Today everyone talks of Cross cultural experiences and Globalization but back in the 1970s, when my family landed in Dominica, it was more of a Cultural Shock and Curiosity Value! An Indian in the Caribbean was not unusual, after all there were many whose forefathers had come as indentured labourers but there was a novelty in the fact that we had come from the India of the late 20th century and not descended from those who had settled there at the turn of the century. There was a vast difference between expatriate Indians and Indian West Indians. That came out starkly when the Indians who had come from either Trinidad or Guyana mingled with us. My parents, born in a tradition bound society had become more liberal in Delhi, the capital of modern India. They were not tied to the old notions of caste and creed and permitted me to go out with a wonderful group of friends.

One night, I had gone to the movies with Pearle Christian, one of the dearest and most unforgettable persons ever, and came back quite late. I think it was a James Bond film and as all 007 movies, quite enjoyable. My mother got a call from one of the West Indian Indians informing her that they had seen me with the girls, adding that it was just not advisable to let me out. She was quite puzzled just as I was. According to them, it was just not done to send out an Indian girl with 'Others'. My parents did not share those feelings and I continued to have the most wonderful experience of my life. I can never thank them enough for letting me be me!!!

Among the fine people we met and mingled with mention must be made of Pearle and her family, the Christians, the Harris family, the Fingals, Alec Lazar( whom my father was specially fond of)the Wattys and the many classmates who made my school days so memorable.

I left Dominica before her Independence to study at University in Delhi. Sadly, my parents came back one year later and there was no more need to go back again. But I continue to visit the island in my imagination. And I thought it appropriate to write about the 'Isle of Rainbows' during the Reunion.

By Shailaja Menon