What Independence means to me

By Dr Hollis Liverpool aka Chalkdust

In answer to the question: “What Independence means to me?” I am pleased to say that during the BC era of world history, most nations were overruled by oppressors and so-called barbarians.

When during the early Middle Ages, these nations threw off their rulers, the word ‘independence’ came to be understood as meaning: no longer dependent on other nations, since they were free from that former tyranny.

By the end of the Middle Ages, as European, Asian, and African nations became free or were freed of their cruel, oppressive overlords, the word ‘independence’ came in vogue. It meant, for many, freedom to control one’s own affairs.

For today’s nations and peoples then, independence has come to mean freedom from bullies, oppressors, and colonials, as well as the right to frame one’s own laws.

Moreover, after the dawn of Caribbean civilisation, as the European plantocracy was driven off their Caribbean estates, the term ‘Massa Day must done’ was also added to the overthrow of the plantocrats and plutocrats, as well as the extended meaning of the rise of Caribbean, Asian, and African governments who are no longer under the control of Europeans.

For today’s world then, peoples have come to associate independence with freedom and the value of freedom, the citizen’s duty to the nation, and the respect to be shown to elders.

My historical training and understanding of God in my life have left me with additional and different views when confronted with the term ’independence.’ Let me start with God in my life, since as a practising Catholic, in whatever position I am placed, I put God first.

One may find my association with ‘God first’ to be religiously overbearing but with me, ‘God first’ has to be the winner in all my races both on the fields of teaching and understanding, as well as the unravelling of concepts that pose problems to humanity and the approach to the humanities.

I am a reputable follower of St Augustine, and a die-hard believer of his philosophical writings, especially The Confessions, which he left for the consideration of the Catholic Church and its followers.

It was in this that he wrote his famous dictum: “Thou has made us for thyself O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in thee.” Thus, while I believe and I am convinced that independence is concerned with the values of freedom and freedom fighters, it is God and the graces given to us by God that have led us to a revelation of His testimonies, His will, and the political beliefs that have today engulfed our world.

Freedom fighters

Secondly, independence means for me then, the role that freedom fighters such as Moses, Tubal Uriah ‘Buzz’ Butler, King Solomon, Makaandal Daaga, St Francis, and Mohandas Ghandi (to name a few), have played in our political lives, as well as the values they have left us to heed and follow.

These freedom fighters were not simply ordinary men, they were heroes who led saintly lives even when on Earth. They were lives given to us by God to follow, if we as citizens today are to become saints in the after-life.

For instance, Makaandal Daaga took his name from Daaga, a six-foot, six-inch Paupau-enslaved man from Guinea, who was brought to Trinidad by the Portuguese but vowed to exact revenge on the oppressors of his nation. Therefore, he mutinied in 1837 at his soldier barracks in St Joseph, and, captured, he was slaughtered by the Portuguese in 1838.

Both Daagas were therefore fighting for their independence and were heroes of their nations.

When British-enslaved Africans were freed from slavery in 1838, as part of their emancipation celebrations, they vowed to re-capture their stolen birthright, by searching the bags of culture gained from Africa, and the traditions gained from their European and Caribbean overlords, to institute in their new lives culture traits unknown to the outside world.

Thus, they came up with traits that made them independent in their laws, in their traditions, in their thinking, and in their lives. This then is what independence means to me.

To summarise then, independence means for me firstly, the freedom to practise God’s will, and secondly, to show love to my fellow man as exemplified by God’s teachings. Thirdly, it means an acceptance of my manmade laws and the appreciation of my county’s freedom fighters who have, by their lives, left me a saintliness to follow.

It means too, the search for and practice of my African culture traits, combined with my national and regional traditions, all set amidst and accepted by God, to enable me to become, by His grace, an independent Trinidadian/Tobagonian, and a saint to praise and give God thanks in Heaven, forever.