Hairouna

A young generation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines grows up within the shadows of slavery and colonialism. This project explores how they navigate identity and future in a society still marked by its colonial past.

At first glance, St. Vincent and the Grenadines appears to be an independent island nation – yet the traces of colonialism remain unmistakable. British colonial rule brought not only political domination but also the enslavement of African people and the exploitation and displacement of indigenous communities – a history that shaped the island’s economic and social foundations for centuries. Since gaining formal independence in 1979, the country has been striving for political and cultural self-determination. At the same time, it remains closely tied to Great Britain through its political structure: a parliamentary monarchy with the British monarch as head of state. Although the nation has been independent for over four decades, colonial power structures – and the legacy of slavery – continue to influence everyday life: from the education system to the financial sector. As a result of this history, the country remains in a state of ongoing development, where colonial legacies continue to shape society. For many young people, this translates into limited opportunities and constrained futures.

This project explores how young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines experience life today in a society still shaped by its colonial past. My personal motivation for this theme stems from my own family roots. I believe that the past profoundly shapes our present, and by engaging deeply with the country’s history and tracing personal connections, I have developed a strong desire to better understand how young people live today.

To approach this theme, I combined different methods and materials. At the beginning, I applied a research-based approach, engaging with local history from within the community’s own perspective. I worked in the national archives in Kingstown, conducted interviews with young people, and edited a video from these conversations. I also produced a photobook that interweaves archival material, my own photographs, and the voices of the younger generation. The book further includes an essay by a local historian, providing additional context and grounding.

The focus lies on the experiences of those between the ages of 18 and 30 – a generation shaped by indigenous heritage, the legacy of slavery, and colonial structures, navigating the search for their own identity.

Ultimately, this work is both a personal exploration and a collective narrative. It underlines how the past is never separate from the present – and how young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines negotiate this legacy in their daily lives, with both struggle and strength.