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Tuesday, 7th June 2016 Volume 36 No.12 The leading Newspaper of Anguilla $1.25 EC/ $3.00 U.S

Cultural Diversity in Anguilla

Michael Martin, Senior Reporter

Wed June 8th, 2016

Anguilla- Why do many Caribbean people think highly of

the citizens of the ‘western world’? Why are our
decisions influenced by the rules and practices of
the ‘western world’? Owing to cultural diversity,
the Caribbean has experience tremendous
change in the way of life. People tend to
gravitate to the practices and customs of the
‘western world’ by the emigrants residing in a
particular country or via the media airwaves.
Cultural diversity can offer various opportunities
to aid in developing the island financially, economically
and also socially. By this means, it is clear why natives are
incline to adopt to the traditional changes due to cultural diversity.
The various forms of the media outlets have played a critical role in the Caribbean
region, specifically Anguilla in the way people portray theirselves. The natives often
mimic the behaviours of the people from the western world. This can be proven through
the decisions they make. For instance many young people prefer to associate theirselves
with Rap music instead of our indigenous String Band and Steelpan music.
Moreover, the natives also adopt the fashion trends and style of the ‘western world’
more specifically the American, African and French fashion trends. Have you ever been
to the Fashion Expo hosted at Great House or checked the designs from the local
designers of Anguilla? Most fashionable clothing worn by Anguillians currently fits into
those three cultures. Culture diversity presents Anguillians with a wide array of fashion
choices which helps them to develop an appreciation and liking for these clothing. It is
fair state the “Our cultural diversity has most certainly shaped our national
character.”(Julia Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia.)
Over the years, Anguilla has witnessed an influx of restaurants of different cultures. This
has exposed many Anguillans to different cuisines and also expands their palates for
different flavours, in addition to their traditional everyday cuisine. Even though many
locals may not incline to these differences in cuisine, Anguilla as a tourist destination
caters for the desires of their guests.
Some examples are Tokyo Bay (a
Japanese cuisine restaurant), Italia (a
Italian cuisine restaurant) which are
located in Cuisinart Golf Resort and
Spa, Picante (a Mexican cuisine
restaurant) and the many Chinese
Restaurants.

How can cultural diversity help Anguilla compete in the global economy? Many of the
natives have partaken in regional competition especially culinary arts that have provided
that opportunity to be recognised in the global markets. In addition, foreign investments
via our financial and banking sectors as well as through the employment of key
professions in a diverse cultural background have contributed to our creativity and
strategic position in the international markets.