The Caribbean Population
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! - Psalm 133:1

The Caribbean Island Nations, has an overall population of over 40 million.
In the US, they number over 25 million. Caribbean's also make up a significant segment of the population in England and Canada. 

"What is the Caribbean? In the context of the Caribbean Development Bank, there are seventeen borrowing member countries. In the context of The Caribbean Community there are 14 members. If we include all the English, Spanish, French and Dutch countries there are 29 administrations. In this largest perspective there is a total population of over 40 million.
Then there is the Diaspora in North America and Europe, in particular.
Not an insignificant ‘block’!"
(Dr. Basil Springer, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. – www.cbet-inc.org)

In the US, they number over 25 million (Strategy Research Corporation). The Caribbean population in the U.S. Diaspora has grown by over 6.4 million in the last decade.

SOUTH FLORIDA CARIBBEANS - November 2006
• An estimated 4OO,OOO Caribbean nationals live in South Florida.
• More than 92,OOO Jamaicans live in Broward County and more than 32,000 Jamaicans live in Miami-Dade.
• Haitians make up the second-largest ethnic group in Miami-Dade County —109,817 — after Cubans, and are second to Jamaicans in Broward with 88,121.

North Miami, Dade County, Florida according to the 2000 census, has a population of 60,036 and is home to 18,656 Haitians, the most of any city in the county.

As at May 4, 2007 there are 10 Haitian elected officials now serving in the Florida Legislature and Miami-Dade municipalities. Another Haitian politician, North Miami Beach Councilman John Patrick Julien, won the primary but faces a runoff May 15, 2007 with developer Gary Goldman.

The biggest test of Haitian voters' clout is yet to come. On Tuesday, North Miami voters will choose a mayor. Jean Monestime, a Haitian businessperson who served on the City Council from 2002 to 2005, is trying to unseat Mayor Kevin Burns.

• Broward County added more new black residents (92,378) than any other county between 2000 and 2005, while Miami-Dade County added about 10,528, The surge is driven by Caribbeans.
• Broward's black population grew 22 percent from 2000 to 2005; 34 percent among Caribbeans.
• Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties are home to about one-fifth of the 785,771 Jamaicans living in the  United States.

SOURCE: U.S. Census
Editors note: The above figures are very conservative

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that, as of 2004, there were more than 57,000 Caribbean immigrants from English- and French-speaking nations living in Metro Orlando.

South Florida's Caribbean population is reported to have more than doubled in this period. "Indeed the Caribbean Community has been a sleeping behemoth that is beginning to awaken"

May 01, 2005
C.A.P.E.(USA).,INC NEWS
The U.S. Census 2000 shows the Caribbean American community is economically viable and growing at a faster rate than African Americans.
In New York City, Caribbean Americans make up almost 25 percent of the population, and their numbers are growing in the city’s suburbs – with sizable communities in Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. – U.S. Census 2000.
Across the U.S., they number close to three million. Nationally, they can be found from Schenectady, in upstate New York to Seattle and even West Virginia. Caribbean Americans are flocking to Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Chicago, California, San Francisco, San Diego, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Florida cities, such as West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Tampa, and Orlando. – Black Diversity Study, Aug. 2003 (University at Albany, State University of New York)
A large percentage - about 73 to 75 percent - spend a ignificant amount of time reading Caribbean newspapers and magazines, listening to Caribbean-oriented radio and watching Caribbean-oriented television. - Caribbean Communications Study for AT&T (1996).

And most significantly, an AT&T study found that Caribbeans responded at the high rate of 72 percent when communicated to as "a person of Caribbean Heritage" rather than "an African American" or "a person in the general market."

Caribbean Americans are better loyal buyers of consumer goods who are vacationing, owning homes, and sending their children to college at a higher rate than the African American population. – Black Diversity Study, Aug. 2003 (University at Albany, State University of New York)

Caribbeans are enthusiastically becoming a sizable portion of America’s middle-class voting population. ––Black Diversity Study, Aug. 2003 (University at Albany, State University of New York)
The community is credited with contributing approximately $1.6 billion in remittances to economies in the Caribbean region each year. – IADB Study, 2002

Monday, August 6, 2001 BY ANDREA ELLIOTT aelliott@herald.com
Florida's Caribbean population has jumped to nearly half a million, leading the nation in Haitians and Bahamians, according to a U.S. Census Bureau survey released today. Approximately 34% of Broward county residents in Florida  are Caribbean-American.
The findings give testament to a decade of immigration fueled by the 1990s boom economy and what some say is the increased willingness of people from the Caribbean islands to fill out census forms. 
The survey, which provides information about national ancestral origin, indicates that more than 492,000 Floridians identify their primary ancestry as a category the Census Bureau calls ``West Indian.'' 
That's more than twice the number of West Indians identified by the 1990 Census, though that count, unlike the 2000 survey, included people living in group quarters such as nursing homes and jails. 
By a similar comparison, Haitians -- which the census includes in the West Indian category -- more than doubled to 267,689 between 1990 and 2000, and Jamaicans nearly doubled to 163,190. 
That's a quantum leap, an increase of substance,'' said urban planner Jerry Kolo, a Florida Atlantic University professor who has worked extensively with the West Indian population. 
Just as we argue that Cubans go to Miami and Mexicans to Texas for geographic and cultural blending in, we can make the same argument for West Indians in South Florida. It's a natural habitat.'' 
The numbers released today are estimates drawn from a year 2000 sample survey similar to the long form and conducted in 1,203 counties throughout the United States -- about half the total.
 
MIX OF NATIONALITIES 
Though some experts contend that the survey underestimates West Indians' numbers, it nonetheless unveils the mélange of non-Hispanic Caribbean nationalities sharing Florida -- whether they be first-generation immigrants or longtime residents. 

Haitians

The Haitian population in South Florida is estimated at 250,000. 
Haitians lead their group in Florida, with more than a third of the U.S. total and the nation's highest state total -- followed by New York, which is home to about 180,000 Haitians, according to a recent survey. 
Demographers and immigration experts were struck to hear that Florida had outpaced New York in its Haitian count. Since the late 1950s, when much of Haiti's educated elite fled the François Duvalier regime, New York has been considered the nation's Haitian epicenter, economically and politically. 
A more working-class Haitian enclave formed in Miami in the 1970s, largely comprising Haitians who had worked in the Bahamas during its 1960s construction boom. Miami was closer to the Bahamas, cheaper to get to, and the weather more agreeable. 
As some Haitian immigrants prosper enough to buy their own homes, North Miami has become a new community base. It elected a Haitian-American mayor this year and has a Haitian-American-majority council. 

Bahamians
Florida also leads the nation in Bahamians -- the state's 17,339 account for about two-thirds of the nation's total -- and the state ranks second in raw number of people from the two-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, at 18,115. 

Jamaicans
It is estimated that over 2.6 million Jamaicans live outside of Jamaica. With the Jamaican population (in Jamaica) estimated a 2.6 million this means that half of all Jamaicans now live outside of Jamaica. 
The Jamaican population alone is estimated at a very minimum of 325,000 residents in South Florida.

JAMAICANS IN FLORIDA

The state's largest West Indian group is Jamaicans, with Florida ranking second nationwide after New York's estimated 440,000. 
Broward County is to Jamaicans what Miami-Dade County is to Haitians: a stronghold. 
Jamaicans in Broward have made a forceful political entrance, electing two commissioners -- Hazelle Rogers and Fitzroy Salesman -- and a mayor, Lauderdale Lakes' Sam Brown. 
In the near future you will see West Indians running for office in every city in Broward,'' said Florida Atlantic University's Kolo. ``They are storming the economic and political terrain.'' 
Known as ``Jamaica Hill,'' a six-block business corridor on U.S. 441 features Jamaican grocers, restaurants and beauty salons alongside the cornerstones of American capitalism: McDonald's, Wendy's, Shell and a slew of shiny-new car dealerships. 
Next to New York, the South Florida region of the United States, Miami-Ft Lauderdale is the home to the 2nd largest Jamaican population out side of Jamaica . The political turmoil in Jamaica in the 70's resulted in a mass exodus of Jamaicans to Miami. What makes South Florida attractive to Jamaicans? The year round climate which is quite similar to Jamaica, a lot of the same fruits & vegetables can grow there, it’s close proximity to Jamaica, and it’s cultural mix of people. 
The population of Jamaicans was originally concentrated in Miami-Dade County but they are now spread across Broward & Palm Beach. Although Jamaicans live all across these counties, below are a few of the areas that have a substantial population. 
Kendall - located in South Miami it is one of the original enclaves where Jamaicans lived Northland - drive along 183rd Street which is in the heart of this North Miami neighborhood & you will see many Jamaican businesses along the way.
Miramar/Pembroke in South Broward County which borders Northland, has a large Jamaican population and even a Jamaican born elected official. 
Lauderhill, fondly called 'Jamaica Hill', is probably the most distinct Jamaican community in the South Florida area. They boast the most Jamaican born elected officials and most Politicians from Jamaica, seeking South Florida support, visit this city Lauder lakes/Plantation/Sunrise - these communities surround the city Lauderhill & have a large Jamaican community. 
Coral Springs, in the north, has increasingly become popular for wealthier Jamaicans, with Margate to its east also gradually filling up with a newly migrating Jamaican population. 
Davie, to the South of Plantation, which hosts the Broward Education Center, features some Six university and colleges among other elementary and technical vocational centers making it the Buzz for Jamaicans who are here in exile for College purposes.

North Miami Beach also has a large “Yardie” following, with many health professionals zooming in on these parts with Miami Gardens and Miami Lakes featuring successful pockets as well.

Connecticut
According to the 2001-2002 CAYB (Caribbean American Yellow Book) the number
of Caribbean Nationals in CT is 177,890. 
Please Note: these figures are based on the 1990 Census.
The percentage of Caribbean Nationals in Connecticut is a follows:
38 % Jamaica
31 % Haiti
8 % Domincan Republic
8 % Cuba
4 % Trinidad/Tobago
2 % Barbados
1 % St. Lucia
1 % Antigua
1 % St. Martin
1 % St. John
1 % St. Croix
1 % Martinique
1 % Dominica
2002 Massachusetts burgeoning Haitian American community est. 85,000 residents.

Some Jamaican Businesses With Overseas Offices:
Jamaican Businesses straight from yard make up the majority of all Caribbean related business, with Food and Travel products continuing the tradition of enticing peoples from all cultures to enjoy Jamaica. Billboards featuring Red Stripe, Sandals, Air Jamaica, Immigrant Services and Real Estate, are seen all over, with Freddie McGregor’s Photo being the most recent, featuring accident and medical services as Businesses start to use Jamaican personalities to clinch the big niche market. Among the strongest local business holdings directly associated with Jamaica are: 
• Jamaica National Building Society 
• Grace Kennedy 
• Island grill 
• Island outpost 
• Air Jamaica Cargo 
• Air Jamaica Vacations 
• Sandals 
• Superclubs 
• Jerk Machine 
• Finlay’s Shipping 
Sea-Air Cargo Consolidators
• VP records 
• Yummy Bread/Buns

Caribbean population in Canada 
Jan 2001
An estimate is that there are approximately 800,000 persons of Caribbean birth in Canada. Ontario, particularly the 'Golden Horseshoe' area comprising London, Toronto, and Kingston contains the largest numbers. Two major areas of concentration are metropolitan Toronto and the areas surrounding it, particularly Mississauga and Brampton. In Toronto itself, Caribbean migrants are increasingly residentially concentrated. The Vaughan Road, Bathurst, and Bloor areas are almostly entirely populated by people of Caribbean origin, and while the Jane-Finch area is ethnically mixed, most of its residents are of Caribbean origin. The city of Scarborough also has a large contingent of Caribbean people. 

Feb 11, 2003 The Toronto Police Chief Fantino noted that his city has been experiencing a significant number of gun, drugs and gang-related crimes. Over the next two days, he will be trying to learn more about the culture and dynamics of Jamaicans. "We have over 300,000 persons of Jamaican origin living in and around the city of Toronto," said Chief Fantino.

NEW YORK
According to the 2000 census, there are about 200,000 Haitian/Haitian American inhabitants in Brooklyn, showing that it is home to the largest number of Haitian immigrants in New York City. Brooklyn is home to the largest community of Caribbean immigrants in the city.
New York is home to over 439,4000 Jamaican immigrants, making New York the state with the largest population of Jamaican immigrants. One of the largest communities of Jamaican-Americans in New York is situated in Queens and has over 93,153 Jamaican-Americans.

http://www.caribvoice.org/CHA/caribimpact.html 
In New York City, Caribbean's make up almost 25% of the population. And within the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut - they number close to five million.

In the United States, Caribbean's are more socio-economically mobile than African-Americans and Hispanics (New York's Newsday Newspaper Survey). Their penchant for entrepreneurship is quite evident in many parts of New York City (Richmond Hill, Flatbush, Hillside Avenue, South Bronx, Washington Heights, Crown Heights and other areas) as well as in other states such as Florida, Washington, Texas, California and elsewhere. 

Thus they represent not only very significant spending power (over one billion dollars annually), but they also generate jobs and contribute to the economic development of areas where they choose to reside - usually depressed and/or inner city areas.

Politics:
The Caribbean impact in politics is quite evident in the tri-state area and other parts of the US, in the numbers of state and city legislators of Caribbean heritage, the increasing representation in Capitol Hill and the rush to court voters of Caribbean heritage during national elections. Note that the first African-American woman to sit in Congress and to run for the presidency was a Caribbean - Shirley Chisolm. 

The first non-white chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was a Caribbean - Colin Powell. 
The first Black to make it big in Hollywood was Caribbean Sidney Poitier. And Caribbeans have been in the forefront of the civil rights movement - Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Stokley Carmichael, and the controversial Louis Farrakhan among others.

Elsewhere around the world:
Sir Shridath Ramphal,  a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth. 
Mohammed Shabudeen,  a judge on the World Court.
Rudy Narine was a pioneer of the civil rights movement in England.
Sir Arthur Lewis (Nobel prize in economics).
Dr. Bishnoodat Persaud, an international economic expert, a former Director and Head of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, London and Professor of Economics at UWI and now Senior Associate, Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery.
Dr. Raj Persaud, a leading UK Consultant Psychiatrist (Consultant Psychiatrist at the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals
& Gresham Professor for Public Understanding of Psychiatry)---see www.rajpersaud.com
Avinash Persaud, (prize winning financial analyst).
Robert A. Hill (Author, Specialist in Afro-American and Caribbean History).
Wendy Fitzwilliam, Shakira Caine and a host of others (international beauty pageants) are only a few of the legions.

Partial list of  WI Politicians in USA   (2004)

• Veronica Airey-Wilson, Hartford ( Connecticut ) City Council - born in Jamaica and former President of the West Indies Social Club

• Dr. Alred Dyce, Bloomfield ( Connecticut ) City Council - born in Jamaica

• Guy Jacobs, Windsor ( Connecticut ) City Council - born in Jamaica

• Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, Maryland State Delegate --born in Jamaica , founder and former president of Jamaican Association of Maryland (See Friends of Shirley Nathan-Pulliam website also)

• Alvin Thompson, Chairman of the Massachusetts State House - Jamaica

• Ken Reeves, Mayor of Cambridge , Mass. - Jamaica

• Yvette Clark - New York City Council, 40th District, Brooklyn - Jamaica

• Nick Perry - New York State Assembly - Jamaica
  Nick Perry - Biography

• Pauline Rhodd-Cunmmings - New York State Assembly  - Jamaica

• Byron Brown, NY State Senator of 57th District in Buffalo/Niagara Falls - Jamaican father and Montserrat mother 

• Hazelle Rogers - City Comissioner of Lauderdale Lakes , Florida - Jamaica

• Sam Brown - Mayor Lauderdale Lakes , Florida

• Ronald Blackwood, Mayor of Mount Vernon , NY - Jamaica

• Allan Thompson, Mayor of Spring Valley , NY   - Jamaica

• Sheila (Beverly) Jackson-Lee - US Congress from Houston, Tx - of Jamaican parents.

•  Jewel Hanson Scott, Jamaican Attorney at Law was sworn in on December 15, 2004 as the new district attorney for Clayton County, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Caribbean music, especially reggae, calypso, chutney and salsa have become international and have influenced the rhythms of many other genres. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Bob Marley, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Sundar Popo and Harry Belafonte lead a long and distinguished list of acclaimed musical greats. Carnival has become a major outdoor celebration with the Brooklyn Carnival (USA), Notting Hill Carnival (England) and Caribana (Canada) being the largest outdoor, televised activities in those countries - attracting millions of spectators and participants. In fact, Caribbean style carnivals are a feature of the landscape in Florida, Boston and other parts of the US as well as a number of other countries around the world.

Sports: Already a major force in American baseball, with an influx of great players from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico (Orlando Hernandez, Sammy Sosa and company) Caribbeans are beginning to impact in other sports as well - Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, Felipe Lopez , Tim Duncan, Mario Ellie and a host of others in basketball; Felix Trinidad, Lennox Lewis and a long line of boxing luminaries; Ato Bolden, Merlin Ottey, Donovan Bailey, Deon Hemmings, Marion Jones, Marie Jose-Perec et al in athletics; Patrick Husbands, Emile Ramsammy and Shaun Bridgemohan in horse racing; chess grandmaster, Maurice Ashley; Dwight Yorke and an array of soccer stars, not to mention cricket and its impressive range of superstars from Sir Garfield Sobers to Ramnaresh Sarwan, Vivian Richards to Courtney Walsh. And the list goes on. 

Caribbean cuisine (curry, beans and rice, jerk chicken) is increasingly making its way into the mainstream. In fact companies like Golden Krust, Caribbean Food Delights, Simeus Foods and Tower Isles Patties are million dollar concerns. And restaurants and catering halls like Nakisaki, Chateau Royale and Henry House are carving their own niches in a highly competitive marketplace.
Caribbean writers - V.S. Naipaul, Edwidge Danticat, Derek Walcott, Kamau Brathwaite, Marijse Conde, Junot Diaz, Jamaica Kincaid, Julia Alvarez, Judith Ortiz, Sasenarine Persaud, Samuel Selvon, Lakshmi Persaud etc. - are making a name for themselves. 

And slowly but surely Caribbeans are invading fashion and entertainment - Oscar de la Renta, Karl Kani, Vanessa Williams, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Gloria Estefan, Lynn Whitfield, Mike Robles, Naomi Campbell, Carlos Acosta, Sidney Poitier, Chita Riveria, Jennifer Lopez, Garcelle Beauvaix, Ricky Martin, Jose Feliciano et al.

In the employment sector, Caribbeans (in the US tri-state area) dominate parts of the health care industry (nursing and health aides) and the power service industry (Con Edison especially). 
They are significant in the media, construction, domestic service, sales and teaching. They are increasingly climbing the ladder of management - Eric Holder, Deputy US Attorney General; Roger Enrico, former Chairman of the Board and CEO, Pepsico; Paula Madison, Vice-President and News Director at WNBC TV; Aida Alvarez, head of the Small Business Administration; Angela King, deputy UN secretary-general to name a few. And they are increasingly launching out into the world of business and allied services - Ashook Ramsarran and RAMEX, the Hernandez Mets Supermarket empire, Goya Foods and so on. 

More than anything else, Caribbeans' penchant for upward mobility ensure the revitalization of communities, the increasing tendency towards seeking higher education and the propensity for risk taking in search of their dreams - American, Canadian, English whatever.

Given their multicultural and multiethnic backgrounds, Caribbeans are not only a cementing force in the host societies, but they also add many strands to the fabric of the cultures. And, as a group, Caribbeans' rate of growth is faster than the national average. In effect, Caribbeans are now a very visible feature on the American, British, Canadian landscape especially, but elsewhere also. Indeed the Caribbean Community has been a sleeping behemoth that is beginning to awaken.

Atlanta 
http://www.catalystad.com/Portfolio/webdesign/siteansel/visions.html

Atlanta has experienced a tremendous population growth over the past ten years. A segment of this growth comes from a large international population. Members of the Caribbean and Latin American community have contributed to the growth. It is estimated that a total of some 130 - 150,000 people of Caribbean and Latin American heritage live throughout the 10 county metropolitan regions of Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Alpharetta, College Park, Roswell, and portions of Cobb and Gwinnett counties. Georgia is expected to gain an additional 350,000 people through international migration by 2025, placing it 14th largest among the net international migration gains among the 50 states and the District of ColumbiaVarious community sources estimate the number of persons from the Caribbean currently living in the Region to be approximately 90,000. This number includes Caribbean people from both English and non-English speaking countries. Estimates for the English-speaking Caribbean include 45,000 Jamaicans, 25,000 Trinidadians, 12,000 Guyanese, 7000 Barbadians and 1000 from various smaller islands. The 1990 census indicated that there were over 50,000 Latin American persons liv\ing in Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.
1 Population projections for states by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin: 
1995 to 2025. Report United States Bureau of the Census Population Division.
2 Ethnic Regional community profiles: English-Speaking Caribbean People in the The Atlanta Regional Commission. (1990)
3 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census and Bureau of Economic Analysis, 1990,1997

Florida
Its fortuitous location and crucial economic interest have made Florida a natural and an active participant in strong support of the Free Trade Areas of the Americas (FTAA) and the negotiation process that began in September 1998 in Miami. The state's business and public sectors believe firmly that Florida's future is intimately linked to the successful completion of the negotiations by the year 2005. At the Cartagena, Belo Horizonte, San Jose and Toronto meetings of the Americas Business Forum, held in conjunction with the Hemispheric Trade Ministerials, Florida's private and public sector representatives have repeatedly demonstrated their deep commitment to the FTAA process. This will happen again in Buenos Aires for the next ABF meeting in April. Indeed, the efforts of the state delegation resulted in the initial location of the temporary FTAA Secretariat in Miami, where the first round of discussions has been very effectively managed during 1999 and 2000. At present the Secretariat is in the process of moving to Panama where it will remain for the next two years.Florida has a major stake in the movement toward hemispheric free trade. For Florida, geography is destiny. Originally part of the Spanish empire, Florida is as much part of the Caribbean as it is of the Southeastern United States. History, population, culture and commerce link the state intimately to Latin America and the Caribbean. Canada is another significant trading partner, and many Canadians migrate to the state during their harsh winter months.Miami is a major port of entry for Latin American and Caribbean people and products. Orlando has become a mecca for hemispheric tourists, Tampa and the Panhandle area have an historic relation with Mexico and its most important Gulf of Mexico seaport, Veracruz, while Miami and Jacksonville's burgeoning health care industries offer much for Latin America and the Caribbean. Workers from Latin America and the Caribbean, many with special immigration treatment, regularly harvest Florida's agricultural crop. Many Latin American and Caribbean countries' largest population groups outside of their borders are located in Florida. Finally, numerous Latin American internet entrepreneurs have made South Florida's Internet Coast their dot-com headquarters.Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean are major trading partners with Florida, with nearly $25 billion in merchandise trade and hundreds of millions of dollars in tourist revenue. Perhaps more than any other U.S. state, Florida has benefited by the rebounding Latin American and Caribbean economies. Indeed, Florida's trade fortunes in recent years have been very favorably impacted by surges of US imports into Central America, Colombia and Argentina. Co-production and twin-plant operations in the Caribbean and Florida have further linked our economies together.
Although the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement has been a very positive step in the promotion of hemispheric economic integration,NAFTA has tended to shift the axis of north-south trade in the hemisphere away from Florida. US-Mexico trade accounts for slightly more than 50% of US-Latin American trade. Texas is a major beneficiary of deepened US economic ties with Mexico-providing Mexico.
Nevertheless, Florida remains the major U.S. trading partner of every Latin American country except Mexico. If Florida is to maintain its primacy as a key Latin American and Caribbean trading partner, formal hemispheric integration must continue apace. No state in the United States will benefit more from a concrete plan to link the hemisphere's economies together than Florida. In short, hemispheric integration favors Florida. The Summit of the Americas Center can be a major catalyst for Florida's trade competitiveness in the global economy.
With the second year of FTAA negotiations completed, Florida's private and public sector leadership is even more firmly convinced that, for practical, logistical, and now for solid experiential reasons, Miami is strategically positioned to become the permanent headquarters of the FTAA Secretariat. Some of the reasons are obvious: Miami has more direct, daily flights to and from Latin America and the Caribbean than any other city in the Americas, and the infrastructure to support the negotiating process - including physical space, translation facilities and the like - is already in place. Furthermore, the Florida and Greater Miami private sector has provided considerable material support to the temporary FTAA Secretariat and has pledged to expand support significantly for a permanent installation. The public sector - the Office of the Governor, the Secretary of State, the state's political leadership, and the Miami-Dade County government - has committed itself to insure that the Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA will receive the support necessary to build its infrastructure, recruit and organize its staff, link to an array of support organizations, and be positioned to accomplish its goals.
Thus, it is plain that Florida is more than a stopping-off point where the negotiators of the Americas periodically converge to move the FTAA forward. Its business and public sectors have been deeply involved in assessing and backing the negotiating process through workshops, conferences and other venues. Moreover, Florida's commercial ties to Latin America and the Caribbean are reinforced by the strong social and cultural bonds forged by an entrepreneurial and diversified Latin and Caribbean population that lives, works, invests, and vacations in the state.
http://www.americasnet.net/SOAC_Home/florida_outreach/content.htm

South Florida's Caribbean population 
 has almost doubled
Published Monday, August 6, 2001 
BY ANDREA ELLIOTT 
aelliott@herald.com 

Florida's Caribbean population has jumped to nearly half a million, leading the nation in Haitians and Bahamians, according to a U.S. Census Bureau survey released today. 
The findings give testament to a decade of immigration fueled by the 1990s boom economy and what some say is the increased willingness of people from the Caribbean islands to fill out census forms. The survey, which provides information about national ancestral origin, indicates that more than 492,000 Floridians identify their primary ancestry as a category the Census Bureau calls ``West Indian.'' 
That's more than twice the number of West Indians identified by the 1990 Census, though that count, unlike the 2000 survey, included people living in group quarters such as nursing homes and jails. By a similar comparison, Haitians -- which the census includes in the West Indian category -- more than doubled to 267,689 between 1990 and 2000, and Jamaicans nearly doubled to 163,190. ``That's a quantum leap, an increase of substance,'' said urban planner Jerry Kolo, a Florida Atlantic University professor who has worked extensively with the West Indian population. 
Just as we argue that Cubans go to Miami and Mexicans to Texas for geographic and cultural blending in, we can make the same argument for West Indians in South Florida. It's a natural habitat.'' 
The numbers released today are estimates drawn from a year 2000 sample survey similar to the long form and conducted in 1,203 counties throughout the United States -- about half the total. 
MIX OF NATIONALITIES
Though some experts contend that the survey underestimates West Indians' numbers, it nonetheless unveils the melange of non-Hispanic Caribbean nationalities sharing Florida -- whether they be first-generation immigrants or longtime residents. 
Haitians lead the group in Florida, with more than a third of the U.S. total and the nation's highest state total -- followed by New York, which is home to about 180,000 Haitians, according to the survey. The state's second largest West Indian group is Jamaicans, with Florida ranking second nationwide after New York's 263,000. Florida also leads the nation in Bahamians -- the state's 17,339 account for about two-thirds of the nation's total -- and the state ranks second in raw number of people from the two-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, at 18,115. Government-sponsored programs and legislation such as the farmworker program, the diversity visa lottery, the motor-voter registration act and the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act contributed to West Indians' gaining the legal status that may have emboldened them to fill out the survey, immigration experts say. ``They've legitimized their status and now they're not so afraid to stand up and be counted,'' said Cheryl Little, director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, which provides free legal counsel to immigrants. Demographers and immigration experts were struck to hear that Florida had outpaced New York in its Haitian count. Since the late 1950s, when much of Haiti's educated elite fled the François Duvalier regime, New York has been considered the nation's Haitian epicenter, economically and politically. A more working-class Haitian enclave formed in Miami in the 1970s, largely comprising Haitians who had worked in the Bahamas during its 1960s construction boom. Miami was closer to the Bahamas, cheaper to get to, and the weather more agreeable. ``The enclave attracted others and after a while it becomes cumulative,'' said Anthony Maingot, a professor with the Latin American and Caribbean Center at Florida International University. New York's established Haitians saw a new market in Miami and began migrating here to serve it, said Maingot and others. ``Four Haitian women just opened a law firm in Miami. Who do you think their clients are? Haitians,'' said Maingot. ``That's the way it is.'' Claude Exumé arrived in Miami's Little Haiti with a business degree from the University of Detroit in 1998, recruited to help manage Unitransfer Florida Inc., a money wiring service on Northeast 2nd Avenue. 
``We came to Little Haiti because we're Haitian,'' said Exumé, 52, the firm's general manager for Florida. ``We thought we could give them better services.'' Business is humming. On July 31, customers wired $40,000 from that office to Haiti, said Exumé, eyeing a computer tally. 
As some Haitian immigrants prosper enough to buy their own homes, North Miami has become a new community base. It elected a Haitian-American mayor this year and has a Haitian-American-majority council. 
JAMAICAN SHOWING
Broward County is to Jamaicans what Miami-Dade County is to Haitians: a stronghold. Jamaicans in Broward have made a forceful political entrance, electing two commissioners -- Hazelle Rogers and Fitzroy Salesman -- and a mayor, Lauderdale Lakes' Sam Brown. ``In the near future you will see West Indians running for office in every city in Broward,'' said Florida Atlantic University's Kolo. ``They are storming the economic and political terrain.'' Known as ``Jamaica Hill,'' a six-block business corridor on U.S. 441 features Jamaican grocers, restaurants and beauty salons alongside the cornerstones of American capitalism: McDonald's, Wendy's, Shell and a slew of shiny-new car dealerships. ``It's like being in Kingston but more upscale,'' said Maingot. The resemblance to her former home drew Caryn Spencer, 22, to the Ebony Hair Salon at 1223 N. State Road 7, where she paints nails for a living. ``I feel like if I work amongst Jamaicans, it's easier to get by,'' said Spencer. 
PURSUING A DREAM At the same time, Spencer is chasing dreams that were out of reach in Jamaica: She's pursuing a master's degree in business at Nova Southeastern University. Throughout the region, the West Indian community's cultural impact is felt, seen and heard. Festivals such as the Caribbean Miami Carnival, Lauderdale Lakes' Unifest and Lauderhill's Unite-A-Fest are drawing sponsors and crowds. West Indian newspapers, magazines, radio shows and cable television shows are abundant. Mystik 1580 -- the region's premiere Caribbean radio station -- is on the air 24 hours a day. ``Now it's not just off time when Caribbean people are going on the air,'' said Jean Jabouin, host of South Florida Speaks Out. ``It's prime time.''
Herald database editor Tim Henderson and staff writer Jason Grotto contributed to this report.
Published Monday, August 6, 2001 
http://www.miami.com/herald/special/news/census2000/docs/032853.htm

Martinique Population

Monique Macaire writes re Martinique:

Friday, May 16, 2003

We would like to give you some data on the population of Martinique in the United States.

First of all, the Martinique Promotion Bureau which we represent is based in New York. We believe there are about 1,500 Martinican people in NY. For the past 15 years, we have organized the Martinique Days in New York, a landmark event featuring best of Martinique music: biguine, zouk, zouk chouv!...Last year, we had for the 1st time a Christmas traditional party and in February 2003, the 1st Carnival party. These events might become a yearly event in the future.

Please find listed some important people from Martinique in the United States:

Ø Euzhan Palcy: 1st black filmmaker in Hollywood – well known for “Sugarcane Alley” or “La Rue Case-Nègres”.

Ø Edouard Glissant: Martinican writer, head of francophone studies at City University of New York

Ø Ralph Jacob: Ralph Lauren top model based in New York

Ø Mino Cinelu: Jazz percussionist musician living in New York

We might have forgotten some people!

WEST INDIANS IN MANITOBA, CANADA
Gene J. Lloyd
Community Consultant
Multiculturalism Secretariat

The origins of new Canadians have diversified in recent years. Immigrants are increasingly arriving in Canada from places other than the traditional source countries of Europe. Making use of statistical information from the Census of Canada, existing documented material and focus group discussions, this research profiles the experiences and adaptation by one group of this new segment of Canadian society: those from the Caribbean. Hopefully, this profile will contribute to a better understanding of the situation of one of Canada's important recent immigrant streams.

The community profiles are intended to promote access to resources within ethno cultural communities, including information, and to create opportunities for community development not only in cultural aspects, but also in economic and social spheres.

The material has been gathered in a variety of ways, including reviews of existing documents, both primary and secondary, individual interviews with members of the subject communities, and informal community consultations. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information, some of the material particularly with regard to needs, opportunity assessment, and "cultural norms" is of necessity somewhat subjective, and may be compared to a snapshot in time, rather than an in-depth and formal study.

While each Community Profile has certain elements in common, due to the diverse nature of the communities under review, emphasis and structure of each report may vary, consistent with the issues and focus of each community.

Gene J. Lloyd
Community Consultant
Multiculturalism Secretariat


HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Canadians of Caribbean (West Indian) origin come largely from the former British West Indies, which is comprised of a large group of islands in the Caribbean Sea nestled between North and South America. Guyana (British Guiana) on the mainland of South America and Belize (British Honduras) in Central America have cultural traditions similar to the Caribbean islands and are included in this profile.

THE WEST INDIAN

In order to appreciate the difficulty of defining anyone as a West Indian, and the complexity of West Indian societies, it would be useful to restate the feelings of an English settler who complained in 1803 that the island of Trinidad was "a medley of inhabitants: English, Scots, Irish, Welsh, Spaniards, Germans, Swiss, Italians, Americans and French." He went on to bemoan the fact that all denominations had settled there.1 Add to these people the Amerindians, Africans, East Indians, Chinese, Portuguese and a handful of immigrants from the middle East, and we have a region that is very diverse in language, religion, colour, socioeconomic and political background.

If there is any commonality among West Indian societies today, apart from the historical parallels, it is diversity. The West Indian could be very dark skinned (reflecting African or Southern Indian Origin), brown (like the East Indian), white (from European stock), yellow (the Chinese), red (the original peoples of the region) or almost any colour in between.

These racially-diverse people do, however, share a similar climate and vegetation, some cultural characteristics and experiences, and a vitality for life. Although the name "West Indian" has historically been used to describe this community, today many "West Indians" refer to themselves as "Caribbeans".

The Caribbean is truly one of the most cosmopolitan regions of the world. In addition to the English-speaking islands, Spanish is the mother tongue in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic; French is the language used in Haiti, Martinique and Guadeloupe; while Dutch is the language of Aruba, Bonnaire and Curacao. West Indians may also speak Hindi, Arabic, Hebrew, Patois or Creole. In the English-speaking Caribbean, even though English is the dominant language, accents differ according to islands.

A LOOK AT THE PAST

The recorded history of the Caribbean began with the arrival of Columbus in 1492. The islands were important stopover points for European ships sailing to Central and South America. They were also important strategically and were the location of sugar plantations that were made highly profitable by the availability of slave labour.

The original inhabitants of the region were Amerindians, the Caribs and the Arawaks. These people, kin of the North American Indian, were almost totally eliminated as a group under the harsh system of forced labour imposed on them by Spanish colonizers. African slaves were brought in by Spanish, and later British, colonists to replace them. Following the abolition of slavery in 1833, East Indian and Chinese indentured labour was imported to work the sugar plantations. Most of the emancipated blacks became tenants on British-owned estates. They were small landholders specializing in producing a variety of cash crops for the local markets.

After the East Indians had completed their periods of indenture they were given land to cultivate. They became a class of small landholders cultivating sugar cane.

The Chinese left the land immediately after their indentureship and began to set up small businesses. They soon emerged as the trading class throughout the larger Caribbean islands. In Guyana the population was further diversified by the immigration of a few thousand Portuguese from Madeira.

The British were the most powerful and wealthy group in the region at this time, even though many of them retired to England and administered their plantations through managers. Race was an important determinant of social status. Although there was no legal discrimination against the large majority of the people of African descent, there was a bias built into the social structure of the societies of the islands in favour of the planters and the colonial administrators. This worked against the aspirations of the people of African descent.

People of the Caribbean are accustomed to striving for better standards of living. The educational system through which most of the West Indian immigrants passed was similar to that of the average English child in Britain. Most immigrants were thus predisposed favourably towards Britain, Canada and the United States, and there was very little trauma accompanying the decision to emigrate.


CARIBBEAN TO CANADA

West Indians began arriving in Canada in large numbers after World War II. Since 1946 over 211,205 have emigrated to Canada, many via Great Britain. Up until 1966 there were many West Indians, especially from Trinidad and Tobago, studying at universities in Canada. Many of them were granted landed immigrant status after their graduation. Several West Indian associations now operating in Canada originated on university campuses. West Indian students' associations remain a visible part of many colleges and universities across Canada.

In 1962 the British Parliament passed the Commonwealth Immigration Act. This law required new immigrants to have a work permit, which could be obtained only if an actual job was waiting in England. This restriction served to divert the West Indian flow away from England.

All this coincided with a liberalization in Canada's own immigration policies. First in 1962, and then more extensively in 1966, reforms in Canadian policy abolished the old discriminatory regulations, which included area quotas, and tied entrance to Canada only to the ability of prospective immigrants. Families of landed immigrants were automatically admitted, and a new category enabled citizens and landed immigrants to "sponsor" prospective immigrants who might not otherwise qualify. The result was a shift in West Indian migratory patterns, so that thousands began arriving in Canada each year. (Table 1).

TABLE 1. PEOPLE OF WEST INDIAN ORIGIN IN CANADA*

Male Female Total % of Canadian
Population
1911 -- -- 1,878 .03
1921 2,444 1,826 4,270 .05
1931 2,450 2,087 4,537 .04
1941 2,219 1,915 4,134 .04
1951 2,090 1,798 3,888 .03
1961 5,815 6,548 12,363 .07
1971 31,255 36,835 68,090 .36
1981 96,615 115,590 212,205 .88
1991 102,130 130,390 232,525 1.04
1996 138,805 166,485 305,290 1.07

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA

*NOTE: Most observers conclude that official census figures seriously under represent the number of West Indians in Canada.


WEST INDIANS IN MANITOBA

West Indian immigration to Manitoba has been moderate compared to that of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. West Indians, like other immigrants, have left their homeland for many reasons. Some have come because they were underemployed, some for political reasons; however, most have been motivated by an overriding desire to improve their education and economic position.

The early West Indian immigrants to Manitoba settled in the vicinity of United College (University of Winnipeg) in downtown Winnipeg. Many lived in the area bounded by Kennedy and Arlington Streets, and Notre Dame and Westminster Avenue. This location, no doubt, afforded easy access to the university campuses. There is no recognized settlement pattern established by West Indians in Manitoba. While the vast majority have settled in Winnipeg there are no enclaves that could be described as West Indian. Many West Indians can still be found living in the inner city, however, many are also located in the suburbs, notably East Kildonan, the Maples, Fort Richmond, Waverley Heights, Southdale and Lindenwoods. Some have also settled in Thompson, Brandon and Portage Ia Prairie.

West Indian migration to Manitoba is only recently becoming significant enough for the census takers to pay particular attention to it. In 1971 there was no detailed breakdown of West Indians living in Manitoba as there was ten years later. The census of 1981 showed that there were about 4,330 West Indians living in Manitoba; 1,560 from Trinidad and Tobago; 1,390 from Jamaica; 810 from Guyana and 570 from the other islands whose respective numbers were not substantial enough to have them classified separately. Most observers from the Caribbean community conclude that the census figures seriously underrepresent the number of West Indians in Manitoba. At present the estimated number is about 23,000.

As the West Indian population in Manitoba increases, each individual national group from the Caribbean feels a need to form its own organizations. West Indians, like many recent immigrants, gather with their compatriots for social occasions. These organizations also help to overcome the sense of isolation which many immigrants feel when entering a society which is different from the one to which they have been accustomed. To this end, separate organizations fostering the culture of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Dominica and St. Lucia have evolved in the province.


SOCIAL PROFILE A FEELING OF ALIENATION

One of the first things any immigrant requires on arrival in Canada is housing. Rejection or difficulty in this area set the tone for the entire transitional experience. A survey in the early 1970's showed that over 75% of West Indians felt there was housing discrimination in Winnipeg. That this discrimination was racially motivated is suggested by the fact that darker-skinned "black" West Indians reported almost three times the number of cases as fairer-skinned "brown" West Indians, and over ten times the number reported by white immigrants. The survey also claimed that 80% of West Indians compared to 35% of other immigrants, perceived discrimination in finding a job or in gaining a promotion.2 Similar impressions were presented in a series of "situation reports" on race relations compiled in 1982 by the federal Multiculturalism Directorate.

Relations with the police form an additional area of concern. About 75% of West Indians feel that the police themselves exhibit discriminatory tendencies. There is the perception that police stereotype all Blacks as criminals and are therefore inclined to be more zealous in investigating and charging Blacks even for minor offenses.

Of significance here is the fact that the symbols of Canadian law and order are frequently seen, not as supporters, but as further hindrances to successful adaptation.

Less measurable, but still important, are vague feelings of alienation, and the perception that West Indians are not accepted equally. Insults, name calling, even physical attacks are claimed to be a frequent experience.

Parents report that their children are harassed in the playground, and that teachers "stream" black children into vocational courses on the assumption that they must be intellectually incapable of university preparation. Darker-skinned West Indians report many more such incidents than the lighter-skinned, thus lending credibility to the charge that the non-acceptance is related to colour and not just to accent or simple immigrant status. The validity of these perceptions is not the issue: the feeling of rejection contradicts the immigrant's expectations and discourages a sense of belonging. As stated by George Bernard Shaw "Our conduct is influenced not by our experience but by our expectations."

More than a dozen surveys held in recent years confirm that the chief factor inhibiting Caribbean adaptation to Canada is racial discrimination. This perception is reflected in the reports of the Human Rights Commissions, where more than half of all cases of discrimination are brought on grounds of race.

A SENSE OF BELONGING

Circumstances in Canada encourage West Indians not only to retain their Caribbean cultural traits, but to maintain loyalty and identity links to their islands of origin. In the Caribbean, identity has been very localized by territory, and this insularity continues in Canada. In Winnipeg there is a multiplicity of Caribbean organizations whose membership is determined by islands. Unfortunately these organizations sometimes regard themselves as being in competition with one another. Although city-wide festivals like Caripeg Carnival, Folklorama and Black-O-Rama bring them together annually, yet for the first generation immigrant – still the majority among West Indians - there is not the sense of belonging to a broader Caribbean community in Manitoba or Canada.

But if there are forces operating for the continuation of island identity, there are now increasingly powerful pressures for Caribbean unity.

Exclusively Caribbean organizations do not imply a rejection of adaptation to Canada; on the contrary, they are seen by their members as a means of ensuring successful integration through group strength. There is every indication that West Indians are desirous of making the adjustment to Canada, and that racial discrimination has been the chief barrier until now.

While they condemn those Canadian attitudes and practices which perpetuate feelings of alienation, West Indians exhibit a basic faith that Canada will ultimately fulfill its promise. Asked if they would encourage relatives and friends to move to Canada 80% responded positively. Also 60% of the young people in the sample felt that their colour would not affect the attainment of their personal goals, for they expect discrimination to decline in the near future. However, recurrent resentment is expressed against white Canadians who assume that because they are black they must be immigrants, and they are constantly annoyed at being asked which island they are from.


ADAPTATION TO CANADA

Canada officially adheres to a policy of cultural pluralism rather than assimilation, implying mutual acceptance for a multiplicity of identities coexisting within society. Multiculturalism rejects a demand that immigrants relinquish their specific traits and community identities, but it does not deny that a considerable degree of adaptation must take place on the part both of the immigrant and the host society.

There is evidence to suggest that in the case of the West Indian the transition is not proceeding smoothly. Studies recently conducted show that they are among the least likely immigrants to identify with Canada, and they retain primary loyalties to their islands of origin for a longer period of time. There is also negligible participation in politics. To some extent this phenomenon can be explained in terms of the West Indians themselves. The colonial Caribbean did not permit the development of a tradition of democratic participation, and political issues such as French-English relations, or Constitutional agreement may seem irrelevant to some.

Furthermore, many West Indians arrive with high economic expectations and are ambivalent about the permanence of their commitment to Canada, preferring to test the realities of Canadian life before cutting their ties with home. Their original expectations will affect their own measurement of success in Canada, and their attachment to home will influence the extent of their identification with this country. Inexpensive charter flights allow regular return visits, even for the non-affluent, permitting a reinforcement of home identity.

Coming from a black-majority society, West Indians are more sensitive to discriminatory treatment and are more ready to challenge it under human rights legislation. Caribbeans are now a visible part of daily life in most large Canadian cities, and because of their high educational qualifications occupy jobs in government, business and education that were hitherto regarded as inaccessible. Qualitatively, as well as quantitatively, the West Indians are having an impact.

The stereotype image that Blacks are suited only for menial and service positions has been undermined. And while these developments are influencing positively white attitudes, they are also having an effect on the black youth in an inspirational way. The black youngsters now have black role models in many fields of endeavour. Where the railway porter was once the height of ambition, it is now feasible to aspire to become a business, professional or political leader.

Discrimination has been allowed to persist mainly because of ignorance and a comfortable habit on the part of white Canadians. It is no longer comfortable, and the ignorance is gradually being overcome. There is a numerically powerful and articulate black population able to confront the remaining vestiges of racial disadvantages. The black community sense can be and is being redirected to a common cause that will, eventually, enable blacks to be a full partner in this society. There has been a positive response to the new black assertiveness, but there is still much more to be done. West Indians cannot be given the entire credit for this development, but their presence and their activities have injected an urgency into the agenda.


SERVICES TO ASSIST NEWCOMERS

The service required to assist newcomers and the various difficulties they face are largely in place. As in other major Canadian immigration centres very good services exist in Winnipeg. The larger number of services focus on initial settlement issues. The concern raised by West Indians is the fact that there is virtually no one with whom they could identify when seeking assistance. As a result, they do not make much use of the services which are available as they are not made to feel comfortable when seeking assistance.

Caribbean immigrants in this sample relied heavily on informal support systems such as family and friends to help them deal with the problems and stresses they experienced. Many often found comfort in their faith and turned to the church as a support system. It must be recognized that this immigrant network is not as developed as in the homelands and is very limited in the help that can be expected and/or given. Church membership and regular attendance is a significant aspect of life in the Caribbean. Religious, educational and social activities are often organized and run by the church which serves as a meaningful support system in the community. The church minister is generally a central figure who is accorded high status and is seen as a resource person in a variety of areas.

Many West Indians in Winnipeg see the church as distant and too formal. Consequently its significance as a support system is considerably reduced. However, there are a few small churches which have been established by West Indians in Winnipeg to fulfill some of the traditional roles of churches in their homeland.


COMMUNITY STATISTICAL PROFILE

The official 1991 Census figures for West Indians in Manitoba is 4,325. This, however, seriously under represents the size of the community. The estimated number as stated by the Caribbean organizations is between 16,000 – 18,000. The major sources of Caribbean immigrants have been Jamaica (32%), Trinidad and Tobago (31%) and Guyana (19%). Some 8% were born in other places in the Caribbean. 10% were born in Canada.

The "ethnic origin" question in the 1991 census permitted multiple responses. The question was a confusing one for many Caribbean immigrants (and not only due to mixed ancestry) because of strong colonial links which the region has with the "mother countries" (mainly Britain and France) in Europe. This may explain why many Caribbean-born persons reported their ethnic origin as British and French. Asian origins were reported by 18% of those born in Trinidad and Tobago, and by 26% of the Guyanese, reflecting the existence of East Indians in these countries.

The 1991 Census shows a total of 232,525 West Indians in Canada, an increase of 21,320 from the 1986 Census (211,205). There was, however, a decline in the number residing in Manitoba – the 1991 Census indicates 4,325 West Indians residing in Manitoba; in 1986 the number was 4,925 (a decrease of 600). As stated elsewhere in this profile, these figures seriously underrepresent the number of West Indians in Manitoba, which is estimated at 23,000.


CULTURAL PROFILE
While the sample of people involved in this study is not a random one, it does represent a diversity of West Indians in Manitoba in terms of occupation, educational background, financial circumstances and islands of origin. An overview of the characteristics of the sample is given so that the reader will know of the background and current situation of those whose experiences, perceptions and attitudes are the focus of the profile. A description of the general demographic makeup of the sample in terms of sex, age and marital status is also provided.

TABLE 2. BACKGROUND CHARACTERISTICS OF TILE SAMPLE

GENDER
Male 58%
Female 42%

AGE
18-24 10%
25-34 38%
35-44 32%
45-54 12%
55 years and over 8%

MARITAL STATUS
Married 60%
Widowed 2%
Divorced/Separated 8%
Single (Never Married) 30%

PLACE OF BIRTH
Canada 10%
Jamaica 32%
Trinidad & Tobago 31%
Guyana 19%
Other West Indies 8%

CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRATION STATUS
Canadian Citizen 62%
Landed Immigrant 30%
Work Visa/Student Visa 8%

YEAR MIGRANTS CAME TO MANITOBA
Before 1971 26%
1971 to 1991 74%

TABLE 3. EMPLOYMENT RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF THESAMPLE

LABOUR FORCE STATUS DURING WEEK OF SURVEY
Working full-time 54%
Working part-time 16%
Looking for work (unemployed) 9%
Keeping house 4%
Going to school 12%
Retired 3%
Other 2%

OCCUPATION (N = 80)
*Professional 32%
Manager, Proprietor, Official 10%
Clerical 14%
Sales 7%
Skilled Trades 10%
Operatives 5%
Transportation Operatives 4%
Services 18%

NUMBER OF YEARS OF EDUCATION
8 or fewer 4%
9 toll 14%
12 13%
13 to 15 33%
16 or more 36%

TOTAL FAMILY INCOME (1992)
Less than $11,000 7%
$11,000 to $19,999 15%
$20,000 to $29,999 22%
$30,000 to $39,999 21%
$40,000 to $49,999 18%
$50,000 to $59,999 11%
$60,000 or more 7%

Median = $30,250

* Includes Medical Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers, University Professor and Teachers.

The sampling used concentrated initially on members of organizations within the Caribbean community of Manitoba. It was discovered that there were many people who did not belong, and were not interested in belonging to any one cultural organization. Members of this latter group are also included in the sample.

The age distribution of a population exerts a strong influence on labour force participation rates. As has been noted, a majority of Caribbean immigrants are in their "active years" (i.e., working age), hence labour force participation rates are high. The distribution of occupations pursued by members of the research sample is quite different from the Canadian labour force as a whole. 42% of the sample responded as being engaged in professional occupations ranging from medicine and law to engineering, teaching and as managers or proprietors.

This leaves us with the impression that the income in the Caribbean community is higher than it really is and the unemployment rate is lower than is shown by the 1991 census.

The 1991 census figures also indicate that in terms of occupations, there is a relative concentration of Caribbean immigrants in processing and fabricating industries and, to a lesser degree, in professional and technical occupations. The sample used is therefore not as accurate a reflection of the Caribbean community in terms of occupations and income when compared to the census data.

Unemployment among Caribbean immigrants is measurably higher than that among comparable Canadian-born persons. The sample shows 9% as being unemployed, the 1991 census shows an average of 14% unemployed.

The average educational level among pre-1974 immigrants was very high, but was lower among those who arrived after 1974. On average translated into educational credentials 62% of the sample possess at least a two-year college diploma, 18% a bachelor's degree and 12% a post-graduate degree of some kind. This is well in excess of the average for the Canadian population.3

LANGUAGE

In terms of mother tongue, 99% of Caribbean immigrants to Manitoba were anglophone. Most Caribbean immigrants also used their mother tongue as their home language. Only 4% reported being officially bilingual.

RELIGION

Religion is another source of ethno cultural heterogeneity. The evidence of Christian influence is found everywhere in the Caribbean. Christian names are as common for places as for people. The largest denomination overall is Roman Catholic (33%), and a quarter of the Caribbean immigrants belong to one of the "mainstream" Protestant denominations (Anglican, United Church or Presbyterian).

Almost 10% of all Caribbean immigrants to Manitoba belong to "other Protestant" groups, reflecting the popularity of various smaller Protestant denominations and sects.

Islam and the Hindu religion are also practised by many immigrants from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago. The history of black suffering has recently led to new churches with a specifically black message. The Black Muslims and Rastafarianism are growing religions, and the various communities of believers differ according to religious, cultural or political emphasis.


FAMILY

The concept of family to the Caribbean community is a close-knit web reflecting unity, love, pride, moral, social and economic support. The legacy of slavery and subsequent economic and social changes in the Caribbean region have left a mark upon the institutions of marriage and the family. Formal marriage ceremonies are still seen as a mark of social status. Common-law marriage, "visiting" relationships and single parenthood are, however, more socially accepted today.

The average family size among the Caribbean community in Manitoba is 3.5 persons. There is a high prevalence of single-parent and female-reference-person families. An average of 52% of women born in the Caribbean reported themselves as "married" in 1991. The average for Canadian-born women is 59%. In all periods of immigration, a higher proportion of Caribbean women than of the total female immigrant population reported themselves as "single." Although a higher proportion of Caribbean men than women reported themselves as married, the prevalence of separation and divorce was high for both.

In the Caribbean community family ties are very strong. The extended family creates a broad base of people on whom the individual may depend in times of need. The children are loved but are treated with firmness. In return, children are expected to show respect for their elders, and accept traditions of the group to which they belong. Many West Indians feel that family difficulties should be coped with privately without outside intervention. To do otherwise causes embarrassment.

TRADITIONS

The Caribbean is an area of cultural diversity and growth. The rich variety arises from the cultural melting pot created when European and African nations met.

The written literature is characterized by strong links with the oral stories which were passed down. Some of the best Caribbean writing has arisen out of political struggle. Many artistic forms are combined. Poets were inspired by folk music; novelists are also dramatists or painters. Theatre reaches its climax out on the streets with the many carnival parades in the Catholic islands. Carnival is regarded as the last fling before the self-denial of Lent.

Carnival is a festival of celebrations associated with the abolition of slavery, when the former slaves took to the streets to dance, sing and exult in their freedom. It has become a spectacle of music, dance, song and costumes performed in gay abandon. Each island has its own style, with Trinidad and Tobago staging the most elaborate performances.

Music is central to Caribbean life. People do not just sit and listen to it – they make it. New words, new tunes, even new instruments are created. All reflect life as it is lived, making it real music of the people. Music is a vital necessity for the well-being of the West Indian psyche. The church choir provides the first stage for many performers. All denominations have a strong singing tradition.

Creativity reaches a high point in Trinidad calypso. Many West Indians abroad still avidly follow the current calypsos in the different islands. The intriguing mellifluous harmony of the steelbands - whose instruments are meticulously fashioned from cut-down oil drums - remains popular, particularly at Carnival and other cultural events. The instrument is quite versatile and both classical and calypso numbers can be played to the tune of steel. The hypnotic rhythm of the Reggae, Rock and Soul music, can also be heard in many Caribbean homes and at social events. All Caribbean music is danceable and dance forms abound.

FOOD

Like the people and the culture, Caribbean food is quite a mixture. Cassava, pineapples and coconuts were known to the early Caribs and Arawaks. Later arrivals include yams, breadfruit, mangoes and citrus fruits. Many West Indians retain a strong attachment to their distinctive foods.

Rice and flour are still staples in their diet, but they enjoy the full range of foods which are available in Canada. Caribbean dishes are usually highly spiced, and in any household one is sure to find such "seasonings" as thyme, chives, garlic, onion, ginger, tumeric, nutmeg, vanilla, salt and pepper, to name a few. In the Caribbean, no distinction is made between herbs and spices. They are simply referred to as "seasonings".

Many tropical fruits are now exported to temperate countries. Bananas, avocados, mangoes and limes from the Caribbean are familiar in Europe and North America. Small grocery stores cater to the needs of West Indians, and import foods from the islands. Even large food chains now stock island foods such as plaintains, yams, canned pigeon peas, ackee, and pepper sauce.

The popular Jamaican pattie is sold everywhere, and may one day rival the hamburger as a quick meaty snack.

SPORTS

Cricket is the game most strongly associated with the English-speaking Caribbean. The game commands great interest throughout the area. At all matches the spectators are well-informed, and passions can run very high. Cricket clubs have sprung up in Winnipeg and Thompson, and as soon as the weather permits, the sport comes to life at Assiniboine park. Dominoes, another popular game can be played any time of year and is also an active and competitive pursuit.

Sporting clubs, particularly for soccer and cricket, sustain Caribbean allegiances and maintain regular contact among their members. Horse racing, cycling, baseball, basketball, volleyball and tennis are also popular among West Indians. The Caribbean has a fine record of Olympic achievement, especially on the track and in the boxing ring.


COMMUNICATION

Serving the Caribbean community are several newspapers and magazines, and to a lesser extent some radio and television programs. The Contrast, printed in Toronto, and the Caribbean Source printed in Calgary were the largest Black newspapers which carried West Indian news and issues of local concern that are not always reported in the mainstream press. More recently, Community News, and to some extent, the Ethno-Cultural Networker and the BBC Community Network News also serve the Caribbean community. The radio program, Afro/Caribbean Rhythms on CKJS Radio and the television programs, African/Canadian Journal and Caribbean Update, VPW Channel 11; and Caribbean Echoes on Greater Winnipeg Cablevision Channel 11 cater to the needs of Caribbean audiences. These media foster a West Indian cultural identity, as do theatre, dance and musical groups which cater to Caribbean tastes and regularly host visiting West Indian performers and personalities.

People of West Indian heritage in Manitoba often subscribe to newspapers published in the island of their origin or have them sent by friends of relatives. Many Jamaicans in the province, for instance, receive the Overseas Gleaner, published in Kingston, Jamaica, while Tranidadians and Tobagonians receive the Trinidad Guardian, published in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Barbadian receive the Advocate, published in Bridgetown, Barbados. Many West Indians seem to maintain a strong patriotic bond with their island of origin. They worry about the island's politics and concern themselves with its welfare. They often follow closely the political, economic and social developments in the islands.

West Indians in the province are a racially and ethnically diverse population. While it would be inaccurate to define the West Indians population as a unified community, there are numerous characteristics and activities which they share in common, and collectively they represent a vibrant contribution to Manitoba's multicultural society.

A 1981 survey reported that only 3% of West Indians, the lowest of all ethnic groups included, perceived any problems in maintaining their traditions and customs, and they registered the highest score for the significance they gave to the survival of their ethnic identity.

West Indian culture is alive and well in Manitoba, and in being maintained. Through civic, cultural and sporting activities, Caribbeans continue to enliven many aspects of life in this province.

EDUCATION PROFILE
If there is one thing that most West Indians have in common is the desire to achieve academic excellence. Deviation from the course tend to be the exception rather than the rule. Education may well be the primary goal shared by the Caribbean community in Manitoba.

Religious bodies (Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian), were the first to organize schools in the Caribbean. Prior to 1850 the church was responsible for education in the islands. Education was not then available to everyone. The curriculum consisted of the 3 R's and religion. Later on, the governments in the various islands set up schools and established a dual system of church schools and government run schools. Elementary and secondary schools were established with curricula based on the British Grammar school model. Education at the secondary level was limited to the privileged few, and it could well be that because of this past limitation a situation was created where education is still seen as the most sought after product because of its social and economic rewards.

The oral tradition is very strong in the Caribbean. Many languages have been blended together to form dialects that are fast moving, rich and accompanied by gestures of the head and hand. Students are taught to use "standard" or "formal" English in the school and in all forms of written communication, while retaining the local dialect which is commonly used. Colloquial expressions are today used in novels, songs, drama and in the media. As a result local dialects are gaining acceptance as a legitimate form of expression in the West Indian community.

Education in the Caribbean are in four stages: 1) Infant School; 2) Primary or Elementary; 3) Secondary; and 4) Further Education.

Infant school includes Nursery and Kindergarten. Primary or Elementary includes the age group 6 to 11 years (Grade I - VI), while Secondary are the High schools or Comprehensive High schools. High schools usually instruct students in the Arts and Physical Sciences, while Applied Sciences is the focus of the Comprehensive schools.

CHANGING TIMES

The education systems in the Caribbean are not yet uniform, but serious consideration and efforts are being made in this direction. There are still marked differences in standard from island to island and sometimes within individual islands. In general, however, during the first six years in the Caribbean school system emphasis is placed on the 3 R's and general knowledge. The remaining five or six years of public education is designed to stream students in areas of interest dependent on abilities.

Students who want to go on to higher education take O-level and A-level General Certificate of Education examinations and until recently these have been set by British examination boards. In 1979 a new examination was launched by The Caribbean Examination Council with the aim of providing a curriculum suited to local needs. Although only five subjects were offered at 0 – level in the first year, 17,000 candidates entered from Trinidad alone. Higher education is provided at the University of the West Indies which is funded by a number of the Commonwealth Caribbean governments. The main campuses are at Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad) and Cave Hill (Barbados).

Most West Indian parents are vitally concerned with the education of their children. Deep-rooted economic and social deprivations experienced by some West Indians have taught them that a good education is concomitant with economic power. Family members will often sacrifice their own financial goals and extend themselves to great limits in order to provide the education for their children.

Education often is a sensitive area of a family's aspirations as it touches the very heart of the ambition for upward mobility, credibility and self realization.

The halls of learning, whether public school, community college or university, are almost sacred to the West Indian parent as these represent means of success and fulfillment.

THE IDENTITY CRISIS

Racism in the schools is usually of particular concern to parents. Many people from the English speaking Caribbean take great pride in their ability to write and speak English properly. But because of the problems associated with their accents, or dialects, communication is sometimes quite frustrating.

Too often the patience accorded others with an accent is not accorded the West Indian. A concern voiced by parents is the frequent referral of West Indian students to courses in English as a second language when English is the mother tongue of 99% of the West Indians in Manitoba.

For the average West Indian, initial contact with the Manitoba education system could be discouraging. West Indians are used to a school system in which discipline is a most important feature. Structured classes and respect for authority figures is inculcated through the school system. The school is expected to reinforce the ideas and practices they obtain in the home.

In the case of recalcitrant students, most West Indian parents are anxious to assist the school with their children if the school makes efforts to involve them. Sometimes parents appear reluctant to approach school personnel. This should not be interpreted as lack of interest, however, since many West Indian parents, having been educated in an extremely discipline-oriented system themselves, feel a certain sense of awe in confronting those who represent the authority of the school.

Another reason for parental reluctance in approaching schools is often the fear of having to discuss family problems openly. Many West Indians feel that family difficulties should be coped with privately without outside intervention. To do otherwise would cause embarrassment. This attitude could be cause for concern. However, if those with whom parents must relate are accepting, patient, sensitive and warm, offering helpful information without being seemingly condescending, social adjustment would be accelerated more quickly and easily.

Perhaps the greatest impediment that West Indians encounter is the stereotype that precedes them. Unfortunately, the way social sciences have been taught serves only to perpetuate this kind of thinking. Studies based on the behaviour patterns of groups commit the grave error of generalizing perceived traits to others of the same group. If nothing else, this profile has stressed the diverse characteristics of the peoples of the Caribbean. Blanket statements in most cases are outdated or not based on fact. Dynamic changes are taking place in the Caribbean and in many areas some old customs have given way to the changing times.


PERPETUATING THE STEREOTYPE

Yet in Manitoba, West Indians find not only a lack of knowledge about their region, but also set ideas as to their very own characteristics. They have to resist the noting that their self images are being defined by someone else. For instance, a judge in a Manitoba court accused all Jamaicans of being lazy and hot-tempered. A student at the University of Manitoba, who was experiencing emotional problems, was advised that she was not doctoral material because she was black and a woman, and that she should return to her Caribbean homeland. Another young mother was advised that her infant son was probably suffering from sickle cell anaemia by a female doctor who did not correctly diagnose an ear infection. The assumption here was that since the child is of Negro parentage and sickle cell anaemia is associated with Blacks, the child's ailment was attributed to his ancestry.

THE EURO CENTRIC ENVIRONMENT

The perception in the Caribbean community is that the system is failing to meet the needs of Caribbean youth. Regrettably, there are no concrete statistics to substantiate this conclusion. The Department of Education and Training does not keep data on specific ethnic groups. It is clear, however, that the overall drop-out rate is higher than the average in Manitoba. The main reason given for this is that the curriculum is too eurocentric, and not enough is being done to accommodate "visible minorities". Students are not "engaged" in the school system. They complain of being often misunderstood and as a result steadily become alienated from the system.

Also, there is concern that too many academically capable students are being badly advised by school guidance Counselors who view them stereotypically, and stream them improperly. These are grave concerns of Caribbean parents.


CONFRONTING THE PROBLEMS

At a recent conference held in Toronto entitled Facilitating the Academic Success of Black Children in Canada, Dr. Clarence Bayne of the Quebec Board of Black Educators pointed out that the school system has been damaging to Blacks. Low teacher expectations, poor self concept, streaming into vocational areas, lack of positive role models, and a curriculum that does not validate the contributions of Blacks all contribute to academic failure of Black and Caribbean children.

An Educational Symposium held in Winnipeg in April, 1991 also addressed the question whether or not the school system was meeting the needs of Black and Caribbean youths. Regrettably, the answer was "no". Similar factors to those stated in the Toronto conference were cited. Isolation, difficulty adjusting to the school system, problems in school and racism are some of the stresses that Black and Caribbean youths experience.

A Black Youth Helpline has been established to help them and their families to better adjust to the Canadian experience, and to encourage students to remain and succeed in school. This program is run by volunteers in the community whose mission is to provide information and support to all concerned in a culturally sensitive manner. The aim is also to involve the community in finding solutions to the challenges they are faced with, bridging the cultural gap in the educational system, and establishing a partnership with the school. The initial success of the Helpline has been tremendous. Many educators are also making use of the service, and are helping students who are at risk of dropping out.

West Indians are prepared to work hard to give their children a better future through education. The education of the West Indian immigrant child in the Manitoba school system is therefore a challenge to parents who are prepared to do what it takes to have their children succeed. The ultimate consideration is that education, usually academic pursuits leading to a university education, is a priority.

ECONOMIC PROFILE
Given the educational level of Caribbean immigrants, it would be expected to find them disproportionately in professional, managerial and technical occupations. This is true in fact, for those who arrived before 1970. In general, however, this is not the case. Among those who arrived during the past two decades, Caribbean males were under represented in such occupations compared with the average for all immigrants who arrived during the same period. Caribbean women were also under represented in managerial positions, but were more successful in achieving professional status.4

TABLE 4. EDUCATION ON ENTRY TO CANADA AND AT PRESENT

LEVEL OF EDUCATION ON ENTRY AT PRESENT
Primary 0 - 8 yrs. 20% 17%
Some High School 15% 10%
High School Graduate 27% 8%
Prof. College/Some University 30% 22%
Bachelor's Degree 8% 20%
Post Graduate Degree 0% 23%

Caribbean immigrant women who arrived during the period 1971 to 1991 were heavily over represented in the processing and fabricating industries – their proportion being three times higher than that of Canadian-born women. Caribbean men who arrived in that period were also relatively concentrated in processing and, to a lesser degree, in service occupations.

DOWNWARD STATUS DISLOCATION

Most immigrants suffer a period of downward status dislocation, due to several factors, such as language difficulties, non-recognition of qualifications, and the general strains of re-establishing themselves in a new society. For West Indians this downward movement is quite pronounced and of long duration. Most Caribbeans accept jobs which do not exercise their skills fully and even after several years in Canada, according to one survey, fewer than half regarded themselves as having improved upon their initial entry status. (Tables 5 and 6).

TABLE 5. OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES BEFORE MIGRATION

CATEGORY PERCENTAGE
Unskilled Labour 22%
Services & Sales 25%
Technical & Skilled Labour 25%
Professional & Managerial 28%

TABLE 6. FIRST JOBS OF IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA

CATEGORY PERCENTAGE
Unskilled Labour 40%
Services & Sales 28%
Technical & Skilled Labour 24%
Professional & Managerial 8%

Many immigrants in this study found that when they first arrived and applied for employment for which they had qualifications they were told they needed Canadian experience. The demand for this qualification is unfair when it has no relevance to the proper performance of the task, and especially so since it is impossible for newly arrived immigrants to have Canadian experience.

The feelings of many in this study was that they were denied employment opportunities for reasons that had nothing to do with their ability, but rather with the colour of their skin. Skin colour was used as an arbitrary barrier to stand between a person's ability and the opportunity to demonstrate same.

Career mobility was also stressed as a problem. Many found that even after obtaining the recognized qualifications, and proving that they had the skills to do the job, they were not promoted or given the same job opportunities as whites with similar, and in some cases, less qualifications.

Promotions are given on the recommendation of supervisors, and it is the feeling of a number of the respondents in the survey that their immediate supervisors are the perpetrators of racism. They are the main obstacles in denying opportunities for upward mobility in the work place.

These findings are in keeping with the theory of race relations based on colonial structures discussed in the works of Rex (1970), Kinloch (1974) and greemberg (1980). Caribbean immigrants are allowed into the country to fulfil the demands of the Canadian labour force. However, the very subtle ways in which they are sometimes denied employment and upward mobility indicate a racist economy with social structures where roles and benefits are allocated in ways that ensure the superordinate position of white Canadians, and perpetuate difficulties based on skin colour.

DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE

Given the pivotal importance of employment to individuals and their families and given the fact that the workplace has emerged as an area of widespread racial discrimination, this area was explored in some detail.

There is evidence from the 1991 Census that Caribbean immigrant males were worse-off relative both to other immigrant groups and to the Canadian-born population. This income shortfall was particularly evident in terms of the return on education and qualifications.

Whereas university-educated Canadians received almost double the income of those with only elementary education, recently-arrived male immigrants with university education received only 75% more than did their counterparts with only an elementary education. In contrast, the best-educated, Caribbean-born males received incomes that amounted to only 42% more than those of their compatriots who arrived in the same period, but who had only an elementary education. This suggests that many were not commensurate with their education and training and/or that Canadian employers did not consider their education, training and experience to be of comparable value to that obtained locally. This result is in keeping with the findings of many other studies which have shown that Canadian employers demand "Canadian experience."5

The situation of Caribbean-born women was somewhat different from that of men, although recent arrivals experienced the same difficulty in converting university education into an income level commensurate with their formal qualifications. Caribbean women who arrived before 1970 were able to achieve incomes that exceeded the average for all immigrants with comparable education in the same arrival cohorts, as well as having had higher average total incomes than did Canadian-born women. Later arrivals were not so successful, although those with less than a university education compared favourably not only with other immigrants, but with Canadian-born women as well.6

The evidence from this study supports the conclusion that some Caribbean immigrants experienced a consistent disadvantage in employment and income relative to both the Canadian-born population, and to other immigrants with similar educational, and other characteristics.

Muszynski and Reitz's (1982) study of ethnic pluralism found a full 72% of West Indians responded that they perceived racism to be a serious problem for their group. This is of grave concern as it determines their ability to support themselves, and has important feedback effects on social and psychological adjustment.

The fact that racial minorities are relegated to low-skill occupations profoundly affects their social status and psychological self image in a negative way. Once a group becomes associated with a lower status, it becomes difficult for it to achieve an improved position, since other people who regard members of a group as inferiors will consciously or unconsciously hinder their economic advancement.

The Caribbean immigrants in Canada find themselves in a position to experience double discrimination. Firstly, they belong to an immigrant minority group and secondly many are black.

The perceived systematic denial of access to available employment opportunities makes it clear that there is need for some kind of bias-free mechanism for determining the validity of foreign credentials and experience, and making these equally available to employers and employees.

There is also the need to have some monitoring of employment practices to ensure that employers are not unreasonable when making Canadian experience a job requirement. As well, there is need for a system to ensure that recruitment, hiring, promotions and earnings are more equitable.

THE WILL TO SURVIVE

Like other immigrant groups in Canada, West Indians came with an economic mandate to "make it," and the fight against discrimination and racism became a part of that process. Caribbean immigrants hold jobs in a number of different occupations, and some hold positions with high income and status. This might indicate that not the individual persons, but rather the stereotype thinking of others is the cause of discrimination.

While the findings reported here have been largely descriptive, they do have implications for theoretical issues and point to some important theory-testing research. Foremost among these issues is the relationship between economic conditions and discrimination experiences on the part of minority groups.

Although the conventional wisdom suggests that racial and ethnic relations deteriorate during periods of economic decline, a majority of the respondents reported that racial discrimination is a widespread problem encountered by West Indians especially in the crucial area of employment, and has been there for some time now.

Comparatively speaking, not many in the Caribbean community in Manitoba are entrepreneurs. However, there are some well-established businesses in the secondary sector of the economy (see Business Directory). What was painfully obvious to the researcher was the fact that not many in the community are aware of the services and programs that are available, and as a result do not make use of same. There is the need to share information and improve communication with the ethnocultural communities which, no doubt, will result in more efficient co-ordination of existing government and private sector resources that will expand human and economic development.

TRADE AND TOURISM

The Caribbean's main trading relations are with Western Europe and North America. Regional trade accounts for only a small percentage, although efforts are being made to increase same. Free-trade areas and duty-free shops are a feature of many islands.

Most of the Caribbean islands and Guyana are primary producers of mineral ores or agricultural goods. They share the problems of underdevelopment. For manufactured items they rely mainly on imports and are at an increasing disadvantage in the world economic system.

Many Caribbean countries support the movement for a New International Economic Order. This movement aims to reduce the dominating role of the industrialized nations over the primary producers and thereby increase the prosperity of the underdeveloped nations.

The settlers from Europe who colonized the Caribbean turned the area into a huge agriculture enterprise, broken up only by sea and mountains. The entire activity was geared to providing food for consumption in Europe. Later it provide raw materials for European factories. This pattern still exists to a considerable extent. For example, Grenada's cocoa is exported to Britain and reimported as expensive chocolate bars.

SUN AND SEA

During the slave years the plantation great houses played host to visitors from Europe so that their owners could keep in touch with European styles. Later the warm climate and fine beaches of the area began to attract people rich enough to make the long journey. Nowadays improved communications and reduced working hours in the industrialized countries mean that tourism is no longer only for the very rich. Many ordinary people from Europe and North America are now able to enjoy a holiday in the Caribbean sunshine.

Caribbean-wide cooperation has turned tourism into a sophisticated industry. Careful planning is needed to ensure that food and entertainment can be provided from local resources and are not simply imported. Barbados is the site of the Caribbean Tourist Research Centre which analyzes the regional development of tourism.

The tourist industry provides employment in services, construction and food production. As a spin-off from tourism some of the smaller islands have been equipped with a modern airport and sophisticated telecommunications.

CARICOM

In 1973 the countries which had made up the Caribbean Free Trade Association (Carifta) transformed it into a new organization known as Caricom. The main aim of Caricom is to encourage trade within the region. Caricom is not intended to be a political unit. The Caribbean Development Bank finances large-scale schemes.


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FOOTNOTES

1 David Lowenthal, West Indian Societies, (Oxford University Press) N.Y. 1972

2James W. Walker, The West Indians in Canada, (Keystone Printing & Lithographing Ltd.), Saint John, N.B. 1984.

3 Source: Statistics Canada, 1991 Census of Canada, special tabulations.

4 Source: Statistics Canada, 1991 Census of Canada, special tabulations.

5 Abella, R.S. (1985) Equality in Employment: A Royal Commission Report, Ottawa: Supply and Services.

6 Source: Statistics Canada, 1991 Census of Canada special tabulation.

Reference taken from : http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/immigrate/multiculturalism/2_2.html

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