the very pinnacle of Rasta teachings

And on the flip side of that argument Rasta cannot

sensibly berate those wearing locks for fashion

They do however have an argument (due to what

we have just established is a mis-branding) in

the case of tourists or for fancy dress parties in

Europe and the US where so-called ldquoRasta wigsrdquo

are purchased and worn for comedy value How

did Rasta allow itself to become a joke Or could

frowning upon this be deemed as Rasta taking

itself too seriously Interesting thought but a

trailer load of cash for the Jamaican economyhellip

REGGAE MUSIC

Would reggae music even have existed without

LPH and Pinnacle Well according to several well-

respected and renowned music aficionados

reggae has its roots firmly planted at Pinnacle

As a music man myself (first and foremost

as a music lover) I know that musical styles

have always evolved due to a combination

of circumstances and influences Without the

symbolic drumming at Pinnacle dispersing into

the ghettos and surrounding areas post Pinnacle

would Jamaican musicians have ever been

influenced to develop the islandrsquos unique sound

of reggae I think not or reggae could just have

easily have been born in Montserrat or

Antigua It wasnrsquot So where would this have left

most of those so-called Rasta reggae stars who

did and still do nothing to keep the fire burning

of their spiritual founder amp father And I make

no apologies but even the late great Bob Marley

is not excluded or excused from this criticism

taking as he did the name Tuff Gong but not really

honouring The Original Gong

GANJA

If you think that the Jamaican government (or

any other government for that matter) are going

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 37: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

40

to allow Rasta anything but a tiny fraction of

the proceeds from the sale of medicinal or even

legalised Marijuana then you are simply

certifiable It will be good for Brand Rasta to have

Rasta Ganja farmers (on Government-owned land

of course hence presumably the compulsory

acquisition of the 6 lots at Pinnacle) but that is

the rigidly defined (and will be brutally enforced)

limit of your future role in this multi-billion dollar

industry

Picture this ndash Rastafari are given a small piece of

land at Pinnacle and allowed to grow Marijuana at

their own discretion with an organised labour

force and business strategy Meanwhile the

Government develops their own special brand of

ganja cigarettes called ldquospliffsrdquo for instance The

Government spliffs will be cheaper ready-to-smoke

and with special addictive ingredient to keep

customers returning time and again

Convenience and addiction have a strange way of

taking over the consumer and whilst yoursquod have

an initially faithful clientele this would only last for

a while before hastily introduced new Government

legislation and a one-sided price war force you out

of business once again Agree or Disagree

Read full article wwwisland-stagecom

wwworiginalgongfamilycom

copy Sista Irie Photography

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 38: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Hemp-ocrisyby Sista Irie

Todayrsquos love of hemp fiber lends new

meaning to visions of grass skirts and

smoking jackets Although the discovery

and use of hemp is older than the hills

todayrsquos increasing popularity creates a

strange dichotomy between the increasing

demand of a well-loved fiber versus a

stubbornly held belief holding economic

and environmental progress hostage by

the United States government Hemp has

been a world-wide industry since very early

times The use of hemp dates back to the

latter part of the Stone Age as evidenced

by fiber imprints discovered on 5th Century

BC pottery near Taiwan China Although

China currently remains the primary source

for production of hemp other countries

across the globe including Hungary

England Canada Australia France Italy copy Barbetorte

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 39: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

42

Spain Holland Germany Poland Romania Russia

Ukraine India and Asia continue to grow this

amazing product for commercial use

It is important to understand that at one time

industrial hemp was the most important non-food

crop in the early history of the United States In

the 1600rsquos the United States government strongly

encouraged and in some states required hemp

to be grown for cordage and canvas The hemp

industry in its hay day rapidly expanded across

multiple states However in the 1700rsquos and 1800rsquos

Kentucky became the key industry center It was

the result of nefarious politics in the early 1900rsquos

involving well established businessmen who were

threatened by the possible success of hemp taking

over large industries such as paper manufacturing

that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted

imposing challenging taxes on farmers growing

any form of cannabis The hemp industry faded

and king cotton rose in its place The ongoing

stigma that

surrounds hemp

is the major

stumbling block

prohibiting

progress

towards a

more ethical

and financially

evolved

American society The biggest irony is clearly

demonstrated by the fact that although growing

hemp is banned in America the US is still the

worldrsquos leading consumer The amazing benefits of

hemp as a tough and durable utilitarian fiber an

extremely valued nutritional supplement and an

elegant versatile fabric brings into question why

the United States government holds back on an

industry that is so beneficial This is truly a case of

throwing the baby out with the bath water

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 40: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Hemp is sadly a misunderstood cousin of marijuana with both originating from the plant cannabis sativa L

Although the two plants are close relatives their properties are quite different Hemp is the longest strongest

and most durable of all natural fibers Cultivation is organic requiring no chemicals pesticides or herbicides

It is easy to grow agriculturally sustainable and good for the soil making it a great rotation crop for corn

and legumes Hemp oil made from seed is high in protein contains essential fatty acids amino acids and

vitamins resulting in an abundantly rich health supplement Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber

requires less water and produces the high quality paper that does not fade with age In addition hemp paper

manufacturing reduces wastewater contamination The first American flag and many of the early American

flags were made from industrial hemp On the

other hand marijuana has a much lower tensile

strength and shreds easily making it inappropriate

for textile production Many of the utilitarian

uses of hemp could not be achieved with marijuana

In addition because marijuana contains a

certain percentage of the psycho-active ingredient

THC the plant qualifies under law as a drug

And yet at this point in time that very same trait of marijuana may increase the value and critical need to

use marijuana for medical applications Another difference even though the leaves are nearly identical when

hemp is grown as an agricultural crop the stalks grow tall and willowy much like bamboo while marijuana is

grown full and filled out as a bush The stated fear from government officials that hemp farming might allow

marijuana to be planted along and within hemp crops and not be visibly discernable is just ridiculously false

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 41: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

44

Even so hemp suffers from being visually

and taxonomically identical to marijuana The

most critical difference in the two plants is the

concentration of delta-9ptetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) the psycho-active property associated with

marijuana And yet the THC content of hemp

is less than one tenth as strong as the weakest

marijuana The reason for low THC in hemp is

because THC forms in the resin glands on buds and

flowers of the female cannabis plant (marijuana)

and not so with hemp plants Currently American

farmers are only allowed to plant and grow hemp

in small patches and with special permits mainly

for research Permits are rarely given and further

guidelines such as fences razor wire security

guards or dogs may be required Hence most

hemp must be imported in order to manufacture

the food and beauty products loved and demanded

by American consumers such as textiles foods

papers body care lotions detergents plastics and

building materials The diversity of hemp product

further adds esteem and validity that should lead

to a major shift in the laws

Apparel

Although hemp has been grown across the world

for thousands of years

it was not revered as

apparel applications

until the 1980rsquos when

researchers discovered

an enzyme process to

soften the bast fiber by

removing lignin a type

of natural glue found in woody plants such as

hemp and flax The softening of the fiber enhances

other fabric characteristics including durability and

shape retention It is because of the long leggy

bast running between three and fifteen feet long

that gives hemp its incredible strength Hemp

is also known for its innate ability to hold dye

Compared to other natural and synthetic fiber

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 42: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

45

fabrics hemp is more porous promoting water

absorbency has excellent color retention and

possesses anti -bacterial properties similar to flax

and linen The breathability of the fabric makes it

cool in the summer and warm in the winter When

compared to other popular natural fibers hemp

produces roughly 10 more fiber than cotton or

flax when grown on the same land Hemp is often

combined with other natural fibers such as cotton

flax wool making the final product a beautiful

mix of natural fiber qualities The soft elasticity of

cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with

the natural strength of hemp has opened the door

for the creation and designing of new innovative

soft and attractive fabrics to be made into a

diverse array of clothing from the very elegant

of designer clothing to use in extreme weather

mountaineering

Nutrition

Fortunately for health enthusiasts hemp is legal

to consume in the United States Hemp seeds are

sold as nutritional

supplements for shakes yogurt toppings salads

wraps snacks casseroles and can add texture and

taste as a

special perk to an already delicious nutritious

sold as nutritionalsupplements for shakes yogurt

toppings salads wraps snacks casseroles and

can add texture and taste as a special perk to

an already delicious nutritious snack or meal

According to Elaine Gordon who holds a master

in public health degree (MPH) and is a master

certified health education specialist (MCHES)

defines the center of the hemp seed as the

most nutritious part It is an excellent source of

vegan protein second only to soybean and more

female hemp plant

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 43: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

digestible contains all essential amino acids dietary fiber Omega 3 and 6 and provides antioxidants

vitamins and minerals including manganese magnesium phosphorous thiamin zinc calcium Vitamin B6

folate and riboflavin The hemp heart is naturally gluten free and often used by those who suffer from soy and

dairy allergies Eating hemp seeds could aid if not heal people suffering from immune deficiency diseases

This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on

by tuberculosis a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away

Research

Hemp is currently unlawful to grow in the United States with the exception of a few state approved research

patches that are carefully controlled The College of Biological Science Professors at the University of

Minnesota is attempting to pass a new bill that would expand crop studies The bill is moving through the

state capitol this session and has growing support by members of academia The bill would authorize higher

education institutions to perform industrial hemp research by allowing the Commission of Agriculture to

administer the growth and cultivation through an expanded pilot program Currently the College of Biological

Sciences is restricted to conducting research in a small growth facility while the statersquos legal restrictions add

even more challenges The University is hoping other states will work towards the same expansion of research

and loosening of the laws There are many other benefits to be considered Eco-friendly hemp can replace

most toxic petrochemical products Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable

plastic products plant-based cellophane recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products and

resins made from the oil to name a very few examples Over two million cars on the road today have hemp

composite parts for door panels dashboards luggage racks etc According to the Department of Energy

hemp as a biomass fuel producer requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 44: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

copy D-Kuru

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 45: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

48

hemp products The hydrocarbons in hemp can be

processed into a wide of biomass energy sources

ranging from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas

Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce

our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power

This article only scratches the surface of a very

interesting and robust history concerning the

use demand and potential benefits of the hemp

plant and what it can do for America First it is

important to shed the irrational bias due to hemp

coming from the cannabis plant There is no

reasonable explanation to hold on to fears created

by false information and media manipulation

not unlike Reefer Madness did for marijuana

Secondly our legislators should be focused on

scientific based evidence indicating the extreme

opportunities that hemp cultivation could offer

our country in regards to economic development

and increasing agricultural and environmental

ethics It is fascinating to also see the possibilities

of decriminalization of marijuana and the

implementation of cannabis as a medical modality

Is it possible that once again hemp will have

to ride the coat tails of marijuana in order to be

recognized for what it ishellipsomething far different

yet extremely important for the healing of the

nation

1 Hempethicsweeblycomindustrial-hemp-vs-

cannabishtml

2 Slatecomarticleshealth_health_and_

sciencethe_green_lantern201104high_on_

environmentalismhtml

3 Washington Post ndashhttpwwwmapincorg

drugnewsv14n225a05html

4 Hemp History httphemphistoryorg1942

hemp-for-victory

5 Hemp Industries Association wwwHIAorgfacts

html

6 Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study

1955

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 46: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Smoking a spliff in the

outside kitchen where

the chalk writings on the

walls express faith and

identity

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 47: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

50

photo left- Worker picking off leaves in a

maturing field grown for export

There is no special day to celebrate herb in

Jamaica For decades marijuana has been

incredibly important to the people of the

island both as a cash crop and leading export

as well as an integral part of the lifestyle of

many It touches every family Much of the

stigma attached to smoking herb has dissipated

over the years but to date it is still illegal

Big changes may be right around the corner

though In the spirit of 420 these photos

were selected from my long-term documentary

project ldquoPortraits of Rural Jamaicardquo and were

taken between 1979 and 1988 in the parishes of

Westmoreland and Manchester - Lee Abel

wwwreggaeportraitscomcopy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 48: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

Youth trying to make a

little money by starting a

crop in the bush

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 49: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

Island Stage MagazineReggae Revival Rising Stars

Special Edition 420-2014 wwwisland-stagecomPAGE

52

Smoking chalice a water pipe using a

coconut bowl is often an important part of reasoning with the

brethren

wwwreggaeportraitscom

copy Lee Abel wwwreggaeportraitscom

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 50: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

German Town The Lost Story Of Seaford

Town Jamaica

Directed by David Ritter

Produced by David Ritter and Clinton

Wallace for Photomundo International

Music by Project Sound

photo copy Roswitha Wesiak

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 51: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

ldquoGerman Town The Lost Story Of Seaford Town Jamaicardquo is a documentary

that explores the history of German heritage and history within

Westmoreland Jamaica

Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies

a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica It is said that the

inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants

who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation

period to substitute the slave labor that drove the islands economy

Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners former military battered after the

Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands This documentary

project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage

Photos by copy Roswitha Wesiak

wwwgermantownjamaicacom

R E L E A S E S

Page 52: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica

R E L E A S E S

Page 53: Portraits of Rural Jamaica €¦ · Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica-Musically Speaking HEMP-ocrisy+ The Crabs and the 500 Acre Bucket -Patrick Howell Portraits of Rural Jamaica