A group of university students from New Orleans is currently on a two-week community programme visit, working in the Bellevue market gardens with the newly-named 4 Real We Agree with Culture Association, and engaging with the community in general to learn about the culture and history of the island.
The course ties academic studies with community engagements as part of a service learning programme, and is led by teacher and Programme Manager for the University’s Center for Public Service, Myriam Huet, PhD.
The Center for Public Service acts as a bridge between campus and the broader community. Students have the opportunity to get involved with local non-profit organisations (NGO), schools, government offices, associations, etc., but also to go overseas as part of a cross-cultural component.
The Anthropology course Huet is teaching for which the students earn credits is “Social Change, Sustainability, and Post-Colonial identity in the Caribbean.”
“The students are working in the gardens with Ras Touza Jah Bash every morning and in the afternoons we meet different people; locals, community leaders, elected officials, researchers, historians and so forth,” Huet explains. “The idea is to give the students a well-rounded perspective on the island, its history, its political system, society and social issues, and realities in general.
“It’s to get an understanding and inside feel of the island by going beyond the more superficial understanding tourists have of the island,” she adds. “Even in the short time available, the goal is to condense as much information, and as many viewpoints as possible to critically engage with the people and to reflect on the contrast with their own culture, upbringing and lifestyles.”
The undergraduates are studying different subjects; for example majoring in linguistics, cultural anthropology, public health, mathematics, psychology, fine arts, business, to name a few.
Although it’s the first visit to St. Martin for this group, Huet is no stranger to the island, having lived here briefly some 13 years ago when she was researching the Rastafari movement which led to meeting Ras Touza and his family.
“Since then, we kept in touch so when I finished my studies, it was only natural to return here with students since I’m working in community engagement with the opportunity to put this project together,” Huet reasoned. “The idea is to continue this project medium to long term. The first year is a learning experience, both from their end and mine, but we adapt.”
The various visits have included meeting students from University of St. Martin (USM) in Philipsburg, meeting President of the Collectivité Aline Hanson and First Vice-President Guillaume Arnell, and Member of Parliament (MP) Daniel Gibbs.
The students observed the Emancipation Day ceremony in Marigot last Friday and are due to meet historian Daniella Jeffry on Monday. They also visited the Territorial Archives where curator Stéphanie Daugard had them study the pre- and post-Emancipation civil records, and European and slave registers.
Back in the Bellevue gardens meanwhile, the students have been immersed in the essentials of horticulture under the guidance of Ras Touza. They’ve been learning about the indigenous plant and fruit trees, the different types of soil, the endemic animals of the area, studied artefacts and bones that have been unearthed and even spotted Vervet monkeys on guided walks.
Every morning, Ras Touza gives the group a lecture on medicinal herbs and plants and other useful information. He’s also showed them how he makes drums.
“I think it’s wonderful that students with open minds can travel far from their country and willingly support local communities,” commented Ras Touza. “It’s an example for our people and our younger generation to follow. The older generation needs to be involved in projects to give young people opportunities to build a future for themselves and take part in nation building. It’s a very good initiative.”
Student Xavier Aguilar, who is studying finance and French, said for him the experience after the first week has been “irreplaceable.”
“Personally, I’ve seen a lot of different fruit that I’d never heard of before, and working here has broadened my horizons. Just to get out of the bubble of living in New Orleans and seeing the world more has been so beneficial.
“I’m hoping to take back my experiences here of meeting the people and the agriculture experience and put it to good use back home. Studying finance is all numbers and analytical facts so I don’t get to meet a lot of people. I wanted this opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures.”
The group returns to New Orleans on Wednesday, June 8.
By Robert Luckock
