Brooke Newman

Brooke Newman, an associate professor of history, delves into the complex dynamics surrounding King Charles' coronation. She highlights the public's ambivalence toward the monarchy amidst socio-economic challenges and royal scandals. The conversation shifts to the historical roots of the monarchy, its evolving role in democracy, and Charles' struggles to modernize while facing scrutiny over colonial legacies. With a mix of humor and critical analysis, Newman navigates the monarchy's deep-seated traditions against contemporary expectations.

Mary Draper, an expert on Caribbean plantation societies, discusses Antigua's unique ecological and social challenges. Andrew O'Shaughnessy, a historian of the British Caribbean, highlights Jamaica's pivotal role in Britain's economy and imperial strategy. Trevor Bernard explores the stark social inequalities in Jamaica's settler society rooted in slavery. Brooke Newman delves into Jamaica's demographics and wealth dynamics, emphasizing the lethal nature of sugar production and its reliance on the brutal transatlantic slave trade.