Culture-Zine

The Insider ~~Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication~~ Volume 1, Issue 6, April 2022 Greetings Patrons, Partners and Friends, In coordination with the introduction of our website, www.caribbeanvillageusa.com, we are transitioning \"The CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Insider\" from a newsletter to a \"Culture-Zine\" , as opposed to merely an E-Zine. We are making this change because of our focus on the \"intra-diversity\" of Caribbean Culture and because of the volume and format of our publication. Our intra-diversity as a people was also addressed in the February 2022 [Issue 4], in the “Kahila’s Taste” segment, where it was stated that, “Caribbean people are NOT a monolith. …We are similar but not the same”. As we state in each issue of The Insider, our objective is to educate, inspire and entertain our readers as we present content that is of interest to:  The Caribbean diaspora, in particular, as well as,  A multi-cultural diaspora, and also  The Caribbean Enthusiast - anyone who is interested in the Caribbean Experience The FOUNDER’S Notes Greetings TO ALL!!! I am delighted that you are back with us and we hope you continue to come back each month. This month we are featuring the Beautiful islands of the Lucayan Archipelago known as The BAHAMAS! Inside, we have a conversation and an interview with a local Bahamian entrepreneur, on page 7 and SO MUCH MORE!!! Let’s GO….

Table of Contents Volume 1, Issue 6, April 2022 Page 1: Welcome and The Founder’s Notes Page 2: Table of Contents Page 3: The Bahamian Flag & Coat of Arms, A Few Interesting Facts Page 5: Bahamian Culture, History, Environment Page 7: A BAHAMIAN in Pittsburgh Page 11: GASTRO CARIBE Page 14: Kahila’s Taste Page 17: Caribbean News Page 21: Book of the Month Page 22: Trinidad and Tobago ~ A Historical Perspective Page 25: Belize ~ A Historical Perspective Page 28: The VEXILLOLOGY Page 29: COME VISIT CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Page 30: Caribbean Village OFFER Page31: Business Partner & Client Support Pages Page 34: Bahamas Youth Coloring Page Page 35: Back Page In this Newsletter, where you see >>>> , it indicates there is MORE to Read and Learn and a LINK is provided. To open the links in this Newsletter, simply CLICK the Link

The Bahamian Flag and Coat of Arms The symbolism of the flag is as follows: Black represents the vigor and force of a united people. The triangle pointing towards the body of the flag represents the enterprise and determination of The Bahamian people to develop and possess the rich resources of sun and sea symbolized by gold and aquamarine respectively. Coat of Arms The Bahamas’ coat of arms is a composition of things indigenous to these islands, while the motto “Forward Upward Onward Together” heralds to the direction and manner in which the Bahamian nation should move.   The crest of the arms, a light pink conch shell, symbolizes the marine life of The Bahamas. The top of the crest is composed of wavy green palm fronds, symbolic of the natural vegetation. The Santa Maria, flagship of Christopher Columbus, appears on the shield of the coat of arms. Wavy barrulets of blue symbolize the waters of The Bahamas.

The shield is charged with a resplendent or radiant sun to signify the world-famous balmy resort climate, and it also connotes the bright future of these islands. A flamingo, the national bird, and a silvery blue marlin support the shield. The national motto is draped across the base. The shield is charged with a resplendent or radiant sun to signify the world-famous balmy resort climate, and it also connotes the bright future of these islands. A flamingo, the national bird, and a silvery blue marlin support the shield. The national motto is draped across the base.   The shield is charged with a resplendent or radiant sun to signify the world-famous balmy resort climate, and it also connotes the bright future of these islands. A flamingo, the national bird, and a silvery blue marlin support the shield. The national motto is draped across the base. Interesting Facts about The BAHAMAS Although considered part of the Caribbean, the archipelago that makes up The Bahamas lies in the Atlantic, just 50 miles off the eastern coast of Florida. The GPS coordinates of Lucayan Archipelago, Bahamas are 23.6889° N, 75.3313° W. The Bahamas is plural for a reason — there are approximately 700 islands, plus 2,500 cays scattered across 100,000 square miles of Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas has 16 major islands that are available for international tourism. They are: 1. The Abacos 14. Ragged Island 2. Acklins & Crooked Island 15. Rum Cay 3. Andros 16. San Salvador 4. The Berry Islands 5. Bimini 6. Cat Island 7. Eleuthera & Harbour Island 8. The Exumas 9. Grand Bahama Island 10.Inagua 11.Long Island 12.Mayaguana 13.Nassau & Paradise Island

Bahamian CULTURE The Bahamas has a unique and colorful culture which has evolved over generations, comprising a mixture of mostly African, combined with some British and American influences. Celebration and community are foundational to Bahamian culture, with art, cuisine, music and dance being important components. The Bahamas has a number of annual cultural festivals, with Junkanoo being the largest and most popular. Nothing is more indigenous and unique to Bahamian culture than Junkanoo. It is a festive parade complete with colorful costumes and headdresses, goatskin drums, clanging cowbells, whistles and horns that takes place on both, Boxing Day and on New Year’s Day. Paraders “rush” in organized groups and are judged on costume theme and performance in a competition which captures the spirit of all Bahamians at this very special time of the year. Travelers seeking an authentic and immersive Bahamian experience can participate in the People-to-People program, an opportunity for visitors to be matched with a Bahamian volunteer for a day or evening activity during which they can learn about the country and the culture from the locals who know it best. The Commonwealth of The Bahamas was originally settled in the ninth century by Lucayan Indians. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on Guanahani, later naming it San Salvador. Conquistadors soon followed in pursuit of gold, killing off the Lucayans with disease, enslavement and hardship. English settlers arrived in 1648 in search of religious freedom and named the island on which they landed Eleuthera — from the Greek word for freedom. During the late 1600s to early 1700s — the age of piracy — the shallow waters of The Bahamas made great hiding places for treasure, attracting many privateers and pirates, including Edward Teach better known as Blackbeard and Calico Jack Rackham. After several years of unstable rule, The Islands of The Bahamas became a Crown Colony, and Captain Woodes Rogers was appointed the first Royal Governor. During the American Revolution, the islands fell to Spain and were not restored to Great Britain until 1783. British Loyalists soon emigrated to The Islands of The Bahamas, many bringing enslaved Africans with them. A slave-free society was declared in 1834 by the British Emancipation Act. A four-year apprenticeship period was introduced with full emancipation of slaves coming in 1838 at the end of the apprenticeship period. After nearly 325 years of peaceful British rule, on 10 July 1973, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas declared its independence. The Bahamas now has a parliamentary democracy and a Governor General as head of state.

The Bahamian Environment The weather in The Bahamas is pleasant year round, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees (26 to 32 degrees Celsius) during the summer and averages a comfortable 70 degrees (21 degrees Celsius) in the winter. This always-balmy weather means that The Bahamas does not really have an off season, although some periods are busier than others. March is historically the busiest month due to spring break travel; however, most visitors come to The Bahamas between the months of March and August. Hurricane season in The Bahamas runs from 1 June to 30 November. In the event of a hurricane, one or more islands may be impacted; however, the majority of The Bahamas’ 16 islands will remain available to travelers. COME VISIT, WE WELCOME YOU!!

A BAHAMIAN in Pittsburgh This month CARIBBEAN VILLAGE is honored to have a brief yet meaningful discussion with our local Bahamian Brother, Kendrick Brown., a Gastropreneur and purveyor of Bahamian delicacies. CARIBBEAN VILLAGE presents this opportunity for you to get to know Mr. Brown, his culinary talents and his philosophy via his answers to five questions posed and his revealing answers. As always, we remind our readers, that the goal of the interviews presented in The CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Insider is three faceted:  We aim to edify our readers with informative, useful, little known and perhaps, unsung or undiscovered information about the interviewee.  We aim to delight our readers who are natives of The Bahamas and bring pleasant memories of HOME.  We aim to imbue a curiosity in the reader - to want to learn more about The Bahamas and its people. A BAHAMIAN in Pittsburgh

Legend: CV = CARIBBEAN VILLAGE’S Question KB = Brother Kendrick Brown’s Answer CV: Tell us about your journey and how you happened to arrive in Pittsburgh. KB: I was born in Cat Island, Bahamas. After experiencing the loss of my beloved maternal Grandmother I decided to leave home for both, internal and external exploration. In 1978 I made my next home in the Bahamian community of Coconut Grove, Florida where I grew, leaned and came “into my own”. My youthful wanderlust fueled a few more stops along the way to Pittsburgh via Orlando, Florida and Dallas and Houston, Texas. CV: What are your motivations and what do you bring to the Pittsburgh Caribbean Community scene? KB: In terms of my business, my passion and my talent in the FOOD arena, I am motivated by the memories of what I learned from my Grandmother in her kitchen. Along with her recipes and flavors [some of which I still use to create many of my own recipes], she demonstrated how to treat people like family through “feeding”. For a Chef, your relationship with food represents your energy. For ME, food is fun and a way to connect with people.. Bahamian flavors are exciting! My view is that, “your teeth and tongue should be having a good fight in your mouth!!”, when experiencing Bahamian inspired dishes. To the Pittsburgh Caribbean Community scene, I bring my drive as a Gastropreneur, my love for pleasing the palate with my signature gastronomic creations. I also proudly represent my culture and my U.S. home, the Bahamian community of Coconut Grove, Florida. CV: Can you name an accomplishment of which you are most proud? KB: Well, you know, I view growth as an accomplishment. In that context I can say that I grew from watching others fail by doing too much. I, in no way, mean that as a put down of the efforts of others in their quest for success. In my view, each must target their approach to their own success. Streamline your desires to get exactly what you need to get off the ground and grow from there. That’s what I mean by NOT doing too much. I believe timing is critical to the steps you take. I believe discipline in necessary in keeping with proper timing. One must to resist the excited impulse to do too much, too soon and out of order. Seek spiritual guidance in ordering your steps toward your success. CV: What are your business goals for the future in Pittsburgh?

KB: My business goal is to offer consistently high quality, reasonably priced Bahamian dishes via food truck. Mobile service allows me to “Take it to the People”. I want my supporters to know that they don’t have to go to The Bahamas to get a taste – YOU can get Great Energy, FUN and Pittsburgh’s BEST Bahamian fare in your neighborhood at a reasonable price. point - directly from ME!! CV: How do you summarize your love for your island and people? KB: The best way for me to summarize my love for my island and people is by asking you to take 18 minutes to experience the video below. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=161684319395627 - PROFILES IN BLACK MIAMI 18:02



GASTRO CARIBE This monthly segment offers ISLAND recipes, food talk, serving advice and helpful tips. We always start by defining GASTRONOMY - Gastronomy is the study of the relationship between food and culture, the art of preparing and serving rich or delicate and appetizing food, the cooking styles of particular regions, and the science of good eating.  Fresh seafood is a staple of Bahamian cuisine, with conch dishes playing a particularly big role. Visitors can indulge in specialties, including conch fritters, conch salad [see page 12] and cracked conch, among other favorite dishes. The local spiny lobster and fish such as grouper, yellow tail, wahoo and red snapper are popular on menus in The Bahamas, while traditional side dishes including baked macaroni and cheese and peas and rice complete any meal. Every island in The Bahamas has a Fish Fry, which is usually a collection of street vendors or beach shacks, where some of the best, most authentic cuisine in The Bahamas can be found. National Dish of Bahamas: Cracked Conch with Peas and Rice The conch lies on the bottom of the seabed in big, fluted shells with pink interiors. It may be eaten raw or cooked, but in this particular dish, it is deep-fried. The finished meal looks similar to fried calamari.  It is the only type of seafood that makes use of the special Bajan seasonings - a rub of garlic, pepper, thyme, onion, and marjoram. The rub is then mixed with a batter consisting of flour, beaten eggs, and water. Conch needs to be washed in water and lime juice then beaten with a mallet in order to tenderize the meat.

WHAT YOU NEED: Queen conch flesh (tenderized using a meat mallet) 1 lb Oil for frying water 2-4 cups flour 1 lb black pepper 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. egg (whisked) 1 fresh thyme (minced) 1 tsp. For Bahamian Style Peas and Rice pigeon peas 1 cup water 3 cups rice 1 ½ cups medium onion (diced) 1 tomato paste ½ cup fresh thyme (minced) 2 tsp. slices bacon (diced) 2 ripe tomato (sliced) ½ Salt Pepper WHAT TO DO: For Conch and Tempura Batter 1. Combine flour, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme and water to form a batter. Add a small amount of water at a time to make a thick batter paste. 2. Chop the tenderized conch into 2 inch strips. 3. Coat the strips in tempura batter and deep fry in oil until golden brown. 4. Set aside

For Bahamian Style Peas and Rice 1. Begin by adding the bacon to a pan. Fry until golden brown. 2. Add the sliced tomato, onion, tomato paste, pepper and thyme. Sauté together with the bacon. 3. Add the peas. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. 4. Add 3 cups of water. Stir and bring to a boil. 5. Add the rice, cover and cook on medium heat for about thirty minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. 6. Serve the fried conch with Bahamian style rice and peas.

Discover Bahamian Cuisine - it’s spicy and unique flavor, using all local ingredients. Crack Conch with Peas and Rice is a traditional Bahamian island favorite.

Kahila’s Taste Greetings FRIENDS! As you may already know, the healing ALOE plant thrives in climates such as the Caribbean, as well as, Central and South America. The Aloe Vera plant is actually native to North Africa. It arrived in the Caribbean in the 19th century on trading ships from our Motherland, Africa. This month, I’d like to talk about…  Seven of the places in the Caribbean where you will find variations of this healing cactus  Some healthful benefits of Aloe Vera, and,  A few of the different names used to refer to it ~ Kahila ~ DID YOU KNOW???  The Aloe leaf structure is triple layered and includes the Rind, the Sap, the Mucilage Gel/Aloe Vera. [See page 15, bottom] 1. The Rind is the outer protective layer of the plant 2. The Sap is a layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from being attacked by animals 3. Mucilage Gel is the inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera gel  That Aloe Vera grows easily in Dominica and is one of several crops mentioned in relation to diversifying the Dominican agriculture sector in an attempt to decrease the country’s dependence on bananas  In the Virgin Islands, the external uses of Aloe are numerous. It is used as an emollient, a bath, hair conditioner, and sunscreen. When stewed, aloe has immense benefits to the hair, nails, and especially skin.  In South America, it is often worn as a mosquito repellent, and whole plants, hung upside down are used to repel insects.

 In Curacao, Aloe Vera is known as “SenteBibu” and is credited with long life. The island has many residents that are 100+ years of age. Curacaoans eat the Aloe plant, as well as, apply it topically.  Nearly two-thirds of Aruba’s surface now supports both naturally growing and harvested Aloe Vera. It is no wonder that Aruba is commonly referred to as the “Island of Aloe”. Today, over a century after the first plants were harvested, the island of Aruba remains one of the world's top growers of Aloe Vera.  The Jamaican Tuna plant is a variety of prickly pear cactus. This cactus is native to the Southeastern United States, Mexico and South America, although it now grows in Jamaica, as well as, in other parts of the Caribbean, throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. The fruit, called tunas, are often described as looking like a cross between a strawberry and a fig.  Antigua Cassie is also a Prickly Pear Cactus, locally known as “Cassie”. It is eaten as a healthful vegetable. Antigua promoted the use of more fruits and vegetables in observance of the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021. HEALING PROPERTIES OF ALOE In Caribbean Culture, the gel is used topically in a variety of ways, such as:  To sooth sunburn and as a sunscreen, even treating more serious burns  Soothing cuts & scrapes  Conditioning our hair, nails and skin Some also take Aloe as a DRINK to help soothe the inside of the body. A cool, soothing glass of aloe ‘juice’ can help relieve heartburn and many say it can heal the damage caused by acid reflux. With raw aloe gel, simply blend it up with water and “just like that”, a refreshing, healing Aloe Drink! See image below of “Antigua Cassie” and “Jamaica Tuna”. Same plant called by different name on each island!

“Curacao SenteBibu” Cactus Leaf Layers Aloe Vera contains many vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients that give it many health benefits. Each leaf has three main layers. There is an inner gel containing 99% water, and the remaining part made of amino acids, vitamins and lipids. The middle layer is made of latex, which is a yellow sap. Lastly, the outer layer is composed of 15 to 20 cells dubbed as rind. It works by protecting the inner part of the leaf and at the same time, synthesizes proteins and carbohydrates. Although the health benefits are considered to be anecdotal the benefits are sworn by in the Caribbean community and are therefore highly credible!

CARIBBEAN NEWS BAHAMAS: Environmental Scientists Praise Government for Green Lighting Battle Against Deadly Coral Disease After more than a year, the Government of The Bahamas has given the green light for marine conservationists to treat corals infected with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) as well as to study and better understand its spread. SCTLD is the deadly and relentless plague ravaging the country’s reefs like a forest fire, for which conservationists sounded the alarm at a press conference at The Bahamas National Trust on March 4, 2022. This breaking news is being celebrated after backlogged research permits had sidelined action by the country's own world-renowned scientific experts and local environmental groups for over a year. “It’s like Christmas came early – we’re so pleased the Government is partnering with us on this life-saving work,” said Dr. Craig Dahlgren, executive director of Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), a Bahamas-based research non-profit on the frontlines of the Caribbean coral crisis. “This country made history when it established the world’s first land and sea park more than half a century ago. Together, we’re ready to make history again and tackle SCTLD with everything we’ve got.” Science across the country came to halt after the new Biological Resources & Traditional Knowledge Act was passed in 2021. Government adopted the new legal framework to capture value from commercial innovation and ensure research involving the country’s natural resources benefits Bahamians first and foremost. But the consequent implementation of the act has, until now, been fraught with political turmoil and bureaucratic peril. This created a quagmire for local non-profits, mom and pop businesses and both national and international environmental organizations hoping to do economically and environmentally critical and time-sensitive science and conservation work. But now there are signs of hope >>>> To continue reading this article simply CLICK the Link Below https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/275438/Environmental_Scientists_Praise_Gover nment_for_Green_Lighting_Battle_Against_Deadly_Coral_Disease.html

CARIBBEAN NEWS BAHAMAS: SCOTIABANK PROMOTES CAREER ADVANCEMENT FOR THE DISABLED COMMUNITY With a mandate to remove barriers to the career advancement of disadvantaged groups, Scotiabank recently partnered with the Training Centre for the Disabled and donated $3000 to support the organization’s curriculum for training its clients. In a recent tour of the facilities, Nakera Symonette, Director of Business Support, Scotiabank said the corporate donation is in keeping with the company’s commitment to remove barriers to career advancement for disadvantaged groups. “For the past 65 years Scotiabank has supported the people of The Bahamas and we are committed to continuing this journey as a responsible corporate partner, that endorses and supports organizations and initiatives that empower Bahamians through training and education,” she stated. She explained that the Bank’s focus has been to nurture and invest in initiatives that provide access to opportunities to develop individuals and enable them to thrive despite their circumstances. “At Scotiabank, we are steadfast in our promotion of the full inclusion of disadvantaged groups and enabling their financial success. I am pleased to have been able to witness the works of the persons at the Training Centre and I am excited to see how these skills that are being imparted will help these individuals in the future,” she shared. >>>> To continue reading this article simply CLICK the Link Below https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/275476/SCOTIABANK_PROMOTES_CAREER_ADV ANCEMENT_FOR_THE_DISABLED_COMMUNITY.html

CARIBBEAN NEWS GUYANA:Guyana’s Tiny Population Braces for a Gusher of Petrodollars$$$ It used to be a disused sawmill surrounded by fields of sugar cane. But since oil was discovered off Guyana’s coast in 2015 the 52-hectare site in Georgetown, the capital, has been transformed into the biggest logistics hub in the country. From this waterfront spot, Guyana Shore Base serves ExxonMobil, an American oil giant, and other foreign firms drilling for oil off the Caribbean coast. At two big berths along the Demerara river ships pull up to offload equipment for maintenance and pick up supplies for hundreds of workers toiling away on offshore rigs. The buzz at the shore base hints at how a rush of petrodollars could transform one of South America’s poorest countries. Autarkic policies introduced under socialist rule in the 1970s left Guyana struggling with unsustainable debts and sluggish growth. Many of the country’s 800,000 people make ends meet doing the same things their grandparents did: farming rice, chopping timber or mining gold. But since the discovery of light, sweet crude in its waters, Guyana’s fortunes have begun to turn. The country has received a surge of foreign investment and built a sovereign-wealth fund to store its share of the oil money. As a result, it was the world’s fastest-growing economy during the covid-19 pandemic. Now it stands to gain as the war in Ukraine sends oil prices soaring past $100 per barrel and countries that rely on Russian fuel scramble for alternatives. I’ll oil wells need you The rising price of oil comes at an important moment for Guyana. The government could get its hands on the oil money for the first time in the coming weeks: it can withdraw a total of $600m

CARIBBEAN NEWS from the sovereign-wealth fund this year. But it is unclear how the bonanza will affect the country. Will a sudden injection of petrodollars boost much-needed infrastructure and pull thousands out of poverty? Or will it be squandered or stolen? ExxonMobil has found over 10 billion barrels of recoverable resources in Guyana. Exploration could soon begin in other areas of the seabed. Even if all the new wells turn out to be dry holes, more than 1 million barrels of oil per day will be gushing out of Guyanese seas by the end of the decade, says Schreiner Parker of Rystad Energy, a consultancy. That would make it one of the world’s largest offshore producers. Relative to its population, its output will be colossal. Whereas Saudi Arabia pumps less than a third of a barrel, per person, per day, Guyana could be pumping nearly four times that by the end of the decade. The speed at which production has started is “unprecedented”, says Alistair Routledge, president of ExxonMobil Guyana. >>>> To continue reading this article simply CLICK the Link Below https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2022/03/26/guyanas-tiny-population-braces-for-a- gusher-of-petrodollars ST. LUCIA: The imperative of an economic growth and transformation plan for St Lucia: Part 2 By Dr. Claudius Preville CLICK the LINK below for Part 2 of the article presented in the CARIBBEAN NEWS segment of “The Insider”, Issue 5, March 2022, Page 16. https://www.caribbeannewsglobal.com/the-imperative-of-an-economic-growth-and- transformation-plan-for-st-lucia-part-2/

~ Book of the Month ~ This is a raw, uplifting story from one of the most important hidden figures in track and field history. When Pauline Davis first began to run, it wasn’t with any thought of future Olympic glory. A product of the poor neighborhood of Bain Town in The Bahamas, she carried the family’s buckets every day to fetch fresh water—running sideways, sprinting barefoot from bullies, to get the buckets of water home without spilling. But when a seasoned track coach saw Pauline sprinting, he saw the heart of a champion. Born and raised in the ghetto, Pauline fought through poverty, inequality, racism, and political machinations from her own country to beat the odds and become a two-time Olympic gold medalist, the first individual gold medalist in sprinting from the Caribbean, the first Black woman on the World Athletics council, and a central figure in the Russian anti- doping campaign.  Running Sideways is a book about determination, faith, focus, and an incredible will to succeed. It’s about a trailblazer in women’s sports, not just in The Bahamas, not just in track and field, but on the global stage. The President of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe, pens the foreword in this intimate book with Bahamian roots and global reach. To Find this Book, GO TO:  www.Amazon.com SEARCH: Running Sideways By Pauline Davis The book’s image appears in the 1st position, top to bottom  Visit your local Library. Ask the Librarian.

The Continuation of Our Conversation with J. Andre Laveau, Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago [New York City] As promised in our 3rd Issue, distributed in January 2022, Consul General Laveau offers a Historical Perspective of Trinidad and Tobago. We are so glad to have him back in our pages. Below is his illuminating narrative. I suspect we will come away with even more understanding than we had when we started reading. “In the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, Europeans began journeying westward in search of gold and other precious metals. Yet, the first encounter between Europe and the region now known as the Caribbean was by happenstance. The first fateful voyage, which was sponsored by the Spanish Crown in the late 15th Century, was led by Christopher Columbus, a Genoese explorer seeking a route to the Indies and hoping to find gold. He mistakenly thought that his expedition had landed in the Indies when he encountered, at his first landing point, an indigenous population that resembled the people of India. The navigational error would lead to the claiming of both Trinidad and Tobago in the name of the Kingdom Spain, and christening of the region by Europeans as the ‘West Indies’. With the passage of time, the name ‘Caribbean’ superseded ‘West Indies’. The ‘Caribbean’ appellation was much later accepted as a more appropriate acknowledgment of the indigenous ‘Carib’ tribes found (and decimated) throughout the region, including in Trinidad, as well as, Tobago. The importance of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago to the Spanish Crown was recognized early on. Trinidad was seen as a gateway to El Dorado, the illusory city of Gold, thought to be accessible via travel up the Orinoco River in nearby South America. For this reason, the Spanish

occupation would give the name Puerta de Espana (Port of Spain) to an important settlement in the west of Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago, like the rest of the colonies of the region, became important colonial enterprises for sugar and tobacco. Settlers and slaves brought from Africa to our two islands were fairly small for at least two centuries after conquest. This would change significantly in the late 18th Century. “The Royal Cedula of Population” of 1783 was an edict by the representative of the King of Spain, José de Gálvez, which opened Trinidad to immigration from, primarily, the French Caribbean islands. These immigrants were compulsorily Catholic settlers and slaves from neighboring islands. This brought major epochal change in the demographics of Trinidad. Around the same period, Tobago, changed hands from British to Dutch to French to British, and saw increased economic importance as a colony. The majority of Trinidad’s new inhabitants were French-speaking immigrants from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Haiti and elsewhere, who brought their slaves were to work sugar, cocoa and coffee plantations – crops to suit the developing French taste. The French significantly affected culture and lifestyle in Trinidad such that, although they were never in control of the island, they left an indelible influence on language, cuisine, art forms and other aspects of culture throughout Trinidad and Tobago. The vast majority of Tobago’s population was enslaved African. Trinidad’s African slave population was near its highest during the late 18th to early 19th century. The most telling influence on the shape of life was indeed the sheer number of Africans, both slave and free. Due to this population dominance, common traditions, art forms and festivals crystalized, flourished and became permanent, even amid the coercive control of the colonial power. These included the festivals that evolved into the country’s now famous, world-renowned Carnival celebration, which has spawned numerous other Carnivals the world over. The numerical dominance of a single racial grouping perpetuated the development of forms of economic behavior and communal living brought from Africa that endure to this day. By the early 19th century, both, Trinidad and Tobago were firmly in British grasp, as sugar- producing enterprises. However, sugar production under slavery grew less profitable and more problematic amid growing resistance from the enslaved, supported by increased distaste on the part of humanitarian interests. Decreased profitability and increased unrest culminated in emancipation of the slaves. As a result, colonial powers began sourcing indentured laborers from India, among other countries. Although, by no means enslaved, the conditions faced by the indentured laborers severely tested their mettle. This bred a determination to build wholesome lives and communities in their newly adopted island, which greatly contributed to the firm founding of the nation. The descendants of India and Africa became the main ethnic groups in the two- island territory, administered together by the British Crown since 1898. Chinese immigration which began to flow in the [early 19th century], also accelerated after the end of slavery, allowing the Chinese a platform for a most telling contribution to the country’s outlook.

Syrian Lebanese immigrants were the last major group to make their entrance, completing the ethnic tapestry and filling the cultural melting pot that is Trinidad and Tobago. Today all of these groups, along with the treasured remnants of the indigenous population and their cultural and historical peculiarities and sometimes, greatly diverging ambitions, blend admirably together. They join several different continents in a potpourri of flamboyant diversity that many of the world’s most cosmopolitan countries would be happy to imitate.” COME VISIT Trinidad and Tobago!! We WELCOME You!!

The Continuation of our Conversation with Rhondine Petrof about BELIZE ~A Historical Perspective ~ As promised in our 4th Issue, distributed in February 2022, Belizean Educator, Rhondine Petrof, offers her unique perspective about the history of her native land. We are delighted for this “re-visit” to our pages. Here too, I suspect we will come away edified. ”Belize's history is long and storied, but the country's recent development is what most people know about. I will briefly discuss Belize's past and modern history from a personal perspective. Belize is a small country nestled between Guatemala and Mexico, which has been on the radar of the international news for several decades. It was once called British Honduras, but in 1973 it was officially renamed Belize as the country had a growing interest to gain its independence from Great Britain. The country achieved its independence on September 21, 1981. Although the country is one of the smallest countries in the world, its uniqueness draws from its diverse diaspora population of approximately 400,000 spread across its equally diverse ecological landscapes and natural resources.

According to the early history timeline of Belize, the country was discovered by Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. When the Spaniards first arrived in Belize, they found a land inhabited by different tribes known today as the Maya people. The Maya people were an advanced, cultured people who developed agriculture, a writing system and made paper out of plants. They built roads, aqueducts, and pyramids taller than any others in Mesoamerica. This advanced civilization lasted until 1697 when they were invaded by an army of British settlers. The Mayans were forced to leave and crossed into Guatemala where many suffered torture and death at the hands of Spanish conquistadors. In reference to the African diaspora in Belize, the earliest enslaved Africans arrived in 1774 as recorded by Spanish Missionaries. Some timelines note an earlier arrival in 1571. The descendants of those enslaved Africans are known in Belize as Creoles. These people share commonalities with enslaved Africans who were brought to the United States to work on Plantations. A second African diaspora group of people are known as the Garneau people. Although some history of this group is shared with the Creoles, they are also different. The Garneau people are designated an indigenous population due to their ancestry with indigenous Amerindian tribes from the Orinoco Basin. The two African Diaspora groups were kept separate since Creoles were still enslaved when the Garneau people arrived in Belize as free people. The British used the “divide and conquer” strategy to sow division and suspension between the two groups who originated from Africa as enslaved people. Like the United States, Belize became home to different groups of people who left their homeland. Whether people were fleeing civil wars in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador, Belize is known for being the peaceful little country where nothing happens, and the people co-exist peacefully. Today, almost everyone living in Belize can trace their heritage to another land either in the same region or across the oceans.

The country is a rich living laboratory for college students and educators to explore and study how a small country with its rich diversity of cultures and languages form one national identity known as the Belizean identity. As a young independent country, we must see our challenges as opportunities and truly bring alive and demonstrate our resolve to be a group of people who live in partnership with the environment and who love all people regardless of their race, color, or culture. Long live my beautiful Belize!” BELIZE awaits Your VISIT!! COME!!

VEXILLOLOGY: …The study of Flags… The Five Principles of Vexillology are: 1. Keep It Simple.  The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory. 2. Use Meaningful Symbolism.  The flag's images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes. 3. Use 2 or 3 Basic Colors.  Limit the number of colors on the flag to three which contrast well and come from the standard color set. 4. No Lettering or Seals.  Never use writing of any kind or an organization's seal. 5. Be Distinctive or Be Related.  Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.

COME VISIT At Monroeville Mall Monroeville, PA, 15146 Suite 100B-1 1st Floor, Near MACY’S 412-377-7951 Business Hours Monday – Thursday 11AM – 8PM Friday – Saturday 11AM – 9PM Sunday 12PM – 6PM

Patrons, Partners and Friends, We are running this SPECIAL again this month due to last month’s very positive response. We want ALL who are interested to have an opportunity to get FLAGS at our GREAT DISCOUNT!! THIS MONTH “The Village” is OFFERING FLAG Discounts!!! Come By and Get the FLAG that represents YOU and get a few others too, at these Prices!! GET: A $5.00 Discount off the regular $25.00 price of our Large Flags [3’ X 5’] ~ get them for ONLY $20.00 AND A $1.00 Discount off the regular $5.00 price of our Small Flags [3 sizes] ~ get them for ONLY $4.00

CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Business Partner & Client Support Page 5907 Penn Terri Bell & Associates ~ The Business Tax Experts ~ 5907 Penn Ave Pittsburgh , PA, 15206 412-915-0623 [email protected] Pittsburgh, PA, 15206

CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Business Partner & Client Support Page L A GROCERY 511 Larimer Ave Pittsburgh, PA, 15206 412 661 2421 “Bringing the goods WE need to the East Side of Pittsburgh” CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Insider - AD PRICING: Business Card $25.00/Month ¼ Page $50.00/Month DEAL [Regularly $68.75] ½ Page $75.00/Month DEAL [Regularly $100.00] Full Page $150.00/Month DEAL [Regularly $200.00]

CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Business Partner & Client Support Page

BAHAMAS Flag Youth Coloring Page

The Insider This Newsletter is Created and Curated By Volume 1, Issue 6, April 2022 Website: www.battleplanvirtual.com Email: keywandabattleb@ attleplanvirtual.com PLEASE feel free to SHARE this publication WITH YOUR NETWORK CONTACT CARIBBEAN VILLAGE AT 412 377 7951 or 412 805 9687 to PURCHASE A PAPER COPY of this Newsletter