“One family, the wide world o’er” | On this day
A century ago, the United Kingdom staged a massive colonial exhibition, aimed at being a lavish demonstration of imperial grandeur, might, and “family unity”. But, writes James Ferguson, none of it would turn out quite as organisers hoped
For the ancestors | On this day
Some 100 years after becoming the world’s first free Black republic, Haiti remained without a national anthem. James Ferguson looks at the creation of “La Dessalinienne”
The road that couldn’t be built | On this day
Daunted by Saba’s dramatic topography, Dutch colonial authorities deemed it impossible to build a road on the island. But, writes James Ferguson, islanders took matters into their own hands …
A Cazabon mystery solved | On this day
James Ferguson uncovers the story behind an intriguing work by Michel-Jean Cazabon, Trinidad’s first great painter — with a little unexpected help from Caribbean Beat
The king of the republic | On this day
James Ferguson looks at the fascinating story of Sans Souci Palace — the pride of Haiti’s (short-lived) King Henry Christophe, inaugurated 210 years ago at the peak of his colourful, tragic reign
The Caribbean Cane and Abel | On this day
St Kitts, 1623: Thomas Warner establishes the first English colonial settlement in the Caribbean. His legacy of conflict would spill over into Antigua and Dominica — and to his sons. James Ferguson learns more
John Edmonstone: from Guyana to the Galapagos | On this day
The science of taxidermy played an integral part in the formation of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. And it was John Edmonstone — born into slavery in Guyana before establishing himself as a well-respected free man in Scotland — who taught Darwin these critical skills. James Ferguson learns more about his story
Anton de Kom: reclaiming “Papa de Kom” | On this day
Suriname’s great freedom fighter Anton de Kom was born 125 years ago. His work — including We Slaves of Suriname, which has recently been published in English — and his short, tragic life deserve to be much better known, writes James Ferguson