llanin (
Toer7FrNr rN
arte.A. DerekWalcott
#tuilrr##::P \
&
Literature and known for his vivid portrayal of Caribbean culture & invective use of
Literary
idi:r \:rip:ru,
Ch & whose t$'t jf .'""ill,:'# ;:: l[ :il',"T:[: Novelist
1992 Nobel Laureate for
language
Greats
essayist
Eugenia Charles
Nicolas Guillen
-
1902
contemporary values
First
Jean -Price Mars
1989 ii,One of Cuba's foremost poets
female Prime
Dm.N
Minister in CARICOM
Arlszo-tgos
t**;:
191
One of tl most distin
Wo;r,::.,,"j Intellectuals ,f
e:rn Bertrand
Aristidc
Janet Jagarr
WalterRodne;*
First female President in CARICOM
Maurice Bishop
Edna
I 901
Influentir artist
1942 - 1980 Eminent Guyanese
President
-of
historian and
I 944- I 983
political activist
former Prime Minister of Grenada killed during a coup in October 1983
Haiti in first free
Nlrf,sau Understanding policies for stimulating intra-regional trade
elections since 1804.
William l)cmas
6-\
rt n,/
ry\G' \Rli't"'Mclnlvre
tsi,_rsi4.ff
Fidel Castro
Edvrincarin
Kr
i,'':';;#.ft ;;':';#;.pi a-
\
World's finest all-rounder
in Test Cricket
iftrrzr ' *ftrrrr-rr:;
Vivian
E# -w cARIcoM ds'i,b'Secretaries-General t
Cuban revolutionary who took control
of Cuba in 1959 and established a socialist govemment which he still heads
I
"Master Blat Richardr
First West Indi score 100 first
/
centuries
*., Sir Arthur Lewis
Rod,ricLRair,'lt@
:
Rr/,fr,f"*
r9rs-1991
1979 Nobel Laureate
for Economics
Shridath Ramphal CARICOM's leading international statesman & former Commonwealth
Hurricanes: Gilbert:1988
Hugo:
Secretary-General
1989
Lynden Pindling l 930-2000
Father of
N/^fu,'v!, D;azqlzyt
ndependent Bahamas
lll ,lulv 1995 Eruption of Soufriere Hills Volcano Montserrat
George Price
(ieorge Arthur Brown 1923-1993 Prominent Public Servant and former Governor of the Bank
of Jamaica
Father of Independent Belize
Joaquin Balaguer President of the Dominican Republic for 22 years
Frank Rampersad 1930-1999 Outstanding Public Servant of Trinidad's early Independence Era
il
Nlighty Sparrow The quintessential
TIlrlE
West Indian Calypsonian
Lorna Goodison
Calluq* I'tr^*
Jamaican Poet
l".o't*l la
-
Barrow t995
;uished women
1945
Y:')
DavidRudder First among a new generation of calypsonians
Jamaican
:
voice
r98l
Reggae Superstar
lisl:r ( t ;rl toril
\1crie rre ( )tte r Imaicd
athlete with the most medals won
Gold medallist.
Prominent Barbadian Politician
100 metres 1976 Olympic Games
CliveLloyd
r
our"n*#:o*"X*
Trinidadim
Billie Miller
-1987
-
Sasenarine Persaud
whose music remains timeless & universal
[]
\lanler I
1rt
Bob Marlel
: Caribbean's
,'\to Bolrii,n Trididadian Silver medallist Men's lm metes Sidney 2000 Olympics
GI.*:*ir*T \ptbzr-tqss
\nlltt,rrr \c.l ' Surinamese
Gold & Brcnre medallist. 100 metres, bufterfly Seoul 1988 & Bdcelona 1992
World Record Holder
ter " '
!:
!L 'q
in First
class
,& Test cricket
(
)baiL- lc
'l-hiirlp'rin Bdbadim
Brcn4 medallist Men's
lm mefts
Sidney 2000 Olympics
\,.'r .rilr.',-iu l:r rte '. ( liirniit ir \tttrr rr'. PtrirllD.: I):ri l.-lir,'nrp',rtt. I)cbhi.-' I tr.!lr. Bahamian Gold medallists women's 4 x 100 metres relay Sidney 2000 Olympics
Butch" Stewart Successful Jamaican
entrepreneur
l,egal Aflairs I
990s
lrkers on strike in Barbados
,.,.@f65.,*''
Jodie-Ann Maxw'ell Nelson Mandela in the Caribbean, 1998
V
ou"..,S
I
c
.,''1,
:f-'.
- Finance
:,\e--.
E l2-year old Jamaican, Champion of Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Competition in USA, May 1998
s 'l)'a
n s
po
rtat
io n
!c*r-*,.!
'1
Technologr
rrl
ix
decades ago,
in a
in the Tobago village of
modest home
elementaty school progranune when
Parlatuvier, a young boy - the last of his mother's six children -
-
dreamt of ajob which involved riding a motor cycle
perhaps
as
than at the expected I 5 years.
Ward
It
I
was around 12
successlill at the entrance examination to Bishop's
Officer. The motor rycle was to be his passport to farne and glory but, that motor cycle never materialised, as firm guidance pointed him in a
made
me
the
I sat and was
frnt cMd from the
uillage
lIigh
School. That
in about a quafier ofa century
to attend high rchool!
As my uillage ruas some IB long miles away anQ without
diflerent direction.
regular vehicular tnrwpo4
Today, the would-be motor cyclist will soon begin his third five-year term as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, having assumed the post
in
Scarborough -
as
fint
I had to board at a farnily
the Moore's
at Govemment lIouse Road, then the
(who was later to become the "big man" of Trinidad and Tobago Unit
Deputy and then Secretary-General
of the Group of African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States - the only
Trust), and his many brothen and sisten.
Caribbean natjonal so far to hold the latter position.
somewhat capricious.
His.joumey is a rewarding one filled with many adventures as
well
as awards
talk was whether
from
was always
the Nationa.l Coalition on Caribbean AJIairs - The Pinnacle Award 2001
in
Headquarters building
was
I
f
would
would be going back. But, when results came out,
no way
I
I
Dauidson and
In that context, there
could alford to {ail and betray that confrdence rhe family
the most rtkely altemative
Penpectivesought to give its readers a glimpse of this joumey, a
School was
to whether
in the top three with my two friendsJohn
had in me. Moreover, as a boy
Brussels is
dedicated to him.
one which revealed an early childhood with
Iife at l{igh
was alwaJs a question as
Rosefield Isaacs. Another year was thus assured.
(with Colin Powell), and the Alcalda de Cartagena 2002. The main
in the ACP
It
complete myhigh school training. Every holiday when Iwent home the
and acclaim, including national awards from his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago, Belize and the Dominican Republic,
nearer
Charles'at Mt. Grace/l%im, where I was to meet with l{enry Sealey,
1992, after 13 | /2years of serving the Region
with distinction in Brussels, first
Conference Hali
yean old, rather
was through his urging that
-
for
I had already had my lill ofgardening
a life time
-
. My early schooling at BI{S may
of
well have been already pre-disposing me for regionalism, as so many
my teachers came from Barbados - Scofreld Pilgrim and Ken Grilfith, to name but two. AIl in aII, Bishop's lligh School was inelf an excellent
proud, humble fami-ly - a
loving mother at the centre who taught her six cNdren the value of hard
training ground for life. I leamt a lot there, induding cicket, and f met
work, honesty and the strength of family support.
one, who rcmains one
of my life 's {avourite teachen, Moulda Archie!
The Early Years
- a rural seaside village on north coast with a simple and basic rustic lifestyle - provided Growing up
Tobago's
in
Later Years and the World of Work
Parlatuvier
an early experience ofhard work and its virnres.
It
also
UWI/McGill
fllfne lesson taught him by his former primary school headmaster, V! ",o alwaS.s do your best" was to serve to propel the young
provided an
awareness of the overwhelming beauty of nature - the verdant pastures,
heavily wooded forests and
seas
Carrington through the early years of work, first for a short six months
that sustained the livelihood of the small
farmers and the fishermen of the village
.
of the village meant, for the young man, going out to Bishop's High School (BHS), in the town of Scarborough
-
a
obtained
a Govemment of Trinidad and Tobago
scholarship, he
pursued a Bachelors degree in Economics at the University of the West
major and extremely rare
Indies, Mona Campus. Later, he successfiily pursued post-graduate
achievement at that time for someone from the village of Parlatuvier.
studies at
Major
as
a teacher then in the civil service and also at University when, having
Excelling beyond the confines
ulVl,Jamaica, and at McGill Univenity, in Monreal, Canada.
The Secretary General reflects:
Influences
Reflecting on his early years and major influences, the Secretary-
uf::se
General said -
My mother had a
very strong inlluence on
our
lives. She
taught us that hard work, commianent and honesty were the pillars
of
real achievement. She imbued us with love and alfection, and was really the anchor
in our family. There was my primary school headnaster l)ewellyn.
Thompson - of blessed memory. IIe took me under his control early, and f remember him saying, 'A little boy in a high class must do well!" One of the inualuable lessons he taught me was not to measure myself simply against othen, but against my own ability. He once whipped me before the endre school when
I got one surn wrong out offive
-
when
else gtt one ight out offrve. IIe felt that I did not do my best! My eldest brother Wilford was a very dominant inlluence on me. He was a teacher, always reading, always studying, writing and passing examinations. It was he who arranged {or me to plet a "shot" at
uinually everyone
attending high school,
in a context where I had
The early days at the Secretariat (the beginning of thel970's) were duing the CARIFTA" and later the beginning of CARICOM
completed the Caricorrt Perspectirc
7
-
Special llilltnnium Edition
days.
I
was excited by the prospect.
h
The nature of the position as
a challenge, for we were
was
embarking on a joumey, not quite knowing how
it
CARICOM is quite dilferent from that of the ACP. In
would end, but
a general sense,
one could say that while there are obuiously common elemenE, the
knowing what we wanted to do.
was diplomatic and technical, while
of
Secretary-General
latter
at CARICOM it is political,
diplomatic and technical. AIso, here at CARICOM one is involved in
all faces o{ the
development
of Member
States. One negotiates,
implemenE, moniton and eualuates; indeed, we go very deep into the
Mhzowntryimatrditial &a@alJarna Mtrhe4 PJ
's
lives of the people of this Communiqr. I{ere we seek to change the very
nature, saucture and functioning ofCaribbean society and economy.
R&ttliStfutmq xrrre dthe wt aHe 'King Ceryeand Fra6t
zrs
C'llattie
stdt:krt
fue,
Etric
d$n \J/
was asked what were the factors motivating his decision to embark on
flaaley.
such an unprecedented mission:
I
thought long and hard about continuing into a third term.
I
ACP
atriuing at a decision
Without warning, the Secretary-General was thrust into the ACP/EEC melting pot as Deputy Secretary-General of the ACP
is at a most crucial stage
-
Secretariat
a position he did not seek, but one which was offered as a
result of his intimate involvement
in the first [.om6
- a feat no other - the Secretary-General
the verge of commencing a third term Secretary-General has ever attempted
was challenged by the fact that
in
its development.
In
our Community
For exarnple, in this new
millennium, we are truly into an era that must be one of implementation. ,4s such,
it is not the most propitious time to change leaderchip. We are
negotiations,
cunently straining every sinew to have the Single Market and Economy
CARICOM Secretariat. This experience proved to be fertile ground for his future roles in
including the Caribbean Court of Justice, fully established and
Brussels. There were, however, some serious challenges in Brussels, and
the Community, such as the Quasi Cabinet and the Association
especially of the sugar protocol, while at the
operational. Many of the recently created institutional arangemenB
Caribbean Community Parliatnentaians (ACCP) have just begun to
the SG smiled as he reflected: 7he ACP has 64 Member States and is heauily dominated by
Africans.
I
in order to be lilIly
I
as
active. Politically, the Africans were quite
I
was
integral parts ofthe process ofpolicy fonnulation and implementadon,
the prospects
in charge ofa lot o{
begins
for deepening and strengthening the integration process
tolmk exciting.
the technical work.
We carnot riskquanderingsuch an
If, therefore, during this third tenn, I can help
Essentially, our role was
a matter of facilitating
adds the need
to develop programmes to engage the youth and ciuil society generally,
had to do was to leatn enough
good, technically, we were at least their equal.
ofuiability. I4hen one
demonstrate a welcomed measure
therefore had to aQjust to that fact and try to underctand the
African psyche. .&nong the things French
of of
to
get the Single
negotiations
Market up and nnning the Caibbean Court olJustice established and
between ACP States and the Europeans for the best economic and trade
functioning; the process of consultation and decision-making widened,
deals for Member States of the
and the CARICOM Secretariat occuping is long awaited new home,
ACP and ensuing that the benelis did
llow to all Member States. We were also expected to make significant
tlten, not only would
progress in intra-ACP cooperation in areas such as trade, transpottation,
worthwhilq
I
I
consider that the mission would have been
would also be able to leave the Secretariat a vety happy man.
frnancq education, and so on but, in elfect, verylittle was achieved. The
ACP was not really ready for this step.
Commenting on the Caribbean Court ofJustice, the Secretary-General continued:
TIfn
Secretary-General's areas of expertise - economic policy and
VJ'(.ad.
negotiations
-
made him ideally suited for the ACP/EU
relationship. It also taught him a lot in the field of diplomacy. After
ft is clear that both advocates and "doubten" of the ofJustice is fundarnental ualue to the sustainability of the CSME. The Cou4 to be headquartered in Caribbean Coun
serving approximately eight years (two terms) as Deputy SecretaryGeneral
in
1985, he was elected Secretary-General
- defeating three
African candidates. He completed his mandate offive years in February 1990.
Trinidad and Tobago, wiII function
sit in
uarious Member States
as an
intemational tibunal, and wilt
to hear disputes arising from
the
intetpretation and application of the reuised Treag of Chaguaramas. One of the salient elemena of the CSME, and one worth emphasisingis that the righs and obligations created by the CSME are quite extensive.
CARICOM Again
Therefore a pennanent, cental, regionaljudicial institudon is essential
His next task was to expose him even more to another phase in intemational life even as it brought him back to the Region when he was selected to lead the Caribbean Community
in
1992, after having
lB months as his country's non-resident Ambassador to Guyana. \Arhile the title was the same, the former ACP SecretaryGenera.l found the job to be quite different. In his words: served some
Caricom Perspcctire
- I
to
protect
those
ighX
whether they be in regard to the establishment
economic entetprises, the movement ofcapital or the acquisition
of
ofland
for the operation of business. The Coutt is also intended as a frnal court of appeal in ciuil and criminal mattets from the cour$ of the various member states ofthe Caribbean Community. This aspect of the Court's jurisdiction replaces the Privy Cotncil. It is therefore a most signifrcant -
Special l[il]ennitm Edialon
part of irntitutional stengthening that consolidates a Caibbeatt social
Dnked to my uiews on the importance of ciuil society is the
identity and secures Caribbean nationhood, dealing directly with the
pivotal emphasis that must
preselation of Caribbean citizens' ights, guaranteeing
personality and
constitu
tional
be
on the
placed on the development of the human
enhancement
of the human resources
protection and supetuising the benelits ofcaribbean integration in a way
capabilities, failing which, we cannot hope to develop
that no foreign jurisdiction could.
to be competitive in this era ofglobalisation. Our integration movement
a
healthy socieq,
or
must never be seen as simply a mechanism for the production ofgoods
How effective has been the Q;rasi Cabinet?
and setuices, and for tradq important as those aspecB arc. Education
7he Quasi Cabinet was initiated in 2000 as a mechanism by which each Prime Minister is assigned lead responsibiliq, for a specific
and health have been among the beacons of light as illustrated by the
aspect
of the Community's work. There arc lead l{eads for example for
success of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), the Regional Nuning Body, and the evoluing Association of Caribbean Tertiary
the Single Market and Economy, Extemal Negotiations, Foreign Trade,
Instirudons (ACTQ.
Crime and Security, Govemance, Heahh and HIV/AIDS, Agriculture,
@t &
Touism, Transportation, Natural Disasters, Labour, and Youth and Sport. The sptem is begiming to come into
Gender,
iB own.
in
The Bahatnas
injny
2001, the lIeads
of
to the critical importance of this aspect of the Communityk development. ft was also extremely pleasing when the Pan Caribbean Partnership for
IIIV,/AIDS - perhaps our most pressing health problem
- coordinated by the
1996,
in
of the Region" giuing continuingpolitical emphasis
Region is the Wealth
To what extent has the anticipated progress and expected impact of the ACCP been realised? The ACCP is a signifrcant development. Established
their 22d Summit
Goremment adopted a Declaration entitled "The Health of the
CARICOM Secretariat
in his
by the UN to the World Ilealth
was recognised
it meets every two years and is the only Community Body which includes
Secretary General Kofr Annan
representatives from Govemment and opposition parties. This regional
Assembly (tr[ay 2001) as a model of cooperation between state and non
multi-pany forum petmix discussions on important regional issues and
ofpartnenhip that should frnd a place in potcy making; and one that must deliver more tspecs of regional benelix commensurate with the esteem in which it is held.
has the potential to be very catalyic
in usheing
a new
govemance. It prouides an opportunity for the voices
form ofregional
of those outside the
address
state acto6. This is the kind
govemingpatties to be heard and to help in shaping regional policy. Secretary-General, what would
Civil Society - frequent mention is made of the important role of Civil Society in the development and functioning of the Community, how serious is this claim to be taken? I arn excited that the regional movement is now making ,greater eh{orts to truly incorporate ciuil society into the fotmal process of consultation, deciion making and implementation. And by ciuil society
I
mean the non-state actors such
N the Private Sector, I'abour, the NGO
communiq,, the Churches and other inter-faith organizatiorc, the
you say have been your
major
achievements over your first two terms? The maintenance, growth and stengthening of as a regional
CARICOM
grouping with an established and respected place in the
intemational community, over the last decade must frgure among them. The Community has grown from being a collectiuity ofEnglish-speaking nations to a multi-lingual Community, including Surinarne and de facto
Ifaid
- the latter is still to complete
its
Communiy it moves towards a
frnal legal step. The
has also deepened the nature of its cooperation,
as
Llniversities, professional associations, the youth and other community-
Single Market and Economy, prouiding thereby, for the free movement,
based organizations.
not only ofgoods but ofsetwices, ofcapital and ofskilled labour, and for
Meering in Antigua and /(" IOOZ at their Eighth Inter-Sessional A)Barbuda, Heads of Govemment took the decision of adopting a Chatter of Ciuil Society, an Insuument setdng out "the fundarnental
the
principles of human
ighs
integration process.
I
and freedom" that should characterise the
am reliably informed
tlnt it is the only
such
in the world. I{owever, while Chatter is good, it is not sufrcient. hs spirit must be "Forward Together" implemented. In this regard, the
insaument in an integration grouping
hauing
a
Conference with Ciuil Society, scheduled to take place on the eve of the
23
l{eads ofGovemment Conference in Guyana (/u}y 2002) is likely to
be a m4ior landmark for the Community in implementing the this
Chatter. This will
be so especially
i{it
spiit of
helps to institutionalise regular
ight ofcitizens of the Community
to establish businesses throughout
the Community. Equally, the Community has been strengthened by the creation and establishment ofmore effective mechanism
such as the Regional Negotiating Machinery the Assembly
of
Caribbean Community Partatnentarians, the Bureau and the Quasi Cabinet ofHeads ofGovernment. I hasten to add that not all these steps are yet fully elfective.
A
second,
but no less important dimension of
the
achievements duing the last decade, has been the process of bringing what were once considered "remote" memben ofthe Community, more
into the centre of Communityactiuities. I recall on assuming the position of Secretaty-General in 1992 that countries such as Belize and The
regional dialogue betuveen Heads and others ofthe porttical directorate,
Baharnas were considered somewhat "remote
Govemment ollicials and Ciuil Society.
ptaying leading roles been
The People - our human resources, and their health constitute the true u'ealth of our Region. Horv is the Community protecting and
of cooperation
".
Today, they have been
in Communiq, acduities, and could hardly have more "central". We are working to bring about the same
transformation in regard to one or two others.
enhancing this most valuable asset?
continued on p.99 Caicorn Perspective
- 9
'Spccial llillennfum Edhion
Th.ophilus ;\lbe.rt
M,\RRySVtOW age
of 22, became the editor
of
St George's Chronicle and Grenada
Gazette, the then oldest paper in the West Indies.
In
I9I
5, together
with
C.F.P. Renwick, he founded The West Indian a newspaper dedicated to
the cause of representative government for the West Indian islands, and became known as "The Prince of West IndianJournalists". From the time he was a young journalist, Marryshow had the
vision
of a united,
independent Federation linking the islands in administrative and fiscal union. These ideals steadfastly remained his goals, in the years ofcontinual journalistic struggle in Grenada, under the slogan "Educate, Agitate, Federate". So, with Federation as his ultimate
god, Marryshow in l917 formed the Grenada Government Association, and Grenada, 1887
-
in
Representative
192 I , went on a one-man mission to the
Colonial OIfice in [-ondon.
l95B
fr.rh.rof th. W.sr
Federation was always close to his heart as he worked together with other West Indians, and it was because of his ceaseless agitation in press and on
Jndies Federalion,
journolisl onA .d,i+or, politi.io^ and sla*esman, trade unionislt wri*er ond poe| Theopltilus 2AlL'ert 7\4arryshow was o key figute in the politicol his+o.y of Grenada o^d th. West Jndies Fedetotion.
platform, that there was steady constitutional development in the West Indies.
He was the first Deputy President of
the
Grenada kgislative Council from 1951-55 and Member
of the Executive Member Council from served
1942-54. He
for thirty years and was looked upon as a
trustworthy leader of the colonies.
He was bom
Theophilus Marcheau on
November 7, 1,887, and was educated at St. George's
Methodist School. Marcheau secured
At
approximately 17 years old,
nominated to represent Grenada in the Upper House of
a job at the printing establishment of
the Federal Parliament. His dream of "a Federated West Indies with self government, a British Caribbean Nation - small in size but equal with the best" - remained unwavering. This dream came true when Marryshow witnessed the opening of the
W.G. Donovan - a champion of the rights of West Indian
Blacks
- initially to
deliver papers. He, however,
demonstrated his literary abilities which were recognised
by Donovan who became his mentor.
By this Anglicised spelling
Politically, he continued to play a role in the developments that eventually led to Federation and was
time, Marryshow had adopted an
of
his surname and,
in
1902, at the
Q4RICOMknpecnre- 16
Federated Parliament 1958. He was one -
of
Spxial Millennium Edition
in
Port-of-Spain,
in
Grenada's Senators.
February
G,^anlley
lluber*
"AD;\A6 Born
in
IB9B, Sir Grantley Adams won an
Island Scholarship to Oxford where he studied Classics and Law, and proceeded to Gray's Inn from where he rvas called to the Bar.
Sir Grantley Adams returned to Barbados in 1925, and worked first as a journalist and then as a barrister. From the outset he became involved in politics and identified himself with the radical movement.
In
1934 he won a seat in theAssembly.
In
1937
- a year of labour disturbances out of which emerged Barbados, 1898
modern trade unionism - he testified to the Commission
- l97l
of Enquiry that the fundamental cause of the riots was economic. The Barbados Progressive League was created following the riots and Adams elected the leader.
Shortly after, he along with a few others, formed the
ffi.^rl., of Mode,n Ba.bados,
Barbados Labour Party (BLP).
Sir Grantley Adams aimed to destroy
Sir
the
Cwan+ley
lhe evolation of
attack the socio-economic problems. He sought and won
constitutional changes, for
the
reduction
in
llqbe* Adoms
dominaleA Ba&tados'
politicof lifebe+we.n 1937 and 1961, and influenced
political power of the white Barbadian oligarchy and to
^od.rn
Borbqdos,
voting
qualifications in 1944, adult suffrage and some internal self-government with a Premier system with
in
1951, and a Cabinet
full self-government in 1958.
He was elected President of the Congress of Labour
in
Caribbean
1947 and, from then onwards,
Adams,
dedicated much of his time and energy to the building of
The dissolution of the Federation was, for personal tragedy and, as that tragedy
a
intensified, his position weakened in Barbados. When the
in
1962, he found
the West Indies Federation. Adams, along with Norman
Federation eventually collapsed
Manley, were strong champions of the Federation. He
himself and party in eclipse on his return to Barbados.
played a leading role in the creation of the Federal structure and was the obvious candidate for Federal Prime Minister. It was in this role that he faced
succeeding in reducing to insignificance, the political power of the ruling white oligarchy and placing that
tremendous obstacles.
power in the hands of the popular movement. CARICO,II Penpccthr
Sir Grantley Adams will be remembered for
1
1
-
Special ,lfillenniunt Ediobn
No
v,*tc.,n
Washington
M,\N
L-q
In the 1930s, he was one of the persons for the Jamaican Welfare Community Development Scheme and was also involved in tlle responsible
Jamaican Progressive which was founded in 1936. In September 1938, the People's National Party (PNP) was born when Manley agreed to form a progressive and nationalist political party aimed at self-
government. Together with Bustamante, a new constitution was granted in 1944 with full Adult Suffrage.
Between 1955 and 1962, Manley was Chief Minister and Premier and, during this period, dominated
the political life of Jamaica, steering the country into Federation. He formed the Independence Constitution and
saw Federation as the logical extension to Jamaica's nationalism.
Manley was a staunch champion of the Federal idea but, when Sir Alexander Bustamante declared that the opposition Jamaica Labour Party
fi o*^onWashington llanley, scholo., allllele, soldier (First World Wqr) and lowy.r was a Champbn of +h.F.d.rol Jd.o.
briflian+
would takeJamaica out of the Federation, Manley called
a referendum
- unprecedented
in Jamaica
- to let the
people decide. The vote was decidedly againstJamaica's
continued membership in the Federation.
The issue settled, Manley again went to the
at
Norman Manley was bom
Roxborough,
people. He lost the ensuing elections to theJLP and gave
Manchester, and attendedJamaica College from 1906-
his last years of service as leader of the Opposition, establishing definitively the role of the parliamentary opposition in a developing nation.
1913 where he excelled at scholarship
and
sports.
He went to Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship, but his studies were intermpted with the advent of World War I, during which he served as a Private on the Westem Front, having refused an officer's commission.
Manley returned to Oxford, graduated with first class honours and was called to the Bar in
l. He
In his last public
to an annual I say that the mission of my generation was to win selfgovernment for Jamaica. To win political power n'hich is the final address
conference of the PNP, he said:
"
became legendary as a barrister and the "acknowledged
power for the Black masses of my country from which I spring. f am proud to stand here today and say to you who fought that fight with me, say it with gladness
leader of theJamaican Bar".
and pride, mission accomplished for my generation".
192
returned toJamaica the following year where he quickly
His tremendous
success as
"and what is the mission of this It is ... reconstructing the social and
a barrister made
him rich and famous. He also had a social conscience
generation?...
and a commitment to allJamaican people.
economic socieQ and life o{ Jamaicd'.
CARlCOMftrspettire- 12
-
Sprcial Millennium Edition
He emerged from modest beginnings to
Bradshaw was involved
give
in
mass strikes and
leadership to his country, and, over the years, played a
demonstrations against the sugar barons. Perhaps the
notable role in its social and political revolution. Robert
most memorable and decisive of these was the thirteen-
Llewellyn Bradshaw attended St. Paul's Primary School,
week strilce
and, at the age of sixteen, reached the top of the class
dramatic standoff, Bradshaw alluded to the possibility of
graduating with three Standard Seven Certi{icates - the
bloodshed,
in
... "Let me sound the warning to
the
class. Do not precipitate acts of uiolence in
highest education attainment in the primary schools for
this island for
that period.
1948 where, at a mass gathering during a
it
would be sad for most
of
us."
apprentice at The St Kitts (Basseterre) Sugar Factory -
He was "Papa" to his people and attained heroic status in his country, sustained in part by the almost paternalistic connection which he had estab-
rhe most prestigious employer in the country.
lished, and continued to maintain
Bradshaw taught as a pupil teacher for a short
while, before going to Basseterre to become a machine
Following an accident in the machine shop which
injured his right hand, and which the doctors were
Ro
b e-y^t
with the Kittitian working population.
Ll aw ellyn
Th.,.orrh.
K,-+o^
wonking populalion,
BRADS+-I,\W
Robert Ll.wellyn Brodthow was on acfive par*icipont in ihe es+ablishmen+ of the Cari\bean Congress of Labour
unable to restore fully, Bradshaw turned his attention to
more academic pursuits. He, however, continued to work in the tool room while doing a correspondence course with the Regent Institute in England. Charles Halbert, a strong advocate of Black pride and self-
ministerial system of government
sulEciency and the owner of a boo}shop in Basseterre,
in
became his friend and confidant and helped to inspire
Minister of Trade and Production and,
and mould his political ideas.
elected to the Federal Parliament and held the position of
As a youngster, Bradshaw moved in with his mother who was a caretaker of the guest house at the
Minister of Finance.
factory, and he saw and was troubled by the disparity of life between the White managers and the Black workers
in the village. He accidently discovered a torn document which showed the profits made by the factory, and realised the extent of exploitation that was taking place. Bradshaw became a member of the Workers' League and was fired from hisjob at the Factory for the
role he played in the 1940 strike for higher wages. He subsequently gained employment as a clerk at the newly formed St Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Movement. In 1945, he played an active part in the establishment of the Caribbean Congress of Labour
With the advent of the 1956, Bradshaw was appointed
St.Kitts and Nevis, l9l6-1978
in
1958, was
Following the dissolution of the Federation in 1962, he returned home and occupied a seat in the local legislature. He became Chief Minister in 1966, and, in 1967, the ltrst Premier of the Associated States
of
St
Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla. Bradshaw was a strong advocate of West Indian integration and unity and saw CARICOM in this
way "CARICOM will exert a growing inlluence
upon
people although they are located over vast expanses of sea and land. That inlluence will be an amalgam of attitudes, of thought, of economics and psychology, that together should truly liberate us, making us feel less like trespassers and more as full the lives
of
its
and, a year later, became President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Trade and Labour Movement, a post he held for
participants
on the world lield. In a
CARICOM
witl prouide the dynamics to propel the
the rest of his life.
new Caribbean man." C.4RICAVtunprdt- 1i
-
Special )[illennium Edition
word,
V.r.
Cov'v'rwall
BJRD (Su.n.) From Federation
in
Montego Bay,Jamaica, to
CARIFTA at Dickinson Bay in his native Antigua, and finally to CARICOM in Chaguaramas, Trinidad, Vere Bird stayed steadfast in his commitment to an integrated and developed Caribbean. He firmly believed that.
"the development of the Caibbean cannot be reliant on the interest of others. We must take on responsibility for own development and so maintain our dignity and our pride." Vere Bird was dedicated to the advancement
the
Antigua
and Barbuda,
1908
r
999
of the @n.
Caribbean as
a
whole and saw economic
emancipation as the first step to political emancipation. He once stated -
Old Man of CatibbeanPoli+ics, The Hon. SlVere CnrnwallBird (gnr.), (OC-C) 6^ronO
"...there has never been any doubt in my mind that whatever its blemishes and limitations, the Caribbean Community is the most appropiate, the
one of +ltat group of West Jndion poli+icians who shor.d ideas of a federation of the West Jndies
most logical and the most capable institutional vehicle
Fondly referred to as "Papa Bird", The Hon. Sir Vere Bird, (OCC) was an outstanding West Indian
by which our respective teritories can most efrectiv.ely combat the peruasive economic ]tazards to which our
politician whose tenure spanned four decades and whose name became s)'nonymous with the governance of
fragile economies are continually exposed...' During the early BOs when the integration process was in a period of "limbo", as Prime Minister,
Antigua and Barbuda.
A
fiormer Salvation Army Captain, his emergence into politics differed from those of his other West Indian politicat counterparts. Unlike them, he did not go to University, but came from humble beginnings and devoted almost 56 years
life
to
of
his working
trade unionism and politics.
In I943,
Bird once again demonstrated his commitment to the by being instrumental in initiating the
process
revitalisation of the Heads of Government Meetings. "When I reflect on my almost lifty S.ears association with the history of the Caribbean, when
he was elected President of Antigua
of I
think of the men with whom I sat in Council shaping the direction of the Region, when I consider the long
Trades and Labour Union from which he forged his Antigua Labour Party. In 1945, he was the first elected
and hard road we travelled,
member of the colonial legislature.
ambition
Vere Bird was his country's first and only Chief Minister, its first Premier, and first Prime Minister from l9Bl-94. He became his country's first national hero in
generation inheited in the 1940s from Marryshow and Rawle, was right. f also have no doubt that it remains right for this generation to maintain, as a
1994.
desirable goal, the prospect
One of that group of West Indian politicians who had gathered in Montego Bay in 1947 to share their vision and ideas of a Federation of West Indian countries,
Bird was not deterred by the failure of the Federation, but instead dedicated his energies afresh to see Caribbean unity achieved. CARICOIIl+ryxctne- 14
nation
for a
f
have no doubt that the
West Indian nation, which my
of a uibrant Caibbcau the future..." Vere Bird was first and foremost a Caribbean
in
person and his perseverance and vision for the integration
ofthe Region
earned
him the deserved honour ofbeing
conferred the Order of the Caribbean Commuity (OCC) in 1998 -
Special itillennium Edition
â‚ŹAc Ma#h** GAJRY Sir Eric Gairy defined his island's politics for
almost three decades. Successfully pioneering the of the democratic party system of
development
govemance in Grenada, he gave his fellow Grenadians a sense
of
self-respect
in the
formative years
of
their
indigenous institutional structures.
Gairy emerged at a time when on the political Iandscape, under-representation
of the
masses was
characteristic of the social, cultural and political institutions of the Caribbean. He articulated the concems of the common man at a time when the people sought desperately to have their grievances heard and addressed and, most importantly, when they demanded the political franchise. Fearlessly he stood up against
Grenada's planter class on behalf of his people and won
them benefits which forever endeared him to them, becoming a working class hero by 1951. The first island-wide strike in Grenada in 1951, was organised by Gairy, and as support for the strike grew, he was deported by the island's Governor General. His deportation led to mass violence and demonstrations
Grenada, 1922
and his subsequent return to the island.
Gairy's appeal was mainly to the peasantry,
and, empowered by their
vote , he swept
of the Legislative Council in
into leadership
1951. This was.lust the
beginning of a legendary political career. He went on to
form Grenada Peoples' Party, a precursor to
A
.toun.h
believer in
a uniled Cafibbean
the
Grenada United Labour Party, and succeeded in taking Grenadians to the polls for the first time in the general elections of 7
I
l95l
under universal adult suffrage. He won
percent of the votes and a seat on the cabinet.
In
1961 he became Chief Minister, winning
the West Indies Federation belief, as he stated
at
in 1962 did not daunt
his
the Fifth Conference of Heads of
eight out of ten seats in the elections. But, soon after, the
Government of the Commonwealth Caribbean in 1969,
British Government suspended the constitution, alleging
" ... the failure of a West Indian Federation...must never remain as any insurmountable barrier in the paths of our burning desire to establish a strong and
massive Government corruption. Gairy, however, regained power
in
1967.
Grenada's representative Federation Conference in Jamaica
at the historic in 1957, Gairy
believed in a united Caribbean, and even the failure of
lasting brotherhood". Sir Eric Gairy led his nation to independence from Britain, in February of 1974.
CARICOMPcnpecti+c- 15 -Special trIillenniumMition
- 1997
also having made radical relorm steps in his approach to governance. He graduated from the
Beloved by his fellow Barbadians, he
brought an approach to politics which
rvas
London School of Economics and returned to
people-centered and, during his term of office,
Barbados rvhere, in 1951, he became a member of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). In that same vear he rvon a seat in the Parish of St.
focused on improving the quality of life for all,
while transforming the economic
landscape.
This was e','ident in the number of
social
Reformist that he rvas. Barror','refused
programmes which were introduced under his leadership. Programmes including lree educa-
to continue to be associated with that Party because of, as he said, "their complete disregard for the suflering of the people and
tion for all Barbadians at all levels of the social spectrum, the introduction of the National Insurance Scheme, introduction of improved
of the party". So, along n-ith others, he lormed Lawyer by prolession and proclaimed the the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and, in Father of-Barbados' Independence, Errol 1958, was returned to the House of Assembly' In 196I he led the DLP to rictorv and Walton Barrow was a hero to his fellow
nutritional programmes such as school meals, significantly improved health services, and the
Ge orge
.
expansion and recognition of the Tourism Sector.
World War II in 1939 when he joined the
In 1966 he took lrom Britain, into independence his country
the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas, which
Royal Air Force (RAF) and
becoming the country's first Prime Minister.
established the Caribbean Community, Barrow
One of the four original signatories to
Barbadians in many ways, having served in became the country's Premier.
declared at the signing that it was "a giant step
â‚Źrrd
for all".
Woltoo",
Asked about what he envisaged as the
main focus lor the Caribbean Community,
BARROW
Barrorv replied. "l
am an economic
integrationist from the start, from way back in
I think that I have a role to play in getting the newer members of CARICOM to 1965.
@o^.
of rh. Fornding Fothers
.f CARJFLA
^nA CARJCOM
understand the whole focus of CARIFTA and
the CARICOM Integration Movement." Described as an unrepentant West Indian nationalist he said,
"it is not going to be a question lbr us rvhether we should look to the East or the llrest ... I have always contended ... that we in the West Indies can evolve a political philosophy of our own ... it is imperatire that we as leaders in the llest Indian teritoies should bring home to the people ol'the arcas, that we must cvolve and work out our political and economic facilities so that
we can advance and speak to
the
people ofother nations liom a position
of equal strength". His dictum as regards Barbados' foreign policv rvill be rcmembered when he declared in his address to the United Nations "F'riends of all. satellite of none". In tribute, Januarl' 2 l, the birthday of this great Barbadian and Caribbean Man, has been declared a national holiday and is called
"Errcll Barrow Dav".
CARICOMPerspective
- Ig
-Sptcial ,llilletniuntliditin
From an carly age Linden SzLmpson
Forbes
Burnham cxhibited an interest in, and
later commitment to, things national and regional.
A
graduate of his country"s top bovs'
school, Forbes Burnham reccived a BA degree in 1944 and LLB (Hons) in 1947. both from thc Univcrsitl' oi' London. He returned homc in 1949 and colounded the leli-leaninpJ Pct4rle's Progressive Party rvith Cheddi Jagan, Ashton Chase and othcrs in 1950, from rvhich hc split in 1955 to
ibrm the more moderate
Pcople
's National
Congress Partr' <;f rvhich hc rvas le ader until his death.
Burnham led his countrv to independ-
ence in 1966 - Guyana at:hicvcd republican status in 1970 - and bccamc thc t:ountry's first Prime Minister (1966-80) and lirsr Executive President (1980-85).
Forbcs
Burnhn (dt) tith./oreph Tinrlal at the signiry of
the Georgetobn Accord,
April 1973
Burnham had bravc notions which rvere manifested in his attempts to improve the lives of the people, fbr cxample, extensive nationalisation ol Ibrcign-owncd industries, and control of banking and commcrcc. A number of
e^ Fo rbes Sov^pson
Lizrd
lactors, both nationalll' and intcrnationalll', hou'ever, deleated thc anticipated results from the introduction ol' Iree cducaticin. social se curit,v, lorv cost housing, and extending telecommunications, pure wate r supply and
BI^RNJ-I'\M
rural electrification, among othcrs. Appreciating the need for cultural and
ethnic cohesion, he established the Guyana
9I
National Sen'ice which, among othe r things, n'as intended to create an environment Ibr voung peopie of ali races and creeds to lir"c, rvork and
trrong in*egrolionist2 ond on. of
+h,e
four otiginal signofories +o +he 1973 TreaIy of Choguoto^os
plalr together lvhile achieving the same common objective. Internationall.v, hc sought an extension
of Guyana's role in the Non-aligncd Movement and relations rrith socialist tountries. lVith
a
flair ibr language and wit which
rvere legendary, Burnham had thc ability to relate with ease to pcople of all levcls of society. His political influence and cir.ic rcputation were not restricted to GuYana. A strong integrationist
indcpendence. He later plaved a vital role in
Arvare that the sunival of the ourseh'es, so that contemporaneousll'. Caribbean depended on its abilitv to become uith the achievement of political fullv integrated. Burnham s'orked assiduouslv independence. rte rtill be in a positit-rn rvith other Caribbean leaders torvard the goals to usher in true independence". He also of social and et:onomic integration. He rvas believed that "it is incumbent upon us if
cstablishing CARIFTA and CARICON{, and
anxious
rvho took regional commitment seriousl,v, hc u'as,
in the 40s, closell' associated rvith
Barrow
(Barbados), Nlanley (Jamaicar and other \\'est
Indians in England in a bold stand for
\\'as one
ol the Ibur original
1973 Treatr. ol Chaguaramas.
signatorics to the
that there be "utmost
co-operation
we want to progress, to stop considering
on a regional basis, nationalising of our ourselves compartmentaliy and that economies and a leeling b-v all to help cither rve integrate, or lve perish".
(.:.lRI(:().ll I'c^prcrite ' I 7 'SPdal 'ltllenniutrt l:,1irntt
The Hon. l\Iichael Norman
l\'Ianlel',
Chaguaramas, this concept rvas reinforced at the
signing rvhen he emphaticallv declared, "we must seek strength in our unity and then we must dedicate that stength to the building of
OCC - politician, champion of the Non-Aligned Movement, author, journalist and trade unionist
Micha.l No rwtc.,n
M,\NLq @^. .f +h. fout originalsigna{ories +o |he
- though born
into
a
prir'ileged family, spent most
a new life of opportuniq, and secuity for our peoplc".
of his life fighting against English colonialism and
the established structures ol privilege. He rvas the son of Norman Washington
During his time in office, Manley
Manley - founder of the Peoples' National Parn'
- and noted
instituted man). important social programmes and was an outspoken advocate for Jamaica's
sculptor, Edna SwintenbankManley. He obtained
poor. His first four-year term saw social and
Bachelor and post graduate degrees in Economics
economic relorms such as the N{inimum Wage Larv, N{aterni$' Leave for lVomen, the
(PNP) and Chief Minister ofJamaica
at the l-ondon School
of
Economics, and it rvas
during his years as a student in l.ondon that
Children's Act (popularly known as the Bastard
Manlel' became actir.'ely involved in politics and
Act, granting equal status to children born
was one of the student organisers and lounding
unrved parents), lree secondan'education and
members of the West Indies Students Union.
to
compulsory recognition of labour unions, among
On returning toJamaica in 1951,
others. He also made
he
it
possible forJamaica to
1973 Trealy of Ctrtagrcramas, and a champbn of +\.
started working as an Associate Editor of the
acquire majoritv interest in the country's
Non-Nl;U^.d Movemen*
Public Opinion Neu'spaper and immediately
important bauxite mines by first introducing the
became involved in the labour movement belore
Bauxite Ler,y in 1974, and then moving to
beginning his political career.
acquire majority ownership of the local assets in
He rvas appointed to the
Senate in
the alumina industry.
He is regarded as one of
1962, elected to The House of Representatives
in
1969
Caribbean's heroic political figures who spread
and secured a landslide r.ictory in the
1972
the
progress
Prime Minister-
Latin America.
In the international arena, Manley
development and often said that the integration
strongly supported the Non Aligned Movement joined the campaign for a New International
of the Caribbean rvas a goal that
and
must be pursued. Jamaica's posi-
Economic Order. He was elected Vice-President
tion
was unequivocally set
out
ofSocialist International in 1979 and chaired the
at
the Seventh Conlerence ofHeads
organisation's Economic Commission
of Government of the Common-
l9BB.
apartheid system of government and
"v,e are firmly comtnixed
his
persistent opposition to apartheid earned him a
to regionalism. Ilte are firmly committed to regional coordination, and lirmly committed to the process by which w,e ma)/ acltieve economic integration. ll''e are for regional economic strength because we bebeve thar, it is in the pursuit of that, rve would be best able to accomplish both for the
United Nations Gold Medal Award in 1978. He was also the recipient of the Juliot Curie Peace Au'ard of the World Peace Council in 1979. In recognition of his senice to the Community, the
Order of the Caribben Community (OCC)
in 1995. in his defence of
was
conferred on Manley
Fearless
Cuba,
Manley developed close ties with its ieader, Fidel Castro, and fought for an end to its isolation. His r.ision for the Caribbean can be summed up in his rvords at the Twelfth N{eeting of the Conference
of Heads of Government of the
purpose of freedom and the purpose o/' social jusrice
Caribbean
Community, in l99l:
"It is time for
us to work together, cooperate together, and plan together to
for our own people." One of the original signatorles to the 1973 Treaty of (:,,IRICOf,IPerspcct^"
in
Manley was an outspoken critic of the
rvealth Countries. in 1972:
1997
of social justice and economic for the people of the Caribbean and
message
general elections, to become the countn"s lourth
Manlel' was committed to regional
Jamaica, 1924 -
the
in
1967, won the leadership of the PNP
-
promote the Caribbean as the destination in the world"I
B
-Sptcial,tlillennium Editirt
Trinidad and Tobago,
Nationalist, patriot and often called the
l9ll
-1981
"Father of the Nation", Eric Eustace Williams, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
was educated at Queen's Royal College and received his Doctorate of Philosophy in 1938, from Oxford University.
Dr Williams authored several publications on issues relating to Caribbean history, education, and politics, including his doctoral thesis - Capialism and Slavety From
Columbus to Castro:The l{istory of the Caribbean, I 192- I 969 and Inward l{unger: The Education of a Prime Minister.
In
1939, while an Assistant Professor
of
Social and Political Sciences at Howard University, he was instrumental in organising a humanitarian course for which he developed a three-volume rvork called Documents lllustrating the Derclopment of Ciuifisation. While there, Dr Williams began to work as a consultant to the Anglo-American
Eric
with
Eml Bamw fl PM. Bartvdos & Garge Cbanbr, Deputy p.M., Tinidad ad
edc â&#x201A;Źustc'ce WJL]JJAMS
Caribbean Commission and, in 1948, left to head
the Research Branch of the
Wlims (enrc)
Caribbean
Commission from which he later resigned in protest against, what he termed its "cryptocolonial policies" Returning to Trinidad and Tobago he became increasingly involved in politics, and in 1956 formed the political party, the People's
9{. audvotud a^d
l\e four original signatories +o lhe 1973 Treaty of Clraguatamas commifted ,regionalis} amd one of
National Movement (PNM) of which he became the leader.
In
September of that same year, the
PNM won the national elections and Dr Williams became the Chiel Minister of Trinidad and
financing of regional development, the creation of common institutions, the prouision of intra-Caibbean technical and economic assistance or indeed the
Tobago from 1956-59. He went on to become Premier from 1959-62 and Prime Minister lrom I
962-8
development
r.
Dr. Williams always emphasised
the
importance of closer ties among the territories of
the Caribbean and pledged the support of his
countrv in developing and maintaining
a
Caribbean Community. At the Fourth Conlerence
of Heads of Govemment of the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries, he declared:
"We stand ready to support any
facilities.
of regional air
transport
"
Trinidad and Tobago was parr of the West Indian Federation which lasted from l95B62 and was one of the first four nations to sign the
aty of Chaguaramas, the Agreement enabling the Caribbean Community to come into being, in 1973. A dedicated and committed Tre
regionalist,
Dr. Williams
once said:
reasonable proposals for Caibbean economic co-operation which would
which does not mean integration of the
clearly lead to the ultimate goal of the
fragmented economies of the people
Caribbean Economic Community.
the Caibbean, by the people of Caribbean, for the people of
"There can be no new dispensation
Once we recognise the Caribbean Economic Community as the goal, everything else will lhll into place w,hether it be the freeing of trade, (:..lRICO)f Persptrir - I p
Caribbean.... all our strength is
the the
in our
union, all our danger is in discord".
-
Spccial .llilh'nnium lidition
of
Tobago (r)
Demas saw excellence as a critical
The Caribbean personality who it can be argued made the most profound contribution to the ideology
of
ingredient in Caribbean development. For him, creative innovation and the design ofcurricula to
integration, whose writings pervaded and continue to
pervade the integration process, is William Gilbert Demap. In spite of the di{ficulties which faced the Caribbean Community in the 1970s, l9B0s and beyond' Demas
Trinidad and Tobago,
ensure tertiary education that was both farreaching and meaningful to the Region, were
crucial factors in achieving this. At every
1929 -1998
opportunity, he stressed the need to inculcate in the people of the Caribbean, from the cradle to
the grave, a sense of excellence, which meant never being satisfied with indifferent performance in any field ol endeavour. Inspired by his
vision of a unified Caribbean, he utilised his connections
with Governments of
states to ensure that politically
member sensitive
initiatives were brought to the fore strategically effective moments success of
to ensure
at the
particular programmes. This was part
of his characteristic of care.
Demas was deeply concerned about small economies and repeatedly argued that their development necessarily had to be different from that of larger and more mature economies. He thought that self-sustained growth should not be considered independently of a country's size.
Fundamental political, social and institutional factors had to be taken into account in the govemance of small economies. At the very least, dissimilarities in initial factor endowments and in some cases, the maturity of structures and institutions in small states relative to their larger
counterparts, dictated a different frame for analysis. For example, it should be taken into account that smaller economies were characterised by openness and a dependence on external
trade and finance for their survival. Demas'proposal for the care of smaller member states was for an urgent identification of
a path of self-sustaining growth, which would hinge on the generation ofadequate volumes of remained convinced that integration would succeed. He was Chairman of the Group
domestic savings in both the public and private
of Experts, and participated in the work of the West Indian Commission. Demas worked untiringly for CARICOM's success, and understood, as few did, that
sectors. In addition to self-sustaining growth, he
was a political and diplomatic necessity for the Region. Vision and care
CARICOM were the twin characteristics of his life's work. tHit] vision for the Caribbean Community revolved around five main
structure of production in small economies.
themes: development economics, the special problems of small states, the role of the
determined capacity for effecting fundamental change; unifrcation of local markets for goods
state in development planning, integration and functional cooperation. Underpinning his concern with these was one broad and overarching objective - the maintenance
envisaged a fundamental transformation of the
Structural transformation, he suggested, should encompass six indices: a politically and socially
and services; increased integration of domestic
and protection of Caribbean sovereignty. He campaigned for the introduction of a Pan-Caribbean structure of economic development and planned for medium and long
industries and activities; a reduction of dependence on, and change in the structure of
term development strategies by a high-powered core of experts who would take advantage ofthe cutting edge oftechnology and trends in globalisation, with an eye to developments in the new millennium.
external trade and aid; balanced, non-dualistic
C,lRICOlf
PerspectAc
- lQ
development; and the emergence of appropriate
hnancial and other intermediate institutions. -
Special .llillennium F.dition
Demas constantly emphasised that the
The need for a national and ultimately
process of deeper economic integration must be
premised on financial integration at the level of
a regional central bank structured to influence the use offinancial resources in ways that would
private financial institutions, capital markets,
contribute
and, importantly, national monetary authorities.
economies
He was
structures and patterns of consumption was of critical importance to Dcmas. Hc suggested that
conscious
of the impact of
the
polarisation of intra-regional trade by which the
larger and more developed countries of the Community benefitted more than the small and less developed
ones. He
believed that the
the assets of these banks and other non-bank financial institutions such as insurance in companies should be state-owned.
negative consequences of polarisation could be
reduced
by
redirecting production factors,
especially capital,
to the
less developed areas.
to the stengthening of national by changing their production
Without losing sight of the imperatives of integration, Demas was conscious of the need
to make adjustments in response to changes in
Demas also believed that indigenous ownership
the global environment in which the Region had
ofregional financial institutions and the regional
financial mechanisms aimed at lunding trade
to operate. He made several pronouncements on such issues as NAFTA, the FTAA, the
and investment to the less developed states were
relationship between the ACS and CARICOM
critical for their economies. In this context he advocated greater innovativeness
in the over-
and the need for the Region to resist a new form
ofcolonialism as evidenced in such proposals
as
sight and operations of central banking in the
the Ship-fuder Agreement. Ultimately for
Community.
Demas, the regional movement went beyond
Perhaps Demas' greatest contribution
to development policy, and by extension,
the
mere economics and embraced the question of identity, community and human rights.
very survival of CARICOM, was in the areas of economic integration and functional coopera-
Excerpted from: "The Caibbean Community -
tion to reduce the problem ofsize as an inhibitor
Beyond Suruiva!', ed. Kenneth O. Hall, 2001
to the ability of small countries to
achieve
economies of scale. He also played a pivotal role
in
developing and promoting
a
number of
programmes which helped to demonstrate the
value
of the model he identified for
the
development of small economies.
l. to
r ll illian l)ema1
Shidath Rampha), rith Forbcs Burnham (Ar right) & othcr regional Fonigt llinistcn, Cul-ana
CARICOMPerspective
- ! I
-
Special Mille.nnium Edition
197.7
developing countries and the world's poor, and was one of the driving forces behind the first Lom6 Convention in
the early 70's.
He
served
as
President
of the
World
Conservation IJnion and, here again, was the only
to
all five independent International on global issues, including the Brandt Independent Development Issues and the Bruntland
person
serve
Commissions
Commission on Environment and Development.
Although he maintains a high profile internationally, Ramphal continues to identify himself with the major political and socio-economic issues of the
Caribbean Community. His concern
for
Caribbean
unity goes back to 1958, to the short lived Federation of
the West Indies. He has always been aware of the Caribbean's position as part of a wider world, and his concern particularly has been for the special problems of
the small and vulnerable states of the Caribbean, in Shidath Ramphal (eli) with Nicholu Bnithwaitc, former Chaiman of Interim Goternmetnt of Greaada,
In his capacity
Shridath RAMP+-IAL @n..1
Commission,
as
in motivating the common man to take
motion a revita.lised style for the consultative process within the Region. Sir Shridath was Chief Negotiator, Regional
- the body with
positions in trade and economic-related negotiations.
He studied Law at Kings College f-ondon,
He continues to give of himself to the Region
and
Harvard Law School.
He was Assistant Attorney-General and Legal
at
present, among other things,
Chancellor of the University
Draughtsman of the West Indies Federation and served
Referred
to
of
is the
allectionately as "Sonny", Sir
Shridath's career has been interwoven
advocate, it was here that he began to carve for himself a
for
regional integration which the failure
has not lost sight
ofthe goal ofintegration
f have never lost- or lost faith in",
Movement.
Sir Shridath held the position of Secretary-
after
of
the
the
- "It is a uision
he has said - and even
Federation's failure, maintained hope for the
future of a more integrated Caribbean; '7ts pursuit will
General of the Commonwealth Secretariat from 1975 to
1990 (the longest serving Secretary-General
the
Federation was unable to quell, and, through the years,
Non-Aligned
of
with
development of the modern Caribbean. He has a passion
niche in intemational affairs, particularly through the
he gave to the
Pro-
the West Indies.
as Minister of Foreign AIIairs and Justice in Guyana. Described as the Caribbean's leading international
leadenhip
overall
responsibility for making recommendations on the Region's
Ramphal, OCC, was bom in Guyana.
of
a
renewed interest in the Integration Movement, setting in
Negotiating Machinery
quality
the
Movement and, under his leadership the Commission succeeded
Hon. Sir Shridath "Sonny" Surendranath
at
Chairman of the West Indian
Sir Shridath shared his vision of
widening and deepening of the Caribbean Integration
rhe Coilbbean's l.odi^g inlernoiional aAvocales
Gray's Inn, and
a
world increasingly dominated by large trading blocs.
remain our central challenge until eventually
that
we
it", he stated. Sir Shridath was knighted in 1970 by Her
organisation) and, during this time, played a pivotal role
reach
in the efforts to help the struggle for freedom and digniry in Southem Africa. He promoted alternative views of
Majesty, Qyeen Elizabeth and received the Order of the
global economic issues more favourable to the needs of
Caribbean Community, (OCC) in 1992.
CARICOMPeEpeca're-
22
-
Speaal Millennium Edition
Lee Ll.w.lly^ MOORC Sir Lee Llewellyn Moorc, QC, LL.M, had a brilliant academic and political career, On his passing, left a remarkable legacy to the national, regional and international landscapes of the Caribbean during his exemplary sen'ice to his country as Premier, Attorney-
General, trade unionist, lawycr, diplomat and eider statesman.
Moore graduated lrom thc University of London in 1962 with a LL.B, obtained a Dipl<-rma in Theology from the University olLondon and a Maste r's Degree the lollorring ycar.
He returned to St. Kitts and, in I971, contested and won his first election. He was one of the three new members of the Labour team to emerge victorious that year. He was appointed AttorneyGeneral and Minister ol' Legal Affairs. His tenure as Attorney-General was coloured by three cherished principles - the empowerment of the masses, integrity
St. Kitts and Nevis, 1939
- 2000
and good governancc, and individual rights.
Moore r.vas a fightcr lor independence and
T-..
freedom, and was committed to improving the standard of living of his people.
He
rvas
Ll.r".llyn )Aoore, on. of th. Caril>bean's
finesl oralors, -ot o figh+." for independe^.e ond an archilecr .f +h. Oâ&#x201A;ŹCS
the President of the St.
Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union lbr over two decades follorving the
de
ath of Premier Bradshaw.
He became involved in the negotiations and the
drafting of legal instruments that resulted in a second similar role when the Williams' Commission was set up to enquire into the activities of the PAM administration
attempt to bring a degree of unity to the Caribbean and played a signihcant role in bringing CARICOM into existence
. He
rvas
in St. Kitts.
also involved in an integral rvay in the
In 1995, Moore u'as appointed
crcation of the Treaty of Basseterre rvhich brought the Organisation of llastern Caribbean States (OECS) into being.
role, rvas responsiblc for advising his governmcnt on the
lVloore became Premier o{' St. Kitts and Nevis
following the death of Premier Paul Southrvell
in
ratification oftreatics and convcntions rvith regards to its position rzs a rzs other countries and the United Nations.
1979.
The l9B4 election cost him his seat in parliament and
follorving his second deftat in 1989. he
This illustrious son of St. Kitts.
passcd
norvne d
indelible mark not onlv on the lcgal profession, but
1993. he s'as chosen as Senior Counsel to the
als<-r
on thc political. social, and economic landscape - loca.lly,
Commission of Inquiry into the Sir L1'nden Pindling's administration in Thc Bahamas. and, in 1997, plaved a (..lRlt t).tl Ptln ti' '
re
throughout the Caribbean lbr his scholarship has left an
leadership of the Partv into the hands ol' Denzii Douglas.
In
Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary non-resident Permanent Representative to the United Nations and, in this
regionall,v and inlemationallr'. o.1
-Spu
il .llilloniunt litiint
Me.re.dith
;\lirt.,^ !TcJNTYI<e A
t+ol*o*in the integrotion
movemenf
Grenada West Indies, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community
"The game is by no means
lost. In
(CARICONI); Director of the Commodities Division of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretariat; Chairman of the International Forum
the new order which
prevails, countries are jostling to reposition themselves in order to diversify their economic relations. Despite our very small size, we can be an effective presence in negotiations if we can work together as a group and mobilise our expertise, thereby enhancing our chances of securing those interests vital to our future dev,elopment."
on Debt and Development; Vice-Chairman of the West Indies Commission on the future of the West Indies, and the Chief
Technical Officer of the Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNN{). He s'as also retained as a Consultant to regional and international financial institutions, including the World Bant
[Alister Mclntyrel
and the Inter-.{merican Development Bank (IADB). Sir Alister has also made a tremendous impact on the
international community through his sterling senice to the United Nations, as a N{ember of UNCTAD's Group of Experts on Costs and Benefits of Integration and Developing Island Economies during 1972 and 73. Outstanding Caribbean citizen, Hon. Sir Meredith Alister Mclntyre, OCC was born in Grenada
on I\{arch
29,
1932. He attended Grenada Boys' Secondary School and then
left to pursue studies, first at the London School
and Political
of
Economics
Science, then at the Unive rsitv of Oxford rvhere
he graduated with First Class Honours.
In
He has produced many published rvorks, including books, articles and monographs, mainly in the area of developmental economics.
Sir Alister has been frttingly rewarded for his outstanding contributions. In recognition of his academic excellence, the University of the West Indies
1962, Sir Alister served as Assistant Professor at the
Princeton University and the next year as a Fullbright-Havs Fellow, Columbia University.
A stalwart in the integration movement, Sir Alister has sen'ed with distinction in several areas, regionally and internationally. He was Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), University of the West Indies (UWI); Lecture r and Vice Chancellor of the Universiry of the CARICO||I Penpectie
- 21
in 1980, awarded
him the Doctor of Larvs Desree (honoris causa). ln 1992, he received one of the highest honours in the Commonwealth when he was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen. His contributions are also acknowledged by Guyana and Jamaica, which bestowed upon him national honours of distinction. In 1995, the Order of the Caribbean Communitv (OCC), the Community's highest honour was conferred on this distinguished son -
of
Spedal Milloiltiun Ed;tion
the Region.
hy Ddrid Hinds
Ro de.,^ick
RAJNF(?RD
Mr. Rainford became Secretary-General of CARICOM in 1983, in rvhat might be described as the grim times of the regional intcgration movement lollowing the Grenada crisis. His tenure as Secretary-General, rvhich ended
in
1992, gave practical action and direction to a number of major integration instruments, including "substantial" progress
in the removal of barriers to the free movement of
goods;
advancement of the construction ol a Cdmmon Extcrnal Tarifl, reactivation and revival ol'CARIFESTA (important for people-
to-people integration), and thc creation or consolidation of institutions lor common regional action, such as the Caribbean Environmenral Health Instirure (CEHI) and the Caribbean
Jamaica
Emergency Disaster Response Aeency (CDERA).
In his reflections, Mr. Rainford told Perspective that
he had no second thoughts on accepting the position of Secretan-General
in
]h.od."i.k
Roinford, currenlly â&#x201A;Źxecqlive Diec+or fot +l1e â&#x201A;Źnglish-speaking CaAbbean Conslilqency at Ihe JnIer).merican Developmenl Bqnk (JADB) was born in Jo-
1983, since har..ing scn.ed immediately
before that as Deputy Secretary-General for approximately three and a half vears, he had "quite a good sense from the
maico. yA former Sectelary-General o{ lhe CaAbb.an Communily (CARJC;OM), anA Qovernor of +he Central
inside, of the problems and challenges facing the movement at
the time". 1\{r. Rainford, r,vho "believes stronglv leadership" said, lvhen asked rvhat were some
of
in
Bonk in Jamaical Mn. Roi"fo"d is on economist by troining ond hor conl4bqted actively to policy developmenl al lhe nalional, regional and internalional l.vels.
coliective
the challenges
rvhen he acceded to olficc -
A:
In terms of the global environment, thc
intcgratior-r
movement rvas still being bufleted by the shock rvaves triggered
bv the oil crises. You might recall there were trvo major oil shocks; one in the first hall'ofthe 70s and one at the end of the
One of the major lessons learnt was the realisation
oil shock. *'as still reverberating around the rvorld and certainly
that although there was a strong sentiment towards unity in the Region, one could not leave the building of the integration movement to be borne alone solelr- on the wings of emotion.
on CARICONI economies. There we re ver)' serious implications of those developments lbr intra-regional trade,
even in the face of strong pro-integration sentiment.
70s. The cumulative ellect,
particularll'the impact o1'the second
Building an integration movement rvas a hard and di{Iicult task
since manv of the CARICON4 countrics lverre responding to these external shocks br.looking inu'ards.
Another particular circumstance was that
the
Il'hat are some of the over-riding factors that have Q: militated against the rapid development of the integration
integration movement had just started functioning again at the highest level, that is at the ler.'el of the Heads of Go','ernment
movement despite
Crinference, rvhich had been in abey'ance fbr about scven l,ears, lrom the mid 70s to the earlv BOs. The lact that the integration
A:
movcment rvasn't Iunctioning fullv at thc highest level,
pcople still live rvithin their rcspective national communities and
combincd
l'ith
the inrvard looking tcndencv that followed the oil
crises. impacted negativelv on intra-CARICONI trade and
our common history and
culture?
A critic:rl ovcr-ridins lactor is rhat. notwithstandine a strong scnse of familr.hood, as I call it in the Caribbean. are naturally anxious to protect rvhat they have at a national level. Building an integration movement means f ielding some
economic relations. Those \\'ere s()me of the trving
amount o{'sovereignty at the national level
circumstanccs in u'hich *,c operated at that time.
collective sovercigntv at the regional level. National sovereignty
(.:.1R1(:O,ll
I'cr;ltttic - ).j
-,9pecitl .lfillctrthm ldition
in
exchange for
tI is what people already know; collective sovereignty at the regional level was something that was going to be new, an advance into unknown territory. People are thus understandably very hesitant (despite their pro-regional sentiment) to give up the known for the unknown. One should therefore not be surprised that building an integration movement can only be brought about, in most circumstances, through a gradual incremental process. It is a step-by-step process in which the
people become familiar with the unknown even as they gradually give up the known. That has been my reading of the
regional movement can go forward with popular support on a sustainedbasiswithsome amountofconfidence. Icastthestrategic role of a Secretariat within that overall context.
What would you say is your legacy at CARICOM Q: both within the Secretaiat and in terms of the integration movement
I
A:
in
general?
hesitate to see things
in one-man terms, in
terms
of what I personally did or did not do, because I always saw my efforts in the context of team work, in terms of collective effort
that across a broad front of wonderful and dedicated people in the we were learning about that. When I took over, I saw it as an exciting challenge. It was said that the integration movement Secretariat. I provided leadership within the context of ,talking shop,. But, there is no other way to go about it but collective teamwork. I believe strongly in collective leadership u,as a by dialogue - communication, a continuous search lor common although there are times when you have to fish or cut the bait, ground, which is what the people want - trylng to maintain when you have to move on and make a decision. The thing that comes readily to mind is that when T incremental forward movement. over and during much of the time that I was there, there took was a big challenge to hold the tide with where the regional Some people see the Secretaiat as a clearing Q: movement had reached: to prevent a roll back while waiting for while tank, house, some feel it should function as a think when the moment would be propitious for a fresh advance. I others feel it should play a more meaning{ul role in shaping saw the integration movement in terms of something always and implementing policies. What do you see as its mosr underlying circumstances of the integration proce ss. I think
waiting to make a fresh advance. But there were very severe constraints at times. The Grenada impasse was one' and there
ellective role? A:
were problems with intra-regional trade that severely tested the
The Secretariat is an essential and inescapable tool
of the integration movement, which needs to perform all these roles, and more. The nature of that tool and how it functions
resilience
of
the integration movement. Part
of
the struggle at
will help to determine the pace of the integration movement and how the goals of the Caribbean Community are to be achieved'
the time was to ensure that the gains that had been made were held, to prevent a roll back while waiting and preparing ground for the new advance. Part ofthe preparation ofthe ground that
The critical role for the CARICOM Secretariat will turn
we undertook was laying the ground work for advancing the
essentially
on the excellence with which it performs its technical functions. This goes back to my earlier point that it is
trade. When rve look at how intra-CARICOM trade is flowing at present, very few persons remember that there was a severe
insuflicient to proceed only on the basis of emotional support for the integration movement. There must be an organ, comprising
deterioration acompanied by much political controversy, even shouting matches across the Caribbean, which affected trade
a highly competent group of people, to carry out the "hard nosed", concrete, technical functions; to look at proposals,
and other relations.
matters that need to be addressed under the Treary prorisions. and even matters that the Treaty does not explicitly mandate' but which individual Member States or groups of Member
dialogue that we managed to sustain. A lot of work went into setting up institutionalised forms of dialogue which prevented
We were able to hold the position through
the
States may call for from time to time' These have to be subjected
the utter collapse oftrade relations. I think that it was a critical achievement at the time. While we were doing that, we laid the
to thorough technical analysis to establish their administrative,
ground work
technical, and financial feasibility, and cogent proposals formulated
External Tariff- the common front to the external world behind
for possible action. Further, although the Secretariat is not
a
political institution it cannot proceed without a sense of what
in the late l980s for advancing the Common
is
which we would continue to roll back national barriers to trade. We also had to begin to iay the groundwork for rolling back
politically feasible. You have to bear in mind that you are working
national barriers to the movement of capital, to the movement
with competing impulses - national vs. regional sovereignty, the
of persons, and to rights of establishment. During that whole
- in trying to establish a bridge between
period we were holding strain, holding on to what we had, while
known vs. the unknown
current reality and a rision of a:r alternative order, so that the C,IRICO-II Perpectitc
- l$
laying the ground work for forward movement. -
Spccial llillenniunt Edition
Q:
V{iII
it
be accurate to describe your
tem
one of
as
transition? A:
In that regard, how have we fared in your
Q:
estimation?
of
Yes. Transition from the earlier phase
the
A:
A number of the countries fared fairly well
because
integration movement. The original Treaty of Chaguaramas did not provide for any meaningful deepening, for example, of
the response needed to come not only from the regional, but also from the national level, and the unity that is forged between
the production base on which intra-regional trade operated. One of the principles underlying tarifffree intra- regional trade
both. It's a mixed picture because when you look at the
is that goods should be substantially produced within
than others for example, Barbados, I believe, has been adjusting
the
Region. But, the original Treaty of Chaguaramas identified a number of areas in which
economies of the Region, some countries are adjusting faster
remarkably well. There are
still major challenges, but it
has
been adjusting remarkably
goods not substantially
well to functioning rvithin an
d within the
integration movement that is open to the rest of the
produce
Region, were to be treated as
ifthev were substantiallv
produced within the Region. The original scheme did not provide for full and e{Iective
"Building an integration movement means yielding some arnount of sovereignty at the national level in exchange for collective sovereignty at the regional level..."
for
simultaneously
relating actively with the global community. Trinidad
and Tobago has also been
It has gone through remarkable redoing quite well.
movement of persons and of capital, nor
world and
rights of e stablishment. It was, in a sense, a
'bare bones' integration arrangement, although the Treaty itself contemplated that, with time, there would be
a
move into a deeper
arrangement and, in fact, it even set time tables for this deepening.
engineering of its economy and its various elements, while continuing to function within CARICOM and the wider world order. There are other countries that are making their own efforts and still have some way to go. In general terms, although they are moving at different paces, they are moving in the same
Q:
Since you left the Secretariat, the institution of the
general direction. The gap that exists between individual I think, will gradually be closed with the passage of
new liberal model globalisation has taken hold. What are the
countries,
implications of these developments for the Caribbean integration movement?
time.
no
You come from a generation that literally grew up with the newly independent Caribbean countries in the 60s
option but to function as best as it can within the framework of
and 70s. Your perspective of the world would have been
the global environment, which it has no power to shape to its liking. Certainly there was a major shift (some call it tectonic
dilTerent from that of your predecessors. Would you say that
a,t A:
The Caribbean integration movement has
shift) in the global architecture by the early I990's
-
the collapse
there was anything about the time you came of age that prepared you for seruing at this public regional level?
of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of the Soviet system and the
growth of the forces of globalisation. The leaders of the Caribbean integration movement at the technical and political levels had to respond to those changes.
In a sense that was one
A: I can recail very l'ividly that I was an undergrade at the University of the West Indies (UWI), when the Jamaica
of the things that quickened the urgency with which we had to
referendum on the Federation was conducted. I was caught up in the milieu of a new perspective, of thinking regionally, of
reform the Common External Tarifl, and the way
having regional ambitions, and was completely sold on the
do things like
we were going to design and shape it.
We had to start introducing
concept of what Norman Manley, in reference to the regional the concept of open, as
unity, described as a wider field for ambition. Not just personal
opposed to closed. integration. In other words, we advance the
ambition, though that was a consideration; but more
integration of our countries while remaining open to the rest of
importantly ambition for the collective potential of our people.
the world. That was the major challenge lor CARICOM in terms of responding to the global changes taking place, -
a
shift
My colleagues at UWI lrom other territories and I embraced that vision, we were all Federationists.
from closed integration to a strategy of open integration. CARICOM Penpectire
contitutaf on p. 1l
- !/
- Sp.cial f,Iillennium Edirion
ts Described as one of statesmen
the most
Robinson's first electoral ellcrrt came in 1956 rvhcn \Villiams led his fledgling partv to an astonishing victorv. He lost the Tobago seat b)' a narr{)\\' m:rr{in but' sincc that Jalse start.
experienced
in Trinidad and Tobago, the Claribbean Region and
the Commonrvealth, H.E. Arthur Napoleon Robinsr.rn, OCC
Ravmond
has nevcr lost an elec-
) has been
tion in his constitucnc)'.
in public life for more than
50 1ears. and is the onlr
person in his
country"s
l
history to have held thrce
of the highest public
of-
fices. He sen.ed as the first
.A.N. R.
?tr.JNSON
of
rvas
tan
thc
Parliamen-
Representative lor
Tobago at the l'ederal Parliament of the West Indies, arrd from i961-
Chairman of the modern Tobago House
l'rom 1958-60
he
Assem-
@hu only petlson in
counbyb hislory to have held *ree of the highest public offces ,
blr', and Prime Nlinister and President of the Rcpublic of Trinidad and
his
67, the first lrlinister of Finance of independent
Trinidad and Tobago,
u'ith responsibilitr' lor restructuring the coun-
Tobago. respectiveh'.
trv's linancial and mon-
Bortr on DecemTobago.
etary policl'. From I 976-
in
an
86, he led the struggle
isolated fishing rillage. He
Ibr decentralisation and
had to his advantage.
devolution of authoritl' to Tobago.
ber 16.
1926.
in
Robinson gre*, up
a
Iather s'ho rsas the headmaste
r ol' thc
Robinson
Castara
broke r.vith the PNNI in
N'Iethodist Priman' School
rvhich he attended until
1970 and his departurc
1939. He l'on thc first
led to a nerv phase in his
Borvles scholarship
to
political
the
caree
r. He
Bishop's High School in
formed the Action Com-
Scarborough - then thc
mittt'e for
onll' secondarv school in
C.litizens (ACDC) rvhich.
Tobago. In 1942 he l'on a
bv 1976. became
Junior Housc Scholarship. Hc bt'qan studr inq privatch and. as an external
Demo<:ratic Action Congress (DAC).
Reconstruction (NAR), gnruping of a numbcr of Trinidad and Tobago
\\'as
Temple
London. hc uas elected President ol'the \Vcst Indian Studcnt Societl' and Secretarl' of the Oxlbrd Political Studv Circle.
In
parties opposcd to the ruling PNNL He led the
N.\R ro victon in
,
London. He read lbr the Nlastcr of Arts Degrce in Philosophr'. Politics and Economics at StJohn's College. Orford. \\'hile in
as a
1986. he
u'hich \\'as a lbrmal
subsequentlv called to the
Bar at Inner
In
the
las elccted leadcr ol'the National Alliance for
student. earned his Bachelor of Lal's Degrec lrom tlre l'nirt'rsitr uf Londott. In 1951 he lcli
frrr England, and
Democratic
1955. hc returned hotne and u'as admincd t() practicc
Barristcr at Lau'. Hc accepted Dr. Eric \Villiams' irlr itation ttr
Llconomic Conli:rence, and thc \\rest Indian Clornmission. Robinson's timc as Primc Nlinister \\'as a testinq rrnc. as his
party'broke apart and the sfction led bv his deputr'.
.ioin the r1â&#x201A;Źr\\'part\', thc People's National N'Iovcment (PNN{). (..11t1(.o.tl Petrpta t^
the
clections of l986 l ht'n hc bccame Prime \Iinistcr until Dcccmber 1991. As Prirnc Nlinister. he l'as responsible for several regional initiatives. including thc (laribbcan Regional
Continued on p..'11 e
- 28
51n
id .llilhnnitrn f.ilitiut
l)ame NIan' liugcnia Charlcs, Primc Nlinister, o1' the (lommonlcalth of Dominica liom l9B0-1995 las Lal
Ma
in Can:rda and Britain. On complction o1'studics in
eclucatcd
:rnd Political Sciencc at thc London Schrlol of'Et'onomic's.
shc returne d to Dominica
in
constitutionalist and considercd
a lrrilliant larn'er b\, hcr colleagucs. Dame Eugcnia built up
.,,,,.
â&#x201A;Ź^genia,
CHARLâ&#x201A;Ź5
1949. and becamc the lirst woman
lalvcr ol'that countr\'. A strict
t\,/
a
solid legal practi< c. but subsequcnth' ol)tcd to bccomt' invohtd
in
1>olitics. She co-foundcd thc
hclped Dorninica to
l'in
Dominit a Freedom Party rvhiclr
its indcl>endenct' lrorn Britain
in
rf Jf iot Female Prime Minisfer
1978.
in CARJCOA4
Thc title "Damc" rvas conlcrrcd on hcr in 1991. The lirst lemale Primc Nlinister in CARICO\1. Damc Eugt:nia statcd that she rvas ovcrarved rvhr:n shc realiscd
that shc \\'as to assumc the leadcrship of tht countrr'. Therc lvcre several things to be donc, sht: said.
"A
nurnber of'decisions
to bc madt'in tht'intcrcst of tl-rr pcoplc and thc countrr'. uhit.h
nclt'rthelt'ss, rvouldn't alrvays have becn a<u:t'ptablc".
'fhc (]rcnada rcvolution in l9B3 and its alicrmath evoked sharplv opposing vicrvs ir.r thc Caribbcan. Prime llinister (lharles
is said to have cr.rcourased thc US invasion of'
(lrcnada to pr('\'ent Cuban inliltration ol' thc
island.
'Rt.spcctirr" askcd NIs (lharles about the rolc she plaved in th()se traum2rti<: days as rt'cll as her vicrvs on othcr signifit:ant regional issucs:
l'ou arc best rcmentltered arouncl the Caibbean a lbr thc statlce vou tutk in tltc Grcnada rcrrtlution and its tt/irtLnath. On n'llcction, +rtnild wtu haw' ctonc anvthinp' dilli'rcn
tJ.r'."
.'\:
No. \\'r' ncrc trving to allorl Grt'naclians to bt in ol n allairs. Thev had krst control. Othcr pcoplc
chargc o1'thcir
telling thenr l'hat to do and hol' to do it and I do not think that I could hznc dont' anvthine dillirentl1,. The irnpurtant
u t'rc
thing
las
1()
f)ominica
put thc aflairs o1'(lrt:nada back into thc harrds of'
Grcnadi:rns, and that is rvh:rt
il ktt
I think
rvc rvcrt' ckring.
llhat are sotnc su,geestior):;.:) a prinailt .\: Thc laters that cliviclc Lrs makr' :r s-r'('ur dirision it4trr.tring thc lives o1'thc Jtcople o/'the (ianbbtan. How amons us. but I think that \\.e can do rnanv nrorc things oPtiniSti(A]?|,ouaboutachiclit1q.t|tscgtla|s.J1rrgcthcr.Instcacltl{.trr-iIrgtobconc(.()tlntI\'.rr'cnet'clt(l)Llt()llr I think it c:ttr lrt'dottt'. but tht'rt- nt't'ds to lrt'clost'r svstcms toscth('r. \\k' should havt' one licalth svstt-m. I'r'e '\: Q
o1'cllbrt luts been spcnt in mouklin.g-tht rc,qional
itttcptatiott Inoft'Ittenl itt pur.sutl r.tf qx'ctlic grnls -
assot'i:rtion
bclicvc tht're could cvt'r l)e on('(ollntn. but I think that
thcrc
ol'boredom ancl povcrtr'. Our t'ducation s)'st('m shouLd be onc.
ar('lotso1'thinqsthat\\('toulddotogct]icrIirrthebenclitofthc All thc books should be tht'samc. so that thcn thert'is pt'rr1lleiI-rthc(jari}lbclrrrltndrr'eIiar't,prrlr'ctrthislr.ithtIrt' t'niversitr' of
tl-rc
\\'est Indies.
havc chansed schools. (.:.lRIO().ll fl'r:pt rit
2{)
\rtt:tt
.lli/1,
nnimt l:Ihntt
A
the islands to choose the people to man the court - from the
Do you see our Heads of Government mouing in
Registrar up.
that direction?
A:
I
think they talk about having one country.
I
repeat,
Do you have a current role in regional alfairs and if not, would you like to be involved? A: I'm not involved in any regional undertaking, but if
Q:
we should begin by organising our systems together, so that we can work together.
at
I were asked to participate, I certainly would not refuse, because
What would you identify as landrnark achieve-
ments both nationally and regionally duing the years of your most active involvement in the Process of integration? Nationally, the first thing we had to do was to
I think there
is so much to be done collectively to strengthen our
Regron. But,
I would not initiate
ensure a good road system so that peoPle could move about the
at
a role for myself,
island easily. I made sure that every
You have successfully shown that women can play a key role in the political arena, is
village was electrified and this made
there some special characteristic
life easier for the citizens. As soon as I got into olfice there was a terrible
that they must bring to the table? A: You must be unselfish. You
hurricane and every school in the country had been destroyed. We
must look at the entire issue and not
had to build new schools and repair
are
decide for your own little area.
part
If
you
of a grouping, you have to be
old ones. There was only one school
able to work with the grouping because
that did not have to be repaired in
every step or decision you take has an
the whole island, and that was being
impact not only on the houses which
used as a shelter. This was a
surround you, but also on the islands
dilficult
time for the education system.
thatyou workwith. You must have alot
Regionally, when I assumed office, the OECS had not
ofpatience, because you are going to be criticised for everythingyou do andyou
worked
have to discem whether the criticism is
hard on building a strong OECS.
valid. If it is, you need to change your
Then we began to look at things that
attitude. You have
were necessary for the
criticism, but must not be down-
been really solidified and
islands so that they could
CARICOM group. I
I
smaller
to listen to
the
trodden by it.
fit into the
worked hard have been referred to as the
realising a strong OECS.
QYou
You have gone back to at your law practice, what are your uiews on the CQ/? I think that our highest court should be A: Caribbean court. We have the personnel. Recently I read
you say to this, and how would you
Caribbean's ufron
a a
judgement in Trinidad and Tobago and concluded that there is no reason why our highest court in the Caribbean should not be a completely Caribbean court.
I
am in favour of it.
Do you have any resetvations. Is there anything you would like to see done to ensure the integrity of the
A
court and its
success?
We must have a strong Chamber made up from the diflerent islands, to choose the personnel of the Court' We have people who can do it, we only have to make the right choices.
I
think we should have a committee made up of people from all CARICOM
kqtctive - JQ
Lady'. What
do
Iike the Region to remember you? I'm not objecting to the word "Iron Lady'. A: Remember, I came in at a time when there were lots of difliculties. Not only did we have to deal with the hurricane, but we had an army that was disloyal and we had to get rid of it.
That was very important. It was very worrisome. So, I don't mind being called "Iron Lady". If you have hard decisions to make, you have to make hard decisions. You're not going to please everyone. But, you have to make these decisions, otherwise you would not be able to get along with the work for
the people you have to represent. I don't mind
being
remembered as the "Iron Lady", so Iong as it is realised that the decisions
I took were not for my own benefit, but for the benefit
of the Region. -
Spccial
Millemim
Edition
Q: A:
Any parting thoughts? I think n'c har-c i'r lot tl.rat can be
A.N.R Rol>in.nn l)om p.2B
ar:complished in
Basdco Panday, walked
out. Additionally,
he and somc of his
the Region. We must remember that we are separate entities and rve have to work with each other to make a stronger Region. We have to recoglise the needs of the other islands. We're not
he took during the attempted coup when, at the risk of his
the only island that counts. There are things to be done which
life, he urged action aimed at saving the
rvould benefit all the Region and therefore we must work on that. Our education system must certainly be unified and we
democracy of Trinidad and Tobago.
ministers were held prisoner
in
1990
in an attempted coup d'
6tat. Robinson is remembered for the brave and patriotic stance
oun
constitutional
must work hard and ensure that our people are educated in everything - not only in theory, but also in practice. It is
During his tenure as Prime Minister he introduced into the General Assembly of the United Nations, the proposal for establishing an International Criminal Court or other
important that the people learn how to do things lor themselves
international criminal trial mechanisms with jurisdiction over
and that the1, are taught to do it.
persons engaged in the most serious violations of international
criminal law. In September 1999, Robinson was elected Honorary Vice President of the International Association of Penal Law, which is one of the world's oldest scholarly associations.
Robinson has been at the forelront for fundamental relbrm in the approach to poverty reduction and eradication.
interacting with the United Nations System and other international agencies to support a holistic and integrated response lo poverry and equity issues. He holds an Honorary degree
of Civil
Laws from the
Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and is an Honorary of St John's College, Oxford. He has been Visiting Scholar to the Harvard Law School. On a state visit to Nigeria,
Dominica's vibrant landx ape
Fellow
in
1991, Robinson was made Chief
Highness the Ooni
of
of lle lfe by His
Royal
lfe.
In 1997 Robinson was awarded his country,s highest honour the Trinity Cross. He has also been accorded Venezuela's highest award, the Grand Orden del Libertador (
r
ee0).
Robinson is also the recipient of The Distinguished International Criminal Larv Award (1977) and the Distinguished Human Development Award (1983). In l99B the Order of the Caribbean Communirv (OCC) rvas conferred on him, for his outstanding contribution to the development of the Caribbean Communitl'.
()-lRICO,Il llrspcctir
- j I
-.\ltccial ,llillenniunt l:ditron
"Jt rlris is rnv 1{."1i.'rr - lel ,n., lrovc I rr,itlr.rL,l a F)dssFrot'+l qo .rtrvrt'[elru: CARJ(]OM rviflr.rtrl a Fr.-rrnil. (Jnlv ll,rerr r.,ill i+ 1,.' .-t siqrrificarrc--c"
irr
islands. After I left Canouan. I atterrded St. Nlan''s Collegc, in Saint
A truly Caribbcan person, Sir John declares that lrom bo,vhood hc thought the Caribbean
Lucia and thosc opportunities a{ier
his ovster and advises that
\\'c
lcaving school diminished. I\I,v familr
should alrvays be Caribbean people. not onlv shen rre are rrinning
didn't have the moncy to linance my tertiary. education, so I migrated to
cricket, but in good and bad times.
Cluracao and workcd
He is committed to thc idca ol a united lVest Indies and sa\r the
companv to carn monev to further m1'
Federation of the West Indies
I\h'original intention rvas not Lar'. but engineering, hol'ever, I rvas
rvith an oil
studies.
as a
realisation ol' this. His ideal rvould have been to receive - even as the
influenced br trvo things: et,rnomics -
humblest of citizens - a Caribbe an
Larv *as a three vear course compared
passport. He \\'as thcrelore
to live years for Engineering; secondlv,
disappointed *'ith the break up of
emplovment opportunitics. In the region at the time, there were hardly
Saint Lucia
the Federation in 1962.
SirJohn 'rvho has sen'ed
more than l4 r'cars
possesses
significant institutional memon'. 'Perspectivc' lelt it important to
anv opportunities in engineering. In
Joh^
as Prime l\'{inister of Saint Lucia for
the then l\'Iinistry of Works or thc
Clryt7971
Public Works there werc
mostly
English pcople. The Chief Technical O{Ilcers in the l\{inistry of Works u'ere
share his reflections s'ith readers.
usuall)'retired officers from the Roval
but before doing so attempted to
Engineers. In the Sugar Industry, most
obtain a glimpse of him in his other
$'"
roles. ....
of Soin+ Lucia is o lo-y.n and an economisi
The Region knows you as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. Tell me something about John Compton, tlte man A: I u'as born in Canoltan
a.r
in St. \"incent and the Grenadines,
from a sealaring famill'. We have lamily lrom the north point of
3.U^ Cnmplon, fotmetPrime Minisler
by fraining. Born in Canouon, 5+. Vi^cent q^d +he G,.enadines, 5;" .]oh^ hot b..^ o dominant figure in SainI Lucia's politics serving os Minisfer .f TraAe, Chief TVlinister, Premier onA PAme Jty'.inis+er, tespeclively. H. was knigh*.d by l1.r /ttajesty Q.^..n â&#x201A;Źlizabu+h, JJ i^ 1997.
ilnot all, $'ere expatriates and
a similar situation existed in the Oil Industry. So, I decided to do Larv. I
did Economics and Larv at the London School of Economics and after graduation, returncd to Saint Lucia. As a 1'oung man in Curacao man;'
ofus rvere throlvn together with lots of
time on our hands. So *'e often had
about the Caribbean. rallr. referrcd to as the West
discussions
Dominica right into the north point
of Grenada. because we
of them,
gcne
Indies in thosc davs, and rvhat part we
\\'crc
sailors and some of our familics settled here. and some in the
could plal in its dcvelopment. These discussions continued in
Grenadines. I started coming here at age 4. and bv the age ol'
London. TI're proccss of decolonisation had alrcadv started. India had.just become independent. We met rvith many of the Alrican leadcrs *'ho came to London. Lcaders like Nkrumah and others from West Africa. The South Alrican issue ults
10, was settled permanently rvith my unclc. Nh' primar,v education uas in Canouan,and mv sccondan in Saint Lucia.
I kncu' evcrl' part ol the Caribbean as a louttg bor' from Guvan:r right up to Anguilla, because on cven'r aeation rlc just .jumped on one of mv uncle's schooners and \t'ent to thc (.:lRICO.ll Pt:pectnt -
boiling in those davs. Additionalll'. the British Labour Partl had just u'on thc elections and man;' of the sen'icemcn rvho had .J
)
-.\lxrttl
.lLlltrtim
Edii rt
given yeoman service were coming back and were entering university. They too wanted to change the world. It was vcry heady and dynamic.
second generation should not be called upon to do so again. third gencration, but definitcly not the second.
Perhaps the
West Indian nationalism was not of the individual islands. We never thought of the West Indian Islands or the
4",
Caribbean islands individually. Norman Manley, Grantley
see this as the most dilfrcult
Adams and Bustamante would come up, and so, by the time
A:
It
is believed that one of your stemest tests was trying
to stq/ in power duing the cisis years of the mid 70s. Do you
I
peiod
of your life ... and
whf
My initial involvement in Caribbean politics
w.as
in
lelt university we were all were very nationalistic - nationalism
1958. As
leading to socialism, because that was the ideology at the time. We
meetings, and witnessed the evolution of federation. By the time
were West Indian nationa.lists. Of course, we had persons who were
it came to fruition, I
like role models, for instance, like Norman Manley and others.
[Federation] broke up in 1962, it was a very sad moment for us. A flame had died. I was committed to this ideal. In the mid-
q.,
A:
How did get into politicf ',ou when we were having our first came home
I
I didn't participate, was there just under two months, but I was an elections under adult su{Irage.
obserr,'er.
a young .junior minister I attended the rvas out
federal
of the government. When it
fifties, it was really easy for us to be committed. Eric Williams had just returned with all these ideals. We would leave Saint
I
Lucia in the evening travel to Trinidad and Tobago to listen to
interested
Eric Williams at Independence Square, and return to Saint
My family was from the eastern area of Saint Lucia,
Lucia in the morning. We were not married, had no family ties.
rvhere there were canefields, factories and estates.
It
because
was really
Williams was talkins and so we went down. When Federation
sugar that brought me into politics.
broke up, it was really a death ofa dream
The conditions on the estates were reminiscent ofslaves - servitude and
degradation - and I just could not
that. My involvement with the trade union movement also accept
influenced my decision.
I got involved in the second election under adult
and we were very sad. By that time, of course, I was already into politics. I came into government in 1964.
We would leov. Sainf Lucia in fhe evening,, travel fo Trinidad and Tobago fo lisfen fo â&#x201A;Źric Williams af Jndependence Squar., and refurn to Sainf Lucia in fhe molning
suflrage. The people were dissat-
The 70's were really difficult times
in the Caribbean. We had to deal with both external economics and politics intruding in our affairs. Cuba was showing interest in the Caribbean. There
stayed with them for about three to four years. Change was not
were Socialist governments in Jamaica, Guyana and in Grenada. Additionally, there was the Black Power Movement. The influence of the Martin Luther King movement of the 60's was being felt in the Caribbean by the 70's. Economic difficulties, as a result of the oil crisis, made it difficult for us in
fast enough. After we won the elections, rve fell into the traditional mould. Some of us who thought there should be
and within less than a month, we had to deal with the Grenada
changes in the party were deemed upstarts and rebels and were
crisis. Those were rather difficult times.
isfied with the kind of representa-
tion they had received
and
invited me to participate, which I did, as an independent candidate. I then joined the Saint Lucian Labour Party and
the Caribbean. Saint Lucia gained its independence
in
1979,
forced out of the party. We founded our own, but subsequently
joined with other groups to form the United Workers Party. So I came to government in the 1960s. In 1964, I became the Chief
period and whf
I\{inister. I sen'ed from 1964 to 1979 with a number of
A:
constitutional changes.
independence would have been the elevating period.
a.'
What do you consider to be your most elevating
People rvould sav leading this countrl into
agree, because
a.'
Lfhere is your family
now, in terms of politics in
Saint Lucia? A:
['m married rvith fir'e children. but mv children
are
it
was not my ideal.
I
I do not
always look towards mv
ideal, as a Caribbean man, so it could not have been my proudest moment. It was nothing to be ashamed of, but the tlpe of upliftment that one would have expected to have at that
not invoh'ed in politics, and I don't rvant them to be. I have not
moment was not there. It was not my ideal. My idcal would have
encouraged them. The pressures of political life and sacrifices
been to receive, even as the humblest
that have to be made are enough for one generation. The
passport.
(i:IRICOII Pcrspcctir - .J.J
-
Speial ,llilhtrthntt Edititrt
of
citizens - a Caribbean
Is there anything else CARICOM could have done The aftermath of Federation - CARIFTA, q, differentlf indicative of OECS are of the CARICOM - and the creation lVe are maliing responses now that CARICOIII is serious attempts to bring the Caribbean to.gether. What are A:
q,
your
comments?
A: lVe are one people lvith one destin;-. But rve are a people who try to avoid the inevitable. Only when there is a problem do we rush together like chickens under the wings of
mother hen - Mother hen is the Caribbean. Shortly after the break up of the
Fede
more involved in the democratic process of our countries. CARICOM has not had many opportunities. We allowed extemal inlluences to tear us apart. Coordination offoreign policy is part of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, but we have not been using this to deal with the challenges of the international community. Our foreigrr policy is too fragmented. For instance, China
ration, we tried
-
Taiwan and
with the Little [,eague. While we were considering that, Errol Barrow came up with the idea of CARIFTA. We were still talking about close association with Barbados, and at the same time talking with Burnham and Bird about CARIFTA. So in the beginning we did not hnd great favour with the other
mainland China. We do not hare a policy in dealing with this
Windwards and Leewards, because we thought that was really
so successfirlly -
inserting something in our negotiations that might lead
negotiated, not only for the Caribbean, but for the African and
somewhere else.
Pacific countries
problem which is intruding more and more on our foreign policy.
We are united on Cuba, in dealing with the American embargo and so on, but there are a number of areai in which we could have done better. Every time we acted together we came out [.om6, for example. We sent our very best team and
What should have been done differently takes me
But, in the 60's, you had persons who looked beyond
our little
political
back to Federation
bickerings.
Persons
and the
like William
Demas
and Sonny fShridath]
Ramphal telling
us
not to look at
the
narrow things of the
Caordinalion of foreign policy is part of +he Tleaty of Chc"guara,r'as2 bu* w. hcve no* been hsing this deal wiih rhe chp'lleng.s of +he inlernational comvnunily, Our foteign policy is too frag*nented
first thing the British decided to do
was
to level
and
give all the
us
picture.
countries,
They
rest is history.
CARICOM has had to respond to some dilficult
q, A:
Could we have done anything dillerentlf When the problem arose in Grenada, rl,e decided A: that it was not something we could handle. In spite of what the international press reported, we were the ones who took the initiative to do something about Grenada. The Americans, of
all
the
islands, a similar constitutional status. Before dealing with the Federal Constitution, we dealt with the unit constitution.
positions over the past 25 years. What would you describe as the most dilficult and how do you see those responses now?
a.'
the
playingfield around
day, but at the bigger
brought CARIFTA into being, and we all participated. The
Federal
Constitution. The
And the situation todaf It continues. We are not looking at thc
bigger
picture. We think of our own self importance at home which does not put bread on people's table. As
I
said before, it's only when there is a storm that we
rush under the wings of the Caribbean Community; once the storm is over we go back to our separate ways. We do not have a national airline
. American Airlines
controls our size and can
If
course, seized the opportunity to ride on our initiative, for their
easily switch on and off and can destroy our tourist industry.
own ends, but we just did not have the means to do anything
we had collectively negotiated for entry points we would be in a
ourselves, neither
did CARICOM and what was happening in Grenada wasjust not acceptable. It was a serious challenge, but
stronger position when one of our members is affected.
we overcame it.
interdependent world?
a,r
You're saying that we could not have done it
4.,
TeIl me something about your recent role in
I'm saying that I would not have done it differently.
Maybe if we had a Caribbean force.
complex, we must give them CARICO.II Penperrir
- jJ
Haiti
We ought to help to provide a bridge lbr Haiti to the outside world. The Haitian situation is however so
A:
dilTerentls;?
A:
We speak of sovereigrrty, but what does it mean in this
-
Specia.l
lfillennitnt Edhion
our
support.
q
There are varying perceptions of two important
in CARICOM the "man in the street" uiews of CARICOM as being meaningful to him./her; . and the level ofindependence ofthe Region, given the fact that significant linancial support is obtained from non-CARICOM countries. How can we deal with these
human resources and thought that the first thing I'd do,
ifI
had
I think I
issues
the power, was to educate the children. By and large
.
I committed the myself and the resources of the country to this end . I hope I'm remembered for my role in this. In the Region, I would like to be remembered as a person who sanctioned the Caribbean's cause. I championed it
all my life. As I told you, I thought the Caribbean my oyster, from the time I was a boy travelling these islands. I love these
issues? People looked at CARICOM as a political thing. It
A:
have done well.
didn't really touch the lives of the ordinary man in the street. Of course, its eflects are now felt
in
trading, because this
is
islands.
I
love the people. We have so much talent. We
politicians could have done a betterjob to bring these talents to
full bloom.
significant in some countries.
To change that perception, we have to move people. We have to have freedom of movement of people for it to be meaningful. If this is my Region let me travel without a passport; go anywhere in be
of
CARICOM without
a
permit. Only then will it
significance.
And our level of independence with respect to finances from the international communitv? A: I don't think that affbcts our independcnce. What affects our independence is our disunity. For instance, the Chinese issue and now I refer toJapan. The Region receives
Q:
aid fromJapan, but our environment is compromised. It is our
qr
What professional actiuities are you involved in, and are you where you thought you'd be at this poinf I had hoped that the political situation would have A: been calmer and that I would have had just an objective and academic interest in politics, but this is not so. My office is still like the Ombudsman, the complaints still come pouring in. There are still a number of objectives to be achieved. I hope
I can still influence, in some small way, the attainment of these objectives, whether at home or abroad.
A, A:
So that takes up your
daf
Yes and I work as a farmer.
disunity that causes this to happen. There is no CARICOM position on a number of vital issues.
q,
CARICOM has a better image abroad than at home. This is because we have a number of institutions that lend us respect. The Caribbean Development Bank is one such
A:
institution. The OECS Central Bank, another.
crearn.... (is it still there?), down to Trinidad, up to Anguilla, go
Is there anything you'd like to share in closing? I don't want to die a disappointed man. lVhile I'm
alive, I want to be able to travel the Caribbean, as I did as a boy, looking forward to going to Brown Betty in Guyana for icefishing, without being asked where
a,,
came from.
Do you see yourself as the Caribbean's Jimmy
Cartel A:
I
[Laughterl
I
don't see myself as anything. I
just
hope someone can really inspire us - the way Marcus Garvey did. Someone more in keeping with the times who will fire our
a Caribbean percon, aren't yotl
4.,
You are
A:
Yes, not only when rve are winning cricket, should
we be Caribbean people. We should always be Caribbean people - in the good times and the bad.
imagination and bring us together, sweep the petty politics apart so
that the people can enjoy the patrimony of the Caribbean
-
what is rightfully theirs.
a,'
How would you like to be remembered in Saint
Lucia, and in the Region? A: When I returned from studving abroad, conditions were unacceptable. Sixty to seventy percent of the children were unable to attend school beyond ten years.. They went up
to ten years, because in a Catholic country, in order to make your first communion, you had to be attending school. So, your first communion was the end of school. I saw the waste of our CARICOMIbnpectirc- jJ
SirJohn's ideal would hate becn to reccire 'ercn as the humble't citizens - a Caribbean PassPort
-,9pecial |Villennium Edition
of
"A Wo nderful â&#x201A;Źxperie^cetl In talking tuith Perspective, SirJames expressed his pleasure w'orking with the
CARICOM
Secretariat and others
in the integration movement over the y'ears. He made special mention of CARICOITI Secretary-General Edwin Carrington;
former Secretaries-General. William Demas and Alister Ntlclnr.vre;
former Commonu'ealth Secretarv-General
Sir
Shridath Ramphal; and a number of Prime l\linisters from the earlv da,vs of the process. He feels honoured that he lvas able to be part of the transition from the old to the new leadership with leaders such as Prime l\{inisters
Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts
and Nevis and Dr. Kenny Anthony ol Saint Lucia, among others.
The following is the text of SirJames' discourse with 'Pe rspective'....
You became Premier
a,
one seat out
of St. Wncent in 1971 with
ofa total ofthirteen, running
as an independent
candidate. You went on to serve as Prime Minister for an
unbroken sixteen y'ears. To what do you attribute your
personal accomplishments?
NIr' first timc as Premier qavc me the cxperiencc, and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had the
A:
opportunit,v to see that
I
could lead in a difficult situation, in a
collation.
As Prime Nlinister, I had to take certain policy positions so as to carry the country forward, to understand and appreciate the aspirations ofthe people, evaluate the available resources and find a wav to secure the finances to develop the country. I had to ensure that I had a loyal team. As a leader, you
must keep vour team inspired to execute the necessary programmes. I think we had the correct policies, we undertook u'hat our people rvanted, lve knerv rvhat goals we had to accomplish and rvhat had to be done to achieve those goals. My SirJames Mitchell, familiarly knorvn as "Son" Nlitchell,
was educated
at the Unir,'ersiqv ol the \Vest Indies and
the
studies
in Trinidad and Canada and visits to several European
countries helped me to understand u'hat the rvorld was like, horv
University of British Columbia, in Canada, and sened as Premier.
rve
Nlinister of Trade, Tourism and l,abour and Prime Nlinister
rve had to have at home to deliver results to our people.
in the Caribbean had to find our place, and rvhat directions
respectively.
Sir James was knighted by Her l\Iajesn'
Q.ueen
Elizabeth II in 1994.
As Pime ,llinister vou promised to change the
Q:
llthat were ,out' perceptions then, and how far has tlis ideal been realised? A: \Vht:n rvc assurncd ollicc. thc old art--hitcctural style of our arches and our cobblestone streets had been presen'ed, face of the capital.
He has been in the forefront ofnational and regional efforts to resolve the banana dispute betrveen the European
Union and the United States of America, and has "made personal sacrifices to secure the development of pis] countrv and the Caribbean".
but cattle still roamed the streets. We set about modernising our town. We held a competition among architects which resulted in
a:.1RICO,\I P'rpectitr
- Jg
-
.lpecial
.l
l illcn nir n I di ion
a wonderrful design lirr the Administrative Centre Building. It inspired the priYate sector to cumpete in ensuring that each
building constructed rvas bctter than thc one bcfbre. We still
nced a largc hotel in thc tou'n. a convention ccntrc. a pcrlormine arts centrc. an offshorc centre; but abovc all, rve have to make sure that our capital
is kept
You havc been
in the forefront
o1' the struggle at the OECS and CARICOtrI levels to ensurc tltat our bananas retain its prelirential market acccss. lfhat were some o1'the
Q:
main challcnges lacing the Rcgion during this process and assess our ellbrts in terms of where we are.) Thc banana industrv is t:ritical for t:t onornic stabilitv in the Windu'ard Islands and continues to have an
how do \/ou
bcautiful. We must keep
A:
the vendors ofl'the strcct and expand our e(:onomv to ensure that
thel'can malc a li"ing without having to scramblc in the strects.
important impact inJamaica and Bclize, and to a lesscr extent,
in Suriname. Our main (oncern rras its impact on Thc exccutive directors o1'thc ILIF oncc dcclan:d Q: that, in St l'incent and the Grenadines, "thcre is nuch to praise and littk: to litult". Any teaction to such a tribute. A: I l':rs cert:rinlv ven' pleased. Thc II\.IF is vcrv critical and I think that our country was the only one to get a tributc likc this from the II\IF. We madc drastii: decisions in rcstructuring our economy and rvere able to rctain our civil
Windwards. There
r,vas
the
a time rvhen bananas dominated the It *'as our main incomc
economv ol the Windrvard Islands.
carner and gcnerator of employmcnt, so we had to protect that.
I have bccn dcaling with bananas sincc l 968 rvhen
rve
onlv had to negotiate with thc British We got the Lom6 Conr.'ention going. P.N{. Patterson and my'self are still the only
sen'ice u,ithout anv rctrenchment and to expand expenditure
ones [Prime Nlinisters] around that w.ere involved in these Iirst negotiations rvay back in the 70's. The British subsequcntly
on social sen'icc. I think that the INIF n'as plcased rvith the rvay
passed responsibilit,v
our small economy was able to correct itsellin round onc of our
Europeans mcant wc had to find out who wcre our allies.
to thc Europeans. Negotiations rvith the
adjustment programme.
Developing a Multi-island Country
Q'
Oo rellection what w,ould you say was your greatest challenge in developing a nulti-island country?
A: Every island has its incligenous population and every island requires its schools, roads, health facilities, jetties, airports. These presented a challenge. However, we ensured that we offered incentives to the private sector and the results could be seen in the luxury of Mustique, Canouan, Petit St Vincent and Palm Island. We also had to find resources lor infrastructural development. I devised a system with the Caribbean Development Bank to have multi projects - a model now being used elsewhere by development institutions. International institutions do not like dealing with small projects, they would rather deal with four-, five-, fifteen- and twenty million dollars upwards. so we combined sevcral small projects into a single large project for appraisal. Foreign assistance came through funding from theJapanese who assisted us with the fish market, and the Taiwanese who helped us lvith the airport on Union Island. Our greatest assistance however, carne from Caribbean cooperation. Under the first Lom6 Convention - Secretary-General Carrington was in Brussels at the time - we were able to get fifteen Caribbean and tw'elve European governments to agree on financing the They showed that airport developnrent and tr:rnsportation was of regional interest. At that time, and until now, the Barbadians and Saint Lucians, were promoting the
Bequia airport as a regional project.
Grenadines, but we felt that ifwe developed our offshore island and the smaller islands of'the Grenadines we would be able to attract the tourists. I obtained the cooperation of Prime Ministers Errol Barrow of Barbados, A.N.R. Robinson of Trinidad and Tobago, Edward Seaga ofJamaica, President Hoyte of Guyana and, of course, the OECS with the cooperation of former Prime N{inisters, Kennedy Simrnonds of St. Kitts, Eugenia Charles of Dominica andJohn Compton of Saint Lucia. It rt'as di{licult to bring about the developmcnt of a multi-island countn'and keep all the people of each island satisfied at the same time. I made sure that r,r'e did
*'ork in even'village in
St Vincent.
C, I R I(.:(),1
I n' Npcd;n'
-
.J
7
- .;t \a'ial .l I ilJtLni un t
lldirion
France was a great
ally
because of
its
not consider that experience my properfy, it is the property of
interest in maintaining
of
St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the property
stabitity in the Region and also because of the 45,000 people
the people
employed in the banana industry in Martinique and
of the Caribbean Region as a whole. As long as God gives me strength, that experience is available to help and develop the
Guadeloupe. We had an ally in Spain, because of the Canaries; and Portugal was also an ally. Additionally, we had to look at
Region. I have worked in Guyana, in St Kittsand Nevis and in
those countries with no interest in any colonial status and so had
Haiti. Before that, I also worked to help the Gambia return to democracy lrom military rule and that experience is also
to develop a separate strategy for dealing
with the Netherlands,
available. The Caribbean knows what I am capable of doing.
Belgium, Ireland and Luxemburg.
that times had changed. We had to become efficient
retained
a
in
I
well beyond our Region.
includes your expertise
in external negotiations
and
Q:
competitive and our quality had to be absolutely perfect. We succeeded against a lot of odds. Despite their diplomatic prowess, the Latin Americans were shocked when
of
substance
have contact with people
At home we had to get our own people to understand
This
in the agricultural
A:
1993 we
Certainly,
industry?
in
the case
of
bananas, we have been
able to play for time and the fact that we still have our banana
banana regime that was favourable to us and would
industry is largely due to what I was able to do and I am very pleased with the people with whom I have worked, like
protect our economies.
With the United States' prodding, the Latin Americans moved to the WTO. We had to negotiate with the
Ambassadors
Bernal from Jamaica and Laurent in Brussels. I
United States, and impress
know the track,
upon them that our high cost of production caused not only by our small size
problems and the think-
and topography, but by the
fact
Whe*her lhe emphasis will be on a,gricullure or lhe service industryT the Regio^ t^^s+ b.co^. capabl. of providing a beller re.die.cted lif. for
o^f
that we could not
compete
with the
the
ing of the people in negotiations. I would Iike our people in our countries to avoid going
PeoPle
through the learning
multi
nationals and their low cost ofproduction in countries such as
curve and reinventing the wheel. We have to learn in our part of
Honduras, Ecuador, etc. The Americans said they understood
the world how to use our experience
our position, but had to support their industrial complexes and
you are considered one of the
multi nationals. It was exceedingly difficult to deal with this issue
Q:
and we had to use all of our diplomatic resources. We had to
sening CARICOM leaders. What would you identify as landmark achievements of and strongest challenges to the
split our resources in lobbying between myself,
Eugenia
[Charles] SirJohn [Compton],Jamaica's PJ. [Patterson] and his Ministers and also Belize. Banana is not as dominant as before. Nevertheless, we
still need emplo;'rnent in agriculture to ward off social chaos in
our society. We have to negotiate with the nerv Republican administration in the US, and see what their thinking is on the matter. By the year 2005/6, we can no longer expect any protection. We must be competitive at that stage and ensure that we have new developments and a new economy to
Sir James,
longest
regional integration process?
A:
The most
significant
thing that we
achieved
internationally was the successive Lom6 Conventions. We worked together and were in a position to lead and assist our colleagues in Africa and the Pacific. We gained a lot of respect internationally in those negotiations. At home, we further developed institutions like the CDB and the UWI and created regional institutions which brought
adjustment process in the OECS and in the Windward Islands,
all the ministries together. The frequent meetings of the ministers to deal with issues, is an accomplishment. For example, we are now working on a telecommunications
in particular.
framework in the Caribbean - that is significant progress. We
withstand any further shock. We are now in round two of the
are now moving to develop the single market and economy- the
What are your predictions for the future and how do
progress we make there will also be very important. Working
you see your role now that you have demitted olfice as Prime
together and using our collective wisdom to create institutions
Mini.ctefr
and to reform others, speak to our success.
Q:
A:
In terms of mv role for the future, I have a lot of
experience which I gave to this country and the Caribbean. I do CARICO.TI Penpecie
- jg
As to the challenges, there is
still
the issue
agree on candidacies for international positions. -
Special lIillcnnitm Edition
of
how to
Also, there
is
need for some sort of political integration, not necessarily
confidence
political integration lor the entire Caribbean, but perhaps one
tells me that the quality of life in a country depends more on
or two countries in the Region like Antigua and St Kitts and
leadership than its natural resources.
in our country. My
experience around the world
Nevis or St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Perhaps We have other challenges like theJudicial Committee of
the Priry Council and the issue
of
the death penalty, how to
administerjustice in the Region taking into account the laws rve have on our books and the opinions ofour own people - these are issues
still
Within the last few years, both regionally and internationally, the understanding of democracy is being put to the test. You have described the democratic process in the Region as possessing "'an ingrained and deep seated continuity" What then do you perceive as the basis for some of the present problems in our Region? A: Before I talk about deep seated continuity, I must say
Q:
if two neighbours begin, others will follow.
to be addressed as well as others within the legal
framework. I am not entirely happy with the existing restrictions on the legal profession in the Caribbean, that whole spectrum
is becoming very introverted. Hundreds of young people in Trinidad and trained overseas cannot get into the legal schools
that I do not think there is a democracy so perfect that it cannot be improved upon. A democracy as an institution needs new
and this prevents them from legal practice in the Caribbean
direction and to evolve. When we look around our Region: Guyana has the problem of race; Haiti - problems of poverty
when they are all studying the same English textbooks.
and chaos and a proliferation of political parties. On my mission to Haiti I was told that there was approximately one hundred.
Do you hold on to your original oPtimism of
Q:
the
In St. Kitts, there is the issue of island rivalry;
in
St. Vincent,
Region's ability to
pushing for power at
achieve its goal?
all costs; in Trinidad
A:
that above all we must ensure that
andTobago-aprecarious balance of power. Trinidad is
our economies con-
really a society under
tinue to grow strong. We must
transition, like all of
Yes,
I think
us.
I'm
keep confidence in
someone
understand
who has been a supreme beneficiary of
the need for direct
the "first past the
foreign investment
which is necessary
post" system and I believe that a lot of
and essential for
our current problems
our Region, we must
point to the need for
creating jobs. We have to understand
One of the many beach rextra devcloped in St. Vincent and thc Grenadines
We need a constitu-
that economies are
in
constitutional reform. tional framework with
transition. We
must diversify our agriculture, but at the same time continue to produce more fruits and vegetables for our tourist industry. We
checks and balances and instruments for quick economrc development. In the best interest of our countries, we need to
must create a new economy in our Region with improved
move towards
tourism, improved telecommunications and improved financial services. The new economy must work, and our people have got
institutional strengthening. We need fresh thinking and we need to put together, not just the academics to give us guidance on
to understand the speed with which we have to move.
Whether the emphasis will be in agriculture or the service industry, the Region must become capable
of providing
a better redirected life for our people. We have to
be
very
careful - it could be the best of times and it could be the worst of times - we have to take the right decisions and keep CARICOlIPcnpectirc- iP
a
greater degree ofpolitical cooperation and in
constitutional reform, but the experience of respected politicians and the consultative process with the people, to convince the people how to go forward' I would like us to move to a directly elected President. This is important when we realise that we have no friends in the fight against the negative effects of
globalisation. We must understand how - Special
llillenniun Edition
to deal with
the
external threat whether
it is the decisions by the American
Federal Aviation Authority - right now in regards to St. Vincent
- whether it is the World Tradc Organisation and the question of bananas,
or
the negative effects of liberalisation. We must
CARICOM at the funeral of Sir Lynden it, to have dinner with Prime Minister Ingraham and his cabinet, I was very pleased. It has
was sent to represent
Pindling and, at the end of
been a rvonderful experience and I know that the Caribbean
will
understand that we have to pool our human resources in this
not have any more Prime Ministers with sixteen years or
Region. We cannot afford to discard our experiences. That
eighteen and a half years (including my time as Premier). People
is
dangerous. We must ensure that the best talents in our society
do not have that kind ofpatience anymore.
are well marshalled and that opportunity exists alrvays for increasing our human capital. We have to work together to fight the external threat. We just will not succeed alone, and we must have effective systems in place.
a,'
Sir James, most
of the world
sees
you against
the
of agriculture, politics, and governance, would you care to pull the curtain on SirJames, the man? A: I have made personal sacrifrces to secure the backdrop
development of my beloved country and the Caribbean.
I
A 1o u n qJan t es,l
lichell
have
enjoyed the political scene to a certain degree, but it has not been without personal pain. It has taken its toll on my health and personal relationships, and there have been difficulties along the
way.
But,
my daughters have told me, "Daddy, you had
di{ficulties, but you gave us a country, and we love the country
l
that you have given us." Being from the Grenadines and having to live away from
i
home during the week for years has not been a healthy experience. My last daughter Gabija, nine years old, asked her elder sister, over thirty years old "Why doesn't daddy come
)
home every night like other fathers?" Sabrina replied "You will have to learn to put up with it as we did". This lingers as a pain
on my soul. For most of my political life I have been living in a house, not a home. It has been lonely, but thank God I have improved the quality of other people's lives.
I would wish to say to the Caribbean Community and to the Secretariat, what a pleasure it was for me to work with the Secretariat over the years in the regional integration exercise
with people like "Willie" Demas, Sir Shridath Ramphal, Sir
Alister Mc Intyre, Secretary-General Carringon, and the Prime Ministers. I have outlived so many of them. I was in olfice when Barrow was there, when Pindling, Bradshaw and old man
I
Bird were there, with Eric Gairy and Eric Williams, Burnham and Cheddi Jagan and, of course, Sir John, Eugenia and
I I
l
Kennedy Simmonds. I was glad I witnessed the transition to the new leadership. New leaders like EdisonJames, Dr. Douglas in
) ,
St Kitts, Prime Minister Anthony of St Lucia and prime Minister Mitchell of Grenada can all say how I welcomed and assisted them without any arrogance whatsoever. We have developed a fraternity and I'm proud of the linkages. When I CARICO,II Penpcctite
- (e
-
Spreia| llillennium Edition
Rodcri k
Rtinlircl
.
oDI;ilu.a!
Ihtnt
pagt
27
Wc had alwavs forrncd a kind of reeional conrmunity among those of us rvho \\'ent to
U\\rL I
suppose some
ol
us
might havc reccded behind national barriers after that, out ol' disillusionment that things did not flo according to the idcalism
Rccendy CARICOI'I has been pla;ing an actfic role Q: in gov'ernance and thc mintenance o/- dentocrac)' in the Re,gion. In ytur iew is that a role for CARICO'II .) A: I u'elcome this nerv direction in rvhich CIARICOI\I is e','olving. There is always a role Iirr
in
CARICOM in anv field
rve had as voung people. Othcrs rvould have adjusted to the
or
reality ofhorv things arc in the real lvorld, even to accepting thc
by CARICOM. It's rolc rvill sometimes expand or contract in
pragmatism
of horv things rvould movc, u'ithout abandonins
an1'direction rvhere there is political agrecment for action
accordance with what the collective political sentiment calls lor.
our ambitions lcrr regional intcgration. So I u.ould sa!'that lrom
It
those carly days I had this regional outlook and, indeed, it comes
needed.
natural to mc that peoplc lrom different countries in thc Caribbean should easilr.' find a placc in countries other than u,herc they wcre born. That, in a broad sense, rvas the
in lifc that one can undertake that is rvithout risk. II'you try to find things that are risk iree vou'll never take action. This neu. role evolv-ing at the regional level through CARICOIVI has so lar
inspiration
l'ith l'hich I l'ent into CARICOI\{. Over
time ,
as
is good
that CARICONI can plav this good ofilce's role nhen
It
has its dangers ofcourse
but, there is hardlv anvthing
proved to be quite positive, on balance.
one rvorks in the regional movement, that conviction bec<lmes increasingl,v decply anchored.
At the same time, one
looks
a.
Would you say that the Grenada impassc prepared
was one of my guiding
CARICOfuI for tltis kind of role? A: I b<:lievc it did so implicitlr'. or at lcast lbrrned an important part of the background of these contemporarv
principles as I moved along. In order to avoid bringing the regional
initiatives. I am not arvare that it has been explicitlv
movement into disrepute, one must always be sure that when vrru
acknowledged anywhere that we are playing such a role as a
are examining a proposal for lonvard movement, 1'ou do not tr1' to
result of the experience of Grenada. Implicitly
do things region:rllv that are better done nationally, because vou
subconsciousll'people mav think that perhaps thc implosion in
rvould end up r'r.ith results that are sub optimal.
Grcnada mieht have becn avoided if there was the opportunity
continually lirr practical opportunities that are politicallv leasible to define areas where countries arc bettcr oif acting collectively th:u-r acting indi"idualll'.
I rvould stress that that
and
BLrilding an intesration movement
Q:
Your gent:ration studicd at the University o('the ll/est Indies and other univc't'.:;itics acrctss tlte v,orld - a brilliant
group of peoplc u,ho hcld hopr for a uanslitrmcd and prospcntus C'aribbean. llhy was this grory: o1'pcople unablc to play thc nile cxpectcd of them, givcn thc kind of tcchnit'al anct other skills v'ith wlticlt tlrcy wcrc arlncd? A: That is a very challcnging qucstion. I nouid insist though. tliat mcmbers of that gcneration have madt: significant contribulions u,ithin the Rcgion. even il'thcl did not dcliver thc neu'Je rusalern. At thc samc time, it is crrtainlv true that manv such persons havc mzrde an impact in the n'idcr u orld :rnd continuc to crrntribute to the grolvth ol'th<' lvider glnbal community. It brings to mind a t:ritical qucrstion rvith l'hich I have,gropt'd frrr most of mv lif'e. Thert'seems to bc a tendencv
to cxport our bcst or. puttirrg it another rvar', a tend<:nt'r'Ior our best to be t'xportcdl and thc (luesti(tr is: *hat is the driring lbrcc bchind this?
Tuo
consiclcratiorrs sccrn to bc at rvork
herc. Onc
is that ccrtain sot'icties
bclot' ii ccrt:rin scalc u'ill n()t be atrle to
attract or rctain all ol'thcir high lcr.el talent. l-or instantt:, a lrrilliant astr()nonr.t'r or acrolrauti( t't.tg'inccr rvill be unable tt,lind outlet for his or her abilitie.s in thc Caribbean. Another considcration is that our small socicties. cither ltv nitture ()r beczrusc of'
therr'ar.tlrc}.ol)eratc.Seenlt0su{)i'rir'rdig.estirlnlrtlrrrharingttrrl Onc of thc big challt'nges ILr govcrnarncc in our tounlrit's is horr. to so dt'sign atrcl opcratc ()ur svstems that sttch pcoplc i:itht:r
rl.iththcirumbilical|lcginnirrqs.Isct'thistIrt't:ls calllrtrmt'.toirlt.Ludt'tlrcrr.ider(]irribllc:rn'.].lriscatrCn(.()ur'tg['s<llnt'ol.rturbt'sttalctrt.st<lrcmainintlreRcgirlrr n:rliorrs in tirc ( l:rriblrt'an.
(.tRl(.t,.1| P.t't", !it?. 1 | -.\/r'. i.t/ .rhll,t,,'in Ldiri'rt
for this kind of role to be played. Bear in mind that for
that they take formally and legally must have already been taken
CARICOM to play this kind of role requires at least two things: acceptance by the protagonists that there is need for this kind of
the future that CARICOM countries have to work towards. As
inten'ention; and secondly, at the wider level, in terms of the rest
we get better at this, hopefully one will find that the proportion
of the Community, the mobilisation of the necessarv resources
of decisions that are not being implemented
to support such action. This is a new dimension to the Secretariat's budget to rvhich the countries rvill need to
say this is not something peculiar to
subscribe.
It
is early days yet, but
I think that it
has had a good
start and the first experiences have been positive.
de facto out
ofthe consultation process. That is a challenge for
movement. If we were
to
will decline. I must the CARICOM integration
look at all the integration movements
worldwide, it is amazing the number of decisions that are being honored in the breach. Though this is no excuse lor our own deficit in compliance. I\{aybe in the end, fewer decisions will be
One of the citicisms of the regional arrangement has Q: been that the decisions taken at the IIeads of Govemment Conferences are
not binding on the indiuidual leaders and this
tends to slow dovm
taken and those will be the ones to be implemented.
Q:
You referred to
the
the
matter of cynicism, but tremendous strides have
been made in the integration movement.
integration movement. One such instance relates to the movement of skilled labour
What do you think accounts
throughout the Caibbean.
for that among the ordinary
How do you think CARICOM should treat
how can CARICOM rectifv
Caribbean people and,
these decisions?
this situation?
A: The Treatv sets out the decision-making procedures of the
A: To a certain
people have been seeing the
Community and once those
movement as something that
procedures are lollowed
involves meetings of officials
then the decisions
CARICOM integration
and government
are
binding. However, there are no arrangements for meaningful sanctions where
extent
ministers
from time to time. So, when Rotlcick
Raiilini leli
nith Brnn Blake of thc (,-.lRlCO,lI Strctanat ccntn t and ,lfan'us de lit'itas ol' ,9t I incent & thc (]rcnadines. ,l lzn h 1988
formally binding decisions are not obsen'ed. The history of the integration movement is replete with instances where decisions taken at various levels
this creates a negative image, even cynicism. This comes back to how decisions are formulated.
have not been observed and
people talk about CARICONI, one of the popular image s that they
have of CARICON{ is the Secretariat. They see the Secretariat
as CARICOM, rather than just an instrument or tool of CARICOM; and they see regional and national offrcials always getting on planes moting from country to country for mee tings,
Sometimes decisions have been rushed, and understandably so;
and issuing releases afterwards about things that are not
however, no useful purpose is served if a decision is rushed in
lollowed up. This is one source of cynicism.
response to a perceived need for quick action and, in the end, that decision is not or cannot be implemented. One might as
need for adequate communication about the reality of what the
well take the time to approach the formulation and the design of the decision in a manner that carries a better chance of it being
implemented. This takes us back to the role of the Secretariat which is to process the feasibility of proposals, technically, administratively and politically. Sometimes you cannot wait
Another lactor that one can point to is the ever present integration movement is about. I think it is generallv recognised now that communication has a vital role to play in changing people's perception that the integration movement is a formal governmental thing separate and apart from them. One of the first challenges we sought to meet during my time was to show
until a meeting to start the process of formulating a decision. By the time you have a meeting, be it Heads of Government or otherwise, the decisions to be taken must already have been
people how the integration movement connects with their lives.
thoroughly designed and consulted on. In a sense, the decision
the integration movement. Also, we tried
For example, develop communication tools that lvill shorv how theirjobs are linked to intra-regional trade, a critical aspect of
to
develop
;
C.IRIaO-\I R.Bpecti? - 12
-
Special ,Villenniot Editirt
I
communication tools to show the University as an integral part
sense, eternal verities.
of CARICOM; they
years in different institutions and at dillerent levels, one comes
see connection between loans
from
the
At diflerent
stages of my work over the
build bridges or schools in their community as part of the Caribbean integration movement; to the CXC examinations, run by the Caribbean
accomplished. You have to work at it in terms of incremental or modest advances across a wide front. There is no quick fix.
Examination Council as part of the integration movement.
There are perhaps people who even now are still waiting and
to
Caribbean Development Bank to
recognise that progress and development are not easily
Another challenge is the movement of people . People
looking for that big quick fix that will bring deliverance and
will be cynical about the whole integration movement if nationals go to other CARICOM countries and receive an
prosperity overnight. In the real world there is no such thing. You have to look carefully for opportunities across a wide front
unfriendly welcome. This question of the ease of movement of
and often on a modest scale, but which have a cumulative and
ofthe movement
mutually enforcing effect, and which will provide traction for
persons needs to be addressed even before that
in our
of skilled workers. We need hassle-free movement for purposes
growth and development
of ordinary travel, quite apart from the question of travel for purposes of work. That will have a major impact on people's
whether at the national or regional level.
conception of the integration movement .
If
Q:
people know that
societies.
This holds
true
Any parting thought that you think is important for
they can move more easily among the CARICOM countries,
the Caibbean dialogue at this juncture?
than they can move, say, to non-CARICOM countries, they
A:
will have a sense of 'being at home', and that strengthens their sense of mutual connection within the integration movement. There are, happily, initiatives that are at least of sl,rnbolic
modern world, being a small country or even a small region is
importance; for example, at national airports within CARICOM, signs are there for CARICOM nationals. I think
a Region, collectiveiy forge
the general thrust is in the right direction.
What I would like to emphasise is that today, in the
running the risk of being an endangered specie. Of course it
is
not all dangerous, there are also opportunities. But unless we
as
working strategies and techniques to
identify and go after those opportunities, we are going to become an endangered specie. Recent developments taking
place in terms of the restructuring of the Treaty of Q:
Finally Mr. Rainford, in your long years of public sentice at the national, regional and now at the international
will provide a new institutional setting for forging popular sentiment supportive of wider regional
Ievel, what have you learnt, what have you taken away from
boundaries, creating a regional integration movement that is at
these experiences? A: Firstly, there are alwa,vs momentous and exciting
productively at ease with the global system. This is how we will
new things to learn, particularly as the world changes. Secondly,
take advantage of the opportunities of the new world rather
the continuous confirmation of certain things that are, in
than become an endangered species.
a
Chaguaramas,
ease
with itself at home, and at the same time creatively and
N)ational sovereignty is rr,hof p.-opl.. alr.arTy l<rort,/ colleclir,.r soveneiclnty ot lhe r.:gic.nol le.r.l rvas sornethinq llrot uras .;oin.1 {o Lt. ,.etl, on odva,.c. inf.r rrnknorvn }erritory, Peoplur are *[urs un.lerslo,rcioL,ly v..y hesilorrl (.:Jespile lfiein prore-clional senfirne,nt) lo qive L,p t[e knorv,. for +he ,.nknorn,n. One shoal.j ihene.tore nol lre slrprised thai Lruil<-lincl crn inle.lralion movernerri corr o,rly Lr.: ler.rr,qlli al,out, in rnosl cincurrnslclrrcesr tlrrouclh o qrod,.,ol inc/ern.:nial frrocess. J+ is o slepr-by-slep Lrrocâ&#x201A;Źrss in r.,hich th. Lr..opl., Lr.,cor^., farniliar with the "r^k^or^,^ .rven as th.y qra.lrally clirre rrp' lhe knol.,n.
C,lRICO,ll Penpcctirc
- lJ
-
Spcial ,ltllennium Edition
Knorrl as "Father ol
Dtrrins his pcriod o1'leadcrsl-rip. Gcorst Pritt lcd thc
Thc \ation of Belizt"'. Tht' Hon.
Pl'P to rictorl in I0 out of I2 gencral t'lccliotrs ancl has. among his otht'r achicverlcnts. agitated ancl led clcmonstrations lbr adult sulliagc. Ied his tountrv to limitcd scll'govcrnnrent and
Georgc (lacllc Pricc.
G*orge Cadle
O(l(:.
dt'cli-
cated his lilb to the nation:rl strugglc of Bclizcirns 1() ensure that tlrcr t rt jorrd thc right todctrrmittr their oln destinv in pelLcc arnd
I.JRJre
as narred First \Iinister ir-r lgti I . \\'ith intcmal self s{)\('rnmcnt in 19ii'l ht- be<'arne Premit'r. In 198l ht' became u
thc t ountn''s lirst Prime Nlinistcr. rr'lrt'n ht' led the one-timt' < oLrnr'
to
l;can Statt irr (.r'rrtr:rl .\mt rita.
\Iinister nrice bclorc
Born in 9 9. Prit e graduated in 19.10 fiorn St. 1
t'SA.
Nli-ssouri.
rvherc'
l-re
strugglc of' Bclize Iirr inclcpendeut c in the lirt e
of
In
1979 his partv suffercd its first defi'at under his
t'san Seminarv in Guatemal.r
in the 1993 gencral clection. Thc PUP rras rc-elcctecl in l99B urrdt'r the lcadcrship of the nen Parn Leadcr Said Nlusa. leadcrship
:rbandonecl l-ris studit's his
in
1989. but Lrst again
I:or almost half ol'thc 20th (cntur\', thc historl of
Iathcr's illness.
For dccadt's. Price. rrusrerc ottr'-tinr,
Je.trit
Belize is the storv
ar-t
lv scttlcd lbrmer
c-rf
dcvclopnrent. He
tl-ris
las vt'rv much attuncd to the
needs of
l-ris
countrvmcn nnd as :r politician visited cach village, tou'n and
Britislr
outp()st on (icntral -\rneri< (laribbean coast. Hc carne
ol Gt'orsc Pricc. Price is resarded as the
rnajor architt't t of rnodern Bclize ar-rd a role model fbr its future
rnin:rr-
s(
ian. dorninated the politics syrarse
a's
comrnunitv on a rcgular basis so that hc could personallv knorv
orr
all the pcople :rnd bctter undt'rstand their nee ds. His mt morv is
rhe p, 'litical sccrr- 50 rrr. .rqo irt trrrbrrlcnt tirnes. sulli r-d :l.nirtq
legendarl and his personal touch c-nde:irs him to the titizenrl
r
and abusc as hc peacelullv led
as hc recognises bv narne almo-st t'r'enone hc mccts. Internationallr'. Pricc presided over elei'tions in Nicaragua as co-r'hairman of thc Cartrr Clcntre of alld Jamaica
a
unitccl t'itizer-rrr in their prott'st
of
against thc clcr aluation Belizcan dollar.
In l9ll.
Frech'Elccted Heads of Gov'mm('nts ol'the Americas. and uas
thc
a
he lost
staurrch sul)llortcr of the Non-Aligncd
l\Iovcmt'r'rt. He uas
linning a seat in 19-17 on thc lBclizc Toull Boarcl. ancl continuccl to rlin st'uts both at the
a pioncer ol'the (-lentral .{rncrican/ClARItlOtrI cliakrgr-re dclining tl-rc pilotal role of Belizc in linking- thc tlo sub-reeior.rs. Prict' rctircd lrom lcadcrship o1'thc PUP in 1996 and las succt'cded bv Said Nlusa. Hc fontinucd to bc invrlved in :rctivr ele( toral polirics. ]rorr evcr. :urd rras re-r'lectt'd in I 998 as repr('sentative o{' tht' Pickstot k Division in Bt'lize Citv. Nlusa
Iocal and national lt'r'cls.
brought Price into thc (labint't as St'nior Nlinister and n'lies
liis first bid at t'lectoral politits
lirunder rnembcr o1'IIARIFTA. and
uhen he stood us a candicl:rte lirr tl're Bclize (litl Torrn Board. Hc prevailed threc vears latcr l)\
Price rras the (it'neral Secretan-ol'
tl-re
of
Prict"s achicvenlcnts (ontinlle to stimtrlatc. inspire. and
Bclizc -
-
or-r
his t'rpericnce and tolrnscl.
lirst and ftrremost
politi<'al orsanisatiorr
en(()rlrae('Belizcans
1ls
th('\'m()\'e into a nt'rl cra of challengcs and
thc
opp()rtunities. The highcst national honour. Thc Ordcr of thc
Peoplt"s United Parn' PUP. lronr
N:rtion:rl Heto u as t onlerrt.d on George Price in 1999. as a tribr.rte
Iirrmcrh' British Honduras its lbundatiorr its leadcr
Belize
the claim bv
leadcrship: in l9B-1 hont'r'cr. the P[-]P regaincd poler under his
CARJFIA
and n'rajor or,chiiecl of modern , Belize,
o1'
tl're
neigl'rbouring Guatcrnala to tht: tcrrilorv o1'Bclizt'.
ht-
and returncd homc duc to
member
lrorn thc leadcrship of thc partr'.
studicd Philosophl at tht' Diot-
(litr'. but
ound.,
resig'ninq
Aflair-s. Prit'c spt'arheaded tl-re intenrati()nalisation ol'
studit'd
lirr the priesthood. Latt'r.
1r.rll
During his tenurc as Prcrnicr and \linistt'r lbr lrorcisn
1
Aueustine Scminan. Sair-rt Louis.
fi
independentt'lioni Britain. Hc hcld thc position olPrime
securitv as an inclcpt'ndcnt Claril>
in
to his patriotism and lirr his ertraorclinan ancl outstanding achicvemcnt :urd meritorious sen'i<e to Bclizc. Price was also
1950. He lrt c arnt'
in 956, a position 1
u hit h
hc held until 1996 nhcn hc rrrluntarih {rvc up th, pusition. ( .tR/(.(
),lI
R
ry)..ti(
auarcled thc Ordcr of' Thc Caribbean Communin' OCICI lbr his
contributi(n to the developmcnt of (IARI(IO\I. 11
-.\prtrl,lli/lotniunt
Lditrn
Sir Lrlclt'rr ['inclline is areual)lr ont' of' the rnost poliricians in tlrt, Claribbc.:rrr. his tliirtv lcars ol
:rrr t r sslirl
Politit:rl lcadership translirrminq and ut'lcling thr' 700-islancl archilrclago into an ct.onornit.allr indt-pt'nclcnt ancl sociallr
coht'sirt membcr ol'1hc rlorlcl of commlrnitv
Thc son o1'u polit.t'rnan. Pinclling
natior.rs.
rt't.t'ivc.cl his
Lal.
l)r'grt't'liom thc L't.rivt'rsitr o1'London. in l!).r2. In tlie sarne vcar. hc liundecl thc Plo!-rt'ssive Labour Partr'. a grassroots oplrositiorr reprcscnting tht' largc Black nrnjoritr'. and ul-rit.h oppost'cl 1hc mostlv rrhitt'. t oLutial-mn L.nitt'd Bahan.rian Partr..
In
1967. hc bccumc Prcmier and tlrr' lcader o1'the lirst
Oovtrnment in 'l-hc Baharnas. ancl guiclt'cl his countrr. into inclt'pcnclenc't in l97ll. bcconrinc its lirst Itrinrc Xlinister. Rcrt lt cl ltv B:rhantians :rs "The Ifather o1' 'l'ht' [Jahar-nas''. ancl BllLck
rt'-t'icctt'cl to olllt t lir c tinrt-s. Pindline's histon'-making Icaisl:rtivt' ancl policl initiatircs created ncu sor.ial and labour
It'gislation and p:rrli:ulcntarv election llnvs. His t runtrntit lrolit it's sprrrred thc clt'r'r.krprnt'nt of intcrnation:rl banking and
invt'stnrcnt rnaltitgeltl('nl lLs :L major ittclrrstrr'. (.lontinuccl altr:r( tion o1'lirreiult il)\'(,sln)('tlt and totrrisrtr as rrt'll as public
The Bahamas, 1930- 2000
aicl to t'ch-rcation \\'cr(' t'rrrphasiscd.
A committt'cl rcgionalist. Pindlins n as pivoral to Thc to lirll membcrship ol' thr' (laribbcan
B:rharnas' accession
(lorlnruni(r'. in 1983. "Ht' hcld the r.icu. and. in ch:rllcngcd his fcllou
(IARI(lO\I leadt'rs t()
(.()r-nnrit
198,1.
t()
en
Lynden
iclt'olog1 ol' CARI(IONI rt'gionalisrn rrhir:h rcr.osniscs rhat rhc
intcrt sls that bind the Rcgion logether arc inlinitclr stronscr than those that lbrce it asundt'r". It ''l'as thc rctognition of that philosophv and commitrlcnt n,hit'h earnecl Pindlins :ind The Buh:rrras a place at tht' table of (lARl(l()NI Heerds o1'
C)scc.y^
IryNDLJNG
(lortrnrnt'nt meetings. Lrng ltclbre The Baharrras ltccame an ollit ial mcrrber of thc (lornrnr:nitr'." Intcrnatioltall\'. Pindline iras h:rik'd as a noted lcader. o1' thc Biennial (lommontealtl-r
In l{)U5. he las Clhairrran
ol' (iovernmcnt NIt't'ting |C)HOG[{), ',vhit h l,as held in Thc Bah:rrnas. and prornulgated thc Nassau Dt'tlaration Ibr s:ur( tions against South Aliit a and Nelson Nlatrdt'la's rclease Ht'acls
{iorl
[conrnritteb] *o o,. id.olosy of
Cr\liJCOM
prison.
Pindling rr'as rnirclt' a rncmber of thc Qr-reen's Privl (lount il in 1976. and t'lcvatcd to the rank o1' Knight (lommander of thc Orclt'r ol'St. NlichzLcl and St. (lr:orse, in I
983
Inextricablv linkt'cl to Baframian nationhood. to thc lirrmirtiorr of the nationul t harattcr. to the c\l)ansion of' thc
dcrtlrprncnt of'an cclucatt'cl. inlirnncd and stablt' r'lcctorate. Sir Lvnclt'n Pinclling resigncd lroni P:rrliamcnt
cc()n()mv and to the
in
l!X)7.
( tRl(.()ll
Il nttrire.
].,
\n i.t/ .ttit/,Ltniurt hliri
nt
r^eg ion<rl
i
sm
te "\\1.- r,rr,sl str^err;tllterr 1lt.'s. L'.-rsic ti.'s tlr.ri L'r^.-rrcllti Lrs loqc'tlter"
Ht'
hms
uorkt'd to
s('(
'
ttre tht' Rcgiotr's intercst during
his st'r-eral cliplonlatic postitl{s' '\lriong his most stellar contributiotts irre th()sc to th(' llegotiation and implenrt tltrtioll o1'Lor]]6
I and II.
ancl his leaclt'rship ol'the A(lP'\mb;rssaclors
zrs
thcl sor.rght to at:cluirt' the most livor'rrallle trurding ternls lirr the gnlrpine. At thc region:rl lcvcl. 'Scottit" is remcmbered lbr his
lork itt sr.ll)l)()rt of tht'\\'cst Illdian
Fcclcration' aud latcr' in thc
Rcgion's trattsition lrorn colonialism to indcpt'ndenc:t" Pcrspcctirt spoke rrirh Dr' l't'rvis iu August 1999' at -fobago Integritv Comrnission' l-ris olfice at rl-re Trinidad ancl nht'rc he st'ned as Depr'rtr' (lhairman'
Tr.inidad arrd Tobagp
Lxrking llatk oll :I cin'cr senirlg the Rcgion' 'Strrttic' s:rid: I trtttte o1'tllt gt'tlcratiotl that hacl tro Unirt'rsitv in
Ja wte,s C)'Neil
the \\'cst Iticlit's. Thosc ol'us rrho did gct a Llnivtrsitv dt'gree got
L€WJ5
ir lionr priratc stuch :utd eratninatictrrs at Lollclon L tlivt'rsitr'. pulrlic scrvit t' apPointmcnt uiis back in l938' as At'ting +'r'Cllass (llerk in the Audit Ollicc' rlith a ttlouthh salan of T-f S20 pcr nonth. Then I had:r' sh()rt Peri()tl in thc
\ll
Railnar Stort's - .\ttttunts Dt'partmtnl - ll (iltlse lirr mutl.r laughter t-r't'tt in nl\'()\\'Il lnnlilr'. I shared all olllce uith L--lrit
fr or^.rTrinidad &
Tobago Ambassador €conomic €utopeon Io 8.elgium o^d th. Communily (1g73-1989 and ;Ambassador lo +he L,r,9A,
f-rrst
(lross. uho ltt'cal'ttt' a.juclgc t'r'entualll
. \\'t rlctrt to.ioin thc
British Ror al .\ir Fort c artttttlcl thc satrit' time' llrtt ml sight evetl
OAS ond l.4niied Mexican States
tht'n las trot ardcrlttate. I'lrit rras atteptcd and rvt'llt on trr bct otne a clistitrgtrislit'd R-\l' pilot. onc ol the llrst Black srlLradrotr lt'lLders irl tl'rc British Air lirrte' -l-ltcrt l:rs poste<l to the Post Ollltt - in thosc davs I
(ttMs) (9s3-1987).
hish in thc
sot
ial hicrarchr ol'tht (livil Scn'ict" One did not get
t,asilr. into clt,partrlt,nts likc thc clolonial Set rt'tarr"s
Rccl Hortsc. ttr (lrtstot-t-ts. T]lere rras
Dr.James O'Neil "S<ortie" Lcrris. llorll itl Tritriclad all<l Tobago on August't,
1
9 19. hirs cleclit
:ttcd lt ( ilreer t() 1h' sen
\\'hitc
i( ('
tht' ('less
(laribbcan Resion Fronr hr-rmblt' bcginninqs as ;r l" ()lerk iagr in thc Trinidad:urd Tolrago -\tr<lit Ollltt'in l!)ll8' "Scottie" rose thr()ugh thc Gol crtrtretlt st'n icc to lchit vt' 'f antbassad.rial ralk in tht' Triliclacl anrl obago F orci!r'rl
br 1973. In the intt'ncnitlg
I las
littlt lror. ht'lcl r-rp llr. hlLcl
nl\ ttlotlter'
rt
lttt' l|hett
Brooks its a P:tlt('rtl that I shoulcl
grlltctl .tll-trtillg.Il)l)r'itltl)ltlltsellitigstaml)s'
Shc uoulcl tt'll tne to strrdr harcl.
tn
t() l)itss nl\' ( \alns. g( t il)to th('
(.ivil Sen i< c. get into the Post Olfice ancl be likc NIr- Bnxrks' I gairred valuable erperit'uce allcl h;rrl a liclt' sl)('(trLlm ol'ltublic st'rvicc at tivin'clLrrir-rg IrI\ \'('ars o1' st n'ice itl
Trinidad and Tobago G<xt'rument' including Pt'rmant'r.rt Secrctarv o1' thc \Iinistrv of -\qriculttlrc. Industr\ and (lotnrnerce ( I 961- I 9631, :incl Pertrllttlent Sccretan , Nlinistn ol'Finantt'ancl Hcad of tht'Clivil St'rvicc r1963-196'1r' ).ll H t'1tt ril
a
lirlk,r|becattst hc
posts u'ithirr the
(
tlrit ill ltrv tilll( 't llo)l-
he:r<l ol' (lrtstotns. atrcl ven' {i'rv non-\\ihite stall in thc
rusrtalh soltl strlml)s. It r|as :t qreal.i()\ to
vears ht'helcl st-rt'r:rl st'ttior
(.AR/(
the
otlit'r offitt's. \h tollcaglrt's atrd I rrcre alr()tlq the lirst notl\\'hite pcol>lc to scll stautl;s in thc Post Oll'rt t' - \\'hitt' ladies
ol' the Govcrnntctlt of Trinidacl atld 1-t'llaqo ltlcl to
Scrvicc
ollice.
tht' Triniclacl and T'obago (lovernnlt'ttt. l(;
-
\\,i.t
,ttithttntnn t:clirt,rt
What have been your greatest successes and, are Q: there any regrets?
A:
l,ooking back,
OAS was a great source of encouragement to me. I remember the Deputy Head of the American delegation to the OAS asking
I think m,v involvement with the
me "Ambassador, what is your group's thinking of
[,om6 negotiations - so far as my foreign service is concerned, in Brussels and elsewhere.
I felt that
this
particular topic, because we want to go along with you." For me
that was a great privilege, that the Americans respected our opinions and supported us.
this was a constructive thing
which fitted in with my own feeling that Europe had a role to play in the West Indian context. Europe had dis-integrated the
In
1987
I
returned home.
I
don't know what
has
West Indies, and this was an opportunity to bring them together
happened since then, but the Trinidad and Tobago Mission in
under the auspices of the Lomâ&#x201A;Ź Convention. We had a role to play in helping the ACP become a reality.
Washington had become a kind of meeting place for West
say
that I regret that we never
with
the ACP. The first Lom6
particularly easy in Washington for the Blacks. I myself have
In this context I would followed up on the trade aspect
in
Washington. Sir Ellis Clarke had left a good foundation for those of us who came afterwards. Life wasn't
Agreement provided for intra-ACP trade and
I
Indians
think it was a
mistake that we never followed that up. Some of us tried, but
seen the deed
it
for the purchase of the diplomatic residence. It
said that that particular property must not be sold to, rented to,
proved very diffrcult.
leased to, occupied by Negroes, Indians and some other ethnic
I
groups. It wasJack Kennedy who had to pass an executive order
would also have wished to see, at the time, more
Caribbean involvement. I might point out, Haiti never succeeded
in
those early days
to enable Trinidad and Tobago to purchase that residence.
in being part of the negotiations, even as an
Observer. It was e{fectively kept out of the negotiations. "Scottie"
kwis
was intimately involved
in significant
at one point expressed the hope that Q: Lomd f would lead, if not to a New International Economic Order, then a model for such an Order. IIow do you see
discussions and events during the days leading up to the break
Caibbean-EU relations, 26 years later? A: I have lost contact with those times. The earlv'
establishing a course for the West Indies were former Prime
[,om6 negotiations developed a friendship among people who
British Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies Hugh Fraser,
were e{Iective in their own countries and so their Governments
William Demas and former President of Trinidad and Tobago Ellis Clarke. Perspective asked -
You had
up of Federation and the granting of independence to Trinidad and Tobago. Among the persons with whom he collaborated in
Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Eric Williams, the then
took note of what they advised. As Chairman, I remember the
extent to which we were supported by all of the African and
Q:
Pacific countries for measures they considered beneficial to the whole group.
I don't know if that still exists.
A: Would it be fair to say that the Caribbean, and in Q: your particular experience, Trinidad and Tobago, wielded some influence
A:
at that
IIow did you
uiew the elforts and aspirations of the
people of the Caibbean
in the
early pre-independence
dayl
1\{y own personal experience has been that West
Indians find it easier to come together outside of the West Indies.
There was a powerful set of people in England who highly regarded West Indians, when I went there. It was a great
time?
There are fen' places in Africa
I
have not visited.
privilege to be a West Indian at that time. My father was from
and I can say that West Indians were able to bring some aspects
Barbados, my mother from Nevis. Kennedy Simmonds of St Kitts used to say, "But Scottie man, you're half Nevisian, you have to come and take up your heritage in Nevis." I said, never. Errol Barrow ofBarbados used to say, "But, Scottie, you're half Barbadian, you have to come and take up your heritage in Barbados". But I would say, I was born in Chaguanas, my
of their lives and also valuable experience to Africa. For example, people from South Africa ar'dZambiawere trained in
Trinidad on how to run a Ministry. [Dr. Eric] Williams had been very active in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and I remember at a NAM meeting in Algeria, I was approached by
the President for Williams' support for his effort in an undertaking to establish a UN Organisation dealing with
birthright is in Chaguanas. So, I feel myself a Caribbean person.
Trade, such as UNCTAD.
because we were driven almost by circumstances, by history, to
My experience in
Brussels strengthened
that feeling
in l9B3 and found that
come together, work together and find the links with the rest of
Trinidad and Tobago was well respected in the US, particularly within the OAS. The recognition by all the members of the
the ACP - African, Caribbean, Pacific - in ways we normally
I
was sent
offto
Washington
CARICOMPenpective-
would not have. (/
- Specia.)
.iVillennium Edition
However, there have been some disappointments. I don't believe that the Europeans themselves at the time fully appreciated the importance of what they u'ere involved in, that
While at a meeting in Belgium in 196 l, afterJamaica had announced its decision, I received a message that the British Llnder-Secretary
of State for the Colonies, Hugh
Fraser,
is, bringing together a good part ofthe rvorld under conditions of relative equality with Europe itselL lt meant something for
rvanted me to stop over to see him in London at the Colonial
the representatives of some ACP states to come as free men.
rvay
office. I assume that it is in the public record, although I have no
ofproving that what I'm saying is true.
(But) neither side would show the courage of their convictions.
He asked me, "What is Trinidad going to do now that
Take industry, for example. Yes. there rvas a Centre for
Jamaica has left the Federation? What is Eric thinking?" I replied that I had no rvar. of knou'ing rvhat Dr. Williams rvas
Industrial Development, but there
rvas no active
encouragement
or inducement for people to come out and set up industries. Some (Caribbean countries) were more West Indian
than others. Trinidad and Tobago recognised that it
thinking. but I knerv that he n'anted the Federation. Mr. Fraser said, "Well rvhat do you think should happen?" I said in my
was
personal view, he should make each one of us independent with
important to be linked with the rest of the Caribbean, although
one stroke ofhis pen, because ifsome ofus had one foot in the
not necessarily with the Latin American Caribbean. Horvever. some people felt that becoming a Republic rvas a bad thing, as
Colonial Office. there would never be an effective Federation.
most of the thinking about the future of the West Indies was
He didn't think that would be possible, as we were not at the same level of
based on European attitudes towards freedom
and
development
When I was a iittle boy, on Empire Dav rve sang, Land
and asked, "rvhat about Trinidad and
government.
of Hope and Glory, and Bitons Never Shall be Slarcs. So history meant something to me. I considered that I rvas privileged in some way to help to shape one of those countries, Trinidad and Tobago, and to lay a foundation where those things would never happen again. That rvas my hope.
Tobago, is being
rvhat done
about them?" I said again that
ma,v have helped the
I rr'as not speaking for Dr. Williams,
progress towards our independence. My grandchildren do not
but my feeling
now have to go to school and sing praises to Great Britain. I
rvould be
to
think that we have all benefitted, all of us rvho
make
US
People say, "Well, what has
it brought ,vou?
Better
jobs? More money?" But the feeling (remains'r in some rvay that
something
I may have done or said,
became
independent in the Caribbean. It's a pity that West Indians, as
I venture to
say,
find it easier to come together outside of the
Dr.lamcs O'Neil Irwis i2nd fion h'/i) uith ntembers of the Revit Gla*tont' Ifills nd Bvrcn Bla*c of th
independent and not much later than Jamaica.
West Indies.
I'm not
Our history books record for us the details of the Q: Federation's collapse and the Region's transition to independence. You have actually lived it. Can you tell our readers about your experiences at that time? A: Trinidad and Tobago had attached a lot of importance to the Federation. It wanted a strong Federal Government, because the centre had to be strong to be eflective. If freedom of movement was a factor in an independent Federation, the movement would be into Trinidad
saying that that is why Jamaica became independent on August 6, and Trinidad and Tobago on August 31, but it is in the records.
When I returned, I went to
Dr. Williams and told said "Oh God, you ask for
him of the meeting. He independence?' I said I told Mr.
see
Fraser that was my view, but
that he [Dr. Williams] could telex I\{r. Fraser and say that I was not speaking lor him. Shortlv after that the news carried a
headline, early in January on a Sunday morning, "Cabinet considers independence Constitution". That rvas the beginning.
and Tobago and the Federal Government needed to have the power and finances to assist in easing that burden. I think that disturbed some people in the West Indies. They lelt that with a
Turning to our current integration elforts. How do y'ou uiew the CARICOM-ACS dynamic, in terms of the
A
stronger centre in Trinidad and Tobago [the Federation] would
continued and further integration
almost be a dictatorship.
countries? (ARICO,II Pctspeant - Jg
- ,9pecial
)Iilh'rnthntt Editiott
of the
Caribbean
A:
I think r^re should
strengthen the C)ARICOI{ ties first.
A:
[Eric] Williams once .urnounced in Parliament - a SATO - a South
bclore rve stretch out our hands again. T() this da1'wc sce it here
somcthing corresponding tt-r NATo
in the Gulf with the Venezuelans, and (Eric) Williams warned against that. Venezuelan Governments may change, but their
parts of Africa bordering the South Atlantic and all of those
basic tenet remains - they have never given up on the idea that
countries all the way down and on the inside, on the Latin
our territory belongs to them. Just as in Guyana. The only trouble I had as Ambassador to Washington and the OAS was
American side, all those on the Atlantic side, which would have
with the Venezuelans. Guyana rvas being kept out of the OAS
Latin America.
Atlantic Trading Organisation that would bring together those
meant getting involved with only the South Atlantic, not all of
I
and the United Nations because of a difference between Britain
was on a deiegation from
Trinidad and Tobago that
went to BOAC to acquire BWIA. (Eric) Williams had gotten me
and Venezuela over some piece of land.
Trinidad and other West Indians insisted during
didn't modify that
a
to write to every West Indian territory, from The
Bahamas
article or
down, to get every Government to take one share in the new
rule in the OAS Charter to enable Belize and Guyana to
BWIA at the same rate that Trinidad and Tobago would pay for
become members of the OAS and of the UN, they would never
the acquisition, the intention being that BWIA would become
be able to change anything in the OAS. They wanted some
the regional carrier. Not one [supported]! Not one! I was on the delegation that went to negotiate air routes, and the position
meeting in Costa Rica that if they
changes, so they had to agree, because we had
I
the numbers.
was an ollence
said
to
it
the
dignity of the OAS that a
was one of reciprocity.
airport. If (BWIA) \\'ere a regional carrier we could
-
Hemisphere
I would like to feel that we
Guyana
three elements that held us together - the Cricket team, UWI
member
and BWIA.
After all
I don't know that they can provide that kind of
cohesion any more - which is a great pity.
But, again our background, instance, I have seen in my
and Venezuela.
non-
little law unto
won some trophies. He's 13 years old. I've never been near a
itself,
(Now) my little grandson goes to play golf and he has
the Guardia Nacional,
golf course! AII I knew about Black people on the golf course
picking
was that they carried the golf clubs.
up
our
How to bring back this feeling of West Indianness?
Americans. We must strengthen those basic ties that brought us
together. Haiti should have been in long ago. This is not to say that we shouldn't be friendly. One of the other problems is that the Treaty of Chaguaramas does
not provide for implementation of agreements. I remember saying to one country, "Look, you agreed to this agriculture initiative when rve met at so and so." And they replied, "We
didn't disagree with it, but it's not going to happen in my country" - there was no provision for implementation. I would like
Q:
was not a single
Major.
written about the threat to the Caribbean through these Latin
take
have seen changes for
White person in the police service above the rank of Sergeant-
these
but it shows an underlying feeling. (Dr.) Williams spoke and has
see those elements
I
time that there
years we still have this
fishermen in the Gulf. We'll be diplomatic and talk and so on,
to
of
West Indianness. The West Indian Commission said there were
quarrel betlveen Britain
and Prol)
can bring back a feeling
couldn't
because ofsome ancient
li'an, Sir Cadisle Bunon, 'lfr Cisph Sothaitdo 'aritnt Strretaiat lextrenc leli)
have
offered more entry points within the Region.)
country in the Westem
or Belize become a
At that time Trinidad and Tobago only
had "one and a half' entry points, as Tobago wasn't a full scale
strenEhened before we go to other people.
llAat direction do you hope to in the next 20 - 25 years?
see the Caribbean
C.IRICO.II Perspectift'
- 19
-,Spccial tltllennium Edition
Clovis-Fe.t^and Moniq ve
Ba/\LN<&^RD ), Caribbean Man on the way to world citizenship.
I{ow does a Frenchman become
Q:
so involved
alfairs of the English-speaking Caibbean? A ven. good question. It is true,
I
in tht
nas born in
Martinique in 1907, when the century was only seven years old. I grew up, pursued my secondary and law studies in Martinique, then joined the French Ministry of Finance in Paris, as a civil
servant. I was lucky to find myself involved as a spectator, and even as an actor,
in
some important events
in the life of
this
Region, and on the world stage.
As you know, the USA and England created the AngloAmerican Caribbean Commission during the Second World War, as a forum
Martinique
for cooperation in the Caribbean. The French and
Dutch Govemments were invited to join in I 944. It was then quite
typical of the Caribbean, because
of his co*ntry and
+o +he
was regional cooperation
his
sewice
When France and Holland agreed to join, the Anglo-American
@r.ub Beauregard has dedica+ed professional anA pAvale life
it
among the metropolitan countries for the benefit of their colonies.
Commission became the Caribbean Commission.
+ha Caril>bean. He
in
fu first Head of
believes fho+ the his+orical linkages of the
Economic Affairs
Region lo â&#x201A;Źurope, Af"ico onA Jndio,
Govemor of Guadeloupe, I was among the fint to participate in the
hov. ^od.
meetings
the Co4bb.on peopl.
tiat
Guadeloupe and then advisor to the last
rvere organised by the new Caribbean Commission.
When the first meeting of the West Indian Conference
"Ci+iz.ns of +\e V)o"ld".
was held inJamaica
in
1946, all of my Caribbean friends were
there. Immediately I knew what I had always felt - that we were on May 4, 1907 in Vauclin, Martinique. A lawyer by training,
truly a little world in the Caribbean Basin; that we had the same origin, the same ancestors who peopled this Region; that we had
he rose rapidly through the ranks of the French Civ'il Service to
the same history - which is the history of discovery by Europe,
become Head of Economic AIIairs in Guadeloupe (1944) and
the war of Europe, the conquest by Europe, the alliance of Europe. I realised that there was a similarity among us despite our diversify and I trulv felt that I had realised my dream of
Clovis Fernand Monique Beauregard was born
later, Technical Adviser to the Govemor of Guadeloupe (1946). He was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the Caribbean
Commission
in
1949, and Secretary-General
Organisation in 1956. In
l96l
of the
"Caribbeanness", to have found myself in these our geographic
same
he became Secretary-General
surroundings.
of
As the Headquarters of the Federation was in
the Caribbean Organisation, the successor to the Caribbean
Trinidad, and as
Mr Beauregard said, when asked
.,. (..tRI(.().tl lI
I
was Secretary-General of the Caribbean Commission, I participated in the Region's activities with great
Commission.
^tr\r^.-
.j()
- \peei:tl .llilhtttirn
|ldititt
LDCs found themselves in a Federation
- a Federation that
interest. My friends were all from Jamaica, French Guiana, Trinidad and elsewhere in the Caribbean. My family spent l2 years in Trinidad! My son was already grown and studying in
needed resources - and that, in short, was the political problem.
France, but my two daughters - one was 4 and the other
The union could not hold because it was artificial. \4/hat
years
was needed was that there be, from the beginning, real regional
old - grew up and pursued their studies in Trinidad. They did
cooperation in terms of the Region's resources. But the MDCs had
not sit the French
they have Cambridge
to make a greater sacrifice than the LDCs. Also, the political issues
certificates! And it is very amusing, but when they meet or write
faced by the countries were not quite the sarne, so that, as you
or speak on the telephone, they speak in English. Still! So you see, it was a privilege for me to serve the Region, because I was much more disposed to have an open mind. And I must say that I have never been uncomfortable in whatever post I occupied - in the United States, Paris, Holland
know, the time came whenJamaica left. And it was understood, it
Baccalaureat,
B
was even said, that
development of the
it was not the duty of the MDCs to finance the
LDCs. It
was the duty of the mother country.
Today, opinions have had to change and here I come
back
to
regional cooperation
- to the
need
for
regional
or England - because the search for an identity is something that
cooperation in the Caribbean Basin - among the three Guianas,
I know absolutely nothing about. I don't understand how we, in
Venezuela, Colombia, Panama and
the Caribbean, could continue to search for an identity. We
which border or are inside the Caribbean Sea.
all the other
countries
pe.rvnille.d the Ca,^ibbea^ people lo tneell lo odd,^ess their^ p,^ottlevms Iogelh.n c.nd to know thct they \Nere o^e/ was dissolv.d oft.n o^ly fo^,, yeo,ns. And th. fr^ictiorrs o^d diffi.^l+i.s which l.d +o its disappec ra^ce,nc'de rhe counlties lose sight of +h. good that } h,rd don., irr crllowing thevn to ,meel and disc*r= Ihei,, pr^o6l.rns, .v.n if +h.y did not c\gree with each other,
Th. F.d.ration which hod olro
have an
identity! We are hybrids! And it
is creolisation
Q:
that has
On the issue of regional cooperation,
specifrcally
CARICOM and the ACS. There seems to be a significant amount of disillusionment in the Region regarding the movement towards integration. Some of the Region's Ieading thinkers have declared that CARICOM is dead.
made us so. Culturally we are no longer African or European.
But we are at the same time African, European and Asian. We are citizens of the world.
I find myself completely at ease and happy in my skin. I know my identity. And if you want to know my creed, it is that
Others believe that the ACS has lost its direction. Where do
I consider myself a Caribbean man on the way to world citizenship. A man of goodwill, who does not consider that he has any particular competence but who tries to place his few
you believe the future of our Region lies? A: Man_v of us do not yet realise that the rvorld in which we live is shrinking. It is becoming a village. And even in
experiences at the service of his fellow-men.
this village there are some who are less developed than others.
The prevailing philosophy in the world must be a philosophy of cooperation - a philosophy that takes human rights into
You witnessed and participated in the early elforts Q: of the British West Indies at cooperation and integration.
of "business is business". I'll tell you what I think. When the Caribbean Commission was established, it included representatives from the metropolitan countries and from the islands. The Commission had an auxiliary organisation called the West account. Not a philosophy
How did you rcact to the collapse of the Federation? The aspiration to a West Indian Federation had existed for a long timer. The Federation evolved out of a decision, if I can call it that, of the imperial power - the United Kingdom. Yes, it was imposed from above and did not come A:
Indian Conference, which convened every two years and which included delegates from all the countries which constituted the Caribbean Commission. It was the duty of the Commission to
it ended. Do not from within. forget one thing - and this is the reality of the world - our Yes that was the reason that
elaborate recomme ndations for the development of the Region. When the Caribbean countries were decolonised they
Caribbean countries have always been considered to be in two categories
-
the More Developed Countries (MDCt and the
Less Developed Countries
(LDCE. So the MDCs and
felt that the Commission should not be directed by
the
CARICOM Penpe.tjr"
-
.5
l
-
Special ,llillennium Edition
the
Metropole, but by the countries themselves, and so the Caribbean Commission was dissolved. The Federation which had also permitted the Caribbean people to meet, to address their problems together and to know that they were one, was dissolved after only four years. And the frictions and difliculties
When the recommendation was put forward for the creation of an ACS, many thought that it would be an auxiliary
to CARICOM - an auxiliary organisation. But the Spanish(like the Dominican Republic) insisted that
it
must be an organisation by itself, with its own identity. This
is
spefing countries
which led to its disappearance made the countries lose sight of
the problem that must now be resolved with intelligence, and
the good that it had done , in allowing them to meet and discuss their problems, even if they did not agree with each other.
with diplomacy, while taking account of the
Now the work done by these organisations was considerable. The Caribbean Commission had published extensively; illustrious men like Arthur Lewis and Jan
trading blocs have been formed. Free trade is becoming the
order of the day, and all conventions are leading in this direction. Weak economies are integrating with strong
Tinbergen - Nobel Prize winners - had been called to help and
economies to achieve more weight in international discussions
had attacked problems such as education, small-scale farming
and to confront the realities of the external world. The
and agriculture; scholarships were awarded; the Commission
Caribbean Basin is the ideal region for this.
helped to create the Caribbean Development Bank.
Now how can you have free trade among countries with weak and strong economies? There must be a middle
Once these organisations were dissolved, a great
re
alities of the world.
The reality is that the world has opened up and
in the Region. A great emptiness. Because, after all, these organisations gave the countries a chance to meet, to discuss, to see if they wanted to cooperate. And suddenly that disappeared. We had grown accustomed to
ground. A middle ground must be negotiated. It is particularly
meeting and we missed it.
Economic and Political fntegration
emptiness was felt
important in the Caribbean given that some of the countries are more developed and some are not.
Then CARIFTA was formed and CARIFTA, of birth to CARICOM. But CARICOM had to
The industrialised countries are engaged in
necessiry, gave
an
Treaty of Chaguaramas - a Community and Common Market,
economic war and the most important consideration that the managers of CARICOM must retain is this - the private sector
which it has not yet managed to do. The European Community
must be involved. The public sector still has the deciding voice,
face serious problems! First, it had to become - according to the
it had to integrate
but there must be collaboration between the public and private
the MDCs and the LDCs, and this in itself was di{Iicult. But, it
sectors. There must be political and economic integration. The
could not remain inward looking, while the world was becoming
Caribbean is the ideal Region for that. Economic integration
also had to face the same problem. Second,
a village, and this called
for the integration of other Caribbean
can be achieved through the Caribbean Association
oflndustry
and Commerce (CAIC), which groups the Chambers of
countries, in addition to the former British colonies.
The West Indian Commission was appointed by
Commerce. And the political aspect is CARICOM.
CARICOM to address the Community's problems and one of
So what is the role of the
ACS? Some believe that it
its essential recommendations was that CARICOM create an
must absorb CARICOM. It is CARICOM that has created it,
ACS. I followed all of it
it is an auxiliary to CARICOM, it must absorb CARICOM.
closely because
I knew that the world
had changed, that CARICOM must follow and while
Some believe
that. They think that there
remaining what it was, had to permit greater collaboration with
CARICOM,
as the
all the countries around it in the Caribbean area.
is no longer a role
for
ACS has been established. But that is a mistake. Because there are two phenomena that are at play
The "Caribbean Area" comprises the three Guianas
here - one is integration, the other is cooperation. Yes, the ACS
and all the islands to the East or within the Caribbean Sea. This
can permit cooperation among the countries of the Caribbean
in pre-Colombian times. The "Caribbean Basin", *Bassin des Caraibel", "Cuenca del CaribC', includes all the countries around or within the
which is CARICOM, is the basis for integration of
Caribbean Sea - Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, all the Central
of us knows what is going to happen in the future, but a middle
American countries, and the "Caribbean Area". The Caribbean Basin is unique in the world you know; in a well
ground must be found, and the competencies of these two
is the area which the Caribs occupied
defined space, you have thirty-five countries, some ofwhich are just forty kilometres from each other. The majority are insular. CARICOII
Penpective
- .J!
Basin, but not integration. The central intergovernmental core, the
Caribbean area. And so a middle ground must be found. None
organisations defined.
We have the same problem in the Overseas French Departments (DOM$. Mono-department regions were created -
Special Mi.llennin Edition
for the DOMs, although the Regional Assemblies in France group several Dcpartments. One cannot speak of Regions, when there is only one. There are now two Assemblies - the R4gionale and the Conseil Gindral, and a debate over whether to create a single Assembly from the
two. The answe r is that the
two Assemblies can be retained, but their individual
value to our products for the European and American markets, pigeon peas for example. Each of the countries produces small quantities, but ifthere were regional cooperation we could produce su{ficient quantities for export. AII of the Region's production
country. We have the necessary quantities for export. Bananas -
responsibilities must be defined to avoid any conflict.
With respect to the ACS, the diplomatic arts of
the
of
pigeon peas could be concentrated and transformed in a particular
if we could only transform bananas.
We
produced dried bananas in Guadeloupe during the war. And
decision-makers must be employed to define the competencies
now what do we do? We consume dried bananas imported from
ol that great association. The countries ol Central America
Ecuador.
believe that some iears will be necessary to establish a structure for cooperation, but a driving force is necessary.
Agricultural production must be transformed in some of countries. Greater production can be achieved through these regional cooperation, but for this cooperation to exist, barrien
Do you think that, as CARICOM widens, there Q: is a place in it for the Overseas French Departments
have to fall. The French Departments and their neighbours must
understand that and CARICOM must undertake
(DOMs)? A:
Now that
to
sensitise
public o{ficials to the fact. Investment is necessary,
is
an institutional problem. The DOMs are part of the national territory of France just the same as Bretagne and Bor-
,'ncrn of aclion mr,rst know +ha+ h,nmili+y is his besr friend, N.v.,^ +hink +ha+ you are the centre of +h. wonld. And .v.^ if you have powe, exercise that power^ with harnanity and
and it is the private sector that must undertake to achieve this
A
investment.
In the area of air - all of lhe countries. including Cuba, are currently
underslanding,
deaux. There are some who say that they do not wish to enter the European Union - no! They are already part of
it!
When the
transport
competing with each other. Regional cooperation would enable
a single Caribbean package for the countries,
with the
large
European Community was created in 1957, the French Republic, according to the French Constitution of 1946, was comprised of an assembly of departments in Europe and four
longer be isolated. Instead of having to go up to Miami or New
overseas. So that the four automatically became regions of the
York to fly to Europe, a single regional company
European Union.
significantly increase passenger tra{fic.
But, the French government and
European air carriers bringing tourists to the Region. The
Central and Latin American countries, above all, would no could
decision-makers
recognise - and it is a theory that I have always supported - three
The Question of Nationality
DFAs (French Departments in the Americas). It is I who coined the term in a White Paper that I wrote
The DOMs in the Americas, the question of nationality
in I 972. They are French
matter.
\
rhat we have to look at is the reality of the world
Departments but they are located in the Americas. Reunion is
does not
a French Department, Iocated in the Indian Ocean near South
- trade and investment. Europe would have to take the necessary steps to permit CARICOM, and those in charge in the DOMs, to
Africa. The French Government and Europe recognise that the DFAs are in the Region, that they have the same problems as
tal<e measures to cooperate
. And the private sector is in a position
to make the associations and investments. France is an associate
the Region, and that they must collaborate.
member of the ACS. It has also been a member of the Caribbean
Regional Cooperation
in Agricultural Production
Development Bank since 1984.
We are speaking of regional cooperation here. All of these countries are agricultural countries and the great majority are insular. Dominica, Saint Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe
A logical recommendation in principle, but it may Q: not be that simple to implement the arrangements necessary for regional cooperation between CARICOM and the DOMs?
are all small and produce the same goods. We continue to employ the same ways of doing things
as
lrom the time ol'slavery, instead of using modem technology to add CARICO.T| Penpectirc
- JJ
A:
I fully agree and
is a lack of -.9pccial,l
the answer
information. Information
I Ilen n im
Edi tion
is
is
the following - there
badly disseminated in the
entire Region. People do not know what is going on. I say to you, that if Muioz Marin succeeded in the industrial
/v1an today is
still rooled in the \ctrbarily
of the pas+. Iraining c^nd educalion ch.^nq. vncr,n, rhe r.ali+i.s of +h. dcy c.nd of the cenrury oLtlig. hi^ +o ctdctpr. Btt stifl, ai Hhe cote of sctn.,, ,^evnains ltrte bctrbc'rily of fhe past,
development of Puerto fuco, it is because he took the necessary
steps. He created a television station expressly to disseminate information, because he believed that you had to let everyone know where you wanted to go, why you wanted to go there and
how you were going to get there. There is a total lack of information in the Region, and
that is what CARICOM must understand. CARICOM must have a television programme. Conferences must be broadcast.
That is the answer. Because there will always be individualism in small countries and that spells death. They must be told that is death and they must be
coming. And as I said, I believe that we are moving towards world citizenship. When we consider the ways in which the world is developing, we cannot remain minor citizens in minor territories. We must operate
as citizens
So you understand why
told that the world has changed, how
I
of the world.
have for a long time and from
the world has changed and what the new realities are.
the bottom of my heart been entirely a Caribbean man. I feel that
Information, educational programmes - it is a great effort to make.
I
We in the Caribbean do not place an emphasis on educational programmes but we must, taking account of the world's realities. It will require a great effort, but we must not despair, we must not throw up our arms. We must have the will
So that I am still in touch with the times. I am not surprised by what
must be a Caribbean man, and more and more, a world citizen.
happens -
I adapt. I
have always adapted, but while retaining the
experience ofthe past. Because today is yesterday's tomorrow and
tomorrow is today's future. The past cannot be erased because the
it. And the present informs the future. So we
to do it together. The people of the Region must be made to realise that we are the same, that we are joined, that we are
present is based on
going to develop together or perish together.
That is my secret. And as I said, I am very comfortable in my skin.
must understand, and feel, the events which transform our world.
Lack of information. Lack of education. Lack of implementation. This is the essence of the problem. Where do you want to go, why do you want to go there, and how are you going to get there? We must address these issues.
Do you think that the human race is progressing or Q: have we lost our direction? A: I will tell you something that you will find surprising. Man today is still rooted in the barbarity of the past.
Q:
IIow do you feel hauing lived almost an entire
century? What are the great changes that you have seen
and
experienced? A:
You know that from the age
Training and education change man, the realities of the day and of the century oblige him to adapt. But still, at the core of some,
remains the barbarity of the past.
of thrce I
You
rvas able to
see
what happened when Europe was torn apart
events.
by the two terrible world wars - millions of men died. Man had
Between I 907 and 1999 I have learnt many things. I was always
gone so far as to create objects ofdestruction that could destroy
very curious, very alert, and I was privileged to participate - and
the planet itselfl When Europe realised that the weapons that
at times be the decision-maker - in some important events. I
man had created to wage war meant the destruction of the entire world, the countries agreed to put war aside . It was in that way that the European Community and the European
understand and
I lived through some very famous
followed the evolution ofmy century - I was neve r a man of the past.
When I was Secretary-General of the Caribbean always kept young people around me and took
IJnion were created. But now that the great European wars are
I was able to
finished, we are seeing secondary wars. The Nazi hegemony
experience the evolution, to interpret events. Which meant that
And above all I learnt certain essential lessons - a man
which desnoyed the Jews - the hegemony of a race - has resurfaced in Yugoslavia. And that proves that man remains fundamentally barbaric. As he becomes more educated, as the
of action must know that humility is his best friend. Humility.
world progresses, man conforms. But there are still some who
Commission,
I
care to follow the trend of the world, so that
I was always, throughout the century, in the middle of the century.
Being humble. Never think that you are the center of the world.
remain barbaric. We must understand this, recognise it and do
And even if you have power, exercise that power with humanity
everything possible to fight against
and understanding. So that as the century passed, I was able to witness the phenomena that took place.
I
was not a stranger to
the present, because I saw the present coming. I felt tomorrow CARICOM Penpecthr
- Jl
conflicts
it. We have seen
in Iraq and in Africa, but there is always hope of that. We must
improvement and each of us must cling to persevere. -
secondary
Spcial Millennium Edition
f{ Q:
ll'hat adrice do y'ott ltave fr.tr us? Illhat is vour
vision of tltc lilturc? I do not prctend to give advice - it uould be A: pretentious. But I think that I havc a mission to share m1' experiences. Since bclier.'e that
it
is a
I
u'as privilcgcd to traverse the centur)', I
dutv - a mission - Ibr me to humblv share mv
expcrienccs.
think that I am a believe that the to l-rght {br, and that the do and a lot Caribbean has :r lo1 to means are rvithin our reach. But, Iirst lve must iacc realitvl u'e must determine and define our realitv. In the case tlf the
Alier rvhat I told
pcssimist. But
1'ou, vou might
I am not, I am an optimist. I
Caribbean. the realitf is thc isolation in rvhich some ol'these small islands remain. their persistencc in clinging to the past. thcir persistence in not opening, rvhile the ivorld is bccoming
Barbados
a
village. That is rcalin'. We must ahvavs be arvare o1'the realities
ctor +-IJNKSC)N Vi
and not mistake them. \Vhen one mistakes thcm. thev can be <
mel. Histon' teaches us that.
o
ll:hat has been lttur greatest
A:
I considcr
.strccess.2
n1\- greatest suc('ess
to have crcated a
familr'. I brought up ml'children:rnd I am greatl.v satisficd to see that thev are foll<xving the path I havc shorvn them. But that tt{'
l hich I am most
,4n unr.r.nlanl diehard Federa/isl
proud is to hale been able to help thc louth of
the (-laribbcan. and evcn those from outside' The students
l'ho
came to me and l'hom I uork in the Caribbean. That I rvas able to providc univcrsitl
advised and helped. are doing good
Victor Hinkson, a national of Barbados' has
scholarships to the Claribbean and to see those r'vho rcceived those scholarships bccome Caribbcan citizens, accomplishing; thcir mission. I think that is u'hat I am most proud of.
I l'ould die perhaps u'ith one regret. bccause
to
complete mv mission, I leel that I must publish mv erperiences' I hope that I c:rn do it - if God gives mc thc opPortunit) '
But I cannot spcak o{'success' becausc lile is a battlc' And one thing I havc lcarned, is that hardship is nt:cessary' fcrr man. Hardship lbrms man. A man rtf at:tion must kntlrv that he is engaeed in a battle and that he must do cverl'thing trr
uin this battle. And if hc lvins this battle' to drarv necessarv lessons liom it.
the
been
intimately involved in the Caribbean's several attemPts to bring its people together. As an Assistant Federal Editor with the l958-62' Jamaica Gleaner during the West Indies Federation
and Inlormation Officer with the CARIFTA Secretariat during the period 1968-73, Victor saw himself as "an instrument that could bring about cohesion in the scattered islands"' As Information Officer, he also witnessed and contributed to the coming into being of CARICOM in 1973, and retained this position until his retirement from the Secretariat in 1984' Mr'
Hinkson, is now Press Secretary
to the Prime Minister of
Barbados.
Describing himself as an "unrepentant diehard Federalist", Victor shared wit}r Perspective his reflections on, and his aspirations for a West Indian Community' Perspective is pleased to share this discussion with its readers'
Eclitor's Nrtte: Ft'anct' ccascd being a ntetnber ol- thc CDB in
Q:
2000.
Cast your mind back
to
your early days of seruice
Caribbcan?', to the Community, to your role as a Communications pro{essional - what was your vision of the process in which b1, Eric ll'illiatns, P,\,lI Publishng' contpanv, ktrt-olsPah, you were involved? Triniclad,Jult-scptetnber 197J.
r &,c .r1 Ncv. Ibdcration
litr
the Contntonyt'calth
(,:. lR
I(:(
).1
I P.rtt ).r
t^t - .j.j
- 9peci;l -l hllcnniunt LldiriLt
t
A: I joined the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) Secretariat inJanuary of 1969. I had served as a journalist rvith theJamaica Gleaner in the now defunct West
Indies Federation, and travelled between Jamaica and
I recall the
hiatus between 1975 and
l98l
rvhen the
Heads of Government did not meet. That was a very serious
situation. I couldn't put my fingers on the reason, although it was felt that there was a sour arrangemcnt betwcen trvo of the sovereign States which led to the impasse. I remember in 1975,
Trinidad for meetings of the Federal Parliament and for other activities of the Federation. I therefore felt I was equipped to
we met in St. Kitts and one
keep the people of the Region informed about what rvas going on
devising a Food Plan for the Caribbean. This was adopted by
in the fledgling Trade Association, which I believed would grow.
the Heads of Government.
of
the big issues of the moment was
Regular meetings of the Heads resumed
How significant
Q:
was
your role in the integration
movement?
A:
The people
of
the lVest lndies had nor been informed
by the political directorates in the various territories about the Federation, and so I thought, here was an oppofuniw to keep them informed about the economic association lormed by
in l9B2
and
the integration movement adopted a new drive. It became energised and by 1989, in Grenada, another important decision was taken by the Heads, and that rvas to establish the
CARICON{ Single N{arket and Econom,v. I am not
an
Trinidad,Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana. I recall the Dickinson
economist, but the intention of the Heads in Grenada *.as t<r move away from the limited free trade and common markct. to meet the strong blast of international competition l'hich rvas
Bay Agreement where Vere Bird, Errol Barrow and Forbes
being created by trade liberalisation and globalisation.
Bumham got together and decided they tvould start a free rade area. This was after Dr. Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago,
a.
Expanding this comment - v,hat lerel
the
had told the Region that "...one from ten leaves nought,'. Jamaica and Trinidad had gotten independence and it was almost certain
A:
that Barbados and Guyana wou-ld also achieve their independence.
Communin' made
He felt that
these four independent territories could become involved in an economic union - and so they did. CARIFTA rvas
started in
1968. The headquarters was
in Guyana because
Guyana, like British Honduras (Belize) was felt to be pure and untainted since they were not a part of the \A'est Indies Federation.
do you attach to
The
Secre
of
importance
Single trIarket and Economy?
tarv-General of
the Caribbean
a speech at a consultation in Barbados on the
Single I\{arket. He opened by saying "implement or perish". I say, "integrate or perish". There is onlv one q,ar' lor us to
also
go as a West Indian nation. lraders have got to givc up some bit of sovereignty. I knorv hard nosed politicians mar, find it difficult, but European countries rvho u,ere at each others' throats throughout the centuries have gotten together.
I{ow did you
Q:
set about fulfiIling the task entrusted
to ,'ou?
A:
We in the Caribbean can onlv cross borders illegallr,. Barbados has just implemented a new law that gives equal rights
As Information Officer rvith the CARFITA I spent some time travelling around the Region
of citizenship to men and women, musicians. Graduates
Secretariat,
can come to Barbados and work. This is a crack in the opening of the
looking at areas of common concerns to the media and seeking their support in publicising the work of the Secretariat.
door. We want to push the door right open. The Single Market and Economv speaks to our survival as a people.
During this time how were you able to mobilise a. journalists across the Region? A: We held meetines of the Heads ol' Gor.ernment Information departments which looked at the possibilitl, of
Q:
forming a communications network in radio. This rvas with the help of UNESCO and a number of experts, some of whom rvere from the Region - people such as Hugh Cholmondelev and Leo De feon - and they got their respective government_owned
radio stations to start what was called the Broadcasting Union (CBU).
CARICOM started with the former British now we have Suriname and Haiti and the ,,net"
keeps getting wider. What are your thoughts? lVe are a people rvho have roots from all over. Bur it is surprising to me that the largest island in the Caribbean _
A:
Cuba
- has not been pulled into the integration
movement.
Everybody, the major international powers have had their fingers in the Caribbean.
Caribbean
To complement this, the print
media was invited to start the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) - all with a view to mobilising public opinion on the integration movement.
Q:
Despite the many and continuing challenges, the
regional integration movement celebrated its 25il, anniversary in 1998. Where do you see us going as a people, and as a Region?
C.IRICO.II Petsptcirc
- Jg
- .Special,l
lillen n i m E di ti n
I
succeed as it presses forward.
am ver,v. very l-ropelul that the Caribbean rvill I am not pessimistic, it takes time. Europe took 40 years. I would like to see leaders put aside their
trying to instill a sense of peace among two children of the same family who have a domestic quarrel. If you stay outside and pelt
differences and work for the improvement of conditions of all
potshots without getting
inhabitants of the Caribbean. I see the political climate
problems, nothing will happen. We all have a duty. If criticism
changing to embrace the Single Market and Economy, which in
is necessary, then criticise, but at the same time do so in
turn will
constructive way.
assist
in the physical development of all
these
A:
I
see
it as being our brother's keeper. I
see
it
to the table, without talking
as
over
a
territorities. But, a chain is as strong as its weakest link and we must try to reach out to those territorities that may be slow in
Q:
developing their infrastructure. We must stretch out a helping hand and bring them alongin the same way as we woulddo our
CARIFTA Secretaiat you saw yourself as making a valuable contribution to the integration movement. Looking
"good neighbour turn". There will be differences of opinion
back so many years later, what are your parting thoughts.
Clearly from all you have said, when you joined the
among leaders. But if they don't talk to each other, there is no
A:
way those differences can be resolved. That is the start of the resolution of the conflict - perceived or otherwise.
myseif as being one of the instruments that could bring about
In recent times we have seen our leaders taking Q: action on issues that speak to the upholding of democracy and good governance in the Community. There was the intertention in Guyana following the 1997 elections and Iater, St. Vncent and the Grenadines. To what extent do you see this as a new course for the integration movement?
I am an unrepentant die hard federalist. I
cohesion among these scattered West Indian Islands whose populations seemed to be indigenous. Do you know that you can walk the streets of Port-of-Spain and see somebody who resembles somebody fromJamaica, or St. Kitts or Barbados. As
a matter of fact, I remember one old lady who hugged and kissed me
thinking I was the late Prime Minister of Trinidad and
Tobago, George Chambers. We are one people and therefore, it is
plain to
see
that we should be clne nation
|icntHil*sonstanditcltliatl('''fRICo'|l'||tttit'qatitshudquatnLsilCutana:';catfdx\I,]dfDm|c|i. Rtitlird. t ith a nunthcr rl' rrgional olll ir/s
(:,lRICOll RLsptttie - j /
saw'
-
Spccial trIillenniun Edhitt
-
a West
Indian nation.
In
arcus Mosiah Garvey has been described as the most
"influential black leader of the century". Garvey, a lreedom fighter, black nationalist andJamaica's first national
1916, Garvey went to the United States to raise
funds and to interest Blacks in his ideas. He however ended up
making the United States his base for the next I I years. He
a branch of UNIA in New York and it
was
hero was a descendant of the fiercely proud maroons and was
lormed
known for his fight for the upliftment of the African natives and
phenomenal success, attracting a tremendous following from
also those in the diaspora. His goal
in his
famous
- expressed
the depressed and despised Blacks, especially in the northern
cities.
slogan-
"Africa for Africand' - and
y,;;;"::,"
of repatriation
a
"It
was
a time
of
depression and despair for
Jamaica, 1887 - 1940
Blacks, a time when the Klu
;:'::
Klux Klan and similar bod-
accomplish what you wiII"
ies were active.
attracted thousands of
brought hope and the prom-
Black supporters.
ise of dignity to these hardpressed
Bom in St. ArLn's
people". He taught
that Blacks would be
Bay to poor Black peasans
of I I
Garvey
re-
chil-
spected only when they were
self-
economically strong, and
educated and became an
called for black economic
and youngest
dren. Garvey was
to a
r
empowerment through busi-
when he was 14 years. He
ness and other professional
was concemed with
the
activities. This included the
of
opening of grocery stores and laundromats and the
apprentice
printe
abysmal living conditions
the labouring class.
and
of the Negro World newspaper in Eng-
publishing
soon became involved in social reform, participating six years
lish, Spanish and
later in the first
French.
improved conditions of work
Most notable of these businesses was the Black Star
for
Shipping Line.
Printers' Union strike for
Black workers. The
newspaper 7he Watchman
cDY
was also set up soon after.
I-lbranches olrhe UNIA in the United States and
Garvey
toured
1919, there were 30
extensively and "his travels
Garvey claimed two million
throughout the Caribbean
members in its almost 1000
and Central America con-
chapters around the world."
firmed that prejudice knew'
At a UNIA
no borders, and increased his determination to fight it at all costs". In Central and South
1920 before participants
America he organised plantation labourers, and was the editor of several newspapers
in Costa Rica and Panama. "In l9l2 he went
from Central America, the Caribbean and the United States, Garvey outlined his plan
"We are the descendants of sulfeing
Garvey had a vision ofbeing a leader ofhis race. In 1914, he returned to Jamaica founded the Universal Negro
Improvement Association (IJNIA), and coordinating body the black peoples into one body and
to
building an African nation-state.
people... we are a people determined to sulfer no longer.... We shall organise the 400 million Negroes of the world into a vast organisation to plant the banner offreedom
fascinated with African History and Culture".
-
of
Twenty-five thousand people heard his keynote address
to London where he met Blacks from many nations and became
African Communities I-eague (ACL), its purpose
to unite all
on the gl'eat continent ofAfrica....
Black people of the world". - J$
If Europe
is for the Europeans, then Africa is for the
establish a country and
government under their sole control. CARICOM Perpctie
convenrion in
-
Special Millennium Edition
arvey advanced the ideas of Africa for Africans and Black economic independence through his speeches, interna-
Financial betrayal by trusted aides and a host oflegal entanglements (based on charges that he had used the U.S. mail
tionally circulated newspapers and business and political
to defraud prospective investors) eventually led to his imprisonment and subsequent deportation to Jamaica in
ventures. He stirred Black Americans
with his
messages
of pride in ancestry
1927.
and prospects of self-sufficiency, and
prefigured
Garvey worked inJamaica and London with limited
a later
generation of African-American leaders such as Malcolm'X'. "He pledged to be in the whirlwind of the storm until African people win freedom, justice and
success to rekindle interest in the
UNIA. In 1929 he founded
the People's Political Party, his intention to contest seats in the
Jamaican Legislature. Defeated, he leftJamaica England and never returned.
in
1935,
for
The Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvev died in
liberty".
1940, alone,
in exile, yet having created
a
Garvey was more influential
network of African peoples globally on a
in America and in Africa than in the
scale never seen before. His was a career
Caribbean. The resurgence of Black nationalism from
that showed the immense value of
the 1930s and the Nation his declaration
of
Islam are directly linked to
of "Race First"
mass movement
were instrumental in shaping the beliefs of Malcolm
'X'
in
-
nuine
appealed to
and the great
importance of the Press, which he used to
and the Black Panthers and others of the same outlook. He was of considerable influence on the U.S. Negro
Movement and the nationalist movement Mgeria, Ghana and elsewhere in Africa.
- he always
the mass, not the elite
and many of his teachings
ge
tremendous effect. His philosophy may be summed up in his own words
Kenya,
"I
shall teach
the Black man to see beautv in himself'. 25c stadps issued iil Jamaica on the centensry of Gweyb birth
CARICOMlbnpective
- Jp
-
Spccial Millennium Edition
f\ U
Padmore's fallout with
eorge Padmore personi-
6.6 the
the Soviets came
hopes and
in
1934 when
the Soviet aligned itself with Great Britain and France in
aspirations for Black freedom
throughout his native Carib-
opposition to Germany, and he
bean and Africa. Devoting most of his life to the Black
was instructed to stop agitating
liberation movement in Africa
against the colonial powers. His
refusal to do so resulted
and the dissemination of Pan-
in the
in
his
African
expulsion from the Comintern
diaspora, he earned for himself
and the Communist Party. He
the title of "Father of African
considered the Soviet's stance
Emancipation".
to be "a betrayal of fundamental interests of
African ideas
Padmore
was born
people" and contended in his book Pan Africanism or Com-
Malcolm Ivan Meredith Nurse,
in Trindad but later assumed the name of Padmore as a
- "Black people must be mentally free from the munism
cover fior his political activities.
high
the
my
After completing school in Trinidad, he
dictates of Europeans, regardless
of their ideology".
became a joumalist with the
From then
or,
Guardian, but hated it and was
Padmore's interest shifted to-
soon
fired. He left for the USA 1924 proposing to study Medicine. He later switched
wards Africa and
in
Africanism. He moved to Lon-
to Law, attending Fisk Univer-
resources, charted a course of action which would deeply
don, and there, with his limited
sity and Howard Law School.
influence anti-colonial move-
Soon after his arrival
in the USA, Padmore entered the Communist Party and became quite an important figure in the US Communist
world. answer
ments
Trinidad and Tobago,
an - it didn't exist and, in his view, offtheir chains regardless of race or
Padmore accepted an invitation from
Moscow-based Communist International (Comintern)
the
to be
Secretary of the International Trade Union Committee for Negro Worker - a Soviet Union agency for promoting revolution among Black people worldwide. He founded and edited the Negro Worker, the organ of the Communist Negro Movement and, in 1931, wrote, The Life and Struggles of Negroes Toilers, which championed the cause of Black
throughout the
the
the leading spokesman for anti-
to the colour question
nationality. In 1929,
in both Africa and
Caribbean, and, as a writer, journalist and agitator, became
1902-1959
For Padmore, only the Communist seemed to offer
workers would nnite to throw
Pan
labour
colonial sentiment in Africa and around the world. Among his more important books are:. IIow Britain Ruled Africa (1936);
lfow Russia Tnnsformed Her Colonial Empire
Africa Bitain's Third Empire (1949); and Pan Africanism or Communism? (1956). The last named is probably his most important and certainly his best known book.
Lf. I I
lectured tomeetingsoftheBritishlndependentlabour
furry and conducted political study groups for colonial
Iondon. His lodgings became, in the 1930s and 40s, the centre of anti-colonial struggle in London. Among the callers were his boyhood friend C.L.R. James and also Eric students in
Williams, then a student at Oxford.
world.
Padmore
the Far East University, had an oflice in the Kremlin and was sent on various recruitment trips in an attempt to bring other Blacks While in the Soviet lJnion, Padmore lectured at
(1946);
established
a network called the that coordinated
International African Services Bureau
correspondence between African and Caribbean nationalists, trade unionists, editors and intellectuals. And while his interest
into _____ the ___ narw. r___)-
continuedonp.62 CARICOM knpective
- $Q
-
Spa'at Miltenniun Edition
hi{r()rian.
Rodnel, taueht Alrican
Q.holnt. LJ polirician. lrer,, f,,r some. ncmesis lbr othcrs, a \\est Indian. a Pan
History at the t--rriversity Colleee of Dar-es Salaam bet*'een 1966 and 1968 and in thc same vear rcturned to his alma matcr, U\VI.
Alricanist arrd NIarxist.
Waltcr Rodney's r'rrntribulion
-
greatest
rooted in his
integritr and commilment n'as his revision of the
political
historv about Third World
Caribbcan as the coun-
countries and the nccessitv
tries began their postcolonial journcv. But, it
This rvas a timc of'gJreat
of transcending racial 1n
Gcorgetol'n to a sorking famih' - his lather a tailor. his mother a searn-
the
Rodncr''s imagirration.
Nel voiccs had
class
- Rodner' \\'on
in
\r'as the Black Poser Nlovcment th:rt caught
polarities.
Born
activit_v
tcl questi()n
begun
the direction
h,,larshill
of the post-independcnce governments. in
to attend Quccn's College.
particular their attitude
stress ,,1tcn
erhibitiurt
s,
an
Walt r RODNaV
lhere he exccllcd on all lronts - at'adcmia. debatirrg. sports. Following arlard
o1-a
sue of
an
Gulana scholar-
"^fron. of us is "rnmindf,n/ of lhe fhreal fhal is consfanily posud. L1/.
he l'ent on to the Unir-ersitv of the \\:est Indies (U\VI). l'here hc graduated in 1963 ivith a sl-r\r.
,!on'f regrsr./ ornrse/ves cts ctdvenluret's ot'marf,rs or pofenliztl tnctfiyts, bul w,e think there is a iob fo be done, ,and al <a cerfain poinf in fime hou. r'o ,lo whaf is to be done" ^,.
lirst class honours dcgrrr in
Histon'. That same vcar, lrc rron e I-\\'I st h,')arship
fiValter Rodnel'l
doctoral thcsis,
.,1
poor
o1-
Brort'n
the region rras
beins debatcd
among
proeressivc intcllcctuals.
Rodnel'.
lho lrom vcn
earlv had rejected thc authoritarian role of' the
middlc class political
bate. Hc, horvcvcr, did
(SOAS).
f-inivcrsitl' of London and,
empolcrment lbr
the Black and
elite in thc Caribbean, was ccntral to rhe de-
to read Afiican Historl, at the School of Alrican and
Oricntal Studies
ro the plight of the Thc is-
don n-pressed.
in
not conllnc himscll' to
1966. succcsslully dcl'cndcd his
llistoty ol-the
U14ter Guinea Coast, 161.i-
1800. This i.vork was to set a trend frrr Rodncy in
tht' acti','itit:s on thc unir,ersitv campus, but took his mcssage ol' Black Lib<:ration to the gullies of Jamaica.
both
In particular. he
challenging thc assumptions of'western historians ;rbout African
shart'd his knorvlcdgc o1'Afri<:an histon' rvith one of the most
historl' and sctting ne$' standards for looking at the history of'
rcjcctt'd scctions ol'the Jamaican societl'- the Rastalarians. His ('n(ount('r rvith thc Rastilariarrs l'crc publishcd in a pamphlet
r)ppressed peoples. describcd br- Horace Campbell as "path-
breaking in the r'vav in rvhich it analyscd thc impact o1-slavcry
cntitlt'd ()rrntnrting.s vrilh nty S7111l1ers. rvhich became a bible lirr thc (l:rribbcan Black Polr,cr Nlovcmcnt. In his lectures
t.rn
the communities and the intcrrclationships betu,ecn socictics ol' the region and on the er:olog1'olthc rcgion".
Rodncv dispcllcd mvths and challcngcd convcntional rr'isdom.
\\'hilc a student in London. Rodnev continucd his
Popularr n,ith the masses. these lectures greath' disturbed the
politit:al activism - cvident since his lears at IJ\\'I - participltirrq
cstilblishnit'nt :rnd Rodnev u'as t'xpclled lrom Jamaica in Octobcr 1968, his uritinqs barrned bv the Government. Rodncv rcturncd to Tanzania after a short stal in (luba ar-rd cor-ttinucd his groundings there and in other parts o{'
in discussion circle-. and spcaking at the fimous Hvde Park. It u:rs durir-rg
tl-ris
period that he camc into c(ntact rvith thc lcgcndan
fi.L.R.Janrcs and became one of'his most devrted studcnts. (.:.1R1(;().lI R t'ttu t^1
-
(;
/
- \1tt i.t/ .llilhttnirnn I:lhittt
Africa. This was the period of the African liberation struggles and
concerned with reconstructing the political economv
Rodney, who fervently believed that the intellectual should make his or her skills available for the struggles and emancipation of the
of the Atlantic slave trade and analysing
its
consequences for Africa, Europe and the Americas", continues to receive critical attention today.
people, became deeply involved. States Campbell "...fRodneyl was at the forefront of establishing an intellectual tradition which still
In tribute to his memory
and in pursuance
today makes Dar es Salaam one of centres of discussion of African politics and history'. Out of the dialogue, discussions and study groups, he deepened the Marxist tradition with respect to African
of his mission, The Walter Rodney Institute lor Social Action (WRISA) was founded inJuly 2001, in
politics, class struggle, the race question, African history and the role
practice on the critical issues lacing Guyana and
of the exploited in social change. It was within the context of these discussions that the book How Europe underdeveloped Africa was
other emergent multi-racial societies.
Guyana and aims at promoting new thinking and
written". In 'f anzania, Rodney developed close political relationships with those who were struggling to change the external
control of Africa and was very close to some of the leaders of liberation movements in Africa, and to political leaders of popular organisations of independent territories. When Zimbabwe gained its independence Rodney, who was invited to the celebration, was asked to consider u,riting
tfn
I I
its
history.
1974, Rodney made the transition back to Guyana
to
take
up an appointment as Professor of History at the University of
Guyana which was later rescinded by the Government. He joined the newly formed Working People's Alliance. After a period of intensive political activity, which served to engender a new political consciousness in the country and resulted in his harassment, he was
George Padmore from p.60
and its reinterpretation and wide presentation underlie his view that "one's political contribution should come out of one's principal
focused on Africa, he did not abandon his commitment to the wider cause of international liberation. ln 1944 with others, he founded the Pan African Federation. In 1945, he organised the All Colonial Peoples' Conference in Manchester, England and among those who attended were
work activity". In relation to his work on gender and cultural relations he is: "one of the first to discuss the position of African
William Du Bois, AmyJacques Garvey - Gan'ey's widow and Kwame Nkrumah.
killed by a bomb in the middle of Georgetown.
Rodney's research into African and Caribbean History
women in the Guyanese society following the abolition of slavery";
As his relationship with Nkrumah devel-
among "the handful of historians to explore the history of Indian women in Guyanese society and, unlike manv other writers ...does
oped, Padmore locused increasingly on the Gold Coast as the vanguard ofthe anti-colonial struggle in
not write exclusively on African-Indian relations in Guyana, but
Alrica and came to
goes to great lengths to distinguish Creoles as a different class and
free, united Africa.
cultural group during the l9'h century". In his book ,4 History of the Guyanese Working People, Rodney's economic analysis of Alrican
see the
African as the hope for a
Padmore became mentor and influential
and Indian women and men, chief among which is "the idea that
theoretician to an entire generation of Black leadership which included Jomo Kenyatta of Nigeria and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. In 1957, he rvas invited to Ghana for its independence
Africans and Indians were complacent in their own enslavement
celebrations
and indentureship, and that African and Indian women
British colony to gain independence
and Caribbean history helps to dispel several gender and cultural myths created by the dominant White colonial state about African
passive, always following the lead of men
were
- Ghana being the first non-white - and stayed on
as Nkrumah's personal adviser on African affairs.
in their cultures".
tTh. greater part of his life spent in researching and Forjust under two years (1957-59) Padmore exerted I educating Africans about their 500-year history of a powerful influence on Nkrumah, Ghana, and underdevelopment which helped in the development of their Black Africa. ln 1959 he died in London, his ashes European exploiters, Rodney was described as "symbolising global Africa" and a 'walking piece of global Africa". His work, "largely C,IRICO,II Pcrspcctirr -
buried in Accra at Nkrumah's request. $!
-
Special ,llillcnnium Edition
ne of the twentieth century's most significant
and advocate an idiosyncratic Marxism while at the
radical intcllcctuals, Cyril Lionel Robert James, was among the most prominent ligures to emerge out of the West Indian diaspora. James
same time
As Trinidad neared independence, Jame s returned and became a leading intellectual figure in
played an active part in the democratic movements
in the West Indies and Africa.
as
writing and speaking on a wide range of
subjects.
the national independence movement. He edited
well as in left-wing
the weekly paper of the Movement (PNM) and tried to press fior the
and Pan-American campaigns in Britain, the United States and Trinidad.
C.L.R. James' father was a school teacher and
his mother educated in a convent. Their status,
creation of a West Indies
education and appreciation of literature thus made
Federation.
him
somervhat privileged
iubsecuentlv.
in relation to his peers.
Like most youths in the Caribbean, James was
\
a
he
ship to a university in England but chose to remain in
classic Beyond the Bound-
ary- a book about cricket and its relation to the struggle for West Indian
became a schoolmaster.
James left Trinidad for Britain in 1932 with the intention of becoming a novelist and, within
independence, British soci-
six years of arrival, published the classic history of
volume also portrays cricket
the Haitian revolution, Tlrc BlackJacobins, aimed
as a complicated art form,
especiallv at promoting the struggle for the liberation of Africa from colonial rule. In it, he
rvhereby sport has been re-
and explains the
of slavery and the brutality
appropriated
process
as a means
of
resistance. This volume also demonstrates the
mythology surrounding racial inferiority and
breadth of James' capacity for cultural criticism.
emancipation.
During this time, he also published A Trotskyist
lile many
History of the Comintern, Il/orld Revolution, I9l 7-?6- a translation of Boris Souvarine's biography of
tural figures who emerged
Stalin - and an autobiography of a great West Indian
lrom a colonial
cricketer, Learie Constantine - rvhich he helped to
James' strengths and weak-
write.
nesses were reflected
In l93B,James went to the United States
contradictory
cul-
milieu,
in
tom benveen
ness,
bcgan conversations rvith Trotsky - a Russian revolutionary and one of his most important
he rvas never able
rvho rvas in Mexico. Thev spoke mostly
about Black struggles in thc United Statcs. James also wrote and lectured to small internal organisations, and circulated mimcographed bulletins.
He rr'as deported lrom the United States because of'allt'ged passport violations
and returned
a
conscious-
and lived therc for fifteen years during rvhich time he
,
JAMâ&#x201A;Ź5
ety and .James' life. This
inflicted by nascent capitalism; refuted much of the
influences
C,L.R
his
Trinidad. Alier receiving a school certificate lrom Queen's Ro,val College in 1918, he immediately
of human
Trinidad ancl Tobago, l90l
with the PNM
and there, published
He could have easily received a scholar-
a{Iirmed the universality
's National
--r'broke and retumed to England
passionate cricketer.
revealed thc reality
People
the
metropole and the colonl'; to
slnthesise these opposites.
His intellectual
t7{
Xt quinfessentially Coribbean wriler, and like many others, James had lo .xpotriqle hinself to reach on ardie^cr. His eclectic pursuils A.velop.d lo.grly in response lo his citcqmslances - to chonging condiiions in world polilics ond his
legacy is complex and controversial and he has made significant contributions in the fields of
sports criticism, Caribbcan history, literarl' criticism,
to Englar-rd. Therc he invoh'ed himself in thc politics
Pan African politics Marxist theor,v,
ol'his American organisation, continuing to develop
civilisation and Hegelian Philosophy'
(..lRI(;().lI R\lper tit"' 63
personol silualion.
-,Spccitl ) Iillt tr ni nt
Edir
i ut
Weste rn
-
19Bg
'../ /.7
%:
eorge Lamming is perhaps the most lamous n'riter to emerge from the island of Barbados. Born in 1927. Lamming left for Trinidad in l9't6. s'here he taught until I 950. Like manr' \Vest Indian rvriters of his time. he migrated to
England. *'here lor
recognises that language is
means
G.orge
be-
coming a broadcaster lor the BBC in 1951.
"A highly
alienation springs... from his colonial relaticinship to England". Lamming u'ho opposes colonialism as well as neo-colonialism,
a
short time. he rvorked in
a factory, prior to
\\'est Indian soul". Ngugi rva Thiong'O, rvhile rerierving 01 ,'l.ge and Innocence, concurs that. "The West Indian's
cultural imperialism.
amming's u'orks, en-
.
compassing several
genres, have gained acclaim
for fiction, poetry The EmigrantE In
of a Carib-
Innocence The
region as a direct result
of
of the history of colonial
ture lfater with
of X[y Person; Of Age and
Eile In
such
works as In the Castle
My Skin
the
Ca.stle of My' Skin; Natives
bean identity possible. He sees the lack of cultural identity in this
rule", and "in
and
critical rvork. They include
others, rvith making the emergence
a
and
encourages resistance to
LAMMJNG
po-
litical author, Lamming is credited, along rvith
of colonisation
Season
Pleasures
of AdvcnBerries.
1980, Lamming was
conferred the Degree of Doctor of Letlers ,./ronons causa) by the University of
of
uses details
from his autobiography to get at the root of the
the \Vest Indies.
H .o.i.ty is as free. as iis pooresl cilizen; it is ihe futnction of th. writer Io relurn a sociely to itself
C.L.R. James cotttinued front
p.
63
analysis, not from his Caribbean roots, but lrom the global
anah'sis, resulting in the controvers\- surrounding his intellectual legacr': t'here Black nationalists. socialists, N,Iarxists and academics all contend lor his imprimatur. James \vrote
stage. Having intimate experience rvith the debilitating colonial
r'olumes of essavs invol"ing class and race antagonism, West
In contrast to Trotsky, James came late to understanding
a
political
of his life. Horvever, he dre* his political
svstem, James u'as a consistent and committed activist against
Indian self-determination. cricket, NIarxism, and aesthetics. His
imperialism. James developed his politics lrom thc general to
encyclopaedic knorvledge of literature, cricket and politics enabled
the specific and. as a result, rvas unable to maintain a consistent
him to comple te a prolific body of rvork or.er his lengthy career.
a:ARIaO.lI Prltpccti? - 61
- .Spctit
l,llilhnti
un Edi t ion
imc Ccsaire \\'as born in Martinique, in 1912. He las an uutstending student r,vho grew up rvith a f\ strong appreciation for French culture. As a child C6saire's
\
father rvould not read to him in creole,
as rvas
the custom ofmost
I\{artinicans, but rvould instead read to him French poems
written by Victor Hugo. He met Leon Damas, a student lrom French Guiana, who ten years later rvould contribute to the
birth of N6gritude. C6saire's exceptional work in school earned him a
there, he met Senegalese, Leopold
Sedar Senghor, whose literary and political itinerarl, mirrored
Constituent Assembly on the French Communist Partv ticket. He continuously served in both posts until he retired in 1993. In 1956 he resigned from the French Communist Parn'rvhich he
lblt did not sufficiently address Black concerns and. trvo vears later, began the "Parti Progressiste Martiniquais".
In l968 of Une a,
scholarship which enabled him to
go to France to finish his secondarv education. While
In l93B he returned to his homeland permanentll'. and after teaching for several 1'ears. turned to politics. In 1945 he rvas elected ma1,or of Fort-de-France and depuq' in the
the first r.'ersion
Tempeste. a radical
adaptation of Shakespeare's
lvne
rcARE
play, The Tempest, v'as published. The u'ork
raises
C6saire's concerns with colo-
nisation, decolonisation and
the dangers of political porver. His poetry has been
his ou,n. Durin
q
h
is
l
ea
rs
described as a style between
in
"artistic modernism"
and
Paris, Cdsaire developed the philosophv of N6gritude, which signified the Black youths' at-
his ability to fuse
tempt to maintain positive racial
consciousness
identit,v. This ardent assertion of
while avoiding the pitlalls of
Black identit,v and culture would
many of his African and
principle for his
Caribbean counterparts, has
poetry, plavs, and essal's. l\{anY
earned him the respect of
senre as a guiding
of his u'orks combine the two ideas of Negritude and surrealism, which is defined as "a modern movement in art and literature in rvhith an allempl is made to portray or interPret the
uorkings of rhe
"black consciousness" and race
with politics,
his contemporaries.
5
C6saire's poems seem
p oer, playw+ight, political le".Aer, fo^nd.r of +he f6griturde, c.nd on. of the mosl importanl fi*lack otnthors wriiing in French in the 2Oil cenlurY' n,..'u .'tiue
to be torn
betrt'een
a
self-
contained poetry of Nâ&#x201A;Ź gritude
which addresses the injustices sullered by the Black race,
and the problems
unconscious
Blacks
encountered in an emerging
mind as manifested in dreams; it is characterised bv an irrational,
post colonial rvorid.
\Iartinique
fantastic. arrangement of materi-
J-.|.
has devcloPed a re-
ll
als" (Webster's l34B).
In Paris. C6saire \vas an extremelv intense student rvho read deepll' and although he preferred reading to socialising, rvas active enough to be clected President of the French West Indian Student Association in 1934-35' While in Paris, he began composing rvhat is still considered his most important poetic \\'ork, if not the most important rvork ol F'rancophone literaturc to datc, the Cahicr r!'un retortr au pars natal . This piecc ol'rvork breaks * ith poctic convention aud at the same timc lbrges ne\\' raci:rl
putation as a talented plavrvright rvhose rvork continues to raise Black consciousness. His pre-eminence in the French-speaking Black r.vorld is largely the result of his ability to
link race
consciousness
with brilliant poetry and his
politics, without dcscending into the racial determinism' His rvork is probablv thc most significant and u'idelv read b1'a Black author ofFrench expression in the rvorld todal',
it is studied in schools and universitics and is lrequently referred to bv rvriters from Africa. South Ameri<:a and the
as
United Statcs of America.
t'onsciousness.
(..lRt(;O.11
Il
ry:tt
i*"
shrervd
().j 'gpa ial .ltilh nniun l:tdititt
, ,1
fhough he spent a mere thirty-six years on the L .urth, Frantz Fanon made a tremendous impact on Third World countries in their repulsion of colonialism. Fanon's main aim was the liberation of all men of all
1961,
just
a few
months afte r completing his most renowned and
inlluential book, Les Datnnes de la Tetre (f"he Wretched of the Earth), he succumbed to leukaemia in the United States of America.
The Wretched of the Earth, for
colours from oppression, and from "the enslavement of man by
revolutionaries,
man forthwith".
higtrlighted the economic and psychological degradation of
Born on the French island of Martinique, the brilliant Fanon studied medicine in France, specialising in psychiatry.
imperialism, and illuminated a way forward to a new society based
As a young Paris student during and following the Second World War, he became pre-occupied with the problems of racism and identity of the Black man.
By age twenty-seven,
in
1952, he had published his
first book Peau Noir, Masques Blance @lack Skin, White Masls), which focused on the problem of Black identity.
on the political and academic disciplines of philosophy, psychiatry, social science Fanon's thinking pivoted
on a new humanism which rejected all exploitation of man by man.
Though demised he was among the most influential exponents of the anti-imperialist movement of the 60's and 70,s.
He called on Blacks {to] "rejoice in their identity, without losing sight of the ultimate goal of human liberation; expounded violence as necessary to purge the degradation of the colonial experience; and decreeded that Africa must be liberated and united".
and literature. His commitment to the defeat of colonialism saw him
moving to French Algeria where he worked in a psychiatric
hospital
at Blida, while continuing his inlluence with
I, the man of colour, want only this: That the tool never possess the man. That the enslavement of man
his
philosophy on liberation.
His involvement
in the Algerian
by man Revolution against
French colonial rule led to him accepting the position of Envoy to Ghana and other West African countries, seeking support for
If the building of a
the Algerian Revolution. While there Fanon also sought to
it, then the bridge
ought not to be built. Frantz Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth
in their common fight against colonialism. So committed was he to his mission, that the ailing Fanon delayed his departure from Africa until it was too late. In - gg
bridge does not enrich the
awareness of those who work on
promote a closer alliance between all natives throughout Africa,
CARICOM hrq*calve
cease forever.
Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Masks
-
Sprciat Millennim Edition
// Cilr*"
Wilson
J-IARRJS ..$..ki,,g lo provide a yrew Cori\l>ean visiorr in which exisiing bo*ders give way *o a ne.rv comryrunity, Guyana
1J ')rn in l1tl0. \\-ilson Harris attcnded Qrrc<'n's Collcge ul)r,n mrttriculation. \\':rs cmpkncd bv thc I).,,,d.
cultural. histori<'al. or psvcholoeical boundarics. He uscs his intirnate knou'lcdge of the sa'n'annahs and rain forests, and Guvana's histori' of ('on(luest, to firrm the backdrop Iirr his heavilv metaPhoric nriting and to crcate settings lor his fiction. Harris' rvork cvid<:nccs abandonment ol' a fixed time sc:hrme and othcr rt'alist convt'ntions bc< ause t-rl' "their
Govt'rnment ol'Clur.ana as a River and Land Surver.or in the intcrior of Guvana lrorn l9'12-58. Resarded as (.luvana's most llmous u,riter, Harri-s' litcrarv journcvs bcsan lith poctrr' <ollccled in F-ctish in l95l
rrith imperialist description". This. he
a,ntl l-lte ll r-ll ;tnrl the Landin 1952. He abandoncd sevcral of
association
his rlanuscripts belbre publishing The Guvana Quartet t:rrrnlr<rsed ol' Palace o1'thc Pracock 11960'1, Thc l,ar./ountcv rt Oudin 1961 . 7hc ll'hoh ,.lrmour' 1962r 'and The Secrt,t
suppresses thc historl',
I itcrarv tritic. Devid Lichtenstcin of Brorvn Univrrsitr'. I J- rrnce statt d " ... Htrris seeks n providc a nev' Caibbcan visiut itt v,lticlt cxisting borders ^tcparatinp black and white,
Laddct '\963'. In l9ir9 hc misratcd to London zind. like othcr \\r:st Inclian rrriters in the 50s and 60s. his tolonial education macle hinr alare ol' the svntlroli< weight o1'tert:rin cultures and the rrav in n'hit:h Dnelish litt'rature las used to lceitimisc and lluttr('ss Enslan(l's cconomic and political porrer in British Cluiana. Harris nas not (ontcnted to "urite back to the centrc"
bl
r-tiloniser and co]oniscd, (ven pa.tt and prcscnt, give w'ay to a
ttt'tt comntunitr',
based
dt the v,ea]tl) of hetcrrut'neity."
dcscribine altt'rnatir.t: ()u1'anese rcalitics and t'xperienct's in
his uovels. rls man\' \\'est Indian novclists lt're doing. but instcad displai'ed a lorm o1'rvriting in uhich convt'ntional rvavs of'rt'yrresenting time. spacc, and other "realities" as discretch' boundcd entitics, *'ere prolirundh' contcsted.
Harris
\\'rotc
against
grain
the
Harris' other works include:
ol
The Eye of the Scarecrow
The Waiting Room Tumatumari The An,qel at the Gate Resurrection at Sorrow Hill
tradition of thc llnslish novcl and tho nascent tradition o{'the \Vest Lrdian novt'I. His novt'ls are lirll o1'ambigur)us metaph()rs. puns. svrnbols rrith changing meanings and tl'rc tonfusions
o1'
memor), imagination. drt'am. and rt'alin'. His rvriting stvlc
is
vieut'cl as a dr'lrarture lionr acccptcd norms. .rs hc literallv inluscs
L__
it *'ith tommon themes o{'transcendent'c of lixcd (..1
R
l(.(),\l PL,1xt t i,
belit'r'es,
thc "othernt'ss" o{'C:rribbe:rn peoplcs.
6i
:1ni.l,\Iillrrtittnt Liliuirt
I
Tn. Ring of Enouring Truths who
... ? man
l
iartin Carter attended the countn's
most
prestigious scho,l. Queen's College. and /Vt later gained emplovment as a Civil Senice clerk. He
became involved in politics rvith the Peoples Progressive Partr' (PPP)
in the 50's and
rt'as held in
detention camp during the suspension of Guyana's constitution and the reversion to direct British rule in 1953.
It
n'as u.hile he rvas imprisoned that he rvrote
some of his poems, rvhich u'ere later published in 195.t as Poems of Resisrance and rvhich established
his Caribbean and international reputation.
He sen'ed as l\Iinister of Information in the Burnham government in the late sixties, when
it
seemed possible that a neu' multi-cultural politics might be lorged out of the old visions, but resigned in
1970. He was part of Gu,vana's delegation t<-r the UN General Assembh' in Nerv York folloving independence, and also sen'ed as Chief Information
O{ficer of the Booker Group ol Companies in Guvana Ibr a rvhile.
In Essex
1975, Carter spent an academic vear at
Liniversitl' as Poet-in-Residence. the longest
period he \r'as a\va\' lrom Guvana.
In
1977 he rvas
appointed Artist-in-Residence at the Universin' of Guvana and lrom l98 I , a Senior Rese arch Fellow at
the Univcrsitr'. He also scn'ed for ten vears as a Director of'Guvana Publications Limited. the companv that publishes the Stabrock rVcrns nel'spaper.
Carter, one of the leading radicals of the dar', plaved an important rolc in the evolution of the
nation, and for man,v vears rvas deeplv invoh'ed in the anti-colonial struggle of the countrr'. (:,lRI(.().lt Perpn r^t 68
-
.rn in ,llilhtniunt Lditirt
,'7 ):-'
(r,/;,
remained true to his fundamental belief in the dignity of humankind:
7 ualk slou'lv in tht'u,ind
knoving nryst:lf in e+ery ntoring thitg
in
tears and days and words tltat mean so
strong hands that shake,
and
nuclt
kng roads that n;tlk
deeds that do thentseltes.
And all this v,orld and all these lircs to lite.
I walk slottfy in tht' v,ind. I hear nty' footstep.s echoing donLt the tide echoing like a h,ave on tlrc sand or a v'ing on the w-ind echoing cchoing
I u,alk slowly in the vind I val* hecause I cannot crawl or llv lShape and
C.IRICOtrI }+r,pcctir?
- 69
-
SPcrial .llillenniun L<tition
llotion 'fhree
19.15)
/'/
-JJ
oY/:"^
Hirtorical & "Antillean art is the shards of vocabulary, for pieces broken
Hon. Derek \\'alcott, OCC, rvas educated -?-he , L ut St l\lan's Colleee and the Universiq of the \Vest Indies and studied theatre atJose Quintero's acting school in Nerv York Citv in l95B-59. The experience of grou'ing up in a former British colony
had a strong influence <ln his life and r'vork and he
dra*'n creati"'ely on the mixed and sometimes conflicting cultures of his background. Walcott moved from Saint Lucia to Trinidad and Tobago andrvorkedthere as a theatre and art critic. In 1959 has
Trinidad Theatre Workshop, u'here
he founded the
manv of his plavs rrere produced, and sen'ed as its
Director until 1976. The production of his plal-s began in Saint Lucia
At the
in
age ol-
1950.
l9 he made his debut u.ith 25
Poems. but his breakthrough came
in
1962 rvith thc
collection of poems lor which he became best knorvn, In a Green Night: Poems l91B-1960. This n'ork is qpical of' his earl,v poetry, rvhich is a celebration
of the Caribbean
landscape's natural
beautl'. \\'alcott has composed over 15 books of poetn' and n as selected
as one of the
Editor's Choice
bv the Neu'\'ork Times Book Revies'.
In l98l
he
son the prestigious trlacArthur Foundation Genius Award. joined
the
Boston Universitv Facultv as a
Professor of Poetn' and Plavrvritine and lcrunded the
Boston Plawvrights' Theatre in the same vear.
Walcott u'ho has tauâ&#x201A;Źiht in schools in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Grenada, teachcs Literature and Creative Writing at the Boston University. (..lRk;( ).ll 11a\/x\ rir 70
-
.\1:tcial .llllhLrti t nt Ldi r i r t
\
v/, qL:*, ,t/
-
Cuttural R.hrillitation
restoration of our shattered histories, our our archipelago becoming a synonym off from the original continent"
A prolific plal.wright, he is well known for
his poetic oeuvre that blends Caribbean, English and African traditions, and his poem Omeros is a sweeping epic that intertwines Homeric legend, Western classics, West Indian culture and history.
Walcott's poetry displays a passion to record Caribbean life and this tendency is more apparent in his drama which draws consistently not only from his
native patois, but also on regional folk traditions.
f\escribed as a polyglot of African. Colonial and Cartl$ean traditions, Walcott had dedicared J) much of the 60's to developing, Beryl McBurnie's
Little Carib Theatre and to rewriting
earlier
dramas. His many awards and honours include - a Fellorvship b,v the Rockefeller Foundation to study
American Theater in 1957; the Guinness Award for
poetry in 196l; and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters lrom the Universitv of the West Indies in t972.
In
1992 Walcott received the Nobel Prize
for Literature. In that
Order of the (OCC) was conferred on Caribbean Community him for his outstanding contribution to the same year the
Caribbean Region.
(Excerpt from a speech delivered at a banquet held in his honour in Sweden).
( i.1RIC O.l
I
Pe
rspcc
ti
x
71
-.9puia! -llillenninn Edition
A Dennins Voi.. of Posta serious, self -
with intention
Vidiaahar Sunriprasad Naipaul \\rs htrrn
Qit - 'on Auqu.t 17. 1932. TaLnted fiom roung. his high levcl o1'rvork *'on him a collesc exhibition to
Quecn's Roval College rlhen he l\'as llot cluite 12 vt'ars old. In 1945. Naipaul had the distinction ol'
linning a Trinidad and Tobago Government Scholarship ivhich he used ir-r 1950 to studl' Literaturc at [.irrir'<'rsi$ C]olleee. Oxftrrd.
l"ollorling his graduation in 1953. rvith a Bacl-rckrr of'Arts Dcgrec. Naipaul startcd his carecr
in
l9:14 as a licclance ',r,riter and broadcaster nith
the BBC's Caribbcan \iricrcs. During thc pcriod 1957-61 he rras a liction revie*cr ol'the litcran' Jtrrrrn:rl Tltc
,\7v
,Statcnnan.
Naipaul has resided in London since 1950. and has travellcd cxtensir,ely including to Asia..{frita. South Amt'rica and the USA. Ht'has rrritlcr-r manv criti<:allv acclaimed novt'ls. short storit's ancl essavs. His lirst set of books are set in
Trinidad and hc used his honest and penetrating visior.r. coupled
uith an extraordinarv command ol'
the lJnglish laneuage and its traditions, to paint 1>ortraits oI-the outt ast roamir-rs through civilisations
irrrrld. His book ,lligucl Strcet l'as lrittcn as a l9rl9 larervcll to Trinidacl and Tobago. and thc rlcxt vcar The Sulrt'agt o1' Elvin rvas publishcd. <r1'tht'
Thest' nlo books cstablished Naipaul in Claribbean
rrriting and could be considered the s1;ringboard for unleashing the manl t:xceptional books br, this (..lRI(;().ll PLyxt tit? 72 -.tpa i)/ ,lblLtniunt Etlititn
Connial E*p.rience conscious writer [his work] freighted and every word deliberately chosen. (Paul Therou*1
prolific writer. His writings have been described expressing the ambivalence of the exile
-
a
as
feature of
his own experience as an Indian in the West Indies, a West
Indian in England and a nomadic intellectual
in a post-colonial world. His
essays and travel
writings are often negative, painful explorations of the West Indian society or troubled commentaries on the post-colonial conditions.
Naipaul's book, Finding the Center (1984), is a departure from critical analysis of the problems of freedom and instead embraces the people he visited, witholding judgement and seeing
beauty where he once saw futility. With successive works he demonstrated the
his
improvement
in his view of humanity.
-.|-he 90s saw Naipaul concentrating on nonL fi.tion. from a literary point of view. His work which spanned over three decades, has enriched the
literary world.
He is the recipient of several literary awards, among them: The Hawthornden Prize for
Mr. Stone and The Knights Companion, The Booker Literary Prize for In A Free State, John Llewelyn Rhys Memorial Prize; Somerset Maugham
Award; and W.H. Smith Prize. V.S. Naipaul was knighted
in
1989.
C,lRICO,ltPc^pedi" - 73
-Spechl,llilbnniunLdiion
,// / /,
(:),L:*.
ol1 \'<)ung Bajan rrriters. His rrorks include: Righrs ol- Passagt: -lfasks:
icolis Guill6n, one of the loremost
Islancts, Dars and .\-ights Othct' E,rilcs:
century, rvas born at the time when the peoples of the rvorid were beginning
Black and B|ues, .llorhcr Pocm; Soveto;
Surr Poent: 7-hird ll'orld Poents; Dttonaleur ck' r'isibilite iThc Visibilin' Trisser\: Jah )Iusit: Kuabra' Exsclt' )Iiddle Passagrs Dreant Snries. Rights o1-Passage. .llasks. Islands
Barbados
edward Ko "'\a'
BRtsf,{_lWA,rrâ&#x201A;Ź
latt'r appeared -ri
Caribbean poets of the
20'h
consciously to move apart, to define their
positions r,-is-a-vis the struggle betrveen progress and reaction.
Until his death, Guilldn Poeta Nacional
of
Cuba
and
rvas
\4'on
e,'lrri varrrs.,{ .\ erl I l brld 7 ologl'. Brathrvaite l ho has bee n r-it'u cd as exclusiveh' Alioccntric in orientation. has "uritten about the journer- of the \Vcst
international acclaim for his work which
Indian in his st'r'eral migratior.ts. including thc one f rorn ^\lrica". Alrvavs this journer'
languages, his u'orks are included
is spiritual as rrcll as pl-rvsical .....and "brings to thc surface o1' Claribbean c' Ins( ious|l(':s a Iti.l, rrr t( )o traumJtic 1o
universities around the rvorld.
in
Th
spoke
to the concrete human
issues of
both his immediate community and the larger rvorld. Translated in more than 30
literary studies programmes
in
of
the
man,v
Guill6n worked as a f1?ographer belore dedicating himself to journal-
lorger". -\, t ordinq to him. "rrritinq mrrst bc a sourcc o1'spiritual redcmption firr the
ism. From his ,vouth he participated
uill
Cuba and signed up with the Communist
soul or the u ritinpJ
1ail".
A major literary critic l'ith several articles arnd essavs in Caribbean and other
activeh'in the cultural and political life of Party
in
1937, which caused him to be
exiled on several occasions.
journals. "l'hat sets Bratl-rrvaite apirrt
Motivos de Son(1930), Songoro
from othcr ma.jor \\'est Indian poets. is his
Consongo , Poemas Mulatos (1931) llest Indies Ltd. {1934) Cantos para Soladados ( I 93 7); Sones Para Turistas (1937); EI Son
rrriters Prof. Edu,ard Kamau Brathlaite
re.jection of' traditional Ibrms and his pioncering use of' oral and musical tr:rditions of Alro-Amcricans and Alio\Vest Indians". It has becn said that 'it is
has "influenced tremendouslv the cultural
tcchnical experiments that have
,/z-tne of rhc Caribbean s most prolilic and disringuished pocts arrd L)
maturing" of the Region. Kamau Brathrvaite n'as born in 1930, and at agc 20, rvon thc Barbados Scholarship to read History and English at Cambridge Universitv, England. com-
pleting his doctorate at
Sussex Univer-
sity. His doctoral thesis Thc Development
[is]
de Vuelo Popular (1958); Tezgo Poemas de Arnor (1964): EI
(1964);
gran
zoo
(1969) among others, emphasise some of
revolutionised Claribbcan poctr\''.
Brathnaite has lcctured at thc
Guill6n's mature rvorks, in rvhich "pe]
Universitv ol- thc \\'est Indit's and other
combined modernist and surrealist influ-
North American tlnivcrsities and is
the
ences on poetic form and content with
rcc\rient ol- manv al'ards. includine the Bussa airard. 1973: a Guggcnheim: trvcr Fulbright Fellolships: three Casa dc las
revolutionary political engagement in the construction of a nerv socieq/, one that
Amcricas Premios i1976. 1986. 1998,. thc
nation. prejudices and povert)r which
(famaicaj l\Iusgrave Nledal lbr litcrature
plagued Africans
(l986lt Commonu'ealth Poctn' Prize lcrr his book of'poems. Ex-selfll9\7\: and thc
rer.indication of the beauty of Africaness -
of Creole Societl,' in Jamaica, I 770-1 820 has been "recognised as a semin:rl contribution to our understanding of the social development of the West Indies". Aside lrom his native Barbados and Jamaica, his experiences span Africa, the United States and England.
ture (1994). A collet'tion of his latesr rvorks I I brtCs l eeds ]ovc roo \\'as launr:hed
Long considered Barbados' unof-
at the Caribbean Festival olCrcative Arts
ficial poet laureate, Brathrvaite has inspired manv u'ritcrs - at home and abroad - and remains a strong influence
Entero\1947); Elegias (1958); Za Paloma
Neustadt International Prizc
lirr Litcra-
(CARIFESTA) 2000, in St. Kitts and Nevis. West Indies.
comprised exposure of the social discrimi-
in the diaspora,
and
physicall,v, linguistically, musically and
culturalll"'. In encouraging revolt against the existing order, Guill6n encouraged Afro-Cubans to pride of race and place. By connecting this revolt to international
he wove a cosmopolitan interconnectedness for an otheru'ise socialism,
disenfranchised people. Rooting this inter (..tRI(.O.tI Peryxtti, 71
;1rr i.t/ .tIi//, nnuttt I,1iti,tt
/'/ (')/,,,,,:
in the rivers, bars, cities, regions and heroes of Cuba, Guill6n created a nerv vision ofCuban culture on rvhich to gr:ound social and political
Sot.n.c^ri^e Pâ&#x201A;ŹR.S:\LAD
-connectedness
change.
sentativc
Indian
Considered a genuine rcpreof the Black or Black Wcst-
poe
try, Guil16n, rvhose
awards
include an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies once said:
(
luvanir
Ntchol6s
o.UJLLâ&#x201A;ŹN
ffi.,"+r
crilic
r..,.r..li=-1,
li+.rci*v the-.'risf
z^ascnarinc Pt'rsaud rras born in 1--r' Cu1 ana. and har livrd in Canad:r
(loncerl o1' l'oices: ;ln .'lnthokryl ol
for a number o1'vt:ars, but norv resides in the United Statcs.
ouglr.l995), Caribbean rV:r' I'riccs
Pcrsaud has cnriched Caribbean
,.ln .,lnthologT' o1-South .lsi;'lt C)anadian
poetry n-ith his
ncl
tr1tin'ld
(London. 1995), Zre ll'histling Thorn:
Brnk o1'Caribbean
critics, is a poet rvho has to be taken scriouslv 1
as 1
9[]1]
An edition ol the Canadian newspaper (]lolx' and .XIail once com-
I 99'1
and 1995 and
is studicd in Secondary \\est Indies.
st
hools
in
the
almost
A recipient o1- thc (laribbcan Hcritage Arvard lbr his outstanding achievements as an a.uthor. yrttct and
inscrutaltle dcntotic slang, once peilctrated, rcinlitrrt's Pcrc.tud's social com-
Iitt'ran' thcorist. Persaud lr'as norninated or the Canadian National I\lagazine
mentat.y ancl nintbll' pits self-irr.tnizing' posttnodernistn aeainst thc ]ess va]ucs ri'
Al,:rrd Ibr Poetn', and was :r
" Pcrsau
d's ltn-a th taking
demonsftates its strone allinity
n
an'a tive
tdtlt
v'ork o1- .lustin (llarkc. Herc,
somewhere",
l,lniltrsitv of'Nliami in
his much anthologiscd pctem Rain Skn'm
"an architect o1'thc subconscious."
mcnted
"... [J] felt inspired anywhe,,.. J pick up a sheef of pape, ond J turifet for ctne tmusf ncrf lef iderzs escrtp.=l one has fo ho/d on fo an idecz ctnd fhr.n fi,"d ct pLace for if
Tlr Ht'inentann Pocat' Oxlitrd.
He has held fellorvships at the
ancestn' and, in the rieu' of some liter:rn'
r:r. 902-
lliting in English lPrterllor-
I-iction I Ol:l<:ille. 1 994). and
dimensions of imagen-
and philosophical tradition lrom his Indian
( hrl
arr.-:l
thc
narrativt'. " Pcrsaud has authored scveral books. short storics and critical essays. His
u'ork has becn published in
f
tttt'rt<'nder
lirr tht: 1997Journe.v Prizc (Cianirda's most prt'stigious prizc ltrr short lit:tion) Iirr his story, (lanada Geesc and tl14ilr' Chatncv'. Persaud is the first rvinncr
ofthe
England, thc Nliddlc East. the \Vcst Indics
K.l\I. Hunter Foundation's 1996 Emerging Artists Alard for Literaturc, adminis-
and the t.lnitcd Statts, in journals and irr
tcrcd in part bv thc Ontario Arts Council
several landmark anthologies including
Iroundation.
C.UllOO.ll t1 rytt ttt, ' 7.j 'VtH
Canada.
:
'llillotnnutt Itlnt'tt
/7
%:
XD obin "Dobru" Ravales, was born on the March 29, 1935, l[ ," Paramaribo, Suriname. Alter attending high school,
Spanish, Chinese, Hindi and Portuguese. During a visit to
he studied law. He developed a strong sense of nationalism and
in
Prirne Minister, where plans were made to have a Caribbean Festi'"aI. He decided to attend uninvited and he made his point:
Sranantongo, the Creole language of Suriname . The source of
Suriname, although Dutch-speaking, and at that time not yet
inspiration was a Dutch schoolmaster, who doubted if one could
independent, was definitely
ever write poetry in this language. He challenged Dobru and the
meeting CARIFBSTA was bom and Suriname with ia broad-based
during his high school period, wrote his first poem
Guyana, Dobru learned about a meeting at the residence of the
a part of the
Caribbean.
At
that
very first poem Dobru wrote,
cultural heritage became an
was in Sranantongo,
outswrding member.
about
poverty ("pina"). This was the
Dobru kept strong ties
beginning ofhis career as a poet and writer, in 1955. In I957, he
with peoples in
won the first prize at the National Cultural Ce ntre
America, the Caribbean,
('CCS") with the poem "Fedi grabu", which dealt with the
became President of the
death of his grandmother. The
ship Association and the
choices of themes came out of
North-Korean Friendship
his social commitment,
Association. With his vis-
Latin
Africa and Asia.
He
Suriname-Cuba Friend-
his
determination to be the voice of
its to the Caribbean, the
the people for
Americas, Africa and Asia, the reciting of his poetry and other Surinamese poets, and
Surinamese
identity. His prose stressed the Surinamese situation with cm-
on social problems, political awareness, and a strong call for independence, phasis
information about country, Suriname
the be-
because Suriname was at that
came known worldwide.
time still a colony of Holland.
Because
of his interna-
tional orientation, he was
able to keep close ties with other well-known
In his political career,
Dobru was co-founder of the
Party Nationalist
Republic
Suriname. 1935
-
198i
(PNR), the political party that
Caribbean writers.
tfflooru
strongly came out for independ-
panrcrpared
El,,cARl'ESrA
ence. During his career he was
r.
a member of the national and the Latin-American parliament
II and III. He
(1974). In the first period of the Surinamese revolution (1980),
He was often invited to speak about Surinamese culture and literahre and to recite his poetry. In this respect, he was invited to
he became the Deputy-Minister of Culture. He was also active
in the field oflabour.
was also co-ordinator of FESTACA Africa in
1974.
Han'ard Univenit,v in the United States of America. His articles were published
in the
Revista Casa de las Americas Havana Cuba, the
Dobru was an active member of the Suriname l'riters'
Greenfield Reriew USA-Baltimore, Caliban USA-Miami, Dharm
organisation, Moetete '67 and Writers Organisation '77. He
Jugh India-New Delhi, New Writings in the Caribbean Guyana-
was also a member of the intellectuals for sovereignty of the
Georgetown,
BIM Barbados-Bridgetown, among othen.
peoples of the Americas. He became a free-lance journalist and
wrote his political articles based on social changes for the grassroots. He paid special attention to the peoples lrom the rivers, the Maroons and Amerindians. His poem "Wan Bon"
and internationaily memorised in songs, poetry and prose. During CARIFESTA VI, in Trindad and Tobago, he was
(One Tree) became well known and was translated into English,
honoured as a true son ofSuriname and the Caribbean.
C.lRICO.ll Penpcctit'
- /$
Dobru
-
die d at the age of 48
Special .lfillennium Ediion
in
1983. He was nationallv
,'7
qrh:
obin Ravales, alias Dobru, Dichter, Schrijver, Nationalist rverd geboren op maart 29, 1935 in
Zijn gedicht "Wan Bon" (Een boom) werd beroemd en r.'ertaald in het Engels, Spaans, Chinees, Hindi en Portugees. Tijdens een
sterk nationalistisch bewustzijn en gedurende zijn middelbare
bezoek aan Guyana kwam het Dobru ter ore dat een bijeenkomst in de residentie van de Premier zou worden gehouden om de plannen, die er bestonden r.oor het
schoolperiode schreefhij zijn eerste gedicht in het Sranantongo,
organiseren van een Caribisch Festir.al te bespreken. Hij besloot
Paramaribo, Suriname. Na de middelbare school doorlopen te hebben, begon hij zijn studie Rechten. Hij ontwikkelde een
de Creoolse taal in Suriname. De bron
om onuitgenodigd aan deze meeting
van inspiratie was ecn
deel te nemen en en'oor te bepleiten
Hollandse
Won
schoolmeester, die eraan twijfclde of ooit
een gedicht in deze taal kon worden geschreven. Hij daagde Dobru uit en het
Won bon wan
bij
het
rvelke
handeldc ovcr de dood van zijn grootmoeder. De kcuze van zijn thema's
vloeiderr \'oort uit
en Suriname met een rijk cultureel
se.,
erfgoed werd bijzonder lid.
Dobru
Amerika, het Caribisch gebied, Afrika en Azie. Hij rverd Prcsident
so,^e^i fc^si foe. c^nbegi man \4,,a]1 Papa,
bervogenhcid. zijn streven om de roep Surinaamse
'n'an de
benadrukte dc Surinaamse situatie, specifiek
Vriendschaps Associatie.
V)an
zellitandigheid, omdat Suriname toentertijd
Met zijn
reizen naar hct Caribisch gebied, de
some,1i ski,1 sov^eni longo
de sociale problcmcn, het politieke bcuustzijn, cn ccn sterke roep r.'oor
Suriname-Cuba \/riendschaps
Associatie en de Noord-Koreaanse
Wan Sranon sor^e^i wiwiri
identiteit te berverkstelligen. Zijn proza
onderhield nilu\\'e
contacten met de bevolking in Latijns
Wan Gado
zijn sociale
van zijn 'n<llk rrxrr een
meeting werd CARIFESTA geboren
V)o'n ede sov eni ora,ksefi r.ll Praksett Pe wo.|r. boen moe ae,
Cultureel Centrum Suriname (C.C.S.)
met het gedicht "Fedi grabu",
bon,
Wan libo some'1i kriki ll rJl(J e go na woh
carridre als dichter en schrijver in 1955. 1957 de eerste prijs
Suriname, ondanks de en toentertijd nog de niet zellstandigheid, wel degelijk deel uitmaakte van het Caribisch gebied. Tijdens deze
son^elr.i wiwir^i
eerste gedicht dat Dobru schreef was in het Sranantongo en ging over armoede ''pina"). Dit was het begin van zijn
Hij u'on in
dat
nederlandstaligheid
Amerika's, Afrika cn Azie, het r.oordragcn van zijn gedichten en
pipe.l.
van andcre Surinaamse dichters, en door het verschaffen l'an inlormatie
noq een kolonie van Ncdcriand rvas.
Gcdurcnde zijn politiekc
over zijn land, werd Suriname rvereldu'ijd bekend. Dankzij zijn rvas hij in staat hechte banden 1e
loopbaan \\'as Dobru mede-oprichter van de Partij
internationale ori6ntatie
Nationalistischc Rcpubliek (PNR). een politiekc partij die stcrk
ondcrhouden met andere bekende Caribische schrijr.'ers.
uitk*'am rrror ht't vcrkrijgen van zel{'standigheid. Hij rvas verder lid van het Nationalc cn Latijnsamerikaanse Parlement (1974). Gcdurcnd<: d<' ccrstc periodc van de Surinaamsc revolutie il9B0) rvcrd hij Onderministcr van Cultuur. Hij was ook actiel op Irrt r'lak van dt' r'akbcncging.
I,II en III. Hij rt.as o"u.,rt;ra;n"to. r'an de FESTAC Alrika in 1974. Hrl
?7'l-\ob.u
fi
parricipeerde in CARIFESTA
u'erd gcregeld uitgenodigd om te vertellen over dc Surinaamse
cultuur en literatuur en om zijn gedichten voor tc dragen. In dit verband rverd hij ook uitgenodigd door de Harvard Universiteit
Zijn artikt'lcn
Dobru w,as cen sterke voorstaander van het leggen van een relatie tussen Suriname en het Caribisch gebied en
in de Verenigde
de Amerika's. Hit was actief lid van de
Surinaamsc
dr: Greenlield Review USA-Baltimore, Caliban USA-Miami,
schrijvcrsorganisatie l\Ioetetc '67 en de Schrijversgroep '77. Hii
Staten van Amerika.
rvcrdcn
gepubliceerd in de Revista Casa de las Americas Havana Cuba,
van de Amcrika's. Hij rverd lieeJance journalist en schreel'
DharmJugh India-Nen'Delhi, Nerv Writings in the Caribbcan Gu,vana-Georgetown, BIM Barbados-Bridgetorvn, cn andere. Dobru overleed in 1983 op de leeliijd van 48 jaar. Hij
divcrse politickc artikelen gebaseerd op sociale ver:rnderingen
rverd nationa:rl en intcrnationaal hcrdacht in liedercn, gcdichten en
voor het rrrlk. Zijn speciale aandacht ging uit naar
proza. Tljdens CARIFESTA \rI, en Trinidad and Tobago, rverd
rvas ook lid van de Intcllcctuelen voor Soevereiniteit'u'an hct
\iilk
dc
binncnlandbcrront'rs. de ]\Iarrons en dc Inheemsc Indianen.
(.:..1 R
I C O,l
I
P.
r\ prd i I
hij
7
ge6end als een waardise zoon van Suriname en het Caribisch gebied.
7 -.\/,\ in
.llilh nniunt Editirt
orn in 1935, Earl Lovelace grew up in Tobago. He received his tertiary education
at Howard University
(1966-7)
people....I started rvriting at that time. You were alone then, I decided I r,r'ould read and rvrite every day. A lot of those early stories have emerged as other stories."
andJohn Hopkins (I974). Lovelace, who is proud to have made his mark on world literature from a
The rejection of his first novel b1' loreign publishers, did not deter
Literary critic, David Lichtenstein
of Brown University, said of his work
-
"Lovelace has gained most praise for his
novels, in which he presents people (generally in a Caribbean setting) striving for agency despite hostile forces of
a diversion he
urbanisation and neocolonialism. .... [His] characters must choose between their
considered another "useful" experience.
own cultural heritage and the prosperity
According to him.
poet ry
promised bv assimilation. He gains access
enabled me to enter into ideas more deeplv. It gave me a greater apprctiation
into their mindset and their culture by representing speech in dialect, rvriting in
of language, of rhythm". Incidentall,v, it
West Indian cadences and slangs, in orde r
home base, spent his early years with his
Lovelace from rvriting, he however u'rote
grandparents and many cousins in Tobago and, according to him "a lot of things grew out ofthat experience and one
poetry for a time instead -
of them was an understanding of
the
While following a literary career
ofhis preriouslv
to place the linguistic aspect of Caribbean
Black family...."
"u
riting
- novelist, journalist, play'wright and short-story writer - Lovelace has also
rvas the rervorked version
rejected ll''hile Gods are Fallingthat t+on
culture at the forefront...".
sen'ed in other fields, including that of a experience that would propel him into his
him the B.P. Independence Literan' Arvard in 1964. and rvhich became his first published u'ork. Lovelace's subse-
career as a novelist". According to him,
quent works include: The Schoolmaster,
"it
The Dragon Can't Dance; and The lVine
Lovelace, who has lectured in English at the Universitv of the West Indies aU\\'I for len vears. is nou a Visiting Lecturer at Welleslev College in Boston. He is the recipient of the 1997 Commonrvealth Writers Prize for his fifth
forest ranger.
"It turned out to be the
was a useful experience.
In addition to
getting to know the landscape..., you got a
ofAstonishmenr. He has also published a
ofordinary people. You got a sense
collection of plays, Jestina's Calypso and short stories-
sense
that the1, were special,
tremendous
a'.AR I (,: O.l
t
Pc
tvt\r i
1
78
-
Specitl .llilbntitnt Edition
novel
.9a1t
{) orn in St. Kitts, in 1958, Caryl J2 rnilip, was raken to Engrand by
during the 50s, won the Malcolm X Award for Literature.
his parents when he wasjust one year old.
David Lichtenstein, Brown Uni-
(1987); BBC Giles Cooper Award
Radio Play of the Year
- for The
-
Best
Wasted
Yean (1984); Fellow ofthe Royal Society
of
versity said
Literature (2000); Guggenheim Foundation
was educated at Qpeen's College, Oxford
of his work "Phillips'writing, like that of many West Indian writers,
Fellowship (1992);
where he obtained a BA with honours. He
reflects the dualities inherent in his life, but
Fiftieth Anniversary Fellowship
now divides his time between New York, London and the Caribbean.
he
multiple perspectives to er?lore not only the
Phillips has recently been appointed to the post of Chief Editor of the
Phillips' experiences in student
challenges of dealing with such dichotomies
Faber and Faber Caribbean writers' series.
He grew up in Birmingham and
Leeds,
approaches
it
uniquely, playing with
drama led him to write for the stage, writing extensively, at the same time, for
of race and heritage in the present, but
...
also finvestigating] how they were created
in
television, radio, theatre and screen. The
the first place".
author of six novels, several screenplays and television scripts and a collection of essays about Europe, Phillips decided to
become a writer because he "wanted to
Phillips is the recipient of many awards, prizes and fellowships, including:
The University of the West Indies Humanities Scholar of the Year (1999)
read things that didn't exist". "I wanted to
Lannan Literary Award (1994),James Taitt
read stuff that included me, that
Black Memorial Prize for Crossingthe
was
Nver
The Booker Prize Shortlist for
about the condition of people like myself...
(1994),
about Black kids growing up in England...." His first novel Final Passage,
Crossing the River (1993); The (I-ondon)
in l9B5 and which deals with Caribbean immigration into England
published
Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year for Cambridge (1992)The Martin Luther King
Memorial Prize
for The European
CARICOMPenpectir?
- 79
-
Tribe
Special MillenniumEdition
The British (
I
Council
9Ba).
"... Women's position on the edge of society ... both central in society but also marginalised b.v men seems to me. in some rr ar . to mirror the rather tenuous and oscillating relationship that all sorts of people, in this case, specifically Black people, have in socie ty, and maybe there is some kind of undercurrent of communicable e mpathy that's going on..." Phillips' comments on the issue
of marginalisation and racism - central themes in his Crossing the River.
dwidse D;\NTJC/f, " 11 *.'"+.d to rctise the voice of ct lot of +he p.op\..... poor p.opl. who hod ey<traordinary dr.c.r',.s bur also very atnazing obslrscles"
Haiti
)
and this was, for the most part.... poor people who had extraordinary dreams but also very amazing obstacles".
the "20 best young American novelists" by age ,u, Edwidge Danticat, born in Haiti, in 1969, migrated to the
1-elected
as one of
The Farming of Bones published
United States when she was 12 years old.
1997, is Danticat's
the Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Leonard Trujillo's 1937 massacre of Haitian citizens. It has been said that in this novel, Danticat has ably risen to the occasion of taking on a second novel and focuses on
Danticat attended Barnard College, USA, where she eamed a
BA. in French Literature, in 1990. An early version of her first novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory, served as her thesis at Brown University, where she received her Master's Degree
in
in Fine Arts, in 1993.
prominent, social, historical event that has not only been discussed by journalists and historians, but has also
Widely considered to be one of the most talented young authors in the United States, Danticat who began writing at age nine accomplished the twin literary feats of winning a Pushcart Prize for
become the subject ofliterature. She has "capably [evoked]
short fiction and being nominated for the prestigious National Award
the shock with which a small personal world is disrupted by
before she was 30 years.
miliary mayhem"... and provided] an unnerving reminder that the appalling rationale and logistics of 'ethnic cleansing'
Her work has been anthologised in several books including:
have been with us for a very long time.
Rhythm and Revolt (Plume); Children of the Night (Little Brown); Feminism 3 (INeswiew Press) and The Whistling Bird ('Ihree
Danticat, who says that her love of Haiti and
in translation in Denmark,
Continents Press) Sweden, Norway, Korea, Italy, Germany, France, Holland and
things Haitian deeply influences her writing, "has given
England.
both on the island and in the United States, [smashing] the numbing stereotlpes created by a barrage of media
and
has appeared
Her novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory speaks
of
the world honest and loving portraits of Haitian people,
four
of
accounts of Haitian poverty, misery and death"
Haitian women who must overcome poverty and powerlessness, and in the process explores some disturbing familial traditions. "The first novel written entirely in English by a Haitian woman", it has been described as "a novel that rewards a reader generations
Creative Writing Lecturer of
Farming of the Bones, The International Flaiano Prize
author] introduces a wide variety ofcharacters whose personal lives
for Literature, and The Super Flaiano Prize for
"I
Farming of the Bones.
wanted to raise the voice of a lot of the people that I knew growing up, CARICO.II Penpectiur
New
York University (NYU), Danticat has been the recipient of several awards including: 1994 - Fiction Awards from The Caribbean Writer; 1995 - Woman of Achievement Award; Pushcart Short Story Prize and National Book Award nomination for Krik Krak!;1996 GRANTA Best Young American Novelists for Breath, Eyes, Memory, 1999 - American Book Award for lie
again and again with small but cxquisite- and unforgettable epiphanies". Her 1995, Kik? Krak! - a collection of short stories about Haiti and Haitian-Americans before democracy, takes its quirky title from the practice of Haitian storytellers. "A sense of Haiti's tragic history pervades the stories in Kik? KraA las the are touched by Haiti's tragedy". Said Danticat of this publication:
.
g6
-
Snrcial Millenniun tutition
The
J.an PRJCâ&#x201A;Ź-M"'\RS 1r' :i;:::.-:-ijl,.r
l irU{SIt:}-
UtV,. gre.ale.srSf 2o*h cenlut^yHaitian +hir',k.*r and authors -rlirr'
]ean Price-Mars dominated the cultural and intelJ Jectual life of Haiti for over 50 years. His long
Haiti's real cultural strength. In Za Vocation de I'Aite kice-Mars
distinguished career, his outstanding scholarly talents as
examined the 'maliise' of Haitian
historian, ethnologist, sociologist and folklorist, earned him the title "Doyen of Historian intellectuals". He was the first scholar to see beauty and virtue in the beliefs and customs of the long despised Black folk of Haiti. He came from a mulatto elite family, born in Grand Riviere du Nord and was educated at the Catholic College Gregoire in Cap, and then the Lycee Petion. He
society, the deep guJfbetween elite
and peasants and the rigid separa-
in
a closed, privileged cirde protecting their own vested interests, while the peasants
lived and worked in sub-human conditions. Yet, it was the peasants, said Price-
Mars, who conserved the customs and traditions of Africa, touched only superficially by Westem civilisation and Christianity.
Paris, where he gained his doctorate,
This point was developed by Price-Mars in a series of lectures which
for
ethnology and sociology. Besides his scholarly career - he was at different times schoolmaster, University Professor, and actor of the Haitian University - he had an active career in state service and in politics. He was appointed to several diplomatic postings in Europe. He was a Deputy in the Assembly and a Senator. Prince-Mars stood on two occasions for President, but was defeated both times. In 1946 he accepted a Cabinet post under his successful abandoning medicine
appeared as Ainsi parla lbncle, a study of Haitian folklore stressing the African contribution to the peasant culture of Haiti. Price-Mars rejected the dogma of most elite writers that Haitian culture was French. The popular culture, religion, customs, music and entire life style were not French. They were the result of a fusion, but "with respect to the greater part of them' Africa is their country of
serve as Rector of the
(=nsisted
that he had rendered
la
sea and the
Vocation de I'Iilite, (1919), Ainsi parla I'oncle, (1928), and tlne Etape de I'Evolution Haitienne, (1929), He also wrote
important studies
on Haitian history
which ... our African ancestors explained natural phenomena". His defence of the previously despised Vodun is one of his most important achievements, and shows his independence of thought, his boldness in taking issue with entrenched
de Negres et de Negrophiles, Nrd De la pehistoire de I'Aliique d I'hisnire d'IIaiti
of
ideas and prejudices.
thinkers and writers who wrote about Haitian history and society from l9l5 onwards. The United States' occupation
interest
Price-Mars influenced Haitian culture and thought profoundly, and in a broader context, was one of those 20'h century West Indians who, for the first time, studied their own history and their own social development.
an upsurge of Haitian and a new ethnological movement - a new
(1915-34) stimulated
nationalism
in the
earth. Vodun was a development of this religion and could not
in Vodun, but so was there in every religion including Christianity. Vodun, he wrote, is a religion with "a theology, a system of representation thanks to
Rdpublique d'Ifaiti et la R6publique Dominicaine, Silhoutte
of Haiti
(Excetpted from PenpectiveJan 'Ma|
Black peasantry of Haiti as the source of
CARICOM ftnpective
-
(a
simply be dismissed as superstition. There was often superstition and magic
including Za
Price-Mars was the leading member of a group
that traditional African religion was not mere letishism
worship of material objects Iike idols), but a basic belief that there is a spiritual force which shows itselfin the world through natural phenomena, above all ttte
exceptional services to his country. Price-Mars' most important books induded
of
from Africans and shared broadly similar African-derived beliefs and customs. ,-specially interested in Haitian folk religion, Vodun, Price-Mars
University. In 1960 he was present e
B0 per cent
to speak to you ofAfrica and African. The subject aPPears to you inelegant and entirely devoid of interest". Yet the great majority of Haitians descended
Haiti's
1949-56, and later to France, and was recalled to
to hear the Haitian Assembly decre
ofthe ancestral heritage, and
this heritage is the legacy of Africa". He rebuked his fellow elite members for refusing to recognise it: "I know with what repugnance I am greeted in daring
Ambassador to the Dominican Republic in 1947-9, to the
UN
origin". He declared "we have no chance to be ourselves
unless we cling to every last shred
opponent, holdingfirst the Portfolio of External Relations
and then National Education. He was
1876-1968
providing leadership, the elite formed
studied medicine both at the Medical School, Port-au-
Prince, and
Haiti,
tion of the classes. Instead of
B1
-
SFcial Mllennim F'dition
I 9BB)
ofe Alphonso Moore, also the Immanuel Kweku frrilip l/Uoo4i, Guyana's great painter and sculptor, was _.
Guyana
subconscious
born on October 12, 1921, in Manchester Village on the
amount of knowledge that we want through this personal
Corent)ne coast. Moore's paintings reflect intricate, brilliantly coloured, symbol-laden pattern structures,
sell:induction because, if all the elements of technology
replicated in his grand powerful statues and carvings - his
develop to re-educate man to release the 90 percent
very personal utopian vision
of
come out of the mind of man, the mind of man can
"ffi..^
i=
,.",..d.rn 6ody"
of
brain power that is dormant."
Guyana.
Moore experienced a mystical conversion at
an ancienl =orrl i^ .'
mind can come back and make his get any
conscious mind super-conscious.... we can
"Education is the dnwing out ofwhat is inside,
spiit
age l9 which he describes as the earliest influence on his
what we have brought with us from the
life. Trained in the Jordanite religion where he is a respected elder, he studied comparative religion,
Through meditation we can reach down into the depth
of
world.
of
selfand rtnd there the strength and genius ofthe ancestral.
philosophy and educational techniques after putting an
This inward seeking was a necessary line of defence for the
end to his formal education with a Certificate in 1938.
children of enslavement and indenture growing up in a
school-leaving
British colony.
"In most cases
An intuitive painter, and perhaps
they wanted to show
one of the most under-
that we were bom in sin
valued figures in Carib-
and shaped
bean Art, Moore has quietly created an astonishing body of tran-
and that we were grand-
art and
scendent
iniquities
sons and daughten of slaves and that therefore nothing good could come
be-
out of
lieves that ".... man is an
in a
in
us
us. But with the
mod-
indiuidual spii nal realisa-
ern body, and this goes
tion man comes into the
back to ancient Christi-
true order ofbeing. That is
ancient soul
anity, and to the beliefs
that the
the basic element of what
The Cultural Centrc. 1996
Amerindians
we caII positive revolution.
have, to the basic religion
What you have to under-
is that apatt from your enuironment and your
and philosophy of the Moslems and Hindus that spirituality
stand
is a foundation, a stepping-stone in life..."
educational qualifrcation, you have something within you
This fundamental philosophy underpins
his
that you have brought from the
spiit
world and that thing is
life's work and flavours his "other-worldly" commentary
a
caught during an interview done by Rupert Roopnaraine,
fiecognition has been slow in coming to Philip l\ Moore , the untutored country boy, who seems
a fellow Guyanese, and published in
BWA
Caribbean
Beat, Nov,/Dec, 1996: "
I've done
a
part of God."
to have been regarded as an oddity by the Georgetown
lot. And notjust paint for
pioneers, themselves steeped in the European traditions.
the sake
of painting, but paint that the colours will work and be Iike a psychic force to stimulate that creative subconscious energy in man. What I do practically know is
Bat and BaIl Fantasy, carved
-
1965, brought him
nevertheless his first international recognition. he completed two
of his
that a man can re-educate his subconscious and the CARICOtrf Pcnpective
in
In
1978,
grand and powerful works: a continued on p.BB
92
-
Special Llfillennium Edition
One of the three giants of modern Latin America Art, and certainly the most important Cuban
artists
of the 20'h century, Wilfredo Oscar de la
Twilfredo
Conception Lam y Castilla was born December 8, 1902
in
la Grande. In 1916, his family moved
Sagua
Lgrn
to
Havana, where he attended the Escuela de Bellas Artes.
During the early 1920s he exhibited in Havana and moved to Madrid three years later where he studied at
the studio of Fernando Alvarez de Sotomayor,
the
Director of the Museo del Prado (and a teacher of Salvador Dali). The tragic death of his wife and young
Wt,
Af r o - Cc^,^i6b.crn c^l+^r. or o v.hicl. fo,^ socio- pol iti cal co tnvnenl ary
son two years after their marriage may have contributed
to the dark and brooding appearance of much of Lam's later work.
^o
The e{Iects of Surrealism are evident in Lam's work during the early 1930s. He was inspired, both artistically and politically
by
Cuba, 1902 -1982
the work of Pablo Picasso
during a travelling exhibition of the painter's work in Madrid in 1936 and when he moved to Paris in 1938, Picasso took him under his wing and encouraged his interest in African art and
primitive masks. Lam's own cultural heritage (as
TheJungle, I 94.V
choice of vegetation is
the son o[a Chinese lather
and
a mother of
significant to the politi-
mixed
cal meaning of the work
African, Indian and Euro-
pean descent) and
-
his
involvement with Santeria,
tional crops of
a religion rooted in Afri-
period, which form the back-
drop of the
work. spent most
island's
colonial history and of
During World II Lam
the
Plantation
can culture, would soon become integral to his
War
sugar cane and to-
bacco, Cuba's ffadi-
resistance and revival."
ol
Lam's exploration of
his time in the Caribbean
mythic images parallel
eventually making his way
that of some of
his
in
1941.
His first year in
contemporaries, though
Cuba
he used specific subject
back to Havana
marked a watershed in his
matter, creating his own
artistic development; he was introduced to the
Caibbean An by Veerle Poupe (1998)
theories of CarlJung, and by the end
of
1942 he had
Jungle.
The Jungle is ranks with and surely masterwork as Lam's usually "cited Picasso's Guernica (1937) as one of the most haunting
begun his powerful painting
images created this century The piece incorporates allusions to traditional Afro-Cuban iconography such as the scissors, a motif associated with herbalism.... The CARICOMPeBpectire
- 83
ism and Cubism with
the
style by fusing Surreal-
spirit and forms of
the
Caribbe an.
Lam received the Guggenheim International Award in 1964. Between 1966 to 1967 there were multiple retrospectives of Lam's work in Hannover, Amsterdam, Stockholm and Brussels. ExcetPted from : guggenheimcollection otg/site/anist;
-
Special Millennim F'dition
words, "created a phenomenal revolution". Believ-
dun s t,en
ing his "best works are yet to come", St. Omer shared rith' Perspective'some higtrlights of his joumey.
St. orJtef
"I
started drawing even before
I went
to
it [drawing], simply because I it was in l94l when I started secondary
school, and I stuck to loved it. But
school at St Mary's College and met Derek Walcott
who later introduced me to Harold Simmons that I
saw,
- J&.tolr+ionising th,e concept of God on this side of +h.hernisph.re
for the first time, paintings that
were
indigenous. They were Saint Lucian, were original and done by a Black man. Harry painted with bright and brilliant colours. He was a genius and was the
first person
J_li, I I
greatest achievement to date - revolutionising the concept of God on this side of the hemisphe re,
through his in-
troduction of the "Black
I
considered a hero, because he, on his
own, had departed from the painting that we knew in
the books. The colours were tropical and
the
subjects local. And while I could draw and paint very
well before I saw Harry's work, painting for me, was
what
I
in the art books. I would never have world art in the middle of the colonial
saw
associated
period, rvith Saint Lucia. Who could have imagined
Christ" into that the canoe and coconut tree were such beautiful the Roman and 'paintable' things, that the ordinary fisherman Catholic could become a hero? Simmons also painted Church, beautifirl blackgirls. You never saw Blackpeople in Dunstan
St.
Omer, Painter
and
Sculptor
believes that
art is an pression
ex-
ofthe
soul and to be
a "real" artist, [one] has to be uncompromis-
ingly [oneself].
It is perhaps for this rea-
Saint Lucia
son, that
St.
Omer's greatest satisfaction comes from the fact that his art is a representation of his West Indian reality.
"I
must mean something
in my art", he told
Perspective.
liberating factor. My inferiority complex was lifted because all the most beautiful things in the world were not foreign anyrnore, they were local".
q those
A:
will
always
remain subject and inferior. It is for this reason that
alia,
dispenses with
colonial customs, in the context of colours, and in his
C,ARICO.ltt
ftrpectire - $f
Walcott
days?
Derek and
I
complimented each other
because we were companions. Working alone was
not the same
as
working with a companion. Later
on, he acknowledged my work in his book Another
lG.
Derek's recognition of my work was indeed
encouraging, and made me feel like a hero. When he won the Nobel Prize , it was as if I had rvon it, because was what we were doing that achieved the Nobel
the p;'ze.
Pope, St. Omer believes that independence must take place in people's minds, and if a people are conditioned by other influences, they
Your friendship with Derek
continued since your early fuainting) days at Simmons'. Could you share with us some of
it
The recipient of a medal of merit from
his Roseau Church, inter
art before, but suddenly they had become the subjects of art. This was the proper opening for me as a young boy getting into the arts. It was a
gTeatest
Q:
Although, I have not accomplished my work yet. You've said that you stive to ensure
your work has meaning and your ambition is to help people frnd themselves in your
To what
extent
that you have
achieved
art,
-
Special .Llillennium Edition
would you this?
say
A:
To a great extent, my pai"tirs has raised
created the revolution. In my painting, it is one ofjoy, dancing, drumming and life.
the opinion of the whole society. People have told me
that they have never seen a Community
in
the
Would
you say that your greatest
Caribbean that loves art more than Saint Lucia. When
Q:
there is an exhibition at the Castries Town HaIl people
work has been your murals?
crowd the pai^ti.S because they are able to
A:
see
Not necessarily. My murals are important
in the sense that they are large and in public places, and
themselves in a more noble light, in a real light.
they usually have a national or intemational influence Some people believe that att is created out Q: of leisure. You, however, believe that in the Caribbean, art is 'fnstinct bom of necessity."
training in the Caribbean.
IIow do you reveal yourself in your art?
A:
My
.
For instance, I have two murals in the regional seminary in Trinidad. They are at the Centre of all
Q: Which piece of work would you say gives you the most glory and
great-
est achievement is introducing the Black
why?
Christ into the Ro-
A:
man Catholic Church.
Church', considered
The 'Roseau
Its acceptance, pardy
a masterpiece, gives
evidenced by the be-
me the most glory.
stowal
on me of
a
medal of merit by the
Pope means
I
It
is destiny. We had just obtained independence from Brit-
have
created aphenomenal
ain and there
revolution in
Independ-
of the Second Vatican Council, which de-
ence is nothing, but a
manded that you
piece ofpaper. It must
take place in people's
think for yourself, that gave me my
minds. If
freedom. I now had
Church
in
Society.
a
Westem
people are
an opportunity to ex-
conditioned by other
press all
inlluences like Europe,
they will always re-
Madonna
\
ud Child
rior. The highest ideal of a person
is his
God. As long as
Europe imposes a White God on the people, the people serve.
ln colonial customs, things that are noble are white, and things that are ignoble are black. Therefore in all previous
pfrfu$,
rays are
white. ln the painting
in the Roseau Church I painted the rays black, and I painted a black virgin from a West African mother
my
thoughts.
r|v art does
/VU",
main subject and infe-
will always
was
also the emergence
the
come
from idleness or leisure.
My art comes from survival. It is something that must be done. \4lhat somewhat parallels my work with Derek's is in the beginning we only had the European classics to go by, so we started
mature,
with that. As I began to
I did not throw away the
classics, because
they
are art, they are beautifi-rl and they inspire me. All I wanted to do was be part of world art. So my work is
mask. The black Christ I created myself, and all the
not what you would call Saint Lucian art, West Indian art, Black art. My work is a Saint Lucian, West Indian,
other faces in the painting were taken from photographs
Black contribution to world art. This is the only thing
of local people. So when they look on the wall, they see
will accept. I am part of the world.
themselves.
It
was the new concept of Christ that
CARICOM Penpectire
- 95
I
continued on p.88
-
Special Millennium Edition
66Bmoo '4*.r,rffir
o' o rvhol. ro orfr*.
unil2,and conlrasf are aspecls ffia2;,i"U
'painfing,,, is an emofiona/ and infel/ec-
tual response lo fhe counlry ond th. peopl. fro,n which J hovu receiverJ susfenance
and inspirafion, Surround.d, as J am, by a vibranf and excifing socief2,, in a mosf soul-sliruing landscape of infnite
f) t>
orn in Sangre Grande. in 1932. lsaiahJames
Boodhoo while a trained teacher at Naparima Teacher's College, was awarded a scholarship to study Art at Brighton College of Art (now Brighton University) in England. He later
obtained his MA in Art from the
alletnpling fo give evpression lo my reaclion"
Central
Washington University, USA and completed postgraduate work at the Indiana University
for
his
Doctoral Degree in Art Education. Boodhoo who retired
in l9B9
as
Curriculum Supervisor - Art, of
period
of
the
action painters andabstractex-
Trinidad and Tobago
pressionists
and brought the idea of social and
political
commentary through art back with him on his retum to
Trinidad. This
in his first exhibition at
was evidenced
in 1970 with and The Great
the National Gallery in Port of Spain Breakdown
in
Communications
Watcher.
The holder of nine one-man shows, Dr.
-|-he maiority of Boodhoo's work is however L d.di."t.d to the land itself. He is best known for his lyrical, semi-abstract landscapes and evocations of East Indian life. "tHir] agenda
Boodhoo has exhibited at the Sao Paulo Bienal on three
inevitably takes account of his ethnic ancestry" ....
with Commonwealth Artists and Caribbean
"most t)?ically, the enamoured renderings of the Caroni plains and the portrayal of East-Indian folklore, which is not often reflected in Trinidadian
the Ministry of Education, Trinidad, was also Chief
Examiner,
Art and Craft, with the
Caribbean
Examinations Council.
shapes, colorrrs and mofifs, J cannot resisl
,ormany,
w,ifh confenl, serve fo
occasions;
artists in London, and in several countries including the
USA. His worls
are in numerous private colections
in
Trinidad and abroad, including the FAO head office in
art. Boodhoo's preoccupation with
Rome, the BBC Studios in l.ondon and The Toronto
not be solely conditioned by their proximity to his
Board
of
Fdu-
cation office.
Initially
these motifs may
own reality, but also by the fact that these themes and his exuberant use of colour are mutually enhancing."
The
in-
contrasts
of
Trinidad's
landscape
fluenced by the
always fascinated Boodhoo, particularly the sugar cane
typical non-ob-
fields
jective style of Europe in his
manicured gree4 or terra cotta furowed 6elds.
tlis
early
elements of cane cutters
years,
Boodhoo
was
- a place
without trees, with rolling hilb,
lt
is
landscape which Boodhoo balances with figurative
to
develop the theme for
Caroni, the series of paintings fimt efibited in 1992.
exciting period
The author of Between Two Seasons Longman, UK (1994), Dr. Boodhoo is the recipient of several awards including the Wilson Minshall Prize for Painting (1953); Wyn's Way National Award for Visual Arts (1982); Doubleday Award Best Novel in Progress, Superior Writing Indiana
of the age of
University Writers' Conference(1974); and Hum-
stimulated dur-
ing the latter years of the sixties in the USA and the
Aquarius
-
the
ming Bird Medal, Gold (1993).
C{RlCOM.funpectire - S$ -Spcial Millemium Edition
rguably Jamaica's most revered living painter, Albert Huie is the fintJamaican painter to rise
Artist-in-Residence at Spellman College. He however
from humble beginnings to enjoy a firll professional
following. Today, Huie lives between Jamaica and
/
.A
\
career - one which spans more
thal
sixty yean. His is a
story "not merely of opportunities offered, but of opportunities seized upon and used"; a story which tells
not only
of
opted to setde in Toronto where he has
built up a good
Canada.
whole career illuminates the possibilities
J_luie's | | which
were open to, and also the difficulties
mission - "the feeling that he had something to give to
which faced a Jamaican artist of his particular generation. His wor\ falling into the traditional genres
the culture that nurtured him, as well as many things to
- landscapes, portraits, nudes, still lifes, celebrates his
take from
immense determination, but sense of
it".
love of tropical landscapes as well as purelyJamaican
Born in Falmouth, Trelawny, in 1920, Huie
scenes.
felt a passion for art from early childhood, at a time when it was considered quite ridiculous for
a
In this latter regard, Huie
Eady Morning at
Moryanl
lIarbout
has been described as
selective. "There is a great deal ofJamaican life which
poor Black
boy to nourish such aspirations. He disregarded his parents' desire for him to pursue a career in teaching, and assisted by his grandmother who encouraged him to make
a4
-ffi I - ;;tr* nule
he moved to Kingston at age 16, in search
of better opportunities.
In whatJamaicans would later classi$
_
as an
intr-ritive painter, Huie was essentially self -taught. He belonged to the "first generation ofJamaican artists to
emerge
in the turbulent 1930s ... whose work gave
expression to the burgeoning nationalist movements
of period". His early works recorded life around him in Kingston and, in 1937, the Secretary of the Institute the
ofJamaica, impressed with his work, arranged for him to talrc art lessons. Later,
bought
a
prominent local patron who
a p"inting from him,
awarded
him
a
scholanhip to study with the Armenian artist Koren der Harootian who was on the island at the time. Huie progressed rapidly and,
in
1939, one of his pai.rtinS
Jamaica is
not to be found [anywhere] in his work.. Primarily a
often best at the Gallery ofscience
mral painter, and one of small country towns....he finds
"Jamaicans are
Art, at the New York World Fair, where he was the
little to interest him in the urban life of Kingston. And
youngest artist on display. The painting was purchased
in the words of Edward Lucie-Smith '[hiE best pictures
fotunafe fhat their island has produced a
was selected as one and
by Thomas Watson, founder of IBM.
are mirrors held up to things seen - though they are also
Between 194+48, Huie obtained scholarships to study in Canada and England where he studied
aesthetics
and research in painting
techniques,
respectively. He retumed toJamaica in l94B and found that he,
well asJamaica, had changed in his absence.
mirrors which reflect his feelings about a particular visual experience.... and if there is one theme in particular which radiates from the totality of his work, it is pleasure. Every painting is a tribute to two things -
His desire "to do something for the new Jamaica culture" led him in 1948, together with Edna Manlen
first, the excitement generated by the visible world; second, the pleasure Huie takes in the act of painting itself ".
to start theJamaica School ofArts and Crafu (later the
Huie has held several efibitions including
as
Jamaica School ofArt), which in turn gave birth to the Edna Manley College for the Visual Ars. By 1950
Thbty Jamaican Attisx;
and the Order
Jamaica for the United States and spent one year as
contribution in Jamaica..
- 87
1975; and
Remembtance, and is the recipient of several awards/
Huie was teaching at three schools and, in 1955, held his first one-man exhibition. He subsequently left
CARICOMPerspcctire
Meico City
painfer who has r.cord.d aspecls of both i* landscap. ond ifs peop/e wilh so much /ove, as we/l as wilh so much di/igence and ski//. Jr is likely lAat
p.op/e will see Jamaica lhrough hit.y.t for a /ong lime lo come.tt
honours including: the Musgrave Silver Medal (1958),
of
-Spe;al MillenniwEdition
Distinction (1979),
for
Eward Lucie-Smith
his
(Art Critic and Histoian)
.5t. ()met fiont p.B.)
Philip Moore from p.82
painting, Canje Bridge, and a wood-car\1ng, Stool ofResistance, both pieces speaking to the story of
Bat and
BallFantast
NIy'rvork has been meaningful for the simple reason that. it is m1'pride. How can
I bc mcaninglcss?
Guyana - Labour and Resistance, and which form part of the collection at the National Art Gallery
I
housed at Castellani House in Georgetown. Bat and
Q:
Ball Fantasy "simply tells everything that is to tell about cricket in the Corent'ne when Moore was a
you faced as a painter, and v.'hat are )'our ltopes for the art fonn?
child. Growing uP in Manchester, famous for its
A:
ground and cricketers, he was nurtured in the thick of those deep and all-encompassing inter-village
career is
contests. Whim vs. Manchester was no mere cricket
As for my a^pirations - )'ou cannot have a civilisation u,ithout art, and real art can onl,v come fiom
match. In ways that C.L.R. James would have appreciated, it was a conflict of cirilisations fought
must mean something in my art.
ll'hat are some of the sreatest challenges
The greatest challengc that I faced during my maling a liring, and I hare sunived it. Only in the
Caribbean do 1'ou have art coming out of necessiq'.
sincere spirit - pettple rv:u-rting to be a-rt. S:iint Lucia
out in a remote corner of the British Empire.
that it
dirine. Were it not lor
uould lxrhaps not be the proud vx'ietr'
is.
Tmbie Wedding completed in the mid seventies
f *u unepic work, not only of size and vision, but t{ro i., the dominance of pure narration, thick and syrnbolically illustrated stories imbibed as a child and being passed on. Can'ed in 1980, Sun'ival Ciry is the purest expression of Moore's vision of the ideal
human community, his vision of the utopia, the fabled city in the forest ruled by righteousness and respect of the gift of the earth and ready to protect and defend itself from a ravenous world system brought tragically to the Guyanese people's attention a few years after, at the time of the Omai mine disaster. In his words:
"They have turned their backs on the inhumanity of a system where the few amass mountains of wealth and the many lack the means to earn a liuing'l The same year he u'as appointed
Artist-in-Resident and tutor in
would you say you hare reached
Q In what wavs
your full potential? An artist never reaches his lull potenti:rl until
A:
he is dead. Potenti;rl is something, rvhich grows sith knou'ledge and experience. I still believe that my best
uork
are vet to come.
You have spcnt aII or most of your life in
Q:
vour natite homeland, Saint Lucia. tr|hy do you think it wa.s important to remain in the Caibbean? In v,hat ways do you think your career may harc been dilfercnt if you had migrated to Europe or North Ameica? The impulse to migrate has ner,'er been A: strong enough. I told m,vself that I rvould not be like other artists. I am
so
comlortable in Saint Lucia. I don't
want to change it.
r'r'ood sculpture at
As a young artist on the Corentvne, Moore
harr you
your art on?
Q:
In v4tat
A:
In I 97 l. I rvas appointed the fintArt Supenisor
Princeton University
ways
for the Nfini-strv of Educalion. and I
passed
rvzrs
Saint Lucia lrom
reponsible lor Art
l97l 98. At
carried his works from place to place, sometimes by donkey cart, exhibiting them in schools and other
derclopment
in
moment there
is no proâ&#x201A;ŹTilrune
public places. Some fifty-five years later his powers have not diminished; he is still hard at work, and
I loved teaching. I ltx'ed to see the litde minds gnrw.
dreams of a meditation centre where the works will
I ncrer
be placed
in
room after room creating
a
total
environment for the explorations of the spirit.
I taught art
a-s
liberation.
All mv sons arc artists. I didn't teach them' but stopped them. Thev obriouslv grerv up
environment and
I
in
thc
havc allorvcd them to grow. Not
al:irtist. Ttl be a rcal artist is to be uncompromisingly yourself, An artist
eren'bodv rvho punues art is
communicates spiritu:rll1' sincere.
(..|Rrc:().ll Rrspe.tic BB
.
the
Sotial
.l
lilhtt ni unt Edi ti t t
ar-rd
to do that 1'ou have to bc
dd'ii?ies A^ i^.xharrsfible
spi
ril
and cre.alive mind
frwin de Vries was born on December 21. \-- tgZg in Paramaribo. Suriname. At a very early age he developed a passion for drawing, painting and sculpting. His mother, aware of his artistic talents, used some of
he
r housekeeping funds Suriname
to pay for his drawing lessons. His first exhibition was
in
1948. At that time in Suriname, a profe ssional
visual artist was not considered very prestigious nor
worth enough to earn a proper living. To gain some level of status in society, one had to study to become
either a medical doctor or a lawyer. The young Erwin, however! was not at all interested in books and school
- to the dissatisfaction
of his father, Mr.
Most
of
de Vries'
work
reflects an abstract expressionistic style.
Eroticism and the female nude form his principal themes in his paintings and
are in bronze. In
H. J. de Vries, a wealthy, well-known businessman in Paramaribo. His uncle, Wim Bosch Verschuur,
most of his scupltures
then art teacher and member of the "Staten" (Parliament), convinced his father to send his son to
Alonso de Ojeda, the Spanish discoverer of Suriname. When presented in 1963, the sculpture's desigrr caused some consternation as the Surinamese
the Netherlands to take up art studies. From 1949 to
government thought it too "modern" and abstract. It was only after two years
1953, Erwin studied at the
Art
Hague and Amsterdam. With
a
Academies
in The
teaching certificate
in Art, he returned to Suriname to teach at several secondary schools, though not for long. Erwin's desire for space and freedom to develop as an artist
and
be
come a sculptor was very strong. He leff again
for the Netherlands in
1957
to take up
sculpture
1962 he obtained his first major
commission from the Government of Suriname: to create a monument to
that the sculpture was finally placed at Fort New Amsterdam near the mouth of the Suriname River. Other major works are the faEade ornaments lor the Algemene Bank Nederland at the Kerkplein, one of the main squares in Paramaribo, and the window railings for the Surinaamse Bank.
at present displayed in museums and in private collections in Suriname and othei countries in the Caribbean, as well as in Europe. He has held various exhibitions in Europe,
1). .l-/
Vries' works are
studies at the National Academy in Amsterdam. He
the Caribbean and Latin America. His approach to organising his exhibitions
considered three years of study in sculpture su{Ecient enough and had no intention of
was always based on a
completing the course for just "a piece of paper".
personally framing his works and physically setting up the exhibition. He
"do-it-yourself'principle, which ranged from making
his own contacts, frnancing his trips and accommodation from his pocket to
The Netherlands became his permanent place of
usually spent the cold months of the year in tropical Suriname, from where he
residence.
scheduled his regional exhibitions (Jarnaica, Miami, Mexico.
CARICO)II Penpectirr
-
-
Spccia| .lfillennium Edition
- efwil)
c{e vrie b.\il
ontwikl<elen als kunstenaar en als beeldhouwer was
Hij l'ertrok in 1957 weer naar Nederland om bceldhou\\,en te studeren aan de Nationale Academie in Amsterdam. Drie jaar studie in zeer sterk.
s
beeldhouwen beschouwde
8.. "1. ",
I
J h.,,.r.,"-
hij tenslotte
voldoende
en achtte hij het niet nodig om de studie afte ronden
"
voor enkel een "stukje papier". Nederland rverd zijn vaste rvoonplaats.
De meeste rverken van Errvin de Vries weerspiegelen een abstract expressionistische stijl.
f \--
rwin de Vries werd geboren op deeember 21.
vroege
tgZg in Paramaribo. Suriname. Op heel leeftijd ontwikkeide hij een voorliefde voor
tekenen, schilderen en beeldhouwen. Zljn moeder,
Erotiek en het vrourvelijke naakt vormen hoofdthema's in zijn schilderijen. De
de
meeste
beeldhourvrverken van hem zijn in brons gegoten. In 1962 kreeg
hij zijn
eerste grote opdracht van de
die zich bervust lverd van
Surinaamse Overheid: het ven'aardigen van een
zrjn artistieke
besteedde een deel van
monument ter nagedachtenis van A-lonso de Ojeda, the Spaanse ontdekker van Suriname. Toen hij zijn
haar huishoudgeld voor
werk in 1963 presenteerde, ontlokte het ontwerp
het betalen van zrjn tekenlessen. Zijn eerste
enorme beroering aangezien het door de Surinaamse
talenten,
expositie rverd gehouden
Overheid als te 'modern' en te abstract werd beschoulvd. Het duurde trvee jaren voor het beeld
uiteindelijk werd geplaatst in het Fort Nieuw Amsterdam bij de monding van de Surinamerivier.
in 1948. Gedurende die tijd rvas het beroep van kunstenaar in Suriname
Andere grote s'erken van
niet populair en rverd het
muun'ersieringen bij de Algemene Bank Nederland
niet beschourvd as een dat
aan het Kerkplein, een van de belangrijkste pleinen
het een behoorlijk inkomen
in Paramaribo, en de hekwerken bij de ramen van de
kon opleveren. Om
Surinaamse Bank.
enig
te ver\\'en'en moest men
jonge Eru.in. daarentegen,
helemaal niet geinteresseerd in boeken en de school. dit tot
was
H.J. de \rries, een rijk en bekend zakenman in Paramaribo. Zijn
m zijn
de
ijn rverken zijn tentoongesteld in musea en prive collecties, in Suriname en andere
aanzien in de maatschappij
op zijn minst medicijnen of rechten studeren. De
he
landen in het Caribisch gebied alsook in Europa. Hij
heeft diverse exposities gehouden in Europa, het Caribisch gebied en in Latijns Ame rika. Zijn manier van organiseren van exposities rvas altijd op basis van het "doe-het-zelf' principe, varidrend van het zelf leggen ','an kontakten, zelf financieren van zijn
ongenoegen'u'an zijn vader, I\{ijnheer
reizen en verblijf tot het zelf inlijsten van zijn werken
oom, Wim Bosch Verschuur, destijds tekenleraar en
en het fysiek opzetten r.an de expositie. De koude maanden van het jaar breng hij normaliter door in
lid van de "Staten" (Parlement), slaagde erin de vader ervan te overtuigen zijn zoon voor een
tropisch Suriname, vanwaaruit hrj zijn regionale exposities organiseert (famaica, Miami, Mexico,
tekenopleiding naar Nederland te sture n. Gedurende
Brasil enz.). Hij organiseert continu en op jaarbasis
de periode 1949 en 1953 studeerde Envin aan de Kunst Academies in Den Haag en Amsterdam. Na
exposities
het behalen van zijn diploma MO-Tekenen keert hij
medelandgenoten. Zrjn reizen naar en en'aring met
terug naar Suriname om les te geven op diverse middelbare scholen, echter niet voor lang. Erwin's
Latijns Amerika en het Caribisch gebied, en zijn Surinaamse achtergrond. zijn van zichtbaar grote
drang na r ruimte en vrijheid om ztch
invloed geweest op zijn werken.
te
CARICO,II Penpcctirr -
in zijn thuisland, om op die manier het cultuuronderwijs over te brengen op zljn
-
.Special
-llilhtvtitnt Editiot
Specifieke
kenmerken van de oude culturen van de Azteken en de Maja's, van de diverse etnische groeringen in het
Brasil etc.) He continuously holds
Caribisch gebied (Inheemse Indianen, Creolen, Hindoestanen, Javanen, Chinezen, enz.) komen
exhibitions in his home country where, through his contribution, he promoted culture education of his
regelmatig voor in zijn creaties, alsook
fellow Surinamese. His visits and experience in Latin America and the Caribbean, together with his Surinamese background have significantly influ-
de
kleurrijkheid als een reflectie van het warme, felle en exotische karakter van de tropen, vanwaar hij afkomstig is.
continued from p.89
annual
enced his works. Specific features of the old cultures
zijn eerste expositie in 1948 tot heden /bnaf
of the Aztecs and Mayas, of the various ethnic groups in the Caribbean (Amerindians, Creoles,
doorlopen, voorvloeiend uit een onuitputtelijke energie en creatieve geest, met daarbij een zeer speciale en fascinerende stijl, weergegeven in zijn
Indians,Javanese, Chinese, etc.) frequently occur in
\
V
heeft Erwin de Vries een succesvolle carridre
his creations, as well as the colourful reflection ofthe warm, bright and exotic character of the tropics
tekeningen, schilderijen en beeldhouwwerken. Publieke reacties op zijn kunstwerken varieerden van enthousiaste loftuigingen over zijn artistieke
from where he originated.
talenten tot negatieve opmerkingen die zijn
developed from an inexhaustible spirit and creative
schilderijen van vrouwelijke naakt betitelden als 'vieze tekeningen en schilder!'en'. Kunstcritici in
style
Nederland beschouwden zijn erotische vitaliteit,
Responses
weergegeven in
zijn beeldhouwwerken
en
schilderijen, een belangrijke bijdrage aan de Hollandse kunst. Zijn kunst, werd geredeneerd,
'l-om his first exhibition in l94B today, Erwin a. Vries has covered a successful career, I mind, reflected in
the very
special and fascinating
of his drawings, paintings and
sculpture.
from the public to his art works vary
from enthusiastic
-
praising his artistic talents
-
to
negative comments which consider his paintings of female nudes as "dirty drawings and paintings". Art
verheerlijkte lie{de, potentie and vruchtbaarheid,
critics in the Netherlands regard his erotic vitality,
zoals weergegeven in twee beeldhouwwerken,
expressed
zeventig
Erotica and Erectus, die hij heeft gemaakt in de jaren voor de stad Amsterdam. Zijn passie
said, glorifies love, potency and
voor vrouwelijk naakt, verduidelijkt Erwin de Vries
in two sculptures, Erotica and Erectus, which he did
"Ik ben een levensgenieter, ik
in his
sculptures and paintings,
a
significant contribution to Dutch art. His art, it was
fertility,
as reflected
hou
in the 1970s for the city of Amsterdam. With respect
van lekker eten en mooie vrouwen. Ik plaats hen op
to his passion for painting female nudes, Erwin de Vries simply responds: "I am a bon vivant, I love good food and beautiful women. I put them on a
simpelweg als:
een voetstuk, ik heb veel van hen geleerd en door
hen heb ik deze prachtige kleuren kunnen weergeven." (Haarlems Dagblad, Nede rland, januari
pedestal, I have learned a lot from them, that is how
I came by those lovely colours." (flaarlems Dagblad,
1994).
The Netherlands, January,
CARICOiI| Pcnpecti?
- qJ
Special
.Vill en ni u m Edi tion
1994).
SlingerTMNCgSC7
fl ftlea as the premier Calypsonian of ft ra.,iaua and Tobago and the
Ifow did you eltpect
ing point for this "grass-rooted, connected,
Q:
audience to react?
"Calypso King of the World", the Hon.
in touch, fluid, flexible" recipient of many honours and accolades - including Trini-
Slinger'Mighty Sparrow' Francisco, OCC,
dad's second highest honour, the Chaconia
is an extraordinary entertainer
who
brought honour, glory and dignity to
has
Gold Medal; Chieftaincy of the City of
an
Lagos, Nigeria; Honorary Citizen of several
indigenous art form, once scomed by the elite
of
Caribbean society.
Bom
in
1935,
in
Grand Roi
Indies; certificates of appreciation from the
Carl Jaganauth thought he could use the extra milk beneficially and started up a
of
govemments
was talcen
to Trinidad as an infant by his
Islands, Barbados, Jamaica and the Order
migrant parents
in
1937, would nineteen
King and Road
f/-fie church and school were one - St / Patrick's Church and St Patrick's School. In those days milk was given, and
Grenada, Slinger Francisco, who
years later become Callpso
Sparrow chucHed loudly and explained:-
in the USA; Honorary Doctor of ktten from the University of the West
cities
in
Village
the
The Bahamas, the Virgin
of the Caribbean Community, (OCC) 2001.
Perhaps
it
in
began
his days of
My
sometimes there was extra..
singing programme for milk -
teacher
if you
sang
good, you received extra milk. The programme was not really official, but the
I
March Champion. Since 1956, he has won
school concerts and church choirs when at a
mi.lk encouraged us, and so
the Calypso Monarch tide seven times, the
particular concert he broke the ice and sang
mostly country and westem. But my teacher
latest being 1992, and the Road March
a "rorvd,v" callnso - lorbidden for some in
suspected
Champion, a similar seven times, the latest
those davs.
quietly with "my boys" in the school and during one such 'concert', he said "why
in 1984. Twice he competed in the Calypso King of Kings Competition and won on
Perspective drew
his
thoughts
back to those davs and enquired
that I used to be singing callpso
don't you sing something else?" So, I sang a
callpso and that was it. Everyone started
both occasions (85 and 8B). Sparrow's joumey to "Monarch
Supreme" with adoring fans
sang regularly,
in
laughing
-I
expected amusement as the
every
boys in the class were used to me singing
comer of the world, was not an easy task
callpso and I knew how they would react, it
and "has been won in the face of immense
wasn't a surprise to me.
social prejudice, hypocrisy and negativity.
them and to improvise too [and in a conspiratorial tone continued] but I dared
In
response, Sparrow has been rebel,
warrior, the aggressive life-force beneath
I
used to sing
it to
not do so on this occasion.
the very foundations ofCaribbean society,
The "Birdie" has evolved from
pushing down walls, transcending bounda-
ries
of
race, colour, class and
"Little Spanow" to "Mighty Spanow" -
caste,
defining freedom". He has lifted up marry
Slinger Franciscob immortal
pseudonS.,rn.
llhat is the special signilicance
ofhis colleagues and helped to establish, in
the
Q: of the narne for vou? A: The "Birdie" was as a result of them dubbing me 'The Sparrow'. I just
Caribbean, he has made an immense
wasn't prepared to sing only. I rvodd move
contribution to the social well-being of the
about the
Caribbean Community.
and carrying
the words of Derek Walcott,
"the
calypsonian as a citizen rather than ruin revived for a season".
An icon of
But where/what was the start-
stage,
jumping around, dancing
on. In
those days, dancing on
the stage, gyrating and that kind
(:,.lRl(O.ll R'Fpc.ti? 94
-
Sprcial .llillcnniunt Erlition
of thing was
not their [calysonians] thing, most of them sang flatfooted.
I
remember very well, after
one performance when
I
came off stage
being told "why don't you stand and sing like
When the Church needed someone in the choir who sang at school, they would select one of us and
I would
be singing preaking
into lusty form] my tantous
ergos
everybody else? You're dancing around the stage like a goddamn
little sparrow". I liked
the name Sparrow. However, at that time in
compliments to a girl, lhe quicily assured, and continueaf.
fl f owever. the first place I travelled to *^ Guyana. I always thinl< of fI Guyana fondly and will always love that
Sparow's career has been one of many and
varied accomplishments. I{e is -
place. It was my training ground for many reasons.
I got
a
lot of my on-the-job training
callpso, your narne said a lot and if you
"the only ca\.psonian kt have a triple
wanted to be respected you had to have a
vin in
name that inspired fear or respect, for example, fierce and ferocious sounding
the Caribbean people together and sharing expeiences with them; a calysonian who has "pushed" the
remote regions of the coastland - to
names like "Lion", "Tiger", "Growler", "Killer", "Viper". In my case, I had to face the facts,
fte explained, adding in his usual
aphoristic style]
if
the lion is telling a story
be
and the sparrow is going to same story, who
telling the
will they listen to? So, I
decided to add "Mighty".
I
Sparrow". Even though there is nothing like
I
decided
I
in
was going to
Competition; a calysonian who has, in a
ca.llpso season, and then, only for a limited
real sense, built community in binging
period. I went to Guyana and was fortunate
calypsonians,
\)af.
enough to spend many months travelling to
Pomeroon [Essequibo], Springlands
Caribbean onto the intemational stage;
fBerbice], coming way back down to Buxton
a calysonian who not only
and Anns' Grove, fDemerara] and of course
entertains,
Georgetown. I also travelled to places such
but edilies, enlightens and educates..."
I used to sing with Mello and Sam Chase. We were Jack as Litchfield and Foulis.
Perspective asked:
What were some of
A
the
you faced on your joumey to
challenges
With a
( puoo* knew several
the
opportunity was only provided during the
'Monarch Supreme"?
confuse everybody.
In Trinidad, as a "youngster",
the Road tr:[arch
couldn't call
myself the "Growling Sparrow" or "Lord a mighty sparrow,
one year
there.
mischievous chuckle, Sparrow
lt
I
Lord Kirchener and the Mighty Spoiler, whose style and idioms he studied, and whose inlluence on his
there were some challenges but, as
seems
that
Shaw who was the mzrnager, and
Mr Choy
Aming lrom Trinidad. I got an opportuniry
responded:
A:
brought from Trinidad by Guyanese Cyril
was CARICOIv{
before CARICOM was CARICOM. Yes
I
to sing regularly and for a long time,
so
when
I went back to Trinidad, in 56, I completed my song Jean and Dinah, which won the Crown.
told
,l/hat about censorship -
career he acknowledgeQ as he sought to
you, the singing aspect was not much of a
at
redefrne the art fonn. Perspective asked:
problem because I had good practice from
Ilpso in the early days were not readily
Q:
early. It was the languages that were a bit
accepted by aII?
challenging to me - you noticed bits of my
A:
Who were the earlier inlluences
on your career? A:
It{,u father liked
calypso
songs
in
di{Ierent languages: Patois, Taki
ca-
in the early days was elite in society. It was not a
Calypso
scorned by the
callpso tent, we were allowed to listen to the
I leamt these
records he brought home. He used to sing
different countries - Dominica, Saint Lucia,
matter of not being accepted, it was something that was only tolerated at Carnival time. When I came into the
ballads and church songs and loved calypsoes. On occasions he brought home
Martinique, Guadeloupe, Aruba
- Aruba
picture, it did not take long for I-ord Melody
and while we were not permitted to go to the
I Lord Melody, Iord
cal;pso records and I leamed everything.
would listen
to
Taki, Hindi, in Spanish, primarily Spanish. languages from my travels to
was very significant. The people spoke many
and myself to become close. He was such a
different languages, Papimiento, for
nice guy
example
-
that's
a mixture of
Spanish,
If
-
a "lovable scoundrel"
became very good friends
-
and we
and took
the
music to all parts of the Caribbean.
Kitchener, [-ord Invader, Lion, to mention a
English and Dutch and - I got into that.
few. There were also American singers like
you listen to some of my songs you will hear
\Alherever we went we encouraged others to
Nat King Cole, Billy Erskine, Frank Sinatra.
about the beautilirl Dutch girl
sing callpsoes, to become cal;psonians, to fine tune the art form. was very
EIla Fitzgerald and Frankie t a1,ne. We would all listen to those guys. It is important
"that make love so sweet, that frll my head like a daze, when you kiss me
that you know about these people. But, I
from my head to my feet it thrill me a
guess
my whole singing was shaped from
within the church. In the church I leamed to sing in l,atin and this gave me some practice.
instrumental in that music.
million ways" .lsinging lustily in
Drawing his attention to
Dutch and translating in English]
Ceremony
It was nothing
obscene.
CARICOMPenpectire
- lJ
it -
was
just paying
Specia.l MiJlennium Edition
in
his
Conferment
1987, when he received his continued on p. I 00
Belize
CARICOtrtf
knpectie - Q$
-Speaal MillenniumEdition
Ao L'
in Belize, where
she grew up and completed her basic
"
7he link between the status of women and socio-
for
education, Carla Natalie Barnett went on to the University of
economic progress is dear. The main implication is also dear
the West Indies (UW! Mona Campus, inJamaica, where her
the kinds
relationship with the rest of the Caribbean was fostered and
economic and social improvemenc. 7he implication is this: to the
It
nurtured.
Economics
was also where she gained an honours degree in
in
1980. After successfully pursuing
Economics at the University
of
Western Ontario
a MA
in
in
1985, the
call of the Region brought her back to UWI, where she read for
her Doctorate of Phi-losophy in the Social Sciences. She awarded the PhD.
in
ofpolicy approaches which arc intended to bring real
extent that the root of the socio-economic problem can be better undentood through an analysis from the gender penpective, the solution to the problem, grea ter possibili ty
if it
contains a gender perpective, has a
of s u ccess ".
Yet, it was clear that the Caribbean woman still had to
was
find firll empowerment to maximise her potential within the society
1992.
she nurtured.
Dr. Bamett has given due thought to this continuing
Ever intellectually curious, while understanding that critical decisions also had to be grounded in hard, empirical data, Dr.
dilemma and has made bold public statements on the issue.
Bamett's career in service to her counFy, Belize, and to the Region,
"
began
Research Officer and Foreign Exchange Comptroller at
as a
the Central BanI< of Belize in 1980. By 1989, however, she was ready to expand her career horizons and joined the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) headquartered
in
Barbados, as a
Country Economist where she served until 1991. That sa.me year,
Dr. Bamett retumed to Belize Belize, making history in
as
Deputy Govemor at the Bank of
CARICOM by becoming
the first woman
in the Region to hold such a position.
h
1997,
Dr. Bamett joined the Secretariat
as
Deputy Secretary
General, Caribbean Community, this time, not only as the fint
-Tor there to be meaninglill shi/t in the perception of the roles of f
women and men, there has to be a fundamental reualuation of the
work that women have aaditionally done. This work that women have daditionally done must be seen for what it is
-
essential for the
production and reproduction ofsociety, and therefore inherently ualuable. The ualuafion of unwaged work is a key exercise
in this
it carnot be a fruiful exercise unless there is a m4jor nansformation of the way we - women and men- thinlt and the way society is sttuctured. . .. " "...We need a fundamental change in behauiounl axitudes. In this regard, it is most impottant to sensitise the public regard but, in a fundatnental
sense,
that uiolence is unacceptable for sett/ing differences, its a means
of
enteftainment and as an expression of powel'
In typical strength of
woman, but also the youngest person to be so appointed.
character,
Dr. Bamett is
not
Demonstrating and delivering tremendous ability and
hesitant to make known her analysis of one of the core problems in
insight in a range of endeavours, both as a leading administrator in
relation to empowerment of the Caribbean woman, and barriers to
the business of the Community and as a true integrationist, and
transformation of her position to truly participate as lhll partner in
nained Economist with a thorough understanding of financial
moulding the Region.
s)stems and arrangements, she keeps apace
with
current
"
I berteve
that this transformation will not take place
until
technology which she utilises in her daily work. It is this basis on
the issue ofpolitical empowerment is addressed. For many of us -
which Dr. Bamett advocates and stands solidly behind transition of
women and men - the political arena is still considered the domain
the Region into a true knowledge-based society its present and future development.
'When we realize that the
as a sine qua
non
of
holdingpositions of authoity and responsibility in govemment, in
production ofknowledge and
the corpotate worlQ in political organizations and in the Church.
when we realize that the rapid transformation in production and information technologies is swilily shortening the time in which
-
men and, as a resuh, there continues to be far too few women
In her words -
the market forinfonning and transforming the worlQ as we know it, at a pace which makes it extemely difficult for us to catch up,
knowledge becomes obsolete
of
we begin to undentand the scale
of
in human resource development which is required to take this Rqion into the global economy ofthe twenty-fint centuy"
investrnent
Blessed with an almost fearless disposition,
Consequently, women seldom play an active role at the highest Ievels of policy-making and, generally, do
"As we redouble our efforts to alleuiate poverty, which disproportionat* atrecx women, and increase the participation of women in decision-making at aII levels...the wider social benefrt enabling and empwering our wome4 can be achieved But, even
Dr. Barnett, a
woman pioneer in 'maledom' arenas has a special awareness of
seeks
as
of
."
the Region deals with matters of gender and
to do the remedial work, which will grant all persons equal
opportunities of meaning{i:l involvement in drafting and constructing our national and regional future, this CARICOM
the two-sided ficrnrnes of the Caribbean woman. Clari$ing women's layered responsibilities, Dr. Bamett declared: CARICOMPenpectirc
not have meaninglill
opportunities to contribute to the decision-making process."
- Q/
-Specia.l
Millennim Edition
"It is true that the macro-economrc enwrunment needs
Deputy Secretary General remains very much aware of the other pressing issues and challenges which continue to fuel the need for
to be improved to facilitate the creation of a
regional cohesion: the creation of the CARICOM
enuironment, which wil] be better able to take advantage
Single Market
and Economy (CSME), as well as establishment of the Caribbean
(Cql to support that structure and enhance
competitive
of
opportunities, which are aising out of globalisation. The
the
relevant national laws for trade and investment need updating.
administration ofjustice. Not least among these are the forces of
Tax and incentive policies need to be focused on promoting
Dr. Bamett acknowledges
productiuity. These things we know; and while they are necessary they will not be enough. On the human resources
Court ofJustice
globalisation, which "
...
the process
is:
by which the hoizon, the windows
of
opportunity of economic agents, arc widened beyond the limits
side, the competitive culture needs to be nurtured."
ofthe national economy as they seek greater choices in sources ofinputs (abour, capital and technology) and new markets for outpuf'.
national levels in our Community, we need to stop talking about
$f,...uaity
accepts that this process has
notjust begun but
has
been taking place for a long time. "
For
us
in the Western hemisphere,
this process began
at least 500 years ago when Columbus thought he had landed
"Most importantly, however, at the regional and these things and start creating what is necessary. We need to
build a competitive enuironment, with empowerment of small and medium businesses as a key feature of the development process. It can be done. SmaII and medium enterprises can grow into powerhouses of productiuiry and competitiveness
(...in the Region). ft
Always ready and competent to be an integral part of
on islands of the Indian OceanP.' For her, the three aspects of globalisation remain crystal
clear: the ideology
has been done."
of the market, the pace of
the solution, at the end of the day
-
any day - Dr. Barnett, with
an uncanny knack for management and interpersonal relations
technological
During her watch as Deputy Secretary General, the
part in some of the most difficult decisions the Community has faced since its beginning in the 1970s,
Caribbean Community continues to aggressively and progressively
among them, the restructuring and transition of the Region into
pursue its objectives of creating that single regional economic
a creature of the
is called on to play a
development and the rise of regionalism.
space. One
pillar of globalisation which has manifested itself in the
widening World Trade Organisation 0A'IO) led philosophies of liberalization and open competition, is grounded in marketoriented principles. Many hail this as continuing erosion towards the demise of state inlluence. Dr. Bamett is very conscious of this school of thought, and as she continues her leadenhip role in the
implementation
of CARICOM
"At thisjuncture,
objectives, throws out the caveat:
there is an almost global acceptance
of
the ideology ofthe market as the preferred approach to socioeconomic development.
It
is as if, somehow, the inuisible hand
will fix it. ft is important to recognize that even in, or perhaps
I
should say, especially in market economies, the state has a role
if the sell:regilatory
twenty-first century. She, however, has a cool,
unflustered confidence which reassures those within her environment that the most pressured situation is still manageable
.
GI
.,,/he demands of Dr. Barnett's professional duties are balanced by her a.ffinity to nature. This may be the reason for the calming temperament as well as rich spirit which resonates in her laughter. This equipoise is further illustrated in Dr. Bamett's wide range of interests:
from the highly complex academic Land
Reform,
F,conomics, and Philosophy, to homely gardeningforwhich she has a passion, cooking at
which she is quite adept, sewing which comes
naturally to her and, ofcourse, cricket. An excellent photographer
market forces are to operate elliciently
who tal<es pride in her photographic collections, her love of music
and have desired growth elfects. This role is to guarantee property rights by the force oflaw. This is a necessary condition for the "market" to function."
allows her to readily enjoy Jazz, the Classics, Belize's indigenous sounds and, like any tme Caribbean woman, the inevitable Soca.
too,
In relation to the
issue of the Region's competitiveness
in the global setting, Dr. Barnett has very clear views
and
A
solid professional, caring mother and homemaker, Dr.
Carla Natalie Bamett, with smiling confidence and stout belief in the merits of integration, continues to hold her own in the Region.
recognises that there is still a lot of work to do.
"Human resource development is the key to growh in productiuity and competitiveness in all xrcieties, including our own.
Our human resources endowment has not as yet mobilised and enabled enough to produce at the levels ofproductiuity,, which
will
allow us to compete at the highest levels of the global market."
CARICO,V Penpecti?
- qB
-
Spcial .lfilJennium Edition
Secretary Ceneral continued from p-9
IS)n* tl1the
major
are the
accept indiscipline and reluctance to make the necessary sacifrce
of the rather onerous function of the Caribbean Community?
discharge
Secretary-General
especially when young to build and provide for the
problems you have encountered in
regard, CARICOM must be about sacrilice and building for the
as
future. In doingso one must be honest and do right bypeople that
Limited resources; dilficulty in attracting and retaining suitable
funre. In this
saff the slow pace of and sometimes incomplete or of
is,
treat them
ight
and be on good terms with them. Above all,
as a people are to achieve
ifwe
our objectives, then sacrifices have to be
inadequate implementarion of decisions taken at uaious levels
made by the society at large, notjust by a few.
the Community; dilficulty in adequately informing and interacting
ofmy sacrifrce. I hope I
with wider ciuil striety; and the difrcuhy in motiwting critical secton
thein.
can by so
My third term is part
doing encourage othen to make
Together we must aspire, sacrilice, achieve and share!
which are indisTrnnble to the successful pngress of the CommmitSt
Looking forward Secretary General,
in your many
years
of
Secretary-General, apart from the three
specific objectives, which you have set yourself
service you have
travelled widely and have corne into contact with peoples of various cultures and economic circumstances. You are known
to be comfortable in most parts of the world and
Mr
in the next term
- a functioning Single Market and Economy, operationalisation of the Caribbean Court of Justice, a headquarters for the Secretariat, what other elements are there to your vision for the
certainly
throughout the Region, you have a strong sense of belonging,
integration process in the Region?
you
As we approach CARICOM's 30th annivenary one central element ofmypenonal uision for the Region, is what I call "making the Caribbean whole". By that I mean the creation and elfective functioning of a Caribbean-wide regional cooperation/
interact easily with
comfortable
with all
all strata of
sectors, private
society, and you're
, public, diplomatic,
political, academic, etc. You can make yourself understood in English or French but
I
gather less so
in Spanish. But
what
integration movement, which would include, not just the cunent
specifically would you consider your proudest moments?
of
memben of CAR[COM, but a]so countries such as the Dominicatt
Cambidge School
in
Republic, Cuba, the so-called overseas countries and tetitoies, and oveneas departnents. It is euident that the nature of the
me by my mother and the rest of the family. Given the background
Iinkages atnong all these units would not necessarily be the same,
f
My proudest moment,
my obtaining a Grade
I
Certifrcate
Exatninations, therebyjusti$ing
to that ellort great
it
is,
I
in the
the faith and confrdence Placed
believe, undentandable. Other momen9
pide, included the
General
believe, was on the occasion
of
election to the position of Secretary-
of the ACP and later
to a similarposition
but there could be some conilnon framework, objectives and mechanisms within which the entire Caribbean Region coheres.
Difrcult
of the Caribbean
x
this may be to deuise,
I
do not believe that it is beyond
Comrnunity. In between, the award by my alma mater, UW ofan
our genius to effect some broad, shated pMosophy to which the
Honorary Doctorate in the company of outstanding intellectuals, such as Sir George Alleyne and fuofessor Ewart Thomas, and
Cari bbean region
other such awards, for example... by City Univeisty
of New York
Lrnivenity and Medgar Even CoIIege were proud moments indeed. They iual the sense of pride I felt at a number of other occasions such as: my success at the PhD Orals at McGiIl, at the recejpt ofnational awards from my onal counfty
- Tinidad and
s u bscribes.
there are trade agreemenu tinking CARICOM and @t*4 & non-CARICOM countries within the Region (such as Dominican Republic and Cuba). CARIFORUM and CARICOM are on the road to coming closer together. Many of the non independent islands (OCTs) are already Associate Memhers
CARICOM
and relations between some
of
CARICOM countries
Toba,go, and from Belize and the Dominican Republic, as well as
and some o{them, for example the oveneas depar'onents ofFrance
the receipt of the Pinnacle Award (2001) (with Colin Powell) from
(DOM|
National Coalition on Caibbean Cattagena 2002.
All
Alfain, and the Alcalda
these moments brought g'eat satisfaction
needless to say there were many
ofgreat
de
but
are already very close. The elemens are there for a more
comprehensive, coherent mechanism as the 21" century aduances
and new regional and intemational configurations of states take place. Such a structure can develop
disappointment as weII.
as an
innercircle ofthe already
eisting Association of Caibbean States. Already Looking back now Secretary-General, what would you say has been that fundamental outlook which has kept you on course what is your philosophy of life,
in other
words?
Myown philosophyoflifeis quite simple and to thepoint.
I
all work. I lind it difficult to
am conuinced that a life worth liuing is not easy cakewalk. It's
about aspirations and
it
calls for hard
CARICOMPenpectie
- !9
the
CARIFORUM countries (save Cuba) which would comprise the m4joriry of such a grouping are approaching key intemational negotiations such as the Free Trade Atea ofthe Ameicas gfZ4'
the European (Jnion/African Caribbeatt Pacific (EU/ACP) negotiatiotts, and the World Trade Organisation (W'TO) negotiations, as a united block under the Regional Negotiating
-
Special Millennium Edition
k ^0. taking tlis spiit further.
Machinery
A
will be a case of
far.
progress so association
in my
Indeed,
long
with the regional elfort, I
encountered a large number of people
The Youth: Our future : Mr. SecretaryGeneral, it is all well and good and highly desirable, as is generally done to
of the importance of youth, as our future etc., but is the Community, as a Body, really providing adequately for the involvement and future contribution of our youth, whose lives would be most affected by this process? speak
flIf n,
Sparrow condnued
from p.95
honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies and to his statement -
who have made signifrcant sacrifices, and
"there are other heights, equally more
who, in my uiew represent "unsung heroes" and "heroines". Our people today must learn of those contibutions that have brought us to where we are. But even as I say this, f must stress that
challenging that must be overcome if the
callpsonian movement is to be firlly and universally recognised", Perspective asked
:
far has cal4pso developed
were to make. That being
//J:How It* since then? It hnr-s advanced - in the vva,v the A: young people wanted - in the dancehalls.
so, this issue ofPerspective represents but
What we're trying to do, those of us who
Iimitations
of
space and inadequate
knowledge on my part would constrain any selection
f
ellort to recognize and pay tibute
travel a lot, is to take ca.llpso to all parts of
to the many whose elforts have brought us
the world where it is not heard regularly -
an important response by the Community
to
to this concern. ft
w"ith a
like Asia, Europe, Japan, United States, Canada, Central and South America.
establishment of the Caribbean
W?orth
Ambassadors programmc is
needs
to be
seen
part ofa widerprocess, which allords youth an opportunity to participate actively in the life of the community. however
a small
where we are, and have prouided us foundation for the future.
Further, in recognisingall those
as
IIigh unemployment, drug and alcohohc abuse and morc recently the high incidence of IIIV,TAIDS especially with
who were at the forefront, the
S talf of th e
f
cannot forget
CARIC OM Secre tariat. In
both my stints here, I have never failed to be strengthened and heartened by the elTorts ofthe stalTat aII levels to prouide
the 14-44 year old group, are high on the
the best possible seruice to the integration
social agenda of CARICOM.
movement.
f am also pleased
that CARICOM is collaborating with a vaiety of agencies like the United Nations Children's Fund (rNICEfl, United
Nations D*g Control Programme (UNDCP) and Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) to establish new challenges to the young people throughout the region. Investing in these actiuities in todayb youths will pay diuidends in the realisation of a sustainable regional future.
It is a
source
of
constant
inspiration to me.
People
in Brazil loved it and in Japan
made theJapanese dance just
as
we
if they were
in Trinidad. There a^re many more Caribbean people in the United States eqpecially in New York than anywhere else,
and they are homesick for callpso. You listen to counEy and westem, blues, funk and
jazz - which is nice - but you still miss
your music from back home and here we are
In dosing, I must state that it is my
to provide it for you. This is as far as it has
hope that this Special Issue will result in
gone, you take it to the people, and hope that
increased undentanding and appreciation
they would embrace it and do the best with
of the contributions of our people and wiII
it. I never thought that it would remain in the
senle to encourage othen to
to
fupatt of
the
efort
archives of the university forever.
dtonide the Voices'ofour Region.
Sparrow also challenged the Univenity
of
the West Indies, among other things, to
consider the establishment
bi,n a--4,
his eves focussed on his vision
I1,J for the Region. the
Secretary-
General's rigourous work schedule robs his family - his wife Pat
of many
years and
Caribbean Mmic, (emphasisng
a
of a Chair of
Resident Callnsonian
that the callpsonian's contribu-
tion to ''West Indian Thought" cannot surpassed)
be
and the provision of a Cah?scr
And finally, Mr. Secretary-General, what influenced or inspired your
three grorvn children, Curtis, Gerry and Nicky, and his grandson, Dimitri Christian
scholanhip to study the art form.
decision to put on record the invaluable
of their due attention, no less than it does a
contributions of some of our esteemed
small circle of treasured friends, many from
How many of these challenges Q: have actually been met? Percpective
sons and daughters?
his childhood. He also finds
I
it difficult
to
enquired
-
am not satisfied that enough recognition has been given to the many whose sacifices and contributions have sen'ed to bing us to where we are today,
note and a lover of football as well, the
been absent from the scene. The suggestions
Secretary-General relies on the television
were given and many have been embraced.
however modest we mav consider our
rather than his preferred birds' eye view.
I still have hope for those yet to be achieved.
malce time to savour some
of his
favourite
pasttimes. Now an armchair cricketer of
CARICO,II Pcrpecti,. - I
00
-
Special )ttitlenniun Edition
A: I an not quite sure hors manv of these challenges have been met. I have
In my mind, I had hoped that the resident
"Callpn is the best method of communication in the Caribbean. It can
at
thing they would not be chided or berated in
be someone such as Chalkdust as he was locally based, or
reach out to millions ofpeople in all walks
Spatow has received numer-
someone as Dr. Gordon Rohlehr,
of life, within the shortest possible time..."
ous prestigious awards, nationally and
(Sparow) In this respect, what aduice do you have for our Regionb communica-
internationally. Perspective asked: What are your feelings hauing Q:
tions policy maken? sponsorship for calypso because callpso, like
learnt that you werc to receive the highest award of the Caribbean Community - the Order of the
calypsonian would
"Calypso
Q:
has brought
the
people together in music... fts contribution to music and to every aspect of Caibbean life is immeasurable and inualuable" - your words again. Would it
A:
Wherever possible,
try to
get
any way.
any other music, needs promotion, needs
Caibbean Community (OCC) - for you
musical
sponsorship. In the world of music, we are
expressions;
for exatnplq reggae and chutney are becoming increasingly
still in our embryonic stages. We need that
"outstanding contibution to Caribbean development"?
sort of help, and those people who are in
A:
popular and replacing the callpso?
position and would like to strengthen the
I
A:
calypso should recognise that we need their
be fair to say that other types
of
Reggae and chutney are defi-
nitely becoming increasingly popular, but lot ofpeople fail to recognise
is
that callpso is
the 'mother' of the world. It is the mother
all music.
Reggae
of
I T
sky, it came as a result of calypso influencing
I I I t I I
something inJamaica, called the "Mento".
[Swinginginto his usual style, Sparrow sang] I tek me antie to Linstead market,not
I I
\) nraa..;
a
nid rhat
I I I I I I t I I
II
didn'tjust drop out of the
T T
Saturday night
r: I I
widelv known and who once
'he Pavid;
at
i,
the heir apparent
of
When do you intend to oown -
however srmlancany -
A:
I
yow heir apparcnt? I am
have no problem with tlrat.
sure he can handle himself; he can
wear the
a
Crown very proudly. He
T
who likes competition in the true sense of the
I I I I I
t
whorc admilation for Dawd
the Monarch Supreme' Petsprcctive asked:
I
a quarti she could sell oh! what a night what a night! what a
is
not one of the guls
Calypso genre. He once won in 1986, and since then decided to stay out of it. He has done a lot in his regular entertaining. From dayone he has been loved by all calypso fans everywhere. We
was responsible for things like
/'t"lWt" (/that. From
feel very happv,r-rbviously, and
(Qarrow,
rl ri ri rl
they are not replacing the calypso. What a
I
am just looking forward to the moment.
the Mento you got things like
help. Sponsorship can help us to fine tune
perlorm together atleastthrce orfour timesper
rock steady, the ska, the blue beat, all the way
callpso, make it more appealing, more
year.
up to the reggae . It is all part of the calypso - like
acceptable. But, we are on our own. We are
torch. Some people say, if you give someone a
the pumpkin vine {amily. So when you
see
what
I
call the self-appointed mouth piece
of
I
agree that he is ideal for carrying the
hard task,
it\
because you're not getting old the
reggae is so popular, it doesn't make the calypso
the underprivileged and we will do things
way you would like. In my case the older you
jealous, we who lmow the calypso are very
from time to time that some people may not
get, the stronger you are
proud to say that one of our offprings
don't' blame me,
many strides! Any time you talk about the
about. It's like the newq)apers. From time to time they report stories that you don't like but they don't need your sponsorship, except to buy their paper. In
reggae, the chufrrey, the ringbang, the spouge,
our
they are all offsprings ofthe calypso. But, rather
people who are
than give the Calypso credit, some people try to
industry.
is
doing
well. In the case of chutney - I wish people will recognise this is calypso. Callpso has made
use
it and create
a music
of their own. In doing
feel happy
case, we need sponsorship
I
from those
in the position to push the
suppose the irony
in the whole
thing is that from time to time we do step on
and Ijust
say, 'hey
this is genetic', [with loud
laughter].
Q:
Is this an indirect way of saying
that you can hold on
to the Crown,
enquired Perspective? This is like saying that you can
A:
stay at the top
ofyour game but, while being
that they piggy back on the calypso. Buq then
their coms. So, it is like between a rock and
at the top, there is a lot of room for other
again, that shows how inlluential the callpso is.
a
hard place. You need the sponsorship, but
people. David defnitely has his place , at the
So these tlpes of mtxic are very, very good, but
some of the potential sponsom are somewhat
top, it doesn't mean, however, that I will be
nervous. They shouldn't be nervous, however, for as long as they do the right
displaced or dislodged in any way. We both
are all ofshoots ofthe callpso, they cannot ever
replace the
.nbp*.
C|ARICOM Penpcctirr -
I
Q
I
-
Special Millennium Edition
can share.
Lor^d
KJTC|iI€N€R
Kitchener lr'as also a staunch advocate for the retention of pure, traditional calrpso. Ironicerllv, his first Venture at recording a soca selection, Sugar
into the realm of big time callpso and u'on
Bum Bum, became his most
the first prize at a callpso competition
single in terms of sales.
Although Kitchener never leamt
organised bv the Arima Borough Council.
music formalll', he alrvavs took pride in
He held this title until 1942.
-ffre I l,-
ne-\t vear Lord Kitchener the hit Shops Close Too
produ< ed
$ !{i
a "bom artist
and
composer" and his pan compositions helped elevate a number ofsteel orchestras through
some of the great cahpsonians of the dav.
pla)'rng his tunes.
the
_vears
of panorama rvith eighteen by bands
nationa.l tides being copped
and sang Green Fig. He u'as recruited for
Someone once said that
his first prolessional tent and from then on
a Tinidad and Tobago hero, he ris a Caribbean
blossomed into a major force in the
uorld
of calrpso destrol-ing challenge
B
regarding himself as
Earll', and u'as spotted b;'Johnnl' Khan. the manager of a calrpso tent, rvhen he appeared at Victon' Carnival tent rvith
it rvas no turning back as Kitchener
so
successful
"Kitchener is more than
institution and genius..."
after
challenge. r'ear after vear.
.F
In Trinidad and Tobago,
1944,
Kitch persuaded bv his
friend. Alric Farrell. "Pretender", came to
I amTired and Disgusted rvhich took the citv b)'
Port-of-Spain and sang L[ary, storm.
JB,'od |Aarch King of the Worl.l
In
1947, he u'as proclaimed the
best callpsonian of the 1'ear rvith the big tunes Scandal in St. Anns, trfount Olga
David
RIADD€R
singing career spanned approximately six
Tie Tongue .LIopsy. He left lor England the follorving ve ar. \Vhile there he made a name lor himself rrithin a couple of vears. and sent
decades and included winning the coveted
back great callpso tunes shich became
Road March title for an unprecedented
ven'popular.
thirteen times.
Lord Kitchener returned to Trinidad and Tobago for the carnival season in 1963 and rron the Road l\'Iarch
flavid the "first of a neu generalion of V calrpsonians" rvas born in Belmont, Trinidad and Tobago. Regarded bv
tune th:rt vear.
some as the "heir apparent" to the
and.
Grandmaster of Cahpso. Aldu-r'n
fre L Rob..t. - "Lord Kitchener's"
"Kitch" as he was lamiliarly known began singing at the age of fir'e and, at ten began composing his ou'n calypsoes. He also learnt to plav the
I\lichael Rudder.
Both at home and abroad \r'as most appropriateh'
guitar.
Lord Kitchener attended
the
Arima Boys Government School but
was
bt Pcxr Ri
he
hailed as the
Road l\Iarch King of the \\'orld.
Jtards
considered
Mightv
Sparrorv (cahpso's most successful mon-
arch) and bv others as the new Bob Nlarlev of the Region. Rudder is credited
A brilliant expressionist, his *it
rsith beine one of the main
suc('esses
forced to leave following the death of his
and humour along sith his
parents. His first job as a singer was in
talent have done much to shape
1936 and his first break came in 1937 u'hen he rvas hired to serenade the
content and form of the modern callpso. composed over 1000 calrpsoes that
the odds and predictions of failures bv
employees of the Water Works.
cover even' imaginable human experi-
established critics, he has charted a course
ence, social and political events.
which has led to international stardom.
The follorving;1'ear, he ventured
He
(:..lRI(;(),lI Rrpcli"
- I 02
immense the
-.Sptci.l .llillcnntunt Editiut
behind the gro*'ing popularitv of
calrps<-r
in Europe and the United
States.
Breaking traditional barriers and defving
Rudder's perception of himself
Since you won the crown more Q: than 15 yeafs ago, you stopped
You use the tem radical, and Q: some people refer to your music as
the two - an
participating in local competitions. Could
being political. Do you see a relation-
entertainer deals with the surface, while
this be intetpreted as your way of saying
ship between the wo? A: You can't help it if you're dealing with issues that affect your region, your hometown. Politics is in everything, it
as
"artist" rather than "entertainer", and
his philosophy of the roles
of
bring to the surface
an artist goes below to
in his music described as "in depth, charismatic, electric, immortal, - are reflected
"I'm not in the field to compete, but to
lili
the standard of musiq of the art form"?
transcending culture, race and
Trinidad and
surrounds you, so you can't help,
Tobago
in a
class", and perhaps has its in his artistic experience
genesis as an
in
by
politics in your commentary. You
have to be political at a certain
apprentice to the late Ken
Morris, a master
sense, being sucked
level, but
crafbman
I don't
see myself as a
known for his copper work and
he
aly political animal. Ijust write
camival designs. Rudder still
as
I
see
it.
paints today and, according to
Q: yow
him, his life is locked in callpso and art.
The world has
been
ol.ster. Everywhere you
have exarnined social issues deiuing from your uiews of
Described as a pensive, selllcontained individual, "who has acquired the notion of
politics, economics, of culture -
singing as a kind of self-sacrifice,
for
invoMng surrender of personal-
in South Africa and I{aiti. IIow has that driven
ity and of the singer dissolving to
become extension
at
once
of the
a
your
symbiotic
the
tumultuous
discourse?
A:
audience and
the anguished medium of
example,
events
The world is now
global village.
the
If
a
a young man
.." Rudder lives for his music. "[t's] my gift.... [it's] what I was born to do... music
throws a stone at a tank in Israel
in my life", he told
right in your living room, so you
song
comes first
now, within two seconds we see
it in Trinidad. The world cannot help
Perspective.
is
but view life
When asked how he
around you, and all these things
of
influence you. One's view has
dealt with the early challenges
threat to Trinidad's established
to be a world view, simply because it is no longer about your village, it's about the
Calypso Order, Rudder re-
global village. I have travelled a
the journey posed by
the
perception by some that he was a
sponded ....
A:
I
dealt wi& them by
fr i*t+ of a new g.n.r..+il,. of
calyps.,nians
consistent. From then to now, which is more
Yes, the competitions basically
than sixteen years, I'm still at the top of my
give you a chance to pace yourself, to enable
My best answer was to
you to see where you are. You can get stuck
respond
musically, artistically and that is what I'm
I
in a rut in
a
abide by certain criteria. Sometimes my
them that there is really no need to be afraid
music is so radical it breaks the barriers of
of David Rudder, as he
is
just adding to that
rich heritage already in place.
have to write wherever
I
about it. In London, something happens,
I
write about it, because that's how I see the Callpsonian - as a travelling gnot.
competition because you have to
am, showing
doing. I'm just being who
I
am. In New York if something happens that affects me, I write
making more music, by being
game.
lot.
these criteria.
I am therefore free now tojust
make good cal;pso music - in my own field.
C,ARICOtrI Pcnpectire -
I 03
-
Special Millennium Edition
Does that make you dilferent Q: from the calJpsonians who some say 'Jam and wine" rather than comment on social issues?
A
The callpso tree has a lot ol' h1'brids, a lot of grafts and thc 'jam and
I have accomplished something. Once it makes a
rvine'prcx-ides one aspect but, at the end
differencc in someone's lifc. then I feel I'r'e
*cre it not firr the artist, these same people sho condemn, s'ouldn't knou'rrhat an angel
of the day, I like to deal u'ith the wholc tree. I have nothing against people just
gone bevond just throrving a song on the
looked like. So, eventualll'. those r'r'ho seek
radio. It has affected someone in a positive
to suppress expression. suppress their oun
celebrating for celebration sake. Eventu-
rrar'. and shaped their tomrtrron in
ally, horvever, we have to return to the realities of life. Someone must be a
positive sar'. Bv going under thc surfacc.
freedoms, their o\\'n future, simplv because it is not about breaking thc
t<-r speak,
mirror, nor about licking dorvn the holde r
'rvatcher' for that aspect of our existence.
their souls. and hopefullr'. something
of the mirror, it is about making sure that
positive comes out of it.
rvhen you look into the mirror the next
You once said an entertainer Q: deals with thc surfacc but an artist goes beyond the surface to bring thing.s to the sttrface - one wou]d there{ore say that art is committed. Are you satisficd that vour work has done that?
become interested. then
I've gotten into their skins, so
Ilolding and
Q:
a
defending one's
ph;'sical or metaphorical ground
has
alv'at's been the dutl' of the callpsonian.
rvas Pat Bishop n'ho said that
time, ,vou see something that you like. That is rvhat art is about, holding up the very "faces" of societv to the people and saring this is rrho r ou are.
As an artist how,do you uiew your right
And do vou feel tltat v'our Q: work is accompli.shing thaP
think and brings them into a fold. When I
to cultural e,rpression? A: Well. if vou kill your art \,ou are killing the reading of vourself. I
A
go out and introduce the Caribbean to
remember one time Pete l\'{inshall
ahvays use the words
people in other parts of the n'orld and thei
doing a band called "Hallelujah". I think it
A:
Ye
s, once it makcs
pcoplt:
Recently you came out with the
"IIigh L[as" and your album for this
has somewhat o{ a
religious
Are you saying that ;tou see a in society', and that religion ts now
view
rvas
of lvhat is coming out in the it is just an extension
:
Not in my music. My music reflects the turmoil that is taking
it
is an ongoing rvork.
"to be continued"
I
as
long as I am breathing. So it is an ongoing
writings state the tuth.
societl'. So. that coming through
in my
q Hon, do you react to statement "controversv would
songs.
.
more inlluential in your music?
Yes. but
A
Some people are saying 7ou're
b o rde ring
Well, thev are yet to
A:
records?"
A:
on bl asp h e m,v! prove
If that u ere the case . thenl most of the hardcore calypsonian! would be selling tons of ..co.dr. I{
the,v
people just respond to something that iJ
in society. When people are in rmoil and conflict, they tend to
want, but at the end of it all. the truth is
beautiful, it's enough. Let's take IIigl il'fas lor example. People respond to thej
'avitate towards religious
someone does something rvrong, thev
Iace
igious things.
I think
imagery,
more people are
that. People can sav as much as
the truth. If truth is present. knou'it
n'hen
is rvrong even before thev do it.
ining churches as a means of trying to with what is happening in their I don't deliberately set out to write with religious themes. When the 'ibe comes I never questio! it, and by
Nothing that people have said has reall.v aflected me - it hasn't affected my rvork, it hasn't affected its popularitl', it hasn't affected the majority ol people rvho are inspired by it. This indicates that the
questioning, I can give a very honest
confusion is not with me, beCause my L'.1R1( :O.l I
Ptttpttt i, - ] 0 1
-.iptr
i.i
.llillontiunt Edition
in the song. ro the joy anj upliftment it gives the spirit .egr.dlesl of u'here it is used - in church, fetes,] beauq'
wherever.
If
a song can penetrate throughJ
an entire society, a1 e\,ery level, then youi have achie.r'ed something and
if
people,i
come out feeling good about themselves.,
being
real.ly fulfilled, then
it
is good
is because
had to answer a lot of questions. Now, doors are opened, it is David Rudder welcome! I could go to Barbados and
compliment,
there is no joy in the society. If there is no
perform and a Bajan artist can come here
thing good. But, I don't
celebration that means society has lost its
and perform, it was not like that before. So
terms.
sense of celebration.
it is happening at diflerent levels. It is now
The
for the other levels of society - mainly the
look at lIigh Mas and similar songs, to me
political level - to achieve that and to help it fintegration] along.
sometimes burdened by what he knows,
work as life goes on, and will always reflect where we are.
If the work
people say that there
is
seems dread and
nojoy, that
A significant number of your Rally Round the West Indies and more recently Banana Deathspeak to the very life of all Caribbean peoples. How do you see your music as building the integration of our peoples? A: I am a Trinidadian, but I see
Q:
songs
-
A: Sparrow complimenting me is fine and I thank him very much for the
it means I'm doing see mvself
some-
in those
If you look at my early work like llammer and Bhaia Girl and you
it is the artist growing
knowledgeable -
but it's okay. I've achieved this step here.
At
Q:
one stage, you were referred
I wonder what
is the next step tomorrow?
to as the new Bob Marley of the Region.
Where am I going tomorrow? What else is
People uiewed Bob Marley as someone
there to conquer? What hill to climb? That's how I see it. That is how I look at my development.
who would stand against social injustice.
myself as a Caribbean man also. In a way,
Do you think that labelling of you
I
the Caribbean first because at the end of the day, whom do we really have
justified?
but ourselves. The world economy is becoming streamlined - Europe is now one and we have the "all-conquering" America and the Cold War is no more . If
Marley had his own experience and I have
calJpso, who is Dauid Rudder?
my own, but I thinkpeople recognise that, in
Caribbean could be. Bob may not have sang
A: Not much, I would say. I'm just an ordinary man like any other after stepping off stage. I am a family man. I
America sneezes the whole of the Far East
many songs about Caribbean integration
have three sons. It's a pretty large family,
catches a cold. Where is the Caribbean in
but, the fact that he was out there making his
extended and otherwise. My whole life is
the midst of all that? Even
music, saying this
see
bananas
I
A:
sarv
it
was
as a compliment. Bob
our own way, we try to show the best that the
is the power of
the
depend on the whims and fancies of a
Caribbean, the energy of the Caribbean, he
in America. So that's our
united the people of the Caribbean way
businessman
reality. I feel that in our own way we must
beyond its physical parting. So, ifpeople
band together because no one really has
my work as gr.'ing them a
time for us. All we have is in ourselves. We
then
have to look out for one another in our
Marley. I just have to do what I have to do,
own little way. We may never be a world
just
ofour
of pride,
am honoured to be compared with
as he
did what he had to do.
that's what I was bom to do.
IfI
play the fool
energy. Somewhere inside that energy we
with that, then I am in trouble. Music comes
can not only survive, but
accomplish
first in my life. I've never had writers' block
something big enough, so that we can be
all these years (it's over 36 years since I've
happy, feel good about ourselves, and be
been on stage) because
proud that as individuals, we have achieved this on our own. And I sing it, I
craft anything or force anything. Ijust let
speal<
it, I write it.
I've never tried to
it
be. Once I stay true to that, then I will be
protected.
I really feel that. So it's just
about making good music.
Do you see this thrust towards regional integration being pursued by other artists in the Caribbean? A:
I think that it is happening.
Sports and the music have been doing
it
for a long time. Before, when I went to Barbados
or Grenada or Saint Lucia, I
The Mighry Sparrow
locked in art and calypso ... those *'ho see* to suppress expression, suppress their ou'n
Iieedotns. their own
luture. simply' because
it
is
not
ntirtor, nor about licking dor+n the holder of the ntirror, it is about nakingJ sure that
v'hcn you loo* into the
ninor
the
tirne, you
ne,Yt
.see
sontethittg that you
li*e. That is +vhat
Q:
a.,
And so, outside of art and
about breaking tht:
I live for the music, that's my gift,
power, but we have an energy, that is the reason they come to us. It is because
I
sense
see
Q:
art is about, holding once
said of you "...he lives clean, he is the
heir apparent of the Monarch Suprcme". What do you say to this? At what stage, in your opinion, are you right now? CARICO|| Perpectir" - I05 -SPecial Milenn;umEdition
up the very' 'faces' ol'saciety to tlze people and saving this is who voLr are,
artist rvho said that his music -frris L ullo.r. him to share a "a piece rl
ARl.{OVtl
Carihbean p:iradise rvith all the u'orld".
"I will not rest until Soca music is knorvn throughout the uni-
once promised
r.erse". The strong cross-cultural
success
of Arrow's songs contained in his more than 30 edbums certainlv reflects this promise.
"{$.,1" S.co Mcrsir'r flecognised globalll as the "King ol' l\S*"". Alphorsus "Arrow" Cassell, has
considered
put Montserrat and Soca mrxic on the map.
them. nith its more than 22 r'ersions
Arrow began singing at
school
selling dance single of all time and still
the international Soca an- he
rras also the first calrpsonian t(, appear at
and had his first perlormance at age I0.
Reggae Sunplash inJamaica and London
He went on to win the junior callpso contest, among others, and in 197 l, the
rvith his hit single ll'ine lrou bodl'- the music a fusion of Soca and Dance Hall
title of callpso king, a reign he held for
Reegae. called
lour years. It was during this time that he
Soca". Arrou u'as arvarded the prestig-
defined his unique style of Soca.
ious 1\{BE fl\'Iember of'the British Empire)
Arrow's music has become "st'non)'mous rvith the defiance of categon"'
for his r'ontribution to Soca music.
and has been described
not end rvith music. In 1995 rvhen
as "universally
appealing", each album cruising through
many musical genres, rvhether it
be
compa or rara, zouk or merengue, salsa or
rumba reggae or dance
hall. And in all
br- him "Dance Hall
But Arrou''s commitment
does
the
volcano in his homeland became active.
Arrou' chosc to stav and help rebuild the
econom\'. He rvent back to cahpso. singing songs
of
traditional
encouragement
this, "he continues to expand the windows
and brineing the plighr of his t ountn to an
of
international platform. In 1997, with other
each style creating hybrids and changing
Ibrever stereoqpes ofeach sound".
internarional recordinq artists in a (r)ncert
The first Soca artist ever to be
organised by Sir George Martin, a British
signed to a major label rvith his l9B3 hit
empresario, he rnised funds for the volcano-
single -F1or, Hot, Hot
-
perhaps the best
ravaged Nlontserrat.
C.lRICO.ll Penpa
r"" - I 06
-
Spccitl ,lLlleuniunt Editiut
-?O'?() .)rtrr,.lCru' Trinidad and Tobago l 943-2000
q;
if
la
": .:
-#,:;.ffihu*ey llnown u"d \
1
se^,^e
as the Chutney Soca King
revolved around basic Indo-Caribbean life
of Indian
and often echoed the major issues of political
Pioneer
Chutney
music, Sundar Popo rose to stardom with
his blend of Hindi and English
repression, relationships, and emigration.
lyrics
Popo's other break came when
accompanied by a spicy rhythmic beat. As
Babla and Kanchan, the husband and wife
a pioneer ofthe Chutney genre, Popo has enriched the musical landscape, writing
during their tour of Trinidad in 1979, and
and recording hundreds of songs during a
thrilled with this new form of
career spanning three decades.
expression, borrowed some
Born Sunilal Popo Bahora, his
team from India, heard some of his songs musical
of his hits and
re-recorded them with better orchestration
nickname, Sundar Popo - Hindi for "pretty
techniques for world audiences.
baby" - eventually stuck as his stage name.
Now a household name, this genius has performed with such musical
Popo's musical career began at an early age
when he began singing bhajans at temples
intemational stars as Kanchan and Babla,
and weddings in his home village where he
Amitab Bachan, Keshor Kumar and Anup
would often team up with top singers and
Jalotha . He won several awards including: Nationa.l Award for excellence after he was
orchestras.
His first break came, when at 27
with the
designated the
top Indian vocalist for the
song.Ay'anr'
year l9BB; the 1993 Sunshine Award for the
and Nana the first locally composed song
first place in Indian Soca; l974-Caribbean
with both Hindi and Trinidadian creole lpics, which became an instant hit wi& all ethnic groups. He rose to stardom with this song becoming the best selling Chutney
Music Award; the Caribbean Bacchanal trophy in 1996. Popo won the Indian Cultural Pageant on four occasions and this
single of its time. Popo continued to produce
category for his original compositions.
hit after hit.
Popo was awarded the fundar tntoud and Tobago Humming ) Bird Medal (Silver) in 1993 for his
years he made his debut
It
was the first time that rhYthms
of Indian folk were mixed with Soca and the
resulting musical mixture left all those who heard it spellbound. The lpics of his songs CARICOM Penpecti+e -
107
' SPe.ial Millennium Edition
led the
organisers
to create a
contribution to music and culture.
special
Rot
s+-t
oRTyJ
-]p'o^... of S.,caM*sic
3
Triniclacl ancl lbbago l9+l- 2000
ften cited as the inventor
of
"Lord Shorty" is a parody of his imposing height, 6'4", began singing at the age of seven. In 1963 he made his breakthrough with the tune Cloak and sobriquet,
Dagger singing under the moniker, Lord
Shorty.
The
Soca
music, Garfield Blackman, whose
He rose swiftly in the carnival
need to produce something
new led to Ras Shorry
I experimenting with
)1, fter a period of Rastafarianism
/
--a\
\ inspired reflection and a
-
new
the calypso beat for almost a decade, and
found faith in Christianity - Ras Shorry I
being a prolific musician and innovator, he
gathered together some
fused traditional calypso with an up tempo
children, formed his own musical group,
of his
talented
beat, the outcome of which is Soca, which
the "Love Circle", and devoted himself to
he said represented the soul of cal;pso. Ras
writing songs about spiritual matters and the
Shorty
I
brought together the music of the
dangers of hedonism. His anti-drug sone
world to win his first title in 1970 when he
two major ethnic groups in Trinidad (the
was crowned Callpso King of
San
of African slaves and of indentured labourers from India) and
n'ith a bag o1-white ponder.
Follouing the death of his close
created what he called the "the depth and
he don't want to powder your facc,
friend, Maestro, in the 70s, Lord Shorty underwent a drastic change of direction.
life of calypsd'. He
but bring shame and disqrace to the
He retreated deep into the Piparo forest with his wife and 14 children, renounced
his mission to promote it by composing a
was an international success. It
number ofsongs that presaged the Indian-
translated into ten languages and held the
all worldly pleasures, srew dreadlocks and
influenced "chutnev soca". His most important mark was made rvith the 1974 album Endless Wbration- Very quickly
the music charts.
Soca gained popularity and changed the
audiences and commanding the respect
lace of Trinidad's music.
other Calypsonians, died onJuly 12, 2000.
Fernando.
changed his name to Ras Shorty I.
In Piparo he concentrated on a more spiritual tlpe of lifestyle and music rvhich differed from his previous ourput.
descendants
saw' Soca as the
"Indianisation of Calypso" and continued
CARICO,II Pcr:pecti? - I
0B
-
Spcciat ,lViUennium Edition
Watch Out Children which warns against "a {clla called
Luciltr.
human race" was
number one position for several weeks on Ras Shorty I, popular with young
of
MIGHTY SPSTLTK *z'ar *f
+*d*
bizarrt
Trinidad and Tobago 1926 -
1960
-flreophilus Phillips "The Mighty L Spoil.r" will long be remembered
Fountain of Youth where he dreamt of a
ofthe bizarre. A witty student who attended
Craignes E.C. School and Princes Town
where he imagined women talking backwards, and Picking Sense out of Nonsense in which he dwelt quite
E.C. School, Spoiler grew up with
his
comfortably between sense and nonsense.
that he was living between the perilous strictures of alcohol and tuberculosis.
lather who worked on the railway where he also later worked as a porter for a brief
Spoiler's callpsoes were the
Spoiler was callpso's greatest existentialist
medium of all that joyful spirit of release
whose view from the edge ofthings, for all its
period. From an early age Spoiler expressed an interest in Calypso but,
by which Trinidadians sought to affirm a life that had been burdened down by the
mask of foolishness, contained a deeper and
discouraged by his father, left home to
melancholy m6nage of war. His callpsoes
conventional peers. He possessed a pointed
pursue his dreams.
dealt with sudden reversals of reality and
satirical wisdom and his hit
strange incursions of the abnormal. In his songs, he completely abandoned social reality, entered the
recorded in the 50s, have left us a legacy music filled with crafty l1'rics.
bizarre region of his mind and
King: first in
as the genius
Spoiler's career as a callpsonian spanned
from 1946 to 1960 during which
time he had sung some 40 callpsoes. He was a Young Brigade singer who demonstrated variety and
verve. While
his first two songs What llappened on VJ
Day
(1946) and Marabella, Pork Vendor
(1947) made oblique references
to
the
war, his later cal;psoes were the opposite.
A
'master of fantasy', he saw the world
reversal of time, Talking Backwards
insane or
saw
Spoile
calypsoes were a frontier for the marvelous interpretation of opposites sense and nonsense
- and that
theY
song-narratives to elevate calypso humour
seeing condemnation
CAR| COII PeDyc
ri'.
-
a
tum round on itself.
I 09
-
Spccial
ifillcnnim
Edition
calypsoes,
r was twice
of
crowned
1953 when he sang his I94B
ding
traditionally beleagured group ofpeople at
, as evident in his songs
more lasting wisdom than that of his more
composition, Guest
celebrate the cathartic revenge of
acme
tling reversals and his calypsoes exuded an
surface reality. Analysts have said that SPoiler's
odd star-
innocence that masked the precarious life
through and beyond the shallowness of
through mirrors, using his marvelous
to its
^iooiler's world was one of )-.,.-orphosis, sudden and
at the Royal
Wed-
and, Bedbug (which became his
signature tune) and,
in 1955, when
he
sang Picking Sense out of Nonsense. He
also placed second at the
Calypso
Rendezvous Callpso King competition in I
949 and was second and third in separate
Callpso King competitions in 1957 when he sang
l{imself Told lIimself
frllRstlAlL
TB.fiie.
5+.,"I P.r^ Jr^,lc,vt:lor â&#x201A;Źxlra ()rdinai,^e
fi J2
rrtie \larshall is a 1,
orchestra as lcgitimatc developmcnt in the modern
u'orld of music u'as complete.
*.,,6 n,rl onlr ftrr
thc er:centric manner
irr
His experimcntal work reached its height u'hen he introduced electronic amplification of the Hiehlanders Stcel Orchestra in 1965. His method
shich it las donc -
his
*as diflt'rent lrom previous :rttcmpts at "milking"
uhat he has done for. and rvitl-r, thc instrument. but
methods often causing
the orchestra. thus providine immense possibilities
('ontr()\'cr-sv anlong his
Ibr ncrr'"tones'' and control ofsound. He devcloped an elaborate slstem lhich succerssfully enablcd thc
pe('rs.
Born in 1 936. Nlarshall
controlled sustainine ol'thc notes on the Double Tenor.
lleqart tuning arrtund tltr
| ,1 nder lhe {Lrid1n1 c.l Marshall. canopies for WL th. Roed Orthesrra \\'erc invented. thus
agc ol cightccn alicr ass,,t
Trirtitlad
and
T(,1,:lq()
T rlre rr inventor., .lrrongaf/ p
loyo *,
Lta,rJ lea.-{..r * siee l['anc]'s r('naisslfflcd
protccting the Iragile instruments and giving ( ontr()l of the sound to the orchestra.
iatinq rrith other tun-
t'rs. H,' horrcvcr insists that his flrst attempt to
gre
ater
Bertie Nlarshall has been in the fbrelront
in the studv ol' the metallic composition of the o\\'n \\ as at thc age of material of' the stecl drum used to create the lirurt<'en shen he had instrument. He ber.amc Resident Tuner for tunc .ln inst rumcnt on his
obtaincd an old tenor pan and tricd to retunc it rr.ith
Desperadocs, the sorld's leading steel orchestra,
lrom his harmonica. of-l'hich he sas an
accomplished plaver.
and in collaboration rvith Rudolph Charles, created the latest additions to the rangc of steel orchestras
I lt' establisht'd "harmonica tuninq" as tlrc nt.* T-l ora., ,rf tuninq the srcelpan in lgi6. and
such as "Quadraphonrc'l the "Six - Pan" and "Tvyehr, - Bass"among others. The use of the
assistance
introduccd the Double Tenor and the Hieh Tenor
Strobe Tuner in the tuning of the instrument also
or Soprano
began
Par-r
rrith a ne\r' range ol'notes.
lith them. The "pcrfect" tone of the
The first barrd he lcd rras the I\Ie tronomics Steel Orchestra. lcrllorred br. thc Armcd Forccs
Stcel Orchestra can be attributed to l\{arshall, and
Steel Orchestra rvhich had an onsoing c()ntract lbr
his life's-s'ork is unequalled in its
perfcrrmance at the U.S. Nar':rl Base at Cll-raeuaramas.
demonstration <tf the crcative gcnius of our people.
It
rvas
holevcr his leadcrship of'the
In the field ol's<'ientific
lesendarr.
Laventille Hiehlanders for q'hich he becamc bcst
legitimise the music:rl capabilitl of the instrument and to master more modern idioms. This l.as done verv effectivelr'. and the acceptance of the steel (.,
lRl(.(
).r
Ik
classic
research. he has
tol'ercd over his peers both in his innovativeness, and the standardisation ol'the instrument is Ibr the
kno*'n.
In 1962, Nlarshall and the Highlandcrs entcred the Stcelband stage to satisfv thc need to
Desperadoes
I
m()st part a result of his rvork. ,,NIad
Afl'ection:itelv relerred to as the I\{an" in the steelband's u,orld, N{arshall has made uniquc contributions to the arts and to the indigenous industrv.
r:prrt;', - I ] 0
- .5pcL
itt,t tith.nnim Lditi tt
@lli. frter.lNâ&#x201A;ŹTLâ&#x201A;Ź Fa*he,^
of
+h. vnc,d.n^ sIee.l druvn instr^unrenf
om in 1927, Elliot "Ellie" Mannette is credited
with being largely responsible for developing
form.
many of the instrument's innovations.
Since the creation of the first pan, he has
Some 55 years ago, hammering 14 bumps
been largely responsible for the development of the
into the steel bottom of an upside-down 55 gallon
instrument's innovations and has revolutionised the
barrel, Ellie crafted the most original and significant
tuning process by reversing the method of sinking
contributions to musical technology in the Twentieth
-
Century
the drum from convex to concave. Of the ten
each section when struck, resounded with a
instruments in the steel band family, he has created
of them, his recent innovation being
clear note.
seven
The steel pan came into being amidst adversity. The British colonial goverrrrnent in
Quaduet, a four-pan combo that extends from the range of the double second to the guitar pan.
Trinidad, out ofconcem for civic order, Iirst banned drums with skin heads and then, the tamboo-bamboo
will no longer have to alter the key ofsongs that have
bands (bamboo tube percussion ensembles) which took
a very wide range, or transpose from original notes
their place in carniva.l processions. The response to this
where an octave expires. He pointed out that the
by the people was to take metal household implements such as paint pans and biscuits drums into the streets to
Qyaduet offers the soloist another significant physical advantage over existing choices of
express themselves musically.
instrument.
-A
-
receivinskets to the cit) on his rctun to 'l'rinidad and Tbbago in 2000
dditionally. he has, with the help of some
\
age of eleven. The next year he helped to organise a
/
group called the OvaJ Boys to play in this festival. After
technica.l secrets
scientists, begun to study this instrument
in the hope of devising the
ofits celestial sound.
Known throughout the world as the principal designer and
that, by experimenting with metal pans, the instrument
tale
the
Mannette noted that with the quaduet the player
Mannette first played carnival in 1937 at the
began to
Trinidad and Tobago
extensively, building, tuning and perfecting the art
innovator ofthe modern steeldrum, instruments made by him formpart ofthe
shape.
He was'the founder of the world's legendary
display at many
steelband - Invaders Steel Orchestra - which started under a breadfruit tree in his family's backyard. He used his skills as a machinist to improve the pan and
in
of the world's finest museums including the Smithsonian, the
Metropolitan Museum and the Contemporary Art Gallery. Currendy he is Artist-in-Residence and Adjunct Professor at the College of Music, at the West Virginia University
when Trinidad organised a national steelband to represent the country at the Festivzrl of Britain in 1951.
flN\ru)in Morgantown, arid Chairman of Mannette Steel Drum Limited, his manufacturing and production company also based in Morgantown. A group of chemists, met:rllurgists and two nuclear physicists are working along with him in an attempt to develop new alloys for pan production that will keep the
Mannette was one of the ten musicians selected
instruments in tune for longer periods. Mannette is still active
so doing helped propel
It
it into broad popularity.
was a key moment
in the history of pan
tr-r
undergo training.
as a
performer.
He also lecturers and hosts seminars and workshops on the construction, tuning and history of the instrument. In addition, he personally services 350
In 1963 he was invited to the United States to develop a U.S. Nar.y Steel Band, to build their
public schools, Universities, community and private bands, teaching and
instruments and to train their players. Returning there
training thousands of young people.
again
in
Mannette has been li"ing in the U.S. lor over 33 years and during that time he has been closely involved
Mannette was invited to the White House to receive the 1999
1967, he began to work with inner-city youths
in New York City and started over ten nerv b:rnds.
in
the development ofpan and has been at the
lorefront of the
steelbzLnd
movement there, travelling
C.lRlCOtrIPetspcctitc -
American National Endowment lor the Arts Heritage Fellowship Award America's most prestigious award - normally conlerred by the U.S. President. He is one of only nine persons born outside of the US who has been given the award since the programme began
in 1925. He is a recipient of
doctorate lrom the University of the West Indies.
III
-Spa;al .llillenninnFtiition
an honorary
pioneering force behind Carnival, Peter Minshall, moulded in Trindad and Tobago,
nuclear protest mas perlormance in 1985, on the 40'r' anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima,
l\Iinshall's large-scale performance
made his first costume at age thirteen. He rvon the
first prize for originality, and over the years
has
become more innovative and daring in his creations. As a set and costume designer in l,ondon in 1969, he was one of the first persons to design mas
lor
Notting Hill Camival in the 70's and, in '76, designed his fnll-scaie mas' band in Trinidad's " Paradise I'osl'
From
l97B
.
The Dance
ofNations was featured in the Opening
Ceremonv of the World Cup Soccer tournament in Chicago. In l9B7 he u'as invited to present his work
at the l9'r' International Exposition of Contemporary Art in Sao Paulo, Brazil, rvhere his multi-media exhibition of mas earned special critical mention
lrom among 400 contemporarv artists representing 53 countries. In 1993, Minshall's
Trinidad and Tob;igo
through 1990 Minshall - who rvas actual],v born
in Guyana
-
rvork madc up a major section of The Power of the
presented a
mas at each Camival
Tan
'Ian and Saga Bor
piece
and again in '93. '94,
Mask, an exhibition mounted
and '95, costuming some two thousand people in 30 to 100
bv the National l\{useums of Scotland to run concurrently u.ith the Edinburgh Festival.
Other
different desigrrs, com-
performances
monu-
and exhibitions at the Amolfini
mental individual danc-
Gallery in Bristol and River-
ing mobiles.
s'dc Srudir)s in I-,r,ndon
M:*:l',":'i:::
at the Opening Ceremonv of
plemented
by
in
1986, the designs for segments Ctrrnival fo" hi^ -".-l hi' pr'oc1qc+ion
leom is .]a:volecl
lo moinloining of
^.-.
or Art
+he
concepl
livinq ori -
*lre or+ of livinq.
design has receivcd acclaim both
in
Eng-
land and the United States. The dancing mobiles. a form of
the I 987 Pan American Games,
]p.t.n
ffilt^'holl
of
lntemationel Biennial exposition ol'conte mporary art in Sao Paukr, Brazil, are all part ol' his
perlormance art that combines the three-dimensional qualitl'
and exhibitions at the l9'"
intemational acclaim.
Ever controversial, N{inshall's mas
large-scale sculptures rvith the
has
dramatic and choreographic expressiveness of a li"'e
alu'ays possessed an aura of mystery in its artistry and
of
the manv forms to grou'
continues to peak the curiosity of many. Camival lor
out of mas and was the subject of a fellowship
him and his production team is devoted to maintaining
arvarded to N{inshall bv the Guggenheim Founda-
the concept of mas as Art - lir.ing art - the art of liring.
tion in 1982.
Using Carnival as a springboard, Peter
-J-'truugh his investigation of theatre and other L u.t forms at an enterlainmenl le\el. he camc
Minshall has taken Trinidad design to heights by
to appreciate the value and potency of the Mas as an
contributing to the staging of the opening ceremonies for nvo Ol,vmpic Games:1992 in Barcelona, Spain - to rvhich he made a relativelv
art lorm of creative expression, and
human performer, is one
rvork as an artist.
small contribution; and 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. where his input rvas much more extensivc.
In recognition of his accomplishments in this field, the Unir enin' ol'the West Indies in 199 I conferred on
Besides the two Olyrnpic games, Nlinshall has also featured
gradually
returned to the NIas as the principal medium of his
in the celebrations ofParis' 200'l'
him the degree of Doctor of btters, honoris
causz.
l\{inshall's r,r'ork h:rs also eamed him Trinidad's highest
Day and in Moscow City's 850'h anniversary in 1977. I{is Adoration of
national arvard, the Trinitv Cross "for his contribution
I{iroshima led the parade in Washington DC, at
and is intemational promotion."
anniversary of Bastille
(.:.\RIC().\I
a
towards the preservation and enrichment of our culture
n\rpe.ri? - I ] 2
-.'preiat ,rlithLniunt Ednnn
-[orn J2
July 22, 1932, Oscar de la Renta \ taci6elde22.luliode lg32,OscardelaRenta National ./ \ Ar.nuao, d." -odur, estudi6 en la Escuela School of Fine Arts in Santo Domingo. He later Nacional de Bellas Artes en Santo Domingo. Luego se on
Fashion Designer, studied at the
moved to Madrid where he perfected his studies at
traslad6 a Madrid donde perfeccion6 sus estudios en la
the San Fernando School. His interest for the world
Academia de San Femando. Su inter6s por el mundo
of fashion surged during his stay in Europe. He
de la moda surgi6 durante su estancia en Europa.
worked as a Designer for Balenciaga in Madrid, who
Trabaj6 como dibujante para Balenciaga en Madrid,
in his career. He later in
quien influy6 enormemente en su carrera. Luego en
greatly influenced him
1963, worked with Elizabeth Arden. In the United
States,
De la Renta reached the top in
his
1963 6l trabajaba con F.lizabeth
Arden. En los Estados
Unidos, de la Renta ha alcanzado los primeros lugares
en su
exceptional career Dominican Republic
as designer and couturier, estabIishing his own firm in 1967. His
destacada
carrera
como
diseiador modisto,
y
estableciendo su
rising career during the 70s, made him into a promi-
propia firma en
nent world per-
1967. Su ascendente carrera en la
sonality in the fash-
decada de los 70
ion world. In
le
l99l
convirti6 en una prominente
he was conferred
Doctorate from
figura mundial del mundo de
the
moda. Investido
with an Honorary
PUCMM
(P o n t i f i c i
a
un Doctor Hon-
Universidad Madre y Maestra) in
oris Causa de la
PUCMM (Pontificia
his homeland and,
in 1992, received the Lifetime
Univenidad Madre y Maestra) en
l99l y, en
Achievement Prize
awarded
by
1992
the
recibi6 el premio
Panamerican De-
lifetimeAchieve-
velopment Foundation, an organisation which helps
ment otorgado por la Fundaci6n Panamericana de
the most needy of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Desarrollo, organizaci6n que ayuda
A generous humanist, de la Renta,
in l9B4
was connected emotionally and economically to the
'Hogar Del Nifro', in Rome
-
a benefit foundation
a los
m.s
necesitados de l,atinoamerica y el Caribe. Humanista
generoso,
de la Renta, se uni6 afectiva y
econ6micamente al Hogar del Niffo, en 1984, en la
-
which put up more than 400 orphans from the
Romana
District.
huerfanos procedentes de la provincia.
De la Renta is now the Architect of the
fundaci6n bendfica que alberga miis de 400
Actualmente, de la Renta es el disefrador de
Balmain House in Paris and successfully manages his
Ia casa Balmain en Paris y dirige trinufalmente
own firm.
propia firma.
CARICOM
krpctire
-
I 13
-
Spcciat Millennim Flition
su
s Olr(*bru Aninalt â&#x201A;Ź.o A &rr/bt,*iruftlr, .p.xuce
a/uL;rrlor
â&#x201A;Źrng;
rm,/ Pronoter,
Suriname
I /Vt
rl arline Aminah Lie A Ling rvas born on November 16. lg+7. in Paramaribo.
Suriname. She commenced her dance education in
marks which is clearly reflected in the group's repertoire: classical, modern and Suriname-ethnic performances. Marldne's Ballet has been able to
1952 at the Cultural Centre, Suriname (CCS) when
present a true mosaic of dance forms and styles, that
and Dance Performance in the subjects Classical Ballet, European Modern, American Modern and
appeal to all audiences. Apart from its regular performances, Ntlarldne's Ballet danced at various official occasions such as visits by loreign heads of state, the opening ol conferences such as the Caribbean Community Directors of Culture, and
Character Dance. During these earll' years of dance
others. Marldne was also one ol the co-founders, in
she was only five years old and continued
until
1968.
After this preparatory phase, she continued her ballet education and specialised in Dance Education
history
in Suriname, Marldne became one of
1992, of the Dance Association Suriname,
the
I974, many young students benefited from her skills
I
and experience u'hen she rvas a dance instructor at
"Qrrnce tt itftPortaTlt, /rycawa
the Cultural Centre Suriname. She completed her
ol Ballet and her training
founded her own school ofdance in I 975. Shejoined
Barbados for the Barbados Dance
â&#x201A;Źifr u C&(ovonont
in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
heart-
beat. Ams fuo ancionl mwomonl, lho nncient danre'
I\larline Lie A Ling has etched her name. Not only did her dance troupe gain tremendous
f\
teaching position at the academ,v, but instead she prelerred to return to her home country where she
as a
@t allstrms
,/,ytl,* aJ'the
lso at the regional and international levels.
acclaim with all audiences at their performances in The Netherlands, French Guiana, Haiti, Columbia and \renezuela, but she proved to be a highfu..=. qualified educator and promoter of dance as well. From 199l-1992 she was a dance-instructor in
studies as a Teacher
Ballerina at the prestigious Dance Consen'atorium
uztth tho
a
grouping of r.arious schools of dance in Suriname.
leading ballet dancers on stage. During 1971 to
She rvas offbred a
Theetrc"--=,,
the National Ballet of Suriname, of rvhich she was the
Compan,v and the Ballet School Louise Woodbine.
prima ballerina until 1982. She performed major roles
She held various workshops on Classical Ballet,
in "Giselle" (Nlvrtha). "Sounds", "De rnie r Printemps". "Kaseko", "Primitire Moods" and
like French Guiana. Venezuela and The Nether-
"Episodes", among mirny other perfomances.
lands, as u'eli as in her home country. She acted as
Afro
Surinamese Dance and Caribbean Folk in countries
Maridne is considered a multi-faceted
ajudge in various regional dance festivals such as the
choreographer and dancer. She is rvell-knou'n lor
Concours Regional de Dance in French Guiana, in
her inexhaustible capacitl' for creating moods spanning the humorous to the passionate. Her
1989 and in 1994, the National Independent Festival of Creative Arts in Barbados in l99l and
interests were not limited to Classical and l\{odern
1992, and the Concours Regional de Choreography
Dance, but ha','e led her as rvell to explore many non-western dance stvles. benefiting lrom the rich
in French Guiana, in 1997. Suriname. Nlarline Lie A Line has received
multicultural enrironment present in Suriname.
manv tributes and arlards for her significant
Her style of choreography shows a strong influence of many ethnic dance styles like Kathak Indian Dance, Javanese Dance, l\{odern Cuban and Flamenco Dance, Alrican Dance, as rvell as other st,vles
likeJazz and Contemporarl' Dance .
In
1986,
Marldne established the dance troupe, Marldne's Ballet. Versalitity is one of Marldne
's
]n V
contributions to the country's cultural life and for promoting Suriname at the regional and intemational level. In 1999, the Mother Hart organisation paid tribute to Marldne with a special honorary lestival in the traditional Surinamese rvay. In December, 2000, the Rotary
strong trade
(.:.7R1( :O.l
I PcrsFci c
-
lII
coDtinutd on p. I
-
.|pe'ill .l fi llen n ium Eclit ion
lti
+ &erhuo Aninah cl€a/let dmuerat,
@atr
€t A
brmes
€tng
and Pronaor
[ ,l arline Aminah Lie A Ling werd geboren op In 1986 richtte Marldne de dansgroep Marldne's J V I 16 november lg47 in Paramaribo, Ballet op. Veelzijdigheid is een van Marldne's sterke Suriname. Ze begon haar dansopleiding toen ze
'
.$ ,$
rg
I{ :
duidelijk
in het repertoire van de dansgroep:
waarlijk mozar'ek van dansvormen en dansstijlen te
vakl<en Klassiek Ballet, Modern Europees, Modern
presenteren, welke
deze eerste jaren
%u*"
en wordt alszodanig
nauwelijks vilf.jaar oud was, in 1952 bij het Cultureel Centrum Suriname (CCS) en zette die voort tot 1968. Na deze voorbereidende fase, specialiseerde ze zichin Dans Onderwijs en Dans Vertolking in de
Amerikaans and Karakter Vertolking. Gedurende
in de
dansgeschiedenis van
Suriname verscheen Marldne als een van de meest
w
handelsmerken
op het podium. l97l en 1974 profiteerde vele jonge
vooraanstaande balletdansers Gedurende
studenten van haar vaardigheden en ervaring
Marline's Ballet is tot heden in staat geweest een
bij elk publiek in de smaak is gevallen. Los van de reguliere optredens, heeft
Marldne's Ballet bij diverse gelegenheden opgevoerd, zoals
bij
bezoeken door diverse staatshoofden, de
opening van conferenties, bijvoorbeeld tijdens de
CARICOM Directors of Culture bijeenkomst, andere gelegenheden. Marldne was
in
en
1992 ook een
ii hetCultureel Centrum Suriname.
van de oprichters van de Dans Associatie Suriname,
afals Ballet Lerares en als
een organisatie waarin diverse dansscholen in
haar
,
als
aangegeven
klassiek, modern en Surinaams etnische dansen.
i Ballerina bij het befaamde Dans Conservatorium in j Rotterdam, Nederland. Ze werd een positie als i du.r.. instructeur aangeboden bij de academie, .,;,,"' maar ze verkoos terug te keren naar haar vaderland, ,.r.
Suriname vertegenwoordigd waren.
"Qa-ruan u ba,hngr1lk, on,lat 1,67
op regionaal en internationaal niveau f--fk heeft Marline Lie A Ling naam gemaakt. \-/
Qan
c8oweEng inhod/.
lgT5oprichtte.Ze
werd door het publiek tijdens hun optreden in
d€r,t hcEnt mot hel ilne vdn de hntslg Qrr/ ts
sloot zich aan bij het Nationaal Ballet van Suriname,
Nederland, Frans Guyana, Haiti, Columbia en Venezuela, bewees ze eveneens een hoog
rr,n z1c,r oudo bewagng, ,/a atcr
waarzehaareigendansschoolin .r>**.Ur.e3r
ze de rol van prima ballerina vertolkte tot
1982. Ze vertolkte belangrijke rollen
in "Giselle"
(Myrtha), "Sounds", "Dernier
Printemps",
$
t
"Kaseko", "Primitive Moods" and "Episodes", en
{
vele andere rollen.
Marldne wordt beschouwd als een breed ge-
Naast het feit dat haar dansgroep groots ontvangen
gekwalificeerde dansinstructeur
en -promotor te
zijn. Gedurende l99l-1992 was ze dansinstructeur in Barbados voor de Barbados Dance Theatre Company en de Balletschool Louise Woodbine. Ze in Klassiek Ballet, Afro
hield diverse workshops
oridnteerde choreograaf en danseres. Ze sLaaL bekend om haar onuitputtelijke vermogen in het cre6ren van sferen varidrend van humor tot
landen als Frans Guyana, Venezuela en Nederland,
hartstochtelijkheid. Haar interesses zijn niet beperkt
in
gebleven to de Klassieke en Moderne Dans, maar
Regional de Dance in Cayenne, French Guyana, in
Surinaamse Dans en Caribische Volksdansen in naast de workshops
in eigen land. Ze was in
de
jury
diverse regionale dansfestivals zoals Concours
tot het verkennen van diverse niet- l9B9 and in 1994, National Independent Festival of dansstijlen, daarbij gebruikmakend van de Creative Arts in Barbados in l99l and 1992, en de
dreven haar westerse
@multiculturelerijkdominSuriname.HerConcoursRegionaldeChoreographyinCayenne, choreograltestijl vertoont een sterke beinvloeding
in 1997. In Suriname werd Marldne
French Guyana,
van de vele etnnische dansstijlen als de Indiase Kathak dans, deJavaanse dans, Modern Cubaanse dans en de Flamenco, de Afrikaanse dans, alsook
onderscheiden
voor haar bijzondere bijdragen aan het culturele leven in het land en voor het uitdragen van
andere dansen zoalsJazz en eigentijdse dansstijlen.
CARICOMkrpectire - | lJ
contitued on p. I 16
-Spec;al ltfillcnniumEdition
oudo
,iirlr.'
$ Suriname op regionale en internationale podia. In 1999 betuigde de Moeder
continucd from p.104
Hart organisatie eer aan
CIub Paramaribo awarded her its Vocational
Marldne met een speciaal festival opgevoerd volgens
Excellence Award for her determination, devotion
de traditionele Surinaamse manier. De Rotary Club
and extraordinary effort to promote the dance, and
Paramaribo kende haar in december 2000 de Vocational Excellence Award toe voor haar
at the same time, for remaining positive in the spotlight of the Surinamese societl, and in
nheid, toewijding en uitzonde rlijke inspanningen in het uitdragen van de dans, en
recognition of her quality and professionalism. That
vastberade
tegelijkertijd voor het uitstralen van een positieve
attitude in de Surinaamse samenleving en
als
waardering voor haar kwaliteit en professionalisme. Hetzelfde jaar werd haar de Harry de
la
Fuente
same year she was awarded the
Harry de la Fuente
Achievement Award by Jorray Productions, who considered her an important personality for the dance industry
in
Suriname. This award is named
after one of the great violinists in Surinamese music
Achievement Award uitgereikt doorJorray Produc-
history.
tions, die haar omschreef als een
persoonlijkheid op het vlak van de dans in Suriname.
| | arline's own vision of life is: ''Dance is imJV I portant. because Life is Movement. It all
Deze onderscheiding is vernoemd naar een van de
starts
bijzondere
grote violisten in de Surinaamse muziekgeschiedenis.
eigen levensvisie is: "Dansen is ,l arline's I V I belangrijk, omdat het lnen Beweging
[
inhoudt. Het begint met het ritme van de hartslag. Dat is een zeer oude beweging, de zeer oude dans.
with the rhythm of the heart-beat. That's the ancient movement, the ancient dance. Dance teaches us more than only the moves, more than moving our bodies. It teaches us to communicate . It teaches us to cope with our emotions.
It brings
us
in
contact with our deepest inner-self. Dance is the
Het leert ons te communiceren. Het leert ons om te
theory of life." It is considered one of the great A Ling is present in Suriname to teach this vision, this theory, to the
gaan met onze emoties. Het brengt ons in contact
Surinamese vouth-
Dansen brengt ons niet enkel de bewegingen bij, het
betekent meer dan het bewegen van onze lichamen.
advantages that Marldne Lie
met ons diepste innerlijk. Dansen is de theorie van het leven." Het wordt als een van de grote voordelen gezien dat Marldne Lie
A Ling in Suriname vertoeft
om deze visie, deze theorie, over te dragen aan de Surinaamse jeugd. Bron: Marline's Ballet and Biography Marldne Ue
Source: Marline's Ballet and Biography Marldne
A Ling
Lie A Ling
ofMarline Lie A Ling for Dance in Suriname -Jorray Productions Harry de la Fuente Achievement Award 2000
Suriname - Jorray Productions Harry de la Fuente Achievement Award 2000
Rotary Vocational Excellence Award 2000
Rotary Vocational Excellence Award 2000
The Signilicance
The Signilicance
C.lRlCO.ll Penpectir? - I I 6
-
of Marline Lie A Ling for Dance in
Spc.ial .llillcnnium Edition
+
'
t) *of*o*
TBervl
-b{.b
Je
ffiI2,,uRN
?N6"0"'
o*+s'
of
@ance
carried manv titles: "Dovenne of West Qft. Indian Dance". "First Lady of Dance". \J "Mother of Dance". Beryl McBurnie's sterling contribution to the development of culture was symbolic of the struggle to give lorm and purpose to
l97B saw her
the
the deep social and cultural forces which drive the
being identified by
will and determination of the people of the Region. Following completion of a Teacher's Training Course, McBurnie took up an appoint-
Alvin Ailey Dance Company in New York
as "one of the three
ment as a teacher and during this period worked on
Black women who
school concerts, plays and operettas and developed
have had a profound
a great interest in local folk dance.
influence on Ameri-
Subsequent studies abroad took her to the
I
can dance". She was a
of Allied Arts, Evelyn Ellis School of dancer and a choreogDrama and Columbia University in the United rapher who had the Academy
States where she studied dance, drama and music.
ability to influence and
On one of
inspire other lo greatness.
he
r visits home she staged her first major
"A Trtp through the Tropics". Following her return home in 1940 to revitalise a small dance troupe, she founded the
production,
dancers
Trinidad and Tobago.l9l3 - 2000
became a mecca for folk art and, over the years, has
of forry years of voluntary work to the art form is commendable. Against all odds, she brought folk dance and folk art to the
inspired many singers and dancers. Along with an
forefront and, at the time when the steelband was
"Little Carib Theatrd' in her backyard which later
enthusiastic group
of her followers she
M.t":ffi,,."
toured
considered disreputable and "good-for-nothing" she
Canada, England, Europe and the Caribbean in
dared in 1948, to be the first person to put a steelband on stage to play at the opening of her
I951.
In
1957 she was appointed to teach dance
theatre.
at the University of the lVest Indies, Mona Campus
Her unselfish devotion to the development
(the first person in the Region to do so), and lollowing this appointment received many invitations to lecture at universities. Every opportunity was seized by her to lay the loundations for
of the Arts, her pioneering spirit in the field of
international acceptance of Caribbean dance as a
decorated with the Order of the British Empire and being awarded her country's highest honour, the
serious art form.
culture, and her tireless pursuit of the preservation
of our cultural heritage, together with
Trinitv CARICOIV Penpectirt -
her
contribution to music were instrumental in her being
II7
Cross.
-.Spe.ial,l lillenni um Etlition
--r
Well known Caribbean scholar, trade union educator, social and cultural historian and political analyst, Rex Nettleford regarded
A
as
is
one of the Caribbean's leading authorities in the performing arts.
Rhodes Scholar, (195 7) Nettleford , having completed his undergraduate degree in History at UWI, pursued post-graduate
studies in Politics at Oxford. He has been \:ice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) since 1998.
Prof. Nettleford
is the
recipient ofseveral arvards, among which are - the Order of Merit - Jamaica's third highest national award;
Iiving l*gend Award (Black Arts Festival, Atlanta USA) and the Zora Neale
the Gold Musgrave Medal (Institute o{amaica): the
Hurston-Paul Robeson Award (National Council for Black Studies, USA). Prof. Nettleford who has to his credit several honorary doctorates from universities in Canada. USA and
UK
has written
extensively and is the Editor of Ca ribbean Quarterlyand the author of, among others: The Rastafaians in Kingston,Jamarca (with F. R. Augier and M.G. Smith); Mirror, Mirror: Identity, Race and Protest inJamaica; Manley and the hbwJamaica; Roots and Rhythms; Caibbean Cultural ldentity; DanceJamaica: Self'
Delinition and Artistic Discovery; and Inward Stretch, Outward Reach:
A
Voice from the Caribbean.
Over many years, Prof. Nettleford has given and continues to give public sen'ice through his membership on national, regional and international bodies. He was Director of Studies at UWI's Trade Union Education Institute for many years and a member of national and international organisations involved in the development of trade unionism.
Founder, Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer of the internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company ofJamaica, Prof.
m n.,f,iK.n
frP*hrl
.f'4 .'rr.. ..f tlr"' d.r^ib[,.'.r'.'s lc.r.1incl .rrrlh.rrilics irr lfr.' 1-.."'f.'rrrritrcl <rrls
\Vhcn Perspectrc sought to gain insight into rvhat childhood experiences influenccd his successful career paths and. in particular. his special
interest in culture. Nettleford explained.' t hct t orktd lbt' hin. but vln also torked tlrcir otn pktts ol'ground, ttr
ilt rural .Jamaica, in the 1910.s and aftenrarcls itt a couttttt'torttt Bat duting nt secondan ,Schottl vears, rras largtl.r respttnsiblt'litr ntr uninterruptt'd.iountcl along the path ol'culture and the idca o/ its being untral to
sufli'r ilte trtnseq uences ol'rilnld ridicule and ol what I later came to l)ear
existence.
ol'the ntasses".
/,^rt\itIH (),rro,rrrqo
u1:
rogether as a t otnntunit.r
ntade up ttut slog:ttt.s
it nt)
ditt
: t |tat
nt
grtd .s tlte.r
t tu'sltipJ:ed I had no dillicult.t
Bapti.tt pn.trt'ntcetittg.s and Sunda.t scltoril : and the
rtt',qn'n largel.t
tltat ve ate
and la[gelY ate
vltat te grt't.
. | .qrncl
dttl
runted. as n ell.
ut th(
alotl)es
ino one it n)v elen)eiltarv school wrn'e shoes to school though
re
Church on Sunda.r'l, and hov se related to eat'h otltc't'in tlrc lanilr the nutst
part nith
n
e
crx4.teratit e saririg, rooperatit? r'orsltip and cotttttlultin
('ntral
po]itical
e;tclt otrLttcl a pair
grttup - "extenclecl"
litr lir
t'ssential lo selfdevdopntent .sinct' no
it dtrc
tith
as
ph; lets ntre
ttte can take it an'at-onr:e onc had it. ,lnd
respect. start;ng rrith
har e
as tu autltot'it.t . otte ras e,xptt'ted rc
heaclntastt'r ancl teachers ofthc local elententar+' school.
tht posttnisttrss,
tlte patson and to
tltclocal "lnsha" liglandotrntr.tltotasintunre.\pect(dtocitherrcspectthepcasrlnl.\. (..1R1(.( )-rt Perper
tn. - I I B
his e.xtended to
tltt t.xtra-cuttit'ular;tctit'ities at scltool. ( )ollege
t ltet e. along tritlt
sport.s. afli.;tic tndeavours pla.r-acting. elocutiott. cltoral singing attcl
dancing \
ere cn(ourit.gad dr.:pite tht'
ntt'ail "cralll
()r
saranl
tt
ett
-
"Discc aul
ltt
the hors to
sclrctl's ntotto
Disct'de". Iranslat"d "ltant or leat e" atrcl litrtl)er tr;tttslattd '.
,9ur'lt are sotnt: o(-the elenrcnts v'lticlt led ntt' to hclp lbund and
gire
tht eldets at hontt'ttnd in the illagr and rcaching out to tllt
T
selfil)t(t tainilrc]tt tt ith adults and cltildrctt
,Jnd the.t'ctntinutd in ltigh schotl at (bntv;il1
sornc'
n
all in the ni.v o/
participating.
uitlt ttn little
us that it is s<tnu'tlting
re(rtJtitrlt. I ef(
etlture. ()t tlte nt;ttk'r ol I'ecrclti()n. in tlrc absanct ofradio
tnnntunit.t singingwltileat vork digeitt::sone:)attd ''skttt'lrcs"rlircicd
tlte surest war lbr upn ard social ntobilit.r and tlterclbrc
a srandntother rentinding
to Ihe
and tdet ision. tltc corttttr.t-concert and tea-ntet'tittg, rittg-,qtrttt,.
in hat'nlonr as "comtnon -larr" partnen. Erlucation was riewed
"insolent asscrtion
/ind tlnt
;ts
dilltrcnce belrt'en those nho had parents vlto lnd had tht'bttrclit o1'ctnli'tti attd rhtre n-ho lived
tlt(
alte ltdiile
vore or did rrot rr t';tr'
scotrs o,l-sutrogate aousins, aunts and uttclt"s and
as
ralut's. ntutuil trust. and nutual hrlp bv n;t.t ol rttopenttitr l)rnting,
arlult ) car' screanted out ;tt ne in an t'llbrt trt bring othet -dire<'ted,/antaicans
arounrl kt .st'lllrt'lh nct .
it urbattJanaica
Selfre]iance, re.ep.(1 li)r elderc itlrc carriers ti'traditional
in lJunkers Hill nt.t cltilclhotd villagr tn lrcv ptt4.tk'lived
So ntuclt tuntecl
portnnania rirutls alit'r
rcfbrred to b.r kindrcd lnsha.s
direct sinct'1962 tlrc
nou nidclv acclaimed,\2tional I)attcc Tltt:anr
()unpanv ofJanaica i,l-D7'Cl.
as v ell as to tlte
rider artistit' cultunl and
educational activitie.s in wlticlt I ltave been int'olted.
-
.\pa ial .llilhntiunt Ldiion
t Prof. Nettleford also gave his viels on a number of
issues
On the issue of trade unionism, the present state of trade unions in the Caribbean and
pertinent to the Caribbean and toJamaica.
the necessary changes in their
On the question o{' globalisation, its threat to Caribbean cuiture and possible
modus operandi
I
alternatives:
rvas attracted
:
to trade union education for prettr'
much the same reason I was to culture and its formation in the
Region. The source of energy for both are after all the
same
,.-lobalisation ma)- r,r,ell be a threat il, rvith the L-.{ t ommunications technolog;- revolution, the Caribbean allorvs the "Dallasi.;ation " of consciousness among its voung
people - the labouring classes, the people lrom belor,v as George
with Amcrican soap operas on television and "action lilms"
Norman Manley referred to back in 1938 as 'the real people in
Lamming calls them. Thev, it is, who after all have given ideal
form and purpose to rvhat u,e are about. Thef it is,
rvho
lrom Hollvrvood being thc only or predominant lare to which
the land'.
our youns people (:rnd often their parents) are exposed. But, in
culturc, it alreadv has its natural antidote in the retreat by
indentured Indian or Chinese and their descendants, or whether contemporary lolv income city-bred or rural dweller rvho are the descendants of all who went before. it is these
rvould-be r,ictims to the specificitie s of those people's historical
people who together constitute the majoritr'. We all came from
so lar as globalisation mcans the homogenisation of artistic
Whether ex-slave African and
descendants.
experiencc and indigenous cultural realities u'here they feel safe
the canefield as I like to say, albeit to the chagrin of some lrom that
in a space that is virtually inriolable. Hence, people resort to
very canefield. And since the time of slaven'rve have had to make
their own music, poetrv and novels, their orvn dance, their own storytelling and their own religious expressions!
sense
The conscious conditioning of colonialism was indeed countered by such indigenous expressions coming out of the exercise of the creative imagination of the ordinary folk - our
ibrebears. Hence. the region's many native-born and native bred languages, cuisines, music, dances and religions - lrom santeria, r'oodoo and pocomania shango, zion revivalism and
ofan existence that rvould
sense of personhood, of a
w,ish to deprive the labourer
ofa
cuitural memory;urd of a sense of place
and purpose beyond being surrogate beasts ofburden.
unionism was just another strategy of -f-rade I L- demarginalisation in a socio-economic s)slem and. b1' extension! a cultural complex which made 'Ttobodies" <tf labourers deemed to be entities without "ciuilisation" wrth all
that that implies, without kinship patterns rvorth the name, and
Baptist, Orisha rvorship and Rastafari. There is
without religion embracing a validating value-s;'stem sincr
in the lace of yet
Africans were pagans and the Asians who came after were
another kind of conscious i:onditioning knorvn as globalisation.
"infrdek" being non-believers in a Christian God. With l9'r' century European labourers finding reluge in organising into
nol' Spiritual
therefore no reason for total capitulation The necd
lbr our
schools (primary, secondary and
tertiary) and all socialising agencies to o(Ibr our young Caribbean people dable altentativ'es to the imports
it
becomes a major task of education that must be designc:d to
Indian plantations to follow suit and do iikewise. Trade
prepare the next generation to cope with t]te contradictions of the 21" Centuq., w,orld.
Unionism for us, then, became more than simply negotiating fbr
ah/esome
rvas
oflabour exploitation,
natural for their colonial counterparts (norv free) on West
a ferv more pennies into the hriurlr'/u'eekh'pa1- packet. It u'as
The presence in the Region of lvorld-c:lass composers
(of callpso and reggae, ol' zouk, rhumba and salsa), evolution of one ol the main literatures in English u,hich
collectives to fight the viler consequences
a means fcrr social change on the principle of social justice and
the
the freedom promised bv slave emancipation that rvas meant
has
lead to the empob'erment of the rvorking-class indiridual bevond
produced Nobel Laureates (actual and potential), thc existence
tc)
the worlplace and way into the wider society.
of dance-theatre companies rvhich have rvon international
The inevitable earl1, emphasis on confrontation
has
acclaim, as has at lcast one carnir':rl costume designer out of
now got to be replaced rvith or tempered b1'collaboration. For
Trinidad's great pre-lenterr lestival art, and the instance of arguabh' the onh' acoustic instrument (the stcclpan) to have been invented in the 20'h centur\', are clear indications that all need not bc lost unless le uould rvish 1o be forevtr regarded as
one thing, with Independence we are supposed to be our own
distorted echoe s o1'clsen'hert'.
ol parrncrchip".
masters in the building of nations and shaping of societies. As a
ma.jor stakeholder
the
employers, have got to be prepared. then, to rvork on the basis '
(.IRI(:())I I'eryxuie
in this process the trade unions, Iike
The job isn't made an1, easier b1' the fact that
I I9 -.\pd';rl .llilhtniurn Edidrt
s with the new globalisation and the dominance of multinationals backed bv the globalised net*'orking of{inancial controls bl the
elet'tions every five ,vears, lor lreedom and lairness u'hich the elcctoral exercise requires ftrr good govcrnment. The calculated
ferv, the unions are finding the old s capons in the armourv to be
invcstment in the human resource must proceed Irom rhetoric
ineffective. The shift to sen'ice industries clearll means a commitment to retraining and re-orientatitln on thc part ()['
to rcalitl'. I\{ember States are not the ones rvho integrate. It
workers' organisations to meet the demands of both the neu'
is
thc people rrho lead and inhabit them rvho do. CARICOI\I's rolc in getting the people of the Caribbean ttt understand,
labour market and the knorvledgc-economr'.
Yhe process of changc is al*avs slo* shen unccrtaintr- of' L .rr,.o-. looms large in the picture. as it does here in tl're
through constant contact. the importance ofregional solidaritv lor the strength needed to negotiatc our strateFic krc:rtion in the nen, u<rrld ordcr. can be secoud to no
other. Such are
the
Region, but Caribbean trade unior-ts rvill have to hclp speed up
implications lirr a more relaxed immigration policv to facilitate
the process rvhich is aiready apace. And thev rvould do *'ell to grasp the opportunitl'bcing offercd thcm norr' br the ILO (rvhere tri-partism reigns) and bc true detcrminers ol'the new
thc ease of movement of our people within the Region, a common
will have them as true Partners in a ncl industrial relations svstcm. F'or. if thc u'orkers and thc employers/managers do not hang tosethcr thev will most
modalities that
currcnc\'(u'e norv have some fir'c or si-r currencies with the mighry US greenback
a
permancnt
On the issue of the contributions of Rastafarians
organisations are ready to coopcrate; and the Labour Colleges
(including the UWI Trade lJnion Education Institute shich I priority to this task. A Chair in Labour
the most riablc one in all places) and
stable mecharrism lor.joint negotiation in the trading fora ol'the world. fhc RNNI is an excellent start.)
certainly be hanged separateh'. Happilr'. there arc clear signs that a number of our CARICONI Caribbean trade union
used to head) have given
as
-t I \-/
is
to
Caribbean development:
in that sense ol paving {ull attention to thc dcvelopment of
I
allat's
Studies has recently been established on the Mona Campus of the UWI ;urd it intends to operatc on the principle of partnership
contribution as one
between the major stakeholders in the production proccss.
"becoming". Iior if rou are nothing, y'ou can neither think, feel, nor
the human resourcc that
have
seen the Rastalarian
of great significan(e to thc vcry act ttf
act. And the cn' bv thc Rastallrians lbr self-definition on their
On the question of Caribbean
terrns. not lrast of coursc
development, in particular, his vision for the future of the Caribbean and CARICOM's role in this regard:
in terms of haring a God in their o$'n
image, spe;rli.s to the dceph' entrenched problems lack ofself-confidencc
and a parall'sis
ol-
sel{:contempt,
ofthc uill to act in one's otvn
interest. That the Rastallrian movement from the vcry beginning n'as :rble to transccnd
Confidence in the people on thc part oftheir leaders is
a sine qua non I'or the mcss \\'c scem to have gotten oursclves into. The need lor rr'ise, imaginative. r'isionan' but Pragmatic leadership in thc foreseeable future is impatient of debate. The production of a no less imaginative. sensitive. creative risionary and pragmatic supporting cast of multi-talcnted skills is cqually
narrol'racist considcrations and reach out
tcr
tl-rc notion of the brothe rhood ol'man, to cclualih', mutual rcspect.
and mutu:rl caring are values stili too Iar distant from hankcrs,
the
ciril socieq'alter rvhich the region no*
achievements of Caribbean
ifonlv in rhetoric. The rintage Rastafarian eats \\'hat he gporvs and gros's
l'hat he cats. does not hankcr after thc imported
c()nsumer
lirr an articulated educational cninq out. Thc Region's
durables that rvould dt't our our fbreign cxchange, is proud of his
svstem for u'hich the Region is n<xv
heritage and does not shout '\now'-vltitr"' rlhen he looks in the
Universities must therefore be prepared to mould themselves into 21" century institutions capable ofpreparing graduates for
mirror and must ans\\'cr the qucstion "vrlto am L2"is proud ol'his
critical. This is the
1s2cly u,ork
challenge
in the beleaguercd Region. but tith
enoush
creativity, flexibility and plasticitl'to applv extensive thinking
ollipring:urd values famih'lifc. He does not call his li'male partner "chick"
or "beef'though
she is undoubtcd.lv consort
to his roval
princelv self. But. as she rvould sav she has the gift o{'motherhood
uhich the Rasta man. despitc his belief in the life-giring pon'er of
coupled rvith purposive energv t() thc solution ol problems.
This calls fur long-distance running, not sprintingl. A
thc seed
o1' Israel.
clcarlv docs not have. Likc all-inclusive
rather tharr to the longer span coverinq u gcncratiott. pcrhaps. lill undoubtedll' mean approaches to govcrnance and political
delivcrance m()\'emcnts Rastalarianism is bv no means perlbct but
administration diflerent to the one that mistakes frequencv of
sigz.s"(f drc:rdlocked hair and u'urllen caps) are not embraced.
change from a',ision restricted to live-r'ear plans
(:.IRI(.{).1I I'etsptr
ri, - I 20
it has <r{Iered "inward gt acc" lor manv amon g "t}te oppressed cl'the
cari"(within and rvay beyond thc
-
\ntirl .llilhr)t)itnt [d;t;(r]
Regron) cr'en
l'hen thc 'butwatd
On the legislation of marijuana as a critical element of the Rastafarians' religious traditions and/or functions:
eir insistence that the Weed (ganja or marijuana) is a sacrament corresponding to the wine and wafer of Christian orthodoxy has naturally put them in conflict not so much with the wider society as with the law since ganja is a Dange rous Drug under the law. And, it is not by accident that a Commission is even now sitting inJamaica at the request of the
Government of that CARICOM Member State to look into the decriminalisation of the Weed as has happened elsewhere on the Planet. The debate continues and it will be intere sting to see
how the Government ofJamaica deals with the Commission's findings since the rest ofthe Region rvill no doubt observe this carefully for guidance. A clear challenge for CARICOM!
On the challenge to Rastas to change the stereot)?es lodged on them:
The
stereotypes about the Rastafarians
do
persist
with a vengeance even among those of the middle classes whose
ofllpring have migrated into the movement in the hope of some sort of "liberation ". Many of the stereot)?es relate to those held about people ofAfrican ancestry in the African diaspora, thus
giving the Rastafarians justification for their persistent fight against the racism of Western civilisation and strengthening their resolve to find an alternative to the Eurocentric ethos ofthe West which denigrates things African.
mutual accommodation between the movement and flre L th. wider society in its nativeJamaica and. by extension. in other parts of the Caribbean, has served to diminish the hostility between Dreads and Baldheads; and the fantastic achievement of Bob Marley and his music worldwide has helped
to bolster Rastafarianism to the point where the unshorn head,
the aversion to the eating of pork, the wearing of brightly coloured red, green and gold garb are taken as normal often
more elsewhere (Europe, Japan, Africa, North America and Brazil for example) than in the Region. Their contribution to the world of painting, music and
craftwork as rvell as folk philosophv is gaining currency and respect; and the "designer dreads" aside, the vintage members
of the movement continue serious\' to preach peace
and
practice peace and love rvhich an insecure, groping, r.'iolenceprone Region ma1'rvell rvish to take to heart.
CARIC(
).1
I Perspecd?
-I2I
- .spe(
;al .llilhttnint Edition
C.IRICO.II Penp,'cti,. - I
22
-
Sprin
.lfillennittn Fdnion
thought would be listening. Therefore, I always couch my imagery and language in a wav that I think he would
want them. This is why I am concentrating on putting out a lot of work be cause I know if the work is there, some da.v, someone
understand and respond. I believe it helps them. By elevating their lifestyle to something of importance, by projecting it, you force them to look at themselves and they do so with pride.
really want to do, because they have to produce work that can
They look at themselves in a way they would not have because
only the local market, but the foreign as well. So, you have to
will be able to
access
it. Most artistes don't do
the things they
sell. They are doing what the market demands and this is not
the society keeps them down, puts them in little boxes and says
write for both markets and you don't have that kind of time to
you must stay there.My work lifts them out of the box and holds
produce good stuff if you have to spread yourself so thin.
them up in the light for everybody to
see.
Do you think that more use should be, or could be,
Q: made
of this form of oral tradition? It is ongoing. The problem, however, is that it
Q: f am sure storytelling is no easy task, although you make it appear so. What are some of the techniques that have to
been directed into not what is good but what is marketable -
be understood and utilised? ,4.' You have to really want to be a storyteller - you must like it, because it is something that nobody can make you do.
what sells. Preserving stuff has nothing to do with being
You were born with a certain amount of talent and people can
A:
marketable or
not. It
has
has
to do with preserving and doing the
polish it for you. But they can't make you become a storyteller.
right thing. But now you don't do what's good, but what's
When you do it out of love, it works.
suitable at the expense of what's good. Unfortunately, we now
:|-hen
have a media that is contradictory - more media and less exposure. The media has now become very focused on
adapt that story to different audiences, trains you to deal with a
di{Ierent things. In my day, everyone heard what was played on
variety of people. Every time you go out and meet a di{Ierent
you have to be able to adapt your story, that's a key
L fu.,or. Having a voice is one thing, but being able to
the radio, but today whole sections of the market never hear it,
audience, you have to adapt your story. Then there is the issue
now have niche marketing. We play Indian music for Indians, jazz for the jazz lovers and we have middle of the road radio. So, at any given time a lot of the population is being un-educated. They are missing a lot of information because unless you listen to a particular radio station you will never hear
of continuity - being able to know how you link your stories together - because in modern storytelling it is not necessarily one long story, but a lot of social commentary. A iot of storytelling has gone into things like "A wake of Anancy" putting little things together on different aspects of life . You talk
because we
my work. The media has been controlled by people who promote
about children and schools, you talk about shoes and clothes, all
their taste and not necessarily what is good for the society. The
in relation to children and each one tells its own story. Nobody
irony is, however, that those people want to come back to the same
wants to listen to one long story. They want five short stories,
society and enjoy the thines that they do not support.
and you now have to put all your power into short paragraphs.
Q:
How can we correct this?
So, the modern storyteller in the Caribbean has to learn continuity because in modern storytelling that is where the art
A:
By supporting a variety of programmes. The
form really is - being able to stand and talk on stage for an hour
problem is that businessmen and the people who provide to them. Their actions sort of say, well we don't produce children so we wonl
without a bit ofpaper; go lrom topic to topic, and let it flow and interlink and make sense. Sometimes you have to write the continuity on stage, if you forget the part and bridge it with
stu(I
something that makes sense with the others. To me, that is the
sponsorship only sponsor things that relate
sponsor children's books, go to the people who do children
We find that the companies would sponsor things that can go to
real skill of today's modern
the Savannah with 10,000 people because they are marketable
storyteller. Anyone can learn the
and can sell beer and rum and chicken and chips. They are not
joke, but the humour is not really the thing, but what the humour is saying. It is the point you are trying to make that is
going to sponsor a play or a book ofpoems because they don't
key, and you have to make that point on the stage. Apart from
see any market for themselves. And, if they were to do it, it would be a big grand presentation, never to be done again,
giving the humour which will make people laugh, you have to
when it should be done on a daily basis.
make the point and then move from that point to another and write continuity for that.
the society. Those of us in the business do our little videos - as
Another skill of course, is using drama to make pe ople see without props. The reason why storytellers are important to
small as they are - at least they are available to whoever would
communication in a Third World country is because they can
The good things have to be supported for their survival in
Caricom Perspectivc
- | lj
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Special Millennium Edition
function in an.v part of the countrv at anv given rnoment, tcll
a
story without video, rvithout slides, *'ithout anvthing. Once thev can be heard, thel'can relate and that makes it such a pou'erful art form in reaching people. There is no need ftrr a lot
to reach pcople if
ther- have that skill to nlakc
of technologrthem see. In the Caribbean ue spcak visuallr'- it is not rrhat is said. but nhat is seen. \\'hen le sar'"see lhcrc vou are r'()nlillq from" se are notjoking. The language itsell'is not the kcv thing here, but horv the l'ords are strung together tcl creatc a pitturt'. The good storyteller can do that, and rvitl"r thc magic of'his voice, emphasis. diction and projection. create a s.holc scct-tc that rvill caplurc an audience - rt'hether it's managcment. stall. chiidrcn, congregation - rvitht-rut even havirrg a slidc, a
rvhile rclirting vour stories, r'our hurnour. \'ou all'avs try trr find out rvhv. horr'and u'here \\'e camc from. This is u'hv I now do motivational speaking, bcc:ruse it n'as a vcrv easv step transf'er rvhat
I
10
am doing fcrr entcrtainmcnt to a busit-tcss level.
Humour is bcing used to shol' something. mavbe customer or tcam spirit. The same.ioke is uscd but for a different value. and therefore $hcn Ytitt are on tltc slagc \'ou alrlavs in s<:n'ice
talk about values. But, \()u can't let peoplc kuol't'rtu are talking about values because thev bccomt disinterested il'thev s()me \vav
pcrccir-e that lou are going to lccture them.
\
|ues
are very important and we must use
every
V opportunity to bring them back and keep them alive. But, if you don't know what you used to do, you can't compare
pro.jcctor or music in thc background. So. ston'tclling is bcing
whether now it is better or worse. Some of us are still with one
able to lunction and make people see shat rou are talking about. This is rvhr.rvhcn you are rvriting lor local pcople. it is str
foot in the past and have a closer connection to the old days. But
important that 1'ou use thc imagen'around thcnr so that thcr' can rvalk out on the strcets and see for thcmsches and thcn
lecturing to them. Parents are younger and younger every day
relate in their minds to \\'hat \-ou are talkinc. Thc good storr,telle r changes imagcrv in a situation. He looks arottnd thc
young parents don't have that sense of history. Nobody is giving
room, if he is ven skillcd he could pull examplcs lrom right around him in thc crol'd and realh'make it lork. But. in u'riting 1'ou could choose the imagen' \'ou \\'ant. bcr:ause vou have the time and vou could choose the ones loll knorr sould
older school still remember a grandmother or a grandfather telling us things. Now granny and grandpa are not at home.
best get your point across. Those are the main tct'tcts
have recreated the extended
o1'
the present generation does not, because there is nobody with less and less to pass on and that's the problem. These
it to them, so there
is no comparison. We, who are from that
The extended family has gone, So we [the storyteller] must now take the role of the extended family, Through the characters we
fanily.
Tante Merle says that or
st<-rrytelling. Pcople can train 1'ou rvith vour voice. but vou havc
Vibert does that. That's why we have to make the characters
to have that skill to makc people see rvhat vou are talkinq about
live. The media now has to do the job of disseminating all these
and that is the magic of ll"re sttin'teller.
things, but they are not doing so. We hope the new possibilities
INTERNET will enable us to get more material out. There are so manv things 1'ou could talk about using humour ar-rd makirrg jokes but. at thc cnd of it. r'ou arc saring
offered by the
Q: llTty do you fccl we need to be remitded o.1'thosc r';lut's vhich ytu clntnpion in votu'perfotrnances - lbr exantple. tltc ordinainess o/'()aibbean life. lairh in lili and tlu- intlxtrt:tnt't' of honouing and sustainitg our ptinciples and t'.tpttitttct'.;.' ,l: Socieh is all about values: iI'r'ou don't krol lhcrt' rott come from. r'ou can't tell shere vou are going. This is part ol' the problem rrith our louths todar'. Ther lrave no sct'tst' ol' l'hcrc thcv r':rmc lrom. This is also the problcm nith our journ:rlists and mcdia. Thcre is no sense of historr'. thcv do research,
sr>
clcrvthirrg is happening for the first time. uht'n
lact it is not. but.just their ignorance ofthe
topic \iru
nccd
tr> knor,v
vour familv u'cll and u'hcre vou come liom il'
\\c did not havc all the rncdia
inpr.rt
coming Irom outside such as the telerision. and video. Thcst' arc bringing all sorts ol'nerv values n'hich
le
are not vet rcach'
to accept. So, l'e havc to have our o\r'n pcrsonal valut's as something to cite
. This is nhl
vou allavs
tn'to
be educational
(.,ttil,rn h tt\\
.jokc and ts ist it around and shon horv it is an cconomic statemcnt.
It's like a guv going to the shoemakrr. Hc asks thc shoemaker. ',[Iov muclt to lteel.)'and the sltttnako'say's '55.00'; thc,guy says. 'okay, hov ntuch lbr thc whrilc.solc?'and thc shocntaker says '510.00'. Thc gtv' sa.v'.;, 'okay Dtail, put thc heel right through'.
itr t<r
vou arc to l'ccl vou belong somervhere. In the old dals tht' r-nlucs
hung:rround a long timc.
can learn a.joke and sive it. but vou must be ablc to take that
n<r
give people a scnsc ol rvhcre thcl' comc from. it's like Iarnih'.
You need
s()mcthing. not me reh'giving a.jokc about this or th:rt. Anvbodr'
Iit. - I 2 J
Pcople
laugh. right? But it
is reallv economics going on
there. We
st't' the lbllas buring and sclling on the road, it is
r:<
onomics, moner'
changing hands. But thev don't see themsclves
as
cconomists. It is
thc tr"rlture. You nol
have to point out that it is an cc()ll()mic
staternent the man is maliing. Hc
is
bargaining. and rrru laugh but
rt'allv hc is tning to soh'e his problem ol'saring rnoncr'. You havc to havc the skill and the education to tak: thatjokt'and relate
it. It
important that rvc still kecp tl-ris forrn going as a trxrl llttausc it
is
so easv and acceptable.
-
.\\, ir/ .llill,!)niltnt l.liit,l
is
the West Indies Cricket Team, part of the problem is fake L- that the playcrs do not know the history of West Indies Cricket. They don't feel it. Feeling it is essential. You need a
characters really represent different lifestyles, and you can see
skilled storyteller to really make it live for them. Putting them in
yourself, or your neighbour or your idols in them. But, you also
front of a blackboard with lecturers from University will give them the English and the slogans, but they won't get the feel. This is where the communications people - the storytelling
see
able to hold
people - should be used. They have the ability to see it and feel
something can be done to correct it, and therefore try and do so.
it.
some see her as a neighbour.
It
is not really the woman,
behaviour pattern and everybody recognises
them in the negative, and because they are held up, you are
objectively
So when our boys go out there they don't mind standing up
it is the
it. I think the
it up away from you, you are able to look at it and see the good and the bad; you feel that
So you laugh. The point is,
it gives an opportunity lor analysis,
and lashing the ball, because they would have been told about
and to look at our own lives in terms of the character. Tante
the old days when you didn't give up your wicket, you took the
Merle is about 25 years old now, yet that story Tante Merle at the
lash. They know you were joking, but what you
re saying is
Oual is snll the most popular piece. As a matter of fact, all my
that you don't give up the wicket at any cost. If it means getting
stories are played because they are timeless, because they have
lash in your head, you take the lash. You have to have that kind
been written about ongoing life and not merely about an incident.
we
of commitrnent. People today don't understand what it was like in
They are really about lifestyles, and in some respects lifesq'les in the
those days to bat with one pad, no gloves and no helmet, and yet we
Caribbean haven't changed that much. We still have the preacher
[the Caribbean] produced great cricketers. So when they go out there they go out with a whole history
and the limers, though in a dillerent way. We still have the bad
of getting lash from way
back.
Strange enough, that's the psychological link that they are missing now. The sense of not just playing cricket
today to win a match, but playing in
Jn
visr^- ::Tfi.TTilf.#:.t"ff;j$ L>ut :; . ::; :::whai is see^, wh.^ we say,,see the c<tribbe.an we speak olly - it is not what is sa,id,
j"k1^;,
where you covninq fr^orn" we c)re
ror
the sense of all the other matches that they
behaviour. A lot of things have just
;'J.T,::1ffffHil".;;:;
:i:'#ffi::H::iff::i:;;
lost (and won) 20 years ago.
how it has moved to where it is, and how
it can go back to where it started ifyou are not careful. So I think
Q: Many of ,vour characten and their experiences such as Tante Merle at the Oual, the Skillful Coconut Vendor, are identifiable as the neighbour next door, almost anywhere
Caibbean. This in a real
in
the characters in a sense build that kind of community. It makes us feel that we do the same things in St Kitts that we do inJamaica.
the
community. I{ow can this art form be used to further advance the integration of the Caibbean peoples? A: Well, the key thing is that a lot of my work is not really about characters as such,
Q: Is there any way that we can translate or transfer this sense of communiry b other "hard aspects" of our integration
sense builds
endeavours?
,4.' Yes. What
but about lifestyles. We have rvhat
you call Caribbean lifestyle, cricketing lifestyle,
we have to do in the Caribbean is to use the
right people. The problem we have here is that we have people
insurance
whose skills we don't utilise. We still tend to put people in boxes-
lifestyle, religious lifestyle, and the characters demonstrate to
cricketers talk about cricket. We have to understand that that
people that in all the islands we have a lot in common. Therefore, there is already a Caribbean unity here. But, nobody points out that we have a iot of things that we do
cricketer may have some very good ideas about politics, or
together, and that we are already united in so many different
industry, instead they will ask him about bowling and batting.
ways. We are trying to get together a single market
They will ask me about Tante Merle and the characters because
about designing houses. He may not be just a cricketer. But nobody thinks of asking him what he thinks about the building
and
what I think about the Constitution
economy now, but a lot of things have already been functioning
I write. They won't
that way. We just have not translated that into the other areas,
or capital punishment. So you find that every time they have a
or educated people enough to let them see that they have been
political situation the same analysts are brought in. How can we
doing it all their lives. So when you hear the characters talk,
change, if we keep asking the same people to comment on the
ask me
in some instances, caused in the first
people don't relate to the characters, they relate to somebody at
same issues, which they,
home who is like that. Some people see Tante Merle as a thin
place because they were part of it? We can't. We have to step
woman, some see her as a fat woman, some see her as auntie,
outside and seek solutions from diflerent people.
()aicont Pcrspectirt I
2.5
-,SpeciaL,llillenniunt Ediion
Q: I'ou're saying that if
w'c changc
our approach w'e
can
critics in the s1'stem and rvent directlv to the people for shom
thing. Thev
have more progress?
rre publish. The musicians hale done the same
/: Yes. \\'e can progress more because there are -/f'^lot of fresh ideas and opinions out there. But, r,'e havc
Iinked up, made arrangements. produced their ou'n n'ork. lirund
one address book and we call the same people. You \tant to have a carnival, you call a few "well knorlns". even in literature.
spreading, because thel'are not w'aiting on the universitit's nor
look at the struggle to have my rvork recognised as rvritings! Look at the anthologies, you have the same list of Caribbean writers over the last 20 years. As far as the Caribbean is
just rvent ahead and did what was necessary. I did the same thing. I print my own books, go straight to the public and sell
concerned, those are the only ones we have. They may add a name or two to the list, the rest of us are sort of floating in between. We are not seen as writers, yet we are the ones rvho have been writing for the people. We have what we call
markets and just br'-passed the Government. So tttusic
is
the analysts to say lvhether their music lvas good or bad' Thel'
them. So, m1'books are not being rer-ien'ed in anv big wa,v, but I don't rrorn'about that. I figure if thel'rvant to rerierv them. then thev *'ould rer-ieu'them. one dav. Some of the critics are not actors nor $,ritcrs, thev don't go on the stage. )'et thel'sit in judgement on oral poetry'. Norv that thev recognise that this
Caibbean authors and West Indian writers' Ercn in the book shops there are sections on writers - normally people like me
kind of rvork is popular, they try to assert themselves. Thev have
who put out their own books which makes them less valuable
rvhat is good or
than the published
applied the term "orality" and again seek to passjudgement on
bad. They rvould say,
Then you have West Indian authors whose works are put out by Penguin and other
This is 1.,[.1y r.,[e.n yo^ c\re r.trr^ifir,q tor l.:ccrl p..:ple, it is so impor^tant that yoLn use lhe imctgery c.no^nd Ihern so that they ca,,, rr,.rf k oLi+ or'\ the str^eets c'.d t.. fon the,rrselves .r^d th.^ relale irr thei,^ t-inds lo rvhal you are ialkit g
publishers. But, which work
in the street relate more to? I will never get a Nobel Pnze, I am not
does the man
writing for the people who make that kind of analysis.
My prize has to come from inside the Caribbean.
I
Selvon is a good dialect
writer, Selvon is the image that we vant. Paul Keens is
books.
recognised this a long time ago. You
can't serve two masters, you have to focus. Even some of locals who do the dialect write it in rvhat is called "bad English", the
not really a good dialect writer. ln our field rve don't expect an)' arvards from them because we are not part
oltheir s)'stem. Our rervards and awards comc lrom the people rvho buv our books and go to our shcxvs. I\{,u credit goes directlv to the
people of the Caribbean, because they are the ones rvho over the vears have come to the sho\vs.
I
have never gotten a grant
so
lrom a Universiq'. I set up mv o\{n compan)'to produce mv ou n books because nobody rvas u'illing to do so. I doubt I u'ould
their boola to be published which would not be done if written
done much bettcr ilI had joined the big system. There I lould have to rvait on a spons()rr and wait on their approval. A
in local dialect like mine. I have always published my own work.
numbcr of others rvithout focus have given up writing. They do
Using a recognised publisher means haring to change the stories
'Jump and *ave" and then change their rvork to standard
to standard English, and that \ras not the objective of'mv rlork.
English so that thev can give it to a publisher and get a big rvrite
u'rite the sound. and put all mv s'ork in the local
n'ork rvould not be used in certain schools although thev are the
up. But. in their hearts this is not rvhat they'reallv rvould like to do. Ther- are merelr' facing realitv. If thev don't do that thcv d<,rn't get published. thcv don't make moner'. So, talking about CARICOM - you have to by-pass the
it cannot be published in England. So, they write in standard English but they talk it in West Indian. Why? Because they want
NI1'focus rvas to
diale ct as far as possible.
I
That
have suffered. Not onh' am
ml aim. lor better or lbr l orsc. I not getting publishers. but mr'
is
have
mv *ork on a
standard people and go to other people and get opinions from
book list as required reading. You ma,v see the odd stories as a
outside. But, we keep going back to the same people, all the
Caribbean thing, but none ofmy
time, to analyse our problems, and we are getting the sarne answers
ones that reach al1 the
children. You never
see
books has been used as a text
book. They still bring in the traditional, like Wilson Harris. \ ^ lhat ue sriters have done basicallr' - .just likc thc - is to br'-pass the s'stem. Ii'rou sta' in thc W-.,.i.iuns svstem )'ou get choked. Thc onh'$av to sunive is t() set up a parallel svstem. We relused to accept the import:rnce ol'the (.tirtn |1t:1n tnt - I 26
because, as
a
I
said, they are part
ofthe problem in the first place.
llho is Paul Keens Douglas outside the w'it and
rhc
hutnour and the stor;.telling? conthued on p. l!)0
-.spe.ial .Villennnnn Lilitntt
g*.
8q
]amaican folklorist. Louise B.nnett-Coverley's underJ standing and feeling for the
its folk material and, in so doing,
save it from extinction. Her
language most Jamaicans speak, has carved for herself a well-
performance of her own works
in the country's Art in
proving that a large part of the job of poetry in a new nation is not to make or break images, but to tell the truth so that it
the late 40s on a British Council Scholarship and, upon graduation, worked with repertory companies in Coventry,
sounds true ," but "her sounding true is not only a matter of that particular ability which she has with the Jamaican language,
eamed place
"went a Iong way
cultural history. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic
Huddersfield and Amersham as well as
towards
Jamaica
in
revues
all
especially with certain aspects of it, it is very much, as one would
over
have expected, a matter ofgrasping the insides ofan experience,
England.
which is typicallyJamaican, but not unknown to others." As Jamaica's first lady of dialect and inventor of dub poetry, folklorist Ms Lou is a distinguished poet who gets close
familiarly known, returned to Jamaica and taught drama to youth and adult groups both in
"Mirs Loujl-as
she is
social welfare agencies and for the University of the West Indies
to what may be considered the tragic and absurd elements of life, and this is particularly so when in the true ballad tradition,
Extra Mural Department, and has lectured extensively in the United States and the United Kingdom on Jamaican folklore and music. On several occasions she represented Jamaica abroad, including at The Royal Commonwealth Arts Festival which was held in Britain. Her use of the vernacular has raised
she performs
her own.
f;3. I
the picturesque dialect ofJamaican folk to an art level which is accepted and appreciated both inJamaica and abroad.
her contribution toJamaican cultural life' she has been honoured with the M.B.E., as well as the Musgrave Silver
Medal, Institute
of
Jamaica. She is the recipient
of
the highest
civilian award, the Order of Jamaica, in recognition of her
The unique work of Louise Bennett - her research
tremendous achievements'
and folklore creations - have helpedJamaica to retain much of Caicom Perspecrive
with delivery, vitality, and delight that are entirely
I
27
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Spcc;al f,Iillenniun Edition
Williao^ Al.xonde.r
BL^ST,\MANTE
D.f.nd.r of +he P.,.,,n Jamaica, 1884-1977
"|lungry,ne.n o^d wor^ar h,:rve ih. right to call crifaniic,n lo their^ condition and to o=k of p.ople, f".lfilment of ?rovr\ises rnade to them, as long as
they do so wi*hourt using
,:r behaving bodly" viole.nce-
The labour
"We are not a political union
Barbados and Trinidad at the time, gave
lighting for self-govemment, but we are going to light until the Heavens lall, until
government senlants who act and
him
food
for eloquence.
In his quest to organise workers and t<r obtain better conditions of work, Bustamante
as
private employers realise
formed the Bustamante Industrial Trades Union (BITU) in 1938. A charismatic and impressive speaker in advocating their causes, Bustamante was
that the workers have a ight to eat and
to send their children to
disturbances, prevalent in Guyana and
school".
Alexander Bustamante
rvorshiped
by the masses. Follorving the
dock
rvorkers'strike in 1939 he was detained for alleged
Sir William Alexander Bustamanre $'ill long be remembered as a defender of the poor, a brave-hearted Labour leader - who recognised that the social and economic ills of the colonial system had to be countered by mobilising the u'orking class - and an astute politician.
r.iolation of the Defense of the Realm Act, and kept
in detention without being charged and without trial for 17 months.
In
a
1943, he founded theJamaica Labour
Pu.q'flLP). The first general election under Universal Adult Suffrage n'as held in 1944. Campaigning under
Born William Alexander Clarke, he rook the name Bustamante from an Iberian sea captain who befriended him in his early life.
for vou". theJLP rvon 22 ofthe 32 seats.
Bustamante left Jamaica in 1905 and travelled to many counrries including Spain, Cuba,
N{inister, a position he held until 1954 and, in 1962, he becameJamaica's first Prime Minister.
Panama and the United States.
Bustamante's many honors include being knighted by the Queen in 1954, and in October of 1969, being made one ofJamaica,s five National
On his retum
to
Jamaica in the 1930s, he u'as greatlv disturbed at the poverty in Kingston, the ineffectiveness of the
the theme "a litde more bread and a little more butter
Bustamante becameJamaica,s hrst Chief
Legislative Council and the lack of conce rn among the employers. He began to lead resistance to the
Heroes - an award he received personally.
colonial government. First, he used the media to call attention to the social and economic problems of the
class, Sir William Bustamante once said of his philosophy, "I nev.er joined the guard of the Black
poor and underprivileged, criticising the prevailing
man crusade, because I didnt believe one colour
political system and its attendant social problems.
should be singled out in.Jamaica.
An undisputed champion of the rvorking
I
worked for all."
z\^drew Arthuv^
CJPRJ,ANJ Andrew Arthur Cipriani, acclaimed a true servant of the people and champion of the man-in the-street, will long be remembered for his political battles to put things right for the people. As a trade
unionist, and political force, Cipriani "created several initiatives throughout his splendid career. He
went to leneths, for instance, to have a West Indian Regiment formed when World War I began so that soldiers from this Region could play their part in the
conflict". He also challenged the unrepresentative system, advocating popular representation by ele
ction to the
right
to
le
gislature - for
eve
ryone over
2
l, the Trinidad and Tobago,l878-1945
vote.
Of White Corsican stock, and from
a
"An
family who owned successful businesses, "Cipriani could have shared his 'glory' with the upper class, but chose to break ranks [with his social station],
travelling along the pathwav with the oppressed, downtrodden - the worker who needed moral sustenance, members across the floor who required
support for legislative motions to defeat high-powered measures that
did not conform to good government
policies". A successful cocoa planter, he never
sarv
himself as a lord of the manor but, instead, made
e.,]^ly
F.d.rolist
..nd
Chc"nnpio^ of +he "barefool mc.^, In the first elections held for the Legislative Council in 1925, Cipriani was elected and remained a member until his death in 1945. In 1929, he was elected Mayor of Port-of-Spain and served in that capacity until 1940 - eight terms of unbroken service. "In these two offices, Cipriani struggled against racial discrimination and fought for constitutional reform, universai su{Irage and better rights for workers".
working conditions as comfortable as possible for his
Over the years, he also served on several important committees, and his
employees.
presence
After World War I in 1919, upon
his
return to Trinidad, Cipriani revitalised the Trinidad
Working Man's Association which was later renamed the Trinidad Labour Party (TLP). By the 1930s, it numbered 120,000 out of a population of 450,000. The organisation "had struck a receptive chord amongst the population" - Cipriani being
"able to transcend the Black-East Indian racial dichotomv", becoming the champion of the 'barefooot man'. His association "also concerned
in these organisations, provided them with
distinction,
integrity and success.
Respected throughout the West Indies and British Commonwealth. Cipriani was a true West Indian who "believed that men born in this colony had the capability to respond successfully to any call. As far back as 1932, he told members of the Legislative Council '7
submit that appointments in the setwice should be confined to local men, prouided always that local men have the ability and qualilications necessary.
And when f say 'local man) I refer to the broad term 'West
Indian'." He too called for a Federation of the islands - "a new conception of Federation, not as administrative convenience, but as a
itself rvith factory legislation, land settlement, slum clearance. education and popular representation in
collective group seeking to translorm conditions through cooperation".
the then exclusive legislature".
Cipriani's statue has been placed in Independence Square. Caricont Perspectire -
M
As a pcrmanent reminder of the man and his
-
Special JfilLLnntnt Editnn
works,
{-l
*be.fi Nathoniel CRJTCIILO\'V Critchlou'continued his campaign to further reduct' norking hours. his quest - :rn eighrhour dav.
"This demand was made at the end of 19lB and was categrricallv reiected by the employers." The resultant strikc action in earll' l9
l9 led directll' to the ftrrmation
ol' the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) - the first major Uniorr to be established in the English-speaking Caribbcan. "Out ol'thc dockcrs struggle had emerged an organisation lvhit'h transcended their own
and Critchlorv 'tvas thc man most lor this outcome. "From 1919, Critclrlorv uorked lull time nith thc BGLU as its Chief Executive Oliicer. He rvas its livc-wire, the rvorkers' advocate, ob.jcctivcs." responsible
exposing their grievances and seeking improvements."
His commitment t() the rvorkers' struggle
lva^s
undoubtcd. For instancc. during a risit to England in
@only Pic.n.er of Reoional-Cr^ade [.'lnionisr"r orr.'l Father^ of
th. G^y..naL^".de Union Mover.T e^t
1930 Critchlon'. an outstanding athlete in the middle distance.
a
footballer and cricketer, borvlcd so well at
the ncts that he l'as ofli'red a contract with a club,
s'hith hc refused in order to return home to continue Hailed as the "Father of the Guvana Trade Unior-r l\Iovcment". Hubert Nathanicl Critchlorl'dominated Guyana's labour movement Iirr at least thirn'r'ears. maliing
his trade union actiritics. Besides acquiring basic economic improve-
significant contributions to improve thc lives of the prolctariat - urban and rural.
ments lbr u,orkers, Critchlow
Regionalist in thinking, Critchlorv plavcd a lcading role in ftrrging close links betu'een the unions of the English-speaking Caribbean. It * as a motion tabled bv him at a (loI.r{i'rence
obtaining various lorms ol'social relief and senices {br
of West Indian trade unionists, held in the Parli:Lment Chambers of the British Guiana Irgislative Council, that lcd to the establishment of the \\'cst Indian l,abour l'cderation,
Ordinance rvhich regulated rents during the 1920s".
norv the Caribbean Congress ofLabour.
Assot'iation in advocating for Univcrsal Adult Suflrage. :rnd, in 1940, thc Gu1'an:r Trade Union
From a genuine working class background. Critchlorv had litde lormal cducation.
haring left school at agc 14 {b}lorl'ing the death olhis lather and his personal dt', ision to support his mother. After tvorking at a number ofjobs. he became a dock t'orker. ''And it rvas
on the Geor.qeto\4n rvaterfront that he fint rose to prominence as a labour leader and In 1905, he created history in Gu1'ana s'hen, rvith 6ther dock wrrkers, he
organiser."
"a"lso
rvent a lar rvay to
them, principal among rvhich rvas a Rent Restrictions
"In
1929, Critchlorvjoined the East Indian
Congress {TUC) rvas lbundcd rvith Critchlorv as its
lirst sccretan'. In 1943, he rvas n()minated to reprcscnt Labour in thc Legislative Councii; the nL'xt ),ear he n'as appointed to the Executive
poor conditions of $'ork.
Council. Labour nou had a voice in the Legislative and cxccutive bodies. :rnd the result rvas that the
"Because of the leadership and support hc gave to the sugar u orkers. he s as hailt:d as rhe
volumc of pro-labour lcgislation increascd sharpl,v."
organised a strike for higher wages. Simultaneous rvith this strike. *'orkers at some susar cstates staged a strike and demonstrated against lou' rvages :rnd
'Black Crosby" - the rea.l Crosby had done a great senice lrrr indentured labourers.
l9l7 recorded the first major success bv protesting workers in Gcorgetorm, which was due largely to Critchlow who led them on a 13-da1' strike that triggered o{f other strikcs and forced emploiters to ma]<e nvo siglrific;urt concessions - a \rage incrcase o{' ten
Critchlorv's sterling contributions
to
the
of tradc unionism has been widely In 1952. hc rras awardcd thc Order of thc British Empire; his statue is pl:rtcd in the
development recognised.
compound of the highest decision lbrum o{'the land
percent and a reduction in the workers'day from ten and one-halfto nine hours. N{ilitant action led by Critchlow in December of the same year, enabled some rvorkers in
- thc Parliament, and thc first institution responsible
Georgetown to securc a second rvage incrcasc of ten percent. After these achicvements, Critchlorv lost his.job on the watefront and rvas unabie to obt;Lin emplorrnent elseu'here.
Labour College
for Labour Education in Gu,vana - the Critchlon
-
has becn named after him.
T^bal t^u^iah "B^zz"
tx
'thn.,^gh his per^sistence arrd fortitud., Ih. vnc.d.r^ lrctde r,rrrion and lobo^r tvrovewtenl wos bo,^n'
BUTLâ&#x201A;ŹR \ Trinidad and Tobago,
Though born in Grcnada, Tubal Uriah
1895-1977
authorities. In March 1935, Butler led a'hunger march'from the oilfields to Port-of-
"Buzz" Butler spent a significant portion olhis life in
Spain.
Trinidad and Tobago where his contribution as a
Becoming dissatisfied with Cipriani's "gentle approach", Butler began having
labour leader led him to be regarded as a hero ol'the
serious disagreements with him rvhom he accused
people and to be seen as the man who struck the first
and resigned I'rom the Trinidad Labour Party in 1936, lorming the British Empire Workers' and Citizens' Home Rule Partv, in that year. Butler's agitation became increasingly militant and, in 1937, oil rvorkers took strike action at Fyzabad. "The
damaging blorv against colonialism. His activities, spanning more than two decadcs, contributed to the development of the rvorkers'movcment in Trinidad
and Tobago, rvhich in turn gave rise to trade unionism. "The political agitation that Butler
of 'somersaulting
and back peddling'
colonial government responded by issuing a lvarrant for Butler's arrest and, rvhat was initiaily an oil workers' strike, developed into an island-wide strike...". Arrested and
carried out for Home Rule marked the beginning of
tried for sedition, Butler was imprisoned lbr tr.vo years. He appealed his conviction, but while the Priq' Council upheld his appeal, the decision u'as handed dou'n six days after
the end of colonialism. His attempts to forge unity of
he had completed his two-year term of imprisonment.
African and Indian rvorkers aiong common issues of
Butler continued to agitate for better conditions. His fearless articulation of
exploitation and oppression are significant and remain to this day an important objective of social
his
change to be achieved."
that he would not be satisfied until workers in all categories received a better way of life.
Butler served in the West Indian Regiment in World War I. On his return to
ideas and views to an increasingiy conscious working class and his mobilisation
acti.r,ities constituted a threat to the colonial authorities
and left no doubt in their minds
Detained and subjected to the legal persecution characteristic ofcolonial and neo-colonial regimes, Butler was the victim of the most arbitrary interpretations of law
in the Trade Union fields,
Grenada, he served in the Grenada Representative
and justice imaginable. Despite this and other setbacks
Government Movement. He also founded the Grenada ljnion of Returned Soldiers before migrating in 192I to Trinidad, in search of a better
remained a powerful figure for another decade, as evidenced by the Butler-led strikes chicanery that denied Butler leadership of the Government was another in the long list
.job, in the oil helds.
ofinjustices suffered by the labour leader".
and disturbances
Obtaining employment in l'yzabad (where there was a large Grenadian population) as an oil
worker, Butler became aware of the numerous grievances of the rvorking class. He joined Cipriani's
in
1946 and his politicai victory at the polls
he
in I950. 'The political
Butler's contribution to the social and economic welfare
of
the working class
cannot be doubted. It was through his persistence and fortitude that the modern trade union and labour movement was born. Upon Trinidad gaining its independence, his
agitation for the rights of oil rvorkers. He organised
contribution as a labour leader and his rcputation as a fighter for the masses took on special significance and, in recognition, Butler received Trinidad's highest national honour, The Trinity Cross, in I970. In I973 ,June l9'r'was declared an annual national
and mobilised workers and forrvarded memoranda of grievances of the u'orking class people to thc
holiday and celebrated as Labour Day. The Princess Margaret Highwa,v has been renamed in his honour.
Trinidad Labour Parq' and began to make serious
Caicon Perspecrirc - I 3 I
-
9txdzl'llilbtniun lidhin
|Dnii[iirp lte[fiDrdl GItrOIQGItrS " @th.
se,ftinq ,,p .-t.r fir'rcrl cou'^1 of .-pp.-.-l has lo clo rviih to.r.n.igt.l)'..,"
described as the 'Judge in short pants", the Hon. ,ffr.. llJ"Jrr,i.. Philip Telford Georges, OCC, has sen'ed the legal profession with distinction. His sterling contributions to
law and legal education have been regionally and
extra-
Perspective spoke withJustice Telford Georges -
Q: What inlluenced your choice of career? rv:rs like so mirnv things in rnl lile. :rccidental, hopr'lirllv
A: It
logical. I really thought of becoming an academic and I liked the
regionally acclaimed.
idea of teaching. I went away and started to study English and
Justice Georges received his secondarv education at the Dominica Grammar School where. he was au'arded the
History. I then thought that it would be sensible to do something
Dominica Island Scholarship. He graduated with First Class Honours in Law from the University of Toronto, Canada and was awarded a gold medal lor this achievement. Georges
a structured job. Hence the switch to Law.
proceeded to London, England where he became Barrister-at-
Law of the Middle Temple.
that would enable me to be self employed or, if I wanted to, have
Q' Ilhat would you say are the challenges facing the legal in the Caibbean, at this juncture? A: 'I'hcv are no clifli'rcnt lrorn the challenges that lat c system and profession
A former Justice of Appeal and Chief Justice in a number of Caribbean courts, Justice Georges was also Dean
professionals all over the world. People today do not regard
and Professor in the Faculty of Law at the lJniversitv of the West
enter a profession to make money. There is a feeling that the
Indies. Riding the crest
of
the wave
of
his experience, he also
served as ChiefJustice in Tanzania, where thejust independent
professions as professions at
all. They seem to think that people
client or the patient is not an important person an),Tnore. The old dedicated famil,v doctor
or
lawyer seems to be something of
country had to be convinced that English larv rvas not "a
the past. The world moves on and we have to connect with
weapon of oppression". He won.
people again, that is really the greatest challenge. There are
Justice Georges has some very firm opinions about the profession: he thinks that too few lauyers are trained at the
always professional challenges
-
developing new principles to
meet dramatic developments in technology. For instance, that
University of the West Indies (UWI); that women have brought a new perspective to the administration of justice , they are
is something
upholding and becoming the new professionals and that, above
of
I haven't seen much of at all - I am going out, and
it is coming in. It is a fascinating challenge
-
applying principles
law to things like e-commerce. Then, in International Law,
all, to be a goodjudge, one needs a firm grasp of legal principles
there is globalisation developing, all of which will raise real
and one needs to be honest.
knotty problems in commerce and industry. It is lascinating and
For his sterling contribution to the administration of
I
suppose we
will
solve them as we have solved others before.
law and legal education, Justice Georges was awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by the University of Toronto; the University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; the University of the West Indies (UWI); and Dalhousie University, Canada.
One of his greatest distinctions places him among those whom the Caribbean Community salutes
by conferring
Q; In your opinion, is the current legal education equipped to meet these challenges? '\: I rras at tl\\'I lirr six rt'iLrs antl I tl'rink thal rvt'(l() trlnr ()ut a good product. When our students went abroad to do postgraduate degrees, their results were astounding. People would
on him its highest honour - the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), 1995. Dominica has also conferred its
get 'lower seconds' at
highest honour, the Dominica Award of Honour.
away and found that they were challenged, they were able to
Caitont Pcr:J>ccrhr - I j!
LLM,
-
UWI,
go abroad and do brilliantly in the
because we set the bar very high so that'rvhen they went
Srycial ,lfillenniunt Edition
deal rvith
it. Ol'coursc
(we u'cre guys back then) and we rvould
talk from a chauvinist point of vien to attract some more men to
the profcssion. Even that may turn out to be an advantage. More women, I think, more judges will come from the ladies
and thcl' u'ill bring a different perspective into
the
administration ol' justice. Fortunately, they don't seem to be chasing money quite as much as the men do; the habit is ingraincd in thc men, but women may be able to give more public scrvice. Apart fiom that, I think gradually we have done something that is important. lthough our law is basically English Law, we have begun
NI HL
to sive it a \Vest Indian face. For those of us who were
trained in England, it is very dillicult to break old habits and
thinking. Thc Caribbean people have now moved away from that habit. Someone who is trained at UWI has a much better understanding ol'a We st Indian Constitution than a lawyer who
is trained in England who sees it against a background of English concepts. I think UWI is doing alright. The main problem is that it trains too feu, Iawyers, but that is a financial matter. UWI should really start a considcrable level of expansion. People always say there are too many lawycrs, but
that is a mistake, because every acti'u'ity in life in','olves law. Lawyers do not only practice in court, they work in businesses, they work in insurance companies. In the final analysis, every problem you have to deal with will contain some sort of legal
input.
So \\'e can do
lvith many more lawyers than we have.
Dominica should decide a case.
same level
All
our judges of course, are not at the
of competence, but that's not only true of
the
rywhere. There are judges in England who re garded would not be by their pee rs as being particularly brilliant. Caribbean, it is true
eve
ll--lo*.u.., quite often you don't need so much brilliance to ll I o. u *oooluoge. You need a hrm grasp oflegal principles and, above all, you need to be honest. Not just honest in the sense
of not taking a bribe, but honest in the sense of realising
that every human being has prejudices, and being fair in
for
of
the Caibbean Court
realising the prejudices that you have and compensating for
ofJustice (CQJ is known. Your reselations with respect ro irc
them when you come to make important decisions. I find that a lot of the colleagues that I've worked with ha"'e been able to
Q'
Your support
the establishment
exercise of original juisdiction are also well knov,n. Nonrithstanding, how would you like to see this court evolve? .\: I havc supporlt cl a \\'t'.t lnrlian (iorrrt ol'.Justitt' as a linal court. Ofcourse, I am old enough to have appeared before the
do that. I have recently been reading an article
which
deals
with
the development of Human Rights laws in the West Indies and
West Indian Court of Appeal in the days of the Federation. I
my faith is somewhat refreshed, because I can see that, generally speaking, West Indians have stood on the side ol
caught the tail end of it, it was a good court. There wcre still
advancing the freedoms under the constitution.
appeals to the Prir'y Council but,
it
was a West Indian Court
manned principally by West Indians. The judgements
in
the
books read wonderfully today as well; we do have legal talent in
the plenty. People always talk about political interference rvith
justice. I'm alraid that I am probably very lucky although
I have rvorked in very turbulent
because,
places at times -
'fanzania would have been regarded as turbulent, as well as Zimbabwe - I have never had a politician attempting to affect my decision. In the West Indies, I have r,vorked in Trinidad, I har.'e worked in Nassau, The Bahamas and I have worked in the appellate tribunals worked in Bermuda.
in Belize, in Cayman Islands. I've alsc> In none of these places has an,v politician
or any other person attempted to indicate to me which way I
Q: Do you still have resewations about it being a court of original jurisdiction ? 'l'hut tLrcs lt'1lt'tt rrrv vit'rr. I rlo thirrk thlt l)ublit' '\: International Law is an area of law which is very r'ast, the technique s of which are not identical
to those of Private Law.
We do have excellent private international lawyers, we havc supplied people who have sat on thc International Court of Justice and, at the moment, we have a representative on the Organisation of American States (OAS) Court, but the tu<r techniques are difl'erent. I do think that there is a large element ol'politics in Internation:rl Law. To get somebody who straddles these two areas is a marvelous thing, not many do. I don't know ntinrcd
on
p. 139
ll-riorrlell
Alfired
tUUOll\ltllOD
w. rld's Most S^cc.ssf^l Advc,ccI. '
I fff '::1ff:'J:i;#:1J:il Ti;}: #l
Sir Lionel entered the political arena and was prime ministerial candidate for the National Labour Front - a party he
which have been bestowed on Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo. Listed
established. He failed, however, to garner enough grassroots'
in the
support against the coalition front Ied by Cheddi Jagan and
Guinness Book
of
Records as
the "World's Most
with over 200 consecutive, successful defenses, he was born into a family of long standing legal
Forbes Burnham, because of his fiercely anti-communist stance
tradition. Sir Lionel attended the country's prestigious Queen's
1966, Sir Lionel became his country's first High Commissioner
College, before proceeding to London to study medicine. While
to l,ondon and in that same year became Barbados' first High
Successful Lawyer"
there, he switched to Law and was called to the Bar bv Middle
Commissioner, thereby pioneeing the cost-elfective system
Temple, in I940.
joint representation. He also represented Guyana
On the completion of his studies, Sir Lionel returned home and set up the legal practice "Luckhoo and Luckhoo",
Barbados as their Ambassador in Paris, Bonn and the Hague
with his brother. His ability to be extraordinarily persuasive
with juries coupled with his incisive cross-examination approach caused him to be recognised as brilliant par excellence. His exploits in the legal field are both legendary and memorable
.
He
served
on the State Council, 1952-53, and
as
.
Following the granting of independence to Guyana in
of
and .
ll(nighted in I966 by the Q.ueen of England, and appointed ll \ fCrr,rC in 1969, Sir Lionel gave up his diplomatic career in 1970 and entered chambers in the Temple. He returned to Guyana in 1974, and upon retiring in 1980, concentrated on cases of appeal. In his later years, he founded the Luckhoo Mission in Dallas, Texas. and started to preach the gospel around the
Minister without Portfolio, 1954-57. He took Silk in 1954 and was Mayor of Georgetown in 1954, 1955, 1960 and 1961. In
world. He has also authored a number of legal and religious texts.
1962 he was appointe d Commande r of the Order of the British
described 1Atnbassador forJesus' Sir Lionel Luckhoo served
Empire (CBE).
with distinction. Caricon Pcrspecrirc
- I 31
Legal luminary, diplomat, politician and
-Spec;al,llillennium Edition
self-
Husn Oltiviere !fOODfNG Disfi
^g*irh.d R.cional JLnr^ist
President ol'the Caribbcan Bar Associa-
Q:::,l*,T;:t"":"T .T;: ,, Trinidad
tion in 1952; a member of the Bar Council lrom 1932-62 and Vicc Presi-
has produced, \.vhat sets this Iirst and
dent of the Bar Association from
foremost jurist apart are his manv
t952-62.
I
vears
of
2Oth centurv which
Sir Hugh Olliviere
Beresford Woodin6J's outstandinâ&#x201A;Źi
His career as a lawver was not conlined to Trinidad and Tobaplo; he
contributions to business, politir:s,
lvas a member of the Bar of even- We st
religion, the universitv rrrrrld.
Indian country,. including Guyana and
achievements.
the
In
arts, lrce masonry, public ollice and
Belize.
sports administration are legt:ndarr'.
Justict'and. in 1967. rras suorn in
As editorialiscd bv the Trinidadian
Privv Councillor. Hc u'as the first West
Guardian, "he vtas a man of man'l firsts.
the coveted college
exhibition in
\,von 19
as
IndianJudgc to be appointcd to scrve on
" Sir Hugh, at age ten,
1962 he r,vas appointcd Chief
Trinidad and Tobago, 190+-1974
l4
the Judicial Committee of the Privv Council and rvas the Sixth Commonn'ealth Chief Justice to become a
and attended the state-owned Queen's Royal Collcge. Ht,
member of the Council.
exhibited unusual brilliancc, rvinning prize after prize. includine
lQir Hugh entered the municipal political arena in the 1940s S O..rur. hc lelt that there was a need to redefine the scope of- munit'ipal politics. He contested and rvon a seat on the council. succeeded in building a reputation of lairness,
the Innis prize for Latin, the Burslcm Prize lbr English and History and theJeringham
G<-rld
Nlcdal
in
1923.
The driving ambition to rvin the coveted island ol' Black families w'ith limited means. This Sir Hugh did in 1923 but, bclbre leaving ftrr England to take up his scholarship. l'orked lbr a scholarship rvas cssential to bright students
established himself as a "rvisc young coun<:illor and went on to
win the may'oral elections in 1943". Describcd as an urtrepentant rcgionalist and believer
while at United British Oilfields and then as a bor.rk-kecper in
in Federation, Sir Hugh shared the vision of his Iriend Norman
Port-of-Spain.
N'lanlel.and crthers o1'his generation
(Si. Hugh entercd l\Iiddle Temple in 1924 and S air,i,.g"risht'd himsclf a<:ademicall1,, rvinning the Inns of'
rvould one day risc to play a .;igtilicant role
The collapse of the Wcst Indian Federation in 1962 pained him
Court Prizeman in Constitutional Lalr,and Legal Trinitv Term
decph.
in
He
-
that a llbst Indian nation
in world
alfairs.
still convinccd that the
ol'Court Studcntship (no \'Vcst Indian had preriously won it) in 1926. He rvas also alarded the Certificatc of Honour. Though naturally brilliant, his achievcments were
er'onomit' realities ol the international rvorld *,ould one da)' "drive thc Caribbean into a closer cconomic community" and
also due to hard rvork.
\\'rote to his " rcgionalll'-minded" lrie nds in 1972, in"'iting the m
1925 and the Inns
While in London hc met rvith a number ol'West
Gul.ana may itdrance tlte cause o1-Ilbst Indian unity".
He was called to thc Bar in 1927 and.
in
(as
disting'uishcd /)"om the politicians) o1'tlte Eastern Caribbean and
Indians and West Africans and later bccame thc Preside nt of thc
30s, begun to enjov a bus,v and lucrative
harsh
t() discuss "wit.vs and nteans whereby the people
West Indian and West Alrican Studcnt Club.
Silk
wars, horvever,
bv thc earlv
tf S
prat'tice. Sir Hugh took
ir Hush \\'oodins becamc the first Wcst Indian Chancellor or tf.r.
U.iversitr' ,rl the
We st Indies.
in I97 I (another first)
an appointment which lvas dcscribed as sigttilicant appoitttmettt
1948.
A man of great lcgal erudition. Sir Hugh had
o1'his careerand devoted most of his energies in his latter life to
arr
extraordinary capacitl' for sustained rvork and t'oncentration and this rvas duh' recognised bv his colleagues. He u'as clected t.:tr;,un PLln the - l
thc Universit,v.
.V
j
-
.\lrcial .ltlluttint
l:ilititt
by Betrand
Lzurent
-rtF.ta
fr-)asu:etL
E]-X)[-,H-lLlL{LI-rrffia
@h.,, .^c+. co^cer^ fo, ondi^ony
s s io
n
a
n.j
p.opl.
Republic of Haiti
Mrs. Ertha Pascal Trouillot's personal history is an string of historical records. As a lawyer, she was I{aiti's first female member of the Bar. She then became lIaiti's first female judge in the Ciuil Court, then again in the Court
of
Caribbean it is the people who ultimately make the Community.
re needs to be much more contact at the nongovernmental/ci"il society level, in every field. The "Haiti
The
Caribbean Institute", which is a window through which Haitian
Appeals, and then the first womanjudge in the Supreme Court.
and Caribbean civil societies can get involved with each other
On March 13 1990 she became Haiti's first woman President.
deserves
Presidency she put together and oversaw Haiti's first truly {ree, honest and democratic elections, which opened up a new era for Haiti with major implications for the
This kind of initiative is indeed important for the Region.
Caibbean. Mrs. Trouillot's extraordinary
people, to which should be added an intense interest in law.
Justice would be an important regional development. But IIaiti's lega) system is dilferent from that of the members of CARICOM. Would you care to share your thoughts on this?
Q At President of lIaiti, what
A: For the Commonwealth Caribbean, replacement of the Pri,uy Council with the CCj is an important step for
Duing her
modest personality
is characterised by compassion and concern for ordinary
was
your perception of the
to be supported by responsible national authorities.
The proposed establishment
a
of a Caribbean Court of
Caribbean Communiq,?
reinforcement of sovereignty. For Haiti, a nation which has
A: I
its own complete judicial system since its join CCJ would not have the same to , implications in terms of sovereignty and independence as for
always saw the Caribbean as a wonderful region of which
we are an important part, lrom a cultural and geographic standpoint, but from which we are quite separate, socially and
politically. I remember fondly meeting the rvonderlul
Prime
Minister Eugenia Charles in Martinique, who had a great concern
for the region.
managed alone
independence
the countries of the Commonwealth in the Caribbean Region. In fact, many here in Haiti would argue that such a move would represent a lessening of sovereignty. Moreover, it should be
underlined that the basis of our legal system is the Napoleonic
q
What would be your advice regarding llaiti's membership in the Community? A: In spite of what appears to be active negotiations and communications with CARICOM at governmental level,
Law.
Nevertheless, despite these
two important
apparent
barriers, we should look closely at the issue because the CCj
ma.v present many opportunities for arbitration, for management and for administrative insights, and so on, besides
contacts are sadly lacking between Haitian and Caribbean civil
the mere application of laws. Haiti is already signatory to many
societies. These latter contacts are actually just as important as
international conventions and we have a Constitution that
government-level contacts,
if not more so, because in
the
(:aicon Perspettie - j$ I
continued on
91xr
ial .l lill en ni unt Edi tion
p.
138
Emllha ltrescalll l]p0[Jil
il-t0t Haiti.
7L^ prevnidre f.rnrne. ,n.rnbr,. d^ born.o^,
L'histoire personnelle de Mme Trouillot est un impressionnant maillon dans les archives du pays. En tant qu'avocate, elle a 6t6 Ia premiire femme membre du barreau.
dernier tlpe de contact est aussi important que celui op6r6 au niveau gouvernemental sinon d'avantage, parce que dans la
Cararbe, ce sont les habitants qui, en dernidre analyse, Il doit y avoir plus de contacts
EIle est ensuite devenue Ia premiire femme juge au Tribunal
constituent la Communaut6.
Ciuil, e Ia Cour d'Appel, et i Ia Cour de Cassation. Le 13 mars
dans chaque domaine, au niveau non-gouvernemental
1990, elle est devenue Ia premiire femme Prdsidente d'IIaiti.
civile.
Pendant sa pr4sidence, elle a planili4 et
les
travers iaquelle les soci6t6s civiles hartiennes et carib6enne
premiEres 6lections vraiment Iibres, honnEtes et ddmocratiques,
peuvent s'impliquer les unes par rapport aux autres, m6rite
lesquelles ont ouvert une nouvelle
<
surveilli>
ire pour Haiti avec
des
implications importantes pour la Caraibe. Mme Trouillot fait
<
/
soci6t6
L'Institut Haitien-Caraib6en > qui est une fen6tre i
d'6tre soutenu par les responsables nationaux. Ce genre de d6marche est important pour la r6gion.
montre d'une personnalitd extraordinairement modeste qui reflite â&#x201A;Źtre
profonde compassion et un grand souci pour Ie bien-
at Le projet d'4tablissement d'une Cour de Justice de Ia
personnes ordinaires, qualitis qui compl4mentent son
Caraibe serait un ddveloppement important pour Ia rigion.
une
des
uif int4r4t pour les questions relatives au Droit.
Mais le systime l6gal d'IIalti est dillErent de celui des autres membres de
Q En rant que Prdsidente d'IIafti, quelle 6tait conception de
la Communautt de la
votre
Caraibe.
R: J'ai toujours vu la Caraibe comme une r6gion extraordinaire dont nous constituons une portion trds importante, du point de
vue culturel et g6ographique, mais de iaquelle nous sommes aussi trds sâ&#x201A;Źpar6s socialement et politiquement. Je me souviens
opinions
R:
la CARICOM.
Pouvez-vous nous donner vos
la-dessus ?
Pour la Caraibe du Commonwealth, remplacer le
.
Conseil
Priv6 du Souverain > (Prir,y Council) par le CCj est une 6tape
importante pour renforcer la souverainet6. Pour Haiti, une nation qui a 9â&#x201A;Ź16 seule son propre systdmejudiciaire depuis son ind6pendance, adh6rer au CCJ n'aurait pas la m6me
avoir rencontr6 amicalement le Premier Ministre de la Martinique Eugenia Charles qui se souciait beaucoup de la
pour les pays de la Communaut6 Anglophone de la Caraibe. En
16gion.
effet, plus d'un diront que ce genre de
implication en termes de souverainet6 et d'inddpendance que
reprdsenterait
a' Quel serait votre conseil concernant I'adhision d'Halti la Caraibe ? R: tsn d6pit de ce qui apparait comme des n6gociations et communications actives ar.'ec la CARICOM au niveau des gouvernements, les contacts manquent tristeme nt e ntre la dans
un
plus il laut noter que, la base de notre systdme l6gal est le Code
Napol6on. Cependant, ces deux importantes barridres, nous devons regarder ce sujet de trds prds car le CCJ peut pr6senter
plusieurs opportunit6s pour I'arbitrage, la gestion et conceptions administratives etc..., en plus de la simple
soci6t6 civile haitienne et celle de la Caraibe. Cependant, ce Cariamhtspectirc - Iji
mouvement
affaiblissement de notre souverainet6. De
les
continued on p. I 38
-
.'pc.irl .lliilelniutn Editid)
application des lois. Harti est d6ji signataire d'un certain nombre de conventions internationales et nous avons une Constitution qui nous guide quand nos propres lois sont en
conflit avec ces conventions internationales. J'ai 6tudi6 plusieurs cas ayant des implications historiques et internationales or) ces accords sont en conflit avec nos lois, etj'ai
Ltntrinued li'ont p. l.7li
guides us on occasions when our own laws are
in con{lict with
I have studied several cases with historical and international significance in which those agreements have come into conflict with our laws, and I have international conventions.
recommended the best procedures applicable in settling them.
recommandd les meilleures proc€dures applicables pour y faire
Legal integration is a challenging and important area and a field
important. Elle constitue un domaine oi les 6changes d'opinions entre les experts Haitiens et les membres du Commonwealth Carib6en de la
where exchanges of expert opinions between Haitian and
face- L'int6gration l6gale pose un d6fi
CARICOM et le CCJ sembleraient trds
Commonwealth Caribbean members of CARICOM and the
CCj would
A Q' Q",
diriez-vous A
ces
seem very desirable.
souhaitables.
jeunes femmes de la Caraibe qui
What would you tell young Caribbean
A: I am
enuisagent leurs carriires, I'avenir?
R: .fe suis contente qu'il existe beaucoup plus de
women
contemplating their future careers? very happy that there are more young women in policy
femmes
positions in almost every field in the Region, though it's still not
maintenant dans les postes de responsabilitd dans presque chaque domaine dans la r6gion, bien que leur nombre ne soit
enough. Wome n in such positions can inspire and mentor other
pas su{fisant. Les femmes dans ces positions peuvent inspirer et
occupied the post of lJndersecretary of State in the Ministry of
guider les autres.J'ai beaucoup d'estime, par exemple, pour la
Labour here in 1946: thanks to her efforts and inspiration,
femme qui a occup6 le poste de Sous-Secrdtaire d'Etat A notre
many women, including myself, have benefitted. Each woman
Ministdre du Travail en 1946: beaucoup de femmes moi comprise ont b6n€hci6 de ses efforts et de son inspiration. En fait, chaque femme qui accomplit quelque chose ouvre davantage la porte pour les autres. Nous devons en €tre
who achieves something opens the door a bit wider for others. We have to be conscious of this. We need to accomplish not
conscients. Nous avons besoin de r6aliser non seulement pour nous-mdmes, mais aussi pour les autres. Nous devons 6tre
women. I owe a great deal, for example, to the woman who has
only for ourselves, but also for each other. We need to be courageous. I did not seek the Presidency, but was compelled by circumstances to assume that responsibility and did what I could to move my country forward after a period of great
courageux. Je n'avais pas cherchd la Pr6sidence, mais cette responsabilit6 m'a 6t6 impos6e par les circonstances, et j'ai lait
turbulence.
ce que je pouvais pour laire avancer mon pays aprds une
at What are your current activities? A: I am quite busy! To name a couple of my activities:
p6riode de grande turbulence.
A
Quelles sont vos activites actuelles ?
R: Je suis trds
occup6e
! Pour citer
quelques-unes
de
ces
activit6s : Nous avons lanc6 une petite fondation qui assiste un
we have
launched a small foundation that is supporting a hospital in Dame Marie, and we are researching and publishing a multivolume set of biographies of well known Haitians, the Encyclopedie Biographique d'Haiti. There is a lot to do.
h6pital dans la ville de Dame Marie, de plus nous faisons des recherches et nous sommes en train de publier, en plusieurs
volumes, des biographies de personnalit6s Haltiennes marquantes dans I'Encyclopddie Biographique d'IIaiti. beaucoup
i
Il
'1 a
faire.
Mme Trouillot est un membre de lAssociation Internationale des Femmes Juristes ) Pais en France et de lAssociation du Barreau Inter-Amdricain i Washington D.C. EIle a publi4 le > Code de Lois Usuelles >, guide de r4lErence l4gale Ie plus utilisd en Ifaiti. Actuellement, elle publie l' >Encyclopddie Biographique d'Ilai ti.
Caicon Pcrspecrit' - ] 38
Mrs. Trouillot is a member of the International Association of Women Juists (Pais-France) and of the InterAmerican Bar Association (I|rashington DC - USA). She has published 'Code de Lois Usuelles', Haiti's most used legal reference book. She is currently publishing an Encyclopedie Biographique d'Haiti.
-.9pecial .lGllennnn Ednion
Philip Tblford Georges continued lrom p.133
A: I don't ft:el stronglv on it. I lecl that oncc \'\rcst Indians
rn:rl<t:
of anyone in the Caribbean who does both brilliantly. We have
the selection - once we decide that you can come in and be on our
people who do brilliantly
court - then that is the sort of right that
question about that.
I
in Public International Law, no I try to think in
am a practical man and
is
vital to me . So, I rvill accept.
I do think we have enough people here to male it rvork But, if there is
terms of what is likely to occur.
someone good who c:rl come in - wonderlirl, I would say
Now, the original jurisdiction will deal with disputes between states. The Caribbean people are still extremely
OI(
Q' Your professional life extends beyond the Caribbean - to Africa and Europe. Wat were some of the more challenging moments while serwing in other parts of the world? A: Thc entirc cxperit'ncc was c:halk:neine, but I rceard mv
insular, they might have grown a little out of it but, they still are. You have a dispute between states and judges coming from one state or another will be sitting
in an attempt to resolve these be accused of partiality. It will not necessarily be true, but, in the case of a court, an accusation is enough. When a court starts up it is best not to problems; without doubt they will
six years as ChiefJustice of Tanzania as the high point in my career. It was a creative experience. Tanzania had just become
I think the
independent and the English Law which it had received was not particularly understood in the country. In fact, it was regarded
court is likely to suffer from attacks when it faces disputes between sovereign states, and decides in a way which people in the state they think did not quite recognise their vital interests.
as one ofthe weapons ofoppression in the hands ofthe English. My job was to get it accepted as a system which was suitable. The idea of the independence of the judiciary was not one
So,
I think it would be much better to leave it as a court which decides finally, appellate dispures coming from individuai
which came easily within the framework of the existing African culture. Introducing it was a great challenge. Fortunately, the
I think that is a sensible view. r far as international disputes are _A -/ \ CARICOM exists now and there is a
mechanism
then President of Tanzania,Julius Nyerere was as committed to its achievement as I think I was, and I think we made considerable progress. It was a different kind ofjob, involving a
whereby the disputes between states can be solved by a panel of arbitrators. The panel is set up in Guyana, the names are there
lot of larv. You cannot impress people that English Law is worth anything if you do not administer it properly. But, at the same
and, if a dispute arises, members can pick names from that panel to sit and decide that dispute. There's no question of taking it any'where else as is the case ofappeals from private law
time, it
open its flank to attacks which can weaken it. And
courts.
decisions to the
Priry Council. That's point
one .
concerned,
Point number
two - the mechanism for solving disputes which has been set up in CARICOM has never been used, and that is because essentially, West Indian politicians like to solve their disputes
was also a
little political - which I deeply enjoyed.
Q 7h, Region and byond knows you as a stalwart of the professiory but without the wigs and gowrx" who is Telford Georgef
A: Tc:llbrd
Georges u'ears thc
l'ig and go*.n onh.
rrjr<:n
h<:
by talking, mediation
works (in Court) and he does not spend a vast number of hours of his life working in court. Therefore , the wig and gown is the
and eventually conciliation. I think that's a much better way to deal with it. The setting up of a final court ol appeal has to do
stage dress that is used when it is needed. Telford Georges is a very ordinary person, wherever I go I mix completely. I'm
without the intervention of third parties
-
with sovereignty, the setting up of such a court to deal with
interested in a number of things - the arts, mainly literature, for
international disputes between different member states has nothing to do rvith sovereignty. CARICOM is not a sovereign nation. CARICOM is a collection of independent states,
example. I find always that I have my friends in these areas, who are not necessarily lawyers. When I became a judge in Trinidad there was an article putting me up ("The new judge who is he?" The headline was "This Is theJudge in Short
sovereign in themselves, which have agreed to work together. They don't need a court to give a stamp of sovereignty to them. They could get much closer before they could require anything like a European Court ofJustice. But, I always say, "do not let the best be the enemy of the good," so even though it is not what I rvould like
completely, it is good enough for me to accept
it
- happil,v.
Pants"' because I used to do my shopping in my short pants. I was a Professor of Law
to Cave Hill - there I was giving my lectures in short pants and sandals. The only occasion
I
Q 7h,
establishment
develop
a
of
the
CQ/
is aho seen as an
Caribbean jurisprudence.
involvement
of
llhat
oppordtnity to
is your opinion
exaa-regional judicial petsotnel on the
on
lor six years at the University here and
some of my colleagues in practice were shocked when they came
the
C)aricomPerspectit'
-
was driven to wear slacks was when
As Dean, people come to meet with you and one cannot begin
the meeting by shocking them by your dress. But, once I'm free
I behave in a manner that
courf
I
was Dean of the Faculty because things must be appropriate.
-Sprcial ,l.fillenniumEdition
is comfortable.
Sir
Arthur LIWIS
hrn l5r-*
in Saint Lucia, Sir Arthur l.ewis won
a
scholarship
th. Custi., Anglican Primary School which
enabled him to enter St. Mary's College. He graduated by
worked thereafter as a clerk in the Civil Service. Because of his age he was forced to wait until 1932 to sit the examination for an Island Scholanhip.
age thirteen, and
Unable to pursuâ&#x201A;Ź Engineering Worldrenowned Economist, the
fint
Black to beawarded
anacademicprize by theprestigious
Nobcl Foundation,
for "pioneering research on economic develop-
mentinemerging comtries"-
because
-
his first love -
of racial discrimination' Sir Arthur
entered the
industriat development. Sir Arthur was selected in 1955 to be a memberofthe UnitedNation's Committee forAsia and
the Far East and member of the Board of Govemors of Qyeen Elizabeth House, Oxford, the Centre for Commonwealth Studies. In that year, his classic work' " Zle Theory of Economic GrowtJl'made its appearance on the
world's bookshelves. Regarded as a seminal study in the field, the book advocates the development ofinfrastructure'
field of Economics and reached intematjonal heights. At the london School of Economics (ISE), he distinguished
education in all its areas and specialisation in agriculture
1937. While at
himself, passing with first class honours in ISE he won a Scholarship leading to a Ph'D in Industrial
Sir Arthur accepted the office of Head of the Eronomics Departrnent at what was then the University
and before his graduation, was already the
College of the West Indies. He was its first Principal from
F,conomics
and high employrnent.
1959-62 and became its first Vice Chancellor serving from
Editor of the Joumal of the l.eague of Coloured People. During the period l93B-47 he was also a lecturer
1962-63, before leaving
for Princeton where he
had
UWI enabled him to
at the LSE. By 1943 he was Temporary Principal of the
accepted a professorship. His period at
British Board of Trade and, in 1948, a Full hofessor at the
re-establish contact with his people of the Caribbean and he
Univenity of Manchester.
was better able to analyse their problems.
Among the important positions held by Sir
Arthur were: Consultant to both the Caribbean Commission on Land Settlement in Guyana, and the
R.haps Sir Arthur's greatest service to the Caribbean U **U. fou.,a in the establishment of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in l97l in which he served
as
its
Industrial Development and the British West Indies; of the Colonial Advisory Economic Council
first hesident from 1970-74. He will also be remembered
member
for transforming the then University College into a full-
between l95l-53; member of a United Nation's Group of
fledged independent universiry.
Experts to advise on banking in underdeveloped countries;
Known
as
the English-speaking Caribbean's first
and
a consultant physician to ailing
Consultant to the Govemment of Nigeria on intemational
indigenous economist
banking matters; and Fconomic Consultant to the Government of Ghana - this last consultanry produced a report which became the blueprint for the 100 million pounds Volta River Project which expanded Ghana's
national economies, Sir Arthur in his research focussed on
Caicom Perspcctive
- | lQ
three areas: industrial economics, the history of the world economy since lB70 and development economics - the field continuedonp.
-
Special Millennium Edition
l4l
FranK
Trinidad and Tobago, 1930-1999
A resolute professional, who
Commission whose recommendations to the CARICOM
ank Rampersad, economist, technocrat, distinguished public servant was "a resolute professional, who placed
his
immense intellectual qualities at
immense
ing the Organs and Institutions of the Caribbean and in
intellectual
the
of a Caribbean
the disposal of Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and
facilitating
the Commonwealth..."
Market and Economy. He was also Coordinator of the
Rampersad worked first as Post O{fice and then
at
before accepting the post
a
Clerk in the Government
the Central Statistical OIIice,
of
establishment
Single
Regional Economic Conference, Chairman of the Technical Committee on Regional Air Transportation Service, Coordinator of the University Centre Project, and Chairman of the University of the West Indies Advisory Committee. These are just some of the portfolios in which his invaluable contribution to the
After winning the House Scholarship in 1948,
Government Statistician.
He then proceeded to the London School ofEconomics and gained an Honours degree in Economics.
integration process was made manifest.
Rampersad made his name first as an economic
statistician and "gave Trinidad and Tobago a very high
His commitment to UWI was matched only by
reputation for its statistics in the early days of national self
his consummate professionalism right up to his last days.
govemment".
It
has been said that he was virtually
[u*p..rud's l{ b.t*...r
responsible for building the national income statistics.
professional economists were
hard to come
long career highlighted the vital link economic and social development and
his commitment to the Region's peoples.
A distinguished public servant at a time when by,
Rampersad's voice in the conduct of Government affairs
was very significant. He was highly respected for his
Anhur lzwis
forthright view on development issues allecting the
for which he was honoured.
continued
liom p.
140
Region and the developing world in general, and has
Sir Arthur came to be known for two â&#x201A;Źxplanatory
been described as one who was very independent and
models which determine the causes of poverty among the
unafraid to express his opinion.
population of developing countries as well as the factors
his country and
the
iletermining the unsatisfactory pace of development. He
Caribbean Community with dedication and dignity and
was the genius of his theories and their application and their
Rampersad served was
of
the generation of regionalists who laboured in
various national and regional
relevance
organisations for
improvement in the lives of the peoples
of
developing countries
Knighted by the Q.ueen in 1963, Sir Arthur was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1979.
He was member of the Independent West Indian Caicom Perspectire
to the economies of
continue to stimulate debate and evoke respect and awe.
the Region.
I 4]
placed his
Heads of Government were instrumental in restructur-
-Special MillenniumEdition
qualities at the disposal
of
Trinidadand Tobago, the Caribbean and the Commonwealth.
ANTHcINY Sa,gciA Trinidad and Tobago
"None ofthe islands is bigenough to be
global market. And, while
f
in
if
CARICOM
as a
viable
option, particularly in the light of the challenges
have no
profitability since then. The launching of Fleming Ansa Merchant Bank in 1994 in
faced by the region in the globalisation process,
partrrenhip with Robert Fleming Holdings
Market and Economy. He
Ltd. of England, and the
of the Region's development as a whole
the right
direction, the rules would have to be accepted by all,
Sabga sees
group has shown steady growth and
in
doubt in my mind that CARICOM is definitely a positive step
thousand employees. Piloted by Sabga, this
the
able to ellectively stand alone
we are to move to a
purchasing
of
subsequent
the 50o/o interest of Flemings
and suppors the implementation of the Single
"Mom
critical, howwer,
is
of morzement is
asnti4
and S<tu
to form ANSA Merchant Bank Ltd., and
cannot har/e one economy and one union
thereafter the outright purchase of Amalga-
without the free movement ofpople, gotils sfafes. He believes, also, that the prilate sector
McAL Group, a conglomerate comprising
mated Finance Ltd. to form the company ANSA Finance and Merchant Bank Ltd., has been identified as his single most
fifty-two companies with locations in
significant business achievement testifing to
deliberations of
Trinidad and Tobago, other Caribbean countries and the United States, a.rrd a
his prowess.
source
single market and economy."
Fo .uy. Anthony Norman Sabga. \-J retired chairman of the ANSA
combined work force of approximately five thousand. Bom in 1923, Sabgawas amongthe
l-lut Sabsa's success is not confined to El *. u.lir,.r, arena. Keenly aware ol'
and senices.... we have to stop fuhting" he
should play
a more vibrant role in CARICOM, and notjust
of financial
edges, however,
assistance.
He
is
is manifest
and ofthe role ofthe private sector not only
immediate attention to this issue.
states.
of
some
inadequate and
the needs of the society which nurtured him,
in too few
a
aclmowl-
that while there is
movement in this direction, it
the as
He recommends
last group of Syrian lrbanese immigrans to
to its economic, but to its social well being,
Trinidad and Tobago in 1930, and has been
Sabga, penonally and through his group,
both financially and socially, could also be
desffibed as an industrial genius, patrio! and
has spearheaded many initiatives. particu-
gauged from the many awards receir,cd, most
Caribbean Marr.
larly in the field of education. According to
notable among them: the Chaconia Medal
In
1945, Sabga established his
him,
'bducation
is the
most important
for the development of
Recogrition
Sabga's
successes
Gold of the Order of the Trinity in l99B for his
own business, Standard Distributors Ltd. Out of this venture grew the powerlirl ANSA Group of Companies in 1964 - a
ingredient
society. We have been fornnate in Trinidad that we have had a good
tide of Master Entrepreneur
company marked by such success that, four
proganne of education
and the conferral by the Univenity of the West
in
years later,
1968,
it won the fint
Prime
Minister's Award lor Export Performance.
Sabga refen
to this period with
any
and ,looking back
over the last 4O yean, Caribbean
States
have made tremendous progress through
pride,
the Univenity of the West Indies and other
particularly to the fact that competition with
educational institutions. This augun weII
businesses
in the
developed countries was
success{irlly done without any preferential
treatrnent or concession. He attributes this
success
to, in his words, "integrity,
for the funre development of the Region.
I
involved in the making process with respect to deciion
have
been
participation
in
uarious proJects
of the
with
the
Indies". ANSA
contribution to business; in that same year, the
the fint such
award to be made in Trinidad and Tobago
Indies of the Degree ofDoctor ofl-aws, honoris
causa
WT.::*T:*:,"ffix# he is where he thought he'd be 55 years ago,
Sabg - a devoted and loving father and grandfather - stated:
"I feel very honoured
that my contributions to the genenl gtod
determitntion to succeed, desire to make
Univetsity
things happen and, above all, not to condude on any agreement or transaca'on
MCAL/UWI Students Training Sandwich
done
Programme was initiated by the Group, and
utless it is to the benefrt of both parties."
affords second-year students from the
West
-
has been reagnised, but
it
f
could not have
without the support of my fatnily,
Sabga's genius for business was
Faculties ofNatural Sciences and Engineer-
friends, the group management and, I wodd say, the general public ... f had no doubt that I would have achieved some
further demonstrated when at age 63, he
ing the opportunity to put their theoretical
degree
embarked on what may be considered - at
knowledge into practice. "This is
the time - investrnent suicide. The ANSA
satisfying progzatnme, sntdents do not have
with me all the way. I feel very ndfied
ailing
any misconceived ideas of work ethics, and
the
McEneamey Alstons to purchase 40 million
approximately 70per cent of them retum to
at par. This offer and its
work with us." The ANSA McAL
continue to do well in the fuwe. My ofu wish now is that the Caribfuan can rcally get together and go forwatd as a pnl. f have no doubt that we [the CaribfunJ could lx a single
Group made an offer stock units
to the
a very
at
acceptance, constituted a major contribu-
Psychological Research Centre
tion to economic stability in the private sector and to job security for three
University is yet another collaborative effort between the Group
and U\M.
the
of
success,
but my
achievemenB
have exceeded my expectations. God was
tlnt gtup is doing well atzd no doubt will
power"
Ei
cTRDclN .fFJUTtr H,, STEWART
EiYoNEY
Jamaica
<<'T'.a,rel Man of the Millennium" and
I "t^,..
KNEx
Entrepreneur of the Decrde"
larows thatthe man in charge isworkingas hard
arejust two ofthe many accolades bestowed on
as fte or she is], [everyone] has an infinite amor:nt of respect and motir'ation". His motto,
Gordon Arthur 'Butch' Stewart, Chairman:
ATL Group of
Companies; Sandals Resorts;
AirJamaica; Nd
was bom in I94l and his early education in Jamaica Stewart
received
"if you male a commitrnent to
somebody,
you've got to keep it", "characterises his famous
the Jamaica Obseler.
follow-up service...". instance
of
The most
dramatic
his mmmitrnent was demorsbated
in
1993 to halt the rapid
before leaving for England. On his retum to
when he intervened
.famaica, he soon established himself as a salesman with the Dutch-owned Curacoa
der.aluation of theJamaican dollar.
Trading Company, resigning after attaining
lmown, are less publicised than those of his
the position of sales manager.
business acquisitiors
A Caribbean phenomenon,
His philanthropic acts, though well
and currently 'tndude
active support to more than one hundred and
m{or
projecc in the host communities
of
fifq'
started out as an airconditioner service and distribution com-
his companies". These indude building
pany. Today, it is a conglomerate comprising more than twenty divene companies - collectively, Jamaica's largest
in
rural Jamaica, paying teachen, providing linen for horyitals, and bringing schools
health care to those who cannot afond
ir
The
private corporation; its biggest earner of foreign exchange; and its largest nongovemmental employers, with over 8,000
Stewart's corffnitrnent to the economic as well
In
1968, with a base capital
of
environment as social
is
but
another example of
Qt-ing the trail for more than thiny.LJ y.ur= and. in the process. redefining entrepreneurship
appliances and within a year had purchased
Stewart's initiative, astuteness and vision have
buildingfor cash. By 1973, ATL had
expanded into manufacturing. Today,
been integral
humanised
success,
his comparries'achiwements,
inter ali4 bY a number
ATL
companies are the dominant manufacturers
to
and
in 1924. At
age 17 he signed
to Canada for training, where he was part
of the Sixth Airborne Division in the famous crossing of the Rhine in early
A ft.. the war Knox came home and, A ,ir,.. flying was his second passion, tried to obtain
of
awards.
These include:'World's kadingAll-Inclusive
a
job
as a
West Indies Airways
pilot with British
(BWIA). At
that
time, however, the airline had only a small number of aircrafts and Knox, deciding he could not wait forever to be
by BWIA, sought
employed
other
employment.
In
1953
Knox met Charles
Massey, a co-founder of Neal and Massey
Engineering
and joined the ranks
as a
sales representative. Fourteen years later,
in
well being of the society.
$3200, Stewart established Appliance Traden Ltd. (ATL). The company grew meteorically, adding freezers and other its own
was born
with the Royal Air Force and proceeded
Sandals EceJoumalisrn Awards Programme, designed to promote the presewation of the
employees.
Business legend Sidney Knox
1945.
Stewart's record ofsuccess is legendary. The
ATL Group
Trinidad and Tobago
participate, and if everyone in the organisation
1967,
he was
apPointed
a
joint
managing director. Self-tutored in the fundamentals
of
Knox, who attributes
business,
business
his
acumen to his ability to listen and
ask questions,
said that he learnt some of his
most valuable lessons from international strategists and
joinr managing pzrtners'
and distributors of refrigeration equipment
Company'';'World's trading Honeyrnoon
As a rising executive in the Neal
inJamaica. In l9B l,
Resort'; "Caribbean's Leading Resort"; and "Caribbean's kading Airline". He himself is
and Massy Group, Knox made business
without any experience
in the tourist industry, Stewart bought a run-
down hotel in Montego Bay and tumed it
of
the recipient ofnumerous awar& andhonours,
forays into Latin America and
the
Caribbean that left his competition in the wake. Reputed to be a tough, shrewd
the
national and intemational. Recently he was
intemational renowned Sandals fleet' Along
with otherJamaican businessmen Stewart' in
made an Honorary Member of Rotary lntemational, and was awarded the Paul
AirJamaica at
Harris Fellowship - the foundation's highest
influence as head of the Neal and Massy Group as he engineered takeovers and
was experiencing
honour - which is "reserved for penons whose
outbid and out-maneuvered shareholders.
into what was to be the flagship
1994, purchased 70 per cent of
a time when the airline
turbulence. "He steadied it, and, in the process,
lives exemplify a selfless commiffnent
to
the
helped secure a crucial sector of the tourist industry". Stewart attributes his success to
*The betterment of mankind". The recipient of Order ofJamaict'' - one of the highest rntional
"hard work, commitment, a good product,
honours that can be awarded to aJamaican
reliable follo\4'uP service and a dependable team". A subscriber to the philosophy
ritizen
"leadership by example", Stewart's capaciry for hard rvork inspires teamwork. In his words,
"Ifyou
are going to lead, you have to
-
Gondon "Butch" Stewart, in
strategist,
Knox wielded
considerable
He moved ahead of the conglomerate pack and kept a sharp eye on intemationa.l trade
'
l./no* piloted the Neal and l\lassey to heights in business success. l\ "-ro during a career that spanned almost halfof a
Degree of Doctor of I-aws, honoris causa,by
century, and is the recipient of a national award for his service to business' He is also
the Univenity of the West Indies.
holder of an honorary doctorate from the
November 2001, was conferred with the
University of the West Indies.
AAREN
MATALEN
.J.
Jamaica
f I
.orn
managing
a small
family
..rt.rp.i.. to cofounding one of
largest conglomerates
in
Jamaica, Aarcn
Matalon's career of initiative and
success
world ofbusiness has been singled out
the great
the
of
success stories
in the
as one
of
contemporary
Caribbean.
Institute
of
l\{anagement and koduction,
ICD Group and
began as an a{junct of the
norv the foremost of u-aining irstitutiors of
ALEEM MEHAMMED
is
Trinidad and Tobago
is
kind inJamaica and perhaps the Caribbean. "Thmugh this hstitute there has been fostered an enlightened scheme of collaboration with
Former hesident and Chief Execu-
tive Oficer of
Indusrial
Commercia]
Dwelopment (ICD), and currently D.puty Chairman
importance of education, his brainchild, The
of
Mechala Group,Jamaica
Aaron Matalon was bom
in
Ltd
the Univenity of the West Indies(JM) whereby on-the-job training renrlts in a degree
in
I It'. Aleem lVlohammed is Chief IT lJ Executive of S.lVl. Jaleel. one of
The Marngement Studies degree offered at IJ1M is owed to Matalon
the Caribbean's largest exporters of soft drinks and juices, with more than fortyseven export markets including North,
management.
1919. Forced to
more than any other individual, and was not
age thilteen because the
one of his easier achievements". He was also
South and Central America, the Carib-
combined effects of the Great Deprrssion and
Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee
bean, Europe and the Far East.
two ht-uricanes left his father, a merchant,
which rvas of substantial assistance
at
leave school
unable to pay his schml fees, Matalon fourd himself
ajob
as a salesclerk
and saved enough
ofhis meager wages which enabled him to be
in
in 1924 by
the
A&isory Committee
patriarch of the family, S.M. Jaleel, this company - one of the oldest soft drink
establishment of the programme and served years as Chairman of the
Founded
the
l0
lor the hogramme duringwhich time he was
bottlers in the Caribbean - has maintained
at the Kingston
also Chairman of the Univenity's Placement
a
Technical School. With the zubsequent restart
Board which identifies and seela to foster job
ofhis father's business, Matalon & Co in 1936,
opportunities for graduates.
cutting edge oftechnology, and has been in the forefront of the soft drink industry
enrolled
in wening
classes
reputation
for
always being
on
the
Matalon was, at age sixecn, perhaps the
He has also helped to shape other
not only in Trinidad, but also in the wider
mvelling salesman inJamaic4 well
aspecc oflamaican society through his senice
Caribbean. Since assuming the chairman-
business - "dignity of work and the importance
on a rariety of social fronts. The 'Adopt-ASchoof' programme and the "Multicare
ship of the company in 1980, Dr. Mohammed has overseen its rapid
of instruction". After the demise of his father
Foundation" are but two examples.
expansion and the revolutionising of the
youngest
schooled
by his father in the
lgM, Aaron
processes
of in
assumed mrmagement of
Co. In 1946, Matalon, alongwith his brothers, pooled their resources and Matalon &
A /-\
ppoi.tted a
Director of
the
CariUi*an Association of Industry and
Commerce (CAIQ in 1960, Matalon played a
Caribbean soft drink market by the introduction of P.E.T (innovative plastic
key role in promoting the idea of Caribbean
technology) packaging. Today, his company is the largest producer of P.E.T. in
managerial skills ahâ&#x201A;Źa+ proven, Matalon
economic integration, and was involved in the
the Caribbean Basin and also one
of the newly formed
effort which culminatal in the lormation of
leading companies
CARIFTA, Four years later,
Hemisphere
founded Commodity Service Company. His became Chairman
company. The business prospered. Indusnial
[.td was soon founded and quickly grew into a grant Commercial Development
mendations
and Chief Executive Officer from 1975 to his
establishment
retirement
in
1984. His more
phenomenal growth,
than 50 yean
as he
co-founded,
acquired, directed and chaired numerous sub,sidiaries and
ICD
afiliated companies induding
fl,\'IHCOf$. Matalon's career has been marked
not only by his involvement in the economic well being of his country, but also ia social
development.
B.i"S
persuaded
of
the
of which contributed to of CARICOM.
the
Matalon hasserved onthe boands
and
associatiors.
He was also
of
Honorary
Consul and Consul General for the State
of
Israel.
P.E.T. innovation. "In
1983, Jaleel was the first company in the world to pioneer the frlling of 100 per cent orange juice with pulp
in an aluminum
famous 250m1 'Chubby'bottle is the first of its kind
Q \J
in
the Americas.
nt Jaleel is recognised for its contribution to many charitable
sportingevents. In 1998, this company demonstrated its commitcauses, as well as
ln
recognition
of his
dedicated
service, Matalon has been rvidely honoured.
His numerous awards include: the Degree of Doctor ofLaws, honoris caus4 conferred by IJWT
in
the
Western
can using liquid nitrogen technology". Its
nurnerous public and private organisatiors
the Matalonowned holding company, Com-
modity Service Company flamaica) Limited, and West Indies Home Contractors Limited
hesident ofthe
the performance of CARIFTA5 the recom-
conglomerate. Matalon served as h:esident
with the Group played an integrd role in is
as
Association, he headed a committe examining
in the
of
in
1986; the Onder ofJamaica
in
1992;
the Norman Manley Awand for Excellence in 1993 and the 1994 Carlton Alexander Award
for Excellence.
ment to West Indies cricket by signing a four-year sponsorship of the Busta Cup,
which
was of critical importance for identifying new talent for the West Indies team. At the launching of the tournament, Dr. Mohammed invited all tojoinJaleel in using the Series as a vehicle to motivate
LEK .JAtrK
ARTHUR
Trinidad and Tobago
and unite the Caribbean Region so " that our collective commitment and support of
the
West Indian team and their future
replacements will ensure that our brilliant
local talent will once again be
a
powerful
influence, not only in world cricket, but in
the world of sports, in general, the world ofbusiness, and, in the world ofculturC'.
Widely recognised for its achievements, this company,
in
- a year to record
1995
when export sales soared
heights, achieving growth ofover 200 per
cent - was the recipient of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister's Exporter of the Year Award. Further growth resulted in the company again achieving the title of Exporter of the Year 1998, in addition to being recipient of the Prime Minister's awards for Goods and Serwices, Competitiveness, Productiuity and fnnovation.
rthur Lok Jack, one of
and the coveted
setting up of production facilities to exploit North African, European and, most successfully, Far Eastern markets. Additional opportunities were provided
Sunshine Snacl<s, Universal Foods, Con-
in Trinidad and two (Sunshine Snacks and Consolidated Biscuits) in Malta. In addition, there are
with the dismantling of trade barriers and
three regional offices in Ireland, Malaysia
the opening up of Latin America. Today,
and Venezuela. These manufacturing
having conquered the language
to approximately 50 countries inclusive of the Caribbean,
Iabelling issues, Venezuela provides a 30-
companies export
million consumer market
Latin America, the Far East, North Africa
market
and Europe.
brand.
took a chance on a company which then, was only in its embryonic stage. That
I lr. Nlohammed who attended both lt IJ the University of the West Indies
decision, up to today, defines him as one of
of
smart
opportunities, his foray into the international arena, over the years, includes the
solidated Biscuits)
Most
and the University
top of his game". A shrewd,
businessman, always on the look out for
four food companies (Charles Candy,
received his secondary education at Q;reens Royal College. He worked at "small jobs" for a while, then in 1972,
Innovative Company.
to be an option if an exporter wants to stay at the
Associated Brands Group of Companies, is one of the first to have a regional and international vision for business. The Associated Brands Group of Companies is an empire that includes
LokJack was born in 1944 and
Technology,
larger,
accessible foreign markets "has
of the
In
Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing
ing that such expansion into
neurs and Chairman and Chief Executive
September 2000, the company received the Prime Minister's Awards for Product
outside of their home markets, maintain-
the
Caribbean's most prolific entrepre-
and
- the biglest
for the Universal Foods
cereal
I,ok Jack's entrepreneurial genius is not only evident from the success
of
his group of Companies, but is also indicative in the many hats he wears, including those of Chairman (past) of Enterprise Development Ltd, Trinidad and Barbados (afliliate of the IFC and World Bank); Guardian Life Ltd., Jamaica; Director of, Guardian Holdings
the most successful risk-takers, particu-
London and
larly in light of the transformation of that
qualified as a medical doctor, served as a medical practitioner at the San Fernando
entity into Associated Brands Investments
General Hospital from 1977-1980. A
tumover in 2000. Today, the Group is one
University
voracious reader, he is up-todate on the
of the largest industrial companies, employ-
latest in Management thinking, and there
ing more than 1,000 people
treats
Trinidad Cement Group of Companies; RBTT Financial Holdings Limited, Neal & Massy Holdings Limited and member of the Special Advisory Team of the
domestic
Regional Negotiating Machinery BNM)
is
hardly a text book on Management and
Ltd. which
generated
a
$400 million
in the six
factories.
Ltd; CCN Group of Companies (Trinidad
.
Express and TV6); Institute of Business,
of the West Indies;
the
Marketing that he has not read. An innovative businessman, Dr. Mohammed is also Director of the following Boards:
the Caribbean Region as a
market, the Group of Companies enjoys
on
Guardian Holdings Ltd., Trinidad; Guardian Life Ltd., Jamaica, Trinidad
leading brand and overall market share positions at home and throughout the
multilateral trade agreements.
Cement Ltd; Caribbean Cement Co. Ltd.; Institute of Business, University of the West Indies; Youth Business Trust Trinidad and Tobago; ASJA Shura
Caribbean Region - positions maintained from long established intemational brands, and
I brrir,.rr, the Ernst Young award for Master Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to Arthur LokJack, in 2001 and
liberalisation policies of Governrnents.
inJanuary 2002 he was also honoured by
Council.
IIIIIIIII
Emplolng a strategy that
even in the face of intensifying competition
A
supporter of globalisation, particularly for exporters from small markets, t ok Jack continues to actively encourage local businesses to access the benefits of globalisation by expanding
I
n
matters concerning bilateral and recognition
of his contribution
to
the University of the West Indies, at a ceremony held in New York, as a Caribbean luminary who has made a significant contribution on an international scale in his field.
KEN BEYEA
St. Vincent and the Grenadtnes
"The CARICOM Single Market
instance, had
is
of
meit. ft prouided a window
Hill. He served
as its
Chairman for five years.
without doubt the best saategY for
opportunity to sharpen uarious skills, to
One of the out@mes of his stewardship is a
of
create management tearns, to introduce the
concept document caJled "The CaxibtEarl
thehertof
concept of produca'uiq, and, most impor-
Enterprise
tantly, provided opportuni4t to create a bank account or at least to demonstrate to
which, in his wordr;:
bank managen that money could be made
in sartup to incubate erynrtorientd projrcts
in other wap than uading imported gnds
wlich can be nmed over to gadtata of ow rryional management irutimtiotts ot existing
tacUing many ofthe inherentproblem the Region.In a wayitgoes to
the
issues we are
addressing riz: how to
prouide more oppomtnities and scope
for
our people to fulfill themselves in bwiness. It creates a wider economic space...".
[Ken Boyea]
-l-tti. ir the conviction of Ken Boyea, | .r,o.o..rr..tr and political activist.
Fomdadon' (CE$ - the " is
for
a
gttrp
businespeople who have hands-on
and exporting prime agriculnral producs". In 1977, he joined a group ofinvestors in a
fims that have developed the necasary
joint venture with the govemment of
axiruda and aptprnch to eryfiJed gowth."
St.
CARICOM to get involved in the
Vincent to build a flour mill. Over the next
Boyea urges
Bom in 1937, Boyea , an engineer
20 years, with Bo,vea at the helm. what has
coordination ofventules, such
by profession, credits his success in business
now become known as the East Caribbean
to the early influences
ofan entrepreneurial
Group ofCompanies,
is the largest
company
A integration,
as this one.
strong supporter of the merits
in
particular
a ti"d.
ofthe view that there needs to
in the OECS.
space, Boyea is
shop as well as to his technical training, a.nd
But, while Boyea praised those who grasped the opportunities and built comparries capable of competing with the best in the world during the period, he
be a coming together of practical
years alier quali$ting
and
working
in
a
of
economic
environment, assisting his parents in the
in his words: "... patfr'cularly to the fact that I was able to stay on in England for a few
of
essence
business
persons, politiciars andpublic senants to work
out how best the CSME can create an eryort
led
economy,
and contribute to
the
in
the
Caribbean's economic positioning
modem rcsearch enuironment, developing high ryeed dains. I developed the ability to
laments the fact that too many, including
thin* ouxide the box and to realise that
incorrectly - as an end in themselves - and
why he has become involved in politics, since
were therefore unable to be competitive
to him, "therc can fu no new t)ape of pfidcs 'a poli&s that would involve runhg ow
every problem had a solution
if
you took
foreign investors, used
the
incentives
is aiso
one ofthe reasors
acconding
emnomy without a new
once the concessionary period expired.
time ta look at it from diferent angles".
intemational arena. It
as
Qou.u has established a holding lJ .o-p.ny - St. Clair lnvessnent that has a variety of investments in
scientists and
properties for tourism development, trad-
Iong to lrimplementeQ makkgfiill
engineers to hav,e developed one of the first
ing, restaurants including KFC franchise, informatics, a radio station and other projeca at a delelopment stage. He
human twtuces and beingmorc efrcient witlt
Boyea graduated with a Dip Tech (l\4echanical Engineering) from the Univer-
sity of
lrrndon.
Thereafter, his success
part of the small team
of
trains to travel over 200 miles per hour, (1964
to
1967)
and subsequent opportunity
to workin Canada as part of the same team'
did not
lure him from
retuming to the
Caribbean. He worked first,
in the early
advocates for a reorganisation
ofthe private
sector and has some very f,rm opinions on business
in the Caribbean
as a whole. He
cotnd'ia in a more that
gotd
ideas
business like
manter, xt
tke the CSME do not ake xt use
ofow
the we of owlimited resowces".
Qou.u has served on the boards of a lJ ,,u-b.. of organisations and institutions. He is cunently, the Vice-President
both the
of
Caribbean/l,atin American
believes
that the Caribbean needs to redouble ic efforts to spread the culture of
Action (CLAA) and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) -
the Windward Islands, owned, at the time,
entrepreneurship - a culture which espouses
two private sector organisations which play
by the
qualities such as hard work, enterprise and
a role in poliry advocacy. Recognised for
effective use ofinnate talents and abilities
his work in spreading the gospel of
1970s, as Chief Engineer, then as Manager
of a number of the electricity companies in
Commonwealth Development
Corporation (CDC).
Ba& in the Region, Boyea
a.lso
took advantage of the opportunities being offered
in
the Caribbean in the early 70s - a
prerequisites
for
success;
as
that business is a
skill that can be taught and must, as
a
priority, be put on the curriculum of el'ery
entrepreneurship, he
is
the recipient of
many awards from North America and the
Caribbean, including being
the
first
time when countries were grappling with
learning institution.
In the latter regard,
"Entrepreneur of the Year" for the Eastern
the problem of creating emplol'rnent
Boyea, true to his belief, started the joumey,
Caribbean. Finding time to contribute to his
through industrialisation. According to him
and some ten years ago, he and others together with the University of the West
country's political development, Boyea is also a lover of music, in particular jazz
Indies ([-I!V[) and USAID started the Centre
which, according to him, competes with
for Management Development, at
business for the top spot.
"the allocation
of
industries
in
the
Oryanintion of Eastem Caribbean States (OECS) to create economies of rcalq for
Cave
PHILLIP
NASEiIEF Dominica
ominica-born Phillip Nassief received his primary and secondary education in Dominica and Trinidad,
and his tertiary education in Chemical Engineering in Canada, where he worked for five years.
wel| as employment opportu-
widen the integration process... but fthat] it is important for us lin the Caribbean] ro
for
nities
young graduates
of
start with the facilitating mechanisms such as the free movement of skilled
schools, contibute substan-
persons and a regional stock exchange"
development. l'l/e are blessed
tially to economic and social
1933. always
,n. rssue ol rncreaslng pressures f-tln tt l-f to open Caribbean markers ro
wanted to start his own business in a field
extra-regional imports and regulation
On his return to the Caribbean, he started Dominica Coconut Products (DCP), in 1965. DCP
arrangements, Nassief concedes that, "in
and with good training, I'm sure Touism can make a greater impact in the Re-
general, the free trade concept is valid and
groo",
Nassief, born
in
related to his training.
became a successful local agro-processing
meritoious between equals, fbut
with
potential in this
arca,
also
He
adr'-ises, however, that
with its high quality soaps, obtaining
concedes] that there cannot be equal treatment among unequals and, it is not inconsistent but rational for an international communiql committed to free trade, to consider circumstances under
licences to produce international brand names and to be exclusive providers to
which exceptions would strengthen rather
Nassief is today involved in the
than undermine the pinciple, and to
tourism industry and is the Chairman of
certain cruise lines and hotels. By the time
contive mechanisms to implement
the
exceptions found
the Fort Young Hotel. He has worked with a number of regional bodies, including the Caribbean Development
company, starting with coconut oil from copra, and a basic range oflaundry and toilet soaps. DCP penetrated US markets
company was sold to Colgate Palmolive in 1995. the number of
shareholders rose
to over
1000
approximately 75 per cent were employees and copra suppliers.
Nassief acknowledges the sig-
nificant contribution of the integration to the success of agro-businesses in the Lrss Developed Countries, in
process
general, and specially DCP. In his words "
interests not only ofthe alfected but
of the
to extra-regional imports and regulation arrangements such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas STAA) until after
the Singie Market is established Nassief advocates
Trade we [DCPJ cou]d not have grown or succeeded as a regional export company.
tourism.
"I
on
services,
in
regional integration movement. As
a
member of the West Indian Commission
Report in 1992, and laments the fact that a number of recommendations are vet to
Nassief supports the advancing
provides an opportunity for
believe that the Caribbean
probably one
of
the nicest
touism destinations in
the economic development
the
of
ne\^,'
the islands. There are many
globalisation and its many challenges. He believes that "once the Single lVlarker is finallf implemented
related senices in the tourism sector
-
technicians, account-
ants, chefs, managers, and a
a true single market, the opportunities for mergers and acquisitions v.ithin the
range ofother linkages such as
Region will only help to deepen and
foreign exchange earnings as
as
and appreciation of the importance of the
dations embodied tn the Time for Action
worid - climate, people, nature, beaches, music - and
to meet the
tion of Industry and Commerce (CAIC). According to him, this experience provided a greater understanding
which produced a number of recommen-
export approximately 90 per cent of its production".
of
Bank (CDB) and the Caribbean Associa-
increased
is
Single Market
pleasure.
particular
was dillicult with established international companies in the Region in the same lield. However, DCP was able to
circumstances
to promole the Region as a tourist destination for rest, relaxation and
('\NIC), he was part of the consultations
emphasis
a
and
working.
there is no question that without the
of the Region lrom a Common Market to
the
broader international community". This being so, he firmly believes that CARICOM should not open its markets
Common ,NIarket and provisions of Free
It
those
to be clearly in
governments will have to do much more
fruits and vegetables, etc. The
be implemented.
l-1. f-'l
..,joy, tennis and swimming and
regrets that he did not make priority in his earlier years. He strongly recommends that exercise and exercise a
healthy eating be a priority throughout life.
I IIIIIIII
SIMEUS
DUMASRAIS Haiti
lor
to both Howard
l-|,r-n-..ri, Simeus owns Simeus Foods lJ ,.,,.-utional. (SFI) Inc. Based in
Simeus worked lor Rockwell Intemational,
scholarships
Atari, and Bendix Corporation
University and the Univenity
Mansfield, Texas, SFI is the state's largest
eventually sen'ed as President and CEO of
his alma maters. Simeus feels that when people have been blessed, as he has, they
million of brxiness per,vear
TLC Beatrice Intemational Foods, then one of the world's largest food companies with
with over B0 food products. The comparry,
annual revenues of over US$2 billion. He
Simeus is Chairman of the Caribbean American kadership Council,
Blackowned business. Founded does over US$200
in
1996, SFI
with plants in North Carolina and ManSeld,
left Beatrice
in
and
1992 to go into business for
students
of
Chicago,
have an obligation to give something back.
lirc& to
himself. Simeus' success comes from his
a member of the
well-lceown US customers such as The Olive
determination to perlorm beyond the norms, the encouragement of his parents,
Development Council and the National
Texas, sells a wide range of processed
Garden, Hardec's, Denrry's and
TGI Friday's
extraordinary business acumen, and
and employs over 700 people.
a
Haitian-American Business
for the Advancement of Haitians, a Washington DC-based
Organisation
passion for hard work.
nonpartisan development organisation with
Simeus is very involved with humanitarian and development efforts in
chapters in f.os Angeles, Miarni, New York,
for his airline ticket. Once in the United
Haiti and the United States. He has created a foundation whose mission is to improve
States, Simeus' first objective was education.
the standard of living for the people in the
(ai-.r.' message to the Haitian private l-) ,..,o. is straighrforward. and has motivated many: "[rt's not kid ourselvesl
To finance his education he took on jobs in
Artibonite Valley of Haiti by providing
Unless we manage to be competitive, we
New York as taxi driver, office messenger,
medical care, clean water, nutritional
not attract foreign investment." Known to
any
ser',ices zLnd education. The foundation has
his friends and colleagues as "Mr. Drive",
honest work that would bring him closer to
firnded the building of a Catholic church
Simeus' message to all Caribbean
his objective. After receiving a degree in
entrepreneurs is one of self reliance, high
an MBA from the University of Chicago,
and is sponsoring the establishment of a nonprofit medical clinic in Pont Sond€, Simeus' hometown. He also provides
le proprietaire de
payer son billet d'avion. D6s qu'il fut arriv6
d6termination
lnc.
aux Etats-Unis, son principal objectif fut de
delir des normes usuelles, d I'encouragement
(SFI), Situ6 6 Mansfield au Texas, SFI est la
poursuiwe son education. Pour financer
constant offert
plus grande firme de cet 6tat ami,ricain
€tudes,
capacit6s professionnelles extraordinaires et
1996, SFI
il 112vrill3 6 New-York comme chauffeur de taxi, messager de bureau,
r6alise un chiffre d'affaires annuel de plus de
oulrier et serveur de restaurant; il accomplit toutes les besognes honn€tes qui pouvaient
i sa passion pour le travail ardu. est profond6ment impliqud lai-.r, LJ a-r les efforts en lue de l'action
Simeus immigrated to the United States as a young man
in
1961, financing his
trip with a variety ofjobs and with the help of his parents, who sold a small plot of land
factory worker, restaurant worker
-
Engineering from Howard Univ'enity and
l-tlurn* IvI. Sim6us est Lf Simeus Foods lnternational,
appartenant
6 un Noir. Fonde en
200 millions
de dollars
am6ricains,
ses
Chicago, Adanta and Port-au-Prince.
will
standards, hard work and commitrnent to
family and community.
i
pousser la performance au-
par ses parents, i
ses
de
B0
lui permettre d'atteindre son objectiL Aprds
humerritaire et de d6veloppment tant en
produits alimentaires. La firme, dont
les
avoir obtenu sa licence d'Ing6nieur
Harti qu'aux Etats-Unis. II a cr66
transformant
et
distribuant plus
ir
une
Nord et
Howard Univenit6 et une maitrise dans le
Fondation dont la mission est d'am6liorer les
6 Mansfield au Texas, vend tout un dventail
m€me domaine a I'Universitd de Chicago,
conditions de vie des habitants de la Vall6e
de produits alimentaires 6 des clients tr6s
Sim6us travailla ir Rockwell Intemational,
de I'Artibonite en Harti, en leur offrant les
Atari et Bendlx Corporation. II
soins mddicaux, I'eau potable, les services
usines fonctionnent en Caroline du
connus sur
le
march6 am6ricain tel The
fut
Olive Garden, Hardee's, Denny's et TGI
6galement Pr6sident et Directeur Ex6cutif
nutritionnels et l'6ducatioin. La Fondation a
Friday's. EIle compte plus de 700 employ6s.
de TLC Beatrice International Foods qui
financ6 la construction d'une
6tait, i l'6poque, I'une des importantes
Catholique et finance
Sim6us immigra aux Etats-Unis
i
Eglise
pr€sentement
lorsqu'il 6tait toutjeune en 1961. II financa
firmes de produits a.limentaires
trar''ers le
I'installation d'une clinique m6dicale )r buts
personnellement une partie de son voyage
monde avec des renffdes annuelles d6passant
non lucratifs d Pont-Sond6, lieu de naissance
en s'adonnant 6 une grande vari6td
2 milliards de dollars zrm6ricains.
de
II
laissa
en 1992 pour fonder sa firme Ir succds de Sim6us est dt i sa
tAches, et ses parents l'ont €galement aid6 en
Beatrice
vendant une portion de terrain pour lui
personnelle.
de Sim6us.
II offre egalement
des bourses
d'6tudes d certairs 6tudiants de lUnivenit€ de continued on p.150
YESU
hrJcwel Crcssc
PERE|AUD Guyana
"..- in
everT'thing You do
in
"Bu^siness
life, there will be successes and failures. ....
If you're going
make it, you
have to
is a continuous pro-
"if
cess", the Chairman declares,
you
don't plan ahead you're going to be left
to be
behind
". A move into a programme of
determined, prepared to take
branded products, witnessed the flagship
challenges and pursue them
l5-year-old El Dorado Special Reserve -
with diligence and determina-
bottled
in a
responsibility to the community. In 1986,
with a staffof one, he started IPED to train young entrepreneurs and provide loans, managerial and technical assistance. The
agency now has 70 odd persons
in
its
employ, most of whom are professionals,
tion.., de termination to achieve
inspired by the shape of the hand-blou,n
with offices nation-wide, and is now assisting the UNDP in a programme lor
your objectives".
flasks which were used over three
Amerindians in the Rupununi. Growing
fYesu Persaud]
centuries ago by the early sugar planters
out of this is the Guyana Youth Trust which was launched by the Prince of
uniquely-designed bottle
on the banks of the Demerara river. The
rum
won the Trophy
Award at the
Wales, to assist unemployed young people
egendary dedication to creativity
International Wine and Spirit Competi-
s the foundations of
tion in London 1998, and the Gold Award
between the ages of lB and 30 who wish to become self-employed.
Demerara Distillers (DDL) Ltd of Guyana - today one of the world's leading distillers
at the International Spirit Challenge. DDL brands, including its S-year and 12-
of high quality rums - whose history dates
year now
back to the 17'h century. It is this dedication that drives the company's
Europe, North America, Latin America
humble person and gives much credit to
and the Caribbean.
his colleagues - "...many of my colleagues
I l-
underlie
sells
in 30 countries in
West
present Chairman, Yesu Persaud, whose 3O-year stewardship has ensured DDL's
reputation as the "sole producer of the
fora numberofyears and have worked as I have done.... we have achieved success as a group".
and Shrimp Processing business with local
Describing himself as "someone who ties
and marketing".
holding venture between
pansion, introducing progressive changes
and
A
Goddards
to do [hisJ best at all timesi' he is a tenacious and deeply self confident
Enterprises of Barbados, DDL and Bruce
individuai certain that "nothing happens
Vieira
unless
Barbados.
share-
has seen the construction of the
most modern freezing fish and shrimp plant in the Caribbean.
you make it happen'.
he Honorary Counsel fior
Chile,
Yesu Persaud was awarded the
of amalgamation and consolidation which
have led to what is today three large distillers and wider operations in Shipping and Warehouse Services, Fruit Processing, Fish and Shrimp Processing,
a
have been with [meJ
companies
successfully directed the company's ex-
the Chairman remains
ersaud's wide-ranging vision has seen the development of the Fish
world-famous Demerara rums and a significant force in world rum production
Persaud has spearheaded and
Despite his undoubted personal successes,
Persaud has u'orn many hats,
including those Chairman
of
of the
Founder
Institute
of
and
nation's Golden Arrow of Achievement in
l98l for
developments
in the
distilling
Private
industry and, in 1983, the Cacique Crown
Enterprise Development (IPED), Execu-
of Honour for bringing new industry to
and
tive and Founder Member of the Private
Guyana.
Europe. Despite some earlier domestic economic constraints, the company sur-
Sector Commission (PSC), Chairman of the Demerara Bank Ltd. and Director of
vived and prospered, shifting gears from a
the Guyana Unit Trust
distilling group to one that is highly
strongest companies
diversified and has become what is perhaps "the most diversified in the Caribbean" with subsidiaries in Trinidad
of what it has invested" not only locally but in Trinidad, Barbados, North
with operations in the Caribbean,
and Tobago, St Kitts, Europe and the United States and represe ntations in Latin and Central America. It has also
in
-
"... one of the
Guyana
in
terms
America and EuropC'. In his words, "... rr
is one of the great whole Caibbead'.
A
success stories
in
the
strong supporter of private
of its main divisions achieve accreditation in ISO
sector development, Persaud
9002 International Quality Standard.
keenly au'are of the company's corporate
earned distinction in having six
is
also
IIIIIIIII
JEEL WEBBE Montserrat
Webbe feels that
"The main assetfor the developmentof any country is itspeople and, until we
this and invest in
the
ebbe's commitment
Caribbean
is not only
sees
reflected in his entrepreneurial
enormous potential for the Caribbean as a
endeavours and achievements, he consist-
people are mentally strong and
of production
services
in
the
ently takes the
lead in
asserting the
development of our human resource,
supplier
we will never be able to meet the
global market. In fact, it was precisely the Caribbean's human resource potential
critical contribution of the private sector to economic as well as social well being,
that influenced his relocation to Montserrat
his company making significant contribu-
of this new millenni um ".
challenges
[f.H. Webbe]
from the United States,
in
1977.
firm belief in the critical
According to him: 'i.. in many areas of the
importance of the human resource,
United States, finding
keen engineering and marketing skills,
coupled
with an intuitive ability
to
perceive and take advantage of opportu-
nities, are
just some of the principal of JoeI H. Webbe,
a competent, is sometimes a
qualified labour force problem and businesses are forced to basically settle for what they get.... lhen I came back to the Caribbean, I found that
tions in this regard. In his words:
"f love
people and an region. I really would like to see us elevated to a higher standard of liuing. The empowerment of all our people is
concerned about our
very important to me".
characteristics
there were many fertile minds to choose
of W&W Group of Companies, headquartered in Grenada. A former school teacher in
from and that made
Montserrat, Webbe migrated to the United States in 1969 to pursue higher
investment in human resource is under-
and obtained a
education Degree in Electrical Engineering from
olfer our children primary and secondary
quand certaines personnes ont 6t6 b6nies
education and, sometimes even scholar-
comme lui, elles sont obligees de donner
Northeastern University.
ships {or tertiary education
President
Bachelor's
Some two decades ago, Webbe
married his love for electronics
to
his
technology.
of
"
how much
taken
in the
it
easy
to
transfer
Webbe is, however, critical
and
the manner in which
Caribbean, stating, "...we
but, it
ends
there. There are no economic slructures that outline desired goals for national or
D. Simeus continued hom
p IlB
Howard et de l'Universite de Chicago, dont il est
un ancien gradu6. M. Sim6us pense que ileurs
cornrnunautes quelque chose en retour.
Simdus est prâ&#x201A;Źsentement le President du Caribbean American
kadenhip
Council (Corseil de kadenhip American+
by a US$8000 loan from his mother, he
regional development. So, our studen9 blindly excel in uarious academic frelds with no specific development plan to frt in...
began his first company (W&W Electron-
fand] end up with qualifrcations that are
Am6ricaines (llaitian-American Business
inappropiate to our development needl'.
Dweloppment Council) et de I'Organization
f-ri"i"g subsrance to his call for (J i.,r,.ra-ent in the development o[
Nationale pour l'Advzncement des Hartiens,
of Haitains), un organisme de d6veloppment
and GNFM Radio
human resource, the company, inter alia, makes EC$l million for scholarships
in North America,
available annually. Webbe hopes " to give
r6sear.rx
Europe, Latin America andJapan. This
Grenadians an opportunity to become the
Chicago, Adanta et Port-au-hince, Haiti.
multi-dimensional expansion of the par-
future mechanical, electrical, chemical
ent company, W&W Electronics Ltd, is a
and computer engineers ofthe regiod'.
interest
in
entrepreneurship. With per-
sonal savings of US$300, later augmented
ics Inc.) in the humble confines basement. Today,
of
her
Webbe is head of
a
successful conglomerate which includes
W&W Spices, Grenada Ltd, W&W Automotives
Ltd,
Ltd., with markets
of Webbe's response to of generating wealth in
rur membre du Conseil de Ddveloppment des Firmes Haitiano-
Caribeen),
(I.{ational Organiz-ation for the Advancement
i Washington, DC avec i los Angeles, Miami, New Yorl
non partisan base
Son message au secteurprivâ&#x201A;Ź hartien est
trts dair et simple et il a motivâ&#x201A;Ź phx d'un: 'T'{e
A
the
The first Black man to sponsor
the
the Tony Brown Journal on the United
competitifs, nous ne pourrons pas attirer les
Caribbean - in his words - "globalisation
States Public Broadcasting Services (PBS)
capitaux ou investissements 6trangen." Sim6us
channel, Webbe's exceptional business acumen and long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship has earned him the
est coruru de ses amis et de ses mlldgues sous le
reflection challenge
presents
a great
opportunity
for
the
Caribbean to create wealth worth billions
of dollars and to reduce poverty. is available.... you know
nous faisors pas d'illusions.
moins d'6tre
nom de *Mr. Drive". Son message entnepreneurs Caribeerx
i
tous les
est de pratiquer
Information
following Emst Young Awards: "Entrepre-
l'auto d6pendance, un haut niveau des normes
exactly what others are doing, you can
neur ofthe Year 1999"; "Entrepreneur ofthe
de performance, l'assiduit6 darx le ftavail et
find a niche for yourselfand stay ahead of
Year, Manufacturing 1999" and "Caribbean
surtout l'enpppment sans faille vis-ir- vis de la
the competition".
Enrepreneur for Manufacturing 2000".
Ibmille et de la communaut6.
$lin lDFrfiilf,p,{*andenson $ktrEil)tl-ooil\ lE ;"J';,L'i,,; ;:1;:T; Philip Manderson Sherlock, OCC,
has
been a towering figure inJamaican life
time it did, gave a West Indian interpretation ofevents which shaped our region and its peoples.
Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture (ICTA) into the Faculty of Agriculture. He was instrumental in the establishment of the
for
Sir Philip is perhaps best known
Creative Arts Center, at Mona Campus
decades. Brilliant yet humble, he will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to
for his intimate and long-standing relationship with the University of the West Indies
which, he believed, would enrich the quality
oflife and engage the aesthetic sensibility of
the education of the people of the Region,
(fW!.
members
He is credited for the impact which
and his beliefthat people at all levels
of society could and would play
of
the University as well as wider
community.
an
for his
Recognised
important role in the development of
service to
Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, Sir Philip is the recipient of numerous awards
the Region.
and honorary doctorates including
Sir Philip received his formal
a
Knighthood from Her Majesty, the Q;reen of England, Doctorates from the
schooling at Calabar College, where
immediately upon graduating, became a master at that school. He later
Univenity of New Brunswick and Acadia
became headmaster of the prestigious
University, the Order of Andres Bello
Wolmer's Boys School. In pursuit of
from Venezuela, the Gold Musgrave Medal of the Institute of Jamaica, the
higher education, he obtained two degrees- a First -Class BA General and
Order of Merit, the Chancellor Medal
a First-Class Honours (English) from
from the University of the West Indies for
the University of London as
eminent and lasting service
an
external student.
University, the Pelican Award
He left teaching in 1939 to
Jamaica - the country's cultural centre. Later as Education Officer of Jamaica Welfare Limited, he "demonstrated his incredible talent at making
of the Caribbean Community during
people, particularly at the grassroots level,
first 50 years ofits existence. In 1945, as a
his sterling contribution to the Region. the University has had on the development the
recognise rhat they are important citizens
member of the Irvine Commission, he was
party
their society".
establishment
to the
West Indies
recommendation
for
the
of University College of the
ECWD. He
for
was also largely
promoted the popular comedy team of the
responsible
1930s - Slim and Slam. He was a renown
teller ofAnancy stories and a conservator
regarded as a fundamental supporting plank. By the time
of folk culture. The author of
several
the University opened its doors to the first
for
young
books ranging from readers
the
Caribbean Community (OCC), 1998, for
and that they too have a role in shaping arts, Sir Philip
the
Guild of Graduates of the University of the West Indies and the Order of the
become Secretary to the Institute of
A patron ofthe
to
from
setting up its Extra Mural
Departrnent which
students
in
he
1948, Sir Philip had already
children to historical works for university
begun work as the Region's first Director
students, the Region's children are particularly indebted to him for the school's rext, "I{istory of the West Indiel' which introduced generations to our history and culture, and coming at the
Extra Mural Studies - a post he held until
of
"The University'
a special kind of parmership between many peoples. It represents
As Pro Vice-Chancellor,
Sir
Philip oversaw the birth of the Faculty of Engineering, and the transformation of the
Caicom Perspcctire
- lJl
-Spec;al,lfillenniumEdition
a
lVest fndian
elfort at collaboration that is in direct opposition to the fragmentation and ditisions imposed on the Region by the imperial rivalries of distant pow'ers. ft represents the cooperation of fiee peoples
1959.
represents
in a
community
whose history has been one
of
conrpetition."
[Philip
SherlockJ
1f 'aJ
h.i=tiaan Hendrik Eersel rvas born on 9 June 1922, in Paramaribo. He started his teaching career in 1942 as
of Nloengo. In 1949, he highest level in teachers' training in
an assistant teacher in the bauxite to\\'n
achieved the Suriname
-
then
Netherlands
to
Language
Sciences and Linguistics,
var-r
Hij vertrok in 1950 naar Nederland om Nederlandse
rDlhmisJriam ltleildlmilK rfrErQSrEL
and General Language Sciences at the University
of Amsterdam and came involved in
hij de destijds hoogste graad in de opleidirrg
the
in 1950
studl' Dutch
behaalde
leraren in Suriname. "Hoofdakte".
the 'Hoofdakte'.
He left for
Christiaan Hendrik Eersel, rverd geboren op 9 Juni 1922, in Paramaribo. In 1942 begon hij, zijn carridre als leraar als assistent onderrvijzer in het bauxietstadje l\{oengo. In 1949
Taaiwetenschappen en Taalkunde, en Algemene Taalrvete nschappen te sluderen aan de Universiteit
be-
van Amsterdam en
the
betrokl<en
raakte
in de activiteiten
activities of the 'Wie Egi
van de Berveging "Wie Egi
Sani' (Our Own Prop-
Sani" (Ons eigen bezit), waar
erty) Movement, in which he pleaded for a revalua-
hij ple itte voor herrvaarding van
tion of the
Surinaamse taal en cultuur.
Surinamese
de de
language and culture. He
Hrj richtte ztch op
on the development of languages in general, and especially on the development of
ontrvikleling van talen in het
the Creole language
van de hoofdtalen in ziln Suriname. Tot onderzoeksgebieden
focussed
algemeen, en specifiek op de ontwikkeling van de Creoolse
taal, het Sranantongo,
Sranantongo, one of the
major languages in Suriname. One of his of research covered the origin and developfields
S
ontwikkeling van Surinaamse
urinanre
familienamen
in de
periode
vddr 1863, het .jaar van
de
alschaffing van de slavernij in Suriname.
Na zijn studie te hebben voltooid, keerde hij in i959
slavery in Suriname.
On completion of his studies he returned to Suriname in 1959 and resumed his duties as a fuil-time lecturer at the Teachers' College. He later undertook p<.rst graduate studies in Linguistics in the United States and The Netherlands, respectively, and became l\'Iinister of
terug naar Suriname voor het hen'atten Van zijn functies voltijdse leerkracht.
Hij volgde later post universitaire
Eersel's major contribution to language development de
sign ol the spelling of Sranantongo after
in
Unguistiek, in de \,'erenigde Staten en daama Nederland. Hij werd korte periode in 1969. Eersel's grootste bijdrage aan de taalontwikkeling in
Suriname rr'as het ont\\'erpen van de speiling
1969.
als
cursussen
laler Nlinister van Ondenvijs en Volks<-rntrvikkeling gedurende een
Education and Community De','elopment for a briel period
in Suriname was the
een
behoorden de oorsprong en
ment of Surinamese surnames in the period belore 1863. the vear of the abolition of
in
de
"'an
het
Sranantongo na bestudering van de di','erse klanken. Hij gaf de
aanzer tot de beschrijring van de srammatica en
van de rvoordenschat, en propageerde
de
having analysed the various phonetic sounds. He initiated the
samenstelling
description of the grammar and vocabulary and promoted its
gebruik op alle gcbieden inclusief in poi:zie. Zijn radioprogramma
use at all levels, including in poetry. His radio programme "Nanga Opo Doro" (With an Open Door), aircd for fir'e years
"Nanga Opo Doro" fl\Iet Open Deur), rvelke gedurcnde vijf jaren in het Sranantongo rverd uitgczondcn, hecft ','ele anderen
in Sranantongo, inspired manv. According to him, ",LIy motircs
geinspireerd.. "N{ijn motieven achter
behind the promotion of Sranantongo were always the
Sranantongo te propageren is altijd de herwaardering van de
cuttinued
- I .j2
het
condnued on p. I 5.)
on p. 153
(.:nricont R'rspcctir'
dit streven om
het
-
.tpa
i:l ,llilhnin
])rlithn
continuedfrom p.152
continuedfrom p.152
rcvaluation of the Surinamese language and culture in its broadest sense." He also contributed to the spelling and grammar of Surinamese,Javanese and Alinja (Carib language). He was of the opinion that colonial culture and assimilation
Surinaamse taal en cultuur in de meest algemene zin geweest.", volgens hem.Hij heeft ook bijgedragen aan de spelling en gramatica
van het SurinaamsJavaans en het Alinja (Cararbisch)' Hij was de mening toegedaan dat de koloniale cultuur- en assimilatiepolitiek
politics had driven away the Surinamese population from its own identity and was one of a team which formulated a cultural
de Surinaamse bevolking heeft doen ven'reemden van de eigen identiteit en maakte deel uit van een groep die gewerkt heeft aan
revival programme. The many activities of culture nationalists during the 60s helped to promote political nationalism, resulting
een cultureel herstel programma. De vele activiteiten van cultuur
nationalisten gedurende de zestiger jaren veroorzaakten een politiek nationalisme welke uiteindelijk resulteerde in de
in Suriname's independence in 1975. Eersel was co-editor of the magazine Oso (House), co-founder and editor of the literary
ona{hankelijkheid
van Suriname in 1975. Eenel rvas ook
Sranan
mederedacteur van het tijdschrift Oso (Huis) mede-oprichter and
Alademiya (Suriname Academy). He was a member of various national and international committees, including, the Society
redacteur van het literaire tijdschrift Soela (Stroomversnelling), en
review Soela (Rapid). He also co-founded the
for Caribbean Linguistics, the UNESCO Commission on the validation of higher education diplomas in Latin America and the Caribbean region - the Iatter resulting in the Convention of
ook de mede-oprichter van de organisatie Sranan Akademiya (Surinaamse Academie). Hij was lid van diverse nationale en intemationale committees, w.o. de Spellingscommissie voor het Sranantongo, de Society for Caribbean Linguistics, de UNESCO
Commissie voor de waardering van diplomas
Mexico and the establishment of CRESALC in Venezuela. Some of his publications in the area of Sranantongo
are: The Surinamese Language Situation, 1969; Sranan in
bij het Hoger
Onderwijs in Latijns Amerika en de Caribische regio, welke geleid heeft tot de Conventie van Mexico en de oprichting van
Transition,lg92; Sranan Dictionary, 1985, Language Politics and Social Mobility in Suriname, l863-1985 - co-authored with
CRESALC in Venezuela.
Max Sordam; OSO Magazine for Surinamese
De Suinaamse Taalsituatie, 1969; Sranan in transition,
Enkele publicaties op het vlak van het Sranantongo z!jn:
Linguistics,
Grammar and lIistory, l9B7; Bible Translations into Sranan, 1991.
Eersel showed
a
special interest
in the
Afro
Surinamese 'Winti' religion. He considered language to
be
l9B2;'
Sranan woordenlijst, 1985, Taalpoltiek en sociale mobiliteit in Suiname lB63-1985, mede-auteur met Max Sordam' T't'dschift voor SuinaamseTaalkunde, Irtterkunde en Geschiedenis, l9B7; Bljbelvertaling in het Sranan, 1991. Eersel toonde ook speciale belangstelling voor de Afro
closely related to culture and, in the case ofSranantongo, to be related especially with the Winti - a minority religion practised
Surinaamse
"winti" religie. Htj g"g ervan uit dat taal
nauw
and
verbonden was met cultuur en in het geval van het Sranantongo, vooral een nauw verband vertoonde met de Winti. Winti is een
Eersel was Chancellor of the University of Suriname from 1969-83. After his retirement he continued as a full-time lecturer at the Training College for Teachers until 1986' He
religie die wordt beleden door bepaalde afstammelingen van de slavenbevolking in Suriname (Creolen en Bosnegers).
by some
descendants
of the slave population (Creoles
Bushnegroes).
was
also
Guest Lecturer
tot 1983 de functie van Suriname . Na ztjn van Kanselier van de Universiteit Eersel ven'ulde vanaf 1969
at the University in Antwerpen,
hij nog
als voltijdse
leerkracht verbonken aan
Belgium, and in South Africa.
pensioenering was
According to Eersel, Suriname has not yet reached of full cultural emancipation. Despite its high level of the level
het Instituut voor kraren. Hij was gastdocent aan de Universiteit
cultural development and cultural integration, the level of Caribbean cultural awareness is still weak and needs to be
Volgens Eersel, heeft Suriname nog geen volledige culturele emancipatie bereilt. Ondanls het hoge niveau van culturele ontrvikkeling en culturele integratie is het Caribisch
van Antwerpen, Belgid,en in Zuid Afrila.
further encouraged and developed.
cultureel bewustzijn nog zwak en moet dit verder aangemoedigd en ontwilckeld worden.
Caricom PenPecti?
-
1.5-7
-
,sptcial .Villcnnium Edition
f ra educator, Odette Roy Fombrun's accomplishments A*uu..rr"rrlfrom the establishment ol-Haiti's ii.,tpre-
En tantqu'ducad'ice, Odette RoyFombrun aeui.son
by Bertrand
school institution to tlrcpublication ofover 5O books and articles
lEtablisement en
in English, Creole and French. In 1986, inspired by Haitian
publication
peasant culture, Mrs Fombrun developed the theory
Fnngais. En 1986 inspiree par la cularc ppame haitieme, Ilhne
Iaurent
4ventail de rcali*ztions
of
'Kombitisme'as a basis ofa unifying nationaJ social contract. A
Fombnn
World Citizen since 1 981 , she is one of the Caribbean's leading
con oa t
human rights advocates, cam-
a
de plus de 50
litres et attides ecix en Anglais, Ct€ole et
d4ueloppla
th onedu < Kombitisme > comme bxe d'un
wial ciblan t l' unitd n a tio nale.
Se
con siddm t com
&oix
to embargo and
hurnains dans
la
da da
Canifu,
menant une campagne d'appzrhes
prcrentirc
national conflicts. As a mem-
tion :i
ber of lfaiti's Constitutional
vtlution
et coreatcdves, en oppttsi-
I'embagt
et
I'inlement comme
au cordlix intemationau. Membre de la Commission Constitutionnelle d'Haii, Mme
Fombrun
contributed to the elaboration ofthe country's constitution in
Fo m bnn a con
direct relevance
of Kombitisme, a
cito vc n n c
enthousiastes prcmotrices
isolation. for resoluing inter-
I 987, andsees
e
mondiale depui 1 9B I, elle est une
Haiti
constructive approaches, as
Mrs
citer:
de la premiirc institution precolairc, la
plus
Commission,
put
lIaiti
paigning for preventive and opposed
adit tr:utm
au nombrc dequelles on
tribu 6 A 1'6lalnn
abn de
la Constitution du paSs en I 98 7. EIle a
uniquely
drco
u rert
darc Ie Kom bitism e,
6Jdm en
t
Ifaidan social construct, to the
Lnique de Ia satcnrc xx:iale d'Haiti,
social and economic develop-
tne gande pertinence, de uiion et de
ment of the Caibbean Com-
moyens
munity.
sociale
par
et
nppft e Ia saacaue 4conomique de Ia
CommmautdCri&me.
qr What does it mean to be a World Citizen? A: World citizenship recognises the existence of peoples
and not just that of governments. The mondiafisme that
I defend is not a brutal and economic mondialisme. I be-
Q Q", signifie < Etre monde
Odl,efiie lpDy
A:
citoyennet6
du
monde
seulement celle des gouvemements.
k
< mondialisrne
n'est pas
exist on the continental level. And, at the global level there needs to be international solidarity between governments and
>>?
I-a
reconnait l'existence des peuples et pas
lFD,$\tlBlplUN
lieve in solidarity. To me, there is no question that, in order to survive, the world will have to unite. There must be solidarity at the national level, and for there to be regional solidarity it has to
citoyen du
>
que .je d€fends
un ( mondialisme
> brutal et
6conomique.Je cmis dans la solidarit6. Pour moi, aucun doute n,existe sur le fait que pour survir.re les peuples du monde devront
s'unir. Il doit
naitre une solidarit6 au niveau national, puis au niveau r6gional, puis au niveau continental. Et au niveau global,la solidarit6 intemationale doit s'exercer entre gouvemements et organisations.
organisations.
A
What does this mean for lfaiti and the world
A Qu'est-ce que cela implique communautd mondiale ?
community?
A
A: It means that if Haiti does not achieve internal solidarity, we will be facing serious difficulties. The unfortunate current situation exists because in 1986, we did not find our own
inteme, nous aurons
pour l{aiti et
Ia
Cela signifie que si Harti n'atteint pas cet objectif de solidaritd
i
faire face
i
de s6rieuses difficult€s. t a triste
situation achrelle existe parce qu'en 1986, nous n,avions pas trouv6 notre propre Mandela, Pourtant, nous avions eu toutes les cartes en
Mandela. Yet we had all the cards in hand, and had we had a Mandela, Haiti would have been a leader for the Caribbean.
main, et
We would have regained the leadership we demonstrated when we fought against slavery and when we fought colonialism, and
que nous aviors ddmonn6 lon de notre lutte contre I'esclavage et le colonialisrre, et alors nous aurions prouv6 un leadenhip dans le cadre
Caricom Penpect;ve
- I 54
si nous
toute la Caraibe
-
aviors eu un Mandel4 Harti aurait 6t€ un Ieader pour iL tous les
Special |lfillennium Edition
6gards. Nous auriors regagn6 le leadenhip
then we would have demonstrated a leadership in solidarity. We need to replace repressive and isolationist strategies and
de la solidaritd. Nous avons besoin de remplacer les strat6gies et
tactics between countries with preventive and constructive strategies and tactics. The United Nations should replace its conception based on the right to intervene by one based on
tactiques preventives et constructives. Qyant aux Natiors Unies, elles delraient remplacer les conceptiors basees sur le droit d'intervention
par celle basee sur la solidarit6 humaine et une responsabilisation
increased responsibilities for the people's concerns and their
accrue des membrcs de la scx-i6t6.
tactiques repressives et isolationnistes entrâ&#x201A;Ź pa)s par des strat6gies et
solidarity.
Q' Qr'rtt-r, que cela signifie pour l{aiti et Ia Caraibe ? Q And what does this mean for l{aiti and the Caribbean? A: CARICOM will be successful if its duty with respect to solidarity is respected by all the leaders. If Haiti is being
A: CARICOM
integrated into the Caribbean Community without this, we will
6conomique lamentable. Cependant, notre devoir de solidarit6 doit
be in a disastrous political, social and economic situation, a pitiful condition. Our duty for solidarity must manifest itself immediately first here in Haiti. We need to develop solidarity between Haitian citizens, end this division and come together
manifester en premier lieu mainternnt ici en Harti. Nous avons besoin
to rebuild. This is why my message to the Haitian nations since l986 is that we need a social contract, one based on solidarity and
joint
endeavor. This comes lrom a Haitian practice, the
Koumbite - 'the pulling together'. Haitians understand the 'Koumbitisme' to mean the practice of cooperation and joint endeavour.
A social contract
based on Koumbitisme should
have preceded even our constitution. message
It would have been
a
that respects our culture, which is fundamentally one
r6ussira si ses tAches de solidarit6 6taient respect6es pa.r
tous les responsables. Harti doit s'int6grer dans la Communaut6 de la
Caraibe, sinon, elle pi6tinera dars une situation politique, sociale et
de d6velopper la solidarit6
enre
les citoyens Hartiens, en
division, nous rapprocher et recommencer
mon
message
dL
se
finir avec cette
corsffuire. C'est pouryuoi
d la nation Hartienne depuis 1986 est d'int6riner un
contr-at social basâ&#x201A;Ź sur
la solidarit6 et l'effort conjoint. Il s'agit ici la pratique Hartienne du
fondamentalement d'appliquer koumbite, < realiser ensemble >. <<
kombitisrne
>>
ks
Hartiens connaissent bien le mot
qui est la pratique de la cooperation et de I'effort
mutuel. IJn contrat social bas6 sur le Kombitisme aurait m6me dri pr6ceder
nofe Charte Constitutionnelle.
I1 eut 6t6 un message qui
aurait tenu compte du fait que note culture est
basee
fondamentalement sur la solidarit6.
based on solidaritv.
Q'
d'IIaiii e h C4RICOM ? faire partie vraiment de la CARICOM ou
QteIIes sont vos iddes sw lbdhdsion
q
A: En ure pour nous de
that matter, it is imperative that we first apply our cultural
du ZLEA d'ailleurs, il est imp6ratif d'applique r notre sens culturel du Koumbitisme. Comment Haiti dewait-elle s'y prendre pour entrer dans le Koumbite Caraib6en ? En Ie faisant, comment
What are your thoughts on l{aiti's accession into CARICOM? A: In order for us to be truly part of CARICOM, or ZLEAfor sense
of Koumbitisme to the way we relate to each other. How is
Haiti to enter the Caribbean Koumbite? In so doing, in which way can we bring more equilibrium to the Region? Where can we
pouvons-nous apporter quelque 6l6ments d'6quilibre
contribute more meaningfully? All participants in a successful
<
Koumbite must complement each other. Taking into account,
autres. Compte tenu de
our touristic and artistic
i la r6gion?
Dans quel domaine pouvons-nous contribuer des
6l6ments
significatifs de solution aux probldmes qui se posent ? Dans tout
Kombite
>>
r6ussi les participants doivent se compl6ter les uns les
certaines ressources touristiques et
resources, how can we make the
artistiques dont nous disposons, comment pouvons-nous rendre la
Region more competitive? What constructive role can we play?
r6gion plus comp6titive ? Qyel r6le constructif pouvons-nous y jouer ? ks 6conomistes de la r6gion doivent se grouper pour
The Region's economists need to get together and analyse these and related questions. The international community needs to
examiner ces sujets et d'autres qui leur sont connexes. Et la
recognise that it weakened this country by imposing a crippling
communaut6 intemationale doit reconnaitre qu'elle a a{Iaibli ce
in 199l-1994 on our already fragile economy. The international economy needs to face up to its responsibility towards Haiti, just as we Haitians need to face up to our
pays en imposant un embargo 6crasant (1991-1994) sur une
responsibility towards each other.
responsabiJit6s les uns envers les autres.
embargo
dconomie
Eil6e
Exiled under the regime ofDuvalier, Mrs. Fombmn spent ten years
in the United
States and seventeen years in Africa with her late
husband who sen ed
as
a UNICEF Representative in several countries.
d6ji fragile. Elle a besoin d'assumer
sous le rdgime de Duualier, Mme Fombmn
Etats-Unis d'Amirique et dix-sept ans
CaicomPerspectic
-
en
a
pasx dix
Afrique en compagnie
ans
de son
au
mai
ddfunt qui 6tait Repr6sentant de I'UNICEF dans plusieun pays. Mme Fombnn aura 8l
She is B4 years old.
ses responsabilit6s
envers Haiti tout comme nous Haitiens nous devons faire face ir nos
-
ans enJuin-
Special 7l illcnn i um Edi abn
care of citizenry. The
I I rise to orominence was not fuelled .r-t I bv a quest for fame . but by a lamily is
of
excellence and
the
witnessed
the spread of senices with emphasis on
I
tradition
peiod
pimary care and the attention to good
early
motivation to "do one's best". Today, the
public health.
Hon. Sir George Alley'ne, OCC, has distinguished himself not only by his academic excellence, but also through
hallmark
I
think that has been the
of the achievements in the - the focus on good public
Caribbean
health, on seruices and certain specific
dedicated service, particularly in the fields
deliverables - immunisation for example."
of medicine and public health. The journey of excellence of this
\ . Wt"
son of Barbados began with a Primary
lhen the Caribbean Co-operation Health (CCH) Initiative was established by the CARICOM Ministers
First Grade Scholarship to Harrison
of Health in 1984, he personally led the
College, from which he graduated with a
efforts
Barbados scholarship in Classics in 1950. Armed with the opportuniw provided through the scholarship to attend any of the world-renowned medical schools in
example of the functional cooperation to which the Treary of Chaguaramas speaks. He has
the United Kingdom or America, George Alleyne elected to pursue his interest in
the Community to use this
of higher learning -
operationalise what
he
still
is a fine
motivated the public health leadership in unique
regional health-planning framework to identify and execute opportunities for
medicine at the then fledgling Caribbean
institution
to
maintains
cooperation towards their common health
the
University CoIIege of the West Indies. He
goals. The Caribbean scaled up
graduated in 1957 with the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and many prizes including the University's GoId Medal for the Most Outstanding Student. He later
response
American Health Organisation (PAHO),
Sir George , as its Director, was among the
the distinction of being
he now serves this latter institution as its
first signatories.
elected to the highest rank ofFellow in the
Director. His election in 1994 to this position - as the first Director from the English-speaking Caribbean - and his re-
HIV/AIDS to the Region's
election in
CARICOM Heads for the
went on to gain
professional colleges on both sides of the
Atlantic
- to the Royal
College of Physicians, London, in 1973 and to the
Barbados
ment in February 200 l, hosted by PAHO.
1998, both times by acclamation, are
unprecedented, and testifi to the high level
\ ^ lith no less thanl00 scientific Wpuuri."tions from his research
respect accorded this son
the 1976 book on
it
was
Protein-Energy
its
estabiished
the Pan Caribbean Partnership Commit-
American College of Physicians in 1975.
however, many would argue that
to HIV,zAIDS and
\.iir --/
of
The frightening consequences of
resources registered
human
the call
from
Nassau Declara-
tion to focus on Health, and a critical input
by Sir George into the shaping of
ofthe Caribbean.
Georse's involvement in Caribbean health spans more than four
the
ultimate accord "The Health of the Region is the Wealth of the Region".
Penpective drew his attention to
decades and motivated the public health-
Malnutrition, which he co-authored with
planning framervork outlined in
colleagues (A. Huy, D. Pocou, .f.P.Stanfield and R.G. Whitehead) that has had the greatest impact. It remains one
Caribbean Co-operation in Health (CCH)
Initiative, which was established by the
this area, more specifically to the Caribbean's reputation of being the second in magnitude only to sub-Saharan Africa in
CARICOM Ministers of Health in
1984,
the AIDS/HIV epidemic, and sought his
of the most referenced texts by students in
to identifl' and execute opportunities for
the Caribbean and all over the world.
co-operation towards their common
opinion on the feasibility of the Region being able to respond e{Iectively to the
health goals.
challenges posed by the epidemic and still
his
In his role as teacher and researcher, Sir George has influenced the careers of many of the Region's medical
practitioners and health workers and his
and leadership has built in public health between the
advocacy linkages
Americas and the Caribbean. Serving with distinction on several bodies at the
national, regional and international levels, including those
of the
World
Health Organisation (INHO) and the Pan
the
Asked by Perspective about the
major achievements in this area,
he
reflected that it was very difficult to select
sustain the gains the Caribbean has made
the past 50 years. Sir George replied:
"You cannot separate the two
one landmark achievement and added:
"One of the things that
was
in
the health sector, particularly health over
things, it is not 'either' 'or'. Both have to
euident after independence was a sudden
be done. We have to sustain the gains,
improvement in the health indicators. I've sometimes said that one could relate the political liberation of the Caribbean with the thrust towards improuing the
and we have to deal with the challenge
Caricont Perspettite
- 156
-
Special ,llilknniun Edition
the
AIDS
We have to think
of of
what are the things we can build upon, those we have learnt
in
the
past 50 years.
of those upon which we can build in dealing with the epidemic is good public health sertice. By and large, there is a good public health infrastructure in the
qualitative improvement in the services
are a number of things the counties can
offered to the public and the role of Government - he responded: "I do not think that is a good
and thatis whyin the Caribbean weprouide
to use this to
concept. To believe there is no pivatisa-
technical cooperafion among countries.
of the new problems. ome o/' tlte new mechanics for an
tion is a myth. There is privatisation in the health sector in the Caribbean. The important issue is not whether the sent'ce is private or public, but rather a desired mix that all Caibbean counties should have. There are certain sen ices for which
Some
Caribbean and we have address some
f J
,*rUve public health structure focus more on health promotion, and I think the Caibbean has been very forward looking in developing its own charter on health promotion- AII our
the government has to maintain responsi-
do together if the opportunity
is
prouided
quite some funding for what is called "tr44tat is
the involvement ofsociety
in
of
the decisions
kind ofsenz'ces that are being prouided.
the
If
"
not olien very popular is
the Caribbean countries were to attempt
to depend on tertiaty care or the kind ofcare
that is prevalent in many
developed
countries at the end of life, we wiII possibly
counlries are paying more attenlion to
biliry, what we descibe as sentices that
consurne the future health budges. No
this area and recognise that
have high externalities -
country, whether
the
vaccination,
promotion of behauioural changes is the root to dealing with the epidemic at the
immunization, water, sanitation - those
moment. The Bahamas prouides a good model for the rest of the Caibbean and
and
are things that are genuinelypublic goods
I
don't believe are optimdly piuatised.
The State has to retain responsibility for
I
vaious groups
an active media."
Amidst all these achievements, Sir George found time to Iall in love and stay
prouision of a certain basic package of serc,ices
The advantage that the Caribbean has is good education, good communication, and
for ensuing the
these things and
has to retain responsibility
of and, withjudicious use of
or poor, can sad's$
also befieve that the State
has shown that you can turn the epidemic
around. They have adopted an aggressive programme of health promotion - safe sex, such as condom use, involvement
ich
the demands of is public for health care.
for all citizens."
in love. And it is with pride that he tells you thatJamaica has a special place in his heart
"That apart, there are
some
because it is where he met the love of his life,
Sylvan. The same passion pewades
drugs at the appropriate time, they have
setwices
demonstrated that mother-to-child trans-
prouide which are very high in technology
family life and the quality time he spends
mission could be reduced. The fatality
and are expensive. The government itself
with his children and grand-children and
rate has been brought down. Given our
might not
infrastructure and our capacity for
Ihey must ensure that no citizen goes without them. There are other basic
hospitality to his many friends.
are
sen,ices which the State should prouide
declared:
good, and are even now better in light ofthe
and ensure quality. But, if one werc to be
dealing with problems, you can turn the epidemic around.
I think the auguries
that only the private sector wiII
be
prouiding those serwices, but
the
enthusiasm
with which he
'Twas lucky to have
atrention the Heads of State are paying to
asked whether the State should give over all
this issue."
public seruica to the prirmte sector loclt stock
family of seven and, while
as the
Region repositiors itself
I
and banel,
I
would categrically say no".
to meet these chdlenges, Perpective asked Sir
Commenting on PAHO's rcsponse
George what were the other critical health
to the special health development needs ofthe
issues
it should consider. He replied: the
"7h e coun tries of the Cari b fuatt
pubrtc health setuices. That, I would contend, is
critical. Good
education, for
example, as a detenninant of health should
hll fu
qrcially deak tuith. A snnll
state is
nrnll big state. Some basic
things have to be
notjust a
good
lanily
I
cannot say that
would say that family ties are always
'My
:
interests outside the field
health are plain and simple. like
to gardery
I like to dance. I alk too much. "
Among his many national, regional and intemationa.l awards
also be included. Undoubtedly educating
sensitive
girls is good as far as the health of their
assistance
to the needs ofthe patticular state
are the Knighthood from Her
children is concemed. But, while everyhing
and not just replicate the same things in Antigua or Barbadrx, as is done in Aryentina or &azil for example. llhat is patticular to the
Majesty, the Qgeen of England, and decorations from the govem-
that improves health does not necessarily
fall
within the puruiew of the health sector, one of its most important responsibilities is to
needs
to
these needs and tries
ofa counny is the
issue ofscale
and also
ments of Ecuador and Uruguay.
For his outstanding
contribution
mainain good health seruices and to extend
the
those setuices to every one."
tion, which I think does not obtain
to the development of the Caribbean Region, the Carib-
relaled area. Perspective posed
elsewhere. It is for this reason that PAHO
bean conferred on him the Order
of privatisation of the
has been so enthusiastic in promoting the
health sector, whether it could lead to a
Caibbean Cooperation in Health. There
of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in February 2001.
-ln \-/
"
the question
issue
of coordination and collabora-
Caricon Perspectite
-
I
57 -.iPdal
MilknniuntEdition
of
I like to read, I
to tailor iE
prouided by small states and PAIIO is very
I
insaumental in what one does."
Adding
within the category ofsnall states and mwt
a
come from a closely knit
was directed into a patticular career,
Caribbean, Sir George explained:
"The major issue is to maintain
the quality and ensure extension of
accords
A proud, yet humble man, he
enuironment. I
And,
his
He u'as also the Stubenbord Visiting Prolessor at Cornell University N'ledical centre and. in I979. rvas made an honoran' Fellos- of the Liverpool School of Tropical I\Iedicine. the lirst time
f]r I
in
1980. rheJacques
Parisot I'oundalit,n Fellouship was
arvarded to a Caribbean/Latin American
scholzrr.
Tht' recipient. no other
than
Professor Standard, used the grant to anall'se the general rcports and rcscarch
projects of over 1000 undergraduate medical students during their rural clcrkship over a tl'eh'c vcar period. In
Barbados
kceping rvith the terms of the auard, Sir
Kenneth who completed his study in
Siu.
K.nn lh
12
months rr-as auarded theJacques Parisot medal
STANDARD
in l9BI at the 34"' World Health
Assembil', meeting in Gcneva.
In l9B2 the honour ol'Knight Bachelor
iKT.j
rvas conl'erred on
him br'
Queen Elizabeth ll for "Distinction in the Field of f,Icdicine'. That same vcar he
giant of medicine in the Caribbean, a man of r-ision and high
ideals, Kenneth Standard has been
so
described because of his outstanding work
and remarkable career. He was largell' responsible for community medicine becoming a part of the curriculum of the medical students at the lJniversity' ol the West Indies, and for Community Health
Aide programmes being developed in Jamaica and in other Caribbean territories.
received the \Iaurice Pate As'ard from
UNICEF "in recognition of the
depart-
ment3 role as a pioneer in the lield of Primary I{ealth Care in the Caribbean w,ith special tnention of the Community Health tlide Training Programnte. "
\.lir :-/
Kenneth's othrr arvards/honours
ognised as a Hero
Born in Barbados
in
1920, Sir
of the West Indies (now UWI) in l94B
as
ofthe first 33 students to studv for thc
1955-58 he served as Medical Fo* l- Offi.., of Healrh in rhe Jamaita
Government Sen'ice and
in l95B
gained
his Master's degree in Public Health lrom
the University of Pittsburgh
Graduate
of
purpose in pursuing his lifeJong passion for
achiering health lbr :rll.
His early education
received
lrom the Dominica Grammar School. Dr. Bo1'd later attended University College Hospital, l,ondon where, in qu:rlifying as a doctor, he received a goid medal for being
cian of thc ,vear by the Medical Association ol' the British \rirgin Islands
attended the John Hopkins School of
(1986), the Facultv of l\{edical Sciences.
Education Foundation (l9BB), the Carib-
bean Public
He
alth Association
(CARIPHAI A*'ard to the Founder and First President of the Association (1992). Norman 1\Ianlel As'ard for Excellence in
M.B.B.S. Degree.
Boyd has
been outstanding in his single-mindedness
the best student in the examination. He also
H1'giene and the University' of the \Vest Indies.
Universitv of' the West Indies Special
Kenneth entered the Universitv College
in the field of
H.uf,f'. Dr. Philip Ining
intlude : the Cummander of the Order of Distinction(OD) (1976), Ph1'si-
Alard il986'r. the Abraham Horrvitz Auard. Pan American Health and
one
f)et l\
thc Iield ol Public Health(1995), and the Caribbean Commonrvealth l\Iedical Re-
scarch Council Arrard for
sterling
contribution to Nledical Research in the Caribbean (1998).
Dr. Boyd joined the
staJf
of the
Commons'ealth Caribbean Regional Sec-
retariat (norv CARICOM Secretariat) in
1969. and the programmes lor health der.elopment that norv exist
in the Region
bear the indelible stamp ol'his personality and are a lasting and eloquent monument to
him.
In 1978, under his guidance the first Declaration on HealtJt for the Caribbean Community r.vas prepared and published.
It
contained, inter alia, chapters
on Principal Health Issues. Priorities and
School of Public Heath.
Specific Objectives. Priorities rvere identi-
Sir Kenneth, in 1968, was the first graduate from the University of the \\rest Indies to be made Head of a Department and appointed a Professor.
fied as Management, Education, Training and Retention, of Health personnel
,
Health
Flducation of the Public. Environmental continued on p. I 72 (;rrinnt
Perslxrrit
c - I 58
-
.spcdat
,trilhntnn Ertnnn
;t')
Tht:rc. in an atmoslthe re of'relax:rtion and congeniality, sht'impartt'd the essence of hcr
- st'lllcssncss, dcvotion and - and impressed upon thcm, as a
phikrsophv service
matter of paramount urgency, thc idcas of senice and dt di, trtion to the communit).
Mu)' 1926 saw the
group
embarking on its plan to provide school chiidren with a mid-dav mcal. The first short distance from the Je{Iers' home and
JefTers she rvas
l'as callcd a "breakfast shed",
born into an
uplx'r middlc-class liLmih did not deter Audro Jclli'rs lioni licclv dcdicating hcr time ancl cllirrts to the under-prir-ileged pcoplc o['Triniclad and Tobago. Born in Port<rllSpain. 1\IsJeffers lrom carh cliildhood s
Bswow
venue lbr this project was constructed a
ucJrev
Tht' Iat t that
Dsme Afits
as
dccplv aflected bv
despite the
fact that it provided lunch. Soon there rvere
"h
not sullit-icnt for us to be ablc
manY Othcr such pr<ljects which $'ere
to speak each otltcr's language or
llocked bv childrcn lor perhaps their main
uisit each otltcr's cttpitals.
meal of thc cla,v. The "breakfast sheds"
more crucial to understand how
exparrdcd
to Barataria, San
Feman&r.
It
is far
we think and vhv. A clear rl' cvt'rt, culture's
Siparia ar-rd Tobaeo.
understanding
In addition to its concern with voung children. "(loterie" was involved in thc scttins up o{' homes for the aged, the blind. and lbr xrung women in trouble.
pressures, its histu'r'and the way
thc povcrtv and plieht o{'the peoplc liom the
Rccogr"risine
barrack-r'ards and shant\to\\ls. She nas
on them becaust' thcv did not have fathers
nLlt content to bt' living in lurun' n'hile
assist
l>r' l'idt'spread povertv and ielorancr'. Shc tl'rerefbre took it as a
ncccssities,
surroundt'cl
is
that mothers were dependent
s'itfr providing meals and
tcr
other
and that they were unable
its
people uiew thcntsclves and the
world is essential to the maintenance ofpeace. Ercr.r' c'onllict has its deepest roots in
of
themselves
a
pcr4ile 's uiew
and thtir
neigh-
bours." [Nita Barrorvl
to
the uplilimcnt ol'the less li.rrtunate.
first orrc r4rt'ncd in 1940 and was named
The Hon. Ruth Nita Barrow, OCC, was one of thc (laribbean's most distinguished women. An outspoken and
ln 1913, at the age ol- 15, NIs. Jellcrs lcli lirr lingland to studv Social St:ien<t'. The outbreak ol-World War I in l9l,l. Iit, ilit:ttcd her alrilirr t. orsrnise l,r ('om(' t() thc lorc. as she sen'ed thc West
"C\rriani House" after that champion of the poor irnd tireless socizrl workers, Andrerv Arthur Cipriani.
strong advocate of' thc protection of human rights, shc "rcpresented what a
1936, Ms.Jeffers became thc
community-conscious. cclucated woman
first woman ever elected to the Citv Council
can achieve: lcadcrship in the service of
Alrican trtxrps and organiscd :r
West
and Ciprian.i was thus. in ir better ltositi.n to
Alrican Soldicrs Fund through the \Vest
rvage batdcs {'rrr thc dcprivcd school children, tl'rc agcd. the blind and the homclcss. In l9'10 shc las appointedtothe
community, \\()m('n. (ountry and indeed all of humanin ".
personal
t
hallcngc to dedicate her eflbrts to
u,ork bcczrusc thcy had babies, Ms. Jcllers rvent about cstablishing day nurseries. The
In
articulate foe of social injustice and a
l<.rok at the issue r-rf
A graduatt' in nursing from York, Dame Nita las also a Rockefeller Foundation
parents' hornc. irhich prorided much
adult fianchise and, in 1946, AudreyJe{Iers
Fellon. lrolding graduate degrees lrom
rreedcd senice to \'oung children of'Alrican
enterecl thc h'gisl:rtive Council.
the Llnirr-rsities
heritagc. Shc gained the reputation ofbeing
NIs. Jeffers'
Incli:ur (brnmittt'c.
trls. Jelli'rs rcturncd home in 1
920. and cstablished aJunior School at her
Franchise (bmmission to
contribution to social
u'elfare is indelible. The well-equippcd
a tt'ar:ht'r ol cxccllencc.
Ht'r move into lr'clfare in l92l
nurseries, brezrl<iast sheds. homes
fbr
the
incvitablt' ont' and, along l'ith ,voung
blind and agt'cl and hostcls firr single \\romen
\\'()mcn ol' similar vision, formed thc "floteric ol'\Vorkt'rs" - a renture which
:rre testimonit's to AudrcvJeflbrs' caring and
u'a.s a,n
of' her rvork,
Columbia l,Iniv'rsity, New
of Toronto,
Canada and
Edinburgh, Scotland. She came to be knorvn as one of the world's leading authorities on public health arrd hcalth education and began her prol'essional journey as a nurse - one of' the limited
she
number of careers available to \\'omen at
rect'ivt'tl rrrtcrltrirrrt:rl slll)l)orl lrom her
received tht' Order ol' the British
pllr('nts :utcl r'lclt'rlr liiencls. She per,.uaded
Empire(OBE). The Chaconia Gold N'Iedai
the time - and lrr'ld r';rri, 'us nur{ing. public health and public zrdrnir"ristration jobs. during thc 19,10s ancl 1950s. in Barbados and Jamaica. "ln 1964 shc
lL
nurrrlrt r o1'rronrt'rr to
rallr to hcr call
ar-rd.
trxrk tlrt'rrr to licr liurih's holid:l' homc.
lirresight. hr rt'tognitiorr
- her country's second highest honour - was posthunroush,arvarded
(..rirnt
t1
tlxt rir,
l.j!)
to her, in 1969.
-:t,";,'t
.rfillennhn [tlithn
A
sr lrt't
anrt' a public health advisor to the \\'orlcl Health Orsanisation \\'HO and
rt'rvit t' to tht' Pt'riPlt' ol'tht' Cl:rribltcalt :rncl the C.orrrrnonrrcalth. Rt'gionallr'. shc rtas
lat('r to thc Pan -\mcrican Health Organisation ,PAHO - pionccr public yrosts lbr \\'omen in the developing l orld".
ll ardt'cl the (].{RI( IOII Trit'rtnial .\l
arcl
tiir \\'omcn in l9B7 lirr hcr pcrsottal at conrl>lishrlcnts and thc statr:rc she brought t() \\()nr('n in the Caribbeau and.
As principal advisor to sixteen Caribbean sovernments, she initiated and coordi-
in
natcd an e)itensive research programme
Ilghest a*'ard - the Ordcr ol'tht'(laribbeau
on nursirrs education \\'hich cu}Trinated in
Communin'(O( j(:
a
1995, was conlerred the Communitr''s
tion in the Region.
Damc Nita became the first
to
.
e to the field ol' adult education. her legacy informed bv a and
expcricn(
United Nations and served in this capacity
lifelong commitment to peoplt"s strugglc firr learning, justice and dt'motracr'. In
liom 1986-90. Shc u'as also the first woman to be appointed Governor-
prcstigious Dame
Iemale Ambassador o1' Barbados
the
in Guvana and in Trinidad
artcl
Tobaso. One rear follorring hcr appointrnenl 01'Governor she sas made a Damc
Cbmmandcr of the British Empirc br Queen Elizabcth II. In 197'1. she returnt'cl
to Trinidad and Tobago to resumc ht'r rnedical prairtice. beforc retirins in 1990. Patron o1'a number of organisirtions, including tl-re Caribbean Collcgc
Danx' \ita brought u'isdom
comprehensivc rerision of Nursing Educa-
rneclicine
o1'
Familv Ph1'sicians. Dame Hilda is thc author
of I
wokc at Dar+Lt - a collcction of'
sh')rt sl('rir{ and vigncttcs.
hcr honour, the ICAL t rcatcd thc Nita B:trrou Arrard,
(]cneral
of her country. "A woman on a world stage", Dame Nita served as
u'hich recognises ancl sul)l)()rts rcqiortal or national adult edtr,:rti.tl ()rq.rl)isJlirrn:
President of the International Council of
that have made a signiljcant contributiorr
Adult Education iICAE) (1982-90); Presi-
tou'ards the emporrcrtrtt'ttt rtl' rroltten.
Dprne ?eprlette
Louisj,,,",,
dent of the \\'orld YMCA (1975-83): and
,
il.Jcrct ( i...c
President o1' the World Council of Churches, 1983. In 1995, she became the Director of the Christian Mcdical Commission of the World Council of
f-enrale Governor-Gencral.
Churchcs and was considered an author-
bv prolission. Dame Pcarlcttc has rvorkt'd
Dame Pearlettc Louisv
holcls
the distinction o1'being Saint Lucia's llrst
An liducator
ity on publi<: health and health education.
lirr more than lbur decadcs in
For her. hcalth care was more thau a medical conccrn "...it was a political lbrcc intended to liee indiuiduals from the
lields ofcducation - her last position being
Principal ol'thc
toward social and economic development".
Dsme Hilds
Damc Nita "consistently promoted thc active engagement of non-
the University'ol-the Wcst Indics (1969),
Education) lrom the Univcrsity of Bristol,
United Nations, and in all spheres of
uK
international relations". She believed that
if the United Nations were to succeed in the preservation of peace it must be people-oriented. Follorving her leadership of the United Nations 1995 NGO Forum.
Dame Nita was appointed one of eight
Pcrsons to South Africa which sought to
initiate dialogue in the country with
a
rierr
to replacine the apartheid system with popular govcrnmcnt
Thc rccipicnt of many honours and artards, Darnc Nita in 1980, was inv'sted uith the Order of Dame of St.
.{ndrcrl in recognition of
outstanding
as
Govcrnor
o1'
(ircnada. Caricou and
Petit Nlartinicpt' plattd ht'r irt tlic Rclion's history booLs as
tlrt iirst ft'malc (irv'rtror
a British Comrnonncalth
o1'
truntn and thc
fint native Govemor of'ht'r
l)ersons and the only woman to sen'e on
the Commonwealth Group ol'Eminent
(ree4). Dame Pearlette has contributed
Hilda Brnoe's appointment, in l968
a
\I.A. ilinguistics) Iiom Univcrsiti Laval, Canada (1975) and a Ph.D iHighcr
?ynoe
governmental rireanisations - grass-roots, people's organisations - in the work of the
Sir Arthur Lenis
(lommunitv College. Born in l9'16. Dame Pearlcttc. holds a B.A. iEnglish and Fren<:h) lrorl
Grenada
Iiabilties o1'nature and direct their enet.gies
r':rrittus
island state.
Born in Grenada. Darlc Hilda spent the first felr' ,vears of adulthood as a
significanth' to the development rrr:rtrir
ol'
ulati,,n s\slems in tertian irrslilrr-
tions in Saint Lucia and thc Caribbcan. A
strong advocate
ol creole language. she
c0ntinues to promote the languagc and
cultural heritage. and is thc llrst Gor-ernor-General to eive parts ol' thc
tcachcr in Trinidad, before going to
Tlrrurrc Succch and to address thc natit,rr
Ensl:rnd in
l9{{ to stLrclv nrt'dicir.tt'. She graduated liorn tht' London [-nivt'rsitr'. Ro1'al l'rcc Hospital. thcn tht' Londorr
in creole. She firmh'believes that therc is nccd to use the languagc to \\ork tolards an inclusive societr - " thcrc are so iltar)r
School of Medicine lirr \\'ornt'rr.
peoplc v.lto can onlt articulate in ()reole.
On her return to the Caribbean
in
Hilda, for the next fifteen vears, served in various disciplines of 1953, Dame
(.nrtu,n P rytr tir' ] 60 -,tN ir/ .tltltttrtiunt l::ditntt
and to leare them out completelv is to e.xclude
aal'l
a y,hole section of thc popula"ai n rnnsuft
She sees the languag.
approachcd it was not on tltc ba.sis oI gendcr, but on rcspect (br, and conlidence
in ntv cotttpctrttce and abilitv to do the job. I{ovrt:r,cr, gir.en ntale dominance in po.titions,
.sur'lt
I think it has
bcen a boctst
fr.r women. I have aiecl to maintain the stan
dard, providing the necessary, Ita clcr-
ship and assisting in building conlidcnce,
and hope that mv position will help
rf tht' ingenuity,, ceativity ancl resilicnce ri- thc peoplt' and as s()mcth;ns to be proud
chal-
lenges she laced during her rest'arch into
thc (lreole langu:rgr', Damc Pearlt'tte s:rid -
"ll:hcn I first began doing research in Crt'olc, therc w:a.s no .;tandardi.;alion. xt I cante acrcss probIents o1- fttrtrdinp and cren trans]ating liont tne lbnn or otltcr. .llier tlte On'ole Ortltrryraphv was dcvclol)cd, th;t technit al barricr y'as n'novcd. R'rhaps thc rlt'eat5t barrier, i(' I ntay i^tlv, was lhc attitudc o1'Saint Lucians tottards tlnt kind of derrlopntcnt o1' the languagr. I "sat.
that Saint Lucians hat'e a love-
hate rclation.ship becitttsc
In sharing
some
closing thoushts with
Pcr.;pective, Dame Pearlette also stated:
o1".
hr commenting on the
alwa+s
inspire women to bc courageous about new career opportunitics... "
n
it is for us to agrec and ()me decide to together willingly rather than be lbrced lty circumstances in the inlctnationa] conmunity, tragedy or the Region. and
ecortr.mic disastcr....
pit
tur( I'ut can bc sovereign
associ;ttc
it
and President of the then \\krmen's and Economic Organisation (WPO) - Guyana's first political organisation for women - NIs Jagan has been intimately involved lith rromen and their development during most of her profesProgressive
sional/politica.l career. lior her, the essen-
tials of women's real liberation lie first in matters of health and cducation.
'Without education w,onten canl
climb the ladder to
starcs, .r'et
well and are involved
Thtt'c art' advantages. "
business,
f havt'
Jsnet
long
alwa1s fek that
they could do everydi4g dnt men
and
polnbly a lot bttter in
dq
some
Je$en
req)ccg, Few womttt are given the
Guvana
qnwer. That i; wltett it counE - where
Janet Jagan, O.E.,
of
oppotnatities to walk the coridon
Guvana's
the decisions
ae ntade. I
was lud<y
in
fourth Executive President, holds the sisnal
dnt I was Clenenil Secreaty of the
honour olbeing tht' First \Voman President
Patty[PPP] and
of
CrcuL'D.ty. I think it i.; n strt.:ititir.r'ttn thc p;trt o1' thc gov'entntuit, D)()rcso llte
hcld lrom 1997
a
is still a
ifwomen werc given tltc oppt,rntnitia
speeclt on tlte otz'asioD o/'International
Pintt' Xlinistcr. It's probabl;,' not
the sciences,
way to go. They nlust hc giuen
" Shc statcd. hor'vever, rvhen :rsked lhat role shc plaved in the introduction of Creolc as a lt'gitimatc
cuntc after my inaugural
in
s7nft, etc, there
rt'ith
in thc Saint Lucian Parliament: " I don't know whether I did play
success and
fuIfrlbnenL.. and whilc thev;ue doing
cotnt- togctlter to work as a community.
s]aren ;utd seent to li'el
it
adult sutliage, rr'hich it ucin in
without an\- restrictions. Founding mt'mbcr
natiutal iDk.rest.t to transcend the bigger
progrt'ss.
a rolt'. I kno+t
we are not readt'
unir.ers:rl
countn's strugsle
1953 - rvomen. lor the first timc. had thc votc
.;erious]v;tbout. Ilrc must not always allow,
that it.s der,'lopntt'nt nt,tI nt't constitttte
larrguaee
If
lbr political integt'ation, there are other lbrns of integration that we can think
for
ith Crtole - thel, lotc it
it is tlteirs. but
bac'kw,ardnt'.ts,
"We mu.ct recognise tlte common hisk)rv and the common destiny of
u'as in the forefront ol'the
bec:ruse Statt's,
oppottutiq.
1999, belbrer resigning
of ill he:ilth. Born in the United
in
1920, Nls.Jagan is a woman
with
right in the rn'dst
of duision-naking: I used the
the Republic ol'Guvana, a position she
to
w,as
;Ls
much
as
I
could".
In.juggling the roles and demands
ol' politician. rvife, mother and
grand-
coincidcnrr'. because he was thc .llinister
a number ol'firsts in her long history and
whcn thc first natioital consultation on Creolc vas hcld in the
invoh'ement in her adopted country's
mothcr, trls.Jagan admits '1r [was] not easv n lr politically involved and have a lintily'
politics. She was also Guyana's first lemale
....
Bq.t'.
Deputy Spe:rker
of the lrgislature. first \\'ornlll'l to be clt'<ted in the Ccorgetorln Cin Council. first lbmalc cabinet minister undt'r .elllsovernment and lirst female
dildbearing and other family resprnsibilities... men move up the political l;dder
ol- Education
Enjoring the honour of being the llrst I'ernale Grxernor-General in the historv of Saint Lucia, Dirme Pearlette rr
as asked to c()nlrnent on
u
achicvcmcnt meant li)r \\()rncn
"l tr.r'not
hat
this
of womenk involvemt'nt in
faster... to compete, women lul'e to Ttut in
the same time and encrgl' despitc
additional
Primc Nfinister.
these
..k ncans using'
Co-founder of the People's Pro-
one's time drtciently - and that's what some
Party @PP), N{s. Jagan also sened as its General Secretary from 1950-70 and
women drnt't do.... I leanted lu1g aso to use
-
it in gendcr tct'D)s. I ;t.;suntt' that +rhcn I vas to IL)ok at
because
sressi'u'e
(,:rrittn 11t.\n'rire l6]
-.r/r;jt
.ttithttnnnD
I)iirltt
evtty minute and plan ahead".
Jaear"r rras Editor o1' the \t'rvspnpt'r lor more than thrcc
IIs
\Iirror
decadcs 1973-97 . Thouch partl t() sortlt'of
ir
rlrt' L-nitcd
Kinqtiom
t'K
.
rclx'ctiveh.
\lB.\
frorn Pace I'nivenitr'.
i-n
t.lit'L-S-\.
Gur':tll:r'-.
The llrst \\'olniln ttt lrc arlarded
post-colonial history', instead o1' u'ritirtg of
thc C.\RICIO\I Tricnnial .\rrard lbr \\'onren in lg8l lirr outstandingscn'itt' in
thc most cxciting monr('nts itr
Jaean chost' to n'ritr: children's stories. in u-hi< h a Jund:iment:rl simplicitr'. a lirndamental these grand moments. NIs.
-
One issuc of'trcmendous colt('crn
Sl-re
olrtained:r B..\. in Prole ssionalStudics ardan
thc clevelopment of the social ancl econtttnic
t,, \1r.. P;rrrir k is rioL'rtct- aqainsl rt,,men ancl clrilcircn - "Dcspitc all that ve hatc bccn ttting to put in place in tentt-s o1 educating tnttt and won)en, .tt lriolcncel cd)tinurs". Shc yrointed to the lact that "...JItn harc not ]earnt tr.t look at tts
lilb of rvomen, I\In. Patrick rvas attivell'
;ts cc1uals...7'het
att angn' lrcausr
aft' IakiDe our place, no longtt'
sintple
involved in social rrork liom the time she left
we
childhood memorics rthich perhaps ('('nlcnt
high school firr thc uorld of'work. It rvas her
waitingat hontc lbr tlrc par packagt
mcmories olhomc and family. \Vhen asked
experienct' as part
phikrsophic position comes out
of the
lint \Vorld
Govemmcnt
Conferen< c on
that
vill
sontctimcs rtot contc.
.tI? itk*lrclrtent. enntinq t'ttt ottJt.
- is this u'hat lile is truly all about - MsJagan
delcsation lor thc
in the frnal analvsis one has to ar n not only be happvand contented, but to help othen. f think senice is an impoftant
\\'ornen in N{exico, in 1975, rvhich ntadc an
takin,g
indt'lible impression on her in tht'cot.ttcxt of
Thcn' ere gp'oups of nten
reslrcrnded "...
the uomen's movement
I
elttnent of klb and those who don't care about other people, Iirc lonely lives. My life
I
isn't lonely, whatever
f
ant inrolved all the time and
can do,
I
do. People can reach a
ceftain contentmcnt in not taking, bul
v,as able
.
As shc explairted
to bctttr undustand
the
intportant contibutiotts ttl)ttlcrt tfcrc ntaking that it
not a niatl's rorlcl. lbtrtl a world o('equalifi:..." It is her vitrv that '?ir the Region
w'e
was
hatr nadc sigrtilir';tttt sttp.s itt
lli'
nrc rl- our urgenl
needs.
vltrt att'
,qaitr.,t ri,l,ttt-c,t.g;tinl trl,m(\1. but I do Dot see thc cllictirutess til' their toices. ()ur clildren ;ur al.vt sulliin,g'. IlTtcn lou talk nith childntt who live ln ltrnrs +tith iolcnct'. t'ou rea.lisc hort dillicult it i.s lit' then. The itnportattce o/' [mfi ]i(i lns degt'neratcd. God
Sr"iog." Recipicnt of the nation's highcst honour, The Order of Excellence (O.E.t.
has
gircn
us a
fanilv...; rtt nced kt
sustain the lamily'.
Ms Jagan rvas also selected Woman o/' the I/earby thc Guvana Review in 1993, ftrr hcr
In tlx' cntin'
'shulllc'. spiitualisnt is in4xn'tant."
ln hcr
dedication to sewice, sacrifice artd suct'css.
vears
of scnicc.
I\Irs.
Patrick's dcclicatiotr to th(' mentalh' retarded
could bc dcscribcd as un1>arallclcd. Shc has raist'd public consciousrtt'ss.
bean and belund. rvorking both at thc indiridual and polio'lcu'ls. In her rrords,
Af ests
"
?strick Trirrirlad rrrrl
a career social r+'orker rvho has, through the
years, rendered dedicatt'd senice
to
her
adopted country - Trinidad and Tobago in particular, and the C:rribbean. in general.
rvomcn's move-
ment, her role as a quiet actirist is legend:rn'
a
mcmber and President of the
founding
Caribbcarr
to
write his/her nantC "
and. eren thctsc ptofessions as not
bdn3-ten
dTcctive.
wett regarded Norv we hav'e
reachcd tlte st;1qt v-ht'tc ttt'can v'ork alongstdt nten. Rtt. it i.s ttot as far as vc
partiulalt so tltut r+c look at the Plan o/' ,'lction |ilnn tht' lirst l[brld Conference on llTnutt. Ilc ttre w'ould
like. This
i.:
dillerent in terms of gender. TIte ttct is we can
u
ork for the benelit of the wlnle. This is
vith a dillin'ncc. ()otder IJurcau.r are
what we need. not || ontat .: because we are
Dcvelopmcnt, Polio'and Planning from the
sane goal, that
London. Bristol and \\'irles.
-jwt
that clilds
Social
of
vitlt that ofa nontnl cltlld
indcsctifutblc
ttotnerl. In mr time, thete v'ere ten' .liv
dation Association. Nlrs. Patrick received her training
leantittgdinbility,:L;
pttiissic.tts in vhich women v'erc involved,
eclual
in Social \Vork. Child Care and
a
is
thc ntess;t,gx tl)at must be sold trt tJte gtnctatio\s :tlit'r us. lli' art cqual, ltut
and
luLs
tenns o1- the professional developntcttt ol-
Presidcnt of the Caribbean Mental Retar-
Women's Association (CARIWA)
Univt-rsities
nln
comls;urd
Grenadian-born Nesta Patrick is
among her peers. She was
thejrlr t'ou tspeienrc li'om tcachitg'
a child
Tobago
Actively involved in thc
in the (larib-
Burt'aLtu,
both working towards the is,
a comfortable ciuilisation
for all ofus."
(.rrilrrr
l',
t,ptcti, '
ey'es
see
w'lun
rlx'light
Reflecting on her thoughts llhen she rvas sclccted to reccive the
(IARI(IONI
Tricnnial Arrard lirr \Vomen. Nlrs. Patrick saici
"I lilt
rery' llatrercd indeed,.... and
acce1tted
it on bchalf ol- rrht't'
women lhnnphout the Rcgion...I
had tlr exlx'ience vttrkitry witlt uonntt in tlte Caibbcan. tnd it Trinidad in partiralar. I kttrtv httrt'
r/' It;le untuttittcd to lhe dt'rrlopnrnt tl'
ntany of thent ltarr reallv eiven themselrc.; ;utd themsclves w
oncn's sociil .cct:'it es tltnnghou I
the Catibbean. So lrliete ntc, I'nt indcbted to those vonrcn...
I
62
- spa';)J .ttiuetntittnt Ltiiu,'l
it
he/she cat
l-t
;'t Of thc manv persons rvho have
?e ggv frntyobus
impacted on hcr li{'e's t'ourse, NIrs. Patrick
rccalled her mother -
"wlto was a tower of strcngth,
a
stalwart rvlto alnays kept on
me to accotnplish. en u:htn I ltad cotnpleted studies in the [,;nited Kingdom, shc trild me that I rvas not linished because I had not gone to the United State.c - she herself had gon('to Httward Utirersitl tr aet' encouraging
Er
60 and did nur.sing. Dame
St. Vincent and the Grenadirres
tr[agorie
Corbctt, Lconora,L[cShine,,l]ice
P.ggy Antrobus is known
Hcmmings and Dame Mta Barrory were among other women
throughout the Region lor her contribu-
1998-99; Co-sponsor with the Centre of
tion to the dcvelopment and growth of the
Concern, Washington D.C.
singled out for her praise."
women's movement in CARICOM. Hcr
Planning Seminar on Gender and Trade
i\,Irs. Patric:k, though rctired, continucs to urrrk rvith the groups shc has r,vorked with or.'cr the
ycars. "I etloy
the
tlnslican Church trIen'.s Sociery' o1' the Diocesc of which I'm an honorary member. I'nt the onlv woman and it reminds me o1' my childhood and my .scvcn brothers'l She is. hos't'r'er. more
involved with young people. "...
I
enjoy
rvork has, and continues
to influence the
implement:rtion ol' programmes aimed at
improring the status of women
and
maximisine their contribution to the devclopmcnt and creation of a just and
UNIFEM on Transformative Leadership
(
r
of
a Strategii:
ee8-2000).
Dr. Antrobus is a founding member of a numbcr of organistions
Born in Grenada, Dr. Antrobus,
including WAND, the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA) and Devekrpment Alternatives rvith Women for a New Era (DAWI! - a
who nor.v lives in Barbados, was educated
south-based women's netrvorking organi-
humane Caribbean social order.
at St. Vin<:cnt Girls' High School and won
in
sation active in the strusgle
against
being rvith yrtung pcople and lcarning
a St. \/inccnt Island Scholarship
from thcm... thcy arc not intimidatt:d by
She graduated from Bristol University,
its General Coordinator during the period
my age."
United Kingdom in l95B with a BA
l
1953.
structural adjustment. She also served
as
990-96.
on many boards, advisorv
in
in Economics, a Profcssional Certificate in Social Work lrom Birmingham University 1962 and a
thc global enrironment and focu:;
Doctorate in Education lrom the Univcr-
the International Advison' Committee of
on the technical trainitg of our
sity
On thc question of the future of the Region, NIrs. Patrick is of the rierv that "we need tu look at the Region
(Hons) Deerce
of
young people, othervi.se u:c rvill
in I998. Dr. Antrobus' career began the Jamaica Ministry of Finanr:e N'Iassachusetts, USA,
lose them to othcr place.s, in
r,vith
particular North America. They arc ready, theyjust want to know
in 1958 and soon took he r to the Universit,v
Internationally, shc has served selection
committees, steering committees such as
the International Women's Tribune Centre (New York); Inter-American Dialogue (\Nashington); the Global Fund
of the West Indies
for Women (California); Global Perspectives on Adult Education and Training (IJK); National B<-rard of Editorial
In later
1'ears, her work has taken her into such services as: Social Worker/Supervi-
joumal, l\{eridans Smiths College (JSA).
recognised
sor :rnd Trainer u'ith the Commonwealth
largc bodl- of published work - on women,
economic restructuring and grass roots
Other au'ards/honours/citations inciude:
Save the Children Fund and Chief Community Development Oflicer, St.
organising, among others.
Vincent; Director of the Women's Bureau, Jamaica - which shc helped
Recognised for outstanding u'ork in national and international
tltat their skills will be
used
elfectively. "
For a life of dedicated public servicc, Mrs. Patrick has been widely
in the Region. Nlanf institutions havc been renamed in her honour. Caribbean Award for Mental Retardation
(1978); Government of Trinidad and Tobago National Arvard Public Sen'ice Nledal of Nlerit Gold for Communitv
pWI), first as Assistant Registrar, and then as Ler:turer in Economics, Sociology and Social Work.
Consultants, new intcr-disciplinary feminist
Dr. Antrobus has to her credit
a
establish (197 a-7 7); Secrctary, Caribbcan
development, Dr Antrobus is the rct:ipient
of many awards/honours/citations in-
\\Iomen's Club Auard lor Community Scnice 11992)l Honor:in' Doctor ol Laws
Coordinating Committce on \Vomcn's AIIairs (1977-78); Tutor/Coordinator, Women and Development Unit (WAND), School of Continuing Studies, UWI Cave
women's programmes rcgionally and
LLDr. l-'niversitv ol'thc \Vest hrdies (200I).
Hill
internationalh'.
Scrvice (1979)l Busincss and Professional
Barbados (1978-95); Consultant to
(;tricont
Pvyrcirt -
J
6.7
- 9pil-;)l .llilltttnntn
l:)diin
cluding the CARICOM Triennial Arvard for Women (1990) ftrr her contribution
tcr
,l)
|:l
l-|er-don't rrant ttr
tlagda Rrllard is one of thost' uomt'n s'ho I'ras. in a c:irt'cr *tat can lx'
to chrxrse their onn trtune.
descrilxd as cledicatcd to tht' dereloprnent ol'
in :pitc of gring to Ulrirenitr', \\'omen
wom('n, assisted in building a
r.'et cracking the glass ceiling.
cclnsc
iousness
on
\\'omen
rr
qreat('r
s issut's.
ait that long to achio e their goals. Horver er.
Q H:tve w(' come
lr'omen's mo\rment in the Region.
ntov'nlcnP
After obtaining a degree in Homc
at the
Mp o^d s
West ofScoda:rd College of Domestic Scierrce, IVIs
Pollard rcnrmed
Home Fronomics. She left as Principal of that institution to take up the post of Women's
Affain Officer with the CARICOM
Secre-
tariat. It was in this position that she 'burst' onto
the Caribbean scene. building a reputation
as
Federation, ercn though
a; :ut
ittt'1tariott
it
the
thc
failed, assisted in
bringing us to together. Thc issues for uhich
1) oL't"gf d
home :urd taught at the Camegie School of
/^ar
A: \\c havc. The cstablishment o1' Univeniitv ol' the \\'est llrdies :u-rd
r
Glasgorv Unilersin' and
in the United Kingdom,
not
:urd
contributed to u'hat is arguably nou'a thriring
F,c'onomics
a.re
dre
CARICONI Secretariat
is
responsible have
promoted di:rlogue eurd excha.nge of rieu's rvell
it-s
action. At the tc<:hnical lerel therc har'e
ius
Q llhat are your thougha r.n hov tu'
been ven' significant linking and shzring of'
nomen have come?
iden"s :urd a
fet'ling of<rurse , that you :rc doing
A: We har,e made strides in impnrving the lcgal
somcthi-ng
sigrificant. I :tm not slrre ho* this
of women, in cducrti,rlt. in
an advocate for u'omen's rights. She literallr
suh-$
x'ltirrr
rl'as rcpiicated at the political lerel. Somctimes
builtthe Women's Deskfrom groundlevel
marurgement and adminismition. particuliLrlv
onc fi'els that thc leaden have krst the public or
in the public
the public hirs krst the lcaden. It has talen .''cry
a:-rd
helped, in no small way, to shape an agenda lor women's issues in
sen'ice. Trirridad :urd Tobago
andJamaica" for instancc, have a numlx'r
CARICOM. In recogrition
of
ofher sterline contribution to the development
uomen accessinq senior managt mcnt posi-
of women's poCrarnmes at both the region:rJ
tiors in the privalc
and intemational levels, she was conferred the
in
nith
CARICOI\{ Triennial Award for Women.
sector,
but then'is
In an'interview
vrrth Petwctire.
need
for many more ol'our territories to mor e along those lines.
Then'
is still a
ven' lotrg l'av ttt eo.
ln terrrx of domestic violencc and
1993.
-still
general
- rvhich
r-iolencc in
long for measures. such of skills
ar"rd
pzLSSF)rt.
as
thc liee movement
thc introduction o{'a
CARICOI\{
to lr put in place. The
idczus are
there. rvejust hal'e to implement them becausc
thev represent the needs ofthc people.
ln
this
Region, politicians need to be more lbcused.
lcads to the issuc of humuur
righs - there has been a mi{or step fonrard.
q
preparing her lor this course. She explained -
However, the recognition of u'omen's righrs
w,ln are crning up and winlt to ntake a
"My family'was largely female. My parents
human rights still
Ms Pollard credited'%.mily'' and "school" ftrr
were very
good
teaclzen and that set tJrc
tone forachievement,
In a wayyou were not
permiued not to achieve. School was
a
q()vernrnents.
calLs
lor
as
serious attenti(m bv
The establishment of the fix:al
llTnt wtuld you n/ant to say to peoplc
conuibution?
A: I
believe that the best ca.n a]l'avs be
points knoun as the nationir.l machinen'*'ithin
achiocd. :urd that perhaps it tan
thc public sen,ice have been stcps fonlard.
engineered auid nudged in a certain direction.
strong or :u efibc tir e
tremendous cxpeience. There was a very
Tl'rat the;- have not been
good atnosphcre in tems ofpromoting thc
:rs
sarne con)niltniq-rype orientation, disci-
('()nsn'ainls.
pline, striuing lbt excellence and seeing
strengthencd lbr more effective
as
le lould like is due to a numbcr of but thev do exist and can
be
work
It mciux that all of
us nced to recognise that u'e
I
also believe that u,e hare to
are ct.rntributors.
ensure that our attitudes are bexicall,v sound.
and built on a faith, a belief, howe.r'er rve tenn
ounelves as nlani)gcrs, vhich were culti-
it.
Reccnt rtg7.at's indicate a
bt'
sfficattt
rise
We will not all
be at the top ol'the et-onomic
uated at home. The lteadmistress was a
Q
strict disciplinarian, to put it mildly. Rules
in femal' Lnirenin 5paduantt
had to be kept, and a svstent set up.... I went
to malc.s.
olf to do profexional training in Education,
comd
me:ln disregprding the norrh
I
A: If the males an' not gring to tinivcrsin, one
colurtn'. The bottom line
at the Carnegic
must ask the question, rvhr'? The lact that girls
basic talents
of Home Economics in Guyana and headed that institution for about 16 y'eats.
are continuing their education is, no doubt,
promotr rr)mrnLrnin [ife, suppon gencrosin
due to the impact of the women's movement
and respect uhcre it
oientation hx been that women ate
*,hich encrruraqes women to improve their
a sft(ms laith, we should be able to risc. Our
in a field which is ako limale came back and worked
oriented.
School
So. mv
ren
capable. Orientaa'on, naining etpo-
Hut till tlis
cducatiorrlrl stJtus
as
inp:t, t
bonom eithcr. I t-hink love ol'country is wn'
it .tc;u,
urd cnler irrto
- areas rrhich carn
ladder but, thcn. u-e don't hare to be at thc
to
I)un
highcr
imporLnt: and
bV the same token this does
ard
leaden, not only
is,
of iurl
ifwe combinc our
sl-ills rvith the attitudes that
is due. a.ll
the political
urdencored bv
ones, havc to be
sure, doing the best you cctuld and
tradition:r.l areas
maint;ining good penonal relationships as
status, higher pav urd drus opgrnruritics ftrr
am not sure that our leaden har-e
v'ell as wru could, certainly were also important in n)r' responses to life's
improvement in economic status. Bop are not
vision
e,upetience.
"
acting in a similar fashion.
My own personal
beliefis that they are more aggressive, and wiurt
Cafirtil
hLspet
tirt - I61
-.'pair/ .tlilhLrtitril [}litnrt
more genuine. As
a^s
not
other
a pcople.
thev should have.
rrc need a rision. I
zu-rd
a-s
cle:u a
that if thev do.
it mirron the hopes zurd aspirations that rte the
people hare.
becamc the first adviser on Wtimen's AII'airs
Luci[[e
seeking
consciousness to a greater apprcciation and
J:rnraica
Tvteir
to raise national and international
acrccptance
ol'the integral role of rvomcn in
thc process ol'devclopmcnt. Several publications to her credit,
Scholar. diplrmat. n'orncn riuhts
Dr. Mair's "best known historical work on Nanny and the Maroons ffhe Rebel
actirist, Dr. Lucille Nlathurin NIair has helped to shapc national and regional
Woman) was one of the texts of Caribbean
of
social history which inlluenced the trend
Caribbean thought in international ddibcrations. Born in JamzLica she has been
toward the movement o{':rcadcmic research
development and to widen the influence
internationally
into popuiar usage, and made space for the
rieriscd firr her actir..ism in
skrwlv growing recognition of local knowl-
the strugglc against discrimination and lor
edge as part of the administration of
the cause o1'peacc and disarmament.
knorvledee in academic discourse".
rec
Dr.
Mair obtained a
(History) with honours (1948)
siq' Citv and
College.
lrom Univcr-
lnndon Universiq., UK,
a Ph.D. liom UWI.
She sen'ed
Dr. Mair is the recipient of- manv
B.A.
in
a
number of <:apacities in this latter institution.
Other positions hcld in her krng and illustrious carccr includc: Head ol'hcr
for
only thn.tugh respcct for each other that wc can hope to moye fonyarcJ'.
Pro{. N'Iassiah received her training in thc fields of Economi<:s and Sociologl at the Univcrsitv ol'thc \Vest Indics U\\'l . Shc rr'cnt un l(, enjrr\ en illustrious career rvith this institution, achievins manr' "lirsts" in the process. including that of bcine the lirst li'rnalc Hcad of Departmcnt on the Clave Hill Campus; first female Professor in tht' Faculty of Social Sciencel lirst li'rnalc Director in anv of the branches of' thc Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER); and first Coordinator ola major programme of'rcsearch on Womcn
rcmarkable contributions. Among these
in the Region. In this last regard, Prol. Massiah's pioneering l'ork on women in
: (.lommander of the Order of
the Caribbean has had lar reaching eflects
arvards, citations and honours are
hcr
Distinction; Jamaica (1980); OAS Womcn
on Caribbean scholarsh\r in the field of
of
Women in Developmcnt and on Women's
Distinction Arvard (1987); and the Third
World Iroundation's International Achieve-
Rights activism.
countrl''s inlormation selict'; Ambass:rdor
mcnt and Understanding Award
to Cuba and Permanent Rcpresentative to
She receivcd Honorary Doctorates
ol'
the Senate of the Universin' of the West
the United Nations. Intcrnationall,v, she has
Human lrttcrs fnrm the University of the Wcst Indies (1994); University of Florida
She has sened as a member of
(1987).
Office of the United Nations Sccretary-
(1995) and the Univenity of Ireland (1995).
Indies as well as on othcr regional and international committccs and boards, including the Board o1' Directors of the
Gencr:rl and, in that capaciry, as Secretary-
In 1996. Dr. Mair was conferred
the
International Cenre lirr Rcsearch on
General ol' the World Conlerencc on the
CARICON{ Triennial Award for Women
Women and the Advisorl- Committee of
United Nations Der:ade ftrr
Ibr
her outstanding contribution in the field
the Population Council on Family
and women in
Structure, Female Headship and Poverry.
scn'ed as Assistant Secretary-General in the
\Vomen
(Denmark l9B0). This u,as hrlk;rvcd bv hcr
appointment as Specizrl
the
Secrctary-Ceneral's
o1' academia, diplomacy
"Under hcr inspiring
dcvelopment.
Adviser to UNICEI,'on Womcn's
leader-
ship, the UNIFEM Caribbean O{fice was
Der.'ekrpment and Secrctary-General of the
one of the key players collaborating with
United Nations Confcrencc on
Palestine
the CARICOM Secretariat and the UN,/
(Geneva, l9B2).
ECI-AC in preparing Caribbean delega-
As a diplomat, Dr. Mair's r:ontribution has been one of unparzLlled scn'icc to her countn' and to the
tions for effective negotiating and lobbying during thc Fourth \\rorld Conference
international communitv. In the still highly male-dominated world of thc 70s and
Joycelin
Msssieh
on Women held in Beijing, China in 1995.
Her dvniimic input contributed to
a
successful outcome lbr the Caribbean and
BOs,
Barbados
she repeatedly broke the glass ceiling by'the
laid thc loundation of eflective follow-up
shcer strength ol'her intellect, a pcrsonaliq'
aftcr Bcijing."
that rccognised no infcriority in her being a Iimale, and a charactcr strong enough to pursue. relentlcssly, yet with honcstl*, her bclicll and t-rbjectives. Her contribution to
The recipient, in 1998, of thc thc Golden Cross of Merit - Barbados' third highest award - and thc 1999 CARICOM Triennial Award lirr Women.
\\'omen and devclopmcnt is meritorious. In
Born in Guyana, a citizen of Barbados with several years of scn'ice in Jamaica, Joycelin Massiah has, Ibr three decades, been involved in everv aspect ()f
Prof. Massiah's work has been assessed as,
to advise on measures to improve the status
:rn society, particularlv as it relates to the role of rvomen and their
of rromen in her countn and to ftrrmulate a
pivotal position in the family. She believes
serye
l)rogr:rrnmr' lor thc intcgration of *omen in
that "education is a human right; all work
people to make our way with dignity and
tl'rc mainstrcam of devekrpmcnt.
is meaningful and uplifting; and that it is
selfesteem...
1972 she rvas appointed bv hcr Govemmcnt
She
Caribbe
oaicrrn Persptt tfi e -
J
6.5
-
.\pui;t/ .tGlhnniun Ltliiut
inter alia, "dedicated to charting'ways,
in Caribbean culturc, y'hich can as a road map to enable u.s as a
rooted
".
A
;'t
.\
Len Islrm sel
(
staturch advcratc of'the righrs ol'
lMhlren lxl)pl( l(' be ar'dre
Lucia
iu-rd that
lrn
in 1997 becamt' the lint wom:tn to head the &rrnomic Dr.
Commission
Ishmael.
lor t atin America :utd
- a regional "think umk",
ten firr the CzLribbcar
engaged
in rese:rrch on topical issues
pertaining to the chalienges of derel<-rpment
lrlierts 'n sh)ing'tJ'Itc to I|rc ccJtnlin ofuonen
it
rnese]l'and
sons.
of
As
Regional Director,
Dr
- the largest United
Nations body
subregion, servicing 23 counaies
in
in
the
ofour cultural heritage
time personal dream, but also as the latest contribution from a life dedicated to artistic
is
the Registrar
characterised by an almost tangible sense of
Caribbean Examinations (louncil
sincerity, but with emphasis on the business of
Dr.
of the
-
we recognised it not only as realisation ofa long-
back stage, oral or print, like her gracious self,
Lucy Steward
Ls
(cxc).
culture.
Dr. Steward oburined a
Cennal
and South Americr and the insular Caribbean.
- a collection of authentic "old time"
service in the Region. Her work, whether on or
'frinidad and Tobago
Ishmael
prorides overall leadenhip to the orgarrisation
recent accomplishment, Same Sea...another
stories, capturing gems
Lucy EteW sf d
rlrados
As Cymthia Wilson unveiled her most
l|'ave
small island dereloping states. mong other issues.
Ba
ol'their childrcn. this mother of 6rrr
thc
Caribbean (ECLAC) Subregionzrl Headquar-
Cynthie \dilson
thich uill shap the funrrc
the development
Saint
P;Lrticipu-rr-s in
rChemisb1' and Phrsics' and
BSc'
It
embraces a mge ofexperiences which
span many cultural environments and realities.
a Dploma in
lnrm
A Barbadian, this committed Direc-
drc
tor of the CARICOM Foundation for the Arts
work*ith
Unir'eniq' of the \\'cst Indies urd a l\I:r-sten
and Culture, from its inception, has lived and
pvernrnents ar-rd intemational organisations
Degree and Ph.D ilr Curriculum zurd Irsor-rction from R'nn Surte t.tnivenin. USA.
worked inJamaica, in
A Development Planner,
she
has spent morc
than 20 y'ears tr-arellingthe world to
on managing natural resources and develop.
Education (Science Edut:ationi
Startine her career as a sccond:ut
ment planning.
Bom in Saint hcia" Dr. Ishmael
g:hcnl science tt'acher. Dr. Stervard
also
Africa, Europe, and the
USA. She is qualified teacher of English,
a
former Foreign Service Officer and former assistant to the Director
ofthe then Caribbean
in Germany beftrrc
taught at a Teacher's Collcge bclitre bccoming
Tourism Research Centre (now the Caribbean
rctuming to Saint Lucia for her High Schtxrl
Tourism Organization, CTO) where her many
ft{ons.) in F^-onomics and C'eography {1974r.
a Science CurricLrlum Officcr in her homc countr.v, Tinidad and Tobargo. Shc thcn joine d the Claribbcan (lomrnunitv
Dr. Ishmael proceeded to Columbia Univer-
(CARICOM
*herc. zus (lhief o1' Education, she turdentpk rcqrcnsibilitics
servicing French and Spanish-speaking Member
spent her earll'childhood
education. A graduate of the UWI, with
sity,
a
B.A.
USA *'here she obtained her Masten in
Urban Pla:rning
in
1978. She was conferred
Secretariat
rhich included coondin:rtion of' actiritics
and varied responsibilities included administra-
tion of regional cultural projects, as well
as
States. She is multi-lingual.
Mother of
that
three and proud
with a Ph.D in City and Regional Planning/
led to the preparation of a Region:ri StratcS firr
grandmother of six, Cynthia Wilson is poet,
Development Fronomics from the Universitr
Technical and \-mationzr.l Education and
dancer, storyteller, songwriter, actress and
in
-a
lbr tht' of T\-L,T
ftarnervork
prolific producer and performer of
works
ard is the fint Claribbe:m national to obtain a
Training
doctorate in dri,s ficld.
:rcross the Regron. She w'as erlso responsible
firr
her five decades ofservice to the Region enriched
the prep:rration of a regional poliry
on
by her generosity ofselfand resources, she has
cducaticrn enirJed Fducation for the Furure,
sat on many committees and advisory bodies at
ofPennsyh'ania. Philadelphia
l9BB
As an Asvriate hofessor at Ca,'e H;ll, ll\4'I, Dr Ishmael has lectured to under
[\EI
dcvckrpment and strengthening
out son)( of the education priorities
around the Region and intemationally. During
the national, regional and intemational levels.
graduate/post graduate students qpecialising in
u'hich
Iand Use Resource N'Ianagement and Planrring. She has olxratcd her o\r(I
of tht'Region.
corsultancy firm which providcd services in
Secretariat. Dr. Stolard.joirrcd the Clommon-
founded,
her field of ryecialisation t() man\- govemments
community-oriented organizations. Perhaps one
intemational orgarrisations in thc Carit>
wealth Secretriat in llndon as (,]hicl' hogramme Officer l'itfr reqxrnsibilin' lirr
bean and beyond. She was also the Director of'
educational development in snr:ill statcs. Her
was as Administrative Director
lradenhip for Environment and Dcrelol>
reqrcnsibilities included rryork on the firnncing
Productions, the regional production entity of
ment (LLAD) Intemational, an org;urisation
ol'edut'ation. the management of tertiar,v level
which
instirudons iurd mt':rsurerncnt a:rd elliluation
stage manger, Dorsie Boyce and the late and
in
accomplished director, Earl Warner.
ar-rd
Ibundcd
in l99l to pursre
changes in
der clopment policies and attitudes woridwide,
in punuit ol
susteinable development
at the
Dr Ishmael has published widely on Sustr.inable Dcvekrpment issues. Phlsical and
& Environmcnt.
A firm
.\licr k'arine the
CI^\RICONI
cdr,rc:Ltion.
believer
in the creative
energies and scope of this Region, Wilson has
or
co-founded, many arts and
ofher most ambitious but very successful efforts
she was co-founder
of
WWB
with leading regional
Dr. Stcnard's publications includc
Barbados and the Region are apprecia-
vient'educ'ation. She has
tive of the noted contribution of this CARICOM
papen and texls
global lercl.
Str:itt'eic Plannine. Tourism.
sels
<-rr.r
co-edited a text on Teacher Education
in the
national
for which
she has received many
Caribbean and one on Examination Systems
acknowledgements and tributes, including Barba-
in Small States.
dos'national honour - the Barbados Seruice Star.
(.;tri'ont
P,
r,pct
tirt - I 66
- .Spil
il
,rLllutniunt
hlitint
& -IIIh,eDdIDffiD
tDlliivBr |DlLAprl\tE
SIEAILY
.laroi'aica, 1909-2001
Jamaica
"A
^on
of grcat
intelle.ct and possion who pr^ofession
siood like a coloss's
ff;:iliove.rn
lD":#^,'::,'#L
;il::i
in
Sealy played a lead role
:l
establishment
of the
the
Press Association
of
I
DH;::'i
"".,3. J"; i.,..,"':
Jamaica, Theodore Sealy laid the foundations and set the standards for
Jamaica, and the renamed Caribbean Institute of Media and Communications
of the Gleaner Co. Ltd., publishers of the
early journalism in Jamaica and beyond. He held firm principles and was known
(CARIMAC), where he lectured for many
newspapers
In
years.
for his uncompromising integrity and sense of fair play. His commitment to
1955 he served as Chairman
the Jamaica tercentenary
able work
a whole generation ofjournalists.
in carrying through the
year programme
of
financial services sector, before joining the
he was made
a
Cleaner in 1976. According to him, he became involved in media, particularly in the newspaper business, because of the
Commander of the British Empire (CBE)
a Second
at age 19, joined the Jarnaica Gleaner and, for almost half a century. served in several positions rising to the post of Editor-in-Chief. He joined
l,
the company's Board of Directors
in
197
and was named Editor Emeritus
in
1987.
Regarded as the dean of the journalistic profession in Jamaica, Sealy's
potential as a future editor led to him being awarded the first Gleaner Michael de Cordova Scholarship
Notable among his other service
to a
Sealy,
in
1945, to study
British newspaper methods in the United
Kingdom. On his return to Jamaica he
*role it
the following year."
Master
number
of
the
Jamaica Independence Celebrations Com-
- which
was playing
decided on the national
in stabilising the
country at that point in timd'.
of public and private
committees, is his chairmanship
mittee
by training, worked for a number of years in the
a
successful conclusion,
1927-28.
Born in 1944, Clarke who is an economist and accountant
one-
He attended Kingston Technical High School and St. John's College where he subsequently became
oldest
to
celebrations
Belize) Sealy went to Jamaica as a child.
from
- one of the
in continuous publication, in
the world.
celebrations
which marked the 300'h anniversary of the British association withJamaica . "For his
journalism has influenced the shaping of Born in British Honduras, (now
of
Gleaner newspapers
A major advocate of
press
freedom, Clarke is a member, and also served
in 1997
as President
ofthe Inter-
American Press Association (IAPA)
-
the
- in 1962. He also played an active role in several organisations, including the Jamaica
from its inception - and acknowledges
Council of International A{Iairs - of which
play in media. In his words, " f have learnt
flag and national anthem
he was
a
Founder Member and its First
Chairman
- and
the Inter-American
Press Association.
-lFtr. aurhor of Sealy's Caibbean tl Lrudrr, (1991,1. Sealy's service to
Gleaner itself a member of this institution the important role this body continues to
the value and the need to light in the Region; to light against the licensing of
infringements of press freedom
journalists...; to fight the forced closure and acquisition of media...".
Clarke has also given
soon turned The Sunday Gleazeraround.
Jamaica, and the world at large, has been rewarded with some of the highest
continues to give public service through
The WeeHy Gleaner was started under
honours his adopted country and peers
membership
his watch, and so too was The Children's
could give, including: The Order of Jamaica (1989); Doctor of Letters,
including the Inter-American
Own. He was principally responsible for the modernisation of the company during
University
the period 1945-75. According to
a
Musgrave Medal (Gold), Institute of
is currently
former Assistant Editor, "...during the
Jamaica; Norman Manley Award for Excellence (1975) National Order of
Chairman
Sealy years, the Gleaner grew in character and inlluence... it's coverage of national
and international news was of the highest
of the West Indies
Carlos Manuel (
r
de
(1974);
Cespedes, Cuba
in a number of
and
bodies
Dialogue
and Commonwealth Press Union (\M.I. Section) of which he is the Chairman. He a Director, and was a former
of
PALS - "Peace and Love in
Schools" - a special programme designed to teach conJlict resolution to young people.
He is the recipient of a number
e53).
quality; its editorial uiews commanded
of awards including the Order of Jamaica,
rcspect and admiration".
(1998) and the Americas Award (1990).
Caieom Penpectie
- | $/
-Syxcial )l,IilhnniumEdition
and vou have to make a profit. If 1'ou don't
colour presses rvhich has been a substan-
issues including
make a profit. then vou are going to be
tial
information technologr'; lreedom of the press:
dependent on handouts. One of the
and the CARICONI Single Nlarket and Economy (CSNIE). In seeking fint to obtain an
significant changes that happened during the period I'r'e been at the Gleaner w'as
rvork using word processors and subeditors compose pages on a screen and have electronic libraries. The recent
is
the transfer oforvnership of the electronic
explosion into the creation of rveb-based
media from government to private hands.
nelvspapers is another example and an
In vears past, r'irtualh' all of the electronic
exciting one for us. I think
media in the Caribbean were orvned and
"wwwJamaica-Gleaner.com" is certainly the most active and widely read website in
Clarke shared with Perspective,
his rieus on a number of
historical overvierv of the Gleerrer Co. and
challenges to change, PenTrctive enquJlred -
What was the state of the Company
Q, you inheited, who were the owners and what were the socio-economic conditions at the timd .\: \\'h, rr I j,'111, i tltt ,,,tttl,.ttti il rt.,. not in a financially strong position. We
controlled bv governments, and onh' a small number of newspapers \\'ere independent and therefore able to ofler
expense. Editorial departments norv
the
the Caribbean. We nou,' receive rvell in excess of a million hits a day. We are
r,vas
tning rlith this site to be able to reach out. Ne l'spapers. radio stations, te lerision stations. can now reach the Caribbean diaspora just as easil,v as they can reach
quite weak. Fortunately, the company
the next citl'. The challenge rve face with
which is quoted on the Jamaican Stock Exchange u as able to raise quite a substantial loan from the general public which was converted into shares. That really changed the financial status of the
that is horv rve make these rvebsite newspapers profitable. It has entirely changed the speed and ease of communication for .famaicans living abroad. To give a specific example, our "Letters to the editor" page has been translormcd as a result of internet communications, rvhere, on an average
opinions and to report the nen's rvithout
rrorn'. I think it has been ven'healtht' to
had to build the finances of the companl' at a time (I970s) rvhen the economy
compan)r and helped rebuild it.
The 70s inJamaica rvas a rough period for us. The government headed bv
Michael l\{anley lvas
dedicate
d
dar'. rre mal,print as many letters coming
to
achier,'ing a number of changes, and also
lromJamaicans lrom around the rvorld
to changing a number of factors in
economy. The economy responded badll',
rve u,ould from Jamaicans at home. Our commitment at the Gleaner has been to
there was substantial migration lrom
ensure that
Jamaica and readership.
It
the
\\'e have cutting-edge technolugl and the best equipment
that obviously afl'ected our was
difficult for us to run
as
possible available, so that rve can produce
a
newspaper under those c<-rnditions. There
our core business, rvhich is our newspaper,
was licensing for the importation of nervsprint. and vou sere never certain that ,vou'd get the license. There sas substantial devaluation of the currencl'
in a manner comparable rvith international standards. There has been a big change in horv u'e relate to advertisers -
see
this transfer over thc last 25 r'ears. In
some cases it
has been done in
a
agencics and advertisers could nor,send
to us either on diskette or through the
and continuous political attacks against
transparent manner. through divestment.
ads
the Gleaner. It rvas a difiicult and challenging time. The Cleaner came through it. providing strong opinion
In other cases, the process has not been as transparent. Therc arc still a feu' government-os'ncd media in thc region,
internet. These changes have been major
pieces and analyses of the Government's
and I think it is important that
u'ith the technology.
policies at the time.
government gets out olthe orrnership and
operation of radio and telerision stations.
Q l/o doubt you have been
w'itness to
Further. a lholc range ol
of
technological changes has taken place -
several changes inJamaica and the rest
the Caibbean to which )/our company
there has been a total revolution in the
has had to respond
in order to maintain ix uiabitty and credibility. Ilhat were
production ol netspapers. There has been movement lrom hot n'pe - uhere
some of these changes ?
each letter $,as cast in lcad and
,\:
lf
\'()rr
r( {aoirrg to llu)
:llr
independent media in the Caribbean, you have to be free of Government ownership
set
- to electronic composition of newspapers. In response to market pressures, there has been a movement to manually
()aricont Pt rpt t1lr'
- I 68
-
.sp..irl .lLlhLntiun Ediin
and havc involved significant in\-estment
in staffto ensure that they are up-to-date
Q Do .r'ou cdrc to sltarc any projections lbr thc lilture .ttructure of the contpanf .\: ( )n, ,rl tlrt tr'.il tr .tt.iittli thltl thr' Gleaner has laced. is that successive governments in Jamaica havc blocked it from expanding, particularly into televi-
sion. Throughout the u'orld there is a trend lor investment in multi media businesses. And rvhile rve havc a substan-
achiet'ing press freedont in a world context and especially in dew of the
tial intercst in Powt'r,/061, rvhich is a radicr station, inspite of our man), ellorts to bc
involved in lelevision.
r,r'e
not
have
present sitttation. How do you
been
allowed to do so. We have bcen forced to
divcrsilv slightlv outside of the media and
have cxpanded quitc substantiallv into
retail book storcs. our lo<:us bcing
on
textbooks and stationcn'.
q CARICOM is accelenting
it.g
ellbrts
sce
the prospects of achieving thc objective of press fi'eedom? Are compromises necessary and if so, wlt:tt kind? .\: I lr, l.rr1lr.ir--ir, .if irr! ( .rt iirbr'rrlt has been blessed by basically being a democratic societl', lvith a lot of lreedom,
United States, which basically states that the me dia have greater libe rty in reporting on o{ficials elected to o{fice than they do on
private citizens. The premise being, that
if
you stand for election, you need to be prepared to be a lot more transparent, than ifyou arejust a private citizen. Yet another example is the
bl the Lau Courts. In Jamaica, the alard for damages lor libel are on occasion sigrificar-rth greater arvards handed dorvn
a Single Markt't and Economy which placcs cmphasis on the (i'ee morc'mcnt o1'
particularly during the last 25 years. But I
goods, services, capital and people. The
to comc. Frlr example, in 1997, a group of
current trends in globalisatiott, itt particular the I"IAA scheduled to bc in
media heads lrom the Caribbean met rvith l\Iinistcrs responsible for Legal
place by 2005 intpose a tcrl timelite lbr the achicvemcnt o/'
Affairs in the Caribbean. They brought to their attcntion the urgent need for
tl.rc mceting u'ith CARICON{ I\'Iinisters
objectives. Do you feel that the Caribbean ri in n prritiott to ,eo fonvard? ll'ltat morc lttts to be done.2 And what role can thc mcdia and in
changcs in the Libel Lau's relating
ol' Legal Affairs u'ould have
particular the Gleaner, play in
dictate the need Ibr a \Vire
toh/ards the implementation of
stt'ict tltcse
this
process? I
.\
,
,
.,.,
't
i.
I
argumcnts hal'e bcen advanced that a single markct is the right \/ay to go, and a programme o1'public education on the
don't think rve have done enough e
nsure the freedom of the media in
tr.r
ve ars
to
responsc has been givcn, bevond that of'
thc last Attorner-Gcneral oi'
David Simmonds, indicating that he had
bcen requestcd to draft a model Delamation Act for consideration bv
somcthing that is live coming liom, ftrr examplc, CNN, ABC NBC or the BBC, hcld liable lbr rvhat is said, since vou did programme . The
reality
of modern technologY.
it is not enshrined irr the Jamaican Constitution. In m1' r'iel',
aforenten tion ed.?
frccdom ol'thc press should be enshrincd in all ther constitutions of the Region'
,
'.'
,-
,'
"
:'
!
public and opinion lt'adt:rs in the ( ountrv arc doing. Thev nccd to put
r'vhat the
lonvard thc argumcnts that globaiisation and the SI\{E arc bencflcial to thcm' But
I
don't sce major advocates in tht'politit'al arena putting lirnvard the pt:rsuasivc arguments thel' ought to.
Clonstitution.
To cite yet another examPle corruption is last becoming a very serious problem in the Caribbean. The only way
the media can assist in fighting this problem is to have a legal right to access information. This means there is a need for Freedom of Information Acts to be the Caribbean which would enable the media's rights to access. passed throughout
Q lliith re.\)tct to tht' cluestiott o1'pt't'ss lieeclont, you have ltcctt a nta.for adyocate lbr thc L']'' ()onvention litr Frecclont.
7-his
puts tou in an c.tcellcnt
positiott to llss('"t.s tlte
r.ssur'^s in
the
apparent inabilitv of regional l\'Iinisterial meetinâ&#x201A;Źis to take action.
Q llthat arc solnt su,ggstions - front the mcdia pcrspectirr' - to change tlte |
I'm disappointed bv
document. So,
As a second example. lrccdom ol'thc press is enshrincd in the Trinidad
\.
people in the Region. I've nevcr seen thal
you as thc rebroadcaster should not be
a poor job educating the People.
I
Barbados,
Sen-ice
the original broadcaster. This larv rreeds to bc changed in kccping to reflect thc
r:
no
defence, rvhich says that il'1<ru broadcast
political :rnd as such, bekrng to
tht: Caribbcan has donc
produccd
the rebroadcast ol North American ne*'s
currcnt larv in thc Caribbe an savs that the cablc operator is as legally responsible as
I think
The media had anticipated that
rvidesprcad use of the Cable sYstem and
overdue. I\Iost peoplt believe the issues regarding implementation ol'the SNIE are
:rctivitics.
a
complete rcvamp ol'thc Laus lor libel.
CARICON'L For example, the verv
steps that havc been takcn so far is badlv
political arcna and not 1tl thcir day-to-day
the legal s)'stem. There needs to be
some rcasonable action. To datc,
not originatc the
the
than those handt'd do'rvn lor death. And that does not seem an equitable principle. if'frcedom ofthe press is supported under
Libel Laws in the
English-
speaking Caribbean necd to be changed
to reflect the legal principle in the '.Ay'ew York Tintes v. Sullitan' Case in the oxilrn n1r)cttitt - 169
\ptii
rhlt,ttnnntLlhtntt
Not so far rcmovt'd front the prevailing contcntions and interpretations o1'press fret'dom is the question of the prc[i:ssiott of .fournalism. Here in q
the Caribbcan thcre is the vicw that, in
some instances the nedia behat'c irresponsibly - going- lbr :;ensationalism rather than objectivity. Is this pcrceprion justilied? How has thc Gleancr fostered litirncss in.iournalism? ir.tri ltt llri' '\: ii i. nl!r,rrr.rltt llttrt iitt rl, majoritv th:rt the I think continues. issuc o{'mcdia in the Caribbean strive vcrr-hard to bc fair and accurate in n'hat thcr'
report. Notrvithstanding, there is
a
problem in terms o{'training, in th:rt most of us in thc media arc cmploving persons lvithout lirst degrecs in somc cases. and iu others, rvithout degrt:es in journalism' I think that CARII\{AC at the Univcrsitv ol
thc \'Vcst lndies l-ras becn a major disappointment in terms of providing prol-cssional training lirr tht' Region's
mcdia. I\{ost o{'us are tn'ing to do training
in-house. perhaps not as succcssfullv
as
sc nould *'ish.
I ccrlainh'rccognise that nceds to be increascd invcstment
there
in terms
of training of people particularlv in
the
editorial areas, as rvell as genuine efforts to reduce high levels ofstaffturnover rates
- the latter
as a result
of the explosion in
the number of media houses, particularl\'
our rcadcrs somc other insight-; to Oliver Clarke. 7'ell about rour lamil;: and otller interests. l'our involvement in organisations suclt as PILS and vour involvetnent in thc Inter ,.lmtrican Dialogue. for e,rantple. llTto and,/or v ltat n'ere sonte of tltc witlt
in the electronic media. in the last ten
.\: I rr,L. :r.rlti,,l irr l't8ll .rtrrj rlr rrili Nlonica is a lallcr. \\'e have a delightful
In terms of the issue ol' sensationalism and objectivity - rve need
l oung daughter. Alex l'ho is nou' live and halfvears old. I have a verv plcasant and
to realise that at heart, the media cannot
cnjovable home lile.
be objective. There are manv all over the uorld that support a particular political part\', or NGO, or some other particular niche
The major media in Jamaica created this programmc called PALS.
newspapers
objective
in terms of reporting all the diflerent qpes of arguments. It is not
other than fighting, to deal sith conflict.
for every media to be balanced and objective. It is important for thosc that strive to be national nervspapers to seek and to follorv those kinds ol'
programmes in conflict resolution
been a drop in the crimc rate inJamaica.
principles, and rve certainly can't do that
I believe that the school svstem is now'
PALS has been instrumental in running
in
300
to 400 schools inJamaica lbr a numbcr of' vears.
\\'hile I can't sa1' that there
a real di{ficulq' in tning to
is
skills on
balancc
hol to deal rvith conllict. IIv involvement in the Inter
between the public's right to knou'and the
Amcrican Dialogue - a think tank based
ability to get information to inform thc people. To cite a recent example. I u'as
in the United States s'hich locuses on trving to build analvsis and thinkins
trying to get down in one report, all
am()ngst the peoplcs of the Americ:rs -
information on the health requirements ol-
has enabled me to learn a grcat deal of
people entering Jamaica - wc \/ere
rvhat happens in diflcrent countries ol the Americas. And in manv wavs. we
running a seminar. The officer u'ith rvhom
I
govcrnment
spoke, said she l'as
not prepared to provide it. since it rvas confidential. I adr.-ised that the information was on the rvebsite of et'erv airline in the u'orld, but that I wanted to get it from her. Clearly that person rvas misinformed,
and it may not be a typical example. Suffice is to say, however, that lvhen you
try to get information on public contracts, road works, etc they are never readily available and certainly not as a legal right.
That needs to be changed. Q Your work as a publisher conjures pictures of you in a particular light but there i,s certainly another Oliver Clarke
outside of publishing. Please
share common pr,'blems - increasinq violence. Ibr example. Horver-er. I think rr'e
Guvana
has
producing manv children n'ho have learnt When 1'ou run a media. there
in 1986.
need to teach conflict resolution t() \'oung
people, so that thev can acquire skills.
here.
D:l.l:, ;r:;, l**ul:.,;
The media felt that there uas an urgent
market, and you don't expect them to be
necessary
I
nervspaper rvhich he lbunded
early inlluenccs v-hiclt prepared ;,ou for )'our job?
years.
ahvays
lDarviicl Cle,DAlllQltrS
z?"r
in thc Caribbean are fortunate. in
Bom in 1937, dcCaires attended Stonvhurst College, England. He qu:rlified as a
lauyer in I 960 and practised until about
1990,
opinion, houever, that we have to make
serious eflorts to rebuild the close relationship among media throughout the Caribbean.
Caires
During the 60s he was the cdiror ol the fortnightly New World magazine.
A T::ti:"'[J:ffi:x*l can Press Association and the Intemational
Prcss Institute. de Caires received the CPU's Astor Arvard Ibr his contribution to press lreedom.
rD'BDrgle
that. in addition to thc climate, u,e live, b1' and largc, in socicties that support human rights and democracies.
I came to the ne\r'spaper business bv accident. I found. and find it a lascinating experience. It is mv
a partner in the lirm de
Fitzpatrick & Karran.
Jl|D[-rN
Trinidad and Tobago
A
good friend once teased me mischie"ously' that I had omitted
Jamaican references lrom m1' article in the
Caibbean Aflais magazinc,
\'ol 2, No.B,
October-December 1989. The article entided "On bcing a Caibbean Personu
detailed the facts ol- my Caribbean enrironment - "born in Trinidad of a lather
share
born in St. \'incent and a mother bom in
(-ariont Perytectit' J 70 -.tptri2l .lliltenniun tiditntt
in Guyana". "My
I was Trinidadian and a Dominican
noted,"'played more cricket ftrr
should have the seat. My protest was
Barbados; a wife bom
father",
I
the West Indies at home and in England was on
overruled.
fte
the 1923 tour) than for Trinidad".
From the start the thing
I added: "I have taught at the
doomed to failure.
Universitv of the West Indies in Jamaica and have enjoyed a half-century living and rvorking as a journalist in Trinidad
vice-chairmanship should be held by one
of the opposition members on the committee. My suggestion rvas ignored. However, I objected successfullv to my being nominated to represent the
England." So it wasn't really true that my association with Jamaica had gone
I
say,
it
Committee at a conference scheduled lor St. Vincent. One of mv deputies at the radio station, a born and bred Domini-
was mischief.
My brother Errol and I grew up mimicking the warm unbroken Barbadian
can, went in my place.
accent ofour maternal grandmother, and
my father's propensity for saying "pint"
We held two or three meetings member for the Gleaner the 1959 and
instead of "point" while coaching at
1962 general elections, assigned
cricket, a pronunciation hilariously copied
constituency of Premier Norman Manley
by comedians having fun with
with whom I estabiished a
the
to
the
reasonably
in Roseau, then, as is the habit rvith attempts to link the Commonwealth Caribbean territories in an association that would have real meaning to the people of the Region, the initiative
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr.
close relationship as
Eric Williams, who in his
speeches also
son, Prime Minister Michael Manley, and
collapsed.
voiced "pint", doubtless inherited from
indeed with the Manley's political opponent, Sir Alexander Bustamante. I
\,/.r. /
some Vincentian ancestor.
was
suggested privately
that, as the concept rl'as non-political, the
and Tobago, .famaica, Dominica, St. Vincent and among West Indians in
unstated. But, as
I
I did later with his
I retain high hopes for the future.
The example of the
European
While Jamaica introduced me, so to speak, to regional journalism, my early years at the Trinidad Guardian in
independence celebrations and the open-
Union is there for all the Caribbean to see. A failure to cure the incidence ofregional
ing of the Independence Parliament by
biindness would mean we shall eventually
the late I930s could not escape a strong
Princess Margaret.
hang separately if we don't all hang
Caribbean influence. The
newspaper
also reported for the Gleaner, the Jamaica
In later years in the
I
1970s,
employed as reporters and sub-editors, men
reported lor the Trinidad Daily Express,
from Barbados, Grenada. St. Kitts, (British)
the election and referendum in Guyana where I absorbed some of the vagaries
Guyana and Saint Lucia. The Production
together. And it should be noted that West Indies Cricket was at its highest when regional unity was at its strongest.
I
say no more on this point.
Department sported a high percentage of
which featured the strategies and tactics,
Guyanese linotlpe operators. Morris
then unique for the Caribbean, of
Marshall the son of one of them, became in
electioneering in that country.
and society, all my life. Some publications
the 1990s a Minister in Patrick M;mning's Govemment
Some of my most satisfying experiences have involved training seminars and workshops as well as media
include: An Approach to Press Freedom in the Caribbean ofthe I9T0s,Georgetown
Courtenay Hitchins, was born inJamaica
conferences
of Trinidad ar-rd Tobago. The Guardian Editor,
though he went to school and grew up in
Trinidad. In the I950s, he employed
in
Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, Saint Lucia and, ofcourse,
I
l';'.Ti.: #:, i*il
Jffi
*X;:
Seminar on Communications and Information for Development Purposes in the
Caribbean Area, 1974; Submission to
political reporter, Leigh fuchardson, who
Trinidad. These sessions brought me into valuable contact with regional media
had been Chief Minister of British
people where we exchanged ideas and,
Honduras, now Belize.
should add, shared hopes for a thriving
Media, Kingston, 1976; 'Ten Years of CARICOM, People Magazine, l9B3; and'On Being a Caibbean Person'. This
regional media environment.
is but a small portion of my output
as a
Jamaica entered my lile when I
inherited the extra job of Trinidad correspondent for the Jamaica Gleaner. As a "stringer" I reported for the newspaper, the opening in Port-of-Spain of the West Indies F'ederal Parliament Princess Margaret on
April 22,
b,v
1958.
lf-.r('m there it rras steadv sail through ll the Caribbean. I reported as a staff
I
I was in Dominica from l9BB-90
holding the office of General Manager,
UNESCO Conference, Women in
the
on
Caribbean affairs over the years. My most persistent dream is of a
I
Dominica Broadcasting Corporation, Ra-
regional daily newspaper. As
dio Dominica, when I received unexpected and, to some extent,
I addressed the Grenada Journalists' Association Christmas dinner in Decem-
an an
said when
nica Consultative Committee on Political
ber 1999, the advance of technology has made it possible for the same neivspaper,
Unity for the OECS countries. I protested
with local inserts, to be published on the
embarrassing appointment to the Domi-
(|arirnmPt'rspcctive
- I 7l
-Sp.dal MillennnrnE<lition
same day from The Bahamas to Guyana.
All
lQilclKey sINGlhl
which is to come together as a nation".
that is necessary is the determination of a media entrepreneur with the right sort of vision and enough cash to make it work.
My dream is for the leaders of the media in all the Caribbean Commu-
Guyana
keep their readers, their listeners, their
lf\ickev Sinsh. orobablv one of the most ll/ wrdelv known and read Caribbean
viewers informed of newsworthy events
joumalists, has been toiling
through the Region. Whatever happens in Manchuria - save under the most
Caribbean joumalism for at least four decades.
nity territories to understand they need to
in the field of
During this period he has covered
all of the Heads of
Govemment
Dr. PhilipBoyd from p.158
almost
important than what happens in an area of a
Heatth, Food and Nutrition and Health of
Caribbean territory, no matter how remote.
Mothers and Children.
of the Caribbean Community, induding the inaugural conference at
special circumstances
-
never can be more
Regrettable, but true, the BBC
Dr. Boyd was insrumental in setting
Caribbean Programme does more than any of the many radio stations in Trinidad
up the Caribbean Epidemiology Cenre and 1975 and l97B respectively and
the Caribbean Regional D-g
Conferences
Chaguaramas.
A
Guyanese
by birth, he reveals
a
and Tobago or elsewhere in the Region to
Iaboratoryin
provide regional news on a day-to-day basis,
pioneered the establishment of the Caribbean
for Caribbean economic and in his writings. He is a leading newspapen of connibutor to regular
"day-to-day" oflife, its trials and
Environmental Health Institute (CEIII) in
the Caribbean Community and also serves
and
I
stress
1982.
tribulations, throughout the Caribbean.
Television packages
of
Carib-
bean news are screened on local stations outside prime time,
in
some cases when
people who should see them are asleep. On a visit to Suriname in 1990, I saw how important Caribscope
is
when Surinamese
viewers recognised faces of some of the conference participants, faces they had
He
Testing
alwaln took a lively interest
in the
work of the Caribbean Food and Nutrition krstinrte (CFN! which was established in Jamaica
in
1967, and was at the forefront
So, my dream is of a Caribbean
political integration
Caribbean Afairs Correspondent
for
as
the
Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). Singh is
the recipient of various national, regional and
intemational joumalism awards.
The following interview was
reform of medical and nursing education, ever
con-
watchfiil to ensure that our Univeniry and
ducted with the joumalist who is based in
Nuning Schools provided training that was
Barbados with memben of his family:
relel'ant. Several human resource dweloP
ment projects owe their existence to
seen on the small screen.
of
strong passion
initiative and support: The regional
his
ho
QI
undenand you arc actively involved in
the church.
IIow
has
this inlluenced you
a family man, and how has
tlnt
as
value base
media, the vision that
gramme for Education and u'aining of Allied
informed yow Snrception and presentation
inspired the Jamaica Gleaner to set up a West Indies Federal Bureau in Port-of-
Health Personnel, Training of Community
of national and regional
Health Aides, Basic Health Management,
A: I hare bt:en
Region on many occasiors, but I cannot recall
vision
of the
intenierved in
Spain staffed by my Barbadian/ Carib-
Dental Nurse Training, Family
bean friend and colleague, Victor
hactitioner hogramme, Training of Animal
wer being
Hinckson and myself, so that Jamaican
Health and Veterinary Public Health Assist-
Church and how
readers could be informed of what was happening in their Federal Capital.
-lfittut dream is yet to become a reality. ll But, I end with a bitte r but hopefully prophetic quote from Nobel
Prizeman
W. Arthur Lewis in
his
Epilogue to John Mordecai's book The West Indies Federal Negotiations pub-
in l95B: "The
ants and the
Nurse
NCIH Manpower Project.
Iargely through his
initiative,
issues? zLnd
out of the
asked about my involrement in the
it
has influenced me as a
Iamily man. But I am pleased to be able to say that my involvement in the Church has alwap
*rat of a Christian. It is not a formal
Caribbean health administrators are now
been
much more aware of their role and resporsibiJity for disaster preparedness and prerention - the Pan Caribbean Disaster
association like that of being a member ofa club
and Prevention Project carne
my personal life a.rd by extension, my {bmily,
Preparedness
or any orgarrisation. It
is a
spiritual involvement.
Christianity has had a profound inlluence on
D"h
My writings are
into being in l98l. He rvas al$a)E strongly
headed by my wife,
informed by a Christian pempective in dealing
current political by the mutual
supportir''e of the research programme of the
leaders are so scarred
Commonwealth Caribbean Medical Research
with
hatred and contempt which they acquired
Council, encouraging that Council to pay due
justice and fieedom. This does not mean that
for each other on the last round that they are not likely to make the elfort lIowever,
attention to operational research.
am alwala right.
they will pass on in the next dozen years,
towand intercounry co-operation, and main-
is yow curent level of involvement
and yield to a new generation. Then West
tained excellent working relatiorships with
church?
Indians wiII once more face their de*iny,
intemational agencies.
.\:
Iished
Dr. Boyd worked assiduously
CaitomPersptthe - ] 72 -Spec;al .llillcnniuntEctiion
Q
issues
particularly on human righe, social
You were very active
l[1'
I
in the CCC. llhat
in
the
ainxrst tell \r':trs rr'itli thc Reqi,rn',.
and, more recently, in initiating the member-
ecurnenical movement, the Caribbean Confer-
ence
of Churches (CCC) was a rather rich
e4perience of sharing and leaming: leaming
peoples
ship of Cuba into the now 7&nation African,
of
Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states.
of other faiths and of our comnon
humarrity; sharing my own r,'iews on religion
Q You suppoft the free movement of
and social, economic and political develop
persons and were
menti. During
those years with the
had the privilege of firnctioning
as
CCC, I
Editor of
is
the rtrct categties
in
which had a very wide circulation across the
edge
It
was a paper known for
is cutting
among
worken to morc freely
the Region.
at some of
ow por6 ofenay?
A: On the 1;ttific rltu'stion ol movement of people, I remain
which quite a few had a love-hate relationship.
ln'c very
disappointed with the approach taken by so
Q You are Inown to be able to have access tq and to create dialogue thmugh your many columns and contacs with the Region's maior gtwer brcken. I:Iow did
and imagined deficiencies, had there been no
you get there?
CARICOM, we would have been compelled,
'\:
of
ofefotts
we.re
encountered by some nationals
in analytical.joumalism and one with
I got rrlrlrc [ aur ll'hartl rrrl'k. xr:uling
the forefront
Wat are your conmen9 on some of the dilfrculties still being
montlrly newspaper, "Caribbean Contacl' Region.
in
at ensuring that media worken
I
have said before that for all its real
regional integration movement in the form
of
many of the Community's There
is
many excuses for inaction, and, of course, negative actiors by some of them.
by the logic of a firndamentally changed global
in
govemments.
clearly too much "footdragging", too
The Caribbean Media
Worken
and research, a willingness to leam, showing
environment, to have
courage whenever required, acquiring a
place to collectively deal with an intemational
honour of heading for
reputation for being trustworthy, el.en by those
commuity that clearly
inauguration in November 1986, is on remrd
who disagree with some ofwhat I have had to
patience to worry over the specific problems,
cornrnent on, or epose. I cannotjudge my own
separate policies, and agendas ofthe many litde
the fue movement of
work and, therefore, the assessment of my
island states and a couple ofmainland countries
workers to live and work anyrvhere within the
joumalism and ic influence on the profession
that are today represented by CARICOM.
Community.
and in the Region where it has regular
In the wonds of the original CARICOM Treaty of Chaguaramas,
colleagues in advancing the goal that we share
with other categories of skilled Caribbean,
CARICOM is pledged to "consolidate and
citizens identified
strengthen the bonds" that have historically
movement of people.
exposure, must be done by othen.
a'
You are also known for your
a regional mechanism
has neither the time
nor
Association (CAMWORK), which
as
a
I
had the
decade after its
articulating a srong and defined position on
I
professional media
continue to workwith regional
forthe initial thmst in the free
commihnent to regional integzadon, what
existed among the peoples of the Region. The
are your tltoughts on the funre of the
slow pace towards the creation of a Single
Caribbean Community?
MeLrket and Economy helps to explain some
.\: ()rll tlr rtars :rs :L.jounrrlisl rrxcritrq lixr
the gmicism and disenchantrnent that have
these problems?
Caribbean and having sullered some traumatic
been fuelled by lack of efective action on
A: I think thet tlu'
dislocations with my {amily, resulting from the
people-oriented issues like hassle-free move-
large extent, continues to be very supportive
I
ment, the right to li"e and work without work
CARICOM.
political idiosl'ncracies of some politicians,
common ffavel dcrument
have come to deeply appreciate our "oneness"
permit restictions,
m a Caribbean people, the many things we
and cunenry convertibiJity*.
share
in comnon, irrespective of race, religion
or ideology. Covering the "Caribbean beaf' for almost 28 years CARICOM 1973)
- lor
almost as long
as
itself (I covered its inaugr.ration
in
- I have developed
affemendouslove
Havingbeen sh:rply critical at times
of
Q
l4hat kind ofcona-ibud'on do you feel the
media can make towanls resoluing some
of
(l:u'iblx'rur nu'<lirr. lo a
of
Even though there are ocmsiors
of surprising misinformation and questionable editorial positions on CARICOM's decisions
The Community's plus or credit sheet would, of course, inc.lude the success
in
and actions, or lack thereof, there are reasons to
believe
that a more healthy relationship
is
of intemational
being lorged between the Region's govem-
donors, the Regional Negotiating Machinery
ments :urd the media that can only be helpfiLl in
(RN1$ that provides a vehicle for
fostering
creating, with the assistance
expression
lor the Caribbean in general.
a
of
of our common
extemal trade zurd
e(
the
approach in
onomic negotiationsl
the
philosophical
and
practical
objectives of CARICON{ in the yean ahead.
The establishment of the Caribbean Court ofJustice (CQ)
remain
for Haiti's f,rll membenhip of the Community pending the deposit of an
con'inced that not only must we hasten the
appropriate irutrument of accession; bilateral
with disputes setdement is one vital area that
deepening;rrd uidening of regioruri economic
u'ading arrangemenn with the Dominican
requires proper understanding and coopra-
Republic; influencing the creation o{'the 25-
tion between govemments and
the
decjsion-making
processes
and
implementation
witlin CARICOM, I
integration :u-rd f,nctional cooperation, but seriousl.v pursue the goal of political unity.
a.rrangements
nation Association ol'Caribbean States (ACS)
()aicont k'rspectirt
- I 73 -.tPft'hl'lfillenuitnEditioa
^
the Region's final appellate
institution, with origrnal jurisdiction in dealing
,I:i*i;,
bv H:zeL O;unpbell
Aglgttrey
"Caribbean Instimte of lfass Commutica-
Hower''er, Govemments need to
tionS' to "Caribfuan hstinte of trIedia and
pay more attention to providing the infrutructural supports, and to administer
Commuicatioru'i We added public relatiors and, recendy, multi-media as new streams
IEIQ,DWN
ryecialisation, the latter involving
of
website
IdealJl. a school of commr.urications
would include areas of specialisatiors such
Make the societies technology-rich
as:
Make
technologies available to the broadest possible
of citizens. hrt IT in post offices, as
range
organisational communicatiors: (orpomte
Jarnaica is now doing, so that farmen
communicatiolx; and health commurications.
indeed, all citizers can have access. Teach the
But without waiting for this to happen, we are
children in schools and show them how to use
in the proces of
it, and gire them access when the,vleave school.
a
developing
l\{asters
programme in health communicatiors. There is need to improve
qrcialist
skills
in this area,
h
this way,
IT wil
assist
ar-rd,
in the integration
ofthe fint countries
process. Barbados was one
pa-rticula.rlv
in Iight of the high incidence of
to remove taxation on computen.Jamaica has
H[//AIDS
and other health
lollowed suit, and this
region.
issues facing the
It is axiomatic that a
school of
is
commendable.
Computen should never have been taxed in
communications u'ould allow us to broaden
the first place. But policy maken
our present scope ofwork and relevance.
understand
holessor Aggrey Brown has been the Director
didnt quite
the nature of the
incipient
technological revolution.
of the Caribbean Institute of Media and
On the
Communication (CARIMAC) since I 979. His
cennD,y communication
academic qualificatiors include the Ph.D and
gation 'i'hc r:flitt ir iluJ.
M.A in Political Science from Princeton University and BA in Political Science from
accessible.
and things *iil b.C,tr to happen.
design, management, etc....
Jamaica
grlicies that would make the technologies more
issue
of the efecu of Twenty-frnt
on regional inte-
C)n tlrt' one lrlnd.
it
hlrs
And, in a genenl conrnent on the Caribbean in the twcnty-frnt century 'llr, rr.rlrrri ,'j r'rrr i\ \\i,rrisrrrrl' . r)r,l lx,liri,:
just inJamaica, but across the Region. There is
Harnline Univenity, St. Paul. He has lecnred
the potential to strengthen the integration movement and, on the other hand,
at several prestigious universities in the United
paradoxically, to weal<en it. People have more
meet and say the right things but, on retuming
States
and from his early years has
been
access
to information. This makes it possible for
involved with media as: researcher, joumalist,
them to be more aware of regional issues
columnist. camerzunan. announcer. scripnvriter
as oppornrnities
andprrcducer.
hof. Brown senedpre'u'iouslv
as
purchase
home,
it is the
domestic politics
as
well
partisarship and divisiveness
in the wider world. I
can
That, to me,
a book from "Amazon.com" with I no longer have to go to the
l-ecnuer/Senior Ircturer and Resident Tutor
litde effort.
for the Deparrnent of Exn'a-Mural Studies for
boolshop - and that's the other side of the coin.
EastemJamaica.
\{/hile the technoiogies enable us to easily link
Ilr a
still too much irsularity. Heads ofGor.'emment
is where the
- with is
- that prerails.
problem lies with the
Regiont eforts to integrate.
with Perytectiuq hof Brown gave his views on a number of issues pertinent to the profession and to the
rvith each other, the ability to Iinkwith othen in
Caribbean:
regionalll'and globally. So the potential to
Q:
smngthen as rsell
years, how long do you
plan to continue?
'\: \\'hilc I t:urttot n()\\
slrv rr,ilh
discussion
On the question ofthe funre
Ilv
goal urldcl lxr to
on board
-
the u'ider
torld
has been equally strengthened.
People's desires can
as
be fi.rlfilled nationally,
flagment. exists.
of C4RfuL4C
stt tht l.iiiver'.in
r:rlic
and it has begun to do so, although
l|lith rcryect to adequate use of the new teclnologl, to conununicate regionally -
Ri'kev Singh continued I rom p.
You've been
I 7.7
in this rteld for many tt'rlirirlr
how much longer I will remain injournalism
- my profession for the better part of my I wish to say that whatever
- the idea of establishing a School of Media and Communications that would incorporate other departrnents, such as
It is tt,,t rtt rriclt'sprclrtl. -\t tht'l-rrirtnitr. good use is made of IT, indudingfor teaching,
working years.
teleconferencing and on-line registration. But
part to the special working relationships I
linguistia and computer studies. While the
regionally, rve need to look at infrastmcture and
have developed with colleagues across the
Irstirutue slarted out as a mass communica-
access. Integration
tentatively
is not It
something that
Region, as well as with public o{Iicials who
takes place at the
head regional institutions, agencies and
tions institute, we recogrrised the direction in
happers at official lerels.
and with their variou related
the professions
people level, and, in a lot ofways, the region has
activities were
been integrated lor a long time - in the Eastem
which the technologies, moving.
Caribbean, lor irstance, people more frcely
The name of the kstitute
was
changed, approximate\ seven years ago, from
measure ofsuccess I have achieved is due in
organisations.
The CARICOM
Secretary-Gen-
eral and the Secretariat have aiways been
I hope
and are probabll' far more integrated than
cooperative with the media.
officialdom would daim.
cooperation will expand in the future.
Caricont Persptctirc
- I 74
-
Spttial ,Viilcnniunt Edition
this
JtlLlA\N lfMtlllllltD
lEDSDfl tDaNlO
Dominican Republic,
A,Nlllh,DNY lDa\Nltll N Trinidad and Tobago,
1929-2000
1909-2001
Archbbhop Anthony Pantin, the fint Trinidadian to be raised to the Juan Emilio Bosch was aformer hesident ofthe Dominican
Archbishopric guidednotonlyhis Roman Catholicflod<, but the citizenryofhis country
Republic. He was exiled in Harana, Cuba for 19 yean during which
with courage, integiq, and humfig, for over 32 years. His motto "All things to all men",
time he collaborated closely with the establishment of the DRP pominican Revolutionary P-ry) i" 1939. He was a member of the
he exemplified service to the people, and though he adhered to the tenets
was committed to fostering mutual reryect among the various religions.
Dominican Liberation Army in Cayo Confite, Cuba, in 1947, which was formed with the plan (which failed) to topple the dictatonhip
was an
of
ungodly and capable ofdestoying a nation.
as
The winner of a scholarship to attend St. Mary's College, he was
also
in the
1962 electiorx. He was
expected to be a keen contender for the open scholarship examinatiors. Archbishop
7 months after assuming office, by a
military mup. This led
Parrtin, howwer,
country and ran successfirlly for president overthrown
He
instmment ofchange, not afraid to speak out agairst the social ills, because he saw them
Rdael konidas Trujillo. After the death ofTrujillo, he retumed to the
to the
of his faith, he
Revolution of
Apdl
Liberation p^tty (OfB)
in
1965. Bosch started the Dominican
1975, and was hesident
at age 17, announced his decision to become a priest. In 1946 he
attended the Holy Ghost Seminary
'Ad Vitam'. He
in Canada to study for the priesthood and on
completion ofhis novitiate, continued studies in theology, in Ireland. He was ondained
retumed as Presidential Candidate of the Republic.
to the priesthood
in
1955.
Bosch was also an intemationally renowned writer, and his
After serving in Guadeloupe for some years, he retumed to Trinidad and
worl<s are translated into several languages. He was nominated for the
taught at the Fatima College from 1959-64. He was appointed Religious Superior at St.
"Miguel Cervantes kize" for Literature, in 1991. His publicatiors
Mary\
include: Composici6n &x:ial Dominican4 Cuenkx F,scritos En El
Fathen.
Cuba La Isla
His ordination in 1968 was an historic occasion and "enthusiastically received
Sembndor. He has also written a number of
by all". He was well known for his interest in alleviating the disncssing conditions of the
Exiliq Pentagismq Susduto del Imperialismq Fascinant, Ilostos EI
from 1965-67, and subsequently elected Superior of the Holy Ghost
College
artides on social economic and political
disadvantaged and his fewent support of the Ecumenical movement among Christian
issues.
churches,. He was also regarded as a proponent of racial and religion unity in Trinidad (continued on p.190)
and the Caribbean.
tDlhlElDlDll JTA,DA\N Gulana, 1918-1997
With tvro other n:ade unioniss, DrJagan and his wife, in 1946, founded the
"Ethe workingdass
does
not dominate, they will be domimted.....
Political Atrain Committee (PAC), its primary aim, to look after the interess of the
And
working class.
I'm herc to defend the interest ofthe working chss"- CheddiJagan CheddiJagan was
well lmown for his
In
1947, he entered the political arena when he was elected to the
kgislative Council of British Guiana. Three years later, the People's hogressive Party
Founder of Guyana's first mass political movement, Dr.
was formed, with Dr.Jagan as ia leader. It was under his leade nhip that Univenal
tireless efforts on behalf of the
Adult
workers, his fight for peace around the globe, and, in later yean, his
Sufiiage was fought for and won. The greater pa.rt of his long and distinguished political
proposals for a New Global Human Order.
opposition, Dr Jagan also served his country with distinction and dedication in other capacities induding Chief Minister (1953); hime Minister (1961) career spent
Dr. Jagan attended Qyeen's College and excelled as a student, debater and cricl<eter.
He was a pre-medical student
Howard Univeniry in the United States (J.S.). degree
in
ln
in
and Executive hesident
at
in
1992 - a position he held until his demise
in
1997.
'Dr.Jagan taught not merely by words, but by example". Two important
1942, he eamed a
incidents - the Enmore Sugar Srike inJune I 948, which resulted in the strooting to
dental medicine from Northwestem Univenity Dental
de
ath
School, Chicago. The grandson ofindentured sewants from India, Dr.
offive worken, with injuries to many othen; and the modifrcation ofcharges ofpassage
Jagan was bom on a sugar plantation. From an early age he observed
of Sugar
the plight of
assist
through Buxton local authority waterway, found him on the side
of the worken and villagen. His assumption to the highest office in the land did not
the exploited labouren. While a snrdent in the US, he
worked part-time to
F,state punts
change the strength ofhis voice
with his expenses, and acconding to him '1t
- in his wonds: " We
was these part-time jobs that taught me bitter lessors about racism and
, as he
continued to stress the needs of the comnon marl
mwt together examine our development
soategies
rc that
we
have
permanent impressions
not only economic gtowth but human development that meeE the basic needs of our
on his personalitv. On his retum to Guyan4 Dr. Jagan divided his efforts bet'ween a dental practice and organising Iabour groups. He
people...". -ft:re athor of Forbidden Freedom (1954); Anatomy of Povetty in Bitish Guiana(1964);The West on TialL966;7he StrugleforaScnialist Gurana(1976)and
"soon demonsrated his leadenhip skills by becoming head of the sugar,
7he Caribbean Revotution (.1979), Dr.Jagan has also written a number of papen on
rice and woodworkers' union".
social, economic and political issues.
inequality in capitalist societies"-
lessons that left
Caricon Perspectirc -
I 75
-
SpK;al llillennium E<lition
,Darrii,c,Drl lh eardls Dlf rp,p1z,g;flnm'ent
Ir
lerDe,r'll,gP,P,g,. Z'flt,11
DOMINICA ANTIGUA and BARBUDA
Prime Ministers 1
991 -94
1994 -
Hon. Patrick John
1
978-79
Hon. Oliver Seraphin
1
979-80
Hon. Dame M. Eugenia Charles
1
980-95
Hon. Edison James
1
995-2000
Hon. Roosevelt Douglas
2000
(eight mths) Hon. Piene Charles
2000-
GRENADA THE BAHAMAS
Prime Ministers
Prime Ministers Rt. Hon. Sir Lynden Rt. Hon, Hubert
Pindling
Ingraham
1969-92
1992-
Hon. Sir Eric Gairy
1974-79
Hon. Maurice Bishop
1
979-83
Chairman lnterim Council Hon. Nicholas Brathwaite
1983-84
Hon. Herbert Blaize
1
Hon. Ben Jones
1989-90 (three mths)
Hon. Nicholas Brathwaite
1
Hon. George Brizan
1995 (six mths)
Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell
1995 -
984-89 990-95
BARBADOS GUYANA
Prime Ministers
Prime Ministers
Rt. Hon. Errol Barrow
1966-76; 1986-87
Rt. Hon. J.M.G.M. "Tom" Adams
1
976-85
Hon. Sir Harold St. John
1
985-86
Rt. Hon. Erskine Sandiford
'1987-94
Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur
Hon. L.F.S. Burnham
1
966-1 980
Executive Presidents
1994 -
H.E. Linden Sampson Burnham
1
980-85
H.E. Desmond Hoyte
1
985-92
H.E. Dr. Cheddi Jagan
1
992-97
H.E. Samuel Hinds
1
997
(nine mths) H.E. Janet Jagan
1
H.E. Bhanat Jagdeo
1999-
997-1 999
JAMAICA BELIZE
Prime Ministers
Rt. Hon. Sir Alexander
Rt. Hon. George Price
1
Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel
1984-89
Rt, Hon. George Price
1
Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel
1
Rt. Hon. Said Musa
1998 -
981 -84
Rt. Hon. Donald
Bustamante
Sangster
1962-67
1967
Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer
1967-72
989-93
Rt. Hon. Michael Manley
1972-76:1989-92
993-98
Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga
1
980-89
Rt. Hon. P.J. Patterson
1
992-
Cxi.om R'rspt((h? - I 76
- Spu
ial .ltlh nniunt Edititt
lh,ea(lS,Dlf rD,DVgt1ptil1eilt
rDatfti,CrDplt
llnd,eD,endl,Em,C,e,- $A,DX
MONTSERRAT
Chief Ministers
ST. VINGENT and
Hon. William Bramble
1952-70
Hon. Austin Bramble
1970-78
Hon. Dr. John Osborne
1978-91
Hon. Ruben Meade
1
Hon. Bertrand Osborne
1996-97
Hon. David Brandt
1
Hon. Dr. John Osborne
2001-
the GRENADINES
Prime Ministers Hon. Robert Cato
991 -96
1979-84
Rt. Hon. Sir James Mitchell
1984-2000
Hon. Arnhim Eustace
Oct. 2000-March 2001
Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
2001-
997-2001
SURIIIAME
President
Presidents H.E. Johan Fenier
1
- Feb.1986 - Mar.1986
H.E. Henk Chin A Sen
1980-82
H.E. Frederik Missier
1982-87
Conseil Militaire de Gouvernement Mar.1986
-
Apr.1987
H.E. Ramsewak Shankar
1
Conseil Militaire de Gouvernement Apr.1987
-
H.E. Johannes Kraag
1990-91
Feb.1988
H.E. Frangois Duvalier
Oct.1957 - Jun.1971
H.E. Jean-Claude Duvalier
Jun.1971
Conseil Militaire de Gouvernement Feb.1986
975-80
987-90
H.E. Ronald Venetiaan
1
H.E. Leslie Manigat
Feb.1988 - Jun.1988
H.E. Jules Wqdenbosch
1996-2000
H.E. Henri Namphy
Jun.1988 - Sept.1988
H.E. Ronald Venetiaan
2000-
H.E. Prosper Avril
Sept.1988 - Mar.1990
H.E. Ertha Pascal Trouillot
H.E. Emmanuel Nereette
- Feb.1991 Feb.1991 - Feb.1996 Oct.1991 - Jun.1992
H.E. Emile Jonassaint
May 1994 - Sept. 1994'
Mar,1990
H.E. Jean Bertrand Aristide
H.E. Rene Preval
Feb.1996
H.E. Jean Bertrand Aristide
Feb.2001 -
rDuring
991 -96
-
Feb.2001
Aristide period of exile.
TRINIDAD and TOBAGO
Prime Ministers ST. KITTS and NEVIS
Prime Ministers Rt. Hon. Kennedy Simmonds Dr. The Hon. Denzil Douglas
1983-95 1
995-
Hon. Dr. Eric Williams
1962-81
Hon. George Chambers
1
Hon. A.N.R. Robinson
1986-91
Hon. Patrick Manning
1991-95
Hon. Basdeo Panday
1
Hon. Patrick Manning
2001-
SAINT LUCIA
Prime Ministers Rt. Hon. John Compton
1
967-79
Hon. Allan Louisy
1
979-81
Hon. Winston Cenac
1
981 -82
Hon. Michael Pilgrim
lnterim Prime Minister 1982
Rt. Hon. John Compton
1982-96
Hon. Vaughan Lewis
1996-97
Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony
1997-
()aicont Perspt:ctive -
I
7
7
-
Sprial Millennnn
981 -86
Fnition
995-2001
,v1j
FilK
THETHPII
$it \)t
Barbados
e**"
De
Cource,v week€s had
nanrral ability, along with immeasur-
able confiderrce, which rod<eted him to the
of world crid<et
an{ trouglr
training was one
top
he had no formal
of the batsrren
who
dominated West Indian aid<et during the l940s60s.
Bom in
1925, Sir Everton made his
India agains krdia in 198 and, by the nextyear, had sakedhis daim for aperrnanentplace inWest Indian crid<er He
debut for the West
S':.:::,::j;.:':ff:::1,'J:H:i bo1' and
uith nurturing, he became one of
the most successftrl batsmen the West Indies
five consecutive centuries
ever produced.
in i926, Sir Cl,vde made his Test debut for the West Indies against Bom
England
in 1948. He performed the roles of
both batsman zurd wicketkeeper lor
the
West Indies, rva; a ke,v figure in rvorld cricket lor over h;rlf a centun', and was known as one ol the famous three "W's" who dominated the cricket scene from the 1940s-60s.
The l.oungest of the "Ws" Sir Clyde quickly rvon the reputation as one of the
hardest hitters of the ball. and his "srvashbuckling batsmanship" endeared him to millions. Though he retired from Test cricket in the 1960s, and from all cricket in 1964, Sir
Clyde's involvement in cricket has continued to the present da1'because ofhis role
as
a senior administrator. After his retirement
he went to live in
Gu1'ana u'here,
zu
organiser and coach ofthe Sugar Producers'
Association,
he
discovered
"a
gala-rv of
hidden talent and was instrumental in translorming the cricket landscape in Guyana as he inspired a renaissance which has lasted
administrator,
selector, manager of the West Indies team,
and later, Chairman of
the
Intemational Cricket Council, was exemplary.
He hzs had
in 198 will probably
standfor a long time.
In
1949 Sir Errerton
soore elrer in the
hit the higlrest
kague with an unbearn 195
and in six seasons had smrcd 8p36 nls. fhringthis time, he bmme the fintplayer to s@rre
o\rer 1000 nrrs in six seasors in the
kague. Sir Errcrton had alr€ady played with
Cbde Walcott for the ftnpire, and the two, joined by Frank Worre.[ garrc birth to the most
famous triurnvirate
hcame klown
in sicket, and qui&ly
as the three
Ws. Sir Everton
was the most pnolific smrer of the three and,
in
addition to his battingfeas, was a nperb dose fielder.
The frst of tre Ws to retft€,
his
briliant and entertaining career ended on a high note,
as he
rurs for an
fnished his las
of
average
series
65.
wi& 455
He was
an
tntemational Cricket Council Match Referee and toured the world with several Commonw€ahh sid€s. He was
ooach
for
Barbados
sr@uently
also naional cridat
for many
years and
became a bridge player of world
cless shnding.
SirEvertonwas awaldedthe Onder
until toda1".
His rvork irs an delegate
a rcputation as one of the most 'tnulderous pmt war batsnert''. His record of
developed
of dre British ErnpLe (OBE) in 1995 for his out*anding conhibution to the game and will be rcrnernbered, aborre all etse,forhis relentless
pilaging of some of the world's
best
bowlen.
several au'ards con-
ferred on him including: The N{ost Excellent
Order of the British Empire (OBE); The Golden Arrow of Achievement by the Govemment of Guyana and, from Barbados, the Gold Crown of
Merit.
l'nnk llbmll continued I For his rrvices to cricJ<et, Worrell recejved a knighthood in
19il
and his face still appears on the
fir,e dollar note in his natire Balbados.
An intpi.i"S
Sir Clyde
leader of men, he emancipated West lndian cricket
Walcott was selected as one of the 25 most
and. in the process , made it possible for the West
outstanding Caribbean personalities over
Indies, to aspire to, and attain the prxition
the past 25 years.
cricketing team in the world.
Caicom Pcrspectire
- I 78
-
Special .llinennnm Edit;on
of
top
,Y::l
,pttt
#I7A=s=7#ti*#/f -llrst last bou,ler to :rthievt' 500 lt'ickcts
"liivt:
as also
()uyana awardcd him an honorary "Golden Arro'w, of Achievement for l'ris
Inrnecl ont' of llrt' \\rcst Irrclians flrir kct
superb rvicket-taking performance and his
tuLtnccl as onc o1'\\'isclt'n AlrnanrLt 's ( .f
amaica
lrickctcls ol tht' \-car 1986". Ht' n
Attnulrls "l"ivc (lrickt'tt'rs lirr l
tht Ycar
o1
!)86".
rlntribution to the development of
West
Indies First Class :urd Test Cricket."
hr l9B[] ht' bctlune onlv thc third West Indian to takc rL IirLt-tritk in J-t'st crickct. ln
I lte \\'us lirst :rppointed t aptain ofJurnaica: in l!191. hc rr'platccl "Ri<:hir"' Richarclson nho l':.ts urtar':rilabk' dut' to ":rcrutr' l-atique st'nclrornt"'. in l99ir. ht' becanrt: thc tlrild
Considered the loremost ambassador of fair play
in
I 1)9
\\icst lndian to t:Lke .100 rritkets anrl. in l!)96 rras nant'd captain of thc \\i-st
our time. an icon
of sportsmanship :rnd the last standing hero
Walsh, with over 500 test wickets, towers
Inclies :Llier ltichit Rit harclson rt'sisnt tht' t'rrcl o1' tl'rt \\rorld ( jup. He
above any bowler to have played the game.
rt plat ccl :rs t apt:rin o1'(hc \\iest Indit's in
Walsh was born on October 30,
M9B lr Brian (jharlcs L:Lra. In 200I, \\'alsh took his 500'r nicket - the lirst t rickt'(r'r in the u,orld to zrt ltievt' this lr'at. St:rrting irr l9Bl, \\';rlsh :Llso
of a once invincible team, Courtney Andrerv
1962,
in Kingston and
was an integral
part of the unstoppable West Indies team
ofthe
B0s.
Plafing cricket all through his
d :rt rr:rs
t'n
Harrison Line Shield forJamaica against Guyana at Sabina Park in 1982. In that
tht' l')nglish (lountv ClLrr.r<'t'stershirc lhich l:rstccl I.l vt'ars .\ <1uict eiant. \\'alsh is r-enrt'nr-
same year, he made his first class debut
bcrecl lirr his enclurantc ancl pt.rsistentc.
for
H#t
jovt'cl a Lrng and illrrstriorrs career u itlr
school years, Walsh made his debut in the
limited overs in the Geddes Grant/
in the Sheli Shield against the
jffidl
.
highest first-cla-ss score
in crickct histon'
Lecwards at Sabina Park. In that year too,
arrcl lirr pt'rsonal lbrtitudc in tht' fjrt.r' o1' llrject tt'anr Iailurc - his strt'ngth lving in
Charles Lara took the cricketinc rvorld br
lValsh toured England with the
his abilitv to gt't l it kets
storm rvith his exploits u,ith the
Jamaica
West
Indies Under-19 team and made his debut
t
onditions.
for the West Indies "B" tour of Zimbabwe
Walsh entered the West Indies team
in
1984, playing against Australia in
Lurcler anv
\\'t'st Inclics cricket. \\'alsl'r.
ap1;ointcd
Arnbassador zrt l,arge and Spcci:rl Envov
Holding; Roberts; and Marshall and, with the retirement of Marshall, was thrust into the role of strike bowler where he forged a longJasting partnership with Curtly Ambrose. To-
ol' tht Cioverr)nrent of Jamait a. l as arrarclt cl his corrntrr 's highcst l)ati()ltal honour. tl'rc "Orck'rolJamaita". ln l!)!)9. ht' ber':rrnc the lirst non-'l-rinicl:rdian to rt't eilt' the "(lh:rconia Gold \lcdal" -l-rinid;rcl ancl T-obaso's st't oncl hiq-lrcst honotrr'- lirr his lorrg ancl mt'ritorious
gether they sustained West Indies cricket
contrillrlion to \\'r'st
for the best part of the 90s. Walsh
his t'rcmqrlarv clli icncr'. clualitr
his first test at Perth.
He started out as a foil to
the
f'earsome Garner;
continued to perform superbly
and
was
Brian bat.
smashing evcry imaginable batting record
Rccognisecl lirr his contribution 1o
In a remarkable r:arecr,
Irrclies t
rickt't anrl Iitr o1'
scrr.ict', and pcrsonal intceritr,. In 20U1,
\1
rr i.l,l
I tlhttnitt
tt
t l:tlttir r t
in thc history ol cricket to emergc as the greatcst batsman in thc 90s. Born on May 2, 1969 in Santa Cruz, Trinidad, Lara made his \Vest Indian firsrclass debut as Captain of the
\Vest Indics Undcr-23 ream against Pakistan in l987; the next year he led the Wcst Indics to thc first Youth World Cup
in Australia.
In l9B9 he captained the West Indies A team in Zimbabn'e and in that same year became the youngest captain
Trinidad and Tobago.
of
.rd ililF
',
This is the belief of Sir Vivian Alexander "King Viv" Richards, "the only batsman of his time who could have completely demolished a bowling attack". Born into a cricketing lamily in
of batting. "His lightening reflexes and brute force made up for his unconventional technique and he still style
holds the record for the most sixes - 84 - hit
at Test level."
He took over the leadership of
1952, Sir Vi'r'ian made his international
in
Test debut on the West Indies 1974175
the West Indies from Clive Uoyd
tour to India and, during his test career (1974-1991), proved himself one of the
captaining them to 27 wins in 50 Tests
most accomplished, exciting and destruc-
sobriquets "lVlaster Blaster" and "King
reputation as the world's best batsman. As a player, then as a captain, he was single-minded in his approach to the
Viv".
game always adhering
Sir Virian played in l2l Test matches for the West Indies and scored
standards which he
8540 runs, including 24 Test hundreds, his highest being 291 against England at
and his team continued the winning
tive batsmen ever seen, e arning
the
while, at the same
1985,
time maintaining
set.
to the
his
high
He believed in
Ieading by example, and this he did as he
by Lloyd. Sir Viv also played country
streak which was begun
cricket for Somerset between 1974 and 1986 and his prolific scoring helped them
to their first major domestic trophies in 1979. He then finished his county career
spell
in
Glamorgan between 1990 and
1993, ending
in style as the Welsh
side
won the 1993 Sunday Ieague campaign. Politically astute, fiercely patri-
otic and proud of his origins, Sir Viv's snubbing of South Africa and the pride
with which he wears his
Rastafarian
wristband both reveal his strong personal
beliefs and, on
a wider level,
inspiration for the
peoples
provide
of
the
Caribbean.
Sir Viv served as coach to the West Indies
in 1999. He
sponsors young
and basketball is a patron of the
cricketers, footballers players
at
home,
in 1976. That same Year, he l7l0 Test runs in
Antiguan Blind Society and is involved in
made a world record of
Amnesty Intemational.
a single calendar 1'ear, including 829 runs
Voted by his peers in 1999, as "the best international cricketer of the
the Oval
at an average of I I8.42 in the four-match comprehen-
past 25 years", Sir Viv was inducted into
the English bowling
the Cricket Hall of Fame of Hardord
attack in 1979 to retain the World Cup for
Connecticut in 2001 and t}le Gove rnor of
the West Indies and completel,v destroyed
this
series away from
home. He
sivel,v devastated
State proclaimed September 29, 2001 as Sir Viuian Nchards Day. He was
the England bon'ling in l9B4 rvith a brilliant lB9 not out - his highest ever
named the 1977 Wisden Cricketer for the
score in limited - over internationals. He
Year, and was selected as one of five
also achieved the remarkable feat, during
Wisden Cricketers of the century, He was
the I9BB-89 season, of becoming the first West Indian cricketer to make 100 firstclass hundreds.
Sir Viv is remembered for
Caricom Perspec-titc
- I $Q
his
-'9preial,lfilknniunt Edjtion
awarded an honorary doctorate ofletters
by Exeter University in 1986 and, for his services to cricket, received a knighthood from his country.
,{ 4,.;'
d,,*
',
=it#?zE ffi lorlcl's
great('st all-rorrndt'r
Betu'een his first major lca{ut:
Regardcd as the world's greatest all-rounder to have played cricket, and
t
the greatest cricketer ofhis era, the Hon. Sir
in Australia and Ensland
Garfield St. Aubum Soben, OCC,
rickct mrrtclr ancl his last, including stints
l hcrt' I'rc plal'd Leasuc t rickt't. Sir (larfit'ld lrott' and
has
become the standard by which others are,
rc\\'r()te 1hc record books. delightine all
and will be judged.
n'ho sal' him. His crploits on the licld
A cricketing genius, excelling at all aspects of the game accomplished batsman, bowler of great versatfity, fieldsman to be feared and
vcars, all givinq tcstint,rnv ol'his grolrtn('ss
ambitious captain - his statistical record is
as a ( rick('trr.
impressive and reflects complete mastery
ruren:r
Bom in Barbados in 1936, Sir
in n hic'h
he-
\\'21s
Barbados atthe age of I 7. He made his Test
suft-crine
Test
in i953/54.
knct'injurr'- as lt'll as baskt:tball and dorninot's lirr Barbirdos. -\lit'r rctiring liorn trickct in 1974. he llt't'amc
:rn intcrnutiorral
Sir Garfield's first-class cricket career produced over 28,000 runs at an average of 55 runs per innings, including 86 massive centuries. As a bowler of spin,
swing, and pace, he captured
It
w:rs
gollir. irt rcli'rence to this grcat
(iaribbean son, that it rr as onr'<' said " h i.s o n' l t ro u gLt t t t lge h c r l t c fi a gn c n ts it
;
t
t
di.t i n tc3u1 t t
d
co
r
t
t t s ci r t t t s n t'.s s a
n cl c
t
il tu rt'.
wickets at an average ofjust under 28 runs
;tnd .;aid to tltc norlcl. htrc is tltt' pntrithat tht' lli'st Indian can nta-stt't' ;t|l
per wicket; and as a fieldsman,
;tspe(
1043
he
returned 407 batsmen disconsolately to the pavilion. His Test career is no less
ts rl- ;rt tntctprisc, n,de.line
it.;
.;titndards. and t'.stabli.sh nev ntlcs :tncl
lct
cls
ri
successful West Indies
Iunt tiont'd. Sir Garfie ld
:rirr, ; rlar r'd ll',,t h;rll
q, r.r lker'prr - a I)"lit i( )n uhit h lt'<l him to h:rve surqen alit'r
England, at Kingston, was made in the F'ifth
- most
n()t tht' onlv
Garfield made his intemationa.l debut for Cricket debut for the West Indies against
=ne"= g*r*P captain to date
But cricket
of
the game.
o1'
plav havt' bet'n thc srrbjet t o1' nunlcrous lrooks, articlt's and speet'hes ovt'r tlrt'
r4tcr;ttiott. "
Acclaimed the most successful lVest Indian captain to date, and Wisden's 197 I Cricketer of the Year, Clive Hubert Lloyd rvas born on August 31,1944, in then British Guiana. As a youngster, Lloyd grew up
in a Caribbean environment
where
crickct was always more than a game , and although he did not have dreams about
being the next Franl Worrell or Everton Weekes. cricket was his passion. He was made captain of his high school's cricket team and, by age I9, was an established member
of
the Demerara
Cricket Club. In 1963, he made his international debut against Jamaica at Bourda Cricket Ground and his Test
process. His first century was the record
Sir Garlie lcl Sobers is the rccipicnt ol' nLltncr()us arvards and honours in tributt' to his greatness as ll t'rit:kt'ter. In 1975, ht' las knightcd lx'
debut against India in 1966. He has played English County cricket
breaking 365 not out made in Kingston,
Her Nlajcstv
captained the Lancashire team.
brilliant. In all, he played 93 tests scorin.q 8032 runs at an average of 58 runs per innings making 26 centuries in the
Jamaica during the 1957/58 Pakistan tour. He also took 235 wickets at an average of 34 runs per wicket and 109 catches, most of them in the dangerous close to the wicket position. He was
Quet'n ol'I-nelirnd li)r his t ontribution to th(' ganrc - a sign:rl ltonour tl.re
.lrar, d l,r orrlr a Ii'rr illrrstrious
rr-r
ilrierrt.
rrithin this centur\'. And irr l99B his native Barbados lornrallr" recognised
him :rs
:r
also
and
Lloyd captained the West Indies side for the tour against India in Bangalore
in
1974 and remained captain
until the Fifth test against Australia in Sidney, l9B4/85. Out of the 74 Tests
captain of the West Indies betrveen 1965
National Hero. In l99B he uas au'arclcd the ()rdcr o1'the (laribbeln (lrmrlunitr' - the
which the West Indies played, 36 were
and 1972.
( lommunitr''s hight'st honour.
u,on under his captaincy.
\ytr n) .\/i/lenttitnt l.ilirian
L'r
ffi-#ia-##ililf, by Jewel
Crose
fiuvana
(C-. - uhether cricket, football. burt .,b"ll. lighr athlettcs - rs an J important lever in assessing one's character and. in the Caribbean, who
at their worst - when we stug,gle to hide tean of frustration and anger at moments of defeat, the two ends of the
Perreira, better knorvn as'Reds' Perreira,
spectrum and, between them, the various points of what it means to be human. What can you tell us from this
former Sports Organiser. Organisation of
perspective about the Caribbean penon?
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Reds
A: It must be something
better to speak to this issue than Joseph
in your mind,
has literall,v lived his life
deep in your heart, notjust for a day, nor
sports, and
for a period; it is not
in the world of in a discussion tt'ith Perspec-
a
position you take as
it
suits you. I've
rirc on sporting issues and hou' he came to
a Caribbean man when
be so intimatelv involved. he explained -
always operated as someone from the parish of Guyana within the West Indies.
A: I grel' up in the Pome roon, in Essequibo. Guvana lith ml'parents. You
As such, the West Indies is first
scrubbed vour skin rvith coconut or corn
Caribbean Man at forty. To be a good
husk: put vour curlains dorvn at six p.m.
Caribbean Man means you are
and flit the house to get rid olmosquitoes. You paddled to Charity [another village] b,v kerosene lamp. n'alked the dam to
model, set the right example, carry the Caribbean message, which says be
school - a humble but nice life.
and, of where you're from; understand and defend your area in a just and
In those day's there rvas a bit ol ball plar'. a big family' aflair. \Ve did the things that all bovs do: sailed boats in the
and
foremost in my mind. You can't become a
a
role
disciplined, be proud of your profession
balanced way. You must understand the
history of our region to be a Caribbean
river, flerv kites, plaved rounders u'ith the
Man. You back a Caribbean position
girls. Nll interest in sports realll' grerv
irrespective of whether your home town
u'hen I came t() Georgetown at the age of
eight and became invoh'ed in Priman' school cricket. I had a keen ear for the radio and I remember listening to the 1950-5 I series on mv father's old GE radio in Russell Street and Christiani batting and getting out just before the close of plar'. caught off a non-bou'ler
or your country is playing a leading role.
--iFn. wesr rnclran seneratrons wno ll *.r,, to England in the 50s were extremely proud. The second generation too is still proud, but the third generation
of West Indians is more interested in English football than West Indies cricket. West Indians all over the world are deeply
hurt when we lose and,
called Graham Hall.
it
strikes home
each time how much cricket means to us.
of
seeing our people
at their best - when uictories resound throughout the Re-
Women too are now more involved in cricket. Maybe they care more than the men. But, we tend to crucify the players
gion in tumu]tuous warrior cries - and
without stopping to think what is best for
at
You have had the opportunity
()aicon Persprtti.e I B2
-
Spdal .llillenniunt Ediritrt
the team. At the risk of repeating myself, 'one Caribbean' and "one team" means
t lrarges.
giving up ground at times.
lirr one rcar.
costs
What would you say is the most important and the weakest characteris-
A
ol'tlre dcsk. rlhiclr rneant tclephont' sorne tr:n el costs. ancl lrLrl therc rlas
r-nt.
salart
no ltudgct.
and Antigua had already moved ahead congratulations to them. But, a lot of the
sl:Lr1ed
rli(h [l\, ( \'('s x'rv rnuch open. NIv irrrohenrt nt ir-r crickct lls :r collrrllentat()r
OECS countries had nor. Grenada got in through the events that came out of the
uprising, and w-ith backing from the
ht'lped nrt' a srcut cleal and opcnt'd doors.
American Olympic Committee in 1984. I
In the lir:t re:rr I rtas :rlrle to hold thrt'c
lobbied with Barbados and
evt'nts. l-lrt'rc n,:rs :r tcnnis cvent in Saitr(
Olympic presidents, and with the hclp of
I
tic n rvhich one should pay attention? A: We tend to be disunited as soon as lve begin to lose. Cricket could both be a
Lut
unifying and a divisive factor. We have to bury our insularity and arrive at solutions
dacl, ancl I think
(luvanl - r'e ust'cl a hott'l ( ()rlrt. llut \rc g()t it eoing. \\'e tht'n rarr u
countries were given their rightful place
without rancour. Media personalities must
satisfaction. But it is reallv diflicult to pin
carry the right message, create the right balance and discourage insularity. As an
tas opencd to the rtst of'tht (lariblrt'an. \\'c helcl the lirst cv'r boxing charnpionslrip. \\'hen Gn'-
point the amount of disciplines. champi-
I was very happy about the manner in
tr:Lcla rrtrs Lrrorrgltt into the cltntocratir'
amount of pri.l'ate sector funding we tr:ere
Iirkl thel scnt u baskctlrall tearr. -lour thotrsancl pt-oplc attt'rrtlcd tht' finals bt'tl cen ,.\ntisua antl Barbucla :urcl
able to attract. I don't think last more than one year.
Ilotninica. Iugt'rrilL (-]harlcs. tfr<'n Priruc
in fact, prove them rvrong.
aside ,
h;rl1 m:rnrthon whir:h
which Hooper's captaincy was handled.
A
On the question of the development
of sports in the Caribbean, what areas do you see need attention? A: This is all tied up with our basic education goals and a number of associated areas. Sport is not just a question of winning gold medals or producing good test cricketers or interna-
ia rrhich inrrrh ecl BarbarLrs. Trini-
Jamaica
Trinidad, Antigua and Barbuda.
bv the OIC. Thar to me rras
these
quiel
onships, training programmes and the that
UNESCO expected the Sports Desk to
If I'm right I did,
Nlinister ol' Dorrinit::r u:ts therc. Bv tlic
n('\t vear. things ltccamc rtrore organist'tl. Elrlier. I IlLcl realiscd thitl 1ril\'('l expcns(' [irr t]resc lroor. srlall assot'iatiorrs l'hicli do not rcalisc anl inconrr' lrom compcti-
Q' How would you rate sponsorship o1' in the OECS and who would you
sports
single out for praise?
A: There were a lot of agencies that helped in specilic areas. For instance, I
tional footballers; it is to ensure you have
tiotts irr n('tball. tlLblc tt'nnis. r'ollevball las erlrt'trrt'lv higlt. So. I stnr<k a dt.:Ll
an overall healthier nation - physically
lith LIA-I' l'hich
and mentally.
rt-tlrrctiorr on tralt l. \'ou t art cr('lrt(' evcl)ls
school cricket throughout the OECS. Up
but vott havc to gct the pt'ople tht'rr'. Tht'n
to that time, this was done b1'the l\{inistrr
I zoomt'rl in on the prilate scr tor antl iatecl thcir produt ts l'ith t't'cnts. Tht r plart'cl a sr('lrt role. ln 1985. le hatl se\'('n e\'('nts: in l!)86. trleh'c and: in l!)[37. t:ightccn. unti] lc nt'rc likt'thirtr odrl. I also creatt'cl a tcthnical lirnd lirr t'onlingent ics sut'h as trartl lbr r('sour( (' pcrs()ns. \VINLRA. a boring pl:urt
which had a spccific sum of money set aside for secondary school cricket. Nemwill Insurance took over the half
UV"
need to plan programmes at the
primary and secondary levels in schools; maintain good rvorking relationships with
relevant government Ministries, build appnrpriate lacilitics. creatc sporting events and recreationaI opportunities. train coaches and officials.
Wc need to understand the - the Africans
gave trs a 50 l)er ccr)t
assot
value of our enr.'ironment
c()nrl)an\. in \-ieux Fort. rkrnatt'rl 20.000
run very well in the middle distance races
dollars. I lroued out in l[)!)6.
because thev use their roads. We have
got good support from United Insurance,
which ensured sponsorship of secondary
marathon area which, like many other rvents. became more ol a sports tourisls attraction. A hundred people from the Caribbean into a small island is good business for two to threc davs.
Ifm:ff:#.;,':i.1:j;'::: field. Not only did thev back the OECS
many roads and cross country areas in the
Q: llTtat ;ttc tJtt' ;tt Jtietttnent.;
rtl'w.]ticlt
team in the Texaco Games, but gave each
Caribbean rvhere we can develop our
,r
young; athletes and encourage linkages
A: I remt'rnber latching thc ()lr.mpits
OECS association, EC$7000 or $8000 to hclp run their national championships. I
between clubs, associations and national
ancl st'eine Saint Lrrcia tht'n . St Kitts aurl
teams.
Ncvis. ancl Dominica n,ith tht'ir flaes flr'ins ancl tlrt'ir atlrlt'tes c()rnpetins. -\ll ()l' a srrclclen it camc ucross th:rl I l'ra<l scrvcrl
Q When you took up the post of Sports Coordinator for the OECS where did yr,tu
have to start?
A: I had to start lrom nought uhen I took up the job in Septcmber 1984. The OECS had obtained financial commitment liom UNESCO to c()\'er running
ou ;lre ntost ptttttcl.t
I harl lirughr :L big lrattle to tllcse t orrntrics llliliatltl. Tht lirst rras r-ct St Vinccrrt: uolking uith tht thcn \Irrristt'r ol Spolt. .Jt'r'r'r St ott. tlurt nrv l)rlrp()\( .
()unlr\ lrt r.rrrre tlrc thircl ()E( jS r ountrr to l;r' rLll-rii:rtccl. Tlrt Britislr Virgin Isl:rnds
(
( .ui,,nt llt'1rt
rite
IB.-J
-.\1rt i.tt tti/htuttttt I.tr/itt'tt
was also successful in gettin.g Sun Alliance. an insu rancc compan\ in Antigua. to sponsor the under-19 vollev-
ball. I tried to
mc)\,e the events around the
Eastern Caribbean.
Flour Mills of'St Vincent
was
ven.supportir,e to the OECS Sports Desk :rs r.r'cll as
to the Champion o1'Champions
rretball programme. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank sponsored the under-
strong teams cc)mpetinâ&#x201A;Ź{ in the
American, flentral Amcrican and OIvm-
bility. In terms of the huge sums of money paid to some sports persons, you have to
pic games. The basic uork has to be done
be realistic, ifyou, as a young athlete can
here. but se havc to makc sacrifices. You
win a scholarship, get an education, run for the Caribbean at international meets, you will get the best of what's going there. Nobody is going to make the kind of
Pan-
do not become a rvorld champion
bv
training three times a n'eek in anv sport.
You have to sacrificc. there is a competitive $orld out thcre - r'ou look at
money here that Tiger Woods does. He is
in a very
TipJer \\'oods. he has bcen able t() slav at
a very
his lcvel because he prar:tises everv dar'.
sport. Education is a factor. We must also
\Ve have to keep doing the things uc need
present our heroes and our stars. How many people will recognise Sir Garfield
to d,r. Hard rt,trk and commitment
are
special person
Sobers
ven'important.
spccial
on the road? There is
a
responsibility within the Region to ensure
Sports disciplincs have changed
at dranaticallr ot cr tltc past 20 ,'ears, especially in tenns of tltc ust' of'ntodertt
technology', so as to arrive at thc almost
"perfcct" sport'' person. Hos' much
that our cultural stars, our educational stars, are all represented in our schools and in our libraries, so that people could know, for example, people like George Headley, Sobers, Khanai, our boxers of
thought has bccn given ttt this in thc
the past and present. Guyana hasjust had
Caribbean.)
a world
A ;::H;?.:i;:.il:::iil: ment and ne becomc conscious of
rvhencver u'e g<i abroad. But question
ol financc.
it
it is also a
Sometimcs \()u mlt\'
middleweight champion, how
many Caribbean people would recognise
his face? We know all about the NBA because
we see them on TV and
the
merchandisers are there. There is very
little merchandising in the
Caribbean.
have a simple bit of thc technologr'. but iI'
The West Indian Board is now starting,
used correctlv it can really make the
am happy to say.
I
indiridual ven' a\r'are ol'tcchnic:rl laults and have an impact on his/her perftrrmance.
A How do you assess the charges o{ bribery and other scandals in world
at ll hat influence has televisiott madc on our sp(,ils D)(n aild tomen itt terttt.s of their exposure to profe,ssional sports and the lantastic sums paid to thcse
cicket? A: For a long time we did not know it
sportsmen.2 Can the Caribbean rcspond
to this challenge.) A: It is glood lbr us to watch thc
rvorld's
I
remember years ago the .itg at the GCC would telephone Ground, Bourda before a Test match starts and the caller will say "Hello, I am
existed.
calling from Bombay, can you tell me if it's
rvc
sunny?" "Yes, it's nice and bright" "how
must not just buv it lock. stock and barrel.
does the wicket look?" "tooks good, a
we must take a*av the ncgatives - bad behar-iour. foul language, indiscipline ,
little bit of grass". "You think the team
I like his tennis.
"any changes in teams?" At that time what
best.
etc. I
I think that
is a teaching
likeJohn NlcEnroe ,
aid. But.
that wins the toss will bat first?" "Yes"
but I don't like his behaviour. Also. I don't
you didn't know that
think that our television stations should shou' a lot of u'restling. it's irrelevant t<r this societr'. I think that s'e should shon a lot more cricket. .\lthough rre can't
bookmaker calling
alrvavs shorv cricket live.
*'e do
it
was
you. That
in fact
a
was when
they were dealing with simple telephone calls. Obviously they moved into a higher gear
and
started to contract players to
have
underachieve. Some sports are aflected
recorded cricket that we can shorv to our
by drug scandal, (track and field); cricket, it seems has a betting scandal, but every
young people. We need to ensure that rve
are showing things that are West Indian and station managers have that responsi-
(:ar;rcnr Pcrspct titr'
- I B1
- spd.;tt
,tlilhttnint l:dition
effort is being made to change this. I think it's a question of greed. But we have to
,a*ensure that the plavers arc kept arvav from
such deals. that people report
an)-
approaches promptl,v, and anvone lbund
severely punished. Anyone engaged in private deals with bookmakers should not be tolerated.
It
makes the game a farce
.
4ffi
#=5=7
Q: What aduice have you got for sports administrations who are attemptittg to make us world class? A: You
must ask 1'oursell, "do I har,e the
time?" Don't accept the post in a national bodv if you don't have the time. It is better
Surinmre
to step aside and allow someone rvho ma'r'
not be as talented as you are, but who is
committed and has the time for the developme nt of sportsmen and women on
and offthe field. Sporting executives have
to be on their toes in terms of marketing,
budgeting, public relations, attracting sponsorship and also in terms of understanding the links to scholarships. and prof'essional contracts. Annual general meetings must be held properll', on time and financial statements prepared. Administrations must strive to develop strong clubs, to respond to offers, and to
use the local media to expose their programmes and so on.
lQ Y' : ::! ^"{::::,{:::'::
world affairs.
I
feel very strongly about a
number of matters. When the elected government in Chile was overthrolvn and Pinochet came to porver, I thought that
that was a democratic government just being torn apart. I I'elt strongly about South Africa for a very long time, about Nelson Mandela, and the Hungarians who fought for their independence rvhen the Russians crushed them. I like Callpso
and reggae music, I like the theatre. I acted in one play at one time and did a lot
of stuff {br a programme called "No Big Thing" in Guvana. I like flowers, but most of all, I like people. You knorv, I was ven sick once in Australia and it rvas pcople rvho helpcd me - doctors. frien&, and even people
I didrr't
knolr-.
-\nthorrr (lortrarl \r'str \\ us lrot'rt in Trirrirllrcl artcl 'l'olrago ()n \r,r cnrbt r Ii. 11i67. t() -l'r-inidadian
li 'l'riniclacl ancl '['ob1qo al
I):u( r)t:. Hc lt
tlrr' :rgt ol'rrirrt nronths firl Srrlirr:Ltnt' lncl lit r':inrr' :r natur':rlis( (l Surinlirncst' in 1980.
Tht (
r'
:rr( (
(
lllnq llrtl . .rr inrrrring rrt t cl it-r I !)[i() rr ht-n ]rc \
()nlnrt
(
lrt r :rrrrr'
-\ationll (,hlrnrpiorr Srrirrrrncr in
rht l00
ancl ?00 nrt'trrs Bunt
II(
1(
rs F ree st\ l(
rllr :utd
100
r:ttiorr. srrirrr rrrt't't: in tht
at
( l;rrilrbe;ur-
L:itirt -\nrcrit:r :rncl \orth -\nrt ritlr. Tlrt' l(t(t .111q1 ji)0 nrt trt Birrtt rllr lrltartrt' hi. \l)( ( i.ilt\ ltnrl
lirrit
s
lrt lrrokt'
ganrt' rt't orcl: lirrrr'
lrt'nrtt n l!)fl5 lncl l !)88 in .\rgentin:r.
tlrt ['S-\. \( rl\ lr'li on lr Srrr-inantt,.t .r'holirr.hiP in l1)U5 t() rrtt('n(l thc Bollt's Pt
same ye ar "The
Suriname's national carrier. Surinam Anthony Nesty", In l9BB a stanlp was issued in his name and a number o1'coins and a nerv bank note t'ere issued to commemorate his successes.
Lli!-hst ltool in..f .rt k:r'rrvilk'.
|lolirla. in tht'
t'S.\. In M[]. .rr the 2lrh ()hnrpir' St orri. \t,.tr rron tlte Ciolcl .\lt clal in tht l00 nrttrt' Brrttt'r1h' rrith a lirrrc ol it:l:()1,) - rlti. rra' a rrt.rr ()hntPir. rt r ot-<1. Bc lirrt' t lo.inq o1) lti. ()ir rnltit' (i.Lrtrt'' yreriocl irr 1992. rrlrcrt' hc rrotr thilcl pl:rce in rlrt l00 rrtrrt Brrtrt'r1lr. hc ( n.u)( (l hi. lt q:rt r ltt tht. intcrn:rtional Ii,r':r ln .thit'r'inq lir.t pl:rte in Illfl!) in tht l':ur Plrtillt (iurrrls in 'I'okro..Japan. in l!)!)0 thc \Cj.\.\ InclianuPolis. ['S.\. ancl in tlrt St'artlt (iooclrrill (i:rnrt' in titt (i:rrttt'r iri
I-S.\. lirrthcr toPPirrr thi' rr irlr tht' \\'orkl rn I1l!l I in -\Lr.rlrrlia anrl in ll){)! irr tht' l):Lrr ,\nteritan (ilntt s. :rli irr
( ih:rrrrpionship
rht lttll ntrit( lJLrll( r1l\. \t :lr lr.rs rct ei|t'cl nLurr- ar|arcls lirr his achier ('nl('nts. l.irr Srrrin:rnre- hc P.r't-,rt
He
has been
assigned Goodwill Ambassador Republic of Suriname
nr. ;rncl
(.tt,,tt
Anthony Nesty Sporthall".
Air*,avs, named its DC 8-63 "The
.
t l!)Bll ht ;rPpt'arccl
Sint
In I9BB he rvas arvarded Commander in the Order of the Yellow- Star by the Presidcnt of the Republic of Suriname. The National Indoor Stadium \^'as renamed in that
became "The Golden Boy".
In
ol
the
.
l9B9 Anthonv Nestr received
through thc Amateur Athlctics Foundation in
Ils
Anecles, the World Trophy for being
the N'Iost Outstanding Athlete in thc South
American Region. He received the Paul Harris Arvard in l99l from the Rotary
of Rotary Intemational. In in the Intemational S*imming Hall ofFame. In 1999, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of thc Foundation
1998 rvas inducted
Caribbcan Comrnuniw, he was given thc au'ard as one of the l\lost Outstanding Sports Personalities of the Past 25 Years in
CARICION,I History'. A modest voung man. at the same
time reflccting a trcmendous amount of persevcrance. Anthonv Nestr.is a standing
model lbr thc youngcr Eleneration in Suriname. He is currentlv liring in the USA
and is still adding his contributions to the development
of
sports.
& 1
Samuel Sosa, baseball player,
in San Pedro de Macoris, in 1972. ln 1999, he competed with Mark McGwire to break the home run record set by Roger Maris with 6l home runs in
was born
Samuel (Sammy) Sosa, beisbolista, nacio en San Pedro de Macoris en 1972.
En
1999, compiti6
junto a Mark McGwire para romper
el
record de cuadrangulares, alcanzado por
6l
one season. Sosa managed to break the record with 66 home runs, although his
temporada, Sosa logr6 romper el record
opponent surpassed it. He was conferred
con 66
with an honorary doctorate by
by Maestra"., in the Dominican Republic.
contrincante le sobrepas6. Investido Doctor Honoris Causa por la Pontifice Universidad Cat6lica Madre y Maestra
Extremely popular, Sosa is recognised as an unofficial Dominican
est6 reconocido como
the
"Pontificia Universidad Cat6lica Madre
Roger Maris de
cuadrangulares en una
cuadrangulares, aunque
su
Extremadamente popular, Sosa
the
embajador extraoficial dominicano por su labor de
victims of Hurricane George . Founder of
ayuda para los damnificados del hurac6n
Ambassador
the "Sammy
for his
assistance
to in
Sosa Foundation"
San
George. Fundador
de la
Fundaci6n
Pedro de Macoris, he has used his name to
Sammy Sosa en San Pedro de Macoris, ha
obtain donations for the victims in the Dominican Republic, the rest of the Caribbean and Central America. Sosa plays baseball for the Chicago Cubs.
utilizado su nombrepara conseguir donaciones
Juega para los Cachorros de Chicago.
de 24ste Olympische Spelen in
postzegel in zijn
Dit
ee
como en el resto del Caribe yAmerica Central.
100
naam uitgegeven, gevolgd in lalere jo en doci de uik giften van een
n tijd van 53:00,
aanlal mienken a een nieuw bar*leiljel am
Seoul,
won Nesty Gouden Medaille te de meter Vlinderslag met
a los damnificados tanto en Rep. Dominicana
was een nieuw Olympisch record.
Alvorens zi;1n Olympische loopbaan in 1992 af te sluiten, waar hij de
derde plaats behaalde op de I00 meter Vlinderslag, verzekerde hij zich eerst van een plaats temidden van de legendarische
sporthelden op internationaal niveau
zljn
successen
te herdentan.
Hij
werd
benoemd tot Goodwill Ambassadeur van
de
Republiek Suriname. Aan Anthony Nesty werd
in l9B9
door de Amateur Athletic Foundation in Los Angeles, de Wereld Trofee voor de Meest Uitzonderlijke Adeet in Zuid
de Pan Pacific Games in Tokio,Japan, in
Amerika,uitgereikt. Hij verkreeg de PauI Harris onderscheiding in 1991 van de
in de in de Verenigde Staten
Rotary Foundation van Rotary Intemational. Hij werd in 1998 toegevoegd bij de
van Amerika. Deze prestaties bereikten een hoogtepunt, toen hij in 1992 het
groten in de Intemational Swimming Hall of Fame. Hil werd in 1999, ter gelegenheid
Wereldkampioenschap in de wacht sleepte
varr het
door de eerste plaats te behalen in l9B9 in
1990 de NCAA Indianapolis, en Seattle Games
in Australid en in 1992 het kampioenschap
in de Pan American
Games, alle op het
Hij werd voor Suriname de In l9BB werd hij dt-ror
GoudenJongeman.
de Republiek Suriname
gehuldigd als Commandant in de Orde van
de Gele Ster. In hetzellde jaar werd de National Sporthal,omgedoopt tot de Anthony Nesty Sporthal. De Surinaamse Lucht'n'aart 1\Iaatschappy, Suriname's nationa.le carrier. r'emoemde haar
naar 'Anthory- Nesty'.
In
Cariton Prrpettire - I 86'
als een van de Meest
Uitzonderliike
Sporthelden van de afgelopen 25jaar in de
onderdeel 100 meter Vlinderslag.
de President van
2Sjarigjubileum van de Caribische Gemeenschap (CARICON!, onderscheiden
DC 8-63
l9BB u'erd een tPreiel -lfillennitnt l:ditbn
CARICOM. Als een bescheiden jongeman
geschiedenis van
met tegelijkertijd, een norme
,
dosis
doorzettingsverrnogen uitstralend, werd Anthony Nesty voor de jongere generatie in Suriname een voorbeeld. Hij is momenteel,
in de Verenigde Staten Amerika en levert nog steeds
woonachtig
van een
belangrijke bijdrage aan de ontwikkeling van de sport.
.wEt&wwEtf
At times cdlcd The Q3nilz Qtant
Qearge Zhoden ?hoden was pzl.t
of lhe
team
of Vint, Laing and fulc(ed.ey vrhdt won in Ihe
l&O
netres
re\ aI lhe 952 fnLad. le d-so
AOO metres rrce at lhe 9AB flie 8OO melres.
OLymTc Q,anes heLd in !el-sirki..
an
atent.
'ndi^t'duaL
at Etose
Qotl
medd. in
tie 4OO
(he
vas 6'6"). Arthur
l,--onAon
OLvmpus and a stver n
mebes
At the
Qames.
l-lel-sinLi Qames
n 1952
silver in the 8OO melres
t)eh l,lc(ed"evs pl.xnv 4$ in the 2OO melres'n 9AA OLym?bs mde him lhe onLy man e'ler to reach the OLympb find-s of the IOO melres. 2OO metres. anA AOO melres e.tents. at that time. l)eb aLso one of the &to and
men
to vln
medaLs in
llte
Vint
Q92O-92) vtas Jandca's lrst OLvnvb Q,a?medaU)st. le ha to his credit ilree inliuduaL medd-s a'd ane rda/. Vkrt wan the
Legetilary wnning reLat
Q,olA
vroa
,w
\V od"/ ?ecord
liat
won
goLd.
and
A x 4OO
Vi*
wa
again won
parl of
l\e
metres reLay team
le b the hoLder of the second
best record in lhe hblory of the Qames h AOO/AOO combinaHon and the best record
in the
sporl.
at
Vestern ?eformer outsde the
IOO
areraLL
the games by
any
llnited
Slales.
4OO melre atenl:.. Alditionally,
he has
ilv 2!
best a,lerall record in l{;'e AOO metres.
to hb cred;t
)
lJe was part
of ll,e Legendary tean
Sltver (indViluaL) medd-s
1952 OLynptc Qanes in.UeLshLi.
anA
I GaU
v,thbh won
le
(?el-ay).
Qold at
Les
has
l\e
Laing
of lt'e &AOO melres Legenlry rel,ay team vthirci won Qolt at t\e Q52 OLynpb
Laing was vart.
Qames in ilel-shrki.
finland.
ATO BOLDON
MERLENE OTTEY
Trinidad and Tobago
Jamaica
Bom in 1973, Boldon made his
Appointed Ambassador to the world, Jamaica's sprint queen Merlene Oftey
Olympic debut in Barcelona, in
has won more individual medals than any other athlete in the world. Daring
1992. In his second Olympic
and courageous, Oftey has provoked debate on
appearance in 1996, in Atlanta,
one's ability to defy age and to do the impossible.
Boldon became a double-
Her illushious career began at her country's
medalist, winning bronze in two
National Girls' Athletics Championships in 1979.
world recod breaking races -
Since then she has continued to blaze the trail at
l00metresand 200mehes
Athletic championships around the world winning
dash. He recoded 9.90 seconds and 1 9.80 seconds, respec-
several medals in the process. Her Olympic career
tively, becoming one of only six men to ever run under 10
spans 20 years, beginning when she won bronze
seconds for the 100 mehes and under 20 seconds for the 200
in the 200 metres at the Moscow Olympics in 1980.
metres. That 9.90 is still tre collegiate record. ln 1997, he won
She now enjoys the distinction of holding the medal
his country's first track gold medal (after 21 years) at the Wodd
record for female athletes with 8 medals - 3 silvers
Championships. In 2000 atthe Sdyney Games, Boldon took silver (9.99 seconds) in
fte
and 5 bronzes, as well as being the first Jamaican
100 mehes sprint and bronze (20.20
athlete to have compeled in five Olympic games.
seconds) in the 2O0rnehes.
+{.
"t
E
OBADETE THOTPSON
LENNOX MILLER
Barbados
Jamaica
Born in 1976, Thompson,
at the 2000 Olympic
In 1972, Lennox Miller was only the second man to
Games in Sydney, gave Barbados its first
ever win two medals in the 100 metres event at the
Olympic medal - a bronze in the 100 mehes -
Olympics. He also had the unique record in the
since the country became a sovereign nation. He
Caribbean of being the only medallist at two games
has been appointed Ambassador and Special
for his country. He won silver in 1968 in Mexico City,
Envoy to the Youth of Barbados.
Mexico and bronze in '1972, in Munich, Germany.
Caricon Pt rpa
tiv - I BZ -.tpftial .tfillonium
Edition
DONALD OUARRIE
Jamaica KEITH GARDNER
Janaica Gardner was a member ol the bronze winning 4 x400 metres relay team at the 1960 Olympics in Rome and the only English-speaking Caribbean athlete in the finals of the 1 l0 metres hurdles at the very games
WEI{DELL MOTTLEY Trinidad and Tobago Mottley won silver in the 400 metres and a bronze in the 4xtl00 mefes relay
m**Hff*ff
the 4x440 yards on lhe world+ecord
'Don' Quanie, arguably Jamaica's greatest track and field athlete and considered the faslesl turn-runner ever, was the first and only male sprinler to win medals in his third, fourth and fifth Olympics Games and the first to win a gold in his third. He is also the only Western Hemisphere's athlete outside of the United States to win a matched set (gold, silver , bronze) of individual medals. His Olympic career spans 5 Summer Games from 1968-84 and he has held world records for 100/200 metres, 200 yards and 220 yards and along with his teammate, O.J. Simpson still holds the 4x100 yard relay record
JULIET CUTHBERT Jamaica Cuthbert has to her medals and one relay. in 1992, she gained metres, thus'[sealing] Games perlormance Caribbean woman'. second Jamaican compete in four or competed as a reserye Moscow in 1980 when
establishing relay tearn.
Jamaica
He fell, but recovered to pul the team in lhird place at the 1996 Atlanta Games in the 4x'O0 metres
Kent Bernard represented his country at the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan where he was a member ol the
he again represented
4oometres evenl. He was also pad of the Bronze winning 1600 metres relay team of Danny McFarlene, Christopher Williams and Michael Blaclaivood at the said games.
MIKE McCALLUM Jamaica Mike McCallum was the WBA Jn. Middleweighl Champ 1984-1987, WBA Middleweight Champ 1989-1991, WBA Light heavyweight Champ 1994-1 995. Nicknamed 'The Body Snatche/, Mike McCallum was bom in Kingston, Jamaica in 1956. Alter a lengthy amateur career, he started prolessional boxing at the age ol 23 and lour years later won his first world litle, a position he held until 1987. In 1989, he again earned a world title which he held until 1991 . Ten years atter his first world title, Mcoallum repeated his feat in another weighl division by taking the WBA LighUHeavpveight title in 1994. He reigned until 1995.
Guyana Michael Panis won a bronze medal at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, boxing in the bantam-weight division.
first ever gold medal for his country.
Born on August 16, 't950, he made his intemational
the
Common-
wealth Games in Edinburgh, Scof land and in 1972
an Olympic medal in cycling when he won bronze in the
world by making the final eight in
kilometre lime-lrial, in the Moscow Games, in '1980. His was also only the second
Olympic medal ever
won in the sport up to that time by a cyclist from this Hemisphere
shocked
metres Olympic final. In-
iury LENNOX KILGOUR Trinidad and
Tobago Kilgour was
made his
RODNEY H.B.M. WILKES
Trinidad and Tobago Wilkes made his first impression on the international scene by winning a gold medal in weightlifling in the featherweight class at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Baranquilla, Colombia. He was also a gold medal winner in the firsl Pan American Games in Puerto Rico in 1951 and won a gold and a bronze at the then British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada and Cardiff , Wales respectively. Competing in three Olympic Games, he won the first ever medal he
placed second at the 1948 Olympics in London. Four years laler he went on to win a bronze in Helsinki, Finland. His Olympic career came to an end at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia where he came lourth place with his highest total of 727.5 llbs.
Caicom hnpective - I
$p
the
the 100
popularly known as 'Gour'. He
for Trinidad and Tobago, when MICHAEL PARRIS
HASLEY CRAWFORD
Trinidad and Tobago History was created ai the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada when Trinidad and Tobago's Hasley Crawford won the
Weller has the distinction of being the only Caribbean person to date, to have won
1
r1rtF;*-
English-
speaking Caribbean athlete to win a field event medal at the Olympic Games. He won an individual medal {silver) in the long jump category at the Atlanta Games in 1996.
went on to win a bronze medal at
Jamaica
his country, winning Bronze in the
second
That
DAVID WELLER
securing
BecKord was the lirst Jamaican and
same year he
bronze medal winning relay team.
Bronze. In 2000 at the Sidney Games,
Jamalca
debut at the 1970 Central American and Caribbean Games in Panama City, Panama when he made it to the 100 meters final.
KENT BERNARD Trinidad and Tobago
GREGOBY HAUGHTOI{
thereby
credit two individual Al the Barcelona Games silver in the 100 and 200 the best ever single by an English-speaking Cuthbert became lhe woman to actually more games, not having in her first Games, in she was just 1 5 years.
JAMESBECKFORD
internalional debut in weightlifling at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Guatemala, in 1950. The next year he went on lo the Pan American Games and placed second to John Davis of the United States in the heavyweighl division. In 1952 he won the bronze at the Helsinki Olympics, Finland. He tinally gave up competitive lifting after the 1 956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, where he placed sixth in his event.
-,Special .lfillotniunt Edition
prevented him from winning
a medal for
his
country on that occasion.
In 1975 Crawford won lor his country a silver medal at the Pan American Games in Mexico. The following year at the
1976
Monkeal Olympic Games, Crawlord proudly captured the Gold medal. 1978 he was a member of the team that won a gold medal in the 4x100 metres relay at the Central American and Caribbean Games held in Medellin, Colombia. Crawford was the third Trinidadian to compete in three Olympic games, but the only one to attend Jour, as he went on lo Moscow and Los Angeles in 1980 and 1984.
ln
COOKE
KilOWLES The Bahamas Cooke and Knowles won Bronze for The Bahamas in the Open Star event at the 1964 Olympic Games held in Tokyo.
Paul Keens-Douglas fiom p.126
A: lVell, I don't know . . penon in spite of all the work independent.
I
people to speak on your behalf is a very ticklish thing.
I am a very private I
do out there. I'm very
am not a group person.
I am more
an
When you
set up
your own s)stem, you are in charge
of it and you know what's happening go and do another man'sjob
-
it
is
-
even if you have to
your qntem, and at the
observer. Groups force you into certain pattems of
end of the day you get the job done. We shouldn't have to
behaviour because you have to fit in. You tend to stick out
do that, but the present day q.stem has so many blocks,
ifyou are not doing what the group
is
backgroundandthe struggle with thewor\
very focused, very independent, very private, very organised. I have plans for the next ten yea^rs on what I want to do. That
is the
slows you down and you don't produce.
doing. Because ofmy I have become
only way you can survive becarxe
it
I r le talk about the one market economy, and have telling pmple this for so long, but we can't W*.n give them adate. We
This
is
what we are
can'tsayitwill happenin September.
ryingto
do
now. We try to say, keep
you get pulled in so marry directiorx. There are so many
educatingpeople about this thing but sometimes they get
distr:actions. I am syrnpathetic with marry artistes who want
H
to stay focused, because of the issue of money, trying to
So you have to come up
rrnke it, and things changing a^re
so
rapidly around them, they
not sure where to stay. So we end up with a lot of
confused musicians and poets - people call themselve
rap, stort'tellen and calypsoniarx.
Th.y are all
s
dub,
tp andtheysay, wellwekrowthat
Irt's
say
Mom
*ith
already, butwhen?
even one thing happening.
of movement - one pasqport. That
would move the whole thing forward; but it must be perceived to be happening.
[,ook at some islands for irstance, some of them say
shifting,
ifyou
you have to have workpermits, some say no workpermits,
have a clear focus and something to achieve, you don't
they can't mahe up their minds. So, you waste a lot oftime
have that problem because you are moving steadily
trying to promote
towards a goal. Things around you would just be litde
working, andthat will move everythingforward. Youcan
trying to survive and trying to make it to the top. Buq
it . I alwap
say, let's get one thing
It happened! It's happening right
stumbling blocks, but you lmow beyond that where you
alwap
want to go since you are alwals focused.
now in all the islands, that means that other things will also
)\ fly advice to young artistes is to pick a path, / V Loy focr.rsed on what you want to achieve down
happen.
the road and alwa;a
say, you see that?
keepitin sight, no matterwhatyou are
doing. You cannot suddenly switch couses in mid strearn
- today you're a dirty artiste, tomorrow do clean work People
see
you in both areas
so
you
set
up a contradiction.
You can't serve two masters and be stong in a small society. Ifyou do a good show for chiidren today, then the
Anthony Pantin. continued from p.175 Archbishop Pantin served as President of the
next day those same children see you downtown jumping and waving or wining or getting on bad, you think
it
alright because they are small, but it's not zurd you have to mal<e a choice. It's either one or the
time ago to focus because
other. I chose a long
I figured that my
clean, was cool, was children.
Caribbean Conference ofChurches (1977-8l); member
is
audience was
I dont do dirtyjokes. I am
of
the Secretariat for Christian Unity in the Vatican City
of the Antilles Episcopal He was instrumental in the
(1971-81): and hesident Conference (1979-83).
formation of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) and
in a
number of orgarrisatiors
very conscious of my image. I've lought a long time to
was actively involved
maintain it.
induding, the Leprosy Relief Association and AuxiJiary
I now do
zrn moving now into motivationa.l speaking so a lot of management
I
Child Care Association. Made
training programmes. All the
a Fellow,
in
honoris caus4 of the College
of
1982, he was also presented with
snrf I've done helps me in that area because I already have
Precepton, I-ondon
the image. People tnrst you to come and talk to *reir
Trinidad and Tobago's Republic Day Award liom
(CBT!
employees, and you should honour that trust becau-se they
Citizens fora Bexer Trinidad and Tbbago
have no gua.rantee what would be said in the heat of the
contribution to the spiritual upliforrent of the society. He
moment. These dals one has to be politically correct, there
was also chosen by that same insdnrtion as Trinidad and
is a lot sensitivity about racism and e*rnicity vr sending
Tobago's Personality of the 20e Cennrry.
()aricont Persptctirc ]
90
-
SPdal 'llilhutiun Edition
for his