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Today, it seems no aspect of the Caribbean is untouched by diversity. Although there are differences in culture, politics, development and experiences, an irrevocable sense of unity has developed among the territories which comprise the region. This is represented by efforts made towards regional cooperation in sectors such as trade, health, justice, sports, education and research. This unity is even seen when Caribbean people from different territories find themselves abroad together and connect with one another even if they had never met before.  Another example is the way Caribbean people root for their own in international competitions. This supports the prevalence of a Caribbean identity which transcends everything else. According to Marsha Pierce, "When we pair up the word "Caribbean" with the suffix "-ness" we kindle or conjure up a certain state or condition" ("Mapping Caribbeanness," 2013). This Caribbeanness engenders a sense of oneness which will be further discussed.

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Caribbean territories share a similar historical experience

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Caribbean territories share a similar historical experience

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To begin, one must tell the story of the first settlers of the region. The first people of the Caribbean traveled across a land bridge known as the Bering Straits and entered the Americas through Alaska. Then, they continued to wander eventually settling in the Americas and the Caribbean. The societies of the indigenous peoples evolved into complex civilizations and cultures. Although one should note that not all Caribbean territories have an indigenous population, the legacies of these peoples are seen in the languages, food, agriculture, craft and other practices of several Caribbean territories and this, among other aspects, constitutes the foundation of the bond shared by the Caribbean nations.

The arrival of European powers, which began with the Spanish in 1492 and followed with the British, French and Dutch, had a marked impact on the Caribbean. The Spanish exploited the first peoples through the encomienda system and nearly decimated the entire race. The encomienda system gave way to chattel slavery -a forced system of labour which brought enslaved Africans to the Caribbean to replace Amerindian labour. After the abolition of slavery, the Europeans used indentured labour from India, China, Java, Madeira, Europe and Africa to continue production on the plantations. European colonization, slavery, indentureship and the plantation system has undoubtedly traumatized the region but this is a common experience that connects Caribbean nations.

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The Caribbean is considered a melting pot as it is comprised of several different racial and ethnic groups, but Caribbean people share a common history, geography and culture. Thus, Caribbean nations tend to come together as one. The result is the establishment of a Caribbean identity. Bamikole remarks that cultural identity is "the collective will of a given people-what they can use to tell their past history and shape their future life" (74).

Caribbean identity is characterized by diversity. Due to the process of colonization undergone by Caribbean territories, the racial and ethnic composition is quite diverse. This accounts for the uniqueness of Caribbean culture and the

Although Caribbean culture expresses itself differently across the territories, there is an understanding of a Caribbean and of being Caribbean that allows nationals to feel a sense of belonging. Glissant writes that "By taking cognizance of the "multi-relation" which undergirds the region, a new creative and cultural context for Caribbean identity can be effectively forged" (De Souza and Murdoch 7).

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Caribbean culture is defined as a body of learned behaviours common to the Caribbean which are transmitted from generation to generation. It has developed " in spite of and often in response to these, as a way of writing oneself out of these various enslavements, through pathways for the reclaiming of the imagination" (Boyce Davies 34).  It can be expressed through various forms in the Caribbean. Festival,  music and sports will be discussed here. These cultural expressions foster regional pride and help form a cultural identity.

Caribbean festivals are internationally renowned and people come from all over to participate. There are secular festivals, like Carnival, which attract all citizens of Caribbean countries, no matter the host country. Almost every Caribbean territory has its own adaption of Carnival. These festivals allow for the preservation of tradition and it is also a way for Caribbean people to connect and celebrate culture. It is also important to analyse the significance of religious festivals like Hosay, an Indian festival celebrated in some parts of the Caribbean, which emphasises the cultural diversity of the region.

Sports are important in all Caribbean territories. In the region, cricket, football and track and field are some of the most popular sporting events.  Sporstmen who succeed at international events put the Caribbean on the map and inspire Caribbean people. This can lead to regional pride and attract opportunities for regional development. Sports also brings Caribbean people together. The West Indies Cricket Team is a prime example of this as it comprises players from all over the region. In cricket, it is "us versus them" and this promotes regional integration.

Music is a powerful art form in the Caribbean. Caribbean music is specific to Caribbean culture. Some genres which originated in the Caribbean are reggae, calypso, chutney and soca. Initially, music in the Caribbean was used to express discontent and suffering but it has evolved into something of international value. Nevertheless, Caribbean music inspires regional pride in the Caribbean identity.

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Religion, Education and Caribbean Family Life in the Context of the Caribbean

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Religion, Education and Caribbean Family Life in the Context of the Caribbean

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Social institutions are the foundation of any society and they are responsible for the socialization of the people. In  Caribbean society, these institutions instill the values and norms of the region in its members. This gives rise to consensus and uniformity. Since the key social institutions, religion, education and family, are still heavily influenced by European colonialism, one sees glaring similarities across the region.

Religion is a powerful instrument of social control which informs behaviour.  Chidester highlights that "As colonialism has ranged from the extraordinary violence of conquest to the ordinary socialization of colonized subjects, religion has played a crucial role in the formation of subjectivities in colonial situations" (109). Colonialism brought the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican and non-conformist churches, churches from North America and Asian religions (Hinduism and Islam) to the Caribbean. European  Judeo-Christian religions, in particular, significantly impacted the foundation of Caribbean society. Judeo-Christian religious practices and beliefs, such as attending church services on Sundays and celebrating religious holidays, are ingrained in the Caribbean and they serve as an avenue through which Caribbean people can relate to one another. In colonial times, African syncretic faiths, which include the African Methodist Church, Native Baptist Church, Shouter Baptists of Trinidad and the Shakers of St. Vincent, also emerged. These religions are a means of retaining ancestral links and maintaining tradition in the face of the globalization of western culture. This cultural retention helps solidify the Caribbean identity.

Education encompasses the transmission of knowledge and skills as well as societal norms and values. Caribbean education must be examined in the context of colonialism. Historically, education was used to further the colonial agenda, that is to maintain psychological control of Caribbean people after the abolition of slavery by instilling European values and norms in them through a Eurocentric curriculum. In modern times, education is more Caribbean-centered. Organisations such as the Caribbean Examinations Council and the University of the West Indies offer Caribbean-oriented courses. In this way,  an appreciation for Caribbean history and culture is cultivated in the region's young people which encourages them to e proud to be Caribbean

The family is the cornerstone of society as it is the primary source of socialization. Once again, the impact of colonization is seen in the structure of the Caribbean family. The Europeans brought with them the nuclear family model which they set as the standard. However, this is not the most popular family model in the Caribbean. Rubenstein asserts that "The presence of deviations from the nuclear family residential ideal has long been recognized in Caribbean family studies and has led to the production of a variety of classifications of the different 'types' of household configuration found in lower-class communities" (285). As a result  of slavery, matrifocal families, common law unions and the extended family structure became commonplace in the African Caribbean community. This can be attributed to the separation of family units on the plantation during slavery. In the Indo-Caribbean community, patriarchal joint households have been prevalent. All things considered, the family is the social institution in which the young people of the Caribbean are taught the norms and value of their culture. The family ensures that traditions are upheld and culture is appreciated.

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Gender Issues and Sexuality in the Context of the Caribbean

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Gender Issues and Sexuality in the Context of the Caribbean

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Over the years, certain gender norms have become entrenched in Caribbean society. These norms inform the roles men and women play in Caribbean society. It is undeniable that Caribbean society is patriarchal. According to Webster, "Patriarchy and other pervasive philosophies and mindsets were translated into decidedly unequal relations between men and women in just about every sphere of endeavour" (104). This has several implications which hinder regional progress such as gender-based violence, restrictive identities, different pay for same work, the educational gap and the "feminisation" of poverty. This has brought about the regional cooperation to confront these human rights issues. The Caribbean Association for Feminist Research & Action exemplifies this spirit.

It is also important to note the prevalence of hegemonic masculinity in the Caribbean. Hegemonic masculinity encompasses heterosexuality, hyper-masculinity and homophobia. The latter of which is pressing issue in today's climate. On account of sentiments expressed in popular Caribbean songs, the Caribbean has developed a reputation for homophobia. This threatens the Caribbean LGBT community which faces countless obstacles in Caribbean society. As with institutionalized gender inequalities, Caribbean people come together to invoke change and improve the experiences of this marginalized group in Caribbean society.

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Although the Caribbean region is fragmented and difficult to conceptualize, bonds have formed across borders which Caribbean people to see themselves as part of a whole. The common historical experience shared among Caribbean territories is a key contributor to the establishment of a Caribbean society and identity. This Caribbean identity is is not only informed by history, but also political arrangements, racial and ethnic diversity and culture. There is no denying the existence of a Caribbean culture for which the region is known. Caribbean culture is so unique that it attracts foreigners and creates economic opportunities. That being said, it is one of the strongest unifying factors. Also, many similarities can be gleaned from an analysis of the foundations of Caribbean society. These things considered, Caribbean people are intrinsically linked. It is evident that the commonalities are more significant than the differences. Therefore, it would be accurate to say that "All ah we is one".