The Reparations Issue: in simple language

Greetings,

Fourteen Caricom (Caribbean Community) countries in the Caribbean Region have approached Britain, France, and The Netherlands for reparations.

14 Caribbean nations sue Britain, Holland and France for slavery reparations that could cost hundreds of billions of pounds - The Daily Mail, Thursday 10 October, 2013

I am in support of the claim for reparations by the fourteen Caricom countries. I believe, however, that the argument for reparations to compensate for slavery is only  part of a bigger issue which is relevant to the position of the Caribbean Region today. 

The histories of the islands in the West Indies and the wider Caribbean are unique, so I will not write about the islands of which I am not very familiar. This post is based on what I know about the history of Jamaica from what I have read, learnt about first hand by those who experienced living in colonial Jamaica, and what I have experienced in independent Jamaica to support my position.

I wish to point out that I am not a historian, and will not be using facts and figures unless it is absolutely necessary. I apologize for any errors made.

The Spanish first arrived in Jamaica in 1494. The influence of the Spanish still exists in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

The Spanish were defeated by the British in 1655, then colonized Jamaica which lasted for 307 years.

The reason for colonizing Jamaica was to obtain its natural resources, use its lands for
production, and use its native people for cheap labour in order to develop Britain. This placed Britain in the position to have the best of both worlds at the expense of Jamaica.

There was never any intention to develop Jamaica or use its export/import trading systems for the benefit of the indigenous people. The best ground provisions, citrus fruits, bananas, cattle, lumber, and other natural resources, were shipped off to Britain in no small quantity. What was not wanted for export to Britain was left for the local Jamaican market. 

Jamaica was flooded with imports from Britain. The interesting thing was that some of the imports were made with raw materials that originated from Jamaica. The cost of some of the products were usually out of the reach of native Jamaicans.

The Jamaican social structure was based on colour. The black Jamaican majority were, more often than not, limited in terms of advancement up the social ladder. The Indian population were recruited from India to Jamaica as indentured labourers. The Chinese people were 'invited' from Hong Kong to be merchants in Jamaica and to provide provisions for the British, and the Jamaican people. The Middle East population were merchants and involved in various businesses. The mixed race population in Jamaica (termed the mulatto by the British), considered themselves superior to the black majority by virtue of their colour, and was the group of choice of the British colonizers.

Education was available, but was often limited in terms of reaching the high school level (especially the traditional high schools) and beyond, for the black population.

Governance was based on the Westminster model to promote British interests.

The whole infrastructure of Jamaica from the days of slavery, a colony, to independence, was never intended to bring about its economic development . The tragedy of this is that a certain mindset was formed, and seeds sown, in some quarters of Jamaica to maintain the status quo, and to keep Jamaica in perpetual, persistent poverty, and economic struggle. Today, the problem has, and still requires much determination to overcome. 

Payment of reparations would only be a start in creating a new history. Repairing the damage of 307 years of exploitation is the task that lies before Jamaica.

The fourteen Caricom countries will be able to relate to the historical journey of Jamaica through their own histories. 

The fourteen Caricom countries are not asking Britain, France, and The Netherlands for any favours.

It is what they are owed.


Peace



Grace  



PS.
While preparing to write this post, I understand the payment of reparations from Britain is unlikely. In light of this decision, I trust note will be taken of its past history with the Caribbean, as the Caribbean takes note of its history, and its present position.

As we move forward, let us not forget, three hundred and seven years was a very long time.

Note:

I have written briefly on a very small part of the history of Jamaica. To learn more I recommend 'The Story of the Jamaican People' by Philip Sherlock and Hazel Bennett (Ian Randle Publishers, Kingston, Jamaica).  

Hail to the African slave ancestors

Greetings, 

The City of Liverpool celebrated Slavery Remembrance Day.

Liverpool Marks Slavery Remembrance Day - The Voice, Monday September 9, 2013

This is a remarkable achievement for those citizens of Liverpool who are the proud descendants of African slaves. Africans who were captured by the slave traders, transported by ship through the Middle Passage, and survived the journey to Liverpool with its prosperous trading port, to be used as free labour.

It is also an achievement for the indigenous people of Liverpool to recognize that their city owes much to the African slaves. African slaves who by blood, sweat, tears, and even death, contributed to the economic development of their great city which stands tall today.

My late mother, and I, went on a trip to Liverpool to see The Liverpool Garden Festival in the 1980's. The trip was on a very warm summer's day. We travelled by train from Birmingham, changed trains at Crewe, in Cheshire, then continued on to Liverpool. It was a very long journey.

On travelling through the Liverpool Lime Street Station tunnel, it seemed like it was about one mile long.  The structure of the tunnel consisted of very large, almost boulder size, well cut stones. It may well have taken many years to build.  

The section of the city I saw, had very large historical buildings which truly captured the grandeur, and enormous wealth the City of Liverpool had gained during a former time in history.

The sight of the River Mersey made me wonder if the remains of any of my African slave ancestors were buried beneath the waters.

The high point of the day was seeing The Garden Festival's exquisite flower arrangements.   Various species of plants, and flowers with beautiful colours, were displayed. 

Organizations were represented at The Garden Festival too, particularly, The Royal Navy Lifeboat Institute (RNLI). The objective of the RNLI is to rescue those in difficulty at sea.

I am happy that the City of Liverpool has a day to celebrate Slavery Remembrance Day.
I am happy that the 'labour' of the African slave ancestors has not been in vain, but is remembered, and celebrated, by those who are their descendants, and those who are not.

May the spirit of our African slave ancestors live on within us.

Peace

Grace

Ethnic Minorities in the UK

Greetings,

A very interesting report on the progress of ethnic minorities in the UK.

See: Race in Britain 2012: Has life changed for ethnic minorities? - The Independent, Sunday January 8, 2012

Well, I am pleased to learn of the improvements in terms of the opportunities and achievements of the ethnic communities in general, and the African/Caribbean community in particular. On the other hand, as always, there is still a long way to go.

So, as the above report speaks for itself, and this issue will, no doubt, continue to revolve, I will make this post short, and close with a message.

To the ethnic minorities in the UK:

in the spirit of peace -  keep moving forward

if it is said you cannot achieve your dream - do it anyway

if it is said you do not have the ability to accomplish your ambition(s) - defy the odds

if obstacles are in your way - negotiate them

if your situation looks negative - think positive

if you are 'encouraged' to accept the words "No, you can't" - always convert them to "Yes, I can"

if your skin colour becomes an issue to others - you must remain 'colour-blind'

if it is believed that your race does not 'fit' - exalt it highly, and regard it as a valuable blessing to society.

Race and culture complements everything we do. This goes for ALL races and cultures.

Only YOU can determine YOUR altitude. 

Keep the faith. Remain positive. Continue to climb. Always rise.


Peace, love, respect every time.

Grace

 
PS. Sorry, could not connect link for report. Please go to the website.   






 

Air Passenger Duty: the added passenger depression

Greetings,

As if absence from family and friends in the Caribbean was not heartbreaking enough, here comes the Air Passenger Duty (APD), or what I describe as the 'added passenger depression'. 

Air Passenger Duty: 'Stinging us for everything we've got' - The Gleaner, Thursday April 18, 2013

This tax has made it difficult (to put it mildly) for persons to visit Caribbean islands, and/or, visit family 'back home'. I appreciate the necessity for additional tax measures in the UK. However, in my view, this additional tax could be counterproductive.

Here is a little history.

I remember the time when it seemed like it took for ever and a day for my parents to receive a letter, or a reply, from the Caribbean to learn of the latest happenings 'at home', as well as to know how loved ones were doing. I believe this was pretty much the case for Caribbean people generally, in the early days of the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK. When homesickness set in, or to get a social/emotional release from the stress of living and working in the UK, there was only one thing for it, if one could do so - find an aeroplane and go home! 
For some, this was possible, but it took great financial sacrifice. For others, it was not possible. All they could do to cope was to live on a prayer one day at a time, and trust that one day they would see their fair Caribbean isle once again. This was my parents' situation.

It is a fact that communication is much faster now with the use of mobile/cell phones, email, and all the rest of it. Nevertheless, there are times when people want to actually meet and relate to those special persons in their lives. 

I believe, with the difficulties that exist in terms of financial constraints, the high cost of travel to the Caribbean now combined with the APD to visit the respective homeland within the region, may have a negative social/emotional impact on the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK. 

A holiday is important for everyone. Moreover, holidaying 'back home' has greater significance. It gives those who live away from their homeland, and their children born in the UK, an opportunity to reunite with their roots, culture, friends, and family, then return to the host country refreshed and more productive. 

It is well known that the Caribbean Diaspora has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the UK. As simple as this may sound, enabling the Caribbean Diaspora to keep social/emotional linkages with the Caribbean Region, will most likely help this group to continue its role.

Let the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK stay connected to the Caribbean Region.

Respect,

Grace

PS. Must read article published 2014:  UK TO REDUCE APD ON CARIBBEAN FLIGHTS

Controversy: Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano

Greetings,

Controversy has arisen in the UK regarding plans to remove the histories of Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano from the British National Curriculum. According to reports, British children will learn about traditional historical figures such as Oliver Cromwell and Winston Churchill. The histories of Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano will be options. 

Erased From History: Seacole Could Be Wiped From Schoolbooks - The Voice, Monday January 14. 2013

I remember, to some extent, my history lessons at high school in the UK. The teacher (a very knowledgeable gentleman on his subject matter) who taught my class history, spoke at length about the Vikings, William the Conqueror, Wars of the Roses, Henry the VIII, The Battle of Hastings (1066), The Domesday Book,  Bayeux Tapestry, Magna Carta,The Duke of Wellington, the Battle of Waterloo, Lord Horatio Nelson, the Battle of Trafalgar, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake, Queen Elizabeth I, The Spanish Armada, Oliver Cromwell, The Reformation, and other British historical figures, sites and events.


Gove faces war with equality activists as he axes Labour's PC curriculum that dropped greatest figures from history lessons - Mail Online, Saturday December 29, 2012

I must say though, in all fairness, the history lessons were very interesting and very informative. However, as a curious twelve-year-old British born Jamaican pupil listening to the information being imparted to me, in my mind were the questions: Where do I fit in to all of this? Who in British history represents me?  

'You should be concerned' - Jamaica Observer, Tuesday January 15, 2013

 Don't Consign Mary Seacole to history, Michael Gove is urged - The Independent, Friday January 04, 2013

My parents had experienced a different kind of history. Later on in their lives they learned some of their true African/Caribbean history. They told me as much as they could about British colonialism, and slavery. I was told also about my connection to the African ancestors who were captured in their West Africa homeland by the slave traders. They were shipped to Britain, Europe, North America, and the West Indies, to be sold and used as a slave workforce. I mention this because it is important to bear in mind that in my parents' day, Jamaican schoolchildren living in colonial Jamaica, were taught about Queen Victoria, William Wilberforce, David Livingstone, and Florence Nightingale.

In a peculiar kind of way, it is possible that history may repeat itself.

Readers who may not have a clue about Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano, and their relevance to Black History (Africa/Caribbean) AND British History, please click on the following:

Mary Seacole  

Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands, by Mary Seacole   

Olaudah Equiano

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, The African, by Olaudah Equiano

Please see petition to retain Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano in the British National Curriculum, on the Operation Black Vote website

Blessings,

Grace 

P.S: since this posting,  "VICTORY! MARY SEACOLE STAYS ON THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM"         (see press for details)    

To the black-led churches in the UK: Don't just sit around and mope - VOTE!

Greetings,

Interesting report on the black-led churches in the UK and British politics (see BBC News UK - "Black-led churches to wake 'sleeping giant' of British politics",13 October, 2012).

The Church of God movement played a large part in my childhood and young adulthood in the UK. My mother and father were committed Christians and members of the movement from their youth in Jamaica. Their commitment continued when they migrated to England.

From my experience, black-led churches, of which The New Testament Church of God is the largest body, have always been well aware of the political and social issues which concern the black community. This has been the case since the early 1950's. 

Now there appears to be an even greater political awareness in the church, especially among the younger generation. In spite of this, there seems to be the view, that because of limited or no-action taken by successive governments on issues affecting the black community, apathy, reluctance, and even a complete refusal to vote has set in. This position not to vote, is a position, of no constructive use whatsoever. In my opinion, for some members of the  black-led churches/black community to refuse to exercise their constitutional and civic right to vote is akin to allowing the powers that be to do whatever they wish with the black population. For years certain Members of Parliament elected to represent their constituencies, which often had a large black community within it, struggled to achieve their objectives while negotiating the obstacles they encountered along the way. By not voting, it is saying, in effect, that efforts by those Members of Parliament to win equal rights and opportunities for not only black people, but for all their constituents, was all for nothing.  

I believe, today, more than ever, the leadership and the congregations of the black-led churches in the UK are in a position to influence, and impact, the political process. This is possible based on: (1) the Christian principles which form the foundation of these churches, and with increased knowledge, creates a platform for learning, understanding, clear thinking, and rational discussion of  emotive political/social issues upon which informed decisions can be made: (2) the black-led churches/black community's refusal to yield to the expectation of non-achievement, lack of progress, and/or to be static; (3) history will prove that the black vote, collectively, has had a significant impact on the outcome of general elections in the UK.

The black-led churches can learn lessons from its early pioneers. West Indians migrated from the Caribbean to England in the 1950's and 1960's on the ship 'Windrush', the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), and the British West Indian Airways (BWIA), bringing their faith with them. Once they understood the political and social environment that they were in, they did not allow what was happening around them prevent their participation in what could help to make their lives better. They did not find an excuse not to participate in elections as long as they were able to do so, However, the pioneers may well have suspected, at times, that their vote was of more benefit to others than themselves. 

Nevertheless, their contribution to change and progress is recorded in the annals of British history.

Now, it is up to the black community and black-led churches of today, to take up the mantle.
This is why I give my full support to Bishop Jonathan Jackson of the New Testament Church of God, Ladywood, Birmingham, England,  who "believes it is a 'Christian duty' for his congregation to vote" (see above link to BBC News UK report). 

Passivity will never achieve anything. Church, are you aware of the fact that you are a unifying and influential force that can create change? Do you know that the church congregation, and in particular the committed believers,  has a responsibility to the government of the country? Let me explain in simple terms. In the Bible it is clearly stated in First Peter Chapter two versus 13 to 17 (1st Peter 2:13-17) that the citizens in the church body should do what is expected of them such as paying taxes, obeying the law, praying for the government to make the right decisions so that we can all live a peaceful life (believe it or not), and, yes folks, cast the vote.  

Imagine if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not take a stand for civil rights, and did not decide to fight against segregation, but just accept the status quo. Think about it. (see link: Martin Luther King's Speech - 'I have a dream')


Regardless of the frustrations, and lack of progress on issues, it is crucial that the citizens in the black-led churches,and the black community, make their 'voices' heard. Just complaining about the situation, faultfinding, and making excuses to do nothing is counterproductive, and a hindrance to the individual, and the advancement of the society. So please, use the power that you have. Take part in the political process. Do not waste time and mope. Exercise your right  to vote!

Happy 2013.

Blessings,  

Grace  

PS. For those still not in the know, please take note of Operation Black Vote