Kukeh,

 

While I understand Chaz's sentiments I think renaming James Island Kunta Kinteh or Kinteh Island is both short-sighted and ill-advised.

 

My reasoning is that slavery was a long-term industry in human trafficking even at James Island. Most of the slaves abducted and shipped from James Island came from the interior of West Africa to include Senegal, Mauritania, and Mali. Very few came from James Island proper because the Island folk were mainly middlemen and couriers. In every such struggle, there are gallant men and women who resist the oppression. The story of James Island is highlighted by the descendants of Kunta Kinteh in the image of Kunta and that is prideful and laudable. It helps put a human face on the dastardly industry. For every Kunta Kinteh who resisted in vain there were thousands who are either too weak or indifferent who went into bondage. Kunta Kinteh's is but a miniscule part of the story of James Island yet to be told. The industry itself risks being too personalized were the Island to be renamed. Although Chaz's heart is in a good place and the decision to rename James Island will help soothe the nerves of some descendants of men and women, it is the industry that James Island represents.

 

I suggest instead of renaming the Island as Kunta Kinteh or Kinteh Island, name a rock or landmark on the Island after Kunta Kinteh to honour the memory of Alex Haley and the symbol of resistance to slavery in James Island. That is my take and I encourage sobriety in Yahya. I know he doesn't know much beyond Kanilai but word to the wise. Names can come and go, but the story and the history ought not be minimalized. It will have a debilitating affect on reparations were there to be any, and it will minimize the resolve to NOT EVER AGAIN ENGAGE IN THE INDUSTRY OF TRADING IN HUMANS ANYWHERE. As we speak, there are people being traded along the sahel and sahara. Yahya's efforts ought to be trained toward arresting slavery in Gambia, Cassamance (Senegal), St. Louis (Senegal), Mauritania, North Mali, Niger, Sudan, Chad, and Guinea Bissau, and the Almoudi trade festering in their interiors.

 

That is my take. Haruna. Thanx for sharing Kukeh.

Courtesy of Daily Observer:
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/american-artist-suggests-renaming-of-james-island-as-he-meets-president-jammeh


  American artist suggests renaming of James Island - As he meets
  President Jammeh

<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/american-artist-suggests-renaming-of-james-island-as-he-meets-president-jammeh#map>
Africa <http://observer.gm/africa/news> » Gambia
<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/news>
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The visiting American artist, Chaz Guest, who specialises in painting,
has suggested that James Island in Juffureh in the North Bank Region to
be renamed Kunta Kinteh or Kinteh Island.

He explained that this is necessary given the great resistance Kunta 
displayed during the inhumane slave trade that saw uncountable number of
healthy black Africans shipped to America and Europe. Guest made these
remarks while speaking to reporters Tuesday evening at State House in
Banjul shortly after his audience with The Gambian leader, His
Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh.

He disclosed that he got the idea about changing the name of the Island,
which was included in the United Nations Education Scientific and
Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world heritage site list in 2003, when he
visited the place recently. The American painter also commented on the
efforts made by the president in bridging the gap between Africans and
African-Americans, describing such a move as very necessary.
"I am going to be working on that with my colleagues and friends in
America because it is all about spreading the world," he stated. He also
told the reporters about his impression of the talented young artists in
the country, notably those who trade in painting, and expressed his
readiness to assist them in their endeavours.

Chaz Guest went on to express his resolve to produce a paint work for
the president in observance of his birthday on May 25, 2010. He
expressed his appreciation to the Gambian leader for giving him books on
The Gambia and a gold bracelet.
Author: *by Hatab Fadera*

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