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Activity: 1.1: The Eric Williams Collection (Alma Jordan Library)

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Activity: 1.1: The Eric Williams Collection (Alma Jordan Library)

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Revisionism and Ethnocentrism:

In the 1900’s, Dr. Williams immersed himself in colonial education where the history of the Caribbean was told from an ethnocentric point of view. He was inspired to rewrite Caribbean history through literary pieces such as “Capitalism and Slavery.” In this book, Williams rebutted Britain’s rationale for the abolition of slavery-which stated that it was “God’s work,-” by presenting the economic reasons which were in the interest of Britain. Williams sought to describe the experiences of the Caribbean enslaved people from an unheard perspective since the Europeans presented a myopic view of the Caribbean’s history, from the “white man’s” eyes.

Civilisation:

As Prime Minister, Williams embarked upon a journey that was geared towards providing the Caribbean people a voice, a significant step towards encouraging public input in the affairs of the country after having been oppressed and ignored for several years. He did this by practising pragmatic socialism which emphasised social services, improved education and economic opportunities which lead to the development of Caribbean people. Consequently, Williams encouraged the unification of not just the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, but also the citizens of the region. Evidence of this is depicted in picture 2 which shows gifts and memorabilia that were given to Williams from partners within the region for his extraordinary work.

Defining the Caribbean:

Dr. Williams was an instrumental figure in the achievement of Trinidad and Tobago’s independence. Through public forums, Dr. Williams sensitized the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago on the symbolism of independence as a “break” from colonial ties. This was an imperative step towards redefining the Caribbean based on territories’ statuses as independent states, associate states, and colonial dependencies. In order to demonstrate this journey towards independence, picture 3 displays a sample of independence memorabilia in celebration of the auspicious event which changed the status of Trinidad and Tobago and contributed to a redefined Caribbean.

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Activity 2.2: Defining the Caribbean on Basis of Geography.

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Activity 2.2: Defining the Caribbean on Basis of Geography.

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·      Puerto Rico:

Undoubtedly, the island of Puerto Rico embodies the tropical climate and rich culture like any other island in the Caribbean. In addition, both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea wash upon its shores which validates its categorisation of a Caribbean island, although it keeps its status as an associated state of the United States of America.

·      Guyana

Guyana’s geographic location has also caused conflict as to whether it should be considered a part of the Caribbean or not. Although it is located on the South American continent and is not an island like the majority of land masses that belong to the Caribbean, Guyana is indeed categorised as a Caribbean country. It forms a part of the Anglophone Caribbean as it shares its history (British colonisation and CARICOM membership) with other Caribbean islands. Additionally, Guyana’s northern shores are washed upon by the Caribbean Sea.

·      Belize

Belize does not form a part of the Caribbean’s archipelago, neither is it an island. Although the country is located in the region of Central America, it is also bordered by the Caribbean Sea on its eastern coast. Apart from this, Belize became a member of The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 1974, and is therefore considered to be a part of the Caribbean. Its culture is a fusion of both Central America and the Caribbean.

·      Suriname

Just like Guyana, Suriname is located on the South American continent which makes determining whether it is a part of the Caribbean quite troublesome. Though not an island, its coast meets the Caribbean Sea while the country shares its membership in CARICOM (The Caribbean Community) with many other Caribbean countries. The latter is a strong argument that Suriname is indeed a part of the Caribbean

Caribbean Sea Map - Dive The World, www.dive-the-world.com/maps-caribbean-sea.php.

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Acitivity 3.2: Manifestations of European Legacy in Caribbean Region

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Acitivity 3.2: Manifestations of European Legacy in Caribbean Region

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The influences of the Dutch, French, Spanish and English have been preserved over the years in the Caribbean. Evidence of European culture is visible in the region through the fabric of its people, and practices of Caribbean nationals in their daily lives. This characteristic is what makes the Caribbean one of the most diversified regions in the world as it encapsulates various aspects of its ex-colonial masters’ cultures to present day.

For instance, the countries of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius and Saba all share a very rich Dutch culture. The most vivid evidence of the legacy which the Dutch left behind is that the Dutch language which continues to be their official language while some natives speak a variation of it known as “Papiamento,” a combination of Dutch, Portuguese, English and African languages.

In Martinique and Guadeloupe, French <<départements,>> the Créole that is spoken originated from the cross-communication between the African slaves and their French masters. One must also acknowledge that all European legacies are not positive. The presence of the French in the Caribbean catalysed racism amongst the békés (white descendants of French settlers) and local blacks on the island through the use of the caste system. Unfortunately, this still exists.

Venezuela, Cuba and Hispaniola showcase the Spanish influence and their legacy in the region through the dances of “salsa,” “merengue,” and “bachata,” as well as various authentic Spanish dishes such as “paella,” among many others. It is also imperative to mention that the Spanish brought to the Caribbean, the religion of Roman Catholicism which is still widely practiced today by many Caribbean nationals.

While most of the Caribbean islands attained full independence from the British, its influence and European legacy is evident in the constitutions of many Caribbean countries which follow the Westminster Model, which was originated in England. Apart from this, the most obvious influence is language in the Anglophone Caribbean, as well as the system of education which is very closely tethered to that of the British.

“Here's how the Caribbean became the most Racially Diverse Region in the World.” YouTube, YouTube, 1 May 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAZBLzWCUbU&t=473s.

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Here's how the Caribbean became the most Racially Diverse Region in the World

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This is how the Caribbean became the most racially diverse region on the planet, after having it's ancestry and genetics permanently altered through European colonialism and migration. In this video, I'm going to give the rundown for several Caribbean countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, along with many others.

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Activity 4.2: Changing Role of Women from 18th Century to 21st Century

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Activity 4.2: Changing Role of Women from 18th Century to 21st Century

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In the 18th century, the role of women was strictly confined to domestic tasks. Apart from child-bearing, society placed high expectations on women in the area of child-rearing and the adoption of the role as a “housewife” which included the preparation of meals, and care-taking of the children and the household. According to Powel (1984), these were viewed as the “natural” prerogatives of the woman. While all slaves were oppressed and treated with grave brutality, some may argue that women were stifled under the limited roles and responsibilities that were demanded of them.

As such, women lacked financial independence since the men worked on the plantations for rewards which allowed them to provide for women and children. This chronic dependency on men also led to the objectification of women as they were seen as “commodities” for the purpose of men’s pleasure. This is evident where white slave masters engaged in sexual relations with enslaved women without the women’s consent. It must also be noted that although some women did retaliate through both passive and active measures, they were tremendously outnumbered and their male counterparts exercised their natural advantage of greater physical strength. There was absolutely no opportunity for social mobility for women. Singing Sandra's song entitled "Sexy Employees" perfectly encapsulates the suffering and oppression experienced by Caribbean women in the 18th century. It describes the struggle that women faced as they attempted to attain financial independence and dissipate the stereotype that society created for women.

Quite fortunately, various modern-day feminist movements, along with strong advocates for gender equality have made substantive progress in breaking the glass ceiling and and empowering women to attain financial and emotional independence at home, at the workplace and in society at large. Examples of this can be seen in the cases of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago who have both had female Prime Ministers. Other Caribbean countries have also taken bold steps in guarding women against discrimination on the basis of sex by according them the right to vote and equal payment at the workplace and permitting their success and growth on the corporate ladder.

Mistermayaro. “Singing Sandra ~ Die With My Dignity.” YouTube, YouTube, 13 Mar. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_PgUvEzNGA.

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G.B.T.V. CultureShare  ARCHIVES 1999:  SINGING SANDRA  "Die with my dignity"

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6-20-99 - FATHER'S DAY CARIBBEAN SHOW @ THE ARISTOCRAT MANOR, BROOKLYN NY... National of TRINIDAD & TOBAGO....

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Dr. Eric Williams. Capitalism and Slavery. The University of North Carolina Press, 1944.

“The Region...The meaning of the Caribbean.” Guyana Review, 28 Jan. 2010, <www.stabroeknews.com/2010/guyana-review/01/28/the-region-the-meaning-of-the-caribbean/>.

Nerissa Golden. “Enjoying the Cultural Traditions Of The Caribbean.” Caribya, Caribbean & Co. , 25 Feb. 2014, <www.caribbeanandco.com/enjoying-the-cultural-traditions-of-the-caribbean/>.

Ira Mathur. “Trinidad embracing Spanish legacy .” Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Newspaper, 10 Oct. 2011, <indepth.guardian.co.tt/columnist/2011/10/09/trinidad-embracing-spanish-legacy>.

Momsen, Janet Henshall. Women and change in the Caribbean: a Pan-Caribbean perspective. Randle, 1993.