Speaking to THE DAILY NATION before embarking on a week-long fast, entrepreneur Calvin "Bongolight" Chase, owner and manager of the restaurant Bongolite Culture Place, said it was time he acted because of the unwarranted raids the police carry out on his Cook's Alley, City establishment.

"I have been targeted by the police on many occasions. They storm my place regularly and stop my flow of business," Chase said.

"This has caused a dent in my business finances and my movie production. I was even planning at one point to shut shop and leave.

"I see it as discrimination because I am a Rasta and to them Rastas shouldn't have certain things."

However, public relations officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force Inspector Barry Hunte, was not able to support Chase's claims of unwarranted raids, stating he was not aware of any such police operations on Bongolight Culture Place.

But Chase, 48, a resident of Westbury Road, said his fast is not just for his own personal reasons, but to "seek justice for the poor and underprivileged".

"This system is geared towards keeping down the poor," stated Chase. "That is why the Father has put me in this position and that is why I am here now doing the Father's work because I am a servant of the Almighty."

Recalling the various instances where he claimed police wrongfully invaded his restaurant, Chase spoke of the signs to look for as he expects God to answer his call for justice.

"The heavens will change. You will see a difference in the sky. Tornadoes, earthquakes, these things will start coming to the region because I have called upon them."

And Chase warns of further tribulations to come if Barbadians do not change their ways and put God above all else.

"The Father will send his wrath upon the nation, those who are corrupt and forget the Almighty.

"So everyone should make sure their heart is right with the Father, because unfortunate situations can happen to those who continue with their trespasses.". (JM)