According to the office of National Statistics, Black population only accounts for 3.4% of the total population in England and Wales. Out of which only 1.1% accounts for Black Caribbean population. It would not be the first time, when we have heard someone say that it is a niche and there is not enough audience out there to showcase our talents, our cuisines and our culture.
We appreciate that this might not sound like a huge number however; it might make a significant impact if we say that the total population of England and Wales was 6.4million, in 2014. Furthermore, total population of the Caribbean islands is approximately 45million, which does not take into account the Caribbean population world over. Therefore, some might still feel that the Caribbean community is a niche, however, it is a force to be reckoned with. With this in mind, in 2019, Destiny UK embarked on the arduous journey of creating a platform that unites millions.
The Caribbean is a region that includes the Caribbean Sea and all the islands located to the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, East of Central America and Mexico, and to the north of the South America. It is an amalgamation of nearly 7000 islands, which include independent islands and some islands that form overseas territories of other nations.
Here are the 13 independent island countries:
Anthropologically, all indigenous people have their own ways of life. The being of life is neither correct not incorrect. This way of life is often regarded as the knowledge and wisdom that is often passed down centauries that ensure its preservation and conservation for the future generations. The Caribbean islands are no different.
Long before European arrivals, the Caribbean islands were the land of culture, scenic beauty, lush green landscapes, natural resources and had a mutual respect between the flora and the fauna. Interestingly, our present day understanding of the Caribbean islands dates back to the exploration of the Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, in the 15th Centaury.
The Caribbean history has two lineages – Pre-history and the Colonial history. Where former is defined by the migration of early settlers, development of civilisations, social hierarchies, skills such as pottery, tool making, art, games, etc., the latter was mainly defined by atrocities, enslavement, repression, disease and exploitation of both humans and natural resources. It is a common misconception that the Europeans introduced enslavement in the, then called, New worlds. Interestingly, warfare, human sacrifice and slavery were already an integral part of the Caribbean society. Nevertheless, European brutalities were far more exploitive, detrimental and greater in magnitude that their presence can be felt till date in the Caribbean landscape, resources, culture, art, architecture, etc.
Over the years, the Caribbean Islands have been of great strategic and economic importance to some of the world powers. They played a significant role in the successes and declines of many European nations, the United Kingdom and America, especially during the World Wars.
To sequel, from sugar plantation to the gold rush, from the civil rights movement to fights against decades of oppression, Caribbean history is teeming with heroism and natural wonders. Caribbean culture showcases resilience, acceptance and tolerance towards the cultures of the world and over the years have united these cultures into one, forming a unique oasis in its own respect.
It is this very oasis that is regarded as the motherland of many talents, cuisines, and art forms and these are the crown jewels that we’re always on the look out for to bring to the global platform offered by our team.
