Caribbean Studies

Module 1 Section 1
Location and Definition of the
Caribbean Region
“Caribbean” Defined

 How do we define Caribbean?

 What words come to mind when we
say Caribbean?
?
?
?
?
 Geographical Definition
 Mass of islands within the Caribbean Sea
 Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico, Jamaica,
Cube Hispaniola)
 Lesser Antilles (everything south of Puerto
Rico)
 Bahamas
 Anything touching the Caribbean Sea
(Central America, Northern South. America
Greater Antilles
Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico
Lesser Antilles
The Caribbean
Geographic Representation of the Caribbean
Geological Definition

 The entire area sits on a Tectonic

Plate called the Caribbean Plate
 The Caribbean Plate is in motion,
caused by the currents of the heated
mantle
 Bound by the Atlantic Plate and Nazca
Plate
Caribbean Plate
Relationship with other plates.
Historical Definition

 The entire area exists as a result of

European colonization and
exploitation
 Indentureship, slavery, plantation
society, genocide
 ``Colonial Cockpit of Europe,`` Spain,
England, France, Holland
 Political Definition
 The area comprises of independent states,
dependent territories and associated states
 French Territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe)
 Dutch Territories (Curacao, Aruba, St.
Maarten)
 US Territory (US Virgin Island, Puerto Rico)
 English Territory (British Virgin Islands)
Caribbean Identity

 What is Identity?
 Is Identity special or unique?
 Can the way we identify ourselves in
the Caribbean be unique from the rest
of the world?
 What are the components of our
Caribbean Identity?
HOMEWORK

 Why is it so difficult to define the

Caribbean?
 What is the difference between
defining the Caribbean and the United
States?
 Can you see yourself as a Caribbean
person rather than a Trinidadian?
Give reasons for answers.
Unique features of
Caribbean people
 Sense of humour
 Informal approach to life
 Demonstrative way of communicating
 Food or cuisine
 Dialect
 Style of music, dance
 Festivals
Unique features

 Religion-rastafariaism,
Imitated Features

 Fashion
 Music
 Certain Foods – fast
 Technology
 Religion- R.C., etc.
 Festivals
 Sports and Recreation.