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4. Self-evaluation of learning for the semester.

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4. Self-evaluation of learning for the semester.

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At the start of this course I expected to be bombarded with dates and names, to be regurgitated at a later date, as with all other history classes I have attended. However, much to my surprise, Caribbean Civilisation took an alternative approach, and instead, explored and explained misunderstood concepts and terms while allowing for critical thinking as it relates to myself and environment.

“Pre historic and pre history” terms I occasionally used, have been banished from my vocabulary since a clear explanation describes these term as erroneous. As such an acceptable, correct classification, pre-literate is to be used, as this describe periods of history that were simply not recorded. (UWI, n.d)

This course was able to help me understand that the many factors that shaped the Caribbean, are among these same factors which have played an integral role in me becoming who I am today. This course triggered an interest into my history, but more so, my identity. As it explored the concept of identity, it went further into A Caribbean Identity and this made me question myself as to who I am and how did I really become who I am today? (UWI, n.d)

According to Marcus Garvey, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture, is ike a tree without roots.” As such I believe that this course is vital to any Caribbean person to better understanding the contribution of our those who came before us.

Photo Credit: https://goo.gl/images/CLtupn
RETRIEVED APRIL 24th, 2017.

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3. Application of learning in the course to understanding a problem of regional importance as reflected in news and current affairs literature/programs in the region.

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3. Application of learning in the course to understanding a problem of regional importance as reflected in news and current affairs literature/programs in the region.

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One problem of regional importance is Venezuela’s low current economic activity coupled with it’s political climate. According to reporter Jacqueline Charles, (Miami Herald, 2017) there is  limited expectation of economic growth and activity for Venezuela without economic reform. (Miami Herald, 2017) Due to the falling oil prices, Venezuela’s government is unable to encourage or sustain economic activity, hence, leading to chaos and instability in the country.

As Venezuelans attempt to find food and medicine, many have ‘spilled into Brazil’ (HRW, 2017) as well as into Trinidad. Much like the labourers in the 18th century, seeking better conditions meant moving to a more productive island. As Venezuela experiences this economic and humanitarian crisis, its impact can be felt in neighbouring Caribbean islands. (Caribbean News Now, 2017)

Mass relocation continues to impact negatively affects the health care services, and employment opportunities, usually accessible to locals. (HWR, 2017) In relocating from Venezuela, into the wider Caribbean, many Venezuelans become malnourished and ill, while many others seek jobs to sustain themselves and their families.

It is therefore imperative that Caribbean countries remain vigilant as well as help towards Venezuela’s recovery so as to prevent depletion of their own resources.

References
HumanRightsWatch. "Venezuelan Crisis Spills Over to Brazil." YouTube. YouTube, 14 Apr. 2017. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.

HRW. "Venezuela: Humanitarian Crisis Spilling into Brazil." Human Rights Watch. N.p., 19 Apr. 2017. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.

APRIL 14th, 2017. Venezuelan flee to Brazil to seek health care and medicine.
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLFyi2iH3VU

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Venezuela's humanitarian crisis is spilling across its borders, Human Rights Watch said today. Latin American governments need to apply strong pressure on the Maduro administration to address severe shortages of medicine and food in Venezuela that are causing Venezuelans to leave the country.

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2. Application of learning in Caribbean Civilisation, to students’ understanding of their geographical environment.

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2. Application of learning in Caribbean Civilisation, to students’ understanding of their geographical environment.

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Learning about Sugar Industry and the demand for labour in the Caribbean, has helped me to better understand reasons for the significant East Indian population in Trinidad.

Following the abolition of slavery in 1838, East Indian Indentured laborers, among others, were brought to the Caribbean to attend to the sugar plantations. The number of East Indian indentured labourers brought to the Caribbean, far outweighed that of the Portuguese, Africans, Chinese, and Europeans as approximately 429,623 East Indians were brought, while a mere 106,000 comprised all of the four other origins. (UWI, n.d) Many of these workers flocked to Trinidad to work on estates during 1845 and 1917. (UWI, n.d)

References
Macmillan Caribbean. "The Sugar Revolution - Macmillan Caribbean." Www.macmillan-caribbean.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.

UWI. The Caribbean in Motion: Emancipation, Migration and Indentureship. N.p.: University of the West Indies, n.d. PDF.

UWI. Demographic Diversity in The Caribbean. N.p.: University of the West Indies, n.d. PPTX.

MARCH 4th, 2012. Indentured Indians
Photo credit: http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/field/image/inden.png

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What factors create my Caribbean Identity?
Photo Credit: https://goo.gl/images/hougyr
https://goo.gl/images/D1Sn9H
https://youtu.be/rpxExb0qYbA

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1.	Critical Thinking on an Issue of Importance to Caribbean Civilization.

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1.	Critical Thinking on an Issue of Importance to Caribbean Civilization.

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Caribbean Identity: Analyze how four issues surrounding the formation of the Caribbean may relate to yourself.

A Caribbean Identity collectively describes a medley of individual, group, and national identities, within a unique compendium of cultures. Such diversity has ushered in an array of languages, cultures, music and festivals which have been critical in shaping the Caribbean and much of my present Caribbean identity.

Upon taking control from the French in 1797, (Trinidad Express, 2013) the British reigned in some of the islands during which eventually, creating an Anglosphere. (Bennett, 2004) Hence, living in Trinidad and Tobago, has resulted in me being an avid user of the English language. Additionally, the merging of languages created many slangs and dialects which is commonly used in informal settings to date. Books, conversations, and teachings are expressed in English, in Trinidad and Tobago, as compared to Spanish in Cuba and the French in Martinique. (Curley, 2016)

Also, a wide variety of cultures exist in the Caribbean, many of which have been transmitted through social interaction, over generations. Some of these norms have been maintained in the Caribbean through material and non-material culture. (Jervis, n.d) In Trinidad, preserving historical sites such as the Sewdass Sadhu Shiv Mandir maintains the culture of East-Indian descendants,(Maharaj, 2014) while Carnival celebrations are cultural expressions of freedom, passed on from the West African descendants. (NALIS, n.d)

Additional, different genres of music, and festivals developed on each island as different musical instruments entered these islands. In Jamaica, Jonkanoo celebrates Christmas, while dancehall and reggae music convey the sounds of African drums. (Caribya, n.d) On the other hand, in Trinidad, Carnival celebrations are drenched in Calypso and Soca.

Language, culture, festivals and music, have all helped form the Caribbean that we know today. (UWI, n.d) I now enjoy speaking English, understanding historical sites, participating in Carnival celebrations and listening to Soca music. (UWI, n.d)

References
References

Bennett, James C. The Uses of the NetworkCommonwealth. N.p.: n.p., 29 Apr. 2004. PDF.

Caribya. "Jamaica's Events and Festivals." Jamaica Events and Festivals | Caribya! N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.

Curley, Robert. "What Language is Spoken in My Caribbean Destination?" About.com Travel. About.com, 17 Oct. 2016. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.

Jervis, Nancy, Ph.D. "World Communities: What is a Culure?" What Is a Culture? New York State Education Department, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.

Maharaj, Naila. "Trinidad's Temple in the Sea." Caribbean Beat Magazine. Media & Editorial Projects Limited, 15 Jan. 2014. Web. 17 Apr. 2017.

NALIS. "Carnival." NALIS. National Library and Information Systems Authority, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.

Trinidad Express. "Africans leave their mark on Trinidad." Daily Express. Caribbean Communications Network, 03 June 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2017.

UWI. Caribbean Cultural Expression: Festivals, Music and Sports. N.p.: University of the West Indies, n.d. PDF.