The Diaspora Reconsidered: A Guyanese Perspective
Lear Matthews
Reacting to this writer’s views about the need to strengthen Caribbean Diaspora Associations, an esteemed commentator advanced the notion that “We should not bank too heavily on an unending outreach to the land of our birth. The Diaspora is a slow diminution”. (H. Williams, Guyanese-On-Line 9/14).
However, contrary to that dismal prognosis, I argue that the Caribbean Diaspora is unlikely to diminish, rather it will expand. It is not a time-phased, amorphous process that faces extinction, but will increase exponentially with continuous immigration flows. The term Diaspora describes the dispersion of a defined group of people of similar ethnicity, nationality or cultural background. They tend to strive for a common identity, group consciousness and often collaborate on causes of interest to themselves and those they believe they represent. Contemporary social analysts have asserted that Diasporas have a significant function of sustaining strong social, economic, cultural, political and emotional bonds to their country of origin. Continue reading →
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A CLARION CALL FOR CONTINUITY AMONG DIASPORA ASSOCIATIONS
By Lear Matthews
Despite the surge in popularity of Caribbean Diaspora Associations and the reminiscent jollification they entertain at fund raising events/reunions, there appears to be a serious problem of recruiting new members. This situation, which warrants a timely assessment, has emerged with regards to rank and file membership, as well as leadership/executive positions.
This writer and other former and current members of one such organization have lamented over this issue. Particular difficulty is encountered in efforts to increase financial membership, and engaging more recent immigrants/graduates. The problem has become endemic to various non-profit transnational organizations. Such an observation led to research on the topic, within the context of the unprecedented increase of HTAs – Hometown Associations (e.g. High School Alumni, village, cultural, professional, charity, religious, political groups) among Guyanese immigrants in North America. Continue reading →
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Announcing the publication of a new book entitled:
ENGLISH-SPEAKING CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANTS: Transnational Identities
By Lear Matthews.
Published by University Press of America (Rowman & Littlefield).
ISBN: 978-0-7618-6202-4. On Amazon. < click link to look inside the book and order from amazon.com
This book highlights a range of issues relating to the transnational experiences and identity of English Speaking Caribbean Immigrants in the United States, with implications for immigrants in general. Few students of international migration envisioned the changes in migration trends, policies and events that have shaped the immigration process at the onset of the 21st Century. Continue reading →
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In Memory of Mandela: Impressions of my visit to Cape Town,
South Africa
by Lear Matthews
Rejoice in the dawn of Pan African light.
Mandela! Mandela! Weep not for Nelson
But sing a thousand hosannas for Madiba
Our sacred Liberator (J.G.Morris)
Lear Matthews
I recently visited Cape Town as part of a team project focusing on adult higher education within the context of local and global struggles for equity and social justice, principles espoused by Nelson Mandela. Following are impressions of this maiden sojourn, the highlight of which was a visit to Robben Island, the notoriously infamous island-prison where Mandela spent more than 17 years. Continue reading →
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Back to School: Continuing the Tribute to Past Guyanese Teachers
By: Lear Matthews
History is not was, but reflected in what is (Anonymous)
My introduction to formal education at Susamachar’s, a kindergarten church school at the corner of South Road and Light Street, Georgetown included writing with a slate pencil, repeatedly “rubbing out” mistakes, sometimes with spit on my finger tips, mostly due to lack of confidence. My brother attended Teacher Georgie School on Princess Street. I then went on to Primary School, where I was introduced to the lead pencil and eraser, exercise book, big cursive (“join-up”) writing and the “wild cane.” Discipline re-enforced. By Third Standard I was using a fountain pen with a fine-tip “nib”, and doing plenty sums, although my penmanship left much to be desired. Continue reading →
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New Book: English Speaking Caribbean Immigrants: Transnational Identities – by Lear Matthews
New Book: English Speaking Caribbean Immigrants: Transnational Identities – by Lear Matthews
This book highlights important but insufficiently documented dimensions of the experience of English-speaking Caribbean immigrants in the United States. It focuses on successes and challenges of what might be perceived as “living in two worlds.” The central theme, post-migration transnational connections, is informed by new research on the topic. Continue reading →
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