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PICTURE GALLERY
Joint webinar with immigration attorney, Connie Kaplan, regarding business owners and immigration!
I'll be discussing the importance of trademarks/business law, and Connie will be discussing immigration options through investments in the U.S.
Email me your questions and we will try to answer them. melissa@mdgrlaw.com
You can register at https://teams.microsoft.com/registration/Wgr0GnCqykug32Z_H54UVQ,mCicschctkCy3OGgxlZjJA,PeYfper4vUqQWOSYYjkomQ,_tulMdWUPEeLJG75bJ3SsQ,3bBxsmF2pEyDpLDt0PnzGA,YPD8I-9JvEa4o51syHhK3g?mode=read&tenantId=1af40a5a-aa70-4bca-a0df-667f1f9e1455&skipauthstrap=1
I'll also be sharing Trademark Tips this July. I think when we all work together as a community, we can do great things and help each other reach their goals. There is enough business to go around for everyone. "Fixing each other's crowns will not effect the thrones we sit on."
Have a great day!
#trini2dbone #guyananice #trademarkattorney #trademarktips #immigration
I'll be discussing the importance of trademarks/business law, and Connie will be discussing immigration options through investments in the U.S.
Email me your questions and we will try to answer them. melissa@mdgrlaw.com
You can register at https://teams.microsoft.com/registration/Wgr0GnCqykug32Z_H54UVQ,mCicschctkCy3OGgxlZjJA,PeYfper4vUqQWOSYYjkomQ,_tulMdWUPEeLJG75bJ3SsQ,3bBxsmF2pEyDpLDt0PnzGA,YPD8I-9JvEa4o51syHhK3g?mode=read&tenantId=1af40a5a-aa70-4bca-a0df-667f1f9e1455&skipauthstrap=1
I'll also be sharing Trademark Tips this July. I think when we all work together as a community, we can do great things and help each other reach their goals. There is enough business to go around for everyone. "Fixing each other's crowns will not effect the thrones we sit on."
Have a great day!
#trini2dbone #guyananice #trademarkattorney #trademarktips #immigration
Women of Our Past
This is part of a series of postcards wherein Indian women in the Caribbean were used to help create an image that the Caribbean was a beautiful and safe place to travel.
"With the models dressed in their best jewelry -- symbolizing wealth -- and traditional clothing, the photographs exocitized and sexualized them, hiding the 'background of labor and violence' they experienced, according to Gaiutra Bahadur in a CNN article.
It's bittersweet to see these photos knowing the horrors of indentured servitude; however, it offers descendants a rare glimpse into their elusive history.
Reference:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/indo-caribbean-women-colonial-postcards/index.html
#history #bangles
This is part of a series of postcards wherein Indian women in the Caribbean were used to help create an image that the Caribbean was a beautiful and safe place to travel.
"With the models dressed in their best jewelry -- symbolizing wealth -- and traditional clothing, the photographs exocitized and sexualized them, hiding the 'background of labor and violence' they experienced, according to Gaiutra Bahadur in a CNN article.
It's bittersweet to see these photos knowing the horrors of indentured servitude; however, it offers descendants a rare glimpse into their elusive history.
Reference:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/indo-caribbean-women-colonial-postcards/index.html
#history #bangles
Happy Independence Day! Always thankful to my parents and grandparents for moving to America so that we could have better opportunities! They gave us so much support that it enabled us to succeed in school.
I had a degree in History, with an emphasis on the American Civil War, BEFORE I had a law degree.
And in honor of this, I wrote an article outlining the history of the USA and the main legal areas that all businesses need. Sometimes it is easier to understand things if you have an outline.
One of the most interesting things to me about American History was the Lost Colony at Roanoke.
In 1607, the English set up its first lasting colony named Jamestown (located in present–day Virginia). The first permanent British colony in Roanoke mysteriously disappeared. Their settlement was empty when supply ships arrived. The only potential clue was a carving that said “CROATOAN.” Thus, the two prominent theories are that they either merged with the local Indian tribe or they were completely killed by the local Indian tribe.
I had a degree in History, with an emphasis on the American Civil War, BEFORE I had a law degree.
And in honor of this, I wrote an article outlining the history of the USA and the main legal areas that all businesses need. Sometimes it is easier to understand things if you have an outline.
One of the most interesting things to me about American History was the Lost Colony at Roanoke.
In 1607, the English set up its first lasting colony named Jamestown (located in present–day Virginia). The first permanent British colony in Roanoke mysteriously disappeared. Their settlement was empty when supply ships arrived. The only potential clue was a carving that said “CROATOAN.” Thus, the two prominent theories are that they either merged with the local Indian tribe or they were completely killed by the local Indian tribe.
Source: The Inter-American Development Bank
The IDB has an interesting article called "Traversing a Slippery Slope: Guyana's Oil Opportunity." It summarizes the hydrocarbon exploration and production in Guyana, the fiscal regime, the governance framework, and offers new policy perspectives.
It is not an easy read but it seems like a good place to start for an overview on Guyana's oil industry.
Stay tuned as we learn more.
#guyananice
The IDB has an interesting article called "Traversing a Slippery Slope: Guyana's Oil Opportunity." It summarizes the hydrocarbon exploration and production in Guyana, the fiscal regime, the governance framework, and offers new policy perspectives.
It is not an easy read but it seems like a good place to start for an overview on Guyana's oil industry.
Stay tuned as we learn more.
#guyananice
Representation Matters
Trinidad's own Mishael Morgan currently stars on The Young & The Restless. She also won an Emmy for leading drama actress!
She stated in her speech:
“I was born on the tiny island, Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean and now I’m standing on an international stage."
"I am being honored regardless of the color of my skin, regardless of my passport, for being the best at what I do. Now there are little girls all around the world and they're seeing another step forward and they know that no matter their industry, no matter their vocation, no matter what, they can strive to be the best at what they do. Not only can they achieve it, but they will be celebrated."
Congratulations to her!
--
I've been watching Y&R for 20 years now and she definitely brings value to the show. I love to see her as a lawyer. And I had no idea that she was Trini. She is showing young girls that you can follow your dreams, be an actress, and be a strong criminal lawyer.
We should petition the Y&R producers to give her a Trini story line. A large dedicated portion of the viewers are from the Caribbean after all.
Suggested plot: Have her return to Trinidad (her hometown) to look for evidence to exonerate a client. Make a stop at Maracas to get some bake and shark. Find out that the client is being set up because of a long standing family feud over land.
Y&R's storylines have improved over the last 2-3 years. But this would make it better. And also reunite Nick and Sharon, please.
In conclusion, give Mishael Morgan more screen time!
Trinidad's own Mishael Morgan currently stars on The Young & The Restless. She also won an Emmy for leading drama actress!
She stated in her speech:
“I was born on the tiny island, Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean and now I’m standing on an international stage."
"I am being honored regardless of the color of my skin, regardless of my passport, for being the best at what I do. Now there are little girls all around the world and they're seeing another step forward and they know that no matter their industry, no matter their vocation, no matter what, they can strive to be the best at what they do. Not only can they achieve it, but they will be celebrated."
Congratulations to her!
--
I've been watching Y&R for 20 years now and she definitely brings value to the show. I love to see her as a lawyer. And I had no idea that she was Trini. She is showing young girls that you can follow your dreams, be an actress, and be a strong criminal lawyer.
We should petition the Y&R producers to give her a Trini story line. A large dedicated portion of the viewers are from the Caribbean after all.
Suggested plot: Have her return to Trinidad (her hometown) to look for evidence to exonerate a client. Make a stop at Maracas to get some bake and shark. Find out that the client is being set up because of a long standing family feud over land.
Y&R's storylines have improved over the last 2-3 years. But this would make it better. And also reunite Nick and Sharon, please.
In conclusion, give Mishael Morgan more screen time!
The 3 main entities to protect against personal liability in the U.S. are corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
An LLC is often the best entity for new businesses. You can always change to a corporation if your company grows. It is a relatively simple filing with simple maintenance.
You can also confirm with your accountant on whether this is the best option for you concerning tax benefits.
Many of you have probably heard that Delaware is the best state to form your entity. I think that the best state to form your entity is the state that you conduct business in. Delaware does have many benefits- but for giant global corporations.
If you are a new and growing company, you might end up paying more in administrative costs and taxes if you register in a different state than where you conduct business mainly.
In conclusion, form an entity if you are running a business.
See our prior posts for our June Business Tips regarding entity formations.
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[Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. This information is not legal advice because there is no written agreement regarding legal representation. Contact an attorney if you'd like to discuss your specific matter or case. The copyright for this content is owned by Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth, Esq.]
An LLC is often the best entity for new businesses. You can always change to a corporation if your company grows. It is a relatively simple filing with simple maintenance.
You can also confirm with your accountant on whether this is the best option for you concerning tax benefits.
Many of you have probably heard that Delaware is the best state to form your entity. I think that the best state to form your entity is the state that you conduct business in. Delaware does have many benefits- but for giant global corporations.
If you are a new and growing company, you might end up paying more in administrative costs and taxes if you register in a different state than where you conduct business mainly.
In conclusion, form an entity if you are running a business.
See our prior posts for our June Business Tips regarding entity formations.
.
.
.
.
.
[Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. This information is not legal advice because there is no written agreement regarding legal representation. Contact an attorney if you'd like to discuss your specific matter or case. The copyright for this content is owned by Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth, Esq.]
Can you finish the lyrics?
This is what you see when you stand at the top of Kaieteur Falls. Endless beautiful and unchartered Guyana frontier.
One legend says that a local tribe's King (called "Kai") sacrificed himself for the greater good by canoeing off of the waterfall. He gave his life to protect the tribe from a rival Carib tribe. "Teur" means falls in the Amerindian language. So the name Kaieteur comes from "Kai" (the King) and "teur" (falls).
The local Amerindians are the ones who give the tours.
Image Copyright: Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth, Esq. @lawyer_melissa_r
#guyananice #caribbeanheritagemonth
One legend says that a local tribe's King (called "Kai") sacrificed himself for the greater good by canoeing off of the waterfall. He gave his life to protect the tribe from a rival Carib tribe. "Teur" means falls in the Amerindian language. So the name Kaieteur comes from "Kai" (the King) and "teur" (falls).
The local Amerindians are the ones who give the tours.
Image Copyright: Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth, Esq. @lawyer_melissa_r
#guyananice #caribbeanheritagemonth
On June 23, 1874, the "India" arrived in Guyana as the 19th ship of the season. This is the greatest number of ships in a recorded season.
382 Indian indentured servants arrived on that ship.
The season lasted from 1873-1874.
Further information on this ship and shipping season appears very limited.
Source:
The Guyana Chronicle
382 Indian indentured servants arrived on that ship.
The season lasted from 1873-1874.
Further information on this ship and shipping season appears very limited.
Source:
The Guyana Chronicle
Brechin Castle: Ship, Factory, and Chune
Ship: On June 12, 1863, the ship "Brechin Castle" arrived in Trinidad with 283 Indian indentured servants. 3 perished on the journey.
Factory: Brechin Castle is the name of Trinidad's abandoned sugar factory. By the 1960s, nearly all of Trinidad’s sugar was produced by Caroni Limited. The government bought this company in 1975 and it was renamed Caroni (1975) Limited. It produced sugar, rum, molasses, and bagasse (“the dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane, used as fuel for electricity generators”).
Brechin Castle is in Couva. In 2003, the government shut down Caroni (1975) Limited. The decision was met with much controversy and speculation, and left 20,000 factory workers displaced.
Chune: When Caroni shut down, chutney singer Adesh Samaroo released his hit "Caroni Close Down." The song states: "Can't go for cane, can't go for cane, Caroni close down. So where we go go for cane?" Samaroo also sings other classic songs of our people, including "Rum Till I Die."
Ship: On June 12, 1863, the ship "Brechin Castle" arrived in Trinidad with 283 Indian indentured servants. 3 perished on the journey.
Factory: Brechin Castle is the name of Trinidad's abandoned sugar factory. By the 1960s, nearly all of Trinidad’s sugar was produced by Caroni Limited. The government bought this company in 1975 and it was renamed Caroni (1975) Limited. It produced sugar, rum, molasses, and bagasse (“the dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane, used as fuel for electricity generators”).
Brechin Castle is in Couva. In 2003, the government shut down Caroni (1975) Limited. The decision was met with much controversy and speculation, and left 20,000 factory workers displaced.
Chune: When Caroni shut down, chutney singer Adesh Samaroo released his hit "Caroni Close Down." The song states: "Can't go for cane, can't go for cane, Caroni close down. So where we go go for cane?" Samaroo also sings other classic songs of our people, including "Rum Till I Die."
June 19, 1865 is celebrated as “Juneteenth,” the day that the enslaved African Americans in Texas found out that they were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. As we honor Juneteenth, we should take note that both slavery and indentured servitude ended over 100 years ago but the descendants of the enslaved and indentured servants have continued to overcome obstacles and oppression.
In the United States, the end of slavery did not mean equal rights for African Americans. The Southern states quickly passed segregation and “Jim Crow” laws to keep the former enslaved Africans and later generations uneducated, imprisoned, and disenfranchised. This resulted in a series of violent interactions between blacks and whites.
Nearly 100 years after the Tulsa Massacre and race is still a major divide in the United States. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed when a police officer kneeled on his neck for over 8 minutes. The brutal killing sparked a Black Lives Matter revolution. Protestors from all over the world championed human rights for blacks and set off a chain reaction of reforms.
The Caribbean, like the United States, is filled with a history of rebellion and strikes against oppression.
Enslaved persons in the Caribbean revolted against their local masters on several notable occasions.
In the United States, the end of slavery did not mean equal rights for African Americans. The Southern states quickly passed segregation and “Jim Crow” laws to keep the former enslaved Africans and later generations uneducated, imprisoned, and disenfranchised. This resulted in a series of violent interactions between blacks and whites.
Nearly 100 years after the Tulsa Massacre and race is still a major divide in the United States. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed when a police officer kneeled on his neck for over 8 minutes. The brutal killing sparked a Black Lives Matter revolution. Protestors from all over the world championed human rights for blacks and set off a chain reaction of reforms.
The Caribbean, like the United States, is filled with a history of rebellion and strikes against oppression.
Enslaved persons in the Caribbean revolted against their local masters on several notable occasions.
"Humble Yourself"
Legend says that the silk cotton tree in the middle of the road at Mahaicony is haunted. It is also known as the “Dutchman tree.” Locals did not cut down the tree because they did not want to free the haunted spirits inside the tree.
The main road was therefore split in two lanes, at this point in Mahaicony, because the builders did not want to cut down the tree and release "jumbies."
A Guyanese newspaper also chronicled the story of a woman who claims that she fainted while playing under the tree as a child. She then began acting strange and the weird behavior continued into her adult life. Similar stories can be recounted by many.
In fact, tales surrounding silk cotton trees are more widespread. African tribes believed that the trees could move and communicate with one another.
The Mayans believed that the trees were sacred. To them, the roots extend to the undergrounds and held up the heavens.
Some believe that a sacrifice must be made before one attempts to cut down a branch.
Jamaica’s legend states that the Spanish would have a slave bury treasure at the base of the tree and then kill the slave to have his spirit guard the treasure. Potential looters were likely too scared to dig up the treasure.
When this article was originally published, some people of Mahaicony were eager to confirm the spookiness of the tree. They were also excited to share that they call Guyana's official bird, the "Stinky Nana."
Have you ever seen the Mahaicony Jumbie Tree, or silk cotton tree, or Guyana's official bird?
Image Copyright: Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth, Esq. @lawyer_melissa_r
Legend says that the silk cotton tree in the middle of the road at Mahaicony is haunted. It is also known as the “Dutchman tree.” Locals did not cut down the tree because they did not want to free the haunted spirits inside the tree.
The main road was therefore split in two lanes, at this point in Mahaicony, because the builders did not want to cut down the tree and release "jumbies."
A Guyanese newspaper also chronicled the story of a woman who claims that she fainted while playing under the tree as a child. She then began acting strange and the weird behavior continued into her adult life. Similar stories can be recounted by many.
In fact, tales surrounding silk cotton trees are more widespread. African tribes believed that the trees could move and communicate with one another.
The Mayans believed that the trees were sacred. To them, the roots extend to the undergrounds and held up the heavens.
Some believe that a sacrifice must be made before one attempts to cut down a branch.
Jamaica’s legend states that the Spanish would have a slave bury treasure at the base of the tree and then kill the slave to have his spirit guard the treasure. Potential looters were likely too scared to dig up the treasure.
When this article was originally published, some people of Mahaicony were eager to confirm the spookiness of the tree. They were also excited to share that they call Guyana's official bird, the "Stinky Nana."
Have you ever seen the Mahaicony Jumbie Tree, or silk cotton tree, or Guyana's official bird?
Image Copyright: Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth, Esq. @lawyer_melissa_r
This month we will be sharing tips on the importance of forming a separate entity when you are doing business. Don't use your personal bank accounts or sign contracts in your personal name. Get business accounts and sign contracts in the business name.
In the upcoming months, we will do series on intellectual property and contracts.
*Legal Disclaimer: This is not intended as legal advice. Legal advice should only be given following a signed agreement between a lawyer and client.
Do not pay business accounts with money from personal accounts, and vice versa.
Or else you could lose certain legal protections.
This concept is called "piercing the corporate veil." The courts look at the business's activities to determine whether there was improper mingling of accounts. If the court pierces the corporate veil, it can hold the business owners personally liable for the business debts. Whereas if the company properly separated the accounts, any debt collector would only be able to go after money in the company account instead of personal individual accounts.
For example, a contractor could sue the business for not being paid. If the business kept mingling the accounts, the contractor could potentially garnish the business owner's personal house and bank account.
[Legal Disclaimer: This content is copyrighted by this site. Any information is for educational purposes only and the site is not liable for actions taken as a result of these posts. Although I am a lawyer, I am not your lawyer until an attorney-client relationship has officially formed.]
In the upcoming months, we will do series on intellectual property and contracts.
*Legal Disclaimer: This is not intended as legal advice. Legal advice should only be given following a signed agreement between a lawyer and client.
Do not pay business accounts with money from personal accounts, and vice versa.
Or else you could lose certain legal protections.
This concept is called "piercing the corporate veil." The courts look at the business's activities to determine whether there was improper mingling of accounts. If the court pierces the corporate veil, it can hold the business owners personally liable for the business debts. Whereas if the company properly separated the accounts, any debt collector would only be able to go after money in the company account instead of personal individual accounts.
For example, a contractor could sue the business for not being paid. If the business kept mingling the accounts, the contractor could potentially garnish the business owner's personal house and bank account.
[Legal Disclaimer: This content is copyrighted by this site. Any information is for educational purposes only and the site is not liable for actions taken as a result of these posts. Although I am a lawyer, I am not your lawyer until an attorney-client relationship has officially formed.]
John Hess, of the Hess Corporation, recently attended the 38th Strategic Decisions Conference.
He made several insightful comments on its investment in Guyana:
"If you just think about this year we have three liftings in Guyana in the first quarter, a million barrels a ship, the second quarter is about seven liftings, the third quarter and fourth quarter, eight liftings. You are going from US$300M of incremental cash flow from Guyana to US$700M in the second quarter, US$800M in the third, US$800M in the fourth." He also explained that the successful numbers are likely to continue with decreasing production costs.
Each lift has 1 million barrels of oil, and the current price of oil is $100 per barrel.
Kaieteur News calculates that Exxon and partners will walk away with a tax-free US$8.7B profit in 2022, with Guyana paying the company’s share of income taxes for 2022 from its projected US$957.6 million revenue.
Our full summary on this matter will be included in our June Oil Update. Stay tuned. (or chuned?)
He made several insightful comments on its investment in Guyana:
"If you just think about this year we have three liftings in Guyana in the first quarter, a million barrels a ship, the second quarter is about seven liftings, the third quarter and fourth quarter, eight liftings. You are going from US$300M of incremental cash flow from Guyana to US$700M in the second quarter, US$800M in the third, US$800M in the fourth." He also explained that the successful numbers are likely to continue with decreasing production costs.
Each lift has 1 million barrels of oil, and the current price of oil is $100 per barrel.
Kaieteur News calculates that Exxon and partners will walk away with a tax-free US$8.7B profit in 2022, with Guyana paying the company’s share of income taxes for 2022 from its projected US$957.6 million revenue.
Our full summary on this matter will be included in our June Oil Update. Stay tuned. (or chuned?)
Our Resources
Canadian mining company, Golden Shield Resources Inc., announced that drilling in Guyana produced significant results in May of 2022.
Golden Shield Resources announced the news on its website for its shareholders.
However, according to Kaieteur News, the Guyanese government has yet to make the announcement to its citizens. The Guyana Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for Guyana's gold sector.
The findings were made at the Mazoa Hill project. Golden Shield Resource is on its 9th drilling project in the Rupununi District in southwest Guyana.
Moreover, Goldsource Mines, Inc., another Canadian company, reported on November 17, 2021 that it found high-quality gold near the surface in Region Eight, Potato-Siparuni, Guyana. Samples also indicate that the high-grade gold could be found much deeper in the area.
These gold finds also raise the centuries-old question of whether El Dorado is indeed located in Guyana.
References
Golden Sheild Resources, Inc.
Kaieteur News
Canadian mining company, Golden Shield Resources Inc., announced that drilling in Guyana produced significant results in May of 2022.
Golden Shield Resources announced the news on its website for its shareholders.
However, according to Kaieteur News, the Guyanese government has yet to make the announcement to its citizens. The Guyana Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for Guyana's gold sector.
The findings were made at the Mazoa Hill project. Golden Shield Resource is on its 9th drilling project in the Rupununi District in southwest Guyana.
Moreover, Goldsource Mines, Inc., another Canadian company, reported on November 17, 2021 that it found high-quality gold near the surface in Region Eight, Potato-Siparuni, Guyana. Samples also indicate that the high-grade gold could be found much deeper in the area.
These gold finds also raise the centuries-old question of whether El Dorado is indeed located in Guyana.
References
Golden Sheild Resources, Inc.
Kaieteur News
The History of Doubles
There is some dispute as to the origin of doubles. There are two theories as to the origin of doubles. Most accept that it was created in the 1930s by a Muslim-Indian family in the city of Princes Town.
One theory says that Mamool Deen and Rasulan Ali started selling fried channa in their outdoor kitchen. They then began selling bara. Later the couple started putting the channa on the bara. The infamous name, “Doubles” came to be when a customer asked that the couple “double up” the barra to make a sandwich.
Mamool’s two sisters were married to his wife’s two brothers. The brother-in-laws then joined Mamool’s business.
A (classic) Trini family feud erupted over land when Mamool disagreed over one brother selling doubles in his area, instead of a different area. The family feud has continued for decades.
The other theory says that it was one of the Ali brothers (Mamool’s brother-in-law) who started the doubles business in Barataria. This second theory is promoted by the Ali family. However, the generally accepted theory is that Mamool was the creator.
“Although the name "doubles" has never been trademarked, the dispute goes on even as the dish has become an iconic Trinidadian food having been adopted and co-opted by many others.”
Reference
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210526-doubles-trinidads-favourite-street-food
There is some dispute as to the origin of doubles. There are two theories as to the origin of doubles. Most accept that it was created in the 1930s by a Muslim-Indian family in the city of Princes Town.
One theory says that Mamool Deen and Rasulan Ali started selling fried channa in their outdoor kitchen. They then began selling bara. Later the couple started putting the channa on the bara. The infamous name, “Doubles” came to be when a customer asked that the couple “double up” the barra to make a sandwich.
Mamool’s two sisters were married to his wife’s two brothers. The brother-in-laws then joined Mamool’s business.
A (classic) Trini family feud erupted over land when Mamool disagreed over one brother selling doubles in his area, instead of a different area. The family feud has continued for decades.
The other theory says that it was one of the Ali brothers (Mamool’s brother-in-law) who started the doubles business in Barataria. This second theory is promoted by the Ali family. However, the generally accepted theory is that Mamool was the creator.
“Although the name "doubles" has never been trademarked, the dispute goes on even as the dish has become an iconic Trinidadian food having been adopted and co-opted by many others.”
Reference
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210526-doubles-trinidads-favourite-street-food
May 30th is recognized as Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago. It honors the day that the first set of Indian indentured servants arrived in Trinidad on May 30, 1845 on the ship, The Fatel Razak.
Recognizing these dates are important because it is not easy to learn this history. I grew up in Miami. They didn’t teach us the history of India, or Trinidad, or Indian indentured servants in Trinidad. My grandparents didn’t know much and my parents knew even less. Our parents, grandparents, and ancestors were preoccupied working in the fields and migrating to new countries for a better life. Their schooling and access to books were often limited. This is the predicament of nearly all of us in the diaspora.
One day I was looking for a new book to read. I was on an indefinite maternity leave and my first born took long naps. I finally had the time to read for leisure after working 10-hour days for years as a lawyer in a large firm. I started googling books on the history of Trinidad and Guyana. Luckily for me, I was in the Age of Information and gradually got access to these books. So as I read, I started sharing, and this is what I learned:
The indentureship period lasted from 1845 to 1917. Approximately 147,000 Indians worked on sugarcane and cocoa plantations. The majority of Indian indentured servants were never able to return to India, and stayed in Trinidad.
However, an analysis of their history shows that the Indian indentured servants and their descendants, like the enslaved Africans, retained certain traditions and created a unique lifestyle in Trinidad.
To read the full article on the history of Trinidad, the indentured servitude system, the history of doubles, and the blended identity of Trinis, click the link in bio or go to www.westindiandiplomacy.com.
Recognizing these dates are important because it is not easy to learn this history. I grew up in Miami. They didn’t teach us the history of India, or Trinidad, or Indian indentured servants in Trinidad. My grandparents didn’t know much and my parents knew even less. Our parents, grandparents, and ancestors were preoccupied working in the fields and migrating to new countries for a better life. Their schooling and access to books were often limited. This is the predicament of nearly all of us in the diaspora.
One day I was looking for a new book to read. I was on an indefinite maternity leave and my first born took long naps. I finally had the time to read for leisure after working 10-hour days for years as a lawyer in a large firm. I started googling books on the history of Trinidad and Guyana. Luckily for me, I was in the Age of Information and gradually got access to these books. So as I read, I started sharing, and this is what I learned:
The indentureship period lasted from 1845 to 1917. Approximately 147,000 Indians worked on sugarcane and cocoa plantations. The majority of Indian indentured servants were never able to return to India, and stayed in Trinidad.
However, an analysis of their history shows that the Indian indentured servants and their descendants, like the enslaved Africans, retained certain traditions and created a unique lifestyle in Trinidad.
To read the full article on the history of Trinidad, the indentured servitude system, the history of doubles, and the blended identity of Trinis, click the link in bio or go to www.westindiandiplomacy.com.
On May 30, 1845, The Fatel Razak landed in Trinidad with the first set of Indian indentured servants for the island.
This is a picture of the ship's register.
This is a picture of the ship's register.
