AS QUESTIONS PROLIFERATE, imagine being able to pose some of them to United States (US) President Barack Obama.
For instance: are Bajans, especially young people, lukewarm to launching business enterprises at home and abroad? Are West Indians in the US failing to pull their weight in their country’s economic and political life? Should the Republican-dominated US Congress in Washington continue to block comprehensive immigration reform on the grounds that major changes to the nation’s laws would give “illegals”, Bajans, Haitians, Jamaicans, Guyanese and Trinidadians among them, an open door to flood the country?
If given the opportunity, Obama’s answers would amount to an emphatic no. For as a previous White House occupant did, Obama, quite correctly, extolled the virtues and the contributions of people from the islands and coastal states every year at this time. He issues a proclamation heralding Caribbean Heritage Month in June, drawing national attention to the contributions of West Indians to the economic and social vibrancy of the US.
In the process, he made it clear West Indians aren’t slackers who sit on their hands and do nothing in or out of business, the classroom, government or in neighbourhoods.
“For centuries, Americans have been united with our Caribbean neighbours, not just by friendship and economic cooperation, but also by common values and ties of kin,” was the way he put it in his 2015 proclamation.
“From a region of extraordinary beauty, generations of immigrants have brought enormous spirit, unique talents and vibrant culture to the United States. Their contributions have enriched our nation and strengthened the deep bonds between our peoples. This month, we celebrate the Caribbean-Americans whose legacies are woven into the fabric of our nation.”
Well said. Little wonder, then, that he went on to articulate a desire to help Caribbean youths interested in opening their own businesses back home.
“As millions of Caribbean-Americans continue to innovate and thrive in the United States, my administration is committed to lifting up hard-working individuals through the Caribbean and partnering with governments to build the foundation for the next century,” he said.
“We are investing in young business leaders and civil society activists, working to expand what is possible for the next generation of Caribbean leaders and supporting entrepreneurship, student exchanges, and more effective job training.”
The Heritage Month celebrations are a deserving fixture on America’s national calendar and it owes its origins to US lawmakers who attended the annual Caribbean Multi-National Business Conference in different parts of the region, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, and St Lucia included.
Caribbean immigrants have been coming to the US for centuries, helping the American colonies to fight against English colonial domination in the 18th century. For instance, Crispus Attucks, the son of Barbadian soil, was the first casualty of the war of independence. Turn the pages of history to the Carolinas where white and black Barbadians left an imprint on the geography, governance and the economy of Charleston and other parts of the US south, so much so that later this year their roles will be acknowledged during a series of special activities in which Irving Burgie, the author of the words of the Barbados National Anthem, will participate.
Another early iconic figure was Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the US Treasury. He was from Nevis. Much later Marcus Garvey, the Jamaica-born iconic figure, led the largest economic, social and political mass movement of blacks in the 20th century. Then there was Prince Hall of the Masonic Lodge which bears his name. The Barbadian was one of the strongest advocates of the education of blacks.
Several weeks ago, Eric Holder, the son of Barbadians, stepped down after six succcessful years as America’s Attorney General. His name too must be added to the list of formidable public servants Obama had in mind when he said that today’s Caribbean-Americans “have followed in the footsteps of their ancestors, joining the chorus of patriots and carrying forward the batons of justice from the battlefield and the outfield”.
The president has insisted that “Caribbean-Americans strenghten every aspect of our society” and, as he did recently in Jamaica, he looked to the future with high hopes for business and the youth.
“We are investing in young business leaders and civil society activists, working to expand what is possible for the next generation of Caribbean leaders, and supporting entrepreneurship, student exchanges, and more effective job training,” he said. “With new partnerships, we are helping to move the region toward clearer and more effective energy.”
Caribbean cultural industries aren’t being ignored. The rich heritage as refelected in literature, music, dance, diverse languages, cultural festivals like CropOver and carnival, are very much on the agenda of every West Indian community in the US. Caribbean business enterpriese are an important part of that heritage.