Haile Selassie’s Grandson in Jamaica for Nine-Day Visit

His Imperial Highness (HIH) Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie arrived in the island today (April 21) for a nine-day visit.

He is accompanied by wife, Princess Saba Kebede.

The Prince’s visit is in commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the State visit of his grandfather, the late Emperor of Ethiopia, His Imperial Majesty (HIM) Haile Selassie, who is revered by the Rastafari movement.

On arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, His Imperial Highness was met by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange; Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Mike Henry; Chair, 50^th Anniversary Haile Selassie’s Visit Commemoration Committee, Dr. Michael Barnett; Honorary Consul of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Yodit Hylton; and Abuno Foxe, from the Church of the Haile Selassie.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the airport to welcome Prince Sahle-Selassie and his wife, Ms. Grange noted that the Rastafari culture has made an indelible impact on life in Jamaica and across the world.

“Many of the areas in which we are revered and known globally have solid roots in Rastafari and many, who practise the Rastafarian (faith) are iconic figures that we hold in high esteem,” she noted.

Ms. Grange said the Rastafarian movement, which started in Jamaica in the 1930s, represents one of the most articulate voices of resistant expression.

She pledged that the Government will continue to do its part in ensuring that Jamaicans “never lose sight of Rastafari as an important sociocultural movement in our history.”

For his part, Prince Sahle-Selassie thanked the Government and people of Jamaica for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.

“It’s a great honour to be 50 years hence in Jamaica retracing the steps of my grandfather,” he said.

“What we hope to do is use that experience as a point of reflection so that we can be inspired to commemorate this great event with the whole of Jamaica. I’m very much looking forward to meeting more people and to share this big occasion with everyone,” he noted further.

His Imperial Highness later addressed members of the Rastafarian faith, who had gathered at the airport to greet him.

The Prince’s visit will incorporate several activities including a floral tribute at the shrine of National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey at National Heroes Park.

He will also pay courtesy calls on Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, as well as visit the Haile Selassie High School.