The Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) hosts its 2024 annual conference here next week under the theme ‘Caribbean Development Sustainability: The Convergence of Technology, People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity & Partnerships.’
The conference, which is the CSA’s 48th and taking place in its 50th year, starts Monday, June 3, and continues until June 7, at the Harbour Club in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet.
The CSA describes itself as “a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of Caribbean studies from a multidisciplinary and multicultural perspective.”
Established in 1974 by 300 Caribbean nationalists, the CSA now boasts over 1,100 members from around the world.
This year’s 50th anniversary conference continues the annual gathering of CSA members worldwide to discuss, exchange, and promote academic scholarship on Caribbean topics and focuses on Sustainable Development in the Caribbean.
Amid global challenges that pose serious threats to the Caribbean region, the conference aims to strengthen policy dialogues, promote collaboration and address regional issues.
The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), in partnership with the UWI Global Campus Saint Lucia, will co-host some of the conference’s key activities.
On Monday (June 3), the emphasis will be on Development Cooperation in the Caribbean, with the Opening Ceremony to hear a Keynote Address by Dr. June Soomer, whose extensive academic background includes being the first woman to earn a doctorate in history at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus in Barbados and is now the Chair of the UWI Global Campus (formerly Open Campus).
Dr Soomer, who now Chairs the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, is a lifelong CSA member, who once served as its Programme Chair and has made several presentations at previous annual conferences.
Monday will also feature the unveiling of a Business Exhibition and will end with a ‘Welcome Night Film Screening’ of the increasingly-popular local and international award-winning film production ‘Shantaye’s World’ written and directed by Mathurine Emmanuel.
Tuesday (June 4), will feature a discussion on ‘The Role of Women in Caribbean Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’, followed by a Graduate Students’ Breakfast, a Literary Salon and an Author Celebration.
On Wednesday (June 5), the focus will be on ‘Culturally & Technologically Responsive Sustainability for Regional Development’ and will involve Roundtable Discussions, ending with a Cultural Night.
On Thursday (June 6), the emphasis will be on a ‘CSA Elders Plenary: Past, Current & Future of the Academy’, to be followed by Tourism, Environment and Heritage Experiences and the actual 2024 Annual General Meeting.
On Friday (June 7), the participants will discuss ‘People and Prosperity: Impact of Caribbean Scholarship on Regional Development’, followed by a Closing Gala and Recognition Ceremony.
Meanwhile, SALCC Principal Dr. Madgerie Jameson-Charles — also a member of the CSA — says she’s “pleased to welcome members to Saint Lucia for the third time.”
The first two CSA conferences in Saint Lucia were in 1976 and 2000 and she described the third as “a historic event that will also make local CSA members and Saint Lucians generally proud to have hosted it.”
Dr Jameson-Charles added, “As a proud member of CSA and the new principal of SALCC, I am honoured to be part of the 48th annual conference and its 50th anniversary celebration.”
“As we gather to foster friendships and promote Caribbean unity,” the principal said, “we are guided by the spirit of collaboration and cooperation.”