Kowsilla biography

Written by: Tiara Jade Chutkhan

All too often, Indo-Caribbean women are regarded with stereotypes of being docile, silent and at times, invisible.

Along the timelines of our history, there have been women who defied each of these stereotypes, breaking the expectations placed upon women of their time.

They broke from the carefully constructed chains, with voices loud and messages clear as day.

Kowsilla, also known as Alice, was one of these women.

Indo-Caribbeans staged riots for their rights on multiple occasions.

She joined the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), formed in 1953 by Janet Jagan, the wife of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. She was the leader of the Leonora Branch and an executive member of the organization.