This episode explores the irony of Nationalism/Sovereignty viz-a-vis Neoliberal Globalization and International Law driven by special interests and pharisaicalism or duplicity within this competitive world. The Episode begins with the ⁠foreign minister⁠ of the ⁠South African government⁠, ⁠Naledi Pandor⁠ who made a bold statement about International Law, an unfairness within world systems explored in "Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance," that studies the dynamics of the Global South and the Global North, Former Colonial masters and their former colonies who through international or elitist strategy have struggled to realize sustainable economic development. This is the challenge of the Caribbean and the Global South. We began the episode by sharing a video of the South African Foreign Minister who discusses in an interview on the pharisaical nature of international politics and law concerning the issue of Sovereignty, e.g. Israel was able to invade Palestine without UN and international support or sanctions but that they are ready to adjust policies and laws to support Ukrainians against Russia. We then discussed this issue briefly and share a review of the last Lecture on Caribbean Thought at Jamaica Theological Seminary where we outlay the challenges of Development.

In this Lecture, McKenzie provides an insightful analysis of the impact of globalization on Jamaica and reflects on the country's current standing in the global landscape. Through an exploration of the film "Life and Debt" and various historical and sociopolitical contexts, he highlights the complex interplay between globalization, nationalism, and the pursuit of sustainable development.

Submitted by Yoan Bianic, Staff Reporter and

Donte Nelson, Co-Producer/Show Manager

Email: [email protected]

I summarize and introduce key ideas in this Trailer Episode of Season 6 Ep. #90, the previous episode series on Caribbean Theology, as that episode was intense and over 2 hours long. This was indeed a powerful session of Caribbean Theology at Jamaica Theological Seminary.

Rev. Renaldo McKenzie is an Adjunct professor at Jamaica Theological Seminary and Author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance and the upcoming book: Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered, Neo-Capitalism and the Death of Nations. Renaldo is the President of The Neoliberal Corporation including The NeoLiberal Journals, The NeoLiberal Post, The NeoLiberal Blogs, The NeoLiberal Round Podcast and YouTube Channel etc. https://theneoliberal.com.

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 Petition Campaign: CARICOM People and their Diaspora Support the Restoration of Democracy in Haiti. We, the undersigned, urgently appeal to the CARICOM Member Nations through the CARICOM Secretariat to take immediate action in assisting our brothers and sisters in Haiti in their quest to restore democracy. We implore you to remove international support for the current de facto authorities and allow a legitimate, Haitian-led solution to emerge.

In the past decade, under the leadership of the Parti Haitien Tet Kale party (PHTK) and its allies, Haiti’s democracy has been systematically dismantled. Shockingly, not a single elected office, as mandated by the Constitution, has been filled. Gangs, some of which are linked to the government, now control more than half of the country. Corruption and mismanagement have siphoned off substantial funds from public services, resulting in an alarming inflation rate of over 15% annually for the past three years. Tragically, 4.7 million Haitian citizens face acute hunger, placing Haiti among the top 10 countries suffering the most from hunger worldwide. Disturbingly, Haiti is the only nation on this list without a recognized armed conflict, and the sole country outside Africa and the Middle East.

As citizens of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), we share a deep sense of grief and compassion for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. When Haiti achieved independence in 1804, it became the first free Black country, blazing the trail for independence movements in many Caribbean nations. Haiti holds the distinction of being the first nation to abolish slavery, thereby laying the groundwork for our own emancipation.

Haiti has endured over two centuries of punishment for its pursuit of freedom, and the consequences persist to this day. Haitians have courageously fought against foreign occupation, political interference, and economic manipulation orchestrated by powerful members of the international community, many of whom attained their prominence through the institution of slavery. The current international support for the de facto Haitian government, installed not through a Haitian process but by an announcement from the “Core Group” led by the United States, represents the latest effort to maintain control over Haiti.

The people of Haiti are uniting across party lines, class divisions, and other barriers that often impede collaboration. They are proposing inclusive, legitimate paths to a transitional government that can replace the de facto authorities and oversee fair elections. They firmly believe that if the international community ceases to prop up the de facto regime, civil society can exert enough pressure to force its resignation or elicit meaningful concessions toward fair elections. Unfortunately, the United States and other entities show no inclination to reduce their support for the de facto authorities. Therefore, Haitians urgently require the assistance of Jamaica and all CARICOM.

Despite being small nations, CARICOM countries have played pivotal roles in restoring democracy in Haiti in the past. In 1994, Jamaica led the CARICOM component of UNMIH, a successful UN peacekeeping mission that was deployed to reinstate Haiti’s elected government. In 2004, Jamaica provided shelter to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was abducted from Haiti aboard a United States plane.

Stand up for democracy in Haiti by:

For a stronger Haiti. Sign the Petition Here.

Learn more at “Voices United A Petition for Democracy in Haiti,”  at The NeoLiberal by renaldocmckenzie.com

If the Caribbean is an Invention of the 20th Century, what will it be reinvented into and who will lead it in the 21st? The lecture presentation by Renaldo McKenzie, Adjunct Professor at Jamaica Theological Seminary, focused on various aspects of Caribbean thought and history. McKenzie transitioned from the concept of heritage and its connection to the Caribbean, emphasizing that there is something beyond heritage that connects the region. He mentioned Fidel Castro's identification with his Latin and African heritage. The Caribbean Reader describes the Caribbean as an invention of the 20th Century and asked what it will be reinvented into in the 21st century. But is it true that the Caribbean is an invention of the 20th century and when and where did this invention begin? What has been the consequences of this invention so that it needs to be reinvented in the 21st century? Who is responsible for this invention and if an invention in whose eyes and for whose interests? These questions are important to today's reflections and Lecture as we continue to explore Caribbean Thought within postcolonialism and within a subaltern view that uses critical thinking. The idea of this invention and the answer of its reinvention would require a critical examination of the Caribbean’s history, philosophy, theology: Caribbean Thought. Further, we must ask how far we go when exploring this invention, bearing in mind that we have concluded the Caribbean today is a set of nations states with tremendous natural resources and beauty but suffer from dependent capitalism. Independence and freedoms have not guaranteed the Pan African hope of a united free peoples with economic prosperity and competitive. In fact, some Caribbean islands depending on how they gained their nation or follow their invention, may have determine who they are today on the world stage. Haiti and Cuba suffer from poverty and being among the poorest due to embargoes, debt and structural adjustment which has not escaped other Caribbean islands. So, our study will be one that is skeptical/critical so as to recapture our peoples as part of an invented new world. The Caribbean is part of the new world, the Americas with similar experiences with mixed influences dominated by an African heritage devoid of our American Heritage. McKenzie then delved into the invention of the Caribbean, stating that some people were perplexed when he referred to it as an invention of the 20th century. He clarified that the 20th century refers to the previous century when studying history. He also challenged the notion of the Caribbean as part of the New World, claiming that it goes beyond that and extends to Africa. The professor touched on the topic of colonization and the control exerted by European powers over the Caribbean. He mentioned that colonization involves stripping away human rights and controlling people. He emphasized the development of privilege, power, and position in society and the ways in which control is exerted through language and the creation of racial categories. McKenzie discussed the impact of globalization on the Caribbean and the dismantling of national borders and economic systems. He mentioned the dominance of capitalists and the profiteers in this process. On the concept of race, asserting that it is a human creation and that the idea of race only emerged in the 1600s. McKenzie highlighted the importance of self-determination and the challenges faced by Caribbean nationalists in the face of globalization. Overall, the lecture presentation explored the complexities of Caribbean thought, touching on heritage, colonization, globalization, and the creation of racial categories. discusses various topics during a podcast session. He reflects on the response of the Caribbean region to different events and issues. He mentions the influx of Haitian refugees to Jamaica in the late 1990s and the mixed reactions from Jamaicans regarding their arrival. The NeoLiberal Corporation.

This upcoming book in the Neoliberalism series written by Renaldo McKenzie, delves into the concept of wealth and its distribution, challenging the notion that hard work and savings lead to prosperity. Renaldo argues in Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered, Neo-Capitalism and the Death of Nations that certain groups and regions, particularly Black and Brown people in the Global South and Global North, have been denied access to wealth due to historical exploitation and systems that devalue their labor. The book highlights the impact of neoliberalism, a privileged economic philosophy, which perpetuates the transfer of decision-making power away from working-class individuals and communities. Co-authored and prefaced by Professor Emeritus, Dr. Martin Oppenheimer, it takes an academic and interdisciplinary approach.... It builds upon the previous work on neoliberalism but expands its scope to explore the importance of cinema, globalization, and the position of Black and Brown people in the world. The author revisits Marxism and Capitalism, analyzing how systems are changing and whose interests they serve. Resistance and the fight for change are also examined, alongside the potential of digital technology to challenge violence and discrimination. The book aims to provide deeper insights into the struggle for independence and true freedom. In “Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered,” the prevailing motif of the Caribbean as a paradise is questioned, emphasizing its dependence and vulnerability as states detached from their people. This is a continuation of the considerations in Neoliberalism book 1 entitled, Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance. The realities of the Global South and the black position in the world are explored, considering the historical strategies of the dominant class to attain supernormal profit through neo-capitalistic systems. The book critically examines the socio-economic history and current dynamics of the global north and south, questioning the efficacy of resistance and Pan-African integration. The changing power dynamics of the neoliberal globalized world are analyzed, and opportunities for future transformation are discussed. The book also addresses the issue of power and privilege, highlighting how former colonial masters shape the independence of former colonies to maintain their dominance. The driving forces behind neoliberal globalization, neo-capitalism, and pseudo-communism are explored, revealing the hegemony of the master through international organizations such as the WTO and the World Bank. The book references specific examples to illustrate the suppression of new nations and the realization of their own visions.... From Artificial Intelligence that opines the end of life transforming the dialectic of whether we live to work or work to live, and the value of a society based on work and any corresponding value from that which allows the dynamics of life based in privilege. To question who really rules the world? US, UN or China and Russia and their strategic alliance and interference in a world driven by greed and nepotism which China has spared no time capitalizing on as they use this knowledge strategically to their advantage to direct American policy through US corporations driven by their bottom line.... Overall, Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered, seeks to challenge prevailing narratives and explore the complex realities of wealth, power, and independence in a global context. It aims to provide a critical analysis of the socio-economic dynamics that shape the lives of people in the global north, the global south, and the black and brown communities.

The book will be published by The NeoLiberal Corporation by late August 2023 and is copyrighted by Renaldo McKenzie.

You may pre-order beginning August 1, 2023. Renaldo McKenzie is an Adjunct Professor at Jamaica Theological Seminary, and in the Doctoral Program at Georgetown University. renaldocmckenzie

If we are to believe that all individuals are created equal and that civil rights and freedoms are now extended to all, it begs the question: why is Affirmative Action still necessary to ensure inclusion and equity in institutions and American society? This prompts us to reflect on whether we have truly progressed and achieved genuine equality and inclusion. While Affirmative Action was never intended to be a permanent solution, it served as a steppingstone towards fostering diversity and inclusion. However, there are those who misuse Affirmative Action to discredit the hard work and accomplishments of the few who have benefited from it, asserting that their success is solely attributed to preferential treatment. The essence of Affirmative Action lies in its ability to provide access to the best minds from marginalized groups who may otherwise be disadvantaged. Affirmative Action addresses the reality that privilege can buy high SAT scores and secure admissions into prestigious colleges, while vulnerable groups lack such advantages. Recent incidents involving celebrities and individuals with special interests manipulating the college admission system highlight the coordinated efforts between testing administrators, certain schools, and wealthy individuals. If the privileged few continue to exploit their advantages and cheat the system, thus leapfrogging ahead of less privileged individuals, it becomes clear that Affirmative Action remains a crucial tool. De facto and de jure discriminatory practices persist in our society, undermining equality and inclusion. Real estate appraisals that vary based on the property owner's race, biased hiring practices in certain institutions that favor specific cultures, and disparities in how we police, prosecute, and distribute capital exemplify these ongoing forms of discrimination. The decision by the US Supreme Court to terminate Affirmative Action was premature, as it failed to consider the laws that safeguard equity, equality, and diversity, which are fundamental tenets of the US Constitution. Affirmative Action aligns with the constitutional ideal of ensuring that "All Men Are Made Free" and promotes equality. Our nation has not consistently upheld these principles, as some continue to impede equity and inclusion. Those who have endured years of discrimination are still grappling with the absence of generational wealth and opportunities required to compete and achieve the American dream. The political decision to abolish Affirmative Action disregards the progress made by individuals and their families who were minimally included in society through this program. It effectively erases years of advancement and undermines the potential for future inclusivity. Affirmative Action, while imperfect, has been an instrumental force in creating opportunities for those who have historically been marginalized. Affirmative Action, although not intended as a permanent solution, plays a vital role in advancing true equality and inclusion. Its purpose is to rectify historical disparities and provide opportunities for marginalized groups to thrive. While progress has been made, the persistence of discrimination, privilege, and the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities necessitates the continuation of Affirmative Action. To fully realize the American dream, we must recognize the ongoing significance of Affirmative Action and work towards a future where all individuals have equal access to success and prosperity. This is the audio version of an article published in The NeoLiberal Post by: Renaldo McKenzie, Doctoral Student, Georgetown University, Graduate, University of Pennsylvania and Adjunct Lecturer at Jamaica Theological Seminary. Renaldo is Author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance. Email Renaldo at Georgetown.edu. Renaldo is Creator and Host of The NeoLiberal Round Podcast and YouTube Channel. Follow Renaldo McKenzie on Twitter. Subscribe for free!

This was a powerful Lecture session. Caribbean Thought Lecture 7: Independence and Democracy in The Caribbean: Haiti, A Case Study

Institution: Jamaica Theological Seminary