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PICTURES
Dates of Our Past
On October 12, 1806, the Fortitude arrived in Trinidad carrying the first set of Chinese immigrants.
200 Chinese embarked on the Fortitude but 8 passed away on the journey.
The majority were sent to sugar plantations. Some were sent to form a community of farmers and artisans. But the living conditions were dreadful.
Of the 192 Chinese immigrants that arrived on the Fortitude, only 23 opted to stay in Trinidad. The Fortitude returned the remaining workers to China.
There were a total of 9 ships that brought Chinese immigrants to Trinidad from 1806 to 1866.
The Fortitude was lost in 1812.
Main Reference- Trinidad & Tobago National Library and Information System Authority
#trinidad #trini2dbone
On October 12, 1806, the Fortitude arrived in Trinidad carrying the first set of Chinese immigrants.
200 Chinese embarked on the Fortitude but 8 passed away on the journey.
The majority were sent to sugar plantations. Some were sent to form a community of farmers and artisans. But the living conditions were dreadful.
Of the 192 Chinese immigrants that arrived on the Fortitude, only 23 opted to stay in Trinidad. The Fortitude returned the remaining workers to China.
There were a total of 9 ships that brought Chinese immigrants to Trinidad from 1806 to 1866.
The Fortitude was lost in 1812.
Main Reference- Trinidad & Tobago National Library and Information System Authority
#trinidad #trini2dbone
Dates of Our Past
On October 12, 1806, the Fortitude arrived in Trinidad carrying the first set of Chinese immigrants.
200 Chinese embarked on the Fortitude but 8 passed away on the journey.
The majority were sent to sugar plantations. Some were sent to form a community of farmers and artisans. But the living conditions were dreadful.
Of the 192 Chinese immigrants that arrived on the Fortitude, only 23 opted to stay in Trinidad. The Fortitude returned the remaining workers to China.
There were a total of 9 ships that brought Chinese immigrants to Trinidad from 1806 to 1866.
The Fortitude was lost in 1812.
Main Reference- Trinidad & Tobago National Library and Information System Authority
#trinidad #trini2dbone
On October 12, 1806, the Fortitude arrived in Trinidad carrying the first set of Chinese immigrants.
200 Chinese embarked on the Fortitude but 8 passed away on the journey.
The majority were sent to sugar plantations. Some were sent to form a community of farmers and artisans. But the living conditions were dreadful.
Of the 192 Chinese immigrants that arrived on the Fortitude, only 23 opted to stay in Trinidad. The Fortitude returned the remaining workers to China.
There were a total of 9 ships that brought Chinese immigrants to Trinidad from 1806 to 1866.
The Fortitude was lost in 1812.
Main Reference- Trinidad & Tobago National Library and Information System Authority
#trinidad #trini2dbone
Our History
Please review and sign our Petition to Preserve & Digitize Indian Indentured Servant & Enslaved African Records in the Caribbean.
I received many requests to expand the reach to the entire Caribbean, and so I did.
You can sign by clicking the link in my IG bio or going to www.westindiandiplomacy.com.
I am also posting regular updates as I learn more. I'm attending genealogy presentations all month to understand the records for Trinidad.
Please review and sign our Petition to Preserve & Digitize Indian Indentured Servant & Enslaved African Records in the Caribbean.
I received many requests to expand the reach to the entire Caribbean, and so I did.
You can sign by clicking the link in my IG bio or going to www.westindiandiplomacy.com.
I am also posting regular updates as I learn more. I'm attending genealogy presentations all month to understand the records for Trinidad.
Ships of Our Past
For me, timeframes and statistics helps everything feel more tangible. Our history can feel like such a blur.
It's been 9 months since I've been researching the Indian indentured laborer ships! It's so exciting to see that there are others interested in this, too. I'm learning quicker by getting input from the community. Piecing the puzzle together.
I got this statistic from Mr. Shamshu Deen. He saw one of my blogs and emailed me. He's been helping people trace their roots in Trinidad and works directly with the ship records.
I'm eager to get his books (when the books are back in stock) to get more statistics.
My research right now comes from a few books, online, and community elders. I'm going to start asking the governments to scan and digitize the records for us. I'll keep you posted!
Have you been able to find out which ship your ancestor came from? If so, please message me or email me at melissa@mdgrlaw.com.
For me, timeframes and statistics helps everything feel more tangible. Our history can feel like such a blur.
It's been 9 months since I've been researching the Indian indentured laborer ships! It's so exciting to see that there are others interested in this, too. I'm learning quicker by getting input from the community. Piecing the puzzle together.
I got this statistic from Mr. Shamshu Deen. He saw one of my blogs and emailed me. He's been helping people trace their roots in Trinidad and works directly with the ship records.
I'm eager to get his books (when the books are back in stock) to get more statistics.
My research right now comes from a few books, online, and community elders. I'm going to start asking the governments to scan and digitize the records for us. I'll keep you posted!
Have you been able to find out which ship your ancestor came from? If so, please message me or email me at melissa@mdgrlaw.com.
Dates of Our Past
On September 4, 1955, the MV Resurgent departed Guyana and transported the last set of Indian indentured servants and their descendants to India. It was the last “official” ship. Thousands of Guyanese traveled to Sparton’s No. 1 Wharf in Georgetown to see the ship off.
The ship carried about 243 passengers.
“Forty-four people changed their mind at the last minute, some before and others on the day of departure, with one older man jumping ship just before it sailed [and yelling:] ‘Nah me bhaaya!’”
References in Blog Post
On September 4, 1955, the MV Resurgent departed Guyana and transported the last set of Indian indentured servants and their descendants to India. It was the last “official” ship. Thousands of Guyanese traveled to Sparton’s No. 1 Wharf in Georgetown to see the ship off.
The ship carried about 243 passengers.
“Forty-four people changed their mind at the last minute, some before and others on the day of departure, with one older man jumping ship just before it sailed [and yelling:] ‘Nah me bhaaya!’”
References in Blog Post
Ships of Our Past- MV Resurgent
A picture showing the last official ship to return Indian indentured servants and descendants from Guyana to India.
A picture showing the last official ship to return Indian indentured servants and descendants from Guyana to India.
About 5 years ago, I started learning more about my history and the ships used to transport Indian Indentured Laborers to Guyana and Trinidad. I've been researching it since.
It can be possible for us to trace our history by first reviewing birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. Then you can look at the ship records to see which ancestor came on which ship.
I saw a documentary by David Dabydeen where he was able to go through the ship records himself in Guyana in the 80s. However, the records were not preserved and I had this conviction to try to change that and hope that someone would do something about it.
Today I am going to stop waiting. I hope that the Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and British governments can properly store AND scan these records for us. It would be amazing for us to access this information online since so much of our history is endangered of being lost.
I created this petition to get signatures to show the governments that our community values these records and would like to be able to search the records online.
Please review and sign this petition so that we can show the governments our strength in numbers.
I was inspired to launch the petition today because Dr. Eric Williams wrote one of my favorite books (The History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago) in just 30 days in time for Independence!
Thank you for reading!
Use this link to sign your name online:
https://www.westindiandiplomacy.com/petition
It can be possible for us to trace our history by first reviewing birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. Then you can look at the ship records to see which ancestor came on which ship.
I saw a documentary by David Dabydeen where he was able to go through the ship records himself in Guyana in the 80s. However, the records were not preserved and I had this conviction to try to change that and hope that someone would do something about it.
Today I am going to stop waiting. I hope that the Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and British governments can properly store AND scan these records for us. It would be amazing for us to access this information online since so much of our history is endangered of being lost.
I created this petition to get signatures to show the governments that our community values these records and would like to be able to search the records online.
Please review and sign this petition so that we can show the governments our strength in numbers.
I was inspired to launch the petition today because Dr. Eric Williams wrote one of my favorite books (The History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago) in just 30 days in time for Independence!
Thank you for reading!
Use this link to sign your name online:
https://www.westindiandiplomacy.com/petition
Dates of Our Past
The Clyde first launched on July 25, 1894, and was primarily used for the transportation of Indian indentured servants to the British colonies.
Nine years later, in July of 1903, the Clyde also journeyed to Guyana. July was supposedly the worst month to leave India because of the monsoons. We do not know many details of this trip because the British Colonial Office destroyed the report.
However, some information about the Clyde’s 1903 journey to Guyana has been made available thanks to Gaiutra Bahadur’s book, Coolie Woman. Her great-grandmother, Sujaria, was on that ship as a last-minute member registered in Faizabad on the day that the ship was originally set to sail. She gave birth on that ship.
5 men passed away at sea from “cerebrospinal meningitis” on the Clyde. Cerebrospinal meningitis is a brain inflammation that comes with high fevers, headaches, vomiting, and delirium.
A ship surgeon that witnessed many episodes claimed that victims got a frightened look and cried out for their mothers and fathers before they died.
The Clyde first launched on July 25, 1894, and was primarily used for the transportation of Indian indentured servants to the British colonies.
Nine years later, in July of 1903, the Clyde also journeyed to Guyana. July was supposedly the worst month to leave India because of the monsoons. We do not know many details of this trip because the British Colonial Office destroyed the report.
However, some information about the Clyde’s 1903 journey to Guyana has been made available thanks to Gaiutra Bahadur’s book, Coolie Woman. Her great-grandmother, Sujaria, was on that ship as a last-minute member registered in Faizabad on the day that the ship was originally set to sail. She gave birth on that ship.
5 men passed away at sea from “cerebrospinal meningitis” on the Clyde. Cerebrospinal meningitis is a brain inflammation that comes with high fevers, headaches, vomiting, and delirium.
A ship surgeon that witnessed many episodes claimed that victims got a frightened look and cried out for their mothers and fathers before they died.
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."