The Caribbean is sandwiched between 2 major land masses, North and South America, and sprinkled by the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its vibrant cultures, diverse populations, and ongoing challenges related to economic development and climate change.
The word ‘Caribbean’ immediately conjures up images of sandy beaches, bright blue water, coconut palms, sunsets and happy music; but there is much, much more to this combination of small islands and mainland territories.
Caribbean history
The Arawaks, also known as the Taíno, and the Caribs, also known as the Kalinago, were the two primary indigenous groups of the Caribbean. The arrival of Europeans, particularly the Spanish, had a devastating impact on both groups. Many were killed due to violence, enslavement, and diseases brought by the Europeans, but their cultural legacy persists, influencing the region’s languages, traditions, and place names. The colonial era saw the Caribbean become a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with millions of Africans forcibly brought to work on sugar, coffee, and tobacco plantations. This brutal system created a highly stratified society and left a lasting legacy on the region’s demographics and culture.
In the 20th century the region experienced significant political and social changes. Many islands gained independence from colonial rule. The post-independence period has been marked by efforts to build stable economies and political systems, often influenced by global powers like the United States.
Caribbean literature
In the late 1900s Caribbean literature gained international recognition with the emergence of influential writers who brought global attention to the region’s literary output, addressing issues of post-colonialism, diaspora, and cultural diversity.
The start of the 21st century has brought with it a new wave of literary expression, and with technological advances making it easier to create and distribute literary works, the literary culture of Caribbean people is more accessible and a wider cadre of authors has emerged.
Self-publishing has become a popular choice for emerging authors to make their works available to the world, and they have brought several quality publications into fruition.