About the Docummentary Project

and goals of THE FILM:

Implementing the Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME), the largest economic grouping after the European Union, represented a historic shift in the region in January 2007, for which social policy issues were not adequately considered or addressed in preparation for integration.

The experimental documentary, ON THE MAP airs intimate discussions with undocumented migrants who tell their stories of life between the cracks. This thirty-two minute project examines current intra-regional, Caribbean migration with a focus on Barbados, Trinidad & Guyana.

It explores the views of residents of host countries, exposes institutional abuse and demonstrates gaps between the official stand and the actual experience of unskilled Caribbean migrants.

ON THE MAP gives un/documented Caribbeans a voice to speak about intra-regional migration, revealing gaps between the official stand on Caribbean integration & the experience of unskilled Caribbean migrants.

ON THE MAP uncovers & discusses human suffering of the migrant, including the subjugation, exploitation and human trafficking of Caribbean nationals by Caribbean nationals, and with a complete lack of recourse.

The video unmasks prejudices and oppression. It fosters awareness among Caribbean residents and asks whether there is space for the dreams and rights of poor and unskilled people in our 'One Caribbean'.



The goals of ON THE MAP are:

1.To give a voice to the numerous voiceless and tell the true story of intra-Caribbean migration.
2. To sensitise the public and policy makers to key social issues.
3. To contribute to conflict resolution at the community level while promoting tolerance, understanding & respectful coexistence.
4. To foster policy debates and political attention to the development of sound socio-economic policies under the integrative sheme.
5. To allow Caribbean people to see & hear themselves on the big screen (versus imported North American images) through an indigenously created product which contributes to an analysis of ourselves and our continuing education to survive under the instruments of globalisation.

ON THE MAP debunks the myth of a unified, "laid back" Caribbean culture and contrasts images of beach, golf course and paradise, with the reality of Caribbean living, victimization and abuse. The film speaks out to create awareness of critical issues to improve the human condition, allowing us to co-exist respectfully.