MERIKIN CROCK OF GOLD
Lands that lie fallow do nothing for anyone
Lands that lie fallow do not add to the economic fabric of the nation
We need help to burnish our thoughts
How to develop the lands to which our forebears were brought
Agriculture as an industry we must be made to see
Is the activity that will bring wealth for you and me
16 acres of land were given to the head of each household
Together with freedom that was their crock of gold
The history and the land are the legacies
Left by men who built villages called the Companies
A Heritage centre, a Replica Village and Museum
Will be fitting tribute to hallowed ground
The role of the Merikin Diaspora is the cornerstone
In the development of this land we call our own
Tourism is another industry that can easily flourish
In a region blessed with scenery and virgin forest
With it must come the essential infrastructure
That will make tremendous changes in scenic Moruga
It’s the oil in the soil our famous bard did claim
That lies in the South from whence the Merikins came
Men of the Diaspora what ideas have you
To revive the economy and bring life anew
Our forefathers fought for freedom and liberty
Let us roll back the evils of ignorance and poverty
Men and women of the Merikin Diaspora
Their Excellencies from America, Britain and Canada have come together
To wreak change in the land of our forefathers
Sleeping giants just dream a while
Of the things that are possible and wake with a smile
Their Excellencies have conspired and touched base after 200 years
Merikins let us stand up and say three cheers
By Augustus Lewis
© The Minister of Quarrel 2007
I AM CARIBBEAN
I am Caribbean can’t you see
Fellow man that’s my ethnicity
I am Caribbean through and through
Compatriot on that score, how say you
About 1200 miles from north to south
Caribbean in content that’s what we are about
As slaves the Middle Passage was a horrible experience
And is the legacy of men who caught and sold us without conscience
As Indentured Labourers we kissed this shore
That changed us from untouchables forevermore
We have evolved as Trinbagonians with a new identity
No more mother Africa no more mother India for me
Lebanese, French and Spanish too
Are important ingredients in this callaloo
The blending agent in this unique dish
Is the catalytic action of the English
As we move forward and upward as a nation, there will be growing pains
Something we will experience as we break the chains
As Trinbagonians we have a duty
To love and care for our country
And know our rights and responsibilities
In order to develop our country
Protect zealously our heritage
And guard against wanton theft and wastage
Be on guard for distorters of history
Who for selfish reasons will sell out this country
Rather than share with our brothers in the Caribbean
Some of the wealth that was bestowed on this nation
Let us bring economic relief
To compatriots North, South, West and East
By: Augustus Lewis
© The Minister of Quarrel
CARIBBEAN WOMAN
Caribbean woman how do you do
Caribbean woman I’m in love with you
An amalgam of different groups
Caribbean woman that is your roots
Evolution has played its part
To make you temptress of my heart
Caribbean woman I watch you sway
As you walk down the street from day to day
Long hours and toils around the great hall
And labour and toils around the great hall
Your compañeros in the cocoa plantation
Also made a sterling contribution
In every walk of life you played a part
From the cradle to the grave you were the spark
Caribbean woman you bear no hate
Woman of the year we appreciate
On islands between Cuba and Trinidad
You display qualities that make me glad
Caribbean woman I salute you
In Cuba, Jamaica and Guadeloupe too
Islands all nestled in the Caribbean Sea
Islands that share a common history
Caribbean woman you are the beacon
With which a people’s destiny has to recon
Light your lights for all to see
As you sail the Caribbean Sea
Tell us stories about unity
And the importance of integrity
Oh Sepia woman of seas so blue
This sepia man is in love with you
By: Augustus Lewis
© The Minister of Quarrel