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We are a diverse people with background of struggle and oppression. But we have blossomed into a richly colorful region with a variety of food, festivals and languages. That is who we are as a Caribbbean. That is what sets us apart from all other groups. As a people we learn that is is not how we start but how we finish.

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Our relationships with one another also help define who we are as a people. Whether we chose to be united or divided. If we choose to help our brothers in need or turn a blind eye. We decide who we are.

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I AM A BELIEVER OF CHRIST. I AM UNSTOPPABLE

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I AM ORIGINAL. I AM A LEADER.

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I AM RESPECTFUL. I AM AMBITIOUS

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Our history provides us with the tools with which we can define and identify ourselves. The journey travelled by our relatives halped pave the way for us to walk today. While we may use the external criteria to identifiy with each other and find a common concept it is the internal characteristics that also play a great role in our future. Although we maybe of East Indian decent we may identify wiith Christianity instead of Hinduism. We may chose to have dred locs but Allah is God in our hearts. With our choice of identfication within popular groups, there comes criticism if we do not conform to the norms. Labels should be placed by oneself as it is more important that you chose who you answer to.

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Women were religious leaders during times of slavery. Thus they had a great influence in preserving the culture and traditions of their people. It is seen in folk songs as well as traditional story telling.

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Since the beginning of history the role of women in society hasnt been considered as significant. Their main roles were child rearing, cooking and tending to the gardens. They were not seen as strong and capable. This view has been passed down from generations till this day. Women, although perfoming the same tasks as men, are not recognised for their contribution nor are they awarded the same rewards or privilages.

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I AM SMART. I AM DRIVEN

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Through education we as a people have been able to overcome many obstacles. with the establishment of universities individuals are able to atttain higher levels of education. This was aggreed upon during the establishment of C.X.C which also gave the equal opportunity for primary and secondary education.

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Languages has always influenced decisions in the history of the region. The first instance was betweent the natives and the Europeans. As it is known a language barrier creates problems with communication. Today there is a variety of different languages spoken within the islands. These vary from English to Spanish, French and even Portuguese. This language diversity came as a result of the European bodies which governed different islands.

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Through this course i have learnt and grown a lot (as a student, a young woman and an individual who is able to impact and make a difference in today's society). The knowledge I obtained has allowed me to explore the behaviors and practices amongst us as a Caribbean people. A new insight into issues about religion and the role of women in society was both welcoming and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed this course.

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Exerpt from THE SLAVE EXPERIENCE : RELIGION by Kimberly Sambol-Tosco 

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Exerpt from THE SLAVE EXPERIENCE : RELIGION by Kimberly Sambol-Tosco 

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"this participation in the dominant European religion reflected (and helped to bring about) a colonial society in which blacks were more fully integrated and enjoyed greater rights than later generations of slaves would. However, slaves also saw conversion to Christianity as a road to freedom."

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/experience/religion/history.html

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http://www.travelquotidiano.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/crop_over.jpg

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Identity is defined as the qualities possesed by a individual or group thats distiguishes then from others.

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/identity

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http://www.americanhistoryusa.com/static/images/freedmans-school.jpg

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With the conversion of the salves, there began the establishment of schools. There was a direct link between the religious and education systems as it was used for cooperation from the slaves. Although the established schools were to be free of religious teachings, the clergy men were there teachers.

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One of the main issues resided in the belief that persons who did not identify with European culture and customs were seen as uncivilized. One method of dealing with this was their conversion to Christianity. Although they brought with them their own religious beliefs and customs, it was not accepted by the Europeans. In order to ensure that the slaves coformed to their demands, conversion was used as a bargining chip. Whereby, slaves who converted were allowed greater rights as well as protection and the ability to receive an education. The first dominant christian group was Roman Catholic. It was then followed by Protestant/ Evangelical groups.  The introduction of new religous bodies brought with it competition to gain converts. The inclusion of the native people into some of the religions made it mote welcoming and appealing to the slaves. There were those however who were against it in fear for the loss of their beliefs and culture.

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"The Africans enslaved over the years were not from one religious or ethnic group. They came from different ethnic groups, with different cultures and beliefs. But the word can be used for the African diaspora in its widest sense of dispersal and remembered cultural heritage. The millions of enslaved Africans were dispersed to many different countries, from Brazil to India. But many remembered their past, and kept it alive through religion, storytelling, music, customs and names."

http://www.discoveringbristol.org.uk/slavery/after-slavery/wider-world/african-diaspora/

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Transitions were made between the labour supply (from the Neo-Indians to the lower class white Europeans to Africans then East Indians and Chinese) as well as the procuction product (from Tobacco to Sugar Cane)

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Our history, whether documented or not all contribute to the identity we hold as a Caribbean. We all share a common background which is reflected in our Education system, Political structure, Gender Equality within our society, Languages spoken amongst the islands and not omitting our Religious practices. The mannner in which we mentally adddress issuses in our society is directly related to our history based on what was taught and impressioned upon our ancestors. Our identity is a complex one because we do not have a clear cut path from our present to out past.

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I AM RESILIANT. I AM A FIGHTER. I AN AN OVERCOMER AND I AM BLESSSED BEYOND MEASURE. I AM A COMBINATION OF AFRICAN AND EAST  INDIAN. I AM A CHRISTIAN BUT I ALSO RESPECT THE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OF OTHERS. I AM A TRINBAGONIAN. I AM A CARIBBEAN WOMAN.

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I AM STRONG. I AM TALENTED

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Plantation workers in the field.

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I AM INDEPENDANT. I AM BLESSED