March, 1997 Central Community Debates Issue of Ebonics
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A Carribbean Club is Formed To Celebrate Island Culture
By Dione Smith
A Caribbean Club has been started at Central by University of Bridgeport interns Elaine Policieir of Haiti and Alvin Charlery of St. Lucia. Both are working toward graduate degrees.
Policieir and Charlery thought it would be a good idea for West Indians to get together to celebrate and share their customs and traditions with other ethnic groups at Central. Both felt the Caribbean students were divided and thought it would be good for them to unite.
"I noticed that some Haitian students are ashamed to admit who they are and this should not be. I think everyone, no matter where they are from, should be proud to say it with confidence and pride," said Ms. Policieir.
"I think the club has provided us with the sense of belonging we lost when we left home," said Troy Bogle, a junior from Jamaica.
The club will be offering free tutoring classes for students who are having difficulty with subjects such as Math, English, and Science. "I believe this will help a lot since many students have difficulty with these subjects," said Tamika Walker, a senior from Jamaica.
Guerline Jene has been elected club president. Cashaunda Watt will serve as vice president. Shawna Reeves has been elected treasurer and Carnetta Thomas will serve as secretary.
The club is designed to recognize Caribbean students for who they are and to keep their traditions flowing. On the other hand, new ideas and suggestions are making their weekly meetings more and more interesting.
"Initially, we only had thoughts of going on picnics and field trips but now suggestions are being made to have tours to various islands," Mr. Charlery told The Criterion. In the Fall, members held a food drive and donated various Caribbean dishes to the P.T.S.O as snacks for sale.
