Bermuda?s Rastafarian community, determined to be recognised , has organised a conference to consider issues they face.

Slated for tomorrow, the conference will be the first of what organiser, David Chapman says he hopes will become an annual event.

Mr. Chapman, a practising Rastafarian for the past eight years, had requested an audience with Premier Alex Scott to formally introduce the group ? Sons and Daughters of Ras Tafari ? and discuss matters concerning them.

That meeting has now been set for August 11 and Mr. Chapman said he is eager for all Bermudian Rastafarians to come together and decide what issues should be discussed.

At the crux of their concerns is ?that our herbal and natural way of living is frowned upon and discouraged?, Mr. Chapman said.

He explained that the conference is timely as the birthday of Rastafari is celebrated around the world on July 23 ? the birthday of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. Rastafarians worship Haile Selassie as he was a direct descendant of the Bible?s King Solomon.

The conference will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Bermuda Industrial Union and all Rastafarians are encouraged to attend.