I met Cinthia Loial on a typically British summer afternoon in Farnborough (heavy rain, grey skies, wind). I understood then why being a member of the French Caribbean Association was important to her - days like this undoubtedly makes one wish they were on an island with perfect weather.
It's more than that, of course. Being in a foreign land makes one want to hold on to one's culture and memories of home all the more; and to seek out others who have made Britain their home, and create a small corner of Martinique, French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Reunion here.

The French Caribbean Association was formed for that purpose. A group of friends from these islands wanted to promote French Caribbean culture and keep in touch with their traditions. Today, there are 87 members, 311 sympathisers, and have established partnerships with the French Institute, Clapham Library, Cricklewood Theatre and the Caribbean Food Emporium.
Their activities are wide ranging - from film nights to zouk parties. Recently, they had a debate over whether their islands should try and gain more independence from the French government. As part of their Black History Month's programme they plan to have several events on art and identity at Clapham Library.

Cinthia is the current chair and webmaster of the FCA, and is passionate about sharing the culture and history of the islands with others; in effect, she is a cultural ambassador. She believes that everyone has the opportunity to project their identity in Great Britain, and she is also a woman who has made it in the man's world of science and technology. An IT consultant and testing manager for Infoterra, one of Europe's leading providers of geographic information products and services, she confesses to being a tomboy as a child, always interested in gadgets and science. Born in Guadeloupe, she left at five and spent most of her childhood in Paris. She was one of only four girls in a class of 114 who graduated with a degree in computers and electronics, following that with a degree in medical instrumentation and computers.
An advanced degree in geographic information systems and remote sensing (only 2 women on the course) and advanced training at a launch base called ARIANE in French Guiana earned her place as an engineer for the European Space Agency in Frascati, 15km from Rome. She was responsible for an instrument called RADASET on the satellite ERS1 and 2 which takes specific physical data from the earth. The two and a half years she spent there was a struggle - being in a senior position meant that she had to supervise and delegate tasks, something that the white engineers were not used to, and often did not appreciate. It was difficult for her to dispel the myths and stereotypes, a recurring theme in her career. Cinthia has dealt with this in the same way she has approached all difficulties - with dignity, grace and intelligence.

Today, Cinthia is very happy living in London, with her work and her life. The future holds many things; continuing to promote the culture of the French Caribbean islands, creating links with other like-minded organisations.

To find out more about what the French Caribbean Association does, log onto their website www.mbmb-fca.com

 

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