Understanding the Caribbean Region's Definitions

Feb 15, 2025

Lecture on Caribbean Studies: Location and Definition of the Caribbean Region

Objectives

  • Know the names of Caribbean territories and their location on the map.
  • Understand the sub-regions: Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos.
  • Comprehend the position of these territories in relation to the Caribbean Sea.
  • Learn about various definitions of the Caribbean region.

Geographical Overview

  • Central Point: Caribbean Sea.
  • Surrounding Oceans:
    • Gulf of Mexico (Top left)
    • Pacific Ocean (Bottom left)
    • Atlantic Ocean (East)
  • Sub-Regions:
    • Greater Antilles: Cuba, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti & Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico.
    • Lesser Antilles: Divided into Leeward (north) and Windward Islands.
    • Mainland Territories: South American countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname; Central American countries like Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama.
    • Other Islands: Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (Lucayan Archipelago).

Geographical Definition

  • Countries with coastlines washed by the Caribbean Sea.
  • Challenged by inclusion of countries not washed by the Caribbean Sea but are considered Caribbean.
  • Defined using longitude (60°W to 85°W) and latitude (5°N to 25°N, extend to 30°N for Bermuda).

Geological Definition

  • Based on the Caribbean Plate.
  • Excludes some traditional Caribbean countries like Cuba, Bahamas, and Guyana.
  • Considers geological features like mountains and volcanoes.

Historical Definition

  • Linked by colonization experiences, mainly by European powers (Britain, Spain, Holland, France).
  • Involves historical processes like plantation slavery and indentureship.
  • Challenges in inclusion of countries like Colombia and Venezuela.

Political Definition

  • Political Systems: Independent states, associated states, republics, constitutional monarchies.
  • Regional Organizations:
    • CARICOM: Includes member and associated states.
    • West Indies Associated States & Federation: Historical significance.
    • OECS: Successor of the West Indies Associated States.

Diasporic Definition

  • Refers to people of Caribbean origin living elsewhere but maintaining ties to their homeland.
  • Includes migrants, descendants, and those identifying with Caribbean culture.

Summary

  • The Caribbean is defined through multiple lenses: geographical, geological, historical, political, and diasporic.
  • Each definition presents its challenges and exclusions.

Additional Information

  • Check the video description for a quiz related to this lecture and follow the instructor on Instagram.

This summary provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the diverse aspects of defining the Caribbean region.