Do you know the meaning behind the phrase "Chay Lee Chee Nee"? It is a phrase that changed the course of history for many Indians who were recruited, coerced, or tricked into signing Indentured Contracts. They were seen as a suitable replacement for Chattel Slavery: a population that could be easily controlled and manipulated to work tirelessly in the Sugar Plantations across the Caribbean. Many were promised easy money and a better life, but the truth was far from it. With little to no education or experience beyond their North Indian villages, many were led to believe that they were headed to the promised land. But in reality, many had unknowingly signed away their freedom. The phrase "Chay Lee Chee Nee" represents the beginning of a harsh journey for our ancestors that we must never forget. So join us as we celebrate the resilience and perseverance of the Indo-Caribbean community in Episode 3 of the Peppa Pot: Chay Lee Chee Nee!
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Credits
Beats and Music by Noyz
Research by Ryan N. Ramdin
Creative Direction by Sara-Sati Ramprashad
Produced by WESTINDIECO
Resources
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https://www.firstpost.com/world/new-evidence-emerges-of-indentured-indians-mass-graves-in-suriname-599547.html
Ono-George, M. (2020) “Coolies”, Containment, and Resistance: The Indentured System in British Guiana.”
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“Unearthing history: Indian workers killed 110 years ago in Suriname” (2013) India TV News. Available at: https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/unearthing-history-indian-workers-killed-110-years-ago-suriname-18748.html
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