Sebastien Beguerie Lands in Kingston Town
As I arrive on Monday at the Norman Manley airport in Kingston, Ras Kalheb Selassie known as the original Ital Steam Chalice maker was there to welcome me, as we made our first stop to get fresh Coconut water juice and jelly… What a refreshment after 10 hours of flying….My expedition could now begin!
Tuesday Herbalist Revival
We got ourselves ready to be immersed in Rastafari Herbalist culture. We went in the afternoon to the famous Kingston Dub Club to discuss with Gabre Selassie about herbal grade around Jamaica to have a better overview of the reality regarding Ganja quality on the island. In the evening, we were invited a Rastafari cultural event at Sankofa session at Shanti Oasis in New Kingston. To my surprise, some of the most reknowned Reggae Revival singers were there: Kelissa, Keida, Xana Romeo (the daughter of Max Romeo), Dre Island and Lutan Fayah.
On Wednesday: Rasta Roots
We visited Mount Debre Zeit Records up in Jack’s Hill which is operated by Ras Malekot, a Rasta Elder guardian of the Ethiopian’s church land in Kingston. He has also been presenting the sacramental use of Ganja on Noisiey Jamaica, a documentary channel.
During my visit we discussed at his place, we had a reasoning about Ital food and Ital herbal sacrament and Rastafari faith. As we discussed, it showed the importance of I and I mission to establish Ital standard, in order to protect the Healing of the Nations by the use of Cannabis in a sacramental way, as the Rastaman said.
Thursday is Jam Time
We visit the Education Rastafari community center at UWI ( University of West Indies), where we met with JahLine and BozRa from Cannabicare who is treating cancer with some patients in Jamaica.
In the evening we went to «Vinyls Thursday» and the Reggae Revival scene happening in Kingston to share some good vibes and connect the Jamaican spiritual music.
Friday Live Testing Demonstrations
Alpha-cat was invited by Gabre Selassie to his place at Kingston Dub Club to have a testing live demonstration. The aim was to gather the Herbalists, growers, edibles makers and users across uptown Kingston. Testing took place at the at 4:20. We tested some herb, charas made by a local grower from the manicuring process during the bud harvest. Surprisingly, one sample had CBD.
One of the biggest advantages with the Alpha-cat method is the opportunity it brings to easily, quickly and accurately teach proper testing methods in a 1:1 situation. By doing the tests with our partners, we can ensure accuracy of results as the method is taught in a personal and demonstrative way. This method of teaching and testing enables cannabis professionals in the field the information they need for their medicinal use. Plus, it furthers community growth in many ways as growers and retailers can gather together for testing, allowing them to certify multiple strains and products at once.
Saturday at Denbigh Agricultural Conference
Alpha-cat went to Denbigh, the biggest annual agricultural event in Jamaica. During this event, all organizations of farmers and associations from the island were gather. Sebastien got the chance to discuss with the Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement. Sebastien also met with people from the Ministry of Agriculture working on Plant protection, Seed Health Laboratory. During the tour we meet the producer of the famous Roots liquor maker called «Baba Roots»: they make a natural Energy tonic drink as true herbalists by mixing herbs and roots to give a full potential natural experience.
As we concluded our first week’s return, we departed Denbigh to Westmoreland by Nigril to meet some pioneer herbalists and farmers, who we’ll feature in our next segment this Thursday. Stay tuned!
