Cultural-Diversity Assignment

West Indies/Caribbean Islands

by Caroline Thiede

History of West Indian Population in the US

and Connecticut
 Wave of immigration to US began in 1940s due to labor shortages during WWII.
 Many immigrants were drawn to the Hartford region because of jobs in the tobacco fields
along the Connecticut River Valley
 From ’81-’91, ~250,000 Jamaicans emigrated to the US
 Today, Connecticut’s West Indian community includes immigrants from all the Caribbean
Islands

Prevalence of West Indian population in United States (2017)

West Indian Culture

Family Relationships
 Family and social class structure is based on an English Model
o Studies have shown that Jamaicans are more likely to maintain the identity of their
home country.
o Jamaicans living in the US typically have had different experiences from American
Blacks.
o Girls are taught obedience and are discouraged from being too assertive.
 Womanhood and femininity are connected to motherhood
o Boys are expected to be responsible and seek respectable, stable professions.
 There is often a strong bond between mothers and sons
o Children are disciplined -- punishments often include spankings, scolding or
“tongue lashing” and these are viewed as necessary and not abusive.
o Children are expected to show great respect to their elders
 o Children are often sent to live with extended relatives. This is called “child-lending”
and may occur because the mother has died or is forced to work, or for educational
opportunities.
 Jamaicans often do not acknowledge mental problems and tend to distance themselves from
relatives who are experiencing psychological or psychiatric issues.
o Jamaicans may view these problems as a medical or spiritual disturbance
o Obeah is an African rite that may be consulted to cure illness, predict the future,
interpret dreams, exact revenge, or grant a favor
 Jamaicans are resilient in part due to their “transnationality” which allows them to be more
flexible and adaptable

West Indian Health Statistics

 Non-communicable diseases contribute to 70% of mortality in Jamaica
 Circulatory diseases are the most prevalent (i.e., hypertension)
 Prevalence of diabetes is higher among women (9.3%) than men (6.4%)
 The prevalence of overweight is 59.1% and obese is 27.2%

Food Habits
 The Caribbean Islands have been fought over and owned by various European powers in
the past including the British, French, and Spanish and these cultures and culinary
traditions have all played a role in forming the Caribbean cuisine
o Fusion of African, Amerindian, European, East Indian, Arab and Chinese cuisine
o Rice, plantains, beans, cassava, cilantro (coriander), bell peppers, chickpeas,
tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and coconut are all vital ingredients
o Mojo is a traditional seasoning that may include garlic, onions, scotch bonnet
peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs such as cilantro, marjoram, rosemary,
tarragon, and thyme
o Caribbean cuisine is rarely oily or deep fried and is typically barbecued, roasted, or
grilled
o Meat is dry-rubbed or wet-marinated with seasoning
 Jerk is a signature flavor that refers to a very spicy dry or wet rub applied to
chicken or other meats, then the meat is smoked or grilled
o “Congi” rice is a staple food that is a mixture of seasoned rice and black beans
o Coconut milk is used instead of heavy cream to add body, taste, and texture to food
 Food is a very important part of the Caribbean family tradition and culture and more time is
spent cooking and enjoying meals