Definitions of the Caribbean Region

Geographic Definition:

Any land which the Caribbean Sea washes upon its shores is, by geographical definition, part of the Caribbean.

Some examples of Caribbean Countries are given, although not all are stated. A student should be proficient in their understanding of the region, so that they are aware of the mapped layout, capitals and situational examples with respect to the region.

This is true for many countries of the Caribbean, whether they are islands or mainland territories. This therefore means that islands in the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Haiti) and those in the Lesser Antilles (St.Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St.Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago) are part of the Caribbean.

What of the mainland territories? Guyana is considered Caribbean, but geographically, it is South American and the Caribbean Sea does not wash upon its shores.

Then, situated in Central America are Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Belize and Honduras, which are not usually identified as Caribbean, yet they fulfill the condition of being “washed by the Caribbean Sea”.

Other territories such as the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Barbados do not meet the criteria of being ‘washed by the Caribbean Sea.’

Therefore, we see merit to using this geographical definition to discern the boundaries by which most countries are Caribbean. It is also evident that, standalone, to use this definition would be to neglect acknowledgement of the other territories which form the Caribbean.Every experience shapes an individual, with commonalities promoting unity. The geographic distinction does not provide insight into what these territories share (geologically, historically, politically, diasporically.

Geological Definition:

Similar to the geographic definition, this definition provides a boundary, using plate tectonics. Areas which lie on the Caribbean Plate and contain similar tectonic, seismic and volcanic activity are classified geologically as Caribbean.

The inclusion and exclusion of territories that either are Caribbean or are not Caribbean, occurs once more. With the Central American countries mentioned before, conforming to this definition. While Cuba, of the Greater Antilles, is excluded along with the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos as well as Guyana.

A similar discussion applies to the geological definition as to the geographic one.

Historical Definition:

The past connects the present and provides guidance for the future, once performed correctly. Countries with these seven shared experiences:

1. Colonisation by the imperialist powers (main being the Britain, Spain, France and Holland)
2. Slavery.
3. Indentureship.
4. Plantation System.
5. Encomienda System.
6. Resistance and Rebellion.
7. Movements Toward Independence and Republicanism.

With the arrival of the colonial powers and their quest to conquer riches and increase their influence, came extensive  agricultural production in plantations which employed labour from slavery (forced, unpaid), then indentureship (meagre conditions) following post-emancipation. With European discovery, was genocide of the indigenous groups who were also subject to the tyranny of the imperialist powers. A common purpose can unite many, with Caribbean countries possessing certain cultural aspects of their former colonisers, they are to an extent similar (in terms of religion, economic activities, languages). This has resulted in the use of labels such as the Commonwealth/Anglophone Caribbean (previous colonies of Britain/English Speaking Caribbean), the Hispanophone (Spanish speaking Caribbean)  and the same context of language applies to Francophone and Dutchophone.

It can be said that the European powers developed their societies using the resources of the Caribbean (Reference to President Irfaan Ali of Guyana on Reparations). Whether through the exploitation of natural resources or human labour.

The history of the Caribbean is far from “boring,” it is reflective of lived experiences, where one perspective may portray a favourable past while another may highlight the struggles that were overcome.

The shared experiences that the territories have had, are greater in inclusiveness than a geographic, or geologic definition, of course, this is subject to interpretation.

Although there is no one-size-fits all approach, one might view this history as something precious whereas another may deem it insignificant.

Political Definition:

Under the political definition, socio-economic groups and political philosophies are looked at.

Socio-economic groups in the Caribbean include:

1. CARICOM (Caribbean Community)
2. OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States)
3. ACS (Association of Caribbean States)

There are three types of political systems under which Caribbean countries may be categorised:

1. Associated States.
2. Colonial Dependences.
3. Independent States.

Associated states are former colonies of Britain located in the Eastern Caribbean which had semi-independent political status from 1976. They colonies retained control over their internal constitution while Britain managed their defence and external affairs. Antigua, Dominica and Grenada are three out of the six which were associated states.

Dependent states, otherwise known to be colonial dependencies are those countries which, as the name suggests, are reliant upon the hegemonic power in control of them. These are illustrated by the British Virgin Island, the US Virgin Islands and Martinique (French).

Present day self-governed countries that were once ruled by the colonial powers are known as independent or sovereign states. Examples include Cuba, Jamaica, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago to name a few.

Similar to the names ending with -phone, the political Caribbean can be defined as the French/Dutch/Spanish West Indies as well as US colonies.

Diasporic Definition:

Last is the diasporic definition, which involves the migration of Caribbean individuals, who live outside the region yet retain their Caribbean identity.

Note that the diaspora has three characteristics:

1. Individuals who have migrated from the Caribbean region to any part of the world, still considering country of origin as their home.

2. Individuals who have maintained connection to their country of origin through persons who are living there, be it familial or not, contributing to the economic development of said country.

3. Individuals not born in the Caribbean region, but identify as Caribbean as a result of the heritage of their ancestors.

To provide a quick summary, if you were born in the Caribbean, migrated, yet still consider yourself as “Caribbean,” you would be considered part of the Diaspora. Maintaining socio-economic relations with your home country and even descendants who identify as Caribbean although they were not born in the Caribbean environs, they were raised with cultural aspects which are of Caribbean heritage. These make a person part of the Diaspora. 
The concept of the diaspora would mean that the Caribbean is defined by the people, not where the people are. It would mean that the traditions and cultures are preserved and transformed, yet it would still be considered Caribbean. In other words, the Caribbean may be defined not by geography, but by its people and their shared cultural identity. However, the location in itself is crucial to the generation of those shared cultural identities by way of suitable climate, availability of resources and adaptability.
Placing each definition as though they are pieces to a puzzle, each has a strength in explaining what can make us unique to another region, or another people.Together they form what we can offer as our own thoughts, as to who we are, to ourselves and the rest of the world.