Caribbean Civilisation Notes

6. Can one be a “tru tru Trini”; a red, green and gold Yardi”, or a “Bajan”, and yet consider himself still to be a “Caribbean” citizen?

Identification of Caribbean people

1. Race

2. Religion – We are a multi-religious society

3. History – We all share a common historical background. We share similar experiences of colonialism, slavery and movements to independence.

4. Linguistics – How we speak is reflective of our colonial past.

5. Politics – In the more multi-racial parts of the Caribbean. Example: Trinidad and Guyana. There is a tendency for people to vote along the lines of race.

6. Geography – How do you define the Caribbean in a geographical manner?

It is describes as a chain of island; windward or leeward islands; parts of South America are titled part of the Caribbean. Why is Florida not accepted as a Caribbean island if it comes under this definition?

Unification of Caribbean people

1. Sport – West Indian Cricket; David Rudders song “Rally!! Rally round the West Indies”

2. CARIFTA

3. Education – The purpose of UWI is to provide education for the West Indian generation. CSEC and CAPE also a product of the Caribbean that allows for education. For example; If you have a degree or you do CAPE you can get a job in Jamaica.

4. CARICOM

5. CARIFESTA

Factors that challenge Caribbean unity

1. Racial Composition of the Caribbean is different. Some parts of the Caribbean where people no very little about the Indian population. For example: St. Vincent, Martinique. They usually refer to them in a derogative manner calling them “coolie”.

2. Religious composition of the Caribbean is different.

3. History – We are colonized by different groups of people so that would make our cultures different.

4. Linguistics – In each region there are unique dialects existing.

5. Politics – Although the majority of the Caribbean is democratic there are some none democratic in the region particularly in Cuba and Venezuela.

6. Geography – The mere fact that...