Writer and dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah says, “I write to connect with people and have never felt the need to go via the church, the state, or the monarchy to reach my people. No money. Freedom or death.” In turning down the laureate nomination he tweeted: “I won’t work for them. They oppress me, they upset me, and they are not worthy.” This is a brave and bold stance, and I can’t help but ponder would I do the same if so nominated? While I share his sentiment, I must confess a part of me also wants the recognition– whatever that means. But the reparation movement is gaining momentum and more people throughout the Caribbean are demanding justice for surely the greatest wrong in history, the enslavement of African people.

It is important to look at these divergent roads as this issue examines Caribbean femininity and masculinity–how do we see ourselves—our internal as well as external gaze? What developmental issues are being examined and explored? What are the roads forward? Where are we on Gender Justice, especially in view of The University of the West Indies instituting a Gender Policy, May 2018? Are Caribbean societies more inclusive, irrespective
of sexual identity and/or preference? With the April 2018 ruling that the bugger law is unconstitutional in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana’s ruling that cross-dressing is not a crime, November 2018, all evidence that the societies’ homophobic views are
shifting. Does it mean we are more open and accepting of differences? Where do we stand on class and colourism, especially in light of Dancehall singer Spice’s “Black Hypocrisy” song that speaks to bleaching and black internalize self-hatred? How is
our Caribbean identity being impacted by globalization and social media? And of course the never-ending question what does it mean to be Caribbean in this century?

While the poems, stories, interviews and art touch on some of the above issues, much of what you will read and see is praiseworthy about the Caribbean, is celebration of what is positive and vibrant about us and within us. Many of the works, in all the genres, speak to our resilience and our endless creativity as a means of coping. As should be expected we do not offer prescriptions or answers, but rather invite you to continue to explore and debate these issues with a focus on Justice for all.
Give thanks and Praises and let’s continue to Walk Good,

Opal Palmer Adisa, Founder/Editor