Book

The Carib Reserve: identity and security in the West Indies

University Press of America • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1983 • Pages:

By: Layng, Anthony.

Abstract

This is a general monograph on the Island Carib based on 1970s fieldwork. Layng provides a good historical background; and examination of household structure, demography, economy, education, and political organization. Layng takes the theoretical position that Island Carib ethnicity is mutable and situational, and strategically constructed to maintain communal property rights. He wonders, however, if this strategy serves the best interest of the Carib people, especially with growing demographic pressure on reserve land and a booming banana export industry. He argues that development and general prosperity might lie in individual property rights, because land is the only valuable asset locals have to serve as collateral for bank loans. For a counter argument, see Kossek (1994, document no. 16).

HRAF PubDate

2005

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Caribbean

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2004

Field Date

1974-1975

Coverage Date

1930-1978

Coverage Place

Carib Reserve, Dominica

Notes

Anthony Layng ; with a foreword by Leo A. Despres

Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-169) and index

This discussion, based on demographic and other records, is limited to the period 1960-1975. A general discussion of Carib culture and history occurs in a broader period bracketed by the 1930 so-called 'Carib War' and 1978 Independence.

LCCN

82021739

LCSH

Black Carib Indians