Chair's Briefing Notes · Movement 3 · Afrikan Spirituality
African Spiritual Traditions in the Caribbean
Chaired by Dr. John Hunte, Barbadian King Shepherd of Israel, Council of Spiritual Baptist Churches of Barbados · Lecturer in Cultural & Gender Studies, UWI Cave Hill
Topic Summary
This session traces the journey and transformation of West African spiritual traditions within the Caribbean, where they survived slavery and colonial suppression through adaptation and innovation. Presenters will examine the continuity, creolisation, and contemporary vitality of these traditions in Caribbean religious life. It sets up the diasporic perspective that the rest of the symposium develops.
Speakers (alphabetical)
Burton Sankeralli
Presenter
Trinidadian Philosopher, Independent Intellectual & Co-founder, Philosophical Society of Trinidad and Tobago
Burton Sankeralli is a Trinidadian philosopher and independent intellectual who has been involved in philosophical research and Caribbean culture for over two decades. A former newspaper columnist, his writings have appeared in numerous scholarly and academic publications. He is the editor of At the Crossroads: African Caribbean Religion and Christianity (1995), published by the Caribbean Conference of Churches, and co-founder of the Philosophical Society of Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. John Hunte
Chair & Presenter
Barbadian King Shepherd of Israel, Council of Spiritual Baptist Churches of Barbados · Lecturer in Cultural & Gender Studies, UWI Cave Hill
Edward Forde
Presenter
Barbadian Lucumí Practitioner (25+ Yrs) · Initiated Eshu Priest (Cuba) · Palo Mayombe Initiate (20+ Yrs, Cuba) · AMORC Initiate (28 Yrs)
Edward O Forde, known as Esunle, is a Lucumí Practitioner of over 25 years and an initiated Eshu Priest in Cuba. He is an initiate into the Palo Mayombe mysteries for over 20 years (Cuba) and an initiate of the Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) for 28 years. Edward Forde is a Barbadian brand and marketing consultant with Export Barbados (BIDC), where he has played a leading role in the promotion and revitalisation of Pelican Village as a cultural and creative hub.
Centre for Hybrid Studies · Global Freedom Festival 2026