Caribbean studies module 1

• Definitions of the Caribbean Region

  • Geographical
  • Geological
  • Historical
  • Political
  • Diaspora
• Each definition has advantages and disadvantages, and no definition provides an absolute definition of the Caribbean since each one has its limitations
• Geographic definition


  • The Caribbean Sea is the "common denominator", it deals with all above the surface (e.g. landforms, rivers)
• Geological definition


  • Inspects the subterranean earth in terms of geological evolution: the formation and the crustal dynamics of the Caribbean region
• Historical definition


  • The most complete definition, it engages all countries considered Caribbean since the islands share a common history from pre-Amerindian to current
• Major historical events that shaped the Caribbean

  • Migration
  • Colonisation
  • Imperialism
  • Labour systems
  • Cultural impact
• Political definition


  • Examines the impacts of organised governmental structures in the evolution of the Caribbean, assessing how European politics led to political diversity, structures, nationalism and models that exist today
• Diaspora definition


  • Evaluates and understands how the movements of people over time have affected Caribbean society socially, culturally and racially
• The Caribbean lies in the latitudes of 2°N to 24°N, with the southerly part beginning in South America with Suriname and the northerly part ending in Turks and Caicos
• Geographical Caribbean


  • Archipelagic nature of the islands, stretching between the North and South American continents with a unique geological foundation
  • Tropical climate with dry and wet seasons
  • Governed by the North Eastern Trade Winds which give rise to the hurricane season
• The Caribbean Sea is the body of water contained by the archipelago and the Isthmus of Panama, but the Caribbean region is not limited to just the areas the Caribbean Sea touches
• Historical definition


  • Engages all countries considered Caribbean since the islands share a common history from pre-Amerindian migration to current events
  • Includes European exploration, colonisation, imperialism, and various labour systems like repartimiento, encomienda, slavery, and indentureship
• Repartimiento


  A superimposed agreement crafted by the King of Spain which required Amerindians to work for him as his subjects, leading to exploitation, repression and inhumanity
• Encomienda


  A Spanish labour policy where Amerindians were divided amongst Spaniards who had the right to extract tribute, with the promise of religious instruction, but in reality the Amerindians were treated as slaves
• Discovery of the New World

  1492
• Treaty of Tordesillas


  1494
• Laws of Burgos


  1512
• Asiento - permission by the King of Spain to bring in African people to work in the Caribbean


  1518
• The interlopers (England, France, Holland) challenged Spain's ownership of the New World, leading to political turmoil and changing territorial control in the Caribbean
• Political affiliations of Caribbean countries

  • Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Suriname, St. Eustatius)
  • France (Martinique, Haiti, French Guyana, Guadeloupe)
  • England (Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, etc.)
  • Spain (Cuba, Dominican Republic)
  • United States (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands)
• Even though there are independent countries/republics, the Caribbean is still controlled by European politics, social and cultural norms
• Treaty of London - Spain conceded its monopoly on the New World


  1605
• Diasporic definition


  • Deals with the movement of people and the inevitable movement of social and cultural elements, leading to racial diversity and cultural pluralism in the Caribbean
• Geological definition


  • The Caribbean is comprised of mainland, continental territories, volcanic islands, coral islands and uplift islands, formed by different geological processes
  • The Greater Antilles are older than the Lesser Antilles, formed by tectonic movements on a larger scale
  • The Caribbean plate is an oceanic plate bound by larger, denser plates, making the region susceptible to earth activity, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis
  • The Lesser Antilles consist of an inner volcanic arc and an outer limestone arc
• Plate movements


  • Convergent: Plates move in opposite direction and cause Destruction
  • Divergent: Plates move away from each other and are Constructive
  • Transform: Plates Slip past each other
• Caribbean Plate


  Oceanic Plate, bound on all sides by much larger, older and denser plates
• The Caribbean lies in a very active area due to the number of neighbouring plates
• The Caribbean is susceptible to Earth Activity, Volcanic Eruption and Tsunamis
• Lesser Antilles


  • Inner Arc is Volcanic in nature
  • Outer Arc is Limestone in nature
• Inner Arc


  • Possess Volcanic Features such as Dormant and Active Volcanoes, Sharp Relief, High Mountains, Rich Black Volcanic Soil, Little or no Continental Shelf and Primary or Secondary Volcanic Features
• Geological Basis


  Important for Social and Cultural affiliations
• Geological Basis impacts


  • Volcanic Tourism
  • Hot Springs and Sulphur Springs form part of Health Tourism in Guyana
  • The Pitch Lake in Trinidad contains sulphur which aids in treat arthritis
• Outer Arc of Islands

  Emergent Islands: They came out of the Sea over 10 million years ago due to convergence of American Plates
• Slow emergence of Outer Arc facilitated the formation of Coral Islands on underwater Plateaus
• The Tectonic Nature of the Caribbean has resulted in the formation of Volcanic and Limestone features, exclusively for the Lesser Antilles
• Single market and economy

  A key objective of CARICOM is to create a single market and economy among its member states, with the goal of increasing trade and investment within the region.
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM)


  A regional organization that aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. Its main objectives include promoting economic integration, enhancing competitiveness, improving quality of life, strengthening regional security, and promoting sustainable development.
• Competitiveness


  CARICOM aims to improve the competitiveness of its member states by providing a supportive environment for business and innovation.
• Regional security


  CARICOM aims to enhance regional security by addressing issues such as crime and terrorism.
• Sustainable development


  CARICOM seeks to promote sustainable development in the region, with a focus on protecting the environment and promoting renewable energy.