Interesting and thinking out loud!

As our government continues to explore a closer relationship to countries in Africa, it might serve us well to pay attention to the information that’s being revealed in social media on the culture and beliefs of that side of the world. There is no doubt that we were brainwashed by the colonial masters back then and all for selfish reasons. Oh how that class society that they introduced still has a negative impact on us all. The politicians, have learnt that method well, and in a similar manner, are keeping people sub-servient and satisfied to continue to eat from their hands.

But as knowledge increase and more young Grenadians are attending universities it is our hope that one day we shall see books with correct information on our history that will help to break down barriers; to get rid of speculation and to really understand the different parts of the Caribbean man.

Couple weeks ago a short African video went viral showing a character similar to what we call Jab Jab portraying the devil entering a human being. It may still be online. Shouldn’t that help us to understand and motivate us to get to the real root of some of the customs we have inherited? It may not have been a good reason to boast that we have Jab in Parliament especially in a public forum with visitors from abroad. This could have been embarrassing.

Another very interesting video nicely put together and narrated by Journalist Cleoptra Mukula, was in circulation this week, showing Juneteenth being commemorated for the first time outside of the United States, in Ghana. The occasion brought together leaders, dignitaries and members of the African Diaspora in a ceremony that connected slavery beginnings on African shores to the celebration of freedom generations later.

Hosted by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama the event brought together distinguished guests from across Africa and the Caribbean Islands including the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley. Juneteenth is marked every year on June 19 since 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans learned that they were free.

But in Ghana the observance carried a deeper meaning. Delegates walked through the corridors and dungeons of Osu Castle -one of the sites connected to the translantic slave trade, where African people were held before being forced unto ships bound for the Americas. A powerful presentation with captured people in shackles devoid of vulgarity or obscenities, brought the past into sharp focus recounting the harsh realities of slavery more than 400 years ago. From cramped holding cells to the separation of families and the loss of freedom, the experience served as a moving reminder of the human cost of one of history’s greatest injustices.

The ceremony was not only of remembering the past, it was about honouring resilience, celebrating freedom and strengthening bonds between Africa and its global diaspora. As voices from across the continent gathered at this historic site, the message was clear- it was a powerful reminder that history, remembrance and hope remain deeply connected.

So as we strive to get it right, let’s not forget that according to history, when the British won the Grenadines from France through war, they banned all things French?  Didn’t that give rise to the French people quickly converting their words to English which is what is being referred to as “Broken English” because of the difference in the construction of the words in the two languages?

Instead of paying homage to our French ancestors, who were the first to bring slaves here, they were shunned. So there is always that missing piece in understanding ourselves as a people and finding the source of the way we do the things we do. It was certainly a wise choice to place the book ‘Our Heritage’ on the schools’ curriculum maybe since the days of the Federation. But sadly, it seems that students are not taught how to apply what is learnt in schools in their everyday life. They seem to think that school is for passing exams.

When some topics are raised for discussion, some people may even refer to the discussion as “primary school thing.” But people who were blessed to know Local historian –George Brizan as an educator, would know how he encouraged students to dissect their parts culturally, in a bid to understand themselves. This, he felt was necessary to chart a way forward. In one of his books he even looked at cross-breeding which gave rise to the Douglar people in the Caribbean.

Then again our national dish -Oil Down, is said to have originated from West Africa. That maybe the source of confusion with Saffron and Turmeric, because Turmeric was brought here by the Indians. Once Captain Bligh was successful in introducing breadfruit to our part of the world, the Africans who were sold into slavery most likely recognised it and started to use it in their cuisine. Saffron is very expensive and would not have been readily available to them; so it had to be substituted. What do we see in our National Dish – a mixture of African and Indian.

Isn’t it time too for our national wear to be all inclusive, designed in a way to respect all the races who have given rise to who we are as a people?

The post Interesting and thinking out loud! appeared first on Grenadian Voice.