I had visualized Fyzabad (FYZO) as a striving community. After all, it was at Fyzo that oil was discovered, and it was at Fyzo that on June 19, 1937, a national strike was called that would ricochet and have far reaching consequences around the British Empire. It was also at Fyzo that The National Union of Freedom Fighters (NUFF) led an armed struggle to draw attention to the discrepancy which existed between the Haves and the Tillers of the land. So, you could understand my shock as I stepped off the plane on August 3, 2005 from NY and landed in good old Trinidad with some of my Rastafari idrens. My first observation as I embarked at Piarco International was to appreciate the scale of the bobol scandal of enormous proportion that took place there. Incidentally, one of the ring leaders, a Cuban, was recently apprehended in Miami, USA and was extradited to Trinidad to face this commess. 

We were met by Ras Lincoln and Ras Aboyoni and after exchanging salutations we headed for South and home. The journey was a mad race into hell.  The driver drove as if he was in the "Indy 500" and had to be reminded that he had "valuable cargo on board."

The journey also afforded me the opportunity to focus on the paradox between the houses of "macho size" located side by side to shanties. Trinis were functioning as if they were in a daze or under the spell of Mandrake, the magician.

I reminded myself of the dichotomy which exists: out of 1.3 million people, 442,000 are living in abject poverty;  168,000 youths are unemployed and left to roam the streets and that Trinidad is richer than 16 States in America. Most of all, I, however, observed that a veil of fear hung over the country. Trinidad had witnessed 221 killings. (254 as of 9/7/05).

At Fyzabad, though, I went into shell shock. Did the government not know how important Fyzo was to its economy? Did they forget that the "Chief Servant" resided here? Did they forget that the first African and Indian Union was started here and that Indians and Africans still continue to live in harmony? I noticed that the signs to the Casbah and High Noon still appeared above their entrance doors but their activities had long ceased to operate The streets were kept clean but there was an eerie feeling that people were just getting by; there were some bright spots to dull one's senses such as Brother Zeno who was championing his cause and bringing out the best of the youth who were under his direction. The market which used to be the hub of southern activities still stood  but did not have any activities of times long past. This was the place and where the market women dominated. One could measure the success of the South by checking on this market. Today it stands as a sad reminder of things long gone.

We pitched tent and immediately word got around that we had arrived. We had broken Mandrake's spell! Suddenly, our compound became the talk of the village. Rasta came to pay homage and pledged their support.

Indian and African unity suddenly became visible as if the ghost of  Tubal Uriah Buzz Butler, the Chief Servant was blowing in the wind. Or,  perhaps the resurrection of the unity of 1975 where Basdeo Panday, Raffique Shah, Joe Young and  George Weekes demonstrated that there was indeed unity between the two largest ethnic groups - the African and the Indian. The children had conducted a major workshop on Education and we became their students; the neighbors in a continuous flow came and shared their crops with us; Ras Nathaniel of IRIE always kept us in a heartical upliftment chanting Nyabinghi ises; His repatriation census was well received and this document has substantiated the call for Repatriation. His action coincided with the pre planned journey of some idrens of the Ethiopian Peace Foundation to Mother Africa - Ghana, Nigeria and Zion Ethiopia.

INI word sound emphasized the importance of the role of the Africans in the Diaspora and why it is so important to overstand the importance of Africa to INI livity.  In another one of my utterances, I emphasized a New Day, a New Approach and a New Order. This was reasoning based on collective strength. Who says that we have to have lots of money to achieve success! As Ras Ravin -I often says "he has a phantom budget." He was correct for it has always been a budget of this magnitude that has allowed TTRU to be successful. Anyone who witnessed the movement in the camp, would immediately deduce "dem Rasta had money, oui." What we really have is collective unity that induces the collective strength within we. It also showed that in order for Rastafari to be effective, it had to have a direct linkage to the community. In other words, we cannot be "standoffish" as we Trini would often say. Once we accept our existence as directed by HIM and emulate HIM as directed tru HIM's Utterances, it does not matter if you are Nyabinghi, Twelve Tribes or Bobo. This new found strength signaled this togetherness. Furthermore, this gathering limited any talk or finger pointing or "we camp better than your own."

We had planned and executed four events in Trinidad in rapid progression. Firstly, TTRU had successfully conducted an orderly motorcade on July 23, 2005 and had its own escort throughout the Southern part of Trinidad. Secondly, TTRU had planned and coordinated a successful National Rastafari gathering and showed that it could have both Rasta and Non Rasta support from far and within the community. And more importantly, INI took the time to lay out the plans to build our Multicultural and Multi purpose educational center. Finally, TTRU with Dr. Jennifer Jones were able to provide free medical care for 47 idrens -- something the existing government had failed to provide for FYZO. The latter feat was accomplished with the assistance of three Cuban doctors.

As Rasta, we should always remember the time that Fyzo stood still. However, Fyzo no longer is asleep. It has come alive and Rasta and the village people have pledged their support to become the vanguard for positive change while INI adhere to the calling of Mother Africa.

INI give thanks to all who forward and who have made this dream become a reality. INI give thanks to all the idren in the US and Trinidad who have kept this hope alive and as Ras Ravin says "nothing moves before Jah wills it."

Give Thanks

Brother Lance

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When Selassie I manifest on Earth, HIM fulfilled the prophecy and loosed the Seven Seals. His holy presence signaled the downfall of wicked Babylon.

Unfortunately, this radical change did not magically occur overnight. As Ras Jag (TTRU Chariman) reasoned, "HIM nah go do the job for InI. Selassie I gave InI the tools, the wisdom, the livity to do it we-selves."

Rastafari bredren all over the world have been waiting for the revolution to come, waiting for that mythical day when people all over the world will wake up and realize that their lives do nothing more than perpetuate a Babylonian system of inequality whose goal is just that; perpetual and eternal inequality and downpression.

As time wears on it becomes more and more apparent that the changes will not happen in such a mythical fashion. When them belly full most people don't care that they are simply tools in a Babylon system.

InI need to stop waiting and actively shape the changes ourselves by taking up politics positionally (because as Ravin I said Rasta is political whether InI wants it to be or not).

What I mean by conducting politics positionally is different Rastafari mansions and political bodies coming together, recognizing/establishing their common position, and endeavoring to take on one another's agendas. I do not mean conglomeration, compromise, or the sacrifice of churchical diversity that is Rastafari's greatest strength. Rather, I refer to a collaborative political process whereby different Rasta houses/organizations communicate, open up reasoning with one another, and establish a set of common priorities so Rastafari can work toward achieving Selassie I's vision of collective security. That process is absolutely crucial to facilitating the educational and collective development of Rastafari and it is that process that Trinidad and Tobago Rastafari United (TTRU) is trying to establish in Trinidad.

The trip to Fyzabad in August was a major step forward for TTRU in this respect. At the groundation, Ras Lincoln, Ras Jag, Brother Lance, and Ras Ravin made all of the Rasta houses on the island aware of TTRU's intentions. Pledges of support were made. The lines of communication were thrown open. One week later TTRU was able to hold an enormously successful free clinic for local residents. But the doctors weren't Rasta, they were brought by Trinidad and Tobago Cuba Solidarity. It was only by taking up a common position with them despite our differences, accepting each other's agendas despite our differences, and collaborating despite our differences that we were able to succeed in providing free medical care to all in attendance.

Everyone, whether they Rasta or not, suffers from the dearth in healthcare and education in the Caribbean and Latin America. Only through collaboration (positional politics) based on this common suffering will we be able to provide for ourselves what the colonial governments should but will not.

The prophecy will be fulfilled, BABYLON WILL FALL, just as every evil empire has fallen throughout human history. But it is on we to overstand that InI actions alone will dictate whether Babylon falls in our lifetime, or long after our children and our children's children have suffered under her yoke.

The TTRU project in Trinidad has the potential to open doors toward Rastafari community development, not because we can do it we-selves, but because the local collaboration we do on the island can have a major global impact by serving as an inspiration and model for others around the world (Rasta and non-Rasta alike) who share the same position.

Even though wicked Babylon seems all consuming, InI will fight her and as Selassie I said, "… we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil."

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HAILE! SELASSIE! Greetings sons and dawtas of king Jah Rastafari;

This past August I man forward to Fyzabad, Trinidad on the work study trip sponsored by the Trinidad & Tobago Rastafari United. Through the guidance of Jah I came across the TTRU work-study/groundation advertisement and checked the web site aiyamar.com. Pon sighting what them have goin on, immediately I was attracted to the mission the bredren were setting out to accomplish.

 A non-profit organization that is developing an anti colonial education/health center open for all Rasta or non Rasta. They own the land so Babylon can*t mash it down. I read on the aims and objectives they wanted to develop an organic agriculture project and being that I am studying that very subject in school I knew this Jah guidance don*t know how I came across this ad on the internet but it was exactly what I had been seeking.

Rastafari groundation and a development center that I could put I schoolin to practice for the benefit of Rastafari. From this time, I was goin to make the necessary effort to get on board. After linking with Ras Ravin-I he informed I bout the runnins. This would be a two week stay in the bush, not a hotel or any of those amenities, there was to be the first national Rastafari groundation ever held in Trini and no partiality, all houses welcome. Also we would see first hand the Trinidad culture and get schooled in the history of Trinidad and of the Rastafari movement therein. This was a true blessing. I could not pass dis up.

This was my first time out of the US and I was amazed, it was beautiful. On the way to the compound we stopped for some Trinidad fast food, "doubles" these are sooo good, (at time we would go on searches for dem through the city). Once we belly full we continued to Fyzabad taking the less trodden path through the village.

The stomping grounds of the bredrin when they was youth, where they first went natty. The houses are very close together and quite small. They all have 400gal black tanks that capture the rain water which is a prime water source. Small gardens are every where and fruit trees dot the road side. Along with the above ground pipes used to transport oil. Yea the main export is oil so there are oil machines all over. Riding through the streets there were constant hails coming through de windows, every where we went there was Rasta.

The people we passed knew something was goin on as everyone stopped what they were doing and watched us pass. As we arrived to the land I thought where are we it looked strange not what I imagined. However this feeling went away within minutes. Soon it transformed into a high energy compound with Rasta comin in and goin out continuously. No time was wasted and we began to set up are temporary camp for the night.

These tents were to be InI resting places for the next 13 nights. No problem man. Bongo Zach came forward in company with some youth who blocked verse and sound for we. Chanting up his majesty, I was moved in a way I had never been before. This was the lighting of the fiyah that would bun the duration of the Groundation. After camp was set InI gathered and the iyabinghi ises ride up. This was I first session and I was taken, all the impurities, began ta bun! da fiyah light inside I man and to this day has not ceased. The ises sealed up and we settled to relax a little from the long travels. The reasoning began and we learned of the revolutionary times of the seventies, the struggles which have led the bredrin to where they are now. Until this point I really did not overs the magnitude of where we were. My whole outlook changed on life. These men have been fighting for justice for they whole life and have not escaped the hardships. The wickedness of the downpressor has been chasing them but Jah keep dem one step ahead. I feel truly honored to be here in this house. I now know the seriousness of TTRU. They not playing no games, and no dreamy illusions, only serious business man rastafari works guided by the teachings of his majesty. Nuff raspect to the Idren. All the while we was waiting on the pot ta bubble cause man we was hungry. Eventually we filled we belly and laid we head for a rest. It was now early morning.

The next light after some morning tea, began our first workshop on bamboo construction. We constructed a 20'x30' frame that would shelter our tents. This was a collective project involving all, but Ras Nathaniel, Bret, and I did the majority of the work. The instruction, was well received and throughout the day ones would take some time and come assist we. At the end of the day we had a complete and covered structure that stood tall all the time enduring the weight of gallons of water at times. It was the rainy season and rained at some point most every day.

In the first two days a kitchen was added to Lincoln’s cabin, a tent shelter was built, another one improved, the books for the true- brary cataloged, flags raised, and many details worked out concerning the next two days.

The gathering kicked off with some ises and an introduction by Ras Ravin-I. Then the speakers came forward. We learned of the current economic conditions, the root of those problems and what can and need to be done. The need for action was strongly emphasized. Ras Ravin, brother Lance, Ras Jag, Ras Lincoln, and Ras Nathaniel all delivered heartfelt speeches that hit deep and hard.

Each one of we must develop and work toward uplifting the Rastafari nation. The time has come, we cannot afford to wait any longer. Repatriation is a must for the descendents of Afrikans taken in captivity, and is the duty of others to support that. Time for Rastafari to raise up. No sleeping no slumber for that equals poverty.

By nightfall many had come forward and ones n ones continued to come and gather. Da pot bubblin Da ganja blazin an da reasoning strong. I had never been present for any thing so blessed. This was what I needed for real.

The bredrin Ivor came forward who was the priest of the binghi house in Grenada and dropped serious wisemind on InI concerning prophecy in revelations. The vibe was so strong with the repatriation census, the movements of TTRU, the ises, the bredrin an sistren comin forward, the vibrations must a been coverin da whole island. The official gathering sealed up but the ises continued tru de night. The second day brought out Jennifer Jones who is a senator of parliament in Trinidad.

By the end of the day the locals had a plan for cleaning up the local community and what other improvements must be made. The problems with education system and what could be done to improve it were discussed. I can not report all things there was so much it was definitely a success. After the gathering I had a clearer overs of the foundation of TTRU and the driving factors. This has been in the making for long time and now its time to take off. The gathering was strong exceeding the expectations of TTRU. The movements are now visible.

The vibes built during the gathering did not subside an each new light brought forward wonderful experiences. We began to develop strong bonds amongst the local Rasta an non Rasta being recognized any where in the village InI were warmly accepted. There were no problems much love. Yes I. One blood an one creator. Together InI can chant down Babylon.

Each day was a session to be at. Binghi ises, chanting, reasoning never cease. The spiritual healing was crucial an iditation deep an everlasting. I never been so close to Jah the irits is soaring like the dove above. Every day was there was something learned. The reasoning covered many topics from history to daily life and solutions to problems facing InI in this time. Through a reasoning on the topic of the Nyahbinghi Ises InI learned of the heartical irations that come outta da word soun* an the effect that it creates. One man can sing out ta Jah but if ones an ones come together the word soun* is much louder the vibrations much stronger. It is these chants that disrupt the Babylon system an give InI strength and motivation to trod forward. The ises reveal truth to the I an ya caan not escape. That’s the healing the transgressions get burned its purifying you can*t runaway from yourself or the almighty. These things I will never forget these experiences are now imbedded InI an help reveal the righteous path of Rastafari.

In conclusion this was the best two weeks of I man time on this planet. The amount and wealth of knowledge gained exceeds what I have learned from the three years of sighting Rastafari. In Iman trod this is what I have been seeking, a time an place to come to a solid overstanding of the fullness of Rastafari through witnessing the livity and being in the presence of many wise sons an dawtas of Jah Rastafari. I now take up the struggle an give I full energy to TTRU and the Rastafari nation as a whole. Through this time I developed many friendships and think bout all of you everyday. I give thanks for the many blessing bestowed pon InI over the duration of the trip. Fyzabad(fyzagood) is a village that will be known in all the world. Its history deep, the people strong with revolutionary blood flowing hotta. More fiyah bless up the people dem. TTRU is mekkin a step forward for Rastafari and the liberation of all people from the colonial grip that is holdin the people down. This is a place for development an skills trading to strengthen the bredrin an sistren an prepare we for repatriation. Yea the giant gonna wake up an den Rastafari goin ta take over. I give thanks to Ras Ravin-I an bro. Lance for holding things up in the US and taking I man down to they home. Also to the bredrin holdin it up in Trini, Ras Lincoln, Ras Jag, especially for all their hard work an again for welcoming InI to they home. I man will do all I can for the progress of the TTRU. I left to Trinidad as a youthman seeking, and returned a youth man still seeking but with a purpose and a mission. Yes JAH I give thanks for providing I with the ability to make this trod. For me these were the best days ever, in the company of Rasta old an young African and Indian. The ease of life here is great, things happen when they do no worries Fari, Jah will be done.

BIG UP ta Bro. Lance, Ras Ravin-I, Ras Lincoln, Ras Jag, Binghi Kai, Ras Kwamie, Bongo Sean, Bongo Zach, Ras Nathaniel, Ras Marcus, Frank his wife an daughters (they treat I with much love), Sista Ichelle, Bali Ram, to the youth who came to dwell with InI an block they word sound, an to all who made this possible.

Giving Ises

Jah B.

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PRESS RELEASE.

Greetings and blessed love.

TTRU would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ras Nathaniel for his support and involvement with TTRU its August 2005 groundation.

Ras Nathaniel flew to Trinidad on August 3rd.as part of the TTRU guest speaker list The idren was able to present the Repatriation Census and spoke of meetings with the AU and his time in Ethiopia. All of which was readily accepted by the TTRU collective.

Supported by the Repatriation Census TTRU was able to gauge the strength of the Rastafari family in Trinidad, Idren of the TTRU supports the Repatriation Census and the Blackstarline feasibility study mandated by the Panama conference, a study which we have taken on to complete and submit a completed report to Ras Nathaniel for the completion of his report.

TTRU has vowed its collective support for Ras Nathaniel and the works he has been called to do.

TTRU also invited other speakers from Trinidad and the outer Caribbean to attend, speakers which included the chairman of IRASCOM and the Junior Minister of National Security Mr. Fitzgerald Hinds amongst others, neither of these invites showed up.

Thank you again Idren for your support and wisemind, as said before, you have a home in Trinidad.

Love and respect always.

MISGANA.

TTRU FAMILY

TTRU Report    /     Ras Nathaniel Report