Create Caribbean Research Institute

by Shemar Johnson

During my internship at Create Caribbean Research Institute, I experienced significant personal and academic growth. The opportunities I encountered allowed me to delve deeper into the cultural, historical, and social issues that define the Caribbean region, while also strengthening my research, analytical, and communication skills. Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that my time at Create Caribbean has had a major impact on both my intellectual and personal development.

One of the most valuable aspects of this internship was the chance to explore the Caribbean’s rich and diverse identity through the lens of both history and contemporary issues. The Space and Place Project was a profound experience. I was tasked with interpreting the concept of “country” within the Caribbean context, and this allowed me to consider the complex ways in which national identity has been shaped over centuries. Colonial history, post-colonial struggles, and the ongoing challenges of globalization all combined in shaping what it means to be from the Caribbean. My personal growth here was deeply tied to my ability to critically engage with these multifaceted issues and consider how space, geography, and identity are intertwined in ways that are unique to the Caribbean. It pushed me to think beyond the physical boundaries of a country and to appreciate the concept of “country” as a social and cultural construct that is continuously evolving.

The analytical skills I developed during this project helped me in my work on the Caribbean Resistance Project. In this project, I explored Kei Miller’s portrayal of religious resistance in August Town. This book carefully examines how religion has acted as a powerful force for both oppression and resistance in the Caribbean. My research examined how characters in the book leveraged their religious beliefs to oppose colonial rule and surmount many social and political challenges. This project improved my analytical skills and encouraged a deep engagement with about fifteen literary works. I learned how to look beyond the surface and uncover the themes and underlying messages within a story. This project also reinforced the importance of understanding history and culture when studying resistance movements, as the religious practices in August Town were deeply rooted in the Caribbean’s colonial past.

Academically, this internship allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. As a student with a limited knowledge of Caribbean studies, I found that the hands-on experience at Create Caribbean allowed me to connect with my Caribbean history on a deeper level. The research and analysis involved in both the Space and Place Project and the Caribbean Resistance Project required me to draw on concepts from history, literature, sociology, and cultural studies. This interdisciplinary approach strengthened my academic abilities and gave me a more well-rounded understanding of the Caribbean. Moreover, presenting my findings in discussions and written reports helped me refine my communication skills. It was particularly rewarding to be able to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely, an essential skill in both academic and professional settings.

Aside from the academic growth, my time at Create Caribbean also contributed to my personal development. I learned to work independently while managing multiple projects at once. The internship required self-motivation and discipline, as some of the work was research-based and involved deadlines. This experience taught me how to manage my time effectively, balance competing priorities, and maintain a high level of quality in my work. I also developed a sense of confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions and projects. Collaborating with other interns and the team at Create Caribbean enhanced my teamwork skills and taught me the value of diverse perspectives. I came to appreciate how collective efforts can enrich a project and lead to deeper insights.

Overall, my experience at Create Caribbean has been a wonderful journey of personal and academic growth. I have gained a deeper understanding of the Caribbean, strengthened my research and analytical skills, and honed my ability to work independently and collaboratively. This experience has not only expanded my academic horizons but has also inspired me to continue exploring the complexities of Caribbean culture, history, and resistance. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in such a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

by Adrian Piper & Keilah JeanJacques

Between January 9th and 18th, the Create Caribbean first-year interns engaged in a four-day digital photogrammetry workshop facilitated by Jonathan Rodriguez, a Fulbright Scholar from the University of South Florida. Photogrammetry is the process of creating 3D digital models of real objects using overlapping photos taken from all around the item. We were able to actively partake in the process from start to finish.

On the first day, we received an introduction to the concepts of digital photogrammetry, understanding its functionality and real-world applications. Afterwards, we relocated outdoors to capture images of a few small objects we brought and historic pottery pieces sourced from the Cabrits National Park. While outdoors, we were exposed to various elements -like the wind and sun- which allowed us to gain a sense of what it would be like to work in the field on a typical day.

Commencing day 2, we began the model development phase with the use of Agisoft Metashape software. We imported the photographs captured on day 1, learned how to convert them to the necessary format, and proceeded through the steps of constructing a mesh, performing cleaning procedures, building textures, and more.

Beyond that, we brought in larger objects and took photos of them outdoors. By this time we were getting more comfortable using the camera.

Come day 3 we had begun the process of generating digital models using the photos taken from the previous week. Each intern was able to walk through the entire process at least once, from capturing photos to exporting a final model. By developing multiple models, we were able to familiarize ourselves with the software and the steps to developing a full product. We all found the cleaning of models to be quite therapeutic and favoured this process over all.

On the final day, we were presented with metadata logs which we were to fill out. Metadata is used to summarize basic information about data that can make tracking and working with specific data easier. Afterwards, we took turns capturing photos using the turn table and camera. This proved to be much easier than manually moving around the object with the camera.

by Alisha Desiree

First I brainstormed various topics and soon I began to notice that I always gravitated towards topics centered around Dominica. After I began to focus on Dominica, initially I thought of centering the project around slavery but soon changed my mind about that as well. I thought of the many times I would hear adults saying it was so much better back then or “the good ole days” and wondered were things really better? This is how i came up with the topic “The Transformation of Dominican People’s Way of Living and Environment since the Abolition of Slavery”.

If I could do this project all over again, I would not change my topic but my focus. Instead of focusing solely on Dominica, other Caribbean islands would be included as well. This way I would have a wider research area. In the beginning i underestimated the amount of research that would be needed when focusing on one island. Especially an island like Dominica since it is very hard to find eligible resources online. This slowed down my research process however I was able to get some good sources in the end. Overall this research project was a great learning tool and stepping stone. I have definitely learnt from my mistakes and I am now better at asking research questions strategically and learning how to search better.

Interning at Create Caribbean has been a hell of a ride and its quite sad that soon it will be coming to an end. I applied for this internship because of my interests in history, literature and journalism. The past two years at Create Caribbean has been splendid. I made new friends and learnt from others who had same interest as me. This internship has made me love learning again as i developed both my technical and analytic skills. Working on various research projects has given me a strong eye for detail and the ability to look at things deeper than just the surface. Being an intern at Create has also affected my personal life as I have seen improvement in my organizational skills and time management.

As this journey comes to end and I leave DSC I plan to continue studying computer science in the U.S.. At university I want to explore the different career paths in tech and see which one I am most passionate about. If you are interested in being an intern at create Caribbean, you should go right ahead as this program will teach you new practical and analytical skills that you can use in the work world. However this internship is a commitment and you need to be sure that it is something that you really want to do and willing to make sacrifices for. At the beginning of the program it might be a little difficult as doing research on a college level is usually new to freshman. In this case you should trust the process as it will all come together in the end.

Project Link: https://createcaribbean.org/internprojects/adesiree.html

by Kiara Marcel

Through the Lens of Visual Arts is a project that explores the different emancipation monuments in the Caribbean, viewing them not not as mere sculptures, but as crucial emblems of our past struggles and future hope. I had remembered being in awe when I first saw Dominica’s very own emancipation monument and as a result, it was no surprise that I jumped at the opportunity to explore this topic, learning more about them in the process. Hence, this project was born from my burning interest and fascination with the intricacy of fine arts, as well as the need to prove that these visual representations have significant meanings to us, though some may be underlying. 

Furthermore, If I had the opportunity to build my project from scratch all over again, I would change the focus in which my project was about. I would have delved into the different art forms in the Caribbean, not only looking at emancipation monuments but other beautiful structures and artworks of the different Caribbean countries alike, and even those of our ancient people, exploring different methods of art creation. However, I was satisfied with how the said project turnt out amid various challenges. Some challenges encountered included the narrowing of the selected sample as there are countless monuments in different countries. Additionally retrieving information on the various monuments on the internet was a bit tasking, as the Caribbean is not a region known for vast amounts of digitized published data. However, despite this, which was later resolved, the process of building this project was both a challenging but worthwhile one, as many lessons were learnt.

During the course of this project, I learnt the value of time management as it can make or break your end results. Not managing your time properly limits the amount of creativity that you are able to explore in different aspects of your project. Furthermore, different tools were explored in which my expertise was heightened. As a result, in my upcoming projects, I intend to explore many more tools, experimenting creative ways in which to deliver my concepts. 

Ultimately, the process of working on this project was one that tried me mentally but allowed me to build on existing skills simultaneously, acquiring new expertise.

Project Link: https://storymaps.com/stories/6ffb054290f2467eb78c71de292f9ad6

by Meekalys Louis

My project, which I presented at the 2024 Symposium, was entitled History and Evolution of Dance in the Caribbean Region. I ended up choosing this topic after researching the larger theme of performing arts and finding many resources pertaining to this topic. Additionally, I have been enthralled by dance for more than a decade of my life. 

If I were to present this topic again, I do not believe I would change anything. The project turned out well, and I am proud of the outcome. However, I did face a hurdle in learning to use twine. It took some time to get acquainted with it, but after that progress was steady. Though, I still had to research the less commonly used commands. While creating this project I learned valuable time management and research skills. 

During my time at Create Caribbean I learned many academic, research, and social skills. I would say that this experience has been great so far. Although I may have faced adversities throughout my journey, staff members and senior interns would never hesitate to assist. I will be eternally grateful for this experience. 

Although I have completed the internship, I have not yet completed my DSC journey. I will dearly miss having to work on research projects, but now I have an opportunity to apply what I have learned to my studies and any jobs I may hold in the future. 

If there were anyone who wanted to be an intern at Create Caribbean I would give them five words of advice “sleep is for the weak”. In all seriousness, balancing a full time internship along with full time studies (especially as a double major) can become quite taxing on physical health. Any new interns must ensure that they are ready for this endeavor. There will definitely be less free time, but it pushes you to use your time wisely and teaches you how to prioritize your tasks. It will be beneficial in the end since you learn many soft skills and build a community of like-minded individuals.

Project Link: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7ac5be09a19a4aa5a4e0bed850670c96

by Megan Vidal

I based my project on the effects of space and place on mental health, where I first discussed this on a broad scale then narrowed down to a single location that I could understand best. It was inspired by videos I had seen of homes of patients with severe mental illness being cleaned, while the message being emphasised was the interdependent relationship between one’s environment and mental state. I enjoyed doing the research for this project and the in-depth knowledge I gained from doing it, but I do wish there was another location of focus analysed alongside DSC and have some comparing and contrasting of the results done as well. Challenges from this project arose during the beginning stages, as deciding exactly what to do and how to do it took more brainstorming and time than I had expected. Overall it was a pleasant experience, and I learned more about the school itself and the struggles of my fellow classmates and even faculty members, how impactful one’s surroundings are (even the minor things that we think don’t matter), and that even the absence of something can have an effect. You actually can miss what you never had.

Project Link: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/47f97450c2ad477f9f12c8f7837bee14

by Mckel Ferrol

I feel like I have learned a lot about myself, the world around me, and as well as the work digital humanities do. My experience has been a roller-coaster of emotions. On some occasions, it can be very exciting, and on orders, it can be very demanding. However, I am very appreciative of this experience and happy that I was able to complete this internship program. My favourite project was Visualizing Caribbean Literature and seeing it completed. And my favourite part of the internship was learning all the different tools and seeing how they are implemented into all the different kinds of Digital Humanities projects. In addition, I also love meeting and interacting with all the staff and interns in Create Caribbean. The most challenging part of this internship for me was keeping up to date with all the assignments and responsibilities I had to do. As well as managing my time with school, Create, and my personal life. I got the experience of working with a team, knowing about digital humanities and most importantly managing my time. I feel like these two things are very important when going to work in the real world and with a company. From here I plan to get a masters in my field of study. My advice to others considering joining this program will be to keep on track with all your assignments and just enjoy the experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you should work hard and do everything you can to get the most out of it.

by Katriel Francis

My name is Katriel Francis, and I am an architectural technology major. I learned about Create Caribbean from my cousin, who is friends with a current employee. I chose to join the Create Caribbean internship program because my intended major was information technology, and it showed my love of coding and working with computers. I hope to gain experience with coding, learning new apps, and exploring new things. I am currently working on my individual project from the main project, called “Space and Place.” The most challenging part of this internship program so far has been socializing, seeing that I am not one for interactions. Yes, this program meets my expectations. There is currently nothing I plan to improve on this year.

by Kiara Marcel

Hi! I am Kiara Marcel, a proud intern at the Create Caribbean Research Institute. Though I am a Dominica State College freshman student currently majoring in business administration (general), I anticipate becoming a double major in September, adding the programme of entrepreneurship.

To begin with, even before I was officially a student at the Dominica State College, I desired to pursue an internship. Not only did I think that an internship would have enhanced the capacity of my knowledge and provided me with valuable experience, but I was also hoping to get out of my comfort zone. Hence, when I was found out via the Dominica State College group chat on an opening for intern applications, I did not hesitate to leap at the golden opportunity. Furthermore, following intricate research about the programme, it was discovered that the internship was along the lines of the areas that I enjoyed in relation to its connection with the humanities. In addition, the research component was also alluring, because I am an immensely curious individual who is always ready to find answers. Although the thought that the internship required technology use at first induced reluctance, I decided that it was time to expose myself to something new. As has been said, “All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone”.

In continuation, entry into the programme was at first very intimidating, noting that I was seeing everyone for the first time along with the concept of utilizing technology to build projects from scratch. But gradually, I adapted, and now here I am! Growth did indeed start at the end of my comfort zone! Moreover, from this programme I hope to acquire many soft and technical skills, some of which have already been learnt. I am most definitely a more social person than I previously was all thanks to the programme, and this is still a work in progress. Many other skills, too numerous to mention, were also both gained and honed.

Currently, I am working on a project entitled Through the Lens of Visual Arts. The process thus far has been quite fun I must say! Through the lens of Visual Arts will explore the various emancipation monuments in the Caribbean and the details that each entails. I am anxiously looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Though I am having a very exciting ride in the programme thus far, it does require a lot of time management in regards to balancing the different facets of life. Intern hours have been a great challenge to keep up with because of time constraints. So much to do and not enough hours in the day! However, the internship is undeniably exceeding my expectations thus far. In the following year, I do hope to further improve on my time management skills. This internship programme nevertheless is indubitably an investment.

by Safiya Richards

My name is Safiya Richards, I live in Marigot, and I major in Information Technology at the Dominica State College. I first learned of Create Caribbean from one of my classmates who was announcing their intern takeover. I chose Create because of the projects they have done which interested me, and I wanted to learn to do things like these. During this internship, I hoped to learn new skills and gain more opportunities. Currently, I am working on the Space and Place project where I look for relevant sources. The most challenging part was having an idea of what my individual project would be about and how it would be presented. So far, this program is meeting my expectations as I have attained skills and obtained opportunities to work with other people. Next year, I plan to improve my skillset and knowledge.