Bermuda?s Rastarfarian community are seeking formal recognition of their existence in Bermuda from Government.

David Chapman, a spokesperson for the group Sons and Daughters of Rastafari, has sent a letter to Premier Alex Scott requesting a meeting to explain their philosophy and alert him to their concerns.

Mr. Chapman estimates that there are over 200 practising Rastafarians on the Island and said they face a lot of discrimination. He said he thinks the first step in rectifying this is to meet with the Premier or a representative and formally tell him of their existence.

?In the meeting we would also like to discuss some issues related to us being here,? he said.

Mr. Chapman explained that while Rastafarians here do have the freedom to assemble and to use their literature, some of their fundamental rights are jeopardised.

In particular a basic tenet of the religion is to live as natural and peace loving as possible.

Mr. Chapman said that they face a host of obstacles in this regard and gave examples of pressure put on them to vaccinate their children, give their children fluoride, the illegality of home birth and use of midwives.

?In all instances we prefer the natural over the chemical way and that is in diet, in medicine, in every aspect of our lives,? he said.

?When we send our children to school they are taught about birth control, and while we are not against it, we may not advocate the methods taught in the curriculum.?

He also voiced concern that Rastafarian children in the public school system have ?a lot of cultural things forced (on them) like Christmas and Easter.

?We do find that we are persecuted against and cannabis is focused on, but I don?t want to even talk about that now.

?It?s much greater than that. It is that our herbal and natural way of living is frowned upon and discouraged.?

Mr. Chapman said the importance of religious tolerance is highlighted by wars currently taking place in the world and he said Bermuda through its Human Rights legislation needed to respect Rastafarianism.

?Many people have been given rights locally,? he said. ?For example, homosexuals.?