The Caribbean must remain at the cutting edge

The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies, (AFUWI) demonstrated that the future of the Caribbean lies in the hands of the younger generation, as the foundation hosted its annual event at the SUNY Global Center, in Manhattan, last Friday evening. This comes as the organization marks the 75th anniversary of the University of the West Indies (UWI), while also acknowledging the end of celebration for Caribbean American Heritage Month for 2023.

The organization sponsored an evening, which captured the historic memories of great Caribbean scholars who have established prominence in academia, in America, Europe and the Caribbean. The eventful occasion was also to raise funds for young Caribbean students attending the University of the West Indies, but are struggling financially, and for fellow Caribbean people to use as a guide for regional development in the 21st century in the Caribbean Community. A panel of illustrious Caribbean educators and leading New York City politician helped to mark the finale of the celebration and called for this development for CARICOM.

Keynote speaker for the evening, the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Percival James Patterson, (going virtual) credited and laid the foundation by explaining the work and participation of Caribbean people to the global community for centuries. The former prime minister revealing to the audience those fellow Caribbean nationals past and present who have helped modernize the United States.

Attorney Patterson outlined all spheres of development that was or established through the work of Caribbean people in the United States and Europe. He elaborated on the excellence that never diminished even though challenging times, stating that academic achievement in the cultural arts, internet and climate change were always feasible ways for the Caribbean people. The event was later opened after Patterson’s speech for a discussion with noted Caribbean educators, and New York State Senator, Kevin Parker.

Retired Professor of Political Science in the Graduate School of the University of New York, Dr. Jacqueline Braveboy-Wagner one of the evening’s presenters, said the Caribbean Heritage Month needs to be commemorated and there is a need for regionalism in the Caribbean. She noted also that the Caribbean needs to know “what is our place in the world, we are citizens of the global south,” Dr. Braveboy-Wagner added. The former professor also acknowledged the work of the Foundation of the University of the West Indies and stated that the organization continue to help fund students who are interested in the humanities, immigration, and climate change.

Another panelist, participating in the joint effort to maximize the work of the Foundation and to recognize the Caribbean’s contribution to the United States was Dr. Jermaine McCalpin, associate professor and chair of African and African American studies at New Jersey City University. In his argument, Dr. McCalpin said that the Caribbean has a tangible space that is found everywhere in the world. Pointing out also that the contribution of the Caribbean to America is found in all areas, but the most dynamic is its human resources, “wherever you turn the Caribbean is dominant,” he said. According to professor McCalpin, the dominance is most notable in the areas of culture, politics, and economics.

New York State Senator, Kevin Parker in his contribution to the panel, acknowledged the celebration of the Caribbean Heritage Month as value to the significance of the Caribbean people in America. He called for action to be developed enabling a CARICOM identity. Senator Parker told the audience to “take advantage of the time now because change is not going to last, climate change will affect the Caribbean,” he noted. The senator noted the need for one Caribbean to move forward. “We must know what organization is at the conference table to discuss oil and the economy…the conversation is an opportunity to be energy conscious, and be aware of climate change,” he commented.

Dr. Zulema Blair, who moderated panel discussion is a professor and chairperson of the nationally ranked Department of Public Administration at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, in Brooklyn. She highlighted the significance of the Caribbean human capital towards the development of America and said there must now be repayment or recompence through the development of the young people.