Caribbean Solidarity Network focus on community based political education

BY PAUL JUNOR

Since it was launched the Caribbean Solidarity Network (CSN) has been positively impacting and influencing the Caribbean diasporic community in Toronto and beyond. The CSN is an organization committed to the principles of Caribbean liberation and unity across the region as well as throughout the Diaspora. The particular approach and stance that it takes with respect to tackling issues, engaging in debates and ongoing discussions is specific. It is described as one rooted in a: feminist, anti-imperialist, anti-colonial struggle. This ideological viewpoint – progressive in perspective – makes them approach: issues, concerns and challenges in the Caribbean from an angle that is: intersectional, intellectual and involves gender analysis.

The four primary objectives of the CSN are:

• To build community power through the development of public education and outreach in Toronto
• Work and support progressive forces and organizations in the Caribbean
• To build an internal community of comradeship and mutual support
• Challenge the Canadian state and corporate policies, which seek to keep the region and its peoples in a dependent position

On Wednesday December 18^th, 2024, the CSN posted a petition in support of the Palestinian people. It was posted with the support of @withthegram and @trinbagoniansforpalestine. The message states,

“Caribbean people have a history emerging from: colonialism, oppression and enslavement. Considering this, governments in the Caribbean region should actively condemn genocide, settler-colonialism, and apartheid by Israel. We have a chance to speak up against these things now.”

The message notes further that, “We must not sit silently and let the Palestinian people get wiped off the planet. This petition calls on our Caribbean leaders to sever diplomatic and economic ties with Israel and expel the Israeli ambassador to the Caribbean.” The message concludes, “We are stronger united and Palestinian liberation is collective liberation.”

On December 18^th, the CSN posted a reflection of its work in 2024. “This year CSN deepened its commitment to build community power through the power of development of public political education and outreach in Toronto with the launch of the Caribbean Study Circle.” This monthly gathering held every third Saturday at A Different Booklist, provides:

• A space for community members to: study, discuss, and build collective knowledge on various topics pertinent to the Caribbean experience, including the Haitian Revolution and its enduring struggle against imperial backlash
• The importance of internationalism and solidarity
• The dangerous allure of Black capitalism
• The necessity to build revolutionary organizations to fight for community self-determination

One of the events that CSN organized and was actively involved in along with other organizations in 2024 was, “A Very Canadian Coup in Haiti (20 Years Later).” CSN reflects on the significance of this critical event. “This event reflected on Canada’s involvement in the 2004 overthrow of Haiti’s democratically elected President Jean Bertrand Aristide, and its lasting impact on Haiti’s political landscape. The panel featured Professor Jemima Pierre and filmmaker and activist Jean St. Vil, who provided deep insights into the consequences of foreign intervention in Haiti.”

On Saturday, December 21^st, 2024, the CSN participated in a hybrid event, which was organized by the National Workers Union of Trinidad and Tobago titled, “Tis the Season to Remember: Haiti Reflections on the Elections of 1990.” It featured:

• Pierre LaBassierre (Haiti Action Committee)
• Sunity Maharaj(Director: Lloyd Best Institute of the West Indies)
• Margaret Prescod (Journalist)
• Max Lomax (Founding Pastor-First African Church- Georgia)

CSN is optimistic about 2025 as it builds on its foundational work in 2024. It notes further, “Throughout 2024, CSN remained steadfast in its mission to: build community power through public education and outreach in Toronto, support progressive forces in the Caribbean, and challenge policies that perpetuate dependency in the region. By working to build community spaces, for dialogue, reflection and action, CSN is excited to advance the principles of Caribbean liberation and unity into 2025.”