Oldest Caribbean Democracies Shackled to their Colonial Past Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (9 August 2021) — Jamaica’s celebration of 59 years of independence gained from Great Britain on August 6, 1962, also is a celebration of its democratic traditions now spanning two generations. Trinidad & Tobago, gaining independence a little over three weeks later, also celebrates its 59 years anniversary and its unbroken democratic history. But even as the people of these two countries celebrate...
Remittances shield Jamaica from economic destabilization and social upheaval Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (13 July 2021) — Social unrest in Cuba, reported widely in the media, should be a warning to Jamaica and other Caribbean countries that people of any nation will not hesitate to cast off past benefits of any social and economic order when current conditions spiral out of control. When the suffering of the people reaches a tipping point, it is easy for many to look outside and see the...
When Democracy Fails, Bad Things Happen: Haiti in Crisis Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (07 July 2021) — It pains me to repeat this premise, supported by historic precedents, that in countries lacking democratic ideals and practices, where there are no viable democratic institutions, where autocratic leaders govern with impunity, it is only a matter of time before such countries implode. But violence is never the answer. Violence only begets more violence. It is the hard truth. History...
The Most Honourable P. J. Patterson Former Prime Minister of Jamaica and Statesman in Residence of The Patterson Centre For African-Caribbean States Salutes the Contribution of Kenneth David Kaunda (22 June 2021) — The passing of Kenneth Kaunda marks the final departure from the stage for a generation of iconic Leaders whose dedication to the independence of their respective countries extended well beyond their national frontiers in order to achieve the eradication of colonial rule...
Jamaica Diaspora Enraged by Security Minister Rejection of Diaspora Expertise Ambassador Curtis A. Ward No one will argue with the fact that, for many years, Jamaica has struggled to curb the ever-escalating crime and violence in the society. By some measure Jamaica has been seen as the crime capital of the hemisphere. Homicide rates climb year over year. Many of the homicides are attributable to gang violence. The US government consistently warns American travelers to stay away from certain...
Haiti: The Decline after 1861 Franklin W. Knight, PhD (Editor’s Note: This is Part IV of IV of a four-part series recognizing Haiti and honoring this Caribbean country’s history-changing role in the hemisphere and the world. This series is written by noted historian Dr. Franklin W. Knight for The Ward Post) (22 June 2021) — Four inter-related factors explain the dramatic political and economic decline of Haiti during the later nineteenth century, a decline from which it never...
Haiti: The Period of Strife, 1790-1860 Franklin W. Knight, PhD (Editor’s Note: This is Part III of IV of a four-part series recognizing Haiti and honoring this Caribbean country’s history-changing role in the hemisphere and the world. This series is written by noted historian Dr. Franklin W. Knight for The Ward Post) (14 June 2021) — War in Saint-Domingue began in 1790 when the petits-blancs who controlled the Assembly of West Province independently wrote a constitution for the...
Haiti: The Glory Years, 1760-1794 Franklin W. Knight, PhD (Editor’s Note: This is Part II of IV of a four-part series recognizing Haiti and honoring this Caribbean country’s history-changing role in the hemisphere and the world. This series is written by noted historian Dr. Franklin W. Knight for The Ward Post) (12 June 2021) — Between 1760 and 1861, Haiti experienced a most remarkable history. This history can be divided into three distinct phases. The first phase was the French...
US Supreme Court Decision Impacts Caribbean Diaspora TPS and Dreamers Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (09 June 2021) — The unanimous decision of the US Supreme Court denying adjustment of status to legal permanent resident (LPR) – green card – for certain TPS (Temporary Protected Status) beneficiaries, while a devastating blow particularly to long-term TPS beneficiaries, should not have come as a surprise. Immigration law generally, with few exceptions, precludes adjustment of status (AOS)...
Remembering Haiti during Caribbean History Month Franklin W. Knight, PhD (Editor’s Note: This is Part I of IV of a four-part series recognizing Haiti and honoring this Caribbean country’s history-changing role in the hemisphere and the world. This series is written by noted historian Dr. Franklin W. Knight for The Ward Post) (05 June 2021) — In many parts of the USA the Caribbean is especially remembered during the month of June. Aspects of the intrinsic Caribbean contributions to...
