Editorial in JAMAICA: Pinnacle — satisfying the demands of history.....The story of Pinnacle, said to be the birthplace of Rastafari and of the late Mr Leonard Howell.

Rastafarians at the Pinnacle property
 two Fridays ago.
(PHOTOS: MICHAEL GORDON)

The story of Pinnacle, said to be the birthplace of Rastafari and of the late Mr Leonard Howell — who is credited as the founder of the movement — isn't, by any means, only about Rastas. Crucially, it provides an important chapter or more in the extraordinary history of the Jamaican people.

For this newspaper, that is the important element that none of us should ignore. Even for non-Rastafaris, preservation of Rastafarian heritage should be of great importance.

In that regard, whatever happens as a result of the court battle over land tenure at Pinnacle — now in the Court of Appeal — the State has a responsibility to ensure that there is a suitable and substantial marker in whatever form to satisfy the demands of history.

Of course, it's not only about history or respect for Rastafari culture as of themselves. Those with an entrepreneurial bent will recognise Rastafari heritage as one with enormous potential for tourism. The fact is that Rastafarianism is a subject of fascination of global proportions, and we envision Pinnacle, adorned with an appropriate museum etc, becoming a site of great interest for many visitors. Hopefully, when the legal dust is all settled, such an ideal will become possible. more