In the Caribbean racism influences daily life.  In islands such as St. Lucia, racism is exhibited daily. This is highlighted in The Voice newspaper in a piece entitled “Racism is Alive and Real” written by Rochelle Gonzales (1). In this article she postulates that in St. Lucia racism has become so embedded in people’s daily life that racism is now accepted as something that will never change.

In Trinidad and Guyana racism is very prominent. In these two countries, politics has also influenced the ethnic division which is most times accompanied by social class and ethnocentrism. Some efforts appear to have been made to bridge this divide through political coalitions, nevertheless signs of racism still exist. According to the Sunday Express (2-3), in Trinidad and Tobago  political parties are often viewed as the black party (PNM) and the Indian party (UNC). The situation is the same in Guyana.

I do believe that the topic "Racism"  has given me a much deeper understanding given that I got the opportunity to trace its origins from colonialism. 

Evidence of the richness of culture is demonstrated in the various  festivals held on the island. The island like many other islands in the Caribbean celebrate Carnival. This event is held once a year and although it has its roots from slavery all ethnic groups join in the celebration. This coming together demonstrates the integration of people from various ethnic groups and religions. In fact, the festival showcases costumes that feature designs and themes from various countries further demonstrating  this integration. Additionally, they also celebrate the flower festivals namely the La Marguerite flower festival (La Magawit in Creole) and the Rose (La Woz in Creole) festival. Again, the flower festival date back to times of slavery; which unveils elaborate pageantry reminiscent of European court, but with their music richly evocative of Africa. Most people on the island support one of the two groups (CDF 2).

I feel whenever it come to the major festivals I have highlighted; the country becomes unified even though the population is diverse. I must however admit, that there has been a decline of the celebration of the festival for many year. I believe a greater effort must be made to preserve all the cultures of the island thus preserving the identity of the people.

The Caribbean community (CARICOM) has now united in the fight for reparations by setting up the Caribbean Reparations Commission(CRC). This Commission is a regional body created to establish the moral, ethical and legal case for the payment of Reparations by the governments of all the former colonial powers and the relevant institutions of those countries, to the nations and people of the Caribbean community for the crimes against the following: Humanity of Native Genocide; the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade; and a racialized system of chattel Slavery (CRC 2). The CRC has since then launched a ten-point plan in the quest for reparations which I believe is a step in the right direction (Zulu 4).

The cruelty of chattel slavery made known to me while doing this Course has made me appreciate the fight for reparations by CARICOM. The reparations movement at one point was mainly seen as a Rastafarian fight, but now with the CARICOM on board it seems more possible.

 I believe that times have changed but judging from the past I believe that our former colonial masters will not be so inclined to the whole idea of reparations and hence it will be difficult fight.

The first class took the form of the traditional sit in class lecture which I found to be very exciting. The classes to follow although enjoyable did not mirror this experience due to it being held online. The online classes at time presented a problems due to poor internet connection at the school As a student travelling from far to get to the school,  it was my only opportunity to listen live. As a result, I had to resort to listening to the recordings something which I did not enjoy as much as a live broadcast or better yet sit in class experience. I must admit I do understand the use of online lectures given the volume of students and given the fact they could reach a wider cross section. Additionally, although having a bias of preferring the classroom experience I must say the use of technology was admirable and had many advantages such as listening to lectures anytime. 

There was a challenge keeping up towards the end of the semester for me, but the knowledgeable and friendly staff helped me to get through. This course in my view is a wonderful course and because of my new appreciation for history I will continue to build on the knowledge acquired.

(CRC), Caribbean Reparations Commission. 2017. Accessed October 29, 2017. http://caricomreparations.org/.

Collins DIctionary. 2017. Racism. Accessed October 30, 2017. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/racism.

Drayton, Richard. 2005. "The wealth of the west was built on Africa's exploitation." The Guardian. August 20. Accessed October 29, 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/aug/20/past.hearafrica05.

Express, Sunday. 2014, . "A vote against racism." April 16. Accessed November 20, 2017. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/A-vote-against-racism-255423421.html.

Gonzales, Rochelle. 2015. "Racism Is Alive And Real." The Voice. January 27. Accessed October 29, 2017. http://thevoiceslu.com/2015/01/racism-alive-real/.

James, C.L.R. 1963. The Black Jacobins. N.Y: Random House.

2017. "THE FLOWER FESTIVALS OF SAINT LUCIA." Calabash Cove. Accessed November 10, 2017. https://calabashcove.com/the-flower-festivals-of-saint-lucia/.

Zulu, Itibari. 2016. "Ten Point Action for Reparations:." Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies(JPAS). August . Accessed November 1, 2017. http://www.jpanafrican.org/docs/vol9no5/9.5-1-Intro.pdf.