HLAS annotation: This synthesis approaches Suriname's history through the lenses of cultural, ethnic, gender, and political factors with an emphasis on immigration. The mining and export of bauxite has been a driving force since the 1920s. Hoefte also discusses the urban history of Paramaribo and the disorder and other problems that appeared in the wake of independence in the 1970s. The author maintains a firm grasp on the connections between Suriname's domestic social and political history with its often overwhelming international connections. Extensive footnotes indicate heavy use of Dutch sources. [HLAS Contributor: John Britton]

HLAS annotation: The motivation for publishing this edited volume is to dispel several of the stereotypical perceptions and characterizations about Muslims in the Hispanic world. To accomplish this task, the book adopts a historical long durée methodology ranging from colonial times to the present and encompassing Muslim communities in various societies of Latin America and the Caribbean - and even among the Latino community of South Florida. One of the goals of the book is to show that the continued depiction of Muslims as minorities overlooks their respectable presence and entangling ties with other sectors of the Hispanic community. [HLAS Contributor: Enrique Pumar]

HLAS annotation: Provides anthropological treatment of a Javanese dialect in Suriname. "The focus is on the meaning of specific gestures - verbal and nonverbal - in their given contexts, determined through the traditional anthropological means of observation, imitation, and participant error." [HLAS Contributor: Lambros Comitas]

HLAS annotation: The author chronicles the evolution of the People's Republic of China's diplomatic and economic relations with the Caribbean island states, as well as Belize and Suriname. The backdrop is the general rise of China as a world power. Among the reasons for China's economic interest in the Caribbean are access to natural resources (e.g., oil and natural gas) and a platform for easier access to US markets (involving, in that case, Chinese foreign direct investment in the region). Political and diplomatic rivalry with the Republic of China on the island of Taiwan is another important reason, as several of the governments of the Caribbean countries continue to recognize Taiwan. These island countries, in turn, are interested in Chinese foreign assistance, as US and European aid have waned over the years, in the Chinese market for exports, including tourism, and in possibilities of foreign direct investment. Bernal provides a thoughtful and perceptive account of his subject matter as well as a set of wise recommendations for Caribbean policymakers in a changing world environment. [HLAS Contributor: Daniel Masís-Iverson]