Knysna Tourism has initiated a unique twinning agreement between two Rastafarian communities in South Africa and Jamaica.
The twinning arrangement will be forged between the Judah Square Rastafarian Community in Knysna and the Rastafari Indigenous Village in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Knysna Tourism Development Manager Glendyrr Fick, says the twinning relationship will be aimed at sharing the communities' philosophy, heritage and culture and act as a global example of peace and harmony.
"The communities will promote sport development, education programmes and joint marketing initiatives," said Fick. "This arrangement will also encourage exchange programmes between these communities to share experiences and participate in important events and festivals. A band from the Rastafari Indigenous Village has already confirmed that they will be playing at the annual Earth Festival held in Knysna at the end of July."
"Both communities have accepted the proposed twinning agreement, facilitated by Countrystyle Community Tourism Network South Africa (CCTNSA) through Knysna Tourism, and endorsed by the International institute for Peace through Tourism South Africa (IIPTSA)."
"I visited the Rastafari Indigenous Village in Montego Bay during a recent study tour to Jamaica," explained Fick. "I immediately recognised its similarities with the Judah Square community and realised that a twinning agreement would hold much benefit for both communities. As far as we know, this is the first formal association between two Rastafarian communities in different countries."
"Back in Knysna I will now be able to instigate a number of programmes and initiatives, aside from the twinning agreement between the Rastafarian communities," Fick continued. "Many of these are still in the planning phase, but, amongst others, Knysna Tourism Living Local has gained membership to the CCTNSA, Knysna Tourism is now a member of the IITPSA, an exciting new business model for Sedgefield and our rural communities is in the pipeline and I hope to soon have a certain area in Knysna proclaimed as an International Peace Park through the IIPTSA," she said,
