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Leary and Tangney defines ‘identity’ as “the traits and characteristics, social relations, roles, and social group memberships that define who one is”(2012) (Mark R. Leary June Price Tangney) Furthermore, the notion of personal identity or “a person’s identity” is defined by Peter Weinreich as," the totality of one's self-construal, in which how one construes oneself in the present expresses the continuity between how one construes oneself as one was in the past and how one construes oneself as one aspires to be in the future". In essence it can be seen that history has an important role to play in the formation of one’s identity whether it may be individual or societal.

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The notion of Caribbean Identity is fuelled by the idea of the intermixing of various cultures, ethnicities and religions that constitute what is fondly referred to as a ‘mixing pot’. This is the idea that as a Caribbean individual our lives and by extension our identity is shaped by a variety of different ideologies rather than a single one. Without a doubt, the idea of a Carribbean identity is deeply embedded in the roots of our historical past. Tumultuous events such as colonisation, slavery and emancipation have provided the foundation on which our identity is shaped through institutions such as Religion and Education.

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The Development of Institutions that have Positively Affected Caribbean Identity. 

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The Development of Institutions that have Positively Affected Caribbean Identity. 

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1) RELIGION
The institution of Religion has always held a place in the Caribbean Region. During the period of slavery, religon was used as a mechanism of control. The planters sought to convert the slaves to Christianity with the belief that it would create  a  more obedient slave. The idea was that in “Christianizing” the slaves, the slaves would view the planters as their superior and masters and that the slaves would not rebel against them. Padgett explains that “Through conversion, enslaved Africans could take a step toward various kinds of equality. The most important aspect of Christianity for slaves was the promise of heaven. This idea preached the notion that for all the suffering that is done in the physical world, your soul will be preserved and experience a hardship-free spiritual life. What this did for the slaves was give them hope for the future. The converted slaves’ belief in heaven allowed some to passively resist their master and focus on the afterlife. All of the master's beatings and lashings meant nothing for in heaven the slave would be rewarded and the master would be punished.” The conversion of the slaves was not a smooth one. Slaves were forced into the religion against their will and if they did not convert they would be punished as the missionaries and planters saw it as a form of resistance. They would be flogged and beaten and at times they were starved. The religion of the slaves were seen as inferior and they were disregarded entirely.

Post Emancipation, with the arrival of indentured labourers, other religions were brought to the Caribbean Region. The religions that were bought were mainly Islam and Hinduism. This helped to create diversity within the Caribbean Region. This impacted on both the identity and culture of the region as it became more diversified. The Indian indentured labourers were allowed to practise their culture and by extension their religion freely. This free practice of religion created a positive impact on Caribean Identity as individuals could now openly practice their religion without malice or judgement. It brought  about a level of respect and tolerance amongst  individuals of the region.

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In contemporary Caribbean society the institution has brought about positive change as there is respect for one another despite the other person’s religious background. Countries such as Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago celebrate holidays such as Eid, Divail and Pagwaah whereby they invite their friends and family outside of their religion to partake in their festivities. Each religion is shown respect and one is not favoured over the other. Furthermore, denominational or religious based schools have moved away from solely accepting  students of their faith and  have become open to include students of other religious backgrounds.

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The Caribbean’s education system was modelled after the European education system, In particular the British Education system. During the period of slavery the prospect of education was quite limited. The only source of education that the slaves were allowed to have was in relation to Christianity and the Bible. This just as religion acted as a control mechanism for the planters. According to Campbell, “The few schools in the Spanish Antilles were for the children of rich settlers and privileged persons of mixed racial descent. The major achievement in education during this period was the formation in 1538 of the Roman Catholic–owned University of Santo Domingo in Hispaniola, which today is the oldest university in the western hemisphere.”( 2004) After Emancipation, Education was still simply a privilege that only the rich could afford. Years after slavery had ended, the colonizers still tried  to maintain a hold over the region and they did so through the education system. Campbell stated “Secondary schools worked as powerful agents of European civilization. Their curriculum was often a direct replica of that of the metropolitan schools and was designed to prepare students for university work.” (2004)

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The region had sought to break away from the traditional Britsh System and create an identity of our own. In place of the GCE examinations, the region has developed the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). These examinations are recognised both regionally and internationally. The syllabus includes topics that promote a positive Caribbean Identity which includes modules on topics such as awareness and appreciation for our Creole Language, Caribbean Literature, Caribbean History as well as Caribbean growth and development. This has aided in the creation of a positive identity within the region as it helps individuals, especially younger ones, appreciate who they are and where they have come from as it is taught to them in a positive manner from a Caribbean point of view.

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How has both Religion and Education helped to create a Positive Caribbean Identity?

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How has both Religion and Education helped to create a Positive Caribbean Identity?

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1)They both offered unique concepts and ideologies that makes the Caribbean different from European Civilization.

2) Helped to create new Curriculum that integrates “all things Caribbean”

3) Promoted respect and tolerance among islanders

4) Creation of Religious movements unique to the Region (Shango, Orisha, Shouter Baptist)