Emancipation Still Coming ( Part 3)
As we approach another Emancipation Day ( August 1st ), I am really amazed at how little
mention is made of this event in some islands.
Professor Verene Shepherd, a social historian and the current Director of the Centre for
Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies, spoke this week on a Jamaica radio
program “Talking History” Nationwide 90FM about the reduction in the number of persons
writing History as a subject at CXC and CAPE since young people no longer find it ‘alive,
…engaging and exciting.’ Be advised that if we do not know about our past, we will certainly
make the same mistakes. History books have been written by Caribbean authors, but for
whatever reason, they have not been quickly absorbed into the curriculum.
In this part of the series, I wish to focus on EDUCATION and the need to decolonise what we
teach. For education to serve as a liberating force, it must be relevant. We must intentionally
prepare the next generation to become involved in businesses and careers that are beneficial to
our society. Using agriculture as an example, this is an area where there is a shortage of persons
who see this as career. Sponsors of scholarships ought to be encouraged to award scholarships to
person who are interested in agriculture and agriculture research.
The cost of living in most Caribbean countries is on the rise because the supply chain for food
imports continues to increase with the high cost of fuel. Unless we make a concerted effort to
reorient our young people that agriculture does not only have to mean working in the hot sun,
nothing will change. Many of the foods we import are grown in shade houses and green houses
in the developed countries. These are also other ways of producing food. Food processing plants need to be established to preserve and store the fruits ( mangoes and soursop) which are available in abundance at certain times of the year.
The other aspect of education that needs to be decolonised is the attitude towards business
ownership and money. When I started my own business, several of my friends were concerned
that I might not last. One individual even asked, “ so when are you going to get a real job?” I did
not start big, but I am now in my twenty-fourth year. Part of the reason is that when you are
doing what you enjoy, it ceases to be a job; it becomes a hobby, and one is motivated to put in
the long hours to make it a success. Entrepreneurship is offered as part of the suite of business
subjects by Caribbean Examinations Council, but the practical aspect needs to be emphasized by
ensuring that an internship is part of the experience. There is no richer experience than getting up
early and going to bed late for yourself as you see your business grow. It requires a change of
mindset.
In St Kitts and Nevis where I reside there are a few businesses that have survived more than one
generation. Those I know of are AMORY ENTERPRISES (BAKERY), MAC PENNIES, BASS
BAKERY. DIAMOND SECURITY SERVICES, S HUNKINS & SONS.
Another myth that is part of our slavery heritage is that successful persons have stolen the
money which they possess. We incorrectly quote from the bible “Money is the root of all evil”.
Let us get the quotation right. “The love of money is the root of evil” 1 Timothy 6:10
In other words, we should love abundance and the blessings it brings, without having an
unhealthy attachment to money and material things.
What churches and faith-based organisations do to assist entrepreneurs:
- have data bases of the services available by person in the church
- publicise them once a quarter or twice a year so members can patronise them and help
them to expand and grow - help members cut their food bill by making purchases from their fellow church members
(fruits, vegetables, poultry, eggs) - encourage members and their friends to do business with members who provide services. contractors, plumbers, electricians, motor mechanics, lawn maintenance, caterers,
computer specialists, doctors, lawyers, engineers architects and accountants among others - have occasions when they celebrate entrepreneurs, that is celebrate members who have
become entrepreneurs and celebrate the church’s contribution to their growth - educate members not to be seen as money changers, but as economically emancipated
members of God’ flock using the talents and gifts given to them.
Financial literacy is the other discipline of education where we are deficient. The credit unions
have shown how saving can move us along the continuum to wealth. The transfer of
intergenerational growth has not yet been achieved since many have not moved beyond saving
to the next level of investing. We must be prepared to learn about risks- how to avoid and
mitigate risk, as well as deal with those risks that cannot be avoided. The saying ‘partnership is
leakiship’ has to be withdrawn. Churches and faith-based communities must teach and practice
trust so that it becomes part of our DNA. The support of local businesses allows them to grow.
The current government of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has recently introduced a policy to implement a saving and financial literacy program for children. Each child is expected to receive $1000 – $500 in savings and $500 in stocks. The program is scheduled to start in September 2024
Financial Information Month is an initiative spearheaded by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). Each year in October the ECCB and other financial institutions host projects to educate the public about making good financial decisions. This needs to extend throughtout the year; look for articles and webinars on www.robertinechaderton.com
In homes, children and young adults must hear these sayings often repeated; it helps to shape
their minds and keep them out of trouble:
“Cut your coat according to your cloth”
“We cannot spend like the Jones’, if we do not earn like the Jones’”
“One, one full basket”
“Live within or below your means”
“Do not put all your eggs in one basket”
Celebrate with me the 190th Anniversary of the Emancipation of the Slavery at the pop-up
locations of Greenlands Books & Things August 1 – 31, 2024