IRASCOM INTERNATIONAL (Bahamas Chapter)

In conjunction with

R.A.S (Rastafari Association of Students) Bahamas

Hereby Proclaims

The Bahamas RasTafarI National Gathering 2006

Under the theme:

“Considering The Interest of a Nation before subverting it with words” H.I.M

May 22^nd -28^th, 2006

New Providence Island, Nassau, Bahamas

“Today, Africa has emerged from this dark passage. Our Armageddon is past. Africa has been reborn as a free continent and Africans have been reborn as free men. The blood that was shed and the sufferings that were endured are today Africa's advocates for freedom and unity. Those men who refused to accept the judgment passed upon them by the colonizers, who held unswervingly through the darkest hours to a vision of an Africa emancipated from political, economic, and spiritual domination will be remembered and revered wherever Africans meet. Many of them never set foot on this continent. Others were born, and died here. What we may utter today can add little to the heroic struggle of those who, by their example, have shown us how precious are freedom and human dignity and of how little value is life without them. Their deeds are written in history. “

Words of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I 1^st – May 25^th, 1963

The members and supporters of IRASCOM INTERNATIONAL

The Rastafarian Association of Students

Invite one and ones, to join us, on the beautiful sub-tropical island of New Providence, in the historic colonial slave city of Nassau on May 22^nd – 28^th for our National Conference. All international Rastafari family, from near and far is encouraged to come and support this historic and community building gathering.

Contact InI:

IRASCOM INTERNATIONAL-Bahamas Chapter

P. O. Box

Nassau, Bahamas

Phone: (242) Fax:(242)

Email: irascom@yahoo.com

Conference Declaration:

We seek, at this gathering, to determine whither we are going and to chart the course of our destiny as sons and daughters of Rastafari here in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Islands. It is no less important that we know whence we came. An awareness of our past is essential to the establishment of our personality and our identity as Africans.

(From the Inspiration of His Majesty’s word)

Conference Registration:

1 day Registration is $10.00 per day

Entire Conference Registration is $30.00

Trade Show:

Concert Tickets: $15.00 per person/$5.00 or Registered Conference Delegates

Convention Schedule

Monday: May 22^nd 2006: Arrival of Delegates, Conference Registration, Night Opening Ceremony, Cultural Gathering

Tuesday: May 23^rd 2006: Public Awareness & General Rastafari Workshops

Wednesday: May 24^th 2006: Closed Session Rasta Workshops (AL Day Binghi 8pm)

Thursday: May 25^th 2006: African Liberation Day Binghi Service till -8am/ Trade Show

Friday: May 26^th 2006: Parade, Courtesy Call on Prime Minister, Bilateral Agreement Signing and close before the Sabbath.

Saturday: May 27^th 2006: After Sabbath, Convention Open-air Concert (Free@ Clifford Park)

Sunday: May 28^th 2006: Departure of Delegates

Conference Committees

BNRG Organizing Committee: (Chairman, Co-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations Officer)

BNRG Fundraising Committee

BNRG Logistics Committee: (Security, Registration, Operations, Record Keeping)

BNRG Workshop Committee

BNRG Marketing Committee

BNRG Entertainment Committee

BNRG Hospitality Committee: (Room. Board, Transportation)

Bahama Island Delegation

Eleuthra

Abaco

Exuma

Grand Bahama

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Public Workshops/Topics

The Rastafari Movement & The Police Force: Commissioner of Police Paul Farquharson

The Rastafari Movement & The Judicial System: Magistrate/Justice/Bar Association President/Attorney General’s office Director

The Rastafari Movement & The Education System: M.O.E Permanent Secretary/ Minister of Education Hon. Alfred Sears

Rastas in the Bahamian Workforce: Trade Unionist President

Social & Public Discrimination of Rastas: Human Rights Activist (???)

Trade, Commerce, & Agriculture: Bahamas Development Bank Chairman

Spiritual Equality & Religious Tolerance: Bahamas Christian Council President

Rasta Identity:

CARICOM/UN and The Rasta Movement in The Bahamas: Public International Law Lawyer

Closed Workshops/Topics (not open to the general public for attendance)

National, Regional and Global Rasta Unity: IRASCOM INTERNATIONAL

Repatriation:

Self-sufficiency

Gender Equality

History of The Rasta Movement in The Bahamas (public or private)

Reggae Musicians & The Rasta Movement

The True Rasta (Character, Identity, responsibility): Ras IvI Wright, Nyahbinghi Administrator

Strengthen of The Local Houses in the Bahamas (mansion private Reasonings)

The Rastafari Movement & The Ancient Christian Connection

(Review & Ratification of The Document to be presented to The Bahamas Government)

Monday, May 22^nd 2006

8:00am - 6:00pm Arrival of National and International Delegates

(During this time, delegates would be taken to their accommodations where they can settle in, unpack, eat, and then make preparations for the opening ceremony. A registration table would be set up at the camp so that the delegates can register before the opening ceremony)

Morning - 7:00pm Registration of Local, National and International Delegates

7:00pm – 9:30pm Opening Ceremony

· African Dance Performance: Kendra Arnette

· Call to order by MCs

Ø Master of Ceremonies:

Ø Mistress of Ceremonies:

· Opening Prayer:

· National Anthem of The Bahamas:

· National Ethiopian Anthem:

· ( Nyahbinghi Creed)

· Welcoming Address: Conference host

· Greetings from Various Delegates

· Laws of The Land (Short Skin intro): Papa Dion Hanna Attorney-at –law/ IRASCOM Legal Advisor

· Reflection: History of Africans in The Bahamas

· Selection:

· Introduction of Keynote Speaker

· Keynote address: Prime Minister of The Bahamas

· Native Performance (Junkanoo, Rake-N-Scrap, Solo, Dance)

· Conference Overview & Reminder

· Closing Prayer

9:30 – 10:00pm Refreshments and Greetings

10:00pm – Until Transportation back to camp and rest

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Registration Fee & Expenses

Groups One Day Full Week

Rastafarian

Public (Non-Rasta)

Student

Other Expenses

Food - International Delegates Exempted

Accommodations

Trade Show

Concert

Island Tour

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The Bahamas Rastafari National Gathering 2006

Nassau, Bahamas, The College of The Bahamas

Registration Form

1. Make deposit checks payable to “IRASCOM INTERNATIONAL-Bahamas Chapter” and attach this completed form.

2. Check all that apply:

Housings

ð Dorm Housing Needed – at a donation of US$10 per night

ð Motel Housing Needed – at a donation of US$40 per night

ð Camp Site Grounds Needed – no donation required

ð I Will Be Providing My Own Housing

Transportation

ð I Need Transportation – at a donation of US$2.00 per day

ð I Do Not Need Transportation

Ital

ð Ital Needed – at a donation of $3.00 per day

ð I Will Provide My Own Ital

3. Total: $ ________ Amount Enclosed: $________ Balance Due: $________

4. Fill Out Completely:

Circle one: Mr. Mrs. Ms. First Name: _________________ Last name: ____________

Name to appear on badge (please print): ___________________________________

Circle one: Male Female Circle one: Single Married Circle one: Rasta/Public

Address: City: ________________________________________________________

Country/Island/State: _______________________ Zip/P.O Box: ________________

Telephone: _________________________ Email: ___________________________

Home Country: ___________________ Native Language: _____________________

Organization/Mansion/Agency: ___________________________________________

I will be arriving by: car/van: _____ Boat: _____ other: _____ (Please specify)

I will be arriving by Airline Carrier: ______________________ flight #: _________

Time/Date of arrival: _______________Departure time/Date: ___________________

IRASCOM INTERNATIONAL – Bahamas Chapter reserves the right to refuse participation at The Bahamas National Rastafari Gathering 2006 without an explanation or reason for the refusal.