African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Journal Title Details:
p. 570
Notes:
"This dissertation explores the discursive and material practices that Afro-Antilleans in the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro (Panama) employ to craft and assert their identity for tourist consumption. In participating in the transnational circuits of tourism, Panamanian Afro-Antilleans stage a complex and subtle cultural politics vis-à-vis the state and Panama's multicultural society. The transnational process that is tourism produces rather than reduces difference. This production must be understood historically and with respect to national racial policies." (author)
Talk to Richard Lue and it becomes clear that not nearly enough Caribbean people are heading `home'. Neither are enough African Americans trying to discover the Caribbean, although their connection with the culture has long been established in the U.S. That's why Lue was appointed Air Jamaica's regional manager for special markets in the southern U.S. Another Air Jamaica representative has been given similar responsibilities for the northern states. "It wasn't neglect," said Lue. "It just wasn't accountability. We've always been there. The problem was internally. We feel we can get more out of that (Caribbean) market." "To me it's no big deal," he said. "The problems in Jamaica are serious, but Jamaica has never been an easy sell. But it is a challenge. It is because of 9/11 that we realized we had to diversify our markets and give importance to all the markets. The challenge is there, but we just have to deliver."
