Lost Histories: Preserve Indian Indentured Servant Records in the Caribbean (The Moreish Podcast)

Dive into the history of Indian indentured servants taken to the Caribbean with historian Melissa Goolsarran Ramnauth on The Moreish Podcast.

This episode of The Moreish Podcast features an interview with Melissa Goolsarran Ramnauth, a historian and Florida-based attorney who is petitioning Caribbean governments and the UK to preserve and digitize historical records related to Indian indentured servants taken to the Caribbean.

Melissa’s Personal Journey

Melissa’s journey began with a desire to uncover her own family history, which led her to discover the lack of readily accessible information about Indian indentured servitude in the Caribbean. Driven by this realization, she embarked on a mission to research and share these lost histories.

Her work focuses on the ships used to transport these individuals to Guyana and Trinidad, highlighting the often-overlooked narratives of those transported, the lasting cultural impacts of indentured servitude and the complexities of Indo-Caribbean identity, contrasting it with Indian culture. Finally, the conversation touches upon the influence of the US oil industry in Guyana and the ongoing racial tensions in the region.

Key takeaways from the episode:

The Importance of Ship Records: Ship logs, crew journals, and captain journals contain crucial information about the lives of indentured servants, including details about their origins, the conditions they faced during their journey, and their experiences upon arrival in the Caribbean. These records provide valuable insights into the human stories behind indentured servitude, adding depth and context to our understanding of this historical period.
Deteriorating Records and the Urgency for Preservation: Melissa highlights the dire state of many of these records, particularly in countries like Guyana, where they are not being preserved properly. She emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent the loss of these irreplaceable documents, which represent a vital link to the past for many descendants of indentured servants.
Uncovering the Truth about Indentured Servitude: While the common narrative often portrays indentured servitude as a contractual agreement, Melissa’s research and personal family history reveal a more complex reality. Through sources like Gaiutra Bahadur’s book “Coolie Woman,” she uncovers stories of kidnapping, exploitation, and coercion. Personal anecdotes from Melissa’s family, including her great-grandmother’s experience of being lured onto a ship with candy, further underscore the often-deceptive nature of recruitment practices.
The Lasting Impact on Caribbean Culture: Indian indentured servants played a significant role in shaping the unique and diverse culture of the Caribbean. Their traditions, language, and cuisine blended with existing African and other cultures, creating a vibrant and distinct Caribbean identity.
The Role of Social Media in Education and Advocacy: Melissa utilizes social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share her research, connect with descendants of indentured servants, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these records.

Petition to preserve and digitize the records

Reclaiming Lost Histories: Digitizing these records would make them accessible to a wider audience, including descendants of indentured servants seeking to uncover their family history and researchers studying this period.
Honoring Ancestral Legacies: Preserving these documents ensures that the stories and experiences of indentured servants are not forgotten, honoring their contributions to Caribbean society and acknowledging the hardships they endured.
Promoting Understanding and Reconciliation: By shedding light on the complexities of indentured servitude and its lasting impact, we can foster greater understanding and empathy between different communities in the Caribbean.

Support Melissa’s efforts

Sign the petition at West Indian Diplomacy.
Follow her on social media: Instagram (@westindianhistory), Facebook (libraryofwestindianhistory), YouTube (@Lawyer_Melissa).
Spread awareness about the importance of preserving these records.

Melissa’s work is a testament to the power of individual action in uncovering and preserving history. By working to digitize these records, she is not only reclaiming lost stories but also ensuring that future generations can learn from and honor the past.

About Melissa

Melissa Goolsarran Ramnauth, a trademark and business attorney based in Florida, is also a passionate historian dedicated to uncovering and sharing the history of Indian indentured servitude in the Caribbean. Through her website, West Indian Diplomacy, Melissa is leading a petition to preserve and digitize the rapidly deteriorating records of Indian indentured servants and enslaved Africans in the Caribbean.