Historian Dr. Claudius Fergus, retired Senior Lecturer at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, launched his latest book, Against Toleration: Britain’s Persecution of the Spiritual Baptists, at the Central Bank Auditorium on Wednesday, 27 March 2024. The book launch, held in partnership with the NGC Bocas Lit Fest, was a celebration of scholarship and a call to action for a more inclusive Caribbean society.
Against Toleration, published by Jamaica-based Ian Randle Publishers, delves into the history of the Spiritual Baptist community across the Caribbean and their struggle against persecution by the British colonial authorities. Fergus’s meticulous research and dedication to the subject have produced a comprehensive work that not only educates but also seeks to eliminate discrimination against the Spiritual Baptist community.
The launch event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including UWI Professor Emerita Bridget Brereton, who delivered the keynote address. Brereton praised Fergus’s work as an “important intervention in the story of British betrayal, struggle, and faith,” highlighting the book’s significance in understanding Caribbean history.
In his address, Fergus expressed his hope that Against Toleration would become a student reference book and a catalyst for change in how Spiritual Baptists are perceived and treated.
The book launch was hosted by activist Shabaka Kambon, Director of the Caribbean Freedom Project (CFP), and attended by leaders and elders from the Spiritual Baptist community as well as Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.
Jean-Claude Cournand, CEO of the Bocas Lit Fest, commended Fergus for his dedication to Caribbean history and unity. He praised Fergus’s contributions to Caribbean society, stating, “Through his research, writing, advocacy, and community service, he has helped us to better understand our African roots and linkages, our ability to resist and persevere in the face of remarkable challenges, and our agency in shaping Caribbean society.”
Against Toleration: Britain’s Persecution of the Spiritual Baptists is a timely and important addition to Caribbean historiography, shedding light on a chapter of history that has long been overlooked. Fergus’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our past to build a more inclusive future.
Fergus will participate in a panel discussion at the upcoming 14th edition of the NGC Bocas Lit Fest, titled The History We Need, where he will further explore the themes of his book alongside other esteemed historians and writers. The NGC Bocas Lit Fest will run from 25 to 28 April at the National Library and other venues in Port of Spain.
Discussion: the History We Need
The late historians Brinsley Samaroo and Gerard Besson had different backgrounds and approaches to their research, but shared a passion for documenting and narrating T&T’s past, always with an eye on the present. What are their legacies for today’s writers of history, whether scholarly or literary, academic or popular? Historians and writers Bridget Brereton and Claudius Fergus tackle these questions in conversation with Judy Raymond.
Sunday 28 April | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm • AV Room, NALIS
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The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago is the title sponsor of the NGC Bocas Lit Fest; OCM, First Citizens, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and the British Council are main sponsors; Massy Foundation, UWI, and the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust are sponsors.
