Indo-Caribbeans

SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME

From 1838-1917, South Asians were taken to the Caribbean to work as indentured workers on sugar plantations after the end of slavery – serving as cheap labor to replace free labor. During these years, 450,000 South Asians made the arduous journey across the Kala Pani, or “dark waters.” Indo-Caribbeans are said to be mainly from the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and they also have origins in Madras, Calcutta, Punjab, and present day Bangladesh. Most were taken to Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Suriname. They were also taken to Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize.

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MAKING A HOME IN NEW YORK CITY

In the 70’s and 80’s, Indo-Caribbeans migrated to NYC fleeing social, political and economic turmoil in our Caribbean home countries. They created vibrant communities in parts of Queens (Richmond Hill/Ozone Park) and the Bronx (Castle Hill/Grand Concourse).

According to the NYC Department of Planning and Urban Development, there are 80,000 foreign-born Guyanese living in and around Richmond Hill, Queens. Our total number in this area is much higher because the data does not include Guyanese born here or ICs from Trinidad, Suriname or Jamaica. Migration to the US continues. A report released by the Asian American Federation and South Asian Americans Leading Together shows that we represent 20% of the total South Asian population — the fastest growing population in the country.

Despite our large population, our community is nearly invisible and

our needs go unaddressed.