Prof. Verene Shepherd, Dept. of History
Dr. Matthew Smith, Dept. of History
Ms. Carolyn Allen, Secretary, PSCCA
Mrs. Frances Salmon, WIC, Main Library
Ms. Gracelyn Cassell, WIC, Main Library
Dr. Marie-José N’Zengou-Tayo, Dept. of Mod. Lang. & Lit.

came together in order to see how the UWI could mark the 200th anniversary of the Haitian Independence and to unify already planned activities to celebrate this anniversary under a single University umbrella.

A preliminary meeting took place on November 18, 2003 followed by a larger meeting on December 9, 2003.

Present were:

Prof. Aggrey Brown, Dean, FH&E
Mrs Carroll Edwards, PR Officer
Dr. Veronica Salter, Managing Editor, CQ
Prof. Carolyn Cooper, Director of the Reggae Studies Unit
Mr. Jilani Niaah, ICS, Culture inna de Yard.
Mr. Allan Bernard, FSS, Marcus Garvey Movement
Mr. Arthur Newland, FSS
Mr. Cecil Gutzmore, ICS, FH&E
Prof. Carl Campbell, Dept. of History
Prof. Verene Shepherd, Dept. of History
Dr. Matthew Smith, Dept. of History
Ms. Carolyn Allen, Secretary, PSCCA
Mrs. Frances Salmon, WIC, Main Library
Ms. Gracelyn Cassell, WIC, Main Library
Dr. Marie-José N’Zengou-Tayo, Dept. of Mod. Lang. & Lit.

Proposed activities were presented. The main issue of a common umbrella for these activities was discussed. The need of a launching event was raised and January 2nd, the Haitian Day of the Ancestors, was chosen. The idea was to have a cultural activity at the Undercroft. Prof. Carolyn Cooper suggested a programme of music and poetry with a leading figure like Mutabaruka. The idea was well received. Prof. Cooper is to coordinate the event. Prof. Aggrey Brown offered the support of the Faculty of Humanities & Education for the organisation of the event and funding. Matching funds will be sought from the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The need for a larger umbrella for the overall activities was also discussed and involvement of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal shall be sought for the launching event.

A tentative programme for January 2 was discussed. Prof. Cooper suggested a mix of music, poetry reading and messages from the Vice-Chancellor and the Principal. Mr. Alwin Bully from UNESCO will be invited.

The coordinating committee for the Celebration of the Bicentenary of the Haitian Independence will comprise all persons involved in planning an activity.


Members Responsible for specific activities:

Joining the group is Ms. Insanally from the Latin American and Caribbean Centre: