The Consequences of an Invention and The Dream of Its Reinvention

Caribbean Thought Lecture Series: If the Caribbean is an Invention of the 20th Century, what will it be reinvented into and who will lead it in the 21st? The lecture presentation by Renaldo McKenzie, Adjunct Professor at Jamaica Theological Seminary, focused on various aspects of Caribbean Thought and History. McKenzie transitioned from the concept of heritage and its connection to the Caribbean, emphasizing that there is something beyond heritage that connects the region. He mentioned Fidel Castro’s identification with his Latin and African heritage.

The Caribbean Reader describes the Caribbean as an invention of the 20th Century and asked what it will be reinvented into in the 21st century. But is it true that the Caribbean is an invention of the 20th century and when and where did this invention begin? What has been the consequences of this invention so that it needs to be reinvented in the 21st century? Who is responsible for this invention and if an invention in whose eyes and for whose interests? These questions are important to today’s reflections and Lecture as we continue to explore Caribbean Thought within postcolonialism and within a subaltern view that uses critical thinking. The idea of this invention and the answer of its reinvention would require a critical examination of the Caribbean’s history, philosophy, theology: Caribbean Thought.

Further, we must ask how far we go when exploring this invention, bearing in mind that we have concluded the Caribbean today is a set of nations states with tremendous natural resources and beauty but suffer from dependent capitalism. Independence and freedoms have not guaranteed the Pan African hope of a united free peoples with economic prosperity and competitive. In fact, some Caribbean islands depending on how they gained their nation or follow their invention, may have determine who they are today on the world stage. Haiti and Cuba suffer from poverty and being among the poorest due to embargoes, debt and structural adjustment which has not escaped other Caribbean islands. So, our study will be one that is skeptical/critical so as to recapture our peoples as part of an invented new world. The Caribbean is part of the new world, the Americas with similar experiences with mixed influences dominated by an African heritage devoid of our American Heritage.

McKenzie then delved into the invention of the Caribbean, stating that some people were perplexed when he referred to it as an invention of the 20th century. He clarified that the 20th century refers to the previous century when studying history. He also challenged the notion of the Caribbean as part of the New World, claiming that it goes beyond that and extends to Africa. The professor touched on the topic of colonization and the control exerted by European powers over the Caribbean. He mentioned that colonization involves stripping away human rights and controlling people. He emphasized the development of privilege, power, and position in society and the ways in which control is exerted through language and the creation of racial categories. McKenzie discussed the impact of globalization on the Caribbean and the dismantling of national borders and economic systems. He mentioned the dominance of capitalists and the profiteers in this process. On the concept of race, asserting that it is a human creation and that the idea of race only emerged in the 1600s. McKenzie highlighted the importance of self-determination and the challenges faced by Caribbean nationalists in the face of globalization.

Overall, the lecture presentation explored the complexities of Caribbean thought, touching on heritage, colonization, globalization, and the creation of racial categories. discusses various topics during a podcast session. He reflects on the response of the Caribbean region to different events and issues. He mentions the influx of Haitian refugees to Jamaica in the late 1990s and the mixed reactions from Jamaicans regarding their arrival. Renaldo raises questions about how the Caribbean should respond and discusses the concept of Caribbean unity. He also mentions the breaking news about the Wagner Group and wonders if their influence extends to the Caribbean.

The conversation shifts to the introduction of new Jamaican dollar notes, specifically the $5,000 bill, and the mixed opinions surrounding their implementation. Some individual’s express concerns about the durability and practicality of the new notes, while others speculate on the government’s intentions and the possibility of a transition to digital currency.

McKenzie discusses the importance of studying local and international dynamics as Caribbean scholars. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking, reflection, and engaging with others to challenge truths and pursue progress. He highlights the subjective nature of human existence and the role of institutions in sustaining knowledge.

For the full Lecture, visit our YouTube Channel:

The Lecture on YouTube

Renaldo McKenzie is Adjunct Professor at Jamaica Theological Seminary and Author of Neoliberalism Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance and the upcoming book: Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered, Neo_Capitalism and the Death of Nations.