Roots That Run Deeper Than the Panama Canal

Little did I know that it would not be until decades later and many travels around the globe that I would actually sit down and write about "The Silver People of Panama."

I began writing a novel several years ago to chronicle my life, loves and adventures from the standpoint of my remarkable ancestors- those brave men and women of Jamaica who forsook all that was familiar to them- family, friends, roots- to venture to the shores of Panama shortly after the turn of the twentieth century.

My grandfather, Joshua Reid, arrived in Panama around 1906 on "his own steam." In other words, he paid his own way on board a steamship similar to the SS Ancon that brought thousands of West Indian laborers from primarily Barbados and several other Caribbean islands, as contracted workers during the construction of the Panama Canal (1904-1914). You may wonder why my grandfather came on his own and not as a contracted laborer like the Barbadians. It would later become a subject that most Jamaicans would avoid talking about having been prohibited by their island government from joining the race to Panama in search of employment.

Being an expert leather worker and possessed of many other skills besides, he arrived in the Port of Cristobal in Colon and was straight way told to report to the personnel office. He was hired on the spot! He was about to join the ranks of the legendary "Jamaican Bosses" who supervised the other teams of labourers, drove heavy equipment, and ran many of the numerous shops that had become a necessary part of this staggering project engineered now by the Americans who took off and completed where the French had started.

I started the blog, The Silver People Chronicle, to share with you the history, culture, and personal experiences of my people, the Panamanian West Indians, who almost single handedly completed the building of the Panama Canal. Possessed of very few facts on my family's genealogy, some detective skills, and the help of bits and pieces on the Internet I have been able to re-construct a history that is amazing as it is full of joy, tragedy, injustices and triumphs.

The West Indians brought much more than just their physical strength and driving work ethic. They brought their unique rhythm embodied in Calypso music. They brought their gastronomic treasures like Souse, curried meats, Cucu, delectable buns, Sorrel (a beverage), Rundown, and much more. They brought their abilities as great educators especially in the English language. They brought their faith in God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Last, but not least, they brought their inimitable style. Yes, indeed! From the tip of their Panama hats and their glimmering, genuine gold buckles down to their two-tone black and white shoes. They set the trend for style, in fact, in their dress and manners, and their dynamic essence.

I invite you to join us at The Silver People Chronicle for a truly moving experience. You will discover just what awaited my grandfather and even myself and all the other Silver Men when they set foot on the shores of Panama.