The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival in America by Samuel Yette (1971/82) Audiobook, presented by Real Talk With ZSJ

NB: The price of this book is prohibitive for most working class Black people, ie.“Colonization of Black Information”

The term “Colonization of Black Information” refers to the historical and ongoing processes through which knowledge, narratives, and cultural expressions of Black people and communities have been dominated, appropriated, blocked or marginalized by external forces, often rooted in colonialism and the systemic, business and culture of white supremacy (racism). Allow us to provide some details, as it goes to why this book is so expensive.

Four quick points:

  1. Historical Context: During colonial times, European powers often suppressed indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices, replacing them with their own narratives. This led to a loss of agency among Black (New Afrikan) communities in telling their own stories and defining their own realities and identities.
  2. Cultural Appropriation: The appropriation of Black culture, music, art, and other expressions by non-Black (white) individuals and/or groups without proper acknowledgment or respect can be seen as a continuation of this colonization. Such actions often strip the original meanings and contexts from cultural elements.
  3. Media Representation: The portrayal of Black individuals and communities in media perpetuate stereotypes, often framing them through a lens that aligns with dominant societal (white) narratives and serving to distort public perceptions and limit the understanding of the Black experiences in Amerikkka under the bootheel of its oppression.
  4. Access to Information: Structural inequalities (eg. this book) often result in Black communities having less access to platforms and resources to share their information and narratives. This, more frequently than not, leads to a dearth of knowledge and a lack of representation in academic, historical, socio-political, economic and cultural discussions.

Book Summary

“The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival in America” by Samuel Yette is a profound exploration of the challenges faced by the African American community in the United States. Yette presents a critical analysis of the socio-political landscape affecting Black Americans, discussing themes of survival, identity, and agency. The book examines historical contexts, systemic racism, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, ultimately advocating for a conscious choice in addressing these persistent issues.

The outline that follows captures the essence of Yette’s work, emphasizing both the historical context and the contemporary issues facing the Black community in America

  • Introduction
    • Purpose of the book
    • Overview of the Black experience in America
  • Historical Context
    • Legacy of slavery
    • Civil Rights Movement
    • Continued oppression and disenfranchisement
  • Systemic Racism
    • Definition and examples
    • Impact on African American communities
    • Institutional barriers in education, employment, and justice
  • Identity and Culture
    • The importance of cultural heritage
    • The role of community and family
    • Challenges in maintaining identity in a predominantly white society
  • Survival Strategies
    • Individual vs. collective approaches
    • Importance of education and empowerment
    • Role of activism and political engagement
  • The Power of Choice
    • Defining choices in the context of survival
    • Historical examples of impactful choices made by Black leaders
    • Encouraging personal responsibility and agency
  • Vision for the Future
    • Hope and resilience within the Black community
    • Potential pathways for change
    • Call to action for readers
  • Conclusion
    • Summary of key points
    • Reinforcement of the importance of choice in the struggle for survival
    • Final thoughts on unity and collective action

  Here is an outline comprising a deeper exploration of the themes and concepts presented in “The Choice”

  1. Introduction
    • Yette sets the stage by discussing the historical and ongoing struggles of African Americans in the U.S. He emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of the systemic issues that have shaped the Black experience.
  2. Historical Context
    • The author delves into the history of slavery, detailing its brutal realities and the long-lasting effects on subsequent generations. He explores the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting key figures and events that sought to dismantle institutional racism. Yette also discusses how the remnants of these historical injustices continue to affect Black Americans today.
  3. Systemic Racism
    • Yette provides a thorough analysis of systemic racism, defining it as a deeply ingrained issue that permeates various institutions, including education, healthcare, and the justice system. He illustrates how these systems fail Black individuals, contributing to socio-economic disparities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.
  4. Identity and Culture
    • The book emphasizes the significance of cultural identity and heritage for African Americans. Yette discusses the importance of community bonds, family structures, and the role of cultural expressions in fostering resilience. He examines the struggles of maintaining cultural identity in a society that often marginalizes or misrepresents Black culture.
  5. Survival Strategies
    • Yette advocates for both individual and collective strategies for survival. He stresses the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and encourages active participation in political processes. The author highlights examples of grassroots movements and organizations that have successfully mobilized communities to fight for their rights.
  6. The Power of Choice
    • Central to Yette’s thesis is the concept of choice. He posits that individuals have the power to make choices that can lead to positive change, both personally and collectively. He uses historical examples of leaders who made significant choices that impacted the trajectory of the civil rights struggle, inspiring readers to take ownership of their decisions.
  7. Vision for the Future
    • Yette expresses a hopeful vision for the future, emphasizing the resilience and strength of the Black community. He discusses the potential for change through unity and collective action. The author calls on readers to engage in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, fostering a sense of responsibility towards future generations.
  8. Conclusion
    • The book concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness and action. Yette urges readers to reflect on their roles in the fight against systemic racism and to recognize that meaningful change requires both individual and collective effort.

Key Themes:

  • Empowerment through Education: Yette highlights education as a vital means for empowerment and breaking the cycle of oppression.
  • Cultural Identity: The preservation of cultural heritage is crucial for community strength and individual identity.
  • Agency and Responsibility: Individuals must recognize their power to make choices that affect their lives and communities.
  • Collective Action: The importance of solidarity and collaboration among African Americans to effect social change.

Overall, “The Choice” serves as a thought-provoking work that challenges readers to think critically about the issues facing the Black community while inspiring them to take action towards a more equitable future.

Part I A Partial Reading of The Choice The Issue of Black Survival in America by Samuel Yette Audiobook (Real Talk With ZSJ)

Starts @1min. 09 sec.

The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival in America: View/Study/ Download ALL 7 Parts presented by Real Talk With ZSJ HERE

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The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution_eBook and Audiobook with Confronting Black Jacobins, Dr. Gerald Horne (eBook and Auiobook) and The Black Jacobins Reader

Last Updated 12-15-2024

Book Summary

“The Black Jacobins” is a historical account by C.L.R. James that explores the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) and the role of its leader, Toussaint L’Ouverture. The book examines the interplay of class, race, and power in the struggle for Haitian independence from French colonial rule. James presents a detailed narrative of the events leading to the revolution, the complexity of the social dynamics involved, and the impact of the revolution on the wider world. Through the lens of L’Ouverture’s life and leadership, the book highlights the struggle for freedom and equality, making it a significant work in the study of history, race, and revolution.

The following outline encapsulates the major themes and structure of C.L.R. James’s seminal work, emphasizing the significance of the Haitian Revolution and its leader in the context of world history.

Outline of “The Black Jacobins”

  • Introduction
    • Context of the Haitian Revolution
    • Importance of Toussaint L’Ouverture
    • Themes of race, class, and revolution
  • Part I: The Setting
    • Colonialism in Saint-Domingue
      • Overview of the plantation economy
      • Social hierarchy: whites, free people of color, and enslaved people
    • Influence of the French Revolution
      • Impact of Enlightenment ideas
      • The rise of revolutionary sentiments
  • Part II: The Revolution Begins
    • Initial uprisings of enslaved people
    • Toussaint L’Ouverture’s early involvement
    • Key figures in the revolution
    • The role of external forces (France, Britain, Spain)
  • Part III: Toussaint L’Ouverture’s Leadership
    • Rise to power and political strategies
    • Military campaigns and tactics
    • Balancing alliances with France and other powers
    • Vision for Haiti and abolition of slavery
  • Part IV: Internal Conflicts
    • Tensions among revolutionary leaders
    • Class divisions within the revolutionary movement
    • The challenge of governance and social order
  • Part V: The Fall of Toussaint
    • Betrayal and capture by the French
    • Impact of his leadership on the revolution’s course
    • The rise of Jean-Jacques Dessalines and others
  • Conclusion: The Legacy of the Revolution
    • Outcomes of the Haitian Revolution
    • Influence on global movements for freedom and equality
    • Reflections on race and colonialism

The Black Jacobins_eBook

A classic and impassioned account of the first revolution in the Third World.This powerful, intensely dramatic book is the definitive account of the Haitian Revolution of 1794-1803, a revolution that began in the wake of the Bastille but became the model for the Third World liberation movements from Africa to Cuba. It is the story of the French colony of San Domingo, a place where the brutality of master toward slave was commonplace and ingeniously refined. And it is the story of a barely literate slave named Toussaint L’Ouverture, who led the black people of San Domingo in a successful struggle against successive invasions by overwhelming French, Spanish, and English forces and in the process helped form the first independent nation in the Caribbean.

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The Black Jacobins_Audiobook

Confronting Black Jacobins, Dr. Gerald Horne_eBook

Book Summary

“Confronting Black Jacobins” by Dr. Gerald Horne is an exploration of the historical context and implications of the Haitian Revolution, focusing on the revolutionary figures, particularly Toussaint L’Ouverture, and the broader impact on the Atlantic world.

The following overview and outline provides a structured capsule of the major themes and topics discussed in “Confronting Black Jacobins,” highlighting Dr. Horne’s analysis of the Haitian Revolution and its lasting significance.

Overview

  • Historical Context: The book situates the Haitian Revolution within the larger scope of the Atlantic slave trade and the French Revolution.
  • Key Figures: It examines the lives and contributions of important figures, especially Toussaint L’Ouverture, and their roles in challenging colonial power.
  • Impact of the Revolution: Horne discusses the implications of Haiti’s independence for slavery, colonialism, and race relations in the Americas and Europe.
  • Racial Dynamics: The narrative addresses the intersection of race, class, and revolution, highlighting how these elements influenced the struggle for freedom.
  • Legacy and Memory: The book reflects on how the Haitian Revolution has been remembered and misremembered in historical narratives.

Outline

  1. Introduction
    • Overview of the Haitian Revolution
    • Significance in world history
  2. Historical Background
    • The Atlantic slave trade and its impact
    • The role of colonial powers, especially France
  3. Key Figures
    • Toussaint L’Ouverture
      • Early life and rise to power
      • Military strategies and leadership
    • Other notable leaders
      • Jean-Jacques Dessalines
      • Henri Christophe
  4. The Revolution Begins
    • Factors leading to the uprising
    • Initial revolts and their suppression
  5. French Revolution Influence
    • Connection to the French Revolution
    • Ideological underpinnings and inspirations
  6. International Reactions
    • Responses from colonial powers
    • The impact on slave societies in the Americas
  7. Struggles for Control
    • Internal conflicts among revolutionary leaders
    • The role of external forces, including the U.S. and Britain
  8. Haiti’s Independence
    • Declaration of independence and its significance
    • Immediate consequences for Haiti and the region
  9. Legacy of the Haitian Revolution
    • Influence on abolitionist movements
    • Ongoing struggles for racial equality and social justice
  10. Conclusion
    • Reflection on the memory of the Haitian Revolution
    • Its relevance to contemporary issues of race and freedom

Confronting Black Jacobins, Dr. Gerald Horne_Audiobook

Audio start in earnest (Introduction) and corresponds to page 8 of the above Reader.

Part 1

Part 2

The Black Jacobins Reader

Containing a wealth of new scholarship and rare primary documents, The Black Jacobins Reader provides a comprehensive analysis of C. L. R. James’s classic history of the Haitian Revolution. In addition to considering the book’s literary qualities and its role in James’s emergence as a writer and thinker, the contributors discuss its production, context, and enduring importance in relation to debates about decolonization, globalization, postcolonialism, and the emergence of neocolonial modernity. The Reader also includes the reflections of activists and novelists on the book’s influence and a transcript of James’s 1970 interview with Studs Terkel.

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SUPPLEMENTAL: CLR JAMES VS MARCUS GARVEY

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Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy, by  Heather Ann Thompson_eBook and Audiobook, with RBG Attica is All of Us Viedo Player

Book Summary

“Blood in the Water” offers a detailed account of the Attica prison uprising, which occurred in September 1971, and its aftermath. The book explores the conditions that led to the rebellion, the events during the uprising, the violent retaking of the prison, and the long-lasting implications for the American prison system and civil rights. Thompson combines extensive research, including firsthand accounts, legal documents, and archival materials, to present a comprehensive narrative that highlights the struggles for justice and the fight against systemic racism within the prison system.

This outline provides a structured view of the book’s contents, highlighting the key themes and events that Thompson addresses in her exploration of the Attica prison uprising and its lasting effects on amerikkkan society.

  1. Introduction
    • Historical context of Attica prison
    • Overview of the prison conditions in the 1970s
    • Significance of the uprising in American history
  2. Chapter 1: Background of the Prison System
    • Description of Attica’s conditions
    • Overview of inmates’ grievances
    • Racial dynamics within the prison
  3. Chapter 2: The Uprising Begins
    • Timeline of events leading to the rebellion
    • Key figures involved in the uprising
    • Initial demands of the inmates
  4. Chapter 3: The Hostage Crisis
    • Hostage situations and negotiations
    • Media coverage and public perception
    • The role of prison officials and state authorities
  5. Chapter 4: The Retaking of Attica
    • Government response and planning
    • The violent retaking of the prison
    • Casualties and injuries during the retaking
  6. Chapter 5: Aftermath of the Uprising
    • Legal repercussions for inmates and officials
    • Impact on the families of hostages and inmates
    • Public and political response to the violence
  7. Chapter 6: The Legacy of Attica
    • Changes in prison policies and practices
    • Ongoing issues of prison reform and justice
    • Influence on future movements for inmates’ rights
  8. Chapter 7: Reflections on Justice and Accountability
    • Analysis of systemic racism in the prison system
    • The importance of remembering Attica’s legacy
    • Calls for continued activism and reform
  9. Conclusion
    • Summary of key themes and insights
    • Relevance of the Attica uprising in contemporary society
    • Final thoughts on justice and human rights

Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy_eBook

On September 9, 1971, nearly 1,300 prisoners took over the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York to protest years of mistreatment. Holding guards and civilian employees hostage, the prisoners negotiated with officials for improved conditions during the four long days and nights that followed.
On September 13, the state abruptly sent hundreds of heavily armed troopers and correction officers to retake the prison by force. Their gunfire killed thirty-nine men—hostages as well as prisoners—and severely wounded more than one hundred others. In the ensuing hours, weeks, and months, troopers and officers brutally retaliated against the prisoners. And, ultimately, New York State authorities prosecuted only the prisoners, never once bringing charges against the officials involved in the retaking and its aftermath and neglecting to provide support to the survivors and the families of the men who had been killed.
Drawing from more than a decade of extensive research, historian Heather Ann Thompson sheds new light on every aspect of the uprising and its legacy, giving voice to all those who took part in this forty-five-year fight for justice: prisoners, former hostages, families of the victims, lawyers and judges, and state officials and members of law enforcement. Blood in the Water is the searing and indelible account of one of the most important civil rights stories of the last century.

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Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy_Audiobook

Part 1

Audio start in earnest (Introduction @ 5 mins. 20 sec.) and corresponds to page 11 of the above Reader.

Part 2

RBG Attica is All of Us Viedo Player

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A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide by Linda Melvern_eBook and Audiobook, with Supplemental_Rwanda: A Nation Resilient in the Aftermath of Genocide, by Samuel Totten

Book Summary

“A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide” by Linda Melvern offers a critical analysis of the international community’s failure to prevent and respond to the Rwandan genocide that occurred in 1994. The book examines the political, social, and historical contexts that led to the genocide, focusing on the complicity and inaction of Western governments and organizations. Melvern argues that the West’s neglect and misguided policies significantly contributed to the scale of the tragedy, highlighting the moral responsibilities of the international community in the face of human rights atrocities.

Essential Themes and Historical Context:

  1. Introduction to the Rwandan Genocide
    • Overview of the genocide and its historical significance
    • Introduction to the themes of betrayal and complicity
  2. Historical Background
    • Exploration of Rwanda’s colonial history and ethnic tensions
    • The impact of Belgian colonialism on Hutu-Tutsi relations
    • Key events leading up to the genocide, including the civil war
  3. The Build-Up to Genocide
    • Analysis of the political climate in Rwanda in the early 1990s
    • The role of propaganda and hate speech in inciting violence
    • Examination of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and its goals
  4. International Response and Inaction
    • Evaluation of the United Nations’ involvement prior to and during the genocide
    • Critique of Western governments’ policies and actions (or lack thereof)
    • Discussion on the role of NGOs and humanitarian organizations
  5. The Genocide Unfolds
    • Detailed account of the events during the genocide from April to July 1994
    • Personal testimonies and narratives of survivors
    • Examination of the tactics used by perpetrators and the scale of violence
  6. Consequences of Inaction
    • Analysis of the aftermath of the genocide and its global implications
    • The long-term effects on Rwandan society and regional stability
    • Discussion of accountability and justice for the perpetrators
  7. Lessons Learned and Unlearned
    • Reflection on the lessons from the Rwandan genocide for international relations
    • Examination of how the genocide has influenced humanitarian intervention policies
    • Critique of the ongoing failures to address similar crises worldwide
  8. Conclusion
    • Summary of key arguments and insights from Melvern’s analysis
    • Call for recognition of moral responsibility in preventing future genocides

A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide_eBook

In Rwanda in 1994 one million people were killed in a planned, public and political campaign. For six years Linda Melvern has worked on the story of this horrendous crime, and this book, a classic piece of investigative journalism, is the result. Its new and startling information has the making of an international scandal. The book contains a full narrative account of how the genocide unfolded and describes its scale, speed and intensity. And the book provides a terrible indictment, not just of the UN Security Council, but even more so of governments and individuals who could have prevented what was happening but chose not to do so. Drawing on a series of in-depth interviews, the author also tells the story of the unrecognized heroism of those who stayed on during the genocide – volunteer UN peacekeepers, their Force Commander the Canadian Lt.-General Romeo A. Dallaire, and Philippe Gaillard, the head of a delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, helped by medical teams from Medecins Sans Frontieres. The international community, which fifty years ago resolved that genocide never happened again, not only failed to prevent it happening in Rwanda, but, as this book shows, international funds intended to help the Rwandan economy actually helped to create the conditions that made the genocide possible. Documents held in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, as well as hitherto unpublished evidence of secret UN Security Council deliberations in New York, reveal a shocking sequence of events.
What happened in Rwanda shows that despite the creation of an organization set up to prevent a repetition of genocide – for the UN is central to this task – it failed to do so, even when the evidence was indisputable. At a time when increasing attention is being given to the need for UN reform, this book provides evidence to urgently accelerate and focus that process. Only by understanding how and why the genocide happened can there be any hope that this new century will break with the dismal record of the last.

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A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide_Audiobook

Audio start in earnest (Rwanda Genocide April 1994 @ 4 mins. 55 sec.) and corresponds to page 14 of the above Reader.

Part 1

Part 2

Supplemental_Rwanda: A Nation Resilient in the Aftermath of Genocide, by Samuel Totten

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Capitalism and Slavery by Eric Williams_eBook and Audiobook, with Capitalism and Slavery – Eric William – 75 Years Later- 2 Day Symposium

Book Summary

“Capitalism and Slavery” by Eric Williams is a seminal work that investigates the relationship between the rise of capitalism in Europe and the system of slavery in the Americas. Williams argues that the profits derived from the slave trade and plantation economies were instrumental in fueling the growth of European capitalism, particularly in Britain. The book challenges conventional historical narratives that separate economic development from the exploitation of enslaved people, highlighting how slavery was not only a moral issue but also a critical economic factor in the development of modern capitalism. Williams’ analysis underscores the interconnectedness of race, economics, and history, making a significant contribution to the study of both slavery and economic history.

Essential Themes and Arguments:

  1. Introduction
    • Overview of the book’s objectives and significance
    • Introduction to the central thesis linking capitalism and slavery
    • Contextualization of the historical period under discussion
  2. The Economic Foundations of Slavery
    • Analysis of the economic motivations behind the transatlantic slave trade
    • The role of sugar and other cash crops in the Caribbean economy
    • Examination of the financial networks that supported the slave trade
  3. The Impact of Slavery on British Capitalism
    • Discussion of how profits from slavery contributed to British industrialization
    • Examination of the relationship between slave-derived wealth and British economic growth
    • Analysis of the investment in infrastructure and industry enabled by slave profits
  4. Political and Social Implications
    • Exploration of the political considerations surrounding slavery and abolition
    • Discussion of the social tensions and class struggles linked to the slave economy
    • Examination of the role of enslaved people in resisting their oppression
  5. Abolition and Its Consequences
    • Analysis of the abolition movement and its economic implications
    • Discussion of the motivations behind abolition, including economic shifts
    • Examination of the effects of abolition on both the colonies and Britain
  6. Racial Ideologies and Economic Interests
    • Exploration of how racial theories justified slavery and exploitation
    • Discussion of the intersection of race and economics in shaping societal views
    • Examination of the legacy of these ideologies in contemporary society
  7. Legacy of Slavery in Modern Capitalism
    • Reflection on the long-term economic effects of slavery on global capitalism
    • Discussion of the continued inequalities stemming from historical exploitation
    • Analysis of how understanding this legacy informs current socio-economic debates
  8. Conclusion
    • Summary of key themes and arguments presented throughout the book
    • Final reflections on the importance of recognizing the ties between capitalism and slavery
    • Call for a reevaluation of historical narratives regarding slavery and economic development

Capitalism and Slavery by Eric Williams_eBook

Slavery helped finance the Industrial Revolution in England. Plantation owners, shipbuilders, and merchants connected with the slave trade accumulated vast fortunes that established banks and heavy industry in Europe and expanded the reach of capitalism worldwide. Eric Williams advanced these powerful ideas in Capitalism and Slavery, published in 1944. Years ahead of its time, his profound critique became the foundation for studies of imperialism and economic development. Binding an economic view of history with strong moral argument, Williams’s study of the role of slavery in financing the Industrial Revolution refuted traditional ideas of economic and moral progress and firmly established the centrality of the African slave trade in European economic development. He also showed that mature industrial capitalism in turn helped destroy the slave system. Establishing the exploitation of commercial capitalism and its link to racial attitudes, Williams employed a historicist vision that set the tone for future studies. In a new introduction, Colin Palmer assesses the lasting impact of Williams’s groundbreaking work and analyzes the heated scholarly debates it generated when it first appeared.

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Capitalism and Slavery by Eric Williams_Audiobook

Capitalism and Slavery – Eric William – 75 Years Later- 2 Day Symposium

The CARICOM Reparations Commission in collaboration with the UWI Centre for Reparation Research and the Faculty of Humanities and Education at the UWI St. Augustine Campus is hosting an academic symposium to commemorate the 75th year of the publication of Eric Williams’ Capitalism and Slavery on the 13th November 2019. The themes to be discussed include: • Williams’ Caribbean Vision • The Profits from Enslavement (16th – 19th Century) • Impact of Capitalism and Slavery on the world today (21st Century) • Capitalism and Slavery and Reparations • Capitalism and Slavery – Global Connections • Decolonising Caribbean History At this symposium, we seek to gather scholars, intellectuals, corporate interest groups, artists, and activists to join us to examine the impact of Eric Williams and his work on the contemporary Caribbean and wider world. This symposium will also provide an opportunity to discuss his legacy with the next generation of leaders and intellectuals. Such commemorative activities are taking place all over the world. Symposiums will be held in Britain and the United States. We are adding the Caribbean’s voice through this symposium at the UWI.

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