What are our Indo Caribbean academics doing to reflect the ethnic diversity in the southern Caribbean through the CXC curricula? In subject areas such as West Indian History, English Literature, Music, Languages, Religious Studies, etc. the Indian presence is not reflected.
Are our academics avoiding these issues but dwelling on topics such as biraha singing and journey to roots in forums that do not engage personnel from the CXC Board. Our academics have a moral duty to stand up against the lack of representation of large sections of our history, literature, art, music and food in our educational institutions. Why is it not being done? Are our academics mortally afraid to openly address these issues with the relevant authorities for fear of victimization? Talking in the market place and the bars are not enough!
A look at our history and social studies texts reveal little or nothing about the Muharam Massacre and Bhadase Sagan Maraj, the first Opposition Leader. Nothing is said about the early struggles of the Maha Sabha and ASJA to build schools to retain their culture. Even the contribution of the Canadian Mission and its pioneering role to bring education to the children of the cane fields is not being told.
It is not enough for our academics to present papers in conferences and write articles in papers but to challenge the CXC Board in discussions to adjust its curricula to reflect the society. For a young Indian boy or girl to complete secondary education and not encounter any positive attributes about his people and their struggles, is to graduate with shame and humiliation.
I call upon our academics to demonstrate some courage to struggle for a just and ideal society where every greed and race will have an equal place; and where not just Black Lives Matter but All Lives including Indians of the Southern Caribbean.
