Road Town, British Virgin Islands
Two hundred Rastafarians gathered this week on the island of Tortola to thank the new government for letting them set foot in the British Virgin Islands. It was the first time the Caribbean Rastafari Organization had been allowed to hold its annual conference in the British Caribbean territory. For 23 years, immigration authorities refused to let in any Rastafarians or “hippies.” Rastafarians wear their hair in unruly dreadlocks, and regard smoking marijuana as a holy sacrament. Communications Minister Paul Wattley said many islanders viewed them as “untidy drug smokers” and criminals, and he urged them to dispel the image during their one-week stay.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellationCartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop sceneIn the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
