The Silver People were the first immigrants from the West Indies who were originally hired to work on the Panama Railroad and later the Panama Canal in the Republic of Panama. The original group of “Silver Men,” as most of the workers who appeared on Panama’s shores from 1850 on were men, were from the island of Jamaica. Later, however, after the disastrous bankruptcy of the French Canal Company that initiated the construction of the Canal, the majority of the contracted workers would be from the island of Barbados and the surrounding “Small islands.”
The “Silver People,” or the Westindians of Panama, as they are known to the Spanish speaking people, have left an indelible mark on the history and culture as well as the economy of the modern nation of Panama. They also left a vital mark on the country- their blood- as at least 12,000 to 15,000 West Indian workers died in the frenetic years of construction either through disease (a multitude of tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever), by accident- crushed under the wheels of train cars- earth and mud slides- and accidental explosions that often ripped their bodies apart.
Through all their troubles and labors, however, they and the families they raised took time to create a culture and a society that was distinctive and vibrant- a new hybrid Westindian Panamanian culture which we, as a foundation, seek to preserve. Their music, language, religion, culinary skills, literature and history are still seen and felt even today on the streets, in the faces and in the language and character of Panama. Their legacy is threatened today, however, with extinction from the memory of both Panama and the world that has so greatly benefited from their labour and intellect.
We, of the Silver People Heritage Foundation, are working passionately to secure this cultural bequest left by these great, pioneering men and women who, as so very aptly put by Col. George W. Goethals, “Were it not for the West Indians, the building of the Canal would not have been possible.” We may extend that conclusion to say that were it not for the West Indians, the modern country of Panama and the global economy would not be what it is today.
For an in depth explanation of the Silver and Gold Roll system you’re invited to read our blog at The Silver People Chronicle.
Cobert Roberto A. Reid
4 responses so far ↓
Anita Cumberbatch // at
Every Sunday morning throughout the Black Canal Zone, many of the young children attended church services. In the Canal Zone, we were Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists and Pentecostals. There was even a Four Square church that did not have many members. Sometimes the minister would preach to an empty church.
My family attended St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, which was located in the Heights and very close to Mount Hope.The church was located in the middle of shrubs and there was usually a sense of spookiness , especially whenever services were held in the late evenings.
I will be honest, I used to sit in the middle of the church and far away from the statues of Saints, which stood on each side of the pews because they were imposing and intimidating.
Each Sunday we went to church on an empty stomach, so we could take communion.When I was a child, women covered their heads with a veil.Sometimes in church, our veils or hankerchiefs would fall off our heads and some of the older women would hiss and give us a look of admonishment.
One of my childhood friend Maritza was also Catholic. It always seemed that her grandmother who never attended church knew every Catholic holiday. She would tell us that it was the holiday of some Catholic saint and therefore, we were supposed to attend service.
I remembered when they relaxed the rule regarding the veil. After, it was difficult for me to stand in front of the altar without a veil.
I am the youngest of five children-three girls and two brothers. My youngest brother José and I attended First Communion classes together in the evenings. My brother was always running , he would go off and play at the gym and then run from there straight into the church.His sneakers would make a loud sound while he made a dash into his seat.At that time of course, all of the young students would be already studying their blue catechism book.
Armando Smith, who was in his teens was our First Communion teacher and he would rolled his eyes at my brother who was always late. The day the priest quizzed us for our First Communion ceremony, my brother did not show up on time. The priest, Father Mckeon, a white American priest was so upset, he began to mumble something. I felt it was my duty to intervene, so I asked to call home. I went into a small room and called, but my brother was not at home. I asked the priest to please wait for my brother because I knew he would show up. I think the priest was upset, but he told me he would wait. Armando Smith dismissed the class and as I walked away from the church, I looked back and the priest had come outside pacing towards his car. But then, right ahead of me I saw my brother José running towards the church.
He ran by very fast, and as I looked behind, the priest seeing him, went back into the church. Before I reached home, José ran passed me. I managed to ask him”Did you pass?” And he replied, “yes” .
That Sunday at St.Vincent de Paul church, my brother and I made our First Communion.
I have noticed today,that many of the Black Zonians who were Catholics, Anglicans , Methodists ,etc have changed to other christian denominations. Catholics have become Baptists and Methodists are now Congregationals, etc.
Saludos,
Anita Cumberbatch
Cobert Roberto // at
Saludos Anita,
Thank you again for another very important glimpse into life on the Black Canal Zone. As I remembered my life in the barrio neighborhoods of Panama, my parents were not church goers and the only time in my household that we the kids got involved with religion was when a young neighbour girl by the of Maye died suddenly in child birthing.
For days on end we the small children who knew her well romped and played around and under the casket as if she was alive with us there and just sleeping. However the night before the day she was to be taken away from us forever, a woman showed up that night to lead the group of mourners in the final rosary praying.
To me this lady was a saint, and it was like she had authority n heaven. But she was just a neighborhood lady we really did not know. Any way when I began doing some research for the book I was writing about my Westindian experiences in Panama I ran into a story in the English page of the Panama American newspaper by an Elijah Hunter, which I am intending to post soon in the Silver People Chronicle. Like your stories the writer made me laugh also.
Cobert Roberto
Anita Cumberbatch // at
Roberto :
For a small community, Rainbow City had many churches. I remember six of them. A Baptist , Methodist, Catholic,Pentecostal, Anglican and Four Square churches. The Catholic priests were never Panamanians, they were either Italian or Irish from the States.
One thing though, whenever the U.S. goes into any country, they rarely interfere with the people’s religiosity. In that aspect, they are a bit like the Mongols. I even remember some of the priests making family visits.
I wouldn’t say that our community was extra,extra religious because although few of the parents attended regular church services, we as young people went to church on our own. I do know there were many parents in Rainbow City who screamed at their children on Sunday mornings to wake up and go to church.
Easter Sunday and Good Friday were celebrated with a passion. Preparation for these holidays were something else. Black Zonians used to criticize White Zonians for not keeping up with the traditions. We attended Good Friday service, came back home and had a nice Red salmon or Red snapper dinner with all the trimmngs. Also, who can forget the bun and cheese?
We also attended the Good Friday procession in Colon.On Easter Sunday, I remember way back, the hats and gloves and the beautiful organza and taffeta dresses made of course by some of the finest seamtresses from the Atlantic coast.
I was raised as a Catholic, but I have never felt any exclusivity towards that faith. Today,I don’t consider Catholicism to be my faith. I can easily attend any Christian church. My religiosity and spirituality is not confined to any church.
Cordiales Saludos,
Anita Cumberbatch.
Cobert Roberto A. Reid // at
Dearest Anita,
I couldn’t help but crack a smile a the the Mongol idea. We still insist that your “remembranzas” are valuable and most of us that are serious about developing Westindian literature appreciate them very much.
Te apreciamos y te necesitamos, nuestros rezos son para nosotros aunque te mencionamos a menudo ante nuestro Dios.
Que tengas mucha fuerza y felicidades.
CRR
Leave a Comment